In this Episode of Two Brave Unicorns Thinking Beyond What’s Next: Strategic Foresight for a New Year and WAY Beyond …

Featuring Dr. Joel Mozer, Chief Scientist Emeritus, U.S. Space Force

In this episode of Two Brave Unicorns, we sit down with Dr. Joel Mozer, retired Chief Scientist Emeritus of the United States Space Force.

I (co-Host, Keri Cotterman) met Dr. Joel Mozer while working on a grant with a singular mission: to secure space assets, a mission Dr. Mozer has dedicated much of his career to advancing.

I’ll never forget the email he sent after our first virtual meeting. He referred to me as a kindred spirit.

I was, quite literally, over the moon (see what I did there?!). The world of space was new to me at the time, but I dove in quickly and deeply.  I wanted to learn the language, the stakes, and the critical importance of Space Domain Awareness. That moment of recognition felt like confirmation that I wasn’t just catching up… I belonged in the conversation. 

Over the years I continue to have countless conversations with Dr. Mozer, all insightful, informed, and often inspiring.  I am so happy that Jill and I can bring one of those conversations to you in this latest episode of Two Brave Unicorns.

From satellites to AI, quantum science, and even beekeeping, our conversation spans disciplines while staying grounded in something deeply human: his mission to bring strategic foresight into how we think, plan, and lead.

Strategic foresight isn’t just about looking ahead — it’s about looking beyond, with intention, curiosity, and responsibility for the future we help shape.

Why Strategic Foresight Matters Right Now

As the year winds down, many of us find ourselves in an all too familiar in-between space. Holiday errands, end-of-year to-do lists, the world is spinning but work may be dragging. Somewhere in the middle of it all, you may start thinking about the New Year and asking yourself: What worked this year? What didn’t?  How do I avoid the same mistakes?  How do I top my successes?

This episode invites you to slow down just enough to ask those questions differently.  Strategic foresight isn’t about predicting the future.  It’s about thinking beyond what’s immediately in front of us and preparing for multiple possible futures.

Dr. Mozer shares how this mindset shaped his career.  From studying clouds to designing space systems, advising national defense, to helping leaders think beyond today’s problems.  His work reminds us that the most meaningful innovation often comes not from faster answers, but from better questions and it always comes from within.

This conversation bridges space, science, and everyday decision-making in a way that’s accessible, thoughtful, and deeply human.  There is no PhD required to enjoy this mission moment and to inevitably get something meaningful from it to take to your New Year’s resolutions.

Big Ideas You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Why curiosity is one of the most powerful leadership tools we have.

• How strategic foresight helps leaders prepare for uncertainty without fear.

• What space systems, AI, and quantum science reveal about long-term thinking.

• Why innovation often comes from the “scout bees,” not the obvious path.

• How to think beyond the most probable future, and plan for what’s plausible.

A Mission Moment for the New Year

As we head into a new year, it’s tempting to focus only on resolutions and immediate goals. This episode invites a different approach.  This approach is rooted in facts and a future of possibilities to help weed out a most probable future.

Whether you’re thinking about your career, your organization, or the kind of future you want to create, this conversation is a reminder that long-term thinking doesn’t require certainty, just awareness and a willingness to ask better questions.

So, take a Mission Moment with us.

Press play while you’re driving, walking, or crossing off those last holiday errands.

The future doesn’t arrive all at once, but it will be here before you know it and how we think about it today, WILL impact what comes tomorrow.  Few things in life are guaranteed, but you can take that to the bank!

Listen to the full episode of Two Brave Unicorns featuring Dr. Joel Mozer and remember, do good, do it know, and do it often!  We would love to know what you think so drop a comment!

More episode reflections and tactical insights coming soon!