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Decoding futures.
Shaping the future.
Have you ever wondered why some people always seem to be ahead of their time? As one of Germany’s leading critical futurists and keynote speakers, I help your audience to be the most forward-thinking in the future.
No crystal balls, no wild prophecies – just scientifically sound analysis presented in an entertaining way that enables your audience to see the future not as a threat but as a space for creativity.
About me
As a critical futurist and keynote speaker with almost 20 years of experience, I have supported over 100 organizations in their strategic orientation. I use my expertise in science (master’s in futures studies) and practice (including as managing director of a foresight studio) to communicate complex future topics in an understandable way and to open up new perspectives. From re:publica to corporate events, from a workshop with the ARD chairman to a strategy meeting with agencies—I adapt format and content precisely to your audience and your goals.
Keynote Speaker Experience
On the international stage
From the re:publica in Berlin to the Utopia Think Tank in Tel Aviv, I bring my perspective wherever the future is being discussed. My career milestones include major events such as the Future of Health xperience, the Zündfunkcongress, and the IAM in Barcelona. At the same time, companies such as On Running, BNP Paribas, and various AOKs value my expertise at their innovation days and strategy conferences.
More than just keynotes
I don’t just share my knowledge in talks: as a lecturer at the Good School and in the online journalism course, I teach the basics of future-oriented analysis. My self-developed online course on trend and future research methods enables teams and organizations to systematically develop their own future skills.
From fearing the future to taking action
Your audience will experience a keynote that both inspires them to think and motivates them to actively shape the future.
Clarity rather than hype
Rather than stoking more fears about the future, in my presentations I show
- How your audience can spot trends before others
- How to decode dominant narratives about the future
- What is really behind terms like ‘disruption’ and ‘innovation’
- How to develop an independent, sustainable strategy for the future
Clear communication of complexity
Complex future topics don’t have to be dry. My lectures combine
- In-depth analysis with practical application
- Critical reflection with concrete solutions
- Scientific methodology with real-life examples
- Activating challenges
Example: Keynote Speaker at AI Day
For its in-house AI Day, rms GmbH was looking for a keynote speaker who could provide both a sound introduction to the topic of artificial intelligence and a balanced perspective between hype and reality.
Instead of a single keynote, I developed a holistic format consisting of two complementary talks: the opening keynote, ‘History, Hype & Futures of AI,’ provided a basic classification and historical context, complemented by concrete practical examples from the mobility industry and three possible future scenarios. The closing keynote, ‘AI from Bizarre to Spiritual,’ took a humorous look at current AI phenomena and allowed for a critical reflection on social discourse— a relaxed but well-founded conclusion to the topic.
“What sets Johannes apart is his ability to objectively and accurately categorize facts and information. This pleasantly distinguishes him from many other keynote speakers who take exaggerated, usually uncritically optimistic positions in their speeches.”
– Jan Klähr, Fabian Will and Lorenz Crössmann – rms Innovationsmanagement
Example: late-night show
My work on the late-night show ‘STULLE – Wissenschaftlich belegt’ on Kronenplatz TV in Karlsruhe proved that futures studies can be entertaining. Instead of a traditional talk, I worked with the production team to develop a dynamic format consisting of an expert discussion, interactive elements, and live visualizations of future scenarios.
This kind of science communication, which combines expertise with entertainment, is a prime example of how I flexibly adapt my content to different formats and target groups.
My keynote topics (selection)
Developing future skills
What does it mean to be future-ready in an increasingly complex world? I demonstrate how organizations can harness uncertainty as a creative space and develop their own future capabilities.
Takeaways:
- Ready-to-use tools for analysing future narratives
- Proven methods for developing your own future scenarios
- First concrete steps towards building your future skills
Particularly relevant for: executives, strategy departments, innovation teams
Deciphering Artificial Intelligence
Beyond the hype and hysteria, I show the structural changes that AI is bringing about. With methodical analysis and practical experience, I help your audience develop viable strategies for using this key technology.
Takeaways:
- Decision criteria for meaningful AI implementation
- Framework for evaluating AI solutions
- Proven change management approaches
Particularly relevant for: CIOs, Digital Officers, Transformation Managers
Bespoke future analyses
How are key sectors of our society evolving? With methodical analysis and years of consulting experience, I show which trends are really relevant and how to decipher their specific context.
Takeaways:
- In-depth assessment of current industry trends
- Methods for independent trend analysis
- Strategic options in your context
Particularly relevant for: industry associations, strategy departments, innovation teams
What are Critical Future Studies?
In my talks, I show how ideas about the future are already influencing the decisions of organizations, often unconsciously. Critical future studies surpass traditional trend presentations by highlighting the assumptions about the future that shape the thinking and actions of your audience, rather than just showcasing new technologies and developments. This opens up new perspectives for active design.
Added value for your audience:
- New motivation through concrete, inspiring images of the future rather than abstract scenarios
- From fear of the future to the courage to act by recognising one’s own potential to shape the future
- Eureka moments by questioning dominant narratives, e.g., on AI or digitalisation
- Practical methods for developing independent strategies for the future
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prepare for a keynote?
Each presentation is tailored to your audience and objectives. In a detailed briefing, we analyze the needs of your target audience and develop the optimal approach in terms of content and methodology.
Do you also offer follow-up formats?
Yes, on request I can develop holistic formats that go beyond a single presentation – from in-depth workshops to longer-term strategic support.
Do you also give keynotes in English?
Yes, I regularly give talks in English (example) and adapt my content to international contexts.
What does a keynote cost?
My fees are in line with the leading speaker categories. For an accurate quote, let’s talk about your specific requirements.
Your next event
Let us work together to develop the ideal format for your event. In an initial, no-obligation discussion, we will explore:
- The specific needs of your audience
- Your specific objectives for the event
- Appropriate formats and key themes