Cecily Sommers is a visionary leader in the field of future strategy and innovation, widely recognised as one of the World’s Top 50 Female Futurists. With over two decades of experience guiding businesses through transformation, she has become a trusted voice for global corporations navigating change in uncertain times. As the Founder and President of The Push Institute, a forward-thinking research and strategy think tank launched in 2000, Cecily spent over 11 years spearheading collaborative projects that explored the social, technological, and economic forces shaping our future.
Her expertise is grounded in an unconventional path. After completing her studies at Northwestern Health Sciences University, Cecily shifted her focus from health to future forecasting, launching her career as a Business Futurist in 1998. She went on to serve as Futurist-in-Residence at THINKTOPIA® in 2008, and later became the Director of Future Studies at Bluedog Design, LLC in 2010, helping organisations translate foresight into actionable innovation. In each role, she championed the idea that a well-articulated vision of the future sharpens present-day strategy—a belief she brings to life in her popular keynote Think Like a Futurist: What Changes, What Doesn’t and What’s Next.
Beyond corporate strategy, Cecily has made a lasting mark in education and public engagement. In 2018, she became an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston, where she continues to influence the next generation of thinkers. She has also served on multiple advisory boards, including for the Minnesota World’s Fair and Northrop Concerts and Lectures at the University of Minnesota, using her futurism expertise to support cultural and academic initiatives. Her blend of imaginative thinking and practical insight has earned her the title of “ChangeMaker” by industry leaders, and she has worked with top-tier companies such as Google, Accenture, and American Express.
In 2012, Cecily published her acclaimed debut book, Think Like a Futurist, which has been celebrated for making complex ideas accessible and immediately applicable. A frequent international keynote speaker, Cecily delivers talks on themes such as resilience, innovation, reinvention, and creative disruption. Her sessions are known for being both enlightening and empowering—encouraging organisations to not only anticipate the future but to actively shape it.
