Next Big Idea Club Must-Read
What's
Is
The future is not something you figure out. It is something you write. This book gives you the practice – six dimensions to meet uncertainty with openness, curiosity, and creative courage.
“The future is plural. It doesn't belong to Google or to AI or to anyone except the people who are willing to show up and make it real. Inspiring, practical and timely, this is a book to share.”
Seth Godin, Author of The Song of Significance
Featured In
„Frederik knows how to bring the future into the present.“
Der Spiegel
Inside The Book
Seven Chapters.
One Practice.
The Future Is Not What You Think
Why everything you've been told about the future is wrong, and why that's the best news you'll hear today.
Radical Optimism
Replace 'Things will work out' with 'I can create possibility in this moment.'
Unreserved Openness
The expert's mind has answers. The beginner's mind has possibilities.
Compulsive Curiosity
How to reclaim the curiosity that was trained out of you, and use it as a strategic advantage.
Perpetual Experimentation
In the laboratory of life, there are no failures. Only experiments that yield unexpected data.
Expansive Empathy
The future belongs to those who understand how others will live in it.
Dimension X
Your unique creative strength, already alive within you. Your practice is to recognize it and give it room.
Available worldwide in 5 languages
A Second Book, in German
Radikal
Besser
2025 · Available in German only
The future begins in the mind. In times of crisis and polarization, we need to rediscover optimism, curiosity, and the joy of experimentation. Frederik shows how to proactively shape what comes next instead of waiting for it.
Order the German Edition →“An optimistic guide that turns dreamers into doers.”
Daniel H. Pink, Bestselling Author
The Author
Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt
As Google's first Chief Innovation Evangelist, Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt shaped one of the most fabled creative cultures in the world. He founded Google's Innovation Lab, where he trained tens of thousands of Googlers to develop and prototype new ideas.
He taught original classes on innovation and creativity at Stanford University for more than a decade, and has partnered with dozens of international organizations ranging from the United Nations to NASA to the NBA.
His path has been highlighted in Fast Company, Harvard Business Manager, Der Spiegel, and BBC News. Born in Germany, he lives with his family in Santa Cruz, California.
What leaders are saying
“Frederik teaches us to approach the future with energy, optimism, and radical curiosity. These insights will shift not just how you look at work, but how you look at everything.”
“Shape your future by defying the usual and welcoming the unknown. Frederik reveals that tomorrow's blueprint lies not in technology, but in you.”
“What's Next Is Now makes compellingly clear how much influence we have over what happens to us. This book's expansive yet action-oriented outlook makes it easy to begin building that future today.”
“It's rare to come across a book that genuinely resonates with the ever-evolving demands of our time. This book is a masterful guide for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of the modern world.”
“This book also inspires us to work with others to shape the lives and livelihoods we all deserve, and co-create a vibrant and inclusive future.”
“If you want to be prepared for the constantly, rapidly changing times, you must read this book. Frederik guides readers through principles and techniques so that they can actively approach their future with openness, optimism, and strength.”
Frequently Asked
Questions
The page is not waiting
for perfection.
A 2024 Next Big Idea Club Must-Read. A Publishers Weekly Best Audiobook of 2024. Available in 5 languages worldwide.
Next Big Idea Club Must-Read · 5 Languages · 4.5/5