Choose your own course in our ever-changing world!
Much has been said and written about the future. Concerning major changes and challenges set to happen in the 21st century and the uncertainty that will come with these. No wonder that many of us worry about the future. But should we?
Imagine the future being more fun and fascinating than we expect it to be?
Once Upon a Future is a fascinating expedition into a world we all long for. An intense experiencing of and confrontation with our limiting beliefs. For pessimists, optimists and realists. For idealists and activists. For anyone interested in the future. Simply, because it is so fascinating and relevant.
Once Upon a Future will bring more clarity to your future and offers concrete hope for a better world. Years of research provide us with the most current insights and connections between all things that affect our lives in the future and make it worthwhile. This book will take you on a journey, offering you answers to old and new questions. What will the emerging future have in store for you? How should you prepare for this future, which opportunities will come knock at your door, and how will you seize them?
Breathtaking, grand, and all-encompassing – Once Upon a Future not only rewrites the intention, but also sheds new light onto the future of everything and everyone. And how you yourself can bring this about.
Join us on a journey and connect with the emerging future. Discover how you can actively contribute and enhance your personal and professional life. It is captivating, exciting, and challenging. Because it does matter!
What is it all about?
Clarity about the future
Once Upon a Future is the most comprehensive book written on the topic of the future.
It is unique in its connections between topics and content clarity. An accessible piece of writing that is both captivating and remarkably relevant.
“Gripping, organized and remarkably clear.”
Concrete hope for a better world
We shall pay the price and thus create a world that we all long for.
Forget about the climate crisis, the political instability, and all other challenges. Equipped with the right insights and lots of energy, we will work toward a next phase in our civilization.
“Awakening, pure, and intensely desiring”
The future is brighter and more beautiful than we think
Never before was our future as exciting as it is unclear. How can you turn insecurity and fear into an ally?
Radical dependency will help us make the difference. By thinking bigger and doing smaller. Step by step we will come closer to our goal.
“Gives direction and stimulation”
Seizing opportunities that are yet invisible
To see new opportunities, we should let go of our prejudices and restricting convictions.
Am I ready for the future, and which mindset is aligned with the 21st century? How can I connect with the future ahead of me and what will it bring me?
“Confronting, inquiring, and reflective”
Turbulent times and change are okay
People want to change and are capable of doing so, but don’t wish to be changed. But how should you change?
If you are lacking a plan of your own, you will instead end up working toward the plans of others. How do you stay in control and what do you wish to bring to others?
“The right change will bring true progress”
What about you? Will you watch from the sideline, or will you jump in?
The transformation into a next phase within our civilization is inevitable and irreversible.
Are you the victim to external circumstances or are you the creator of your personal future? How will you make the difference and what will you contribute?
“I will engage because it gives me pleasure and it is important”
Once Upon a Future is the most comprehensive book written on the topic of the future.
It is unique in its connections between topics and content clarity. An accessible piece of writing that is both captivating and remarkably relevant.
“Gripping, organized and remarkably clear.”
We shall pay the price and thus create a world that we all long for.
Forget about the climate crisis, the political instability, and all other challenges. Equipped with the right insights and heaps of energy, we will work toward a next phase in our civilization.
“Awakening, pure, and intensely desiring”
Never before was our future as exciting as it is unclear. How can you turn insecurity and fear into an ally?
Radical dependency will help us make the difference. By thinking bigger and doing smaller. Step by step we will come closer to our goal.
“Gives direction and stimulation”
To see new opportunities, we should let go of our prejudices and restricting convictions.
Am I ready for the future, and which mindset is aligned with the 21st century? How can I connect with the future ahead of me and what will it bring me?
“Confronting, inquiring, and reflective”
People want to change and are capable of doing so, but don’t wish to be changed. But how should you change?
If you are lacking a plan of your own, you will instead end up working toward the plans of others. How do you stay in control and what do you wish to bring to others?
“The right change will bring true progress”
The transformation into a next phase within our civilization is inevitable and irreversible.
Are you the victim to external circumstances or are you the creator of your personal future? How will you make the difference and what will you contribute?
“I will engage because it gives me pleasure and it is important”
To achieve your goal of becoming an Olympic champion, you must work together in radical dependence. This also goes for creating a better world. This is exactly what Ruud Veltenaar and Leen Zevenbergen demonstrate in their book. A must-read!
If not me, then who?
If not now, then when?
If not here, then where?
Leen and Ruud bring a complete and fascinating overview of all the challenges and changes unfolding in the 21st century. The full context is quite enlightening. For all of us, a captivating guide to creating a better world
If you are not confused, you do not think about the future often enough.
Climate change, emerging technologies and other great transitions. The world is changing rapidly and radically. The two authors have written an optimistic and comprehensible book, written in clear terms and with great depth. The reader will better understand what is happening around him and how he can embark on his own path toward a better and brighter future.
We need to encourage leaders to move towards what we all know is good….
Working together toward a new world will fill your life with joy. Even more so when you realize that the world as we know it has come to an end. Do not delay, we do not have much time. This book can guide you along.
We live in soap bubbles that are beautiful, but also unreal…
Realizing Paradise on earth has been my goal for many years. With this exceptional book, Leen and Ruud have created a beautifully contemporary dashboard of the great turnaround. Especially the cohesion between elements is powerful and unique. Entrepreneurial individuals are offered the tools to create their own future. A dream without a plan will forever remain just that.
If no one is to blame, everybody is to blame…
Zevenbergen and Veltenaar possess a staggering amount of knowledge and a fascinating vision of our dawning future. Together they hold an indestructible faith in humanity and their initial motivations. Rarely has a book had such an impact on me and inspired me to take action.
Get to know yourself and other people. Listen and expand the circle of ideas and change….
The future is much more exciting and enjoyable than most people believe. Key is to approach it with care and wisdom.
About the authors
Serial entrepreneur, Leader and creator of European Sustainability Platform, TED speaker, and successful writer.
Author of management bestsellers, founder of leading edge technology companies, and one of the founding fathers of the European Sustainability Platform. Leen gives inspiring keynotes, workshops and leader retreats discussing the greater challenges and transformations of the 21st century.
In 1985, following his degree in Economics and Accounting, he established the first Dutch Artificial Intelligence company, named Bolesian. Leen emerged as a true serial entrepreneur when he founded around twenty more companies in the Netherlands and abroad, in Technology, Trade, and Sports. Leen was also considered a thought leader and director at larger international companies such as Roccade and Origin.
Since 1996, he has been combining his passion for launching new projects with sustainable entrepreneurship. He became chairman of the European branch of Sustainable Entrepreneurs, named ‘Social Venture Network’, and in 2013 founded B Lab Europe, the worldwide network of B Corps.
Leen’s passion is to create companies that operate in a sustainable manner, within a world in which disruption and uncertainty are the only stable factors.
His motto: “Sustainability @ the speed of passion”
Philosopher, TED speaker, progressor, endowed professor and inspirer of transformation
One of the world’s most influential future thinkers. Presents hundreds of inspirements and lectures every year on all five continents. Speaks to world leaders, directors, entrepreneurs. About a world in transformation into a next phase in our civilization.
Ruud inspires people and organizations to contribute toward creating a world that each of us longs for. His vision and interventions are charged with energy and bring about awareness, longing, connection, and action.
As a philosopher, scientist, scientivist and former serial entrepreneur, he simply separates the sense from the nonsense. His proven track record as an entrepreneur, director and impact investor is impressive. Ruud was the (co)founder of Planet Internet, Park-line, Parkmobile, and the director and impact investor at Net Ventures.
His motto: ‘Good People, Doing Good.’