Today on The Future is HOW, Frederik sits down with Sam Conniff – bestselling author of Be More Pirate, social entrepreneur, and creator of Uncertainty Experts, the world’s first science-based immersive program designed to help people navigate change with courage and creativity.
In this conversation, Frederik and Sam explore what it truly means to live and lead in uncertain times. They uncover how breaking rules can be an act of purpose, why discomfort is the birthplace of creativity, and how rewriting the stories we tell ourselves can unlock deeper connection and meaning.
Sam shares his personal experiments around masculinity, courage, and vulnerability, revealing why the most radical thing we can do right now might be to stay open when everything feels unknown. Frederik connects this to the Future Ready Mindstate, showing how curiosity and courage can transform uncertainty into a creative force.
By the end of the episode, you’ll see that uncertainty isn’t something to survive — it’s something to use.
The only certainty is that there is uncertainty. The question is: what will you create from it?
In This Episode:
Why breaking rules can lead to meaningful conversations and real innovation
How uncertainty is an experience to feel, not a problem to fix
Why creativity and conformity are natural opposites
The emotional science behind courage and change
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:32 Nail polish, masculinity, and social experiments
08:27 Call to action: Be More Pirate
13:46 Rulebreaker’s playbook: innovation in business and life
21:01 Children are pirates: curiosity as courage
22:25 Anything certain? Understanding uncertainty as an experience
27:17 Built by change: uncertainty as our future coach
38:49 Mindstate Moment: overcoming a rule responsibly
43:07 Sam’s future bio: fear, hope, and making a difference
47:08 A rule to break: stop holding on to one story
48:53 Experiment: ask a difficult and necessary question
Where to Find Sam Conniff:
Website: samconniff.com
The Uncertainty Toolkit (book): Pan Macmillan
Be More Pirate (book): BeMorePirate.com
Where to Find Frederik G. Pferdt
NextLetter – https://www.nextletter.frederikgpferdt.comBook: whatsnextisnowthebook.com
LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | frederikgpferdt.com
The Future Is HOW with Suzy Welch.
Suzy is a bestselling author, journalist, and educator — and one of the most authentic voices when it comes to leadership and purpose today.
You may know her from Harvard Business Review, NBC’s Today Show, or through one of her bestselling books, including her latest, Becoming You.
Most people spend their lives searching for their purpose.
But as Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt often says, “What if purpose isn’t something you find — but something you feel, every day?”
In this episode, Frederik and Suzy explore the concept of purpose — and how it shows up in real life and leadership.
Suzy shares her Becoming You methodology, a powerful framework for uncovering purpose through values and aptitudes. Together, they discuss how purpose evolves through life’s changes, how values shape our relationships, and why purpose isn’t a destination, but a compass that keeps us aligned with what matters most.
Purpose is a compass you keep, not a finish line.
The Becoming You methodology for discovering your authentic purpose.
How values can shift over time, especially after major life events.
Why finding purpose is an iterative process of exploration and reflection.
The power of daily rituals — from prayer to walking your dog — to stay grounded.
Where to find Suzy Welch:
🌐 suzywelch.com
📘 Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career
🎧 Becoming You Podcast
Where to find Frederik G. Pferdt:
📰 NextLetter — your Friday practice for shaping what’s next
📖 What’s Next Is Now – The Book
💼 LinkedIn
▶️ YouTube
📸 Instagram
🌐 frederikgpferdt.com
🎵 Music by Andreas Horchler
(00:00) Intro
(03:01) Suzy’s future bio: Living the purpose
(05:08) The methodology of Becoming You (for classes and couples)
(08:30) Shared values: The story of a perfect match
(10:49) Do values change? Formation and expression
(13:16) Navigating purpose: The iterative journey
(15:22) Purpose in everyday life
(16:37) Lost and found: Finding purpose again
(20:39) Mindstate Moment: Finding future purpose
(22:56) The lightning round: Superpowers, reflections, compliments, and faith
(26:15) The last question: Daily rituals — from prayer to walking the dog
What if every meal could shape the future?
In this episode of The Future Is HOW, I sit down with Michelin-starred chef Dalad Kambhu — a culinary trailblazer who has redefined Thai cuisine in Berlin. Born in Texas, raised in Bangkok, and shaped by New York’s creative energy, Dalad’s journey shows us that food is never just food. It’s imagination. It’s connection. It’s gratitude.
Together, we explore how cooking can become a classroom for empathy, how rituals around the table can transform relationships, and why sustainability isn’t a trend in Thai cuisine — it’s a tradition. Dalad shares her vision of a future where food nourishes not only our bodies, but also our communities and our spirit.
In this conversation, you’ll discover:
Why food is one of the most powerful acts of creativity.
How sharing meals can unlock empathy and belonging.
Simple gratitude practices that can transform your relationship with food.
