Sheryl Connelly is the head of Ford's (F -1.64%) Global Trends and Futuring Division, where she separates trend from fad and helps the auto maker determine what global changes will influence the market in years to come.

In this video segment, Sheryl warns against trying to predict the future, but reveals the five factors that will shape that future, and that can help companies prepare to meet tomorrow's needs head on. The full version of the interview can be found here.