More and more organizational scholars describe their role not just in terms of interpreting social phenomena, but as contributing to the creation of more desirable futures. Yet, helping to create desirable futures involves serious challenges: from normative questions about what futures are desirable in the first place to practical questions about how organizational scholars can redefine their roles. In this sub-plenary, we explore three approaches to creating desirable futures – by doing research, by transforming business schools, and by engaging in outreach activities – and critically discuss the challenges associated with each approach.