Why local, sustainable ingredients are the future of global cuisine.
How young chefs can embrace their unique voices and rewrite culinary norms.
This episode isn’t just about what’s on your plate — it’s about how every bite can be an act of future-making.
Where to find Dalad Kambhu:
https://www.instagram.com/daladk/?hl=en
https://www.vogue.com/article/kin-dee-restaurant-berlin
Where to find Frederik G. Pferdt:
NextLetter: https://nextletter.frederikgpferdt.com
Website: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/
What's NextIs Now The Book: https://www.whatsnextisnowthebook.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Intro
(01:42) Local and sustainable: The Art of Culinary Imagination
(10:36) Dalad's future bio: Paving the way for young Female, Asian, POC Chef's
(12:24) Empowering Future Chefs: Starting to change collectively
(14:09) Kitchen as classroom: Food teaches us about ourselves, our culture, our future
(17:40) Sharing practice: Don't be afraid of new tastes, go local!
(21:00) Dalad's calming rituals: Digital detox, tea, gratitude
(25:14) Mindstate Moment: A future dinner
(30:05) A future recipe: Fresh, plentiful, available to the world
(31:23) Speed round: Flavors, freshness, sharing, cuisine culture and EINSTEIN
(33:54) Closing remarks: Food is your future!
Music: Andreas Horchler
What happens when AI meets human creativity?
In this episode, Frederik sits down with Jeremy Utley—adjunct professor at Stanford University, co-author of Ideaflow: The Only Business Metric That Matters, Thinkers50 Top Innovation Leader, host of Paint & Pipette: The Art & Science of Innovation, and co-host of Beyond the Prompt. Jeremy has taught nearly a million students worldwide, advises CEOs and startup founders, and is currently researching how individuals and organizations can accelerate their comfort and confidence in leveraging generative AI.
Together, Frederik and Jeremy explore how AI can amplify—not replace—our creative capacities. They discuss why voice matters in AI interactions, how words shape agency, and why humans must take the role of initiator when engaging with AI. The conversation ranges from practical ideation exercises to the deeper implications of AI on identity, creativity, and education—always with the reminder that AI is a collaborator, not a substitute.
Creativity is a practice, not magic
AI as a collaborative partner
Using your voice with AI is a gamechanger
Humans as initiators in AI engagement
The power of words: shaping agency with language
Where to find Jeremy Utley:
Where to find Frederik G. Pferdt:
Newsletter: NextLetter
Book: What’s Next Is Now
(00:00) Intro
(02:53) Jeremy’s future bio: prompting AI to ask the right questions
(10:14) Use your voice: showing up with your AI’s
(14:22) The advent of ChatGPT: a fertile time of exploration
(18:50) The Initiator: humans as self-hired agents beyond assignments
(24:51) Humans as initiators and executors with AI
(26:09) You are the prompt: how words matter (won’t, can’t, have to, want to)
(29:43) Bad idea brainstorms, wonder wanders, and ego in ideation with AI
(34:31) Mindstate Moment: powerful reflective prompts
(42:56) Speed round: what we get wrong with AI, education, habits to adapt, AI and intimate questions
(47:47) Closing remarks: Post-its and inviting AI into the moment
Original music by Andreas Horchler
Today on the show: Tyler Winick, is an explorer of self, a facilitator of deep inner work, and the creative force behind Tahüm, where his music guides people into presence and discovery. He’s also the co-creator of Garden of True Self, a framework for reconnecting to our truth and protecting our energy. As an artist and musician, he has just recently, hit his first million streams.
In this episode, we explore the profound impact of music as a universal language that transcends borders and cultures. Discover how melodies and rhythms have the power to transform lives, foster connections, and inspire change. Join us as we delve into stories of personal and societal transformation through the universal language of music. Tune in to be moved and inspired by the transformative power of sound.
Today, we talk about:
Inner Work as a Path to future Freedom
The Power of Music and Creativity
The Garden of True Self
Breathwork and Energy
The Role of Intent and Empathy
Where to find Tyler Winick:
Where to find Frederik G. Pferdt:
NextLetter: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/#nextletter
What's NextIs Now The Book: https://www.whatsnextisnowthebook.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/
Website: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Intro
(02:45) Tyler's future bio: A letter to self
(07:55) Origins & Inner Work
(10:55) Out in the desert: The calling of Burning Man
(17:36) Music as Inner Work
(23:30) Stage fright and antidodes
(27:12) I am enough: The Story of Tahüm
(30:30) The garden of True Self
(33:33) Energy Ceiling: A Daily Practice
(36:08) How we show up: The Future of Inner Work & Sound
(38:47) Mindstate Moment — Led by Tyler (Music by Tahüm)
(53:50) Quick Questions - Visual Creativity from Scratch
(59:14) One Seed to Plant: Get better at Feeling
Music: Andreas Horchler & Tahüm
Today in The Future Is How: Frederik's Summer Best-of Special: "Growing Your Future"
Welcome to a very special summer edition of The Future is How. Frederik wants to take you on a walk through a different kind of garden. This garden has rich soil made of powerful questions, strong trellises of trust, flowing channels of communication, and restorative greenhouses of rest. But it's also alive with the buzz of cross-pollinating bees, nourished by both sunshine and rain, enriched by compost that transforms challenges into growth, and tended by a community that understands how every element supports the whole.
