Book Review: Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of Change by Dr. Mark van Rijmenam

Change today feels like it’s happening faster than we can blink—AI launches, new tech trends, shifting workplaces, global uncertainty. In the middle of this storm, Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of Change by Dr. Mark van Rijmenam caught my attention. It’s not just another book about technology; it’s a guide to finding clarity and courage when the world seems overwhelming.

What Makes This Book Stand Out?

What struck me right away was the blend of storytelling, research, and real-life lessons. Dr. Van Rijmenam doesn’t overwhelm the reader with jargon. Instead, he mixes fiction, philosophy, and practical insights to make big ideas accessible. One of my favorite parts was how he wove in a fictional narrative set in the future, which makes abstract concepts feel real. It’s not just theory—you actually get to see what tomorrow might look like.

At the heart of the book is his WAVE framework—Watch, Adapt, Verify, Empower. I found this simple yet powerful. It’s like a toolkit anyone can use to face uncertainty. Instead of fearing disruption, the framework encourages us to scan for signs of change, adapt quickly, double-check our assumptions, and empower ourselves and others to act. Reading it made me reflect on how often I react to change with resistance rather than curiosity.

My Thoughts About Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of Change

The book also goes beyond technology. Yes, it dives into AI, robotics, quantum computing, blockchain, and biotech. But what I appreciated most was how Dr. Van Rijmenam connected these innovations to humanity, ethics, and values. He asks tough questions: How do we balance progress with responsibility? How do we ensure technology serves everyone, not just a few? These are questions that feel urgent today, and his answers are thoughtful without being preachy.

Another thing I loved is how the book doesn’t just focus on risks—it also inspires hope. So many discussions about the future lean into fear, but Now What? invites us to imagine opportunities. For instance, the chapters on education and human capital made me think differently about how we should prepare ourselves and future generations. Instead of a rigid degree that becomes outdated, he talks about lifelong learning and flexible skills—a vision that feels much closer to reality every day.

The storytelling kept me engaged throughout. From cycling across Australia to raise money for cancer research to exploring Indigenous wisdom and Taoist philosophy, Dr. Van Rijmenam shares experiences that humanize the complex world of tech. It reminded me that behind every algorithm and breakthrough are people, stories, and choices.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. If you’ve ever felt anxious about the pace of change, this book can shift that fear into empowerment. It’s a must-read not just for business leaders or tech enthusiasts, but for anyone curious about where we’re headed and how to prepare. Get your copy of the book here.

About the Author

Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, known as the world’s #1 futurist, is an award-winning global keynote speaker and six-time author. Often known as The Digital Speaker, he has pioneered innovations from virtual reality keynotes to creating a digital twin of himself. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice and one of Salesforce’s leading voices on AI, Dr. Van Rijmenam combines deep technological expertise with a human-centered approach. His mission is to help individuals and organizations not just anticipate the future but actively shape it with responsibility and vision.