In this era of disruption, we’re facing challenges we’ve never encountered before. While no one knows what the future holds, adopting a future focus helps us navigate the unknown for managing risks but also for defining new pathways to value creation and resilience.

As a weekend diversion on a recent trip to San Francisco, I spent a good hour watching sea lions soaking up the sun on Pier 39. As one sea lion rolled over, the others on the platform had to radically adjust their positions or risk falling into cold waters. This scene reminded me of some conversations I had during the week, which could fit the pages of John Elkington’s new book, Tickling Sharks.

Call it a carrot and stick, or push and pull. But transformation to more sustainable economies relies on balancing both incentives for innovation and a call for greater transparency. Right now, we’re drowning in efforts to meet the latter, at the expense of the former.

From food packaging to construction and healthcare, if your sector depends on single-use plastics, your eyes are likely on Busan, South Korea. The city is abuzz, finalizing a global treaty to slash plastic pollution. There’s a lot at stake, with two camps struggling to get their way.