Over this past season of conversations, Frederik had the privilege of speaking with remarkable gardeners of the future - people who've mastered different aspects of this living ecosystem. Today, he shares their wisdom as we explore eleven essential elements in this garden of possibility.
Today, we talk about:
Welcome to the Garden - one small thing that could grow into something bigger
The Soil of Questions - the richest soil is made up of the questions we ask
The Trust Trellis - some plants need support to reach their full potential. In our garden, trust serves as the strongest trellis of all.
The Communication Channels - the irrigation system that nourishes everything we're trying to grow.
The Storytelling Sunshine - compelling narratives don't just entertain - they transform how we see ourselves and our possibilities.
The Rest and Recovery Greenhouse - sleep and rest aren't empty spaces - they're specialized greenhouses where our most important growth actually happens.
The Wellness Ecosystem - A thriving garden (and humans)requires attention to the health of the entire ecosystem.
The Compost of Transformation - Personal transformation often requires composting old patterns to create rich soil for new growth.
The Cross-Pollination Bees - cross-pollination between future thinking and design creates innovations we never could have imagined.
The Connection Root Network - human connections create the invisible networks where our best futures can flourish.
The Innovation & Inspiration Blooms – inspiration, an active force that transforms individuals and communities.
The Beautiful Purpose That Blooms - beauty as the naturalexpression of purpose lived with intention.
In this episode, we cover:
Intro (03:14)
The Soil of Questions The next big disruption will not be technological, but psychological." - MarcChampagne
(06:47) The Trust Trellis "Kids are not luggage — they are human beings. The next generation doesn't need more control, they need more trust." - Esther Wojcicki
(10:31) The Communication Channels "It's about connection, not perfection." - Matt Abrahams
(14:13) The Storytelling Sunshine "Great storytelling is about making people feel." - Kalle Ryan
(17:45) The Rest and Recovery Greenhouse "Quality vs. quantity: What matters most for unlocking better performance." - Dr. Els van der Helm
(21:32) The Wellness Ecosystem "Destigmatizing mental health struggles through openness creates safety and trust." - Newton Cheng
(25:25) The Compost of Transformation "Home is where I grow." - Angela Pferdt
(29:22) The Cross-Pollination Bees "We need to develop a 'futurist' mindset and use our imagination to shape a better world." - Lisa Kay Solomon
(32:53) The Connection Root Network "The surprising finding: connection's impact on longevity is stronger than almost any other factor." - Dr. Robert Waldinger
(36:30) The Innovation & Inspiration Blooms "Inspiration is more than a feeling. It's an active force that fuels creativity, leadership and change." - Adam Galinsky
(40:07) The Beautiful Purpose That Blooms "The future belongs to those who can create beauty in business and meaning in work." - Tim Leberecht
(44:58) Your Future is HOW “HOW will you nourish your garden today? HOW will you plant seeds for tomorrow? HOW will you shape the future you want to see?” – Frederik Pferdt
Music: Andreas Horchler
Today in The Future Is How: Francesco Ciccolella. His illustrations don’t just decorate the page– they challenge how we see the world. Francesco is a Vienna-based artist, illustrator, and designer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, The New Yorker, MIT Technology Review, and on the covers of books and ideas that have shaped our thinking. He also brought Frederik's ideas to life , through incredible sketches, including the one-line illustrations in Frederik's book What’s Next Is Now. Francesco's illustrations hold up a mirror to our culture–showing us not only what is, but what could be.
Today, we talk about:
• The Power of Visual Thinking
• Making the complex visually accessible through empathy
• The power of reduction
• Between the lines-Francesco´s book, a visual philosophy
• Everyone Is an Artist (as long as we overcome our fears)
• A well of inspiration—exploring world views and travelling
Where to find Francesco Ciccolella:
https://www.francescociccolella.com/
Between The Lines The Book: https://www.francescociccolella.com/Between-The-Lines-Artist-s-Book
Where to find Frederik G. Pferdt:
NextLetter – https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/#nextletter
What's NextIs Now The Book: https://www.whatsnextisnowthebook.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/
Website: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Intro
(03:13) Francesco's future bio: A space between words and images
(05:45) Complexity in one image—empathy and the visual vocabulary
(08:07) The viewer's shoes—a repertoire of different angles
(09:01) Stripped to the essence—the Zen garden story and finding beauty in reduction
(11:59) Creative challenges—quick pace and the flow mode
(14:55) Between the lines—Francesco's book on dealing with mental health crises
(17:34) Discovering the inner artist—it's about taking away the fear (or: there are no perfect lines)
(21:03) A Mindstate Moment with Frederik
(25:31) A three word-game-visual creativity from scratch
(27:30) Finding inspiration—travelling, exploring world views, new paths
(29:09) Provoking emotion—The illustrator's playbook
Music: Andreas Horchler
In this episode, we explore how trust shapes the future — in parenting, education, and leadership.
