Michael is a transformational speaker who tracks trends to inspire businesses around the world. He developed his ability to ride emerging waves early at ad agency icons DDB and Chiat/Day, and then used those talents to help pioneer such emerging trends as desktop publishing, personal communication, Internet research and online marketing. Now he has combined branded entertainment and social media in an ubercool start-up that aims to reinvent America.
Michael is in the midst of some rather exciting projects. Check out our interview below to learn more:
CE: What initially sparked your interest in innovative products and trends?
MT: I have been always an early wave runner so to speak, but it wasn’t until a close friend pointed out that I was a trendsetter, due to the type of businesses I had built as an entrepreneur that that realization finally sank in. Once I became a public speaker focused on trend analysis, that passion only accelerated and I’m now fully immersed in the task of reinventing America by doubling our spending on innovation.
Can you tell me a little more about the services that Ubercool offers?
The company has been operating in stealth mode since 2005 but that is about to end as we finally launch two major efforts designed to inspire and motivate. The elevator pitch is that Ubercool a next-generation branded entertainment start-up that leverages social media to propel its vision of spreading creativity and good vibes. The first service is an “innovation unconference” that I plan to launch here in Atlanta this September. The second project is a similarly inspirational effort that seeks to reunite the Baby Boom generation through music.
You have been working with cutting edge content since 1987. How has the information landscape changed in the past 22 years?
I’m always amazed that I got anything done five years ago! I just can’t even begin to contemplate how to look for directions without Google Maps, or being able to fire up a search engine to make yourself an instant expert on any topic. The world has changed remarkably since my first start-up. And, as I tell anyone who cares to listen, the world will change even more dramatically in the next 20, as the technology for reinvention and innovation places even more powerful tools in the hands of everyone.
When you deliver a presentation or speech, what major point do you want your audience to take away?
I sincerely believe that we stand at the threshold of yet another revolution. One that will shower us with opportunity and wealth. It’s hard to believe when you look around and see what is happening today that these changes will sweep society, but they will. And I’m going to make it happen faster by launching my own innovation “crusade” — one that will traverse the country over a two-year period. My mission is to help people grasp the future better and turn it into seachange shift of market-borne momentum for themselves.
What is one particularly interesting trend or development you have encountered lately?
Like everyone else I love social media. I love that it has connected us at a higher level. But what excites me even more is that its potential is but 10% explored. I believe that the next generation of social media will revolutionize our ability to connect, find love and happiness and grow powerful entities. You have to wonder how a medium that is barely seven years old was able to create Facebook, which has more users than 20 Readers Digest magazines combined, the former media audience champion. It’s facts like these that one has to let sink in for a moment to realize how vast the opportunities our new ways of socially engaging with one another will provide in the very near future.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I love to engage with people, which is why I’m always excited when I embark on my weekly road tour. Nothing sparks the imagination more than the interaction with people who live in the same ecosphere as you do. That’s why I’m so excited about the future. There will be amazing new ways these interactions will be enhanced and I, for one, simply can’t wait. I also like to travel. Nothing vaults the spirit forward more than exploring strange horizons. We should have a government program that allows children of disadvantaged homes to travel for a week to anywhere. It will be a life-changing experience they’ll never forget.
What are your favorite trend research resources?
I subscribe to about about 30 RSS feeds, ranging from The New York Times, USA Today and UK Guardian to Engadget and CNET to Smashing Magazine and The Purse Blog. I wish I could inject information directly into my veins, but unfortunately the 800, or so, headliness I scan each day will just have to do. I see this information challenge as another opportunity for greater knowledge intake in the near future. Meanwhile, I hunch over my 20 daily e-mail zines and try to lick my data wounds.
Do you have any additional tips for aspiring trend spotters?
Yes, Carpe Diem! Be visible. Network. Tweet. Connect with other brilliant minds. Play with toys. Burn that bridge with those negative-thinking friends. Do what you love and love what you do. The future is here.
I agree with Michael that we are on the cusp of some very major change, and am rather intrigued in the two year crusade he has in store. To be sure, Tchong is both a trend spotter and trend setter that we’ll want to keep an eye on!
[Thanks Michael!]
