A reluctant futurist and curiosopher. As we project toward an uncertain future, we must grasp emerging technologies firmly and skillfully navigate multiple perspectives. Only through such mastery can we design the tomorrow of our dreams—a world where possibilities abound and innovation knows no bounds.My journey toward this understanding took a profound turn on September 11, 2021, when I faced a life-threatening illness. After 21 sleepless nights and rapid weight loss, I ended up in urgent care, where I was given just one day to live. Following five rounds of chemotherapy and swelling to 215 pounds, I decided to seek alternatives that weren’t life-threatening. I focused on longevity through diet and nutrition, embraced future technologies to find a reason to live, and cultivated resilience through yoga, chi gung, meditation, and hypnosis. These efforts led me to remission, allowing me to continue writing books and building The Future Center.As a reluctant futurist, founder, and author, I believe in demonstrating my ideals through action. My interest in emerging tech began at a technology incubator for my startup at TVC in Los Alamos Labs. This experience sparked a passion for digital assets, leading me to Silicon Valley, where I installed the first Bitcoin ATM in the U.S. Obsessed with identifying emerging tech, I offered design thinking sprints to several Y Combinator-backed companies, which led to writing my first book as a futurist and building products to serve emerging markets. My work covers artificial intelligence, deep fakes, blockchain, digital assets, and using science fiction to anticipate the future.I’ve led workshops at Stanford and U.K.T.I. for C-suite executives from J.P. Morgan, Apple, and Kissinger Associates. I’ve also hosted senior members of the U.K. Cabinet and even royalty (though not of the British variety, I should clarify).During the pandemic, I pushed my limits further by training to become an astronaut and applying to the European Space Agency. Though I wasn’t selected, the experience provided a glimpse into the immense effort required to propel humanity toward a Type 2 civilization.With a global outlook and diverse life experiences from living in cities like LDN, NY, ROME, FFM, and LA, I believe that service to others is the key to unlocking one’s full potential. And with that sense of purpose, I can weather any adversity that comes my way.Twitter: @markmwhelanU.S. Permanent Resident Holder and British & Irish Citizenship.