“I’m an engineer by nature, and Sheryl and I complement each other really well,” Viera said. “Left-brained people have a tendency to want to get to the answer right away, and what Sheryl does is takes a creative stand and opens up the blinds for us.”

The State News spoke with Connelly on Monday, discussing her career and her time at MSU.

The State News: What was your overall experience at MSU like?

Sheryl Connelly: I have nothing but the fondest memories of my time at Michigan State. Like any college experience, when you get the opportunity to go away, it’s the time to find yourself. It’s not just about the educational journey, it’s a journey of self-discovery and figuring out who you are away from your friends and family unit.

TSN: Although you focused on business while at MSU, you also were interested in art. What made you pick one over the other?

SC: I was really torn about whether I wanted to study art or business, but in the context of the ‘80s, it had its recession, and (business) seemed like the safest bet. I remember still today, it was exciting, the subtle reaction when people found out you were in the business college. At times it caught people by surprise, to see young women pursuing that kind of discipline.

TSN: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

SC: Talking about the future is immeasurable. When you’re talking about the present, you can do a demographic projection, and it’s what they currently think today. Market research ends where futuring begins. It’s a qualitative side of analysis, and that’s a lot more fuzzy. You have to be diligent in your approach so people can follow your logic.

TSN: How do people react when you tell them about your job?

SC: When I say I’m a futurist, people snicker or laugh and think I’m kidding. They usually reply with, ‘Where’s your crystal ball,’ or ‘Read my palm.’ I can’t predict the future, but what I can say is, ‘here’s something you should pay attention to.’

TSN: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your experience with Ford Motor Company?

SC: I’ve loved the journey. I grew up in Metro Detroit, so Ford has always been a big brand and always had a big presence in my life and in my community. I think it’s changed my world view in a way I didn’t expect. Without this job, I would have continued to have a decidedly U.S. or Midwest point of view. But when I started to study trends and see different societal norms, it made me much more aware of the global dynamic and how these forces play together in a way that’s unexpected.