Olivia Houghton

Olivia joined The Future Laboratory as a junior researcher in early 2018. Now, as insights and engagement director, she is a lead researcher in the team, using her expertise in foresight analysis and client engagement to bridge insights across LS:N Global and strategic teams. Working closely with the director of foresight and deputy editor, she ensures that trends intelligence is both impactful and actionable, helping businesses to anticipate and adapt to change.

Contributing regularly to publications including Vogue and the Financial Times, as well as to industry events such as the Global Wellness Summit and Cosmetics Business Live, Olivia is known as The Future Laboratory’s go-to expert for consumer trends in beauty, health and wellness. Her expertise is showcased through her authorship of key beauty and wellness reports, such as Accredited Beauty, focusing on the rise of science-driven beauty in the post-pandemic era; Longevity Lifestyles, highlighting the growing focus on extending healthspans; and The Synthocene Era, exploring how accelerating technologies like AI are fundamentally redefining the nature of human capability.

What drew you to the world of trends and foresight?

I was always the child who asked ‘why’ – a curiosity that stayed with me well into adolescence. But it wasn’t until university that I truly discovered my passion for trends and foresight.

During my second year, I took a module on trend forecasting, where I was introduced to The Future Laboratory. The company had previously collaborated with my university on a live project, but unfortunately this was paused for my year group. I was gutted, but it didn’t stop me messaging the head of people on LinkedIn every two weeks asking if there were any new job vacancies… And here I am today.

What makes LS:N Global unique?

Our methodology connects the dots, helping you to understand the past, grasp the present and anticipate multiple futures. With over 20 years of trend tracking, every insight on LS:N Global ties into a bigger picture – ensuring you're never looking at trends in isolation. Our research is deep, thorough and rigorously vetted, providing the quality intelligence needed for strategic impact.