“Now What? is more than an insightful and provocative look into the future. It is an uplifting guide to observing wisely, adapting thoughtfully, and acting with integrity to shape our future together.”
— Ron Kaufman, New York Times Bestselling Author of Uplifting Service
“Now What? meets this moment with clarity and purpose. Dr. Van Rijmenam offers a practical, imaginative framework for navigating complexity - one that speaks to the needs of teams, organizations, and anyone designing the future with care. A thoughtful and timely guide.”
— Caitlin Krause, Author of Digital Wellbeing; MindWise Founder
“Blending cutting-edge research, practical insights, eastern philosophy and even fiction, Now What? is an informative ride through the future of technology and humanity’s role in it. Would recommend for anyone seeking greater clarity in an era of accelerating uncertainty.”
— Alvin W. Graylin, Bestselling Author of Our Next Reality, Chairman of Virtual World Society
THE FUTURE ISN’T COMING, IT’S HERE, AND IT FEELS LIKE A TSUNAMI.
Transformative technologies are converging, disrupting industries and society in mere moments. This is a tsunami of change, and the question is no longer whether we can adapt, but how individuals, organizations and institutions can ride it and build a future of abundance.
In Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of Change, strategic futurist Dr. Mark van Rijmenam presents a dynamic roadmap for thriving in a world of accelerating technologies, boundless innovation, and shifting cultural tides. He demystifies the breakthroughs rewriting our societies and illuminates the powerful synergy of technology and humanity.
Drawing on real-world success stories, ancient wisdom, and the author’s own transformative journey, he reveals a path that balances innovation with ethics, ensuring that rapid progress lifts everyone rather than leaving communities behind.
Now What? offers a clear path from anxiety to action. Dive into the possibilities, learn to wield technology as a tool instead of a threat, and stake your claim as an architect of tomorrow. It’s time we stopped merely bracing for impact and started riding the wave.
Early Praise for Now What? "This is a must-read for everyone confused about whether AI is a friend or foe. There is no better storyteller than Dr. Mark and this is a masterclass in how to think about thriving in uncertainty. The examples are accessible and the insights are profound. The WAVE framework is simple but powerful. Everyone on my team will be getting a copy of Now What? and we'll be using it as a blueprint for defining our strategy and helping our customers embrace change. Kudos Dr. Mark!"
–– Dan Turchin, PeopleReign CEO
“Now What? is more than an insightful and provocative look into the future. It is an uplifting guide to observing wisely, adapting thoughtfully, and acting with integrity to shape our future together. Let Mark van Rijmenam’s powerful WAVE framework give you the tools you need to survive—and thrive—in today’s inescapable tsunami of change.”
— Ron Kaufman, New York Times Bestselling Author of Uplifting Service “Few people are as well-placed as Mark van Rijmenam to give a clear sense of what the coming years will hold. Full of powerful insights and compelling cautions, Now What? Will equip you to face an uncertain future with confidence.”
— Michael McQueen, Trend Forecaster and 10 x Bestselling Author
Dr. Mark van Rijmenam is a strategic futurist and award-winning keynote speaker, known for living at the sharp edge of tomorrow. He is globally ranked as the #1 futurist and Salesforce recognized him as a leading voice in AI (one of 16 globally) As a Certified Speaking Professional, Global Speaking Fellow, and 6-time author, he has captivated audiences in over 30 countries, blending academic rigor with cutting-edge innovation.
Formerly describing himself as an Optimistic Dystopian, Dr. van Rijmenam has evolved into an Architect of Tomorrow—equipping Fortune 500 companies, governments, and changemakers to navigate the complexities of emerging technologies with vision, resilience, and purpose.
His latest book is Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of Change, is unlike any business book. It doesn't just explain the future; it lets you experience it with a sci-fi story from 2051 woven throughout, 280-character TidalShots you can share instantly, and—here's the game-changer—a 24/7 AI digital twin that coaches you through exponential change. He is the founder of Futurwise, which helps you cut through the noise to obtain more wisdom on fast-changing topics using hyper-personalized insights from trusted sources.