Esther Wojcicki is known as "The godmother of Silicon Valley", a legendary educator, journalist, and author of How to Raise Successful People. She has taught thousands of students, raised three remarkable daughters (a CEO, a doctor, and a professor), and sparked a global movement with her TRICK philosophy: Trust, Respect, Independence, Collaboration, and Kindness.
“Kids are not luggage — they are human beings,” Esther says. Her message is clear: the next generation doesn’t need more control, they need more trust.
Together, we dive into:
Why respect and independence are key ingredients for raising changemakers
How 20% of time for personal projects (even in school!) unlocks creativity
What happens when we stop helicopter parenting — and start trusting
How TRICK can transform classrooms, companies, and even family dinners
Why children’s ideas might just change the world
We also explore how TRICK applies not just to kids — but to how we lead, live, and even treat our parents.
Plus: A “Mindstate Moment” to help you reflect and activate your own TRICK.
Where to find Esther Wojcicki:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heywoj/?hl=en
Where to find Frederik G. Pferdt:
NextLetter – https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/#nextletter
What'sNextIs Now The Book: https://www.whatsnextisnowthebook.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/
Website: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Intro
(02:36) Esther's future bio: A world of respect and trust for children
(05:53) A future with TRICK- Trust Respect Independence Collaboration Kindness
(11:40) Balancing Structure and Freedom-Raising children today
(15:07) Kid's shopping experience-building trust and independence
(18:00) Kids are not luggage-what parents get wrong about children
(19:51) Frederik on the road-let the kids do the travel planning
(20:40) Worries and things we can do to shape our future
(24:50) Belts for the homeless-how children's ideas help
(26:36) Showing up for children with TRICK-empower education
(29:53) A better school-play, take time, explore
(33:09) In it together-Having patience, as kids and as parents
(35:49) Lost kids-The Helicopter Parenting crisis
(40:04) A Mindstate Moment with Frederik
(42:47) TRICK for companies and leaders-mistakes and room for creativity
(47:45) We are all children-what we can offer our parents through TRICK
Music :Andreas Horchler
In today’s episode of The Future is How, it's all about growth, from plants to the inner self. And we have a more than special guest: Angela Pferdt. Coming from a background in finance, today she is a Healing Artist, a Reiki Master, a Master Gardener, and she is Frederik's wife, in Frederik's words: one of his greatest teachers. Frederik and Angela spent decades together, building a home and raising three children. “Home is where I grow”, says Angela. This time The Future is How comes straight from Angela's and Frederik's home in the Santa Cruz Mountains, an exchange of experiences, thoughts, callings, insights, and more than that: their future, like a walk together we all can listen to.
Today, we talk about:
• The power of Reiki and how it helps to become more present
• Plant based medicine and how psychedelics can help opening up and finding love and answers inside
• Long standing myths on psychedelics
• How gardening and personal growth are deeply interconnected
• Finding patience and presence
Where to find Angela Pferdt:
https://www.santawoodz.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santa_woodz/
Where to find Frederik G. Pferdt:
NextLetter – https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/#nextletter
What's NextIs Now The Book: https://www.whatsnextisnowthebook.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/
Website: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Intro
(02:57) Angela's future bio: Who Angela is becoming how she's building a future around Reiki, energy work and plant medicine, and becoming more present
(05:50) Reiki and being present
(07:17) How Reiki works
(08:29) Angela's journey to Reiki
(10:28) Energy & Healing & Well-being: Why people are coming to Angela's Reiki studio
(13:05) The journey guide: Plant medicine and digging deeper solving crises
(17:45) The integration phase: Life completely different, opening up, the answer inside, and love
(20:53) Plant based medicine: Is it for me?
(23:00) Time to grow: It begins in the soil
(25:11) A Mindstate Moment with Frederik
(28:14) Growth and Gardening: Nourishment, minds and communities
(29:35) Psychedelic myths: Breaking addictions instead of creating addictions
(32:06) It's not exclusively about trauma or seeing colors: Psychedelics can break patterns, accessing the unconscious
(33:54) Patience and presence: How her children benefit from Angela's work
(36:10) Words of encouragement: if you can imagine it, you can achieve it, if you can dream it, you can become it.
