Economic Futurist

Futurist - Strategist

Joan Foltz, one of the few analysts in the world with an advanced degree in futures studies, combines the unique foresight of a futurist with her experience as a business strategist to provide insightful, purposeful analysis. 

As a business strategist, Joan saw the effects of globalization on industries and business competition.  Her drive to answer her own professional questions, led her to add futurist methodologies and theories to her skill set.

Active in the professional futurists field, Joan works on developing methodologies and tools for identifying signals of change and  forces that form future trajectories. 

Regular speaker at the annual World Futures Society conferences where she gives insight and updates on the long term direction of the markets, financial systems, and world systems.

Founder of Alsek Research, Joan also has over 20 years experience in various roles as director of manufacturing services, senior strategist, and integration analyst for large corporations in the semiconductor industry and international design/build construction firms.

She continues to provide in-depth competitive intelligence for various business landscapes.  Past projects included business strategies for financial asset management services, automation manufacturers, and various manufacturing and software companies. Analysis supported evaluations for potential mergers and acquisitions, site locations, technical product performance evaluations on emerging products, and competitor positioning/risk assessment.Companies included, Intel(U.S.), Fluor Corp.(U.S.), Meissner & Wurst (Germany), Infab (Germany) and Island Apparel (Hong Kong).

Modeler

Trained in simulation modeling and systems thinking, she uses a combination of simulation modeling methods, competitive analysis, systems thinking, and logic modeling to define the assumptions and considerations applicable to each study.

Throughout her career, she has also used economic indicators and market behavior for data points when developing sector trajectories.  A trader of 20 years, she also understands businesses and investors need as clear a picture as possible before taking risks associated with investing.

For the past 20 years, her interests as a professional futurist have focused on studying globalization, the impact on regions and sectors, and evolution of capitalism, shifts in capital and distribution of wealth.

M.S degree in Future Studies and a B.A in Journalism.