Building the Future Together
At Future Normal, we partner with forward-thinking organisations to create long-term strategies that benefit both your business and society. Together, we’ll challenge conventional thinking, unlock new possibilities, and design solutions that ensure your organisation thrives for generations to come.
Our Story
Future Normal has been nearly two decades in the making. What began in the mid-2000s as a PhD has evolved through teaching thousands of of MBA students, conducting research, innovation and testing across industry and academia. From a book to an advisory company, Future Normal’s journey is rooted in a commitment to transforming how organisations approach business strategy.
Our Vision
At Future Normal, we envision a world where organisations act meaningfully in their surroundings and purposefully to benefit themselves and society. We believe too many organisations fall short of their potential because they cling to outdated framework built on short-term thinking. We help leaders move past the myopia of convention and develop a new narrative for their organisation.
Why it Matters
Organisations often limit themselves by focusing on quick wins and conventional approaches. The Future Normal approach empowers you to break free from this cycle, creating strategies that not only drive superior returns but also leave a positive legacy. By looking beyond the immediate, we help businesses compete in a way that positions them for long-term success—a space where competition is less intense, but rewards are greater. In following this approach, we believe organisations can have it all, superior returns and a positive legacy.
How We Work
We don’t believe in achieving our vision alone. Our approach isn’t just about advising companies; its about leading and empowering others, through sharing our knowledge and seeking new ways to expand our reach. Some of the ideas we have for this include exhibitions, public workshops and even a graphic novel version of the Future Normal book.
What’s it Like to Work with Us
We aim to be humble, comfortable when its uncomfortable, enable you to shine and support meaning, by this we mean;
Humility – No one ever learnt by listening to themselves alone and being proudful, its only through listening and humility that we give our best advice.
Comfort in Discomfort – We know that new perspectives can be challenging, but growth often comes out of discomfort. Nothing new arrives cost-free, we are here to guide you through it.
Enable you to Shine – We believe in your potential, and our job is to help you and your team shine.
Support Meaning - We recognise that work is more than a job for so many of us. We focus on the big ideas that shift the dial for us and those who come after us.
If We Met in a Bar
If we ran into each other at a bar, here’s how it would go:
We’d talk about the future of business and how organisations can make a real impact.
We’d discuss the flaws in conventional thinking and how to move beyond them.
We’d listen to your ideas and explore how we can help your organisation achieve its full potential.
And, of course, we’d buy you a drink.
If you like what we are saying and you think you might want to work with us, or would just like to reach out for a chat, or email us at chat@futurenormal.net
Our Founder
Nick Barter founded Future Normal with a vision to empower businesses to challenge conventional thinking and build strategies for long-term value and societal impact. As a Professor of Strategy and Sustainability, Nick’s career spans both industry and academia, making him uniquely positioned to guide organisations.
Through his extensive research and experience working with both the corporate world and higher education, Nick has become a thought leader in the field of sustainable business strategy. Under his leadership, Future Normal helps organisations develop narratives that lead to superior business outcomes while contributing to a better world.
Ready to Shape a Better Future?
If you’re ready to move beyond conventional business frameworks and make a lasting impact, reach out to us today. We’re here to help you build the future you want to see.