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Johannes Kleske
As a critical futurist and foresight consultant, I have been dealing with possible, probable and desirable futures for almost 20 years. My mission is to empower people and organisations to become active shapers of their future rather than passive recipients.
Short & Sweet
- Critical futurist and foresight consultant
- Master’s in futures studies (FU Berlin)
- 12 years as founder and managing director of Third Wave
- Experience from over 100 projects with organisations such as SWR, WWF and Messe München
- Keynote speaker in demand (including re:publica and future of health xperience)
- Co-founder of the Network for Critical Futures Research
My Story
My journey into critical futures research began long before I knew that such a field even existed. As the child of a family of six, growing up in a socially deprived area of Darmstadt, I learned early on about the power of imagination. This ability to imagine alternatives and question established structures later became one of my greatest strengths.
Through an interdisciplinary study of media system design, pioneering work in the field of social media and the founding of the foresight studio Third Wave, I developed a unique approach: the combination of critical analysis and practical application.
Work & Motivation
From critical analysis to actively shaping the future – how I help people and organisations find their own way.
What motivates me
I am particularly inspired by the moment when people begin to question their own assumptions about the future and see new possibilities. My early experiences have taught me that there are always alternatives – even if they are not visible at first glance.
This belief informs my work: there is no single, inevitable future. If we become aware of our assumptions, we can actively shape the direction of our journey.
My Approach
I combine:
- Scientific methods with practical experience
- Analytical skills with emotional intelligence
- Critical thinking with constructive solutions
- Complex analysis with clear communication
I help people and organisations:
- Recognising and questioning dominant future narratives
- Develop your own informed perspectives
- Discovering and using room for manoeuvre
- Moving from fear of the future to the courage to act