Two Brave Unicorns Reflection

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

When Keri Cotterman and Jill Holmes invited me to join them on Two Brave Unicorns, the conversation quickly went where many of the most meaningful ones do for me: beyond what’s immediately next, and into how we think about the future itself.

Much of my career—whether in atmospheric science, space systems, or national security—has involved operating in environments where uncertainty is the norm rather than the exception. One lesson has stayed with me throughout: optimizing only for the most probable future is a fragile strategy. It may feel efficient, but it leaves us exposed when reality takes a different path.

Strategic foresight is my way of addressing that risk. It isn’t about predicting or being certain. It’s about intentionally expanding our perspective so that today’s choices are guided by more than just short-term gains or momentum.

And to be candid, curiosity isn’t my only motivator. Fear plays a role, too. I worry about what happens—to organizations, to nations, to society—when we stop thinking over the horizon. History is full of examples where failure to imagine alternative futures led to surprise, instability, and avoidable harm. Ignoring long-term consequences doesn’t make them go away; it just ensures we’re unprepared when they arrive.

What I valued about this conversation was that Jill and Keri were truly interested and eager to discuss how foresight can be rooted in everyday decisions. Not everyone is willing to tackle the “fuzzy future” because it's challenging. However, you don’t need a technical background or a grand title to think long-term. You only need the willingness to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and take responsibility for the future you’re helping to shape.

The future will get here faster than we expect. How we think about it now matters.