Sheryl Connelly

Artist, Change agent, Educator/Teacher, Idea generator, Job-seeker, Marketer, Parent

I have the best job in all of Ford Motor Company - I am responsible for exploring the environment outside the automotive industry to identify and track trends that will shape consumers' value, attitudes and beliefs - serving as the in-house Futurist. My job is to ensure that when the company makes a product, service, business or strategic decision - it does so with a common assessment about the external environment and shared vision for the future. I focuses on everything non-automotive which has given me the opportunity to collaborate with thought leaders in social, technology, economic, environment and political arenas. I add value to the organization by collaborating with automotive experts in design, product development, marketing, corporate strategy, brand strategy and public affairs. The BEST part of my job is that I get to attend really cool conferences like TED.

First and foremost my family! Exploring futuring scenarios. understanding consumers, translating trend insight into product, business and strategic action.

While no one can predict the future; with thoughtful exploration the best you can hope for is not to be surprised by what unfolds.

Consumer Trends and Insights, Futuring and Scenario Planning, Product Development and Innovation, Strategy / Planning

I attended my first TED in 2007 and was spellbound! I laughed. I cried. I did everything in between. TED conferences are by far the best conferences I have ever had the pleasure of attending. The speakers/thought leaders were insightful, provocative, moving, informative, and entertaining. Don't miss a minute of it.

Drawing. I plan to spend my retirement years returning to art.