Are you ready for the future? This is a loaded question. The pace of change has never been faster, and the ripple effects are reaching every corner of our lives. Emerging technologies are converging. Society is shifting. The world as we know it is transforming before our eyes. But what does that really mean for you—as a leader, as a professional, and as a human being? This isn’t some far-off prediction. According to futurist and innovation strategist Dr Mark van Rijmenam, CSP, we’re already living in a Tsunami of Change. The question isn’t if the wave is coming—it’s how we ride it. Because our response determines whether we sink or surge ahead.
I was able to talk with Dr. Van Rijmenam to talk about leading through disruption. Together, we explore what it means to navigate this rapidly evolving world with clarity, courage, and purpose. To be honest, I had no idea what a strategic futurist was. When most people hear “futurist,” I think they, like men, imagine someone predicting flying cars or robot takeovers. But Mark van Rijmenam takes a different approach. His work isn’t about forecasting trends—it’s about preparing people to shape them. He helps organizations think strategically about where the world is heading and how they can lead ethically and effectively through the turbulence ahead.
He challenges us to shift our mindset. Instead of fearing disruption, we should understand it, anticipate it, and use it to build a better future. Because the future isn’t written—it’s designed. Mark shares a powerful story from his book—a solo cycling journey across Australia. Imagine pedaling through the outback, the next town hundreds of kilometers away, carrying all your food, water, and supplies. Every day demanded resilience, endurance, and grit.
That experience, he explains, mirrors what we need to thrive in today’s world. The journey toward the future will test us in similar ways. Technological, ecological, and social disruptions will keep coming. The key is perseverance and purpose. You don’t stop pedaling just because the road gets rough—you adapt, endure, and keep moving toward the vision ahead.
So what’s really reshaping our world? Mark highlights several converging technologies that will define the next era:
Individually, these technologies are disruptive. Together, they’re unstoppable. Their convergence is creating a “perfect storm” that will redefine how we live, work, and lead.
What can we do about this? Well, Mark offers a practical tool for navigating this chaos: the WAVE Framework.
This isn’t just theory—it’s a leadership skill. The ability to see what’s coming, act with integrity, and guide others through uncertainty defines the next generation of leaders.
Sounds simple right? HECK NO! Simple things are hard and hard things are simple!
The hardest part of leadership today isn’t making decisions—it’s seeing clearly enough to make them well. Too many leaders are drowning in noise, distracted by the urgent while missing the important. Mark warns: “By 2030, there will be two kinds of companies—those that use AI and those that no longer exist.” The same applies to leaders. The ones who adapt will thrive. Those who don’t will fade.
With so much information coming at us, how do we know what to pay attention to? Mark suggests creating a “living dashboard”—a curated system that surfaces what’s relevant to you, your team, and your mission. Relevance is the antidote to overwhelm. To help people do this, Mark is building Futurewise, a company designed to help leaders identify meaningful trends from the edges of the internet—long before they hit the headlines. Having used this personally for the last two weeks I have found it to provide a wealth of knowledge and sources that I wouldn't normally look or find on key topics that are important to me and my industry. However, with everything advancing at such a fast pace I had question about the ethics of where we as a society are going?
Technology without ethics is a recipe for disaster. As AI, blockchain, and automation reshape our world, Mark reminds us that leadership must extend beyond shareholders—it must include stakeholders: customers, employees, and future generations. We have a moral responsibility to ensure that the technologies we build and deploy serve humanity, not exploit it. The choices we make today will either bless or burden those who come after us. If we’re going to create a better world, it starts with how we educate the next generation. We can’t just hand them the tools of the digital age without teaching them how to use them responsibly. Like driving or drinking, technology requires maturity, guidance, and ethical guardrails. We must teach our children—and ourselves—not just how technology works, but why it matters, who it affects, and what values must guide its use.
Automation and AI aren’t coming—they’re here. Millions of jobs will evolve or disappear in the next decade. But while technology replaces tasks, it can’t replace humanity. Skills like empathy, creativity, and emotional intelligence will define the leaders of tomorrow. If your work involves people—teaching, leading, healing, building relationships—your future is bright. But you can’t afford to stand still. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep adapting.
Mark describes himself as an “optimistic dystopian.” He sees the chaos ahead—but also the potential. Yes, the next decade will be turbulent. But if we cultivate resilience, faith, and a future-focused mindset, we can build a world of abundance and opportunity. The future isn’t something that happens to us—it’s something we build. And building it requires courage, curiosity, and conviction.
As leaders, we are the architects of tomorrow. The question isn’t whether the wave is coming. It’s whether you’re ready to ride it.
What do you think? Most of you are on the cutting edge of the future - are you aware? Is Mark right? Do you think he has it wrong? Let us know what you think - I'm genuinely curious.
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