Global Trendspotter Marian Salzman on Her “Zoomsday” Predictions for 2021

This article was written by BlogHer and sponsored by Philip Morris International.

The new year is merely weeks away and with it, the hope of positive change and perhaps—fingers crossed—a family gathering or two, as well. Under normal circumstances, our minds would already be halfway through 2021 as we pencil in the most predictable events of our lives, like, say, a vacation or work conference. Unfortunately, all signs of conventional life went out the door in 2020, thus transforming both how we look at the future and if possible, how to prepare for it, too.

For instance, during the BlogHer Visionaries event, trendspotter and SVP of Global Communication at Philip Morris International Marian Salzman shared how “hyperlocalism” was redefined during stay-at-home orders.

“Suddenly, home is something completely different. It’s your home office. It’s where you take care of your kids. It’s where you do your work,” she recalled while adding, “At the same time, we need to zoom out and see what’s happening in this whole big world because no one of us can function or feel good without much more support and integration into the whole planet, so it’s this ying and yang.”

This balance between home life and community impact is just one of the many shifts Salzman predicts will take off in the new year. During her chat with Kendra Bracken-Ferguson, the cultural commentator also delved into other fascinating (and totally on-point!) insights from her highly-anticipated Zoomsday Predictions report. Whether you’re a nine-to-fiver, entrepreneur, or seasoned business owner, Salzman’s knack for pattern recognition comes with plenty of tactical advice for stepping into 2021 with confidence and hope for the future.

Check out a few of Salzman’s standout predictions from the BlogHer Visionaries event and replay the entire fascinating chat, ahead.

On Lifelong Education

“Lifelong learning and upskilling are trendy. I felt like everything I learned in school was from one lens. I’ve probably been a microagressor without even knowing it. We can no longer believe that just because we’re a good person, good things are going to happen to other people. The years of passively being a part of social change have passed. You have to educate yourself. You have to be in the know. I’ve done four online classes since COVID started. I probably learned more than I did at my undergrad.”

On Mental Health as a Priority

“I don’t believe social media has done harm. I believe people have done harm to one another with social media as their weapon. I think if we come through some kind of natural recovery…next year, I would assume 2022 is the year we’re gonna recover mental health and balance. Neuro disabilities are going to become more important in the workplace. I think we’ve become so open about talking about what’s wrong with us. I think we need to talk about what’s right.”

On Leaving Complicated Mindsets Behind

“I think simplicity is going to reign, but it’s going to be a complicated simplicity. We’re going to put a lot more emphasis on where our safe spaces are. You’re going to see people trading off security for risk. You’re going to see people trading off comfort for pleasure.”

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