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Senior foresight expertise for strategic projects
As an experienced foresight consultant, I help agencies and consultancies develop compelling future strategies. With my unique combination of approaches from critical future studies and 15 years of practical project experience, I can support your team when it matters most.
Hello there,
My name is Johannes Kleske. I have been helping agencies and consultancies with their strategic work for many years. Leading agencies, such as BBDO, Scholz & Friends, Elisabeth Ruge Agentur, and Edenspiekermann, trust my expertise in developing compelling future strategies.
My many years of experience as managing director of a foresight studio and senior foresight director at an international design consultancy enable me to strengthen your team where you need it: with methodological expertise, strategic foresight, and a profound understanding of the needs of demanding clients.
Experienced partner for agencies and consultancies
What sets me apart as a foresight consultant:
- 15 years’ experience of managing complex foresight projects
- One of the few experts in critical futures studies with practical experience
- Proven expertise at C-level and with demanding stakeholders
- Flexible: from a short consultation to long-term project support
My expertise is particularly valuable when:
- You need to create a compelling vision of the future for an important pitch
- Your client is planning a 2030+ strategy or transformation process
- Your team needs methodical support for complex scenario processes
- You are in need of an experienced external point of view for your strategy project
Three ways of foresight consulting
Our collaboration can take many forms, always tailored to your specific needs:
Short Consultation
Rapid access to foresight expertise
- Compact advice sessions on specific issues
- Quick classification of current trends in a broader context
- Identify overlooked opportunities and risks
- Flexible access when you need it
Ideal for: Pitch preparation, strategic decisions, or when you need an informed second opinion.
Example: Supporting agencies in pitches with compact trend sessions and strategic sparring—from the first briefing to the final presentation.
Project Support
Providing strategic support for complex foresight projects
- Regular check-ins for project steering
- Methodological support for developing future scenarios
- Contribution of relevant trends and developments
- Quality assurance from experienced professional
Ideal for: Major strategy projects, scenario work, or when your team is in need of additional senior-level expertise.
Example: A strategy team is supported over a six-month period to develop a vision for the future—from methodological design to the successful integration of different departments.
Strategic Development
Foresight expertise for transformational outcomes
- Development of bespoke workshops and sprints
- In-depth analysis of trends and their implications
- Development of specific deliverables
- Close collaboration with your project team
Ideal for: Transformation projects, 2030+ strategy development, or if you want to add foresight expertise to your offering.
Example: Transformation projects for public service broadcasters — from the development of future-proof formats to the strategic realignment of entire program areas.
Methodology: How I help you to shape different futures
What you can expect when you work with me:
Strategic focus on future issues
- Critical analysis of dominant future narratives and their implications
- Deciphering the underlying forces and interests behind visions of the future
- Identifying and utilising opportunities beyond supposed inevitabilities
- Developing your own value-based vision for the future
Sound methodology and innovative analysis instruments
- Systematically exploring different possible futures
- Identifying blind spots in existing assumptions about the future
- Developing concrete, tangible visions for the future
- Translating complex scenarios into practical options for action
Formats for practical implementation
- Tailor-made workshops to develop your own visions of the future
- Strategic foresight sessions for executive teams
- Helping you integrate future skills into your organisation
- Support in the development of sustainable future strategies
What are critical future studies?
A wide range of images of the future are already influencing the strategic decisions of your customers—mostly unconsciously.
Critical future studies complement traditional foresight methods by making transparent the images of the future that already influence an organization’s thinking and actions. The result provides the basis for informed strategy development that reacts to trends and actively develops its own perspectives.
Added value for your customers:
- New motivation through concrete visions of the future that fit the organisation rather than abstract transformation goals
- A sound basis for decision making by systematically challenging dominant narratives of the future
- Developing independent, competitive and differentiating future strategies
- Greater resilience through early identification of alternative developments
Proven track record for practical application
I want you to have new perspectives and the ability to turn them into strategies after we work together.
“The workshops with Johannes helped us take a big step forward in our strategy development: a convincing mix of expertise, structure, and determination. We will continue the exchange.”
– Jens Fahrenberg, Head of Innovation @ KIT
Frequently Asked Questions about Foresight Consulting
What happens in a typical first consultation?
In a 25-minute meeting, we will explore your specific situation and goals. You will get your first concrete ideas, and we will clarify if and how working together could be valuable for you. It is free of charge and without obligation.
How much lead time do your formats require?
While short-term consulting sessions are often possible within a few days, I recommend a lead time of 4–6 weeks for workshops and longer projects. This time frame allows us to tailor the format to your needs and to involve all relevant stakeholders.
Do you work internationally?
Yes, I also support English-language projects and regularly speak at international conferences. We can work together either on-site or remotely.
How do you ensure confidentiality?
Confidentiality is essential to my work. All projects are carried out in the strictest confidence. I only provide references with the explicit consent of the client.
How does your approach differ from classic trend research?
While classic trend research provides important guidance on general developments, I start where there is often a gap: in the translation into the specific context and the development of concrete options for action. Instead of short-term hypes, I identify the developments that will really shape organizations in the years to come. This complementary expertise makes me a valuable partner—both for companies seeking strategic direction and for trend agencies looking to add in-depth contextualization and strategy development to their offerings.
Do you have another question? You are welcome to write to me at jk@johanneskleske.com.
The next step:
Let us explore together how I can best support your team as a foresight consultant.
A 25-minute conversation will give you:
- Clarity about possible forms of collaboration
- First concrete impulses for your project
- A sound basis for your decision