SPOS #946 – Frederik Pferdt On How To Live Future Ready

Welcome to episode #946 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #946. Dr. Frederik Pferdt has spent his career helping some of the most creative minds at Google – and beyond – shape the future. As Google’s first Chief Innovation Evangelist, he didn’t just observe the future unfolding; he actively shaped it. Frederik founded Google’s Innovation Lab, where he coached tens of thousands of Googlers in the art of innovation, fostering a culture that thrives on curiosity, empathy, and experimentation. His work has resonated far beyond Silicon Valley, with collaborations ranging from NASA to the NBA, and teaching stints at Stanford University that inspired a new generation of thinkers. In his book, What’s Next Is Now – How to Live Future Ready, Frederik challenges the notion that the future is something we passively encounter. Instead, he invites us to see it as something we actively create. He distills his philosophy into six principles: optimism, openness, curiosity, experimentation, empathy, and something he calls “Dimension X” – the unique way each of us perceives the world. This isn’t just a framework for surviving the future; it’s a guide to thriving in it. During our conversation, Frederik dives into how these principles aren’t just abstract concepts but actionable strategies that anyone can apply. He emphasizes that the future is crafted by the choices we make today, and by cultivating a “future-ready mindstate,” we can turn ambiguity and uncertainty into opportunities. From collecting dots — ideas, experiences, and learnings — to connecting them in innovative ways, Frederik explains how we can stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world. Frederik also touches on the importance of predictive empathy, which helps us understand the potential consequences of emerging technologies, and how embracing uncertainty is crucial for personal growth. He shares insights on how to counter the cynicism that often accompanies aging by intentionally choosing curiosity and optimism. Our discussion explores the transformative power of mindfulness practices like silent meditation retreats and the value of experimentation in cutting through the hype of the present moment. Enjoy the conversation…

• Running time: 57:23.
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• Here is my conversation with Dr. Frederik Pferdt.
• What’s Next Is Now – How to Live Future Ready.
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• This week’s music: David Usher ‘St. Lawrence River’.

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction and Background.
• 02:10 – Creating a Future-Ready Mind State.
• 11:02 – The Power of Collecting Dots.
• 27:22 – Changing Our Relationship with the Future.
• 31:14 – Reflections on the Pace of Change.
• 33:13 – Shaping the Future through Present Choices.
• 35:43 – Embracing Uncertainty and Active Learning.
• 40:18 – Counteracting Cynicism with Qualities of Mind.
• 48:32 – Navigating the Hype and Trends of the Present.
• 57:17 – The Transformative Power of Silent Meditation Retreats.

Download the Podcast here: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #946.

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