Music: Andreas Horchler
In today’s episode of The Future is How, questions take center stage. Questions shape our futures much more than we believe in everyday life. Marc Champagne, author of “Personal Socrates” and podcast host of “Behind the Human” is a pioneer in mental fitness, who explores the practices of brilliant thinkers, visionaries, and high-impact performers. He trained thousands of professionals to gain clarity in momentsthat matter. The next big disruption, Marc believes, will not be technological, but psychological.
In our conversation today, we talk about:
• What if the future is more about asking the right questions than having answers
• Navigating the between world of constant anxiousness
• Being present, preparing for the future
• The mental gym: Training your future-muscle
• Career, calling and happiness
• The right questions to ask yourself to shape your own future
Where to find Marc Champagne:
Website: https://www.mchampagne.com/
Podcast: https://www.mchampagne.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-champagne-%F0%9F%A7%A0%F0%9F%92%AA-14767b17/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@behindthehumanpodcast
Where to find Frederik G. Pferdt:
NextLetter – https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/#nextletter
What's Next Is Now The Book: https://www.whatsnextisnowthebook.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/
Website: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Intro
(04:18) Marc´s future bio: A bridge from ancient wisdom to today´s challenges
(07:15) More ease, more grace, more confidence: Navigating the anxious between-world
(12:42) Being in the present, preparing for the future: What our minds need
(15:29) The mental gym: The 30 second reset
(20:24) Feeling alive: High performance beyond numbers
(25:30) Career and calling: Happiness and meaning
(27:28) The most powerful question: What am I pretending not to know?
(31:55) What if it were possible: replacing doubt with optimism
(34:24) Zen master lesson on ANT´s (Automatic Negative Thoughts): Are you certain?(36:39) A Mindstate Moment with Frederik
(39:22) When you are stuck: What does your mind need most
(41:30) Starting the day on your terms: Breathe
Music: Andreas Horchler
In today’s episode of The Future is How, I explore the power of communication with Matt Abrahams—author, podcast host, communication coach, and lecturer in Strategic Communication at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.
Matt helps people become more confident and connected communicators, whether they’re on stage, in a meeting, or having a hard conversation with themselves.
In our conversation today, we talk about the following topics:
• Why asking the right questions is the Swiss army knife of communication
• How improvisation can help us speak more authentically and adapt to change
• The power of framing (and reframing) to influence thinking and outcomes
• Why it’s about connection, not perfection
• How rituals, self-talk, and reframing can help reduce public speaking anxiety
• What it means to shape your future through the words you choose
—
Where to find Matt Abrahams:
• Website: https://mattabrahams.com
• Podcast: https://www.fastersmarter.io/
• Book: https://mattabrahams.com/books
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abrahamsmatt/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkFastTalkSmart
—
Where to find Frederik G. Pferdt:
• NextLetter – https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/#nextletter
• What's Next Is Now The Book: https://www.whatsnextisnowthebook.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/
• Website: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/
—
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Intro
(02:12) Matt’s future bio: Contributing to a world of better understanding
(04:54) Engagement is critical in communication
(05:38) Sustained attention: the gold standard
(06:28) Tools to foster engagement: physical, mental, linguistic
(08:18) Why striving to be “right” can block real connection
(09:54) The improvisation mindset
(15:10) “Wrong name”: habits, improv games & communication skills
(20:28) Heuristics and shortcuts—helpful but not enough
(21:52) Why questions are your best communication tool
(25:23) The power of framing and reframing
(31:15) How language shapes the future we create
(32:57) A Mindstate Moment with Frederik
(38:02) Overcoming anxiety in public speaking with rituals and perspective
(44:40) Self-talk and communicating with yourself
—
Music: Andreas Horchler
“Zukunftsgeist”—or Future Spirit—is not only the German title of Frederik’s book What’s Next Is Now. It became a living, breathing movement during his Zukunftsgeist Tour across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
But this wasn’t your typical book tour.
Instead of classical readings, Frederik invited people into a shared experience—to ignite their own future spirit. And it worked. The response was overwhelming: after each event, participants didn’t just ask for a signature—they leaned in, saying things like “I’m starting my future right now.”
“I didn’t expect a book event to move me this deeply. It wasn’t just inspiring—it felt like a wake-up call from my future self.”
“For the first time in a long time, I feel like I have permission to imagine a radically better future—and the tools to start today.”
From intimate conversations to standing ovations, people across three countries wanted more than inspiration—they wanted transformation. And in this special episode of The Future is HOW, Frederik himself steps into the guest seat to share the stories, surprises, and soulful moments from this extraordinary journey.
He’s interviewed by Andreas Horchler, the journalist, music composer behind the podcast theme, and producer of this very show. Recorded live in Frankfurt, they reflect on the power of presence, possibility, and what happens when optimism becomes contagious.
