How I Made It: ‘I’m a trends futurist – and I know what your life will look like’

He studied historical past then turned fascinated by the long run (Image: Daniel Levine)

Welcome again to How I Made It, Metro.co.uk’s weekly profession journey collection.

This week we’re talking with Daniel Levine, 46, a traits knowledgeable based mostly between London and New York.

His life’s work is in looking forward to see what’s arising, predicting social and cultural actions for corporations, tourism board and shoppers.

Daniel splits his time between presenting as a keynote speaker and consulting, which implies travelling usually and talking to purchasers the world over.

His journey began with a fascination in historical past, however after working for a journey guidebook firm, discovered the long run was the place he’d make his residing.

After 9 years of absorbing traits and growing a repute for at all times having one of the best suggestions, he arrange his personal firm as a traits futurist.

Right here’s how he made it occur.

I learn historical past in college then bought my first dream job writing journey guidebooks to cities all over the world.

Discovering the newest happenings in world cities allowed me to witness traits rising in eating places, inns, outlets and tradition.

It’s useful to have a broad background and be a generalist in a world of specialists.

I used to be 22 after I began researching and writing journey guidebooks. I ended doing this at 31 after I arrange my very own firm.

I’ve at all times been the go-to man when mates ask for suggestions.

Talking of which, you’d love Estonia.

‘I realised I had distinctive abilities and data that companies had been keen to pay for’ (Image: Daniel Levine)

I bought hooked the primary time I used to be talking at a convention and noticed proverbial lightbulbs go on over the heads of viewers members as they rushed to jot down concepts impressed by the brand new traits they had been discovering.

That’s an endlessly-rewarding dopamine shot for me each time.

I put collectively a crew writing and researching traits reviews.

Then I picked up the telephone, made a great deal of chilly calls, and bought some talking jobs and that led to consultancy work.

I focused corporations and associations that had been having occasions as a result of I knew that they would wish audio system.

I realised I had distinctive abilities and data that companies had been keen to pay for.

That’s after I noticed a pattern for myself and co-created the Avant-Information Institute, a traits consultancy with a worldwide pattern recognizing community.

At this time, my favourite work is as a keynote speaker, presenting to corporations and conferences all over the world.

A median day within the working lifetime of Daniel Levine

6am: Get up, verify Wikitrends and do Wordle with espresso.

7am: Digest the newest traits reviews.

10am: He’ll then train and clear his head earlier than having lunch.

Working as a keynote speaker (Image: Daniel Levine)

1pm: Assembly along with his crew.

2pm: Work on upcoming talking gigs, from rehearsing to writing.

6pm: The work day is over and it’s time to make dinner.

You could present up – and it’s so true.

Most individuals don’t put within the work. Present up and be somebody who could be relied upon.

I like studying about all of the cool issues persons are doing.

Then I get to place it in context to assist folks be artistic and anticipate what’s subsequent.

When touring, I miss my spouse.

How I Made It