Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt
Author & Google's First Chief Innovation Evangelist
Many Americans are stressed right now and worried about issues like global conflicts, climate change and upcoming elections. Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt's book, 'WHAT'S NEXT IS NOW: How to Live Future Ready,' aims to lower their anxiety and help them develop a more positive outlook, so they can create a better future.
Pferdt explains why humans are so hard-wired to worry and he guides us through techniques in an effort to help us develop a 'future-ready mindstate.' A 'mindset' is a fixed attitude that's hard to change but Pferdt says your 'mindstate' is more fluid and can enable you to see potential all around you. If your head is in the right place, you will be ready for what happens next, poised to take on whatever comes your way and to create more opportunities.
Pferdt was Google’s first Chief Innovation Evangelist and co-founded the Google Garage, the home of Google’s Creative Skills for Innovation Lab, where he trained tens of thousands of Googlers to experiment with cutting-edge ideas. He also taught classes on innovation and creativity at Stanford University’s d.school for more than 10 years. He has also guided workers at NASA, the United Nations, the German Soccer Association, SXSW, the FBI, Mercedes Benz, Adidas, the NBA, and the International Monetary Fund.
Pronunciation: “Fay-YERDT”, Listen to a pronouncer here: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Pferd
Web Site:
Santa Cruz, CA
Video Sample
This expert has been featured on:
Bloomberg | Fast Company |
Suggested Interview Topics:
Developing a Positive Mindset | Managing Anxiety | Navigating the Future
Suggested Interview Questions:
- Why do we humans get so anxious and have such a hard time when it comes to change and life challenges?
- Many people are anxious right now about issues like climate change, politics and the rapid pace of technology. How can they change their outlook and feel more optimistic?
- You say improving our 'Mindstate' can make all the difference and help alleviate anxiety. What are some ways we can do this?
- You say there are 3 choices people can make when it comes to their outlook on the future: ignore it, resist it or embrace it. Can you please explain these?
- In your book, you outline an exercise that helps people develop more empathy for others but also themselves. Explain why and how we should do this.
- You also say people should identify something called their 'Definition X.' What is that and how can it help us?
Stories & Media Hits
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HOW TO LIVE 'FUTURE READY'
