Our Leadership Team : Matt Richardson

What does Shaping Tomorrow mean to me?
I co-founded Shaping Tomorrow just days before the birth of my first child - in many ways, it’s one of my babies. What energizes me each day is meeting clients, gathering their feedback, and working with our development team to make their horizon scanning and foresight processes more efficient. Shaping Tomorrow is about building something meaningful: helping clients save time, streamline their work, and better prepare for the future. Every client interaction fuels my enthusiasm to innovate and continuously improve.

My biography
I am the co-founder and CEO of Shaping Tomorrow, where I lead the development of our fully automated, self-learning horizon scanning system, Athena. With over 25 years of experience across strategic foresight, AI innovation, and environmental policy, I work at the intersection of technology, strategy, and sustainable development. I’ve led foresight and risk information projects for government agencies, research institutions, and corporations worldwide. From environmental law consultancy to pioneering AI solutions, my focus has always been on harnessing complexity to deliver clarity and value for decision-makers.

My perfect weekend
‘Perfection’ is a tall order. For me, the ultimate weekend would involve both of my favourite activities: sailing and skiing. Ideally somewhere like southeast France, where you can sail one day and ski the next in the Alps Maritimes - or southwest Turkey, combining Mediterranean sailing and skiing at Saklıkent.

My LinkedIn
Matthew Richardson on LinkedIn

The place(s) I call home
Hurstpierpoint in Sussex, with cherished connections to Teddington, Dorset, Istanbul, and Hamble in Hampshire.