In this episode:
3:25 Future Bio: Frederik on leaving a legacy as an ambassador of possibility
6:55 How to prepare body, mind, and spirit for a 19-city tour
9:00 Voices from Frankfurt: What meeting Frederik meant to guests
11:04 From moment to movement: Creating a new mindstate
15:22 Charge the car, charge yourself: Finding strength on the road
20:35 Staying fresh, curious, and open (yes, even with hotel snacks)
21:55 Stories from the road—from 5am meditations to midnight rituals
25:25 The Mindstate Moment
32:12 Reflections on the first season of The Future is HOW
34:27 No turning back—only forward
NextLetter – your 1:1 with your future
A bi-weekly newsletter designed to help you meet your future—1 powerful question, 2 new perspectives, and 1 simple experiment to try. A pause. A spark. A next step.
Radikal Besser – Entfache den Zukunftsgeist, der in dir steckt!
The German edition of What’s Next Is Now—a guide to activating your future spirit and living radically better.
Your future-ready mindstate to help you create what’s next—with tools, stories, and exercises.
Explorations with creators, thinkers, and doers on how to shape the future from the inside out.
Are You Future Ready? Take the Test
Discover how ready your inner world is to create what’s next.
Whether you’re an individual or a team—start shaping your future today with Frederik’s keynotes, workshops, and transformative sessions.
Inspiration is more than a feeling. Its´ an active force that fuels creativity, leadership and change. Today, Adam Galinsky joins me. Adam is an expert in Leadership, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Adam is a Professor of Leadership and Ethics at the Columbia Business School.
Among his many publications, he co-authored "Friend and Foe", a book exploring the science behin collaboration and competition. His latest book is "Inspire-The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others". Here, Adam explores the science of inspiration, how to find it, to develop it, and to use it.
In this episode, we talk about the origins and the power of inspiration.
•The spark of inspiration-becoming more inspiring
•Inspiration at the crossroads of creativity and usefulness
•Inspiration? Listen to your children
•Inspired travel
•Wood and water: Natural inspiration
•Variety helps
•Different people, different times, different needs
•Inspiration today, boredom tomorrow?
•The Copenhagen lesson: Improvisation and embracing vulnerability
•The mindstate moment by the ocean
•The universal continuum: Vision Example Mentoring
•The big picture energy: optimism counts
•Inspiration is daily work
•REIP: Reflect Emulate Intend Practice to become a more inspiring person tomorrow
•Too much clam chowder? The power in making things more scarce
•You can make things better: Look out for possibilities
In today’s episode of The Future is How, I am thrilled to be joined by my friend Kalle Ryan. Kalle is an award-winning writer, poet, and founder of Poetic, a creative consultancy dedicated to crafting compelling narratives, solving communication challenges, and unlocking creativity for organizations of all sizes.
Before founding Poetic, Kalle refined his storytelling and communication skills at Google and Meta. At Meta, he led internal communication strategies that connected employees globally through creative content. At Google, he drove Cloud9, EMEA's innovation hub, launching initiatives to foster employee creativity.
In our conversation today, we dive into the captivating world of creativity and storytelling, covering topics such as:
• What sparked Kalle’s love of storytelling
• The tale of "Bringing Batman to Work"
• The pivotal role creativity played in propelling Kalle’s career to new heights
• Viewing the world through a creative lens
• A creativity practice inspired by Pam Houston’s concept of "glimmers"
• Using your creativity to live more intentionally
• The essence of great storytelling: making people feel
• Building human connections through stories
• Kalle’s perspective on AI tools and why he remains optimistic for the future of creatives
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Where to find Kalle Ryan:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalleryan/
• Website: https://kalleryan.com/
• Poetic: https://poetic.ie/
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Where to find Frederik Pferdt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/
• Website: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/
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In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Intro
(03:02) Kalle’s future bio
(07:26) Our obsession with dystopian fiction and why we should be more optimistic
(11:23) How Kalle fell in love with creativity and storytelling
(16:33) Kalle’s story about integrating his creative self with his corporate self
(22:30) Why viewing the world with a creative lens allows for greater opportunity
(23:47) A creative exercise borrowing from Pam Houston’s “glimmers”
(29:47) The creative practice of one word at a time stories
(32:05) A moment to pause and reconnect with your creativity
(35:39) The power of storytelling to live more intentionally
(45:30) The role of storyteller in first nations of Australia
(46:20) Storytellers today
(47:40) The merits and shortcomings of AI for creativity
(57:08) Closing
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Music: Andreas Horchler
Art Design: Stefan Schuster, Dino Hohos, Flo Dietrich
Production: Jordan & Adam Bornstein
In today’s episode of The Future is How, I sit down with my friend and former colleague, Newton Cheng, the Director of Health and Performance at Google. Newton is passionate about guiding leaders through skillful conversations on mental health—a topic he's deeply familiar with.
After experiencing burnout, Newton took a mental health leave from his role at Google. Upon his return, he openly shared his journey instead of concealing it behind the term "sabbatical."
In our discussion, we explore the significance of embracing vulnerability in the workplace and delve into key topics such as:
• Destigmatizing mental health struggles through openness
• Expressing vulnerability in a way that fosters safety and trust
• Why finding balance in your life isn’t always what feels good
• A mind state moment aimed at improving by 1%
• Newton’s morning routines, including non-judgmental reflection and writing morning pages
• And more!
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Where to find Newton Cheng:
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newtoncheng/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/newtoncheng/
• Website: https://www.newtoncheng.com/
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Where to find Frederik Pferdt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/
• Website: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/
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In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Intro
(03:00) Newton’s future bio
(04:46) The importance of vulnerability in leadership
(06:42) How Newton’s mental health leave inspired his vulnerable leadership movement
(10:25) The profound impact of Newton’s mental health leave story on three groups
(15:26) An explanation of Ikigai, how it shaped Newton’s work, and continues to evolve
(21:05) How Newton takes care of his mental health
(25:10) Mind state moment
(29:01) Newton’s morning practices
(33:10) Making vs. managing
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Music: Andreas Horchler
Art Design: Stefan Schuster, Dino Hohos, Flo Dietrich
Production: Jordan & Adam Bornstein
In today’s episode of The Future is How, futurist Lisa Kay Solomon joins me. Lisa is a designer in residence at the Stanford d.school. Lisa focuses on bridging the disciplines of futures and design thinking, creating experiences like “Vote by Design: Presidential Edition” and "The Future’s Happening" to help students learn and practice the skills they don’t yet know they need. At the d.school, she teaches classes such as Inventing the Future, where students imagine, debate, and analyze the 50-year futures of emerging tech.
In our conversation today, Lisa emphasizes the importance of being future-forward and leveraging our imaginations to shape a better world. We explore topics such as:
• The value of developing a ‘futurist’ mindset, and strategies for long-term thinking
• How to expand your perspective by engaging in wider learning and learning from others
• The games, approaches, and activities Lisa uses to help her students visualize the future
• Lisa’s work with Vote By Design and how a futurist approach allows us to build a better world
• Why Lisa leans into curiosity and openness
• A mindfulness practice engaging your imagination to visualize your future in five years
• And more!
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Where to find Lisa Kay Solomon:
• X: https://x.com/lisakaysolomon
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakaysolomon/
• Website: https://www.lisakaysolomon.com/
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Where to find Frederik G. Pferdt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/
• Website: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/
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In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Intro
(02:41) Lisa’s future bio
(06:14) The value of adopting a more ‘futurist’ outlook
(09:28) Strategies for developing a long-term perspective in problem-solving
(14:36) Techniques for imagining the future and your future self
(18:30) Using present day anchors to imagine future prototypes
(22:24) Lisa’s new class, View from the Future
(25:35) Lisa’s civic work at Vote by Design
(31:50) The story of how Eric Reveno got election day off for college athletes
(33:34) Lisa’s continued engaging athletes in civics
(35:15) An explanation of The Polak game
(37:10) How Lisa uses The Polak game and rethinking who is a futurist
(39:47) The power of imagination and why we need to value it more
(43:41) An exercise in imagining the future
(48:55) Lisa’s daily practices
(54:55) Closing
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Music: Andreas Horchler
Art Design: Stefan Schuster, Dino Hohos, Flo Dietrich
Production: Jordan & Adam Bornstein
In today’s episode of The Future is How, I explore the topics of relationships and happiness with Dr. Robert Waldinger. He is a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development at Massachusetts General Hospital, and co-founder of the Lifespan Research Foundation.
He is also a Zen priest and co-author of the book, The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.
In our conversation today, we talk about the following topics:
• The surprising finding from Dr. Waldinger’s research about connection’s impact on longevity
• What social fitness is, and advice on how to practice it
• Why you should try talking to a stranger and tips for getting started
• Dr. Waldinger’s daily practices that promote health and happiness
• Tips for building better relationships and the best way to make new friends
• How to maintain connection and stay positive in our polarized world
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Where to find Robert Waldinger:
• X: https://x.com/robertwaldinger
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-waldinger-90012169/
• Website: https://www.robertwaldinger.com/
• Substack: https://robertwaldinger.substack.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertwaldingermd/
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Where to find Frederik Pferdt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/
• Website: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/
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In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Intro
(02:28) Dr. Waldinger’s future bio
(03:47) How our connections keep us healthier and living longer
(04:47) How to keep your relationships strong
(08:55) A case for talking to strangers
(10:52) Tips for connecting with strangers
(13:20) Why you should join a group activity doing something you like
(16:01) Quality vs. quantity in friendship—and the type of relationships you’re better off without
(18:13) How Zen has influenced Dr. Waldinger’s idea of happiness and relationships
(19:55) Dr. Waldinger’s daily practices that help him live his best life
(23:04) Challenges Dr. Waldinger faces
(25:10) The importance of not trying to fix everything about yourself or others
(27:57) How Dr. Waldinger dealt with a colleague who gave painful feedback
(32:04) A moment of presence
(35:32) Ways Dr. Waldinger is sharing his mission of happiness and connection
(36:57) Top ways to nurture our current relationships and happiness
(40:40) Closing
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Music: Andreas Horchler
Art Design: Stefan Schuster, Dino Hohos, Flo Dietrich
Production: Jordan & Adam Bornstein
In this exciting episode of The Future is How, I am joined by Dr. Els van der Helm, a leading sleep neuroscientist and adjunct professor at IE Business School. Dr. Els is a trusted advisor to CEOs and organizations worldwide, helping them unlock better performance through improved sleep and well-being. In our conversation today, we do a deep dive into the science of sleep and its transformative effects on your life and work and discuss the following topics:
• Why skipping sleep won’t boost productivity
• Quality vs. quantity: What matters most
• How aging impacts your sleep
• Two strategies to break the sleep deprivation-stress cycle
• How to use gratitude to fall asleep faster
• Why your late-night brain might mislead you
• Morning routines that set the stage for a good night’s sleep
• Evening wind-down tips
• And much more!
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Where to find Dr. Els van der Helm:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elsvanderhelm/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drelsvanderhelm/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elsvanderhelmconsulting/
• Website: https://www.elsvanderhelm.com/
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Where to find Frederik Pferdt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/
• Website: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/
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In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Intro
(03:40) Els’s next five years
(05:10) Why we aren’t sleeping enough and the importance of quality work over quantity
(10:30) The value of power naps and which areas suffer from inadequate sleep and rest
(15:00) The myth of too much sleep and an explanation of sleep debt
(17:50) How aging impacts sleep and what to do about it
(23:21) How sleep helps us process emotions, and tips for managing stress
(28:04) Why your brain is prone to catastrophizing late at night
(30:15) The power of novelty and how sleep helps you process a problem
(36:37) Practices for beginning and ending the workday
(38:15) Els’s bedtime rituals
(40:38) Tips for starting your day and get the most from your early waking time
(45:04) Adding a social element to waking and sleeping rituals
(47:00) A quick gratitude practice
(51:38) How prioritizing sleep and gratitude helped Els get through a stressful time
(55:27) Conclusion
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Music: Andreas Horchler
Art Design: Stefan Schuster, Dino Hohos, Flo Dietrich
Production: Jordan & Adam Bornstein
How do you envision the future—yours, ours, and the planet’s? Join me, Frederik Pferdt, in the first episode of The Future Is How, as I sit down with Tim Leberecht, the founder of the House of Beautiful Business, to explore how beauty can inspire connection, reimagine the future, and help us live more meaningful lives. Together, we discuss why it’s time to value all life—including AI—and how moving beyond human-centeredness can address some of our biggest challenges.
In our conversation today, we explore the following topics:
• Why you shouldn’t limit yourself to one vision of the future
• Exercises in cultivating intimacy inspired by the artist Marina Abramovic
• Attributes of beauty and how to find it
• Practices for strengthening your imagination muscles
• Why Tim is optimistic about AI’s role in our future
• The cost of human-centeredness and the case for valuing all life
• And so much more!
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Where to find Tim Leberecht:
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timleberecht/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tleberecht/
• Business website: https://houseofbeautifulbusiness.com/
• Website: http://timleberecht.com/
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Where to find Frederik Pferdt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/
• Website: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/
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In this episode, we cover:
(0:00) Intro
(02:57) Welcome Tim Leberecht
(03:40) A sneak preview of the future Tim (first version)
(06:24) A sneak preview of the future Tim (second version)
(09:06) Lessons from Marina Abramovic’s art
(14:37) Tim’s practice of “silent dinners”
(20:41) The transcendent power of moments of beauty and awe
(23:15) Attributes of beauty—and why intimacy and attention are key components
(26:25) An exercise in attention and fostering intensity
(27:22) A moment to pause and reconnect
(31:50) Applying the lens of beauty to the future by imagining lives we haven’t lived
(37:15) Getting started with practices to create the future you want
(47:28) How AI might be used for beauty and connection
(48:10) What shifted Tim's perspective on AI, making him more optimistic
(50:22) Human-centeredness vs. life-centeredness
(57:20) A case for beauty as a source of connection and peace
(59:20) How Tim wants to be in the future
(1:03:15) Frederik’s final thoughts
Music: Andreas Horchler
Art Design: Stefan Schuster, Dino Hohos, Flo Dietrich
Production: Jordan & Adam Bornstein
