“The future is about being imaginative, not about being right”. John Bensalhia talks to entrepreneur and TFM keynote speaker Igor Beuker about why technology and innovation has transformed advertising and marketing forever
March 1973. A hugely popular TV show starring Lee Majors makes its debut. The Six Million Dollar Man was watched by millions around the world, including a young Igor Beuker, a moment that left a lasting impression on the future entrepreneur.
“As a kid, I watched TV series The Six Million Dollar Man, in which astronaut Steve Austin crashed his space ship and next he was rebuilt as a cyborg,” says Igor. “Looking back at my life, that’s where my fascination for technology and science fiction comes from.”
It might have also planted the first seeds for Igor’s purpose, which he says is to inspire the idea that people can and should use technology as force for good and positive change.
“Through technology, we can cure diseases and save the environment, expedite education, exchange knowledge and create equal opportunities for everyone on Earth,” he says. “My dream is to make science fiction a reality.”
Igor recalls how his fortunes changed in his 20s, after he was kicked out of professional football and expelled from University.
“Age 25, I was a complete misfit. I fell in love with marketing and the Internet and transformed myself into a radical marketing visionary and modern-day serial entrepreneur. I’ve also become one of the prominent speakers in the international business speaking circuit.”