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” — Charles Darwin
In his book Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of Change, author Mark Van Rijmenam takes us through the imperative nature of change and the necessity of adapting in order to keep up with evolving technology and times. This book not only makes us aware and informed about everything responsible for creating a prospective future but also consciously helps in reframing our perception to comprehend the urgency of accepting and evolving with it.
What I found most commendable is the author’s well-thought-out and well-researched approach to his writing. It is easily understood that Mark Van Rijmenam does not just write his flowing thoughts but relies heavily on factual data and research to back up his work. Written in eight chapters, this book follows a structured pattern to guide us through the emerging technological changes that are interlinked with economic and societal shifts. From discussing Hyper Moore’s Law, digital renaissance, and futuristic thinking to providing reality checks with the potential harms and risks of technology, the author offers certain cognitive tools that can help us navigate the path of the future. I believe casual readers may find this book a bit conceptually heavy and dense, targeting specific readers, but its core message remains strong and encouraging.
Personally, the chapter I liked the most was fourth chapter, where the author enlightens us about AI, robotics, blockchain, BCI, quantum computing, and more potential “eight tides” of technology that can redefine the world as we know it and can be harnessed effectively to create a better future. Also worth mentioning is the consistent sci-fi futuristic story that the author integrates throughout, embedding crucial messages in each chapter. My favorite takeaway from this book would be the WAVE framework — Watch, Adapt, Verify, and Empower — which can come in handy when preparing for the futuristic world and can also be applied in general life.
Overall, it’s worth reading this book for its intellectually stimulating nature, the wisdom and guidance it provides to understand and navigate toward a tech-savvy future, and the urgency it creates to adapt and change with time.
one of those rare books that makes you rethink the way you see the future. Instead of painting technology as something scary and uncontrollable, the author gives us a clear and hopeful roadmap to navigate it.
What I loved most is the WAVE framework—Watch, Adapt, Verify, Empower. It’s simple, practical, and easy to remember. It reminded me that the future isn’t something to fear—it’s something we can learn to shape. The book also blends science, philosophy, and even fiction in a way that keeps things engaging, which is not easy when writing about AI, quantum computing, or blockchain.
Another highlight for me was the human touch. From stories about cycling across Australia to reflections on Indigenous and Eastern wisdom, the book never loses sight of the values and choices that make us human. It’s not just about machines and disruption—it’s about us, our resilience, and our ability to grow.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pace of change, this book will give you confidence and clarity. Highly recommended for leaders, professionals, and anyone curious about what’s next.
Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of Change by Dr. Mark van Rijmenam is the kind of book that makes you pause and rethink how you approach the world. Change is everywhere: AI, new technologies, shifting cultures, and it’s moving faster than ever. This book doesn’t just warn you about it; it shows you how to navigate it with thoughtfulness, responsibility, and a sense of purpose.
What really stood out to me is the WAVE framework: observe, adjust, confirm, empower. It’s simple, practical, and yet deeply insightful. The examples and stories make even the most complex ideas easy to understand, and they encourage you to reflect and take action without feeling overwhelmed.
By the end, I felt less anxious about the future and more prepared to face it head-on. It’s a guide for anyone who wants to stay grounded, make smarter decisions, and even find opportunity in the uncertainty all around us. This book inspires confidence, clarity, and courage, and it’s one I know I’ll return to again and again.
Now What – How to Ride the Tsunami of Change is a timely and thought-provoking exploration of how exponential technologies are reshaping every aspect of our world. Dr. Mark Van Rijmenam brings clarity to the chaos of AI, blockchain, and the metaverse, offering readers not just a forecast of what’s coming, but a practical guide to navigating it. His ability to connect technological change with human behavior, leadership, and ethics makes this book essential reading for anyone who wants to understand, not fear, the future.
What sets this book apart is its balance of vision and pragmatism. Van Rijmenam doesn’t just tell us that change is coming, he shows us how to ride the wave with agility, responsibility, and purpose. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or simply curious about what the next decade holds, Now What delivers the insights and frameworks needed to adapt and thrive in a world of accelerating disruption. A must-read for those who want to lead with foresight and stay ahead of the curve.
How to Ride the Tsunami of Change by Mark van Rijmenam is not a book but more of a guide book through the rough times. The other aspect that the author does not factor in is the aspect of explaining how our world is being transformed by the rapidly growing technologies, the discontinuous change and transformation of the society at a pace that can not be stopped. The most curious is the freedom that he gives there: not the wave is opposed but how to ride it in a special and strong way. The book tells us that we are not to decide what tomorrow will hold but only to be prepared to deal with this change that will be extremely rapid and unpredictable by making sure that the mentality and moralities are oriented towards the same. It is not simply warning but is also an educative provision and teaches the reader that he should not overlook the concept of being a leader, responsible and a human in the world where change is the sole variable.
Dr. Mark van Rijmenam reinvents the concept of disruption in his article, Now What? He refers to technological change as a tsunami, and explains how to take its power instead of fighting it.
WAVE is the main framework that is taught, which involves observation, adaptation, values, and ethical action. The book is an amalgamation of various points of influence, business success stories, eastern philosophy, futuristic imagination, combined into a unified guide.
Such dangers as fake news, loss of privacy, and inequalities are not ignored, yet so are health care breakthroughs, education breakthroughs, or even creativity breakthroughs.
It is a warning and a wake-up call. Reflective, motivational and highly relatable, the book enables us to be successful in an era of increased uncertainty.
"Now What?" is a brilliant work of transformation in the digital world. Rijmenam breaks down the intersection of technologies, AI, blockchain, automation, and demonstrates both opportunities and threats created by them.
His book makes the change that seems so overwhelming friendly and provides the WAVE framework as a philosophy and practice.
This is unlike most books in the field of futurism since it has a foundation in ethics that constantly reminds the reader that innovation should be used to benefit humanity and not to exploit it.
All the examples combined with the stories of real-life success and old wisdom support his message: change is unavoidable, and how we react to it is our choice.
The book prepares us with the attitude and plans of not only surviving, but succeeding.
Dr. Mark van Rijmenam invites readers to a thought-provoking tour on the digital storm that is taking place today in the digital age in Now What? The book describes the ways in which generative AI, data and automation are posing both threats and opportunities.
The key point of his strategy is the WAVE framework that promotes observation, adaptation, values, and ethical action.
The key trick of this book is that it balances the risk of deepfakes, disinformation, and inequality, with demonstrating the positive role that technology plays in boosting creativity, healthcare, and education.
Combining research, philosophy and personal narratives, it questions us to not only survive, but flourish.
A realistic, creative and moving roadmap of how to sail through a change that is gaining pace.
This book is confronting relentless technological disruption. Through the principles of observe, adjust, confirm, and empower, the author equips readers to anticipate uncertainty and refine their approaches. Fusing cutting-edge developments like AI and quantum innovation with enduring philosophical lessons, the book encourages proactive reinvention. It inspires both individuals and organizations to become architects of their trajectories rather than passive participants. By emphasizing resilience, ethical judgment, and adaptive thinking, van Rijmenam transforms the challenge of rapid, unpredictable evolution into an opportunity for leadership, strategic insight, and meaningful impact in a fast-moving world.
Dr. Mark van Rijmenam’s Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of Change offers an extraordinary compass for today’s unpredictable technological landscape. The book explores AI, synthetic biology, and digital economies, balancing optimism with caution about misinformation and unintended consequences. Its WAVE framework provides a step-by-step method to reassess personal and organizational strategies, transforming uncertainty into opportunity. Written with elegance and clarity, the book inspires readers to confront self-doubt and embrace decisive action. It is not merely a guide but a blueprint for thoughtful engagement with rapid innovation. For anyone striving to thrive in this era of relentless change, this is a must-read.
This book is a brilliant exploration of the modern technological epoch by Dr. Mark van Rijmenam.
Through AI, synthetic biology, and the digital economy, society advances at unprecedented speed, often accompanied by misinformation and uncertainty. Van Rijmenam’s WAVE framework offers a structured approach to self-discovery, strategy, and decisive action amid such turbulence. The book balances visionary ideas with practical guidance, encouraging readers to convert challenges into opportunities. Its lucid style and thoughtful applications make it not only educational but deeply motivational.
For anyone seeking clarity and purpose in the whirlwind of modern innovation, this is a transformative read.
In this book Dr. Mark van Rijmenam masterfully navigates the interplay of technological revolutions and geopolitical shifts. As AI, synthetic biology, and computable economies accelerate our world, uncertainty grows. This book equips readers to transform challenges into actionable possibilities. The WAVE framework—Watch, Adapt, Verify, Empower—serves as a reflective tool, helping individuals overcome hesitation and make confident decisions. Lucid prose and carefully researched insights make complex innovations understandable. More than a guide, it is a source of inspiration, urging readers to seize potential while remaining mindful of pitfalls. Essential for leaders, thinkers, and innovators in today’s era.
In Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of Change, Dr. Mark van Rijmenam paints the landscape of the future with sweeping precision. The book captures the exhilaration and peril of rapid technological evolution, from AI breakthroughs to synthetic biology. Its WAVE methodology acts as both a lantern and a rudder, guiding readers through self-reflection, strategy, and decisive execution. What sets this work apart is its marriage of visionary foresight with grounded wisdom, turning abstract disruption into tangible opportunity. It challenges individuals and organizations alike to move beyond fear, harness creativity, and become architects of their destinies amidst the relentless currents of change.
Van Rijmenam’s masterpiece feels like a guide for modern explorers navigating the uncharted seas of technological upheaval. Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of Change transforms uncertainty into a map for action. The WAVE principles—observe, adjust, confirm, and empower—serve as instruments for steering through chaos, while insights from AI, quantum innovations, and synthetic biology provide both caution and inspiration. The writing is luminous, translating complex forces into actionable wisdom. This is not simply a book but a call to courageous reinvention, urging readers to claim agency, embrace adaptability, and emerge not merely afloat, but triumphant, amid the relentless tides of the future.
Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of Change is a compelling examination of humanity’s near-future, exploring the transformative power of AI, quantum computing, and other cutting-edge technologies. The author balances excitement about innovation with a crucial focus on ethics, environmental awareness, and adaptable legal systems. Combining thoughtful storytelling with analytical insights, the book provides a clear framework amid the constant noise of information overload. It offers both a snapshot of 2025 and a vision for the years ahead. Essential reading for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone seeking to navigate technological upheaval responsibly while maintaining humanity at the center of progress.
Dr. Mark van Rijmenam’s book is a lucid guide to understanding the rapid transformations shaping our world. Blending narrative storytelling with rigorous analysis, it highlights breakthroughs in AI, quantum computing, and emerging technologies, while emphasizing ethical responsibility, environmental inclusion, and legal agility. The book serves as a grounding point amid overwhelming information, offering perspective on both immediate and distant futures. Its thoughtful approach encourages reflection on the consequences of our choices and actions. Highly recommended for leaders, innovators, and visionaries, it reminds readers to balance ambition with humanity, providing both inspiration and clarity in a world moving at unprecedented speed.
Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of Change by Dr. Mark van Rijmenam is an enlightening journey through the currents of technological and geopolitical transformation. In an era dominated by AI, synthetic biology, and the computable economy, rapid progress often brings confusion and risk. This book guides readers to harness opportunities rather than be overwhelmed by threats or misinformation. The meticulously crafted WAVE framework—Watch, Adapt, Verify, Empower—encourages self-reflection, strategic thinking, and decisive action. With clarity and insight, van Rijmenam transforms complex concepts into practical guidance. A truly indispensable read for anyone navigating the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of technology.
Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of Change is an intellectual odyssey through the uncharted waters of modern innovation. Van Rijmenam doesn’t merely map technological currents—he illuminates the intersections of human intuition, ethics, and strategy. From AI breakthroughs to societal shifts, every insight is interwoven with practical frameworks and ancient wisdom. The WAVE paradigm equips readers to navigate turbulence with sagacity and decisiveness, transforming apprehension into agency. Success stories punctuate theory, offering tangible proof of possibility. More than foresight, the book cultivates courage, empathy, and discernment. It is a compass for anyone determined to sculpt opportunity from the maelstrom of contemporary change.
In Now What?, Van Rijmenam orchestrates a symphony of foresight, ethics, and actionable insight. The book is not content to describe disruption; it choreographs a methodology for leveraging it. Drawing from archetypal narratives, technological foresight, and real-world exemplars, the text converts anxiety into deliberate motion. Readers encounter frameworks that marry imagination with ethical vigilance, enabling both personal and organizational reinvention. It encourages envisioning futures not as distant abstractions but as landscapes to be actively shaped. Rich, multifaceted, and surprisingly poetic, this work elevates the conversation on change, urging innovators to wield creativity, empathy, and discernment as instruments of transformative leadership.
The book is a kaleidoscopic exploration of technology, humanity, and possibility. Van Rijmenam fuses futurism, philosophy, and narrative anecdote into a roadmap for navigating uncertainty with finesse. The text reframes rapid disruption as an arena for agency rather than anxiety, emphasizing strategic foresight, ethical engagement, and adaptive agility. Real-world case studies interlace with reflective guidance, creating a cadence between theory and application. Each chapter challenges readers to reconsider inertia, encouraging them to become architects of change rather than passive observers. The book is simultaneously analytical, imaginative, and morally anchored—a rare confluence in contemporary literature on innovation.
"Now What?" is very much of the present time, the progress of technology is considered to be a tidal wave that is hitting all spheres of life.
Dr. Mark van Rijmenam offers the means to surf this wave instead of sinking down the wave. He simplifies complicated issues, like AI, data, automation, and makes them more digestible.
His WAVE framework enables the readers to be creative, ethical and responsible when being an innovator. This book does not follow the many narrative tech books, it combines science and philosophy, practical and fantastical.
It demonstrates that organizations and individuals are able to succeed when they are able to embrace change in a clear and brave manner. Inspirational, idealistic and realistic, it is a road map in the making of tomorrow.
The book Now What? by Dr. Mark van Rijmenam is an alarming and encouraging handbook. It cautions that AI, automation and data-driven systems are changing our lives more rapidly than ever before. But it also reveals how people and institutions can act wisely and as courageous.
Using success stories that occur in real life and the WAVE framework, the author clarifies how to observe, adapt and act ethically in this new world. The book is based on the ideas of responsibility and innovation, being inspired by philosophy and traditions worldwide.
It puts fear into action, and provides a pragmatic, visionary approach to create a secure, abundant, and just digital future that works for all people.
The book Now What? by Dr. Mark van Rijmenam. is a product of the spirit of our digital times: overwhelming, disruptive, but promising.
The book is a description of how artificial intelligence, automation, and data are redefining the roots of society.
It does not oppose change rather calls upon us to take it up with reason and morality. The main element of this vision is the WAVE framework that simplifies and puts into practice complicated concepts.
It is a practical and philosophical book, combining futuristic science and wisdom that is older than time itself.
It identifies risks as well as demonstrating the use of technology as a force of abundance and inclusion. It is a guide to the future architects by being clear, engaging and timely.
The book Now What? by Dr. Mark van Rijmenam. is a product of the spirit of our digital times: overwhelming, disruptive, but promising.
The book is a description of how artificial intelligence, automation, and data are redefining the roots of society.
It does not oppose change rather calls upon us to take it up with reason and morality. The main element of this vision is the WAVE framework that simplifies and puts into practice complicated concepts.
It is a practical and philosophical book, combining futuristic science and wisdom that is older than time itself.
It identifies risks as well as demonstrating the use of technology as a force of abundance and inclusion. It is a guide to the future architects by being clear, engaging and timely.
Now What? is a book of transparency in an age of confusion. Dr. Mark van Rijmenam describes how colliding technologies such as AI and automation are transforming the world.
He draws the analogy of the tsunami being mighty, uncontrollable but manageable with the correct equipment. His WAVE model demonstrates to the readers how they can react in a thoughtful and ethical way.
The book is filled with cautions regarding disinformation, inequality, and privacy and hope regarding innovation, progress, and abundance. It is a mixture of science, philosophy, and life experience into pragmatic approaches.
This book is accessible and inspiring and offers a roadmap that individuals, organizations, and communities can follow to leverage disruption to opportunities and survive in uncertainty.
"Now What?" In a world that is shaken by constant disruption. provides a steady anchor. Mark van Rijmenam refers to this as a tsunami- and rather than being afraid, Mark gives lessons on how to surf.
His WAVE model stresses that wisdom, flexibility, vision and morality should collaborate to drive innovation.
He uses approachable narratives and critical thinking to demonstrate the way individuals and organizations can use generative AI, data and automation to make progress without losing their humanity.
The genius of the book is that it is optimistic but cautious: there can be an abundant future, but it has to be created with good character. An indispensable book to progressive thinkers.
1 :- "Now What?" The book by Dr. Mark van Rijmenam is a book that must be read by anyone who is not able to see through the current disruption that digital is causing. The book demonstrates that AI, automation, and data are redefining the societal rules, often at a pace with which we are unable to keep up.
The author however does not encourage us to freak out but rather to ride this wave with honesty. He gives useful observation, adaptation, and ethical action steps through his WAVE framework.
The book is a combination of world wisdom, research, and practical examples of both threats and opportunities.
It is both motivating and practical, a challenge to people, teams, and leaders to succeed in the era of the ever-increasing change.
2 : - Now What? by Dr. Mark van Rijmenam. is a digital future roadmap, as well as a blueprint. It describes how generative AI, data and exponential technologies are disrupting industries, governments and day to day lives.
The core is the WAVE framework that takes the fear of disruption and changes it into adaptation and growth strategies.
The book is a combination of science in the present and wisdom in the past, with values and ethics as well as innovation.
It recognizes such challenges as deepfakes, misinformation, and inequality but also glorifies such breakthroughs in healthcare, creativity, and knowledge.
It is straightforward, interesting and motivating and it enables the reader to be responsible enough and create a future of promise.
Exploring Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of Change is like stepping into a laboratory of possibilities. Initially drawn by the technological forecasts, I found myself captivated by its emphasis on human insight and thoughtful judgment. The narrative inspires curiosity, urging readers to reconsider assumptions and embrace responsibility while guiding teams through unpredictable landscapes. Concepts of reflection, collaboration, and intentional action flow seamlessly, showing how decisions ripple across people and projects. This book doesn’t merely inform—it provokes, motivates, and illuminates paths for creative problem-solving. A transformative companion for anyone eager to navigate the unknown with wisdom and foresight.
Diving into Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of Change feels like exploring a vibrant ecosystem of ideas. Initially focused on technological revolutions, the book quickly reveals a deeper lesson: leadership is rooted in awareness, empathy, and ethical clarity. It encourages embracing uncertainty while fostering collaboration, ingenuity, and strategic insight. Chapters pulse with practical guidance and thought-provoking reflections, highlighting the impact of intentional actions on teams and organizations. Rather than merely observing change, readers are invited to shape it consciously. The result is an inspiring, energizing read that equips anyone willing to act boldly, responsibly, and creatively in a rapidly evolving world.