Sheryl Conelly is a name that is synonymous with futurism. Formerly the Chief Futurist at Ford Motor Company, she now serves as Manager of Global Consumer Trends and Futuring at the organisation. Through her illustrious career, Sheryl has created a niche for herself as an expert on corporate strategy, product development, and design. Her multifaceted background, which includes a BFA in Finance from Michigan State University and both an MBA and JD from the University of Detroit Mercy, underpins her unique approach to futurism and trend analysis.
Sheryl's journey in the corporate world began as an Associate Attorney at Offermann, Cassano, Pigott & Greco. This experience laid the foundation for her deep understanding of the legal and financial nuances critical to corporate strategy. In 2001, her path took a significant turn when she joined Ford Motor Company as a Communication Coordinator. This role marked the beginning of her ascent in the company, spanning various departments including marketing, sales, and service. As Manager of Global Consumer Trends and Futuring at Ford, Sheryl's influence grew exponentially. She established the Center of Excellence, a hub for consolidating insights on global consumer trends. This initiative has been instrumental in shaping Ford's design, product development, and overall strategic direction. Her ability to identify and interpret trends has not only benefited Ford but has also positioned her as a global thought leader in futurism.
Sheryl's expertise is widely recognised and sought after. She is a regular feature in esteemed publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Financial Times, Forbes, and the BBC. Her insights have also found a voice on television channels like CBS and CNBC, and on NPR’s “All Things Considered”. Her accolades are numerous, including being named one of Forbes’ Top Female Futurists, TechWeek’s Top 100 Innovators, and Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business.
In recent years, Sheryl has expanded her influence by stepping into the role of a keynote speaker. Available for hire, she is an unparalleled choice for events focusing on futurism. Her TEDx talks, “Confessions of a Futurist” and “Global Trends and Futuring,” are prime examples of her ability to captivate and enlighten an audience. Booking Sheryl Connelly for a futurism event guarantees a presentation filled with insightful, forward-thinking concepts that can inspire any audience. Her journey through various roles, culminating in her current position and her accolades like being a board member of the American Society of Interior Designers since 2023 and being named one of Forbes’ Top Female Futurists in 2020, highlights her enduring impact on the field of futurism.
