Haiku Horizons: Leading with Heart and Imagination in AI Futures
Abstract
In a time of accelerating technological change, organisations must not only adopt AI but also adapt their thinking. This session will explores how poetic expression—specifically haiku—can act as a powerful tool to support leaders and teams navigating disruption. Drawing from participatory research involving images of the future and anticipatory mindsets, we delve into how compact, reflective forms of language can open up expansive conversations about fear, possibility, and purpose.
Through the lens of haiku, participants will reimagine actioning the future not merely as a technical shift, but as a deeply human journey requiring creativity, compassion, and courage. Attendees will leave with new perspectives and how to bring reflective, futures-oriented practices into strategy, communication, and engagement.
Keywords
technological change, participatory research, haiku
Author Biography
Elissa Farrow
Dr Elissa Farrow is an Australian based futurist, author, speaker, coach and strategist.
She has over 25 years experience in user centred research, organisational innovation and change design and research. Elissa supports organisations to define positive futures and transform bringing lasting benefits. She is an experienced executive board director, an Adjunct Fellow at the University of the Sunshine Coast and a former Global Board member of the Change Management Institute. Her doctoral research explored organisations of the future and the implications of artificial intelligence for
leaders, teams and the adaptation approach.