Fredrik Härén's Blog, page 46

News for August

Looking Back

In August Fredrik was in Sweden enjoying his time on his island. But he also took the time to speak for some schools. He spoke for 2000+ students at Jōnkōping University. After the speech the client wrote “You are a Rockstar here now!”

He also spoke for the new 150 students at HyperIsland school in Stockholm. One student summarised the speech as: “It was a bloody great speech!” Finally he spoke for all the teachers at the largest private school company in Sweden. After the speech one teacher wrote “You are an amazing speaker and you truly inspire people- including me!”

To be able to inspire students – and teachers – to become more creative is one of the most rewarding parts of being a speaker. If you know of a school that would benefit from a speech from Fredrik please let me know, he would love to come and help out.

 

 

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News for July.

This month I am in the middle of a 9 week tour of all 3 Ideas Islands.

I started with a one week stay on Ideas Island 1 in the Philippines.

I then spent one week on Ideas Island 2

And I am now on a 4 week stay on Ideas Island 3 before going back to Ideas Island 2.

9 weeks on Ideas Islands: an overdose of creative inspiration and quality of life.

Spending the days getting inspired by nature, contemplating ideas in the serenity of being isolated on an island and enjoying the feeling of how life slows down.

That means 9 weeks (whereof 6 weeks in a row) of no traveling, no speaking, no clients. And a minimal of work.

Yesterday I went to the Abba Museum in Stockholm and learnt that Bjorn and Benny of Abba wrote almost all of their hits on a small island outside Stockholm. In a video Benny said: “Being on tour kills creativity.” I think he, like me, are of the opinion that traveling the world is great for inspiration that can LEAD to ideas – but the ideas will not COME unless you give yourself time to unwind, relax and slow down.

So after speaking in 23 different countries in 2012 and jetting around in the same way in 2013 I am now in a contemplation phase consisting of 9 weeks on Ideas Islands.

If you also want to experience the unique feeling of spending time on any of the Ideas Islands click on the Ideas Island link and apply for a chance to stay.

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News for June

 

What does baby food producers in France and logistics centres in China have in common?

How is a MBA class in Singapore connected to mobile phone developers in Taiwan?

And what does all that have to do with a japanese company committed to becoming a truly global company?

Well they where all examples of groups that I spoke for in June.

By being a global speaker on business creativity I do not only speak on creativity and global business – I also get to learn from businesses around the world, and in all kinds of industries, how they are using creativity and innovation to improve.

That is what I love with this job.

 

That I can stand and speak to a group of global managers from Danone on a wine yard in the south of France on day before jumping on a plane to go to the Philippines.

 

That I can fly in to Taipei to learn about how HTC is developing their new smart phone and the next day speak at the Global Technology Conference for clients of DHL.

 

Or how I can spend on day in Tokyo first speaking for a very interesting japanese company  and then going out with clients and have a traditional japanese dinner.

 

So June was another month full of different impressions from around the world giving me inspiration and teaching me many new things.

July will be something totally different.

The post News for June appeared first on Inspiring Ideas.

News for May

May was a months with less than normal travel for Fredrik.

Yet he still managed to go to: Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Philippines and Singapore for work.

The theme of the month can be called “Learning” as many of his assignments this month was about learning in one way or another.

Like how he was the opening speaker at the first course by HyperIsland in Singapore.

Or how he was invited to speak at the European Union about the importance of play.

Or how he spoke for 600 kindergarten teachers about creativity and learning.

Or how he was invited to speak about being a global citizen at a seminar at Oslo University.

But the most fun part was probably flying to Sweden to receive the keys to our third Ideas Island and being able to kick-start the island by having a guest stay there the very first month of operation.

The guest was very happy with his stay. So lets end with his quote from the island:

“I had the opportunity to stay a few days at the ideas island #3 (Vifärnaholme) in Sweden and it was a very special and great experience. I stayed 4 days at the island to write on my new book ‘Less is beautiful’ and got a lot of inspiration and a lot of work done thanks to the island. There are not a lot of distractions from the ‘busyness world’ so I could really focus on your goal + if I got stuck, I explored the island and everytime I found a new ‘secret’ place to get inspired. Absolutely recommended if you’re looking for silence, concentration and making ideas happen.”

- Cyriel Kortleven

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News for April

In April Fredrik visited 6 countries for work:

Malaysia

Indonesia

Singapore

Philippines

China

and

Poland.

He got to speak to many