Frederik Pferdt, a former Chief Innovation Evangelist at Google, discusses his journey in shaping the future through innovation. He emphasizes a proactive mindset, contrasting fixed and growth mindsets. Pferdt highlights the role of AI as a tool for opportunity rather than fear. He introduces six principles for a future-ready mindset: optimism, openness, curiosity, experimentation, empathy, and personal agency. Through anecdotes and insights, he encourages listeners to actively craft their future and navigate the complexities of the digital age.
57:24
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Creating the Future
The future isn't something that happens to you.
It's something you create through your present actions.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Google's Innovation
Frederik Pferdt, Google's first Chief Innovation Evangelist, visited 27 Google offices.
He discovered there's no single "Google way" to innovate, but a shared "future-focused outlook."
insights INSIGHT
Mind State vs. Mindset
Innovation is driven by "mind state," not technology.
A mind state is a flexible lens for perceiving the present moment, unlike a fixed mindset.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
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...
Six Pixels of Separation Podcast 