In this episode of The Global Discussion podcast, Host Simon Hodgkins discusses the future with Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, the visionary known as The Digital Speaker. Dr. van Rijmenam is not just forecasting tomorrow's technologies—he's actively shaping them. With groundbreaking insights into AI, digital twins, and the convergence of advanced tech, his expertise is a must-have for anyone eager to stay ahead in our ever-evolving digital world. This conversation is packed with revelations that will change your thoughts about the future. Meet Dr. Mark van Rijmenam Dr. Mark van Rijmenam is a digital futurist and keynote speaker renowned for his ability to help Fortune 500 companies and governments navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape. As a Global Speaking Fellow at the Global Speakers Federation and an honorary advisor on the metaverse for The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation, his expertise is widely recognized and sought after. Dr. van Rijmenam has authored several influential books, including "Future Visions: A Human-Machine Collaboration on the Potential of Technology." His unique perspective combines optimism with a realistic view of the potential pitfalls and challenges that new technologies might bring. The World's Only Digital Futurist One of the most intriguing aspects of Dr. van Rijmenam's work is his creation of a digital twin—an AI-powered replica of himself. This digital twin can engage with audiences via text, audio, and video in 29 languages. As he explains, this development directly responded to the pandemic's impact on his speaking engagements and is a testament to his commitment to practicing what he preaches about embracing cutting-edge technologies. "Having a digital twin allows me to be available anytime, anywhere," says Dr. van Rijmenam. "It's trained on around 5 million words from my books, articles, podcasts, and other content, ensuring it provides responses nearly identical to what I would say in person." Future Wise: Democratising Knowledge In addition to his work as a futurist, Dr. van Rijmenam is the driving force behind Future Wise, a media company dedicated to turning high-quality AI content into hyper-personalized daily insights. Future Wise aims to combat information overload and misinformation by providing trustworthy, relevant content tailored to individual preferences. The Convergence of AI and Quantum Computing Dr. van Rijmenam predicts that artificial general intelligence (AGI) and quantum computing will become realities within the next decade, fundamentally transforming various aspects of society. Preparing for a Digital Future Dr. van Rijmenam's message is clear: organizations must integrate AI into their operations now. "The AI train has left the station. By 2030, there will be two types of companies: those that use AI and those that don't exist," he warns. He emphasizes the need for businesses to experiment with AI tools and prepare for the transformative changes ahead. Looking Ahead As a digital futurist, Dr. van Rijmenam's work is crucial for helping organizations and individuals understand and prepare for the future. His initiatives, such as Future Wise and his digital twin, exemplify how innovative thinking can drive progress and adaptation in a rapidly changing world. Follow The Global Discussion on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, and more! Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from Creatives, Leaders, and Thinkers on The Global Discussion. Join the newsletter for updates on new episodes. To support The Global Discussion, please visit: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/globaldiscuss Watch or listen to The Global Discussion Web: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠ Audio Podcast: ⁠Spotify⁠ | ⁠Google⁠ | ⁠Apple⁠ Video Podcast: ⁠https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/TGD-YouTube⁠ Follow us on LinkedIn/Social Media ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/theglobaldiscussion⁠⁠ Others: X, Instagram, and Facebook