Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Imagine being able to not just anticipate future trends, but actively shape them to your advantage. As a critical futurist and senior trend analyst, I help people and organizations move beyond merely reacting to change. Instead, I enable them to anticipate developments and leverage them strategically – transforming uncertainty into opportunity. What sets me apart: • Depth over hype: I decode complex trends and the interests behind them, rather than simply announcing the next buzzword. • Actionable insights: My analysis translates into concrete strategic options for your organization. • Critical perspective: I help you challenge dominant narratives about the future and discover new spaces for innovation. Proven expertise: Over the past two decades, I’ve advised more than 100 organizations across Europe, including public broadcasters, leading trade fair companies, global NGOs, and healthcare institutions. As founder and managing partner of Third Wave and later as Senior Director Foresight at Edenspiekermann, I’ve led groundbreaking projects – from the first comprehensive report on synthetic media for German public broadcasting to developing long-term strategies for international corporations. My commitment: Working with me means getting no vague prophecies, but rather solid expertise that empowers rather than intimidates. As a keynote speaker at events like re:publica and various international conferences, I combine analytical depth with accessible communication. Ready to shape your future? Whether you need a thought-provoking speaker for your next event, a sparring partner for your strategy team, or guidance through a future-proof transformation process – I’ll support your journey from observer to active shaper of the future. Let’s start the conversation.
I help companies and organisations peer behind the curtain of current future trends and develop unique strategies. With almost 20 years' experience, I decode the forces and interests driving developments such as AI and sustainability, and translate these insights into concrete options for action. As a keynote speaker, I take future issues to a new level. From re:publica to the future of health xperience, from On Running to BNP Paribas - instead of superficial trend forecasts, I offer your audience in-depth analysis and surprising perspectives that challenge dominant future narratives. My talks show how a deeper understanding of future developments can be used to develop real competitive advantages. As a foresight consultant, I help agencies and consultancies to think outside the box of conventional future assumptions. My ability to open up new perspectives and unlock previously unknown potential is valued by leading agencies from BBDO and Scholz & Friends to the Elisabeth Ruge Agency. Whether you need help preparing for a pitch, a methodical sparring partner for your foresight team or a strategic consultant for complex client projects, I can offer you the perspective of an experienced strategist who has successfully guided over 100 companies in developing their own future positions. After 12 years as founder and managing director of Third Wave and most recently as Senior Director Foresight at Edenspiekermann, I now offer my unique combination of in-depth future analysis and practical strategy advice as a freelance consultant - flexible, hands-on and tailored to your needs. Are you looking for more than superficial future trends? Let's explore together how a deeper understanding of future developments can open up new perspectives for your organisation.
Together with Igor Schwarzmann, I host the ‘Follow the Rabbit’ podcast, where we explore emerging trends and cultural phenomena to help our listeners update their mental models of how the world is changing. We delve into the interconnections between technology, society, and culture—from the transformation of health into a luxury good to the return of “third places” after the pandemic.
The acquisition of Third Wave by Edenspiekermann marks not the end of an era but the commencement of a thrilling new chapter. This strategic merger unites two like-minded entities, pioneers in design and innovation, driven by a mutual commitment to strategic foresight. As the Senior Director of Foresight at Edenspiekermann, I am presented with an unprecedented opportunity to amplify and extend the impactful work we initiated at Third Wave, now on a global scale. In my role, collaborating closely with the talented designers and strategists at Edenspiekermann forms the cornerstone of our success. Together, we strive to develop bespoke products that meet our clients' needs and are implemented with the utmost expertise and user-centricity. Fusing strategic foresight with design excellence empowers us to devise forward-thinking solutions that make a difference. My contribution to our clients involves decoding complex trends and converting them into actionable strategic insights. These insights help forge resilient, future-proof business models, product strategies, and organizational practices, particularly within the healthcare, media, and mobility sectors. My focus in these areas ensures that our innovations are precisely tailored to meet specific challenges and seize potential opportunities. Being part of this exceptional team gives me a unique platform to inspire and empower our clients and make a substantial impact on society. Our mission is clear: to push the boundaries of what is possible and actively shape the future.
As co-founder of Third Wave, Igor and I have embarked on a remarkable digital strategy and foresight journey. Our goal was to establish a consultancy that provides an incisive view of technology and societal developments. Our dynamic partnership enabled us to successfully work with over 100 renowned clients, such as WDR, Messe München, WWF and Deutsche Bahn, always focusing on the importance of digital transformation. Our work was characterized by a drive to help our clients overcome current challenges and proactively address future trends and opportunities. The close collaboration within our team enabled us to respond flexibly to customer needs and develop customized solutions. Our ability to provide in-depth and personalized consulting experiences made Third Wave a valued partner in the consulting industry. Three projects (excerpts): - Synthetic Media: Our report for WDR was the first of its kind in Germany and addressed early on the developments around Generative AI that are gaining widespread attention today. - Digital Health 2035: We produced a future report for a Danish pharmaceutical company that triggered an active search for sustainable business models. The company is now one of the most valuable in Europe. - SWR Futures Work: In times of social debate about the role of public broadcasting, our work has put SWR in a proactive, creative role and shown the management concrete scope for action.
I set up the social media discipline and advised clients like Maggi, Seat, Melitta, Deutsche Telekom, adidas and others on their social media strategy.
I developed the social/community features of larger platforms.