Adjiedj Bakas

Biography of Trendwatcher Adjiedj Bakas

"If you can't laugh, don't start a shop" is the motto of trendwatcher Adjiedj Bakas (1963). Identifying economic, technological, demographic, environmental, spiritual and security trends has been his core business all his life. He is of Indian origin yet was born and raised in Latin-America and lives in Europe for more than 28 years now. In The Netherlands where he currently lives, he was elected 'Immigrant Businessman of the year in 2008' and 'Trendwatcher of the Year 2009'. He blends a unique style and identity which is Indian, European and Latino at the same time. He sold more than 500.000 books worldwide and was one of the first to predict the current economic crisis...and the way to recovery.

The media-savvy Adjiedj Bakas is known as an exciting, stimulating, expert, humorous, visionary, entertaining and therefore much sought-after speaker at conferences and other gatherings. He combines knowledge with entertainment and thus delivers 'infotainment', garnering a great deal of publicity in influential media at home and abroad. According to the press he is 'optimistic' (CNN), 'a true citizen of the world' (Times of India), 'engaging' (BBC), 'inspiring' (The Guardian), 'very knowledgable and with star appeal' (China Daily) and 'provocative' (TV2 Magazine Denmark).

Sudesh Maheshwari, Member of the group Board of ArcelorMittal says: 'I enjoy discussions with Adjiedj Bakas, who is really challenging your mind.' Professor Wang Jianmao, one of China's leading economists and economic consultant to the central government in Beijing says, 'His books may change your life.'

Adjiedj Bakas has written authoritative books, such as 'Beyond the Crisis' (about the future of capitalism), 'World Megatrends' (about the future of humanity) and 'Living without Oil' (co-authored with fellow trendwatcher Rob Creemers). All his books are currently being translated into Chinese.

He lectures for small audiences, as the Boards of multinationals (DSM, Corus/Tata, ABN AMRO Bank, ING Bank, Rabobank etc.), audiences from 50-100 people (Deloitte, Apple, Microsoft, Pepsi, KPMG, the Parliaments of Hungary, the government of Austria etc.) and large audiences of up to 1.000 people. In The Netherlands he hosts his own TV-show about the future which is also to be broadcast in China soon. He lectures for companies, governments and universities, as for example CEIBS (China Europe International Business School) in Shanghai, the number 8 MBA in the world according to the Financial Times. His books are used at CEIBS and at Emory University in Atlanta (US), 'the Harvard of the South'.

Themes which he might address in his lectures are:

* How to use the opportunities of the current world economic crisis?

* How can companies make utmost of 'economic warfare' in these times?

* Leadership in the transfer to the new energy economy.

* What to do when too many people want too much?

* Demographics and their consequences for business.

* Leadership for tomorrow.

* Ethics and business spirituality.

With roots in three continents he is in fact at home everywhere. He is widely travelled and erudite and combines expertise and knowledge with a strong sense of humour. He is a passionate art collector.

www.bakas.com