Stewarding Engagement, Harnessing Knowledge: Lessons Learned from the Future, Keeping the Future in Reserves

John Verdon has a rich background in theoretical and applied social science research. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Anthropology and doctoral course work in Sociology. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Philosophy. John joined the Federal Public Service in 1988, initially conducting program evaluations with the Public Service Commission (PSC). During his time with the PSC, he was seconded for two years to the Department of National Defence to work with the Directorate of Social and Economic Analysis (DSEA). Although he returned to the PSC after DSEA was disbanded, he was eager to return to Defence and two years later was deployed back to a newly formed unit – the Directorate of Strategic Human Resource Analysis. The majority of John’s career thus far has been with DND and within the domain of strategic human resource and foresight research. He is now with the Directorate General Military Personnel Research and Analysis (DGMPRA) and was a key participant in a number of strategic projects including Human Resources 2020, the Network Enabled Operations Working Group and Symposium and recently the Chief Military Personnel – Fight of the Future – Human Resources 2028. John has presented his work nationally and internationally in a number of conferences, including DRDC’s Science and Technology Symposium and the IEEE – Digital Ecosystems and Technologies Symposium. John’s current work is focused on future Human Resources concepts, including social, organizational and human implications of network technologies for knowledge management, human capital and capability development for human resources management and systems. His Ph.D. work is focused on the development of a new theory and philosophy related to managing human capital in the 21st Century. To a lesser extent, John has also explored the emerging impact of cognitive, biological and nano-technologies to enhance human and social performance. John has actively participated in international seminars ranging from Gender and Narrativity, to the Next Generation Enterprise, Convergence Technology, Foresight Development and Strategic HR Implications for Canada's Future Military.