Episode 43

Foresight Unleashed: SCAN Smart!

Most businesses don't fail from bad decisions; they fail because they never saw the storm coming.

This episode is a wake-up call for leaders who are too busy managing today to think about what’s coming next. Maartje van Krieken breaks down the concept of Environmental Scanning and why it matters far more than most executives realize. Are you missing the early warning signals that could shape or shake your business? Are you confusing busyness with foresight?

Maartje introduces the SCAN framework (Signals, Context, Alignment, Navigation) as a way to build strategic foresight in business. She explains how to focus on what matters without getting buried in data, and why scanning should be part of your regular rhythm, not something you do only when a major shift hits.

You’ll also hear why the best signals often come from the front lines, not the C-suite. If your team isn’t part of your scanning process, what are you missing? And how can you create a system that surfaces insights before they become missed opportunities? This episode is for leaders who want to stay sharp, stay aware, and stay ready.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Environmental Scanning Matters

00:42 Over-Scanning vs. Under-Scanning

03:23 What Happens When You Miss the Signals

06:24 The SCAN Framework Overview

07:50 Using Context to Interpret Signals

10:00 Aligning Insights with Strategy

11:17 Turning Signals into Action

13:37 Tools and Ownership for Scanning

15:04 Involving Frontline Teams

18:07 Sharing Outlooks and Creating Feedback Loops

20:28 Auditing and Applying Your Scanning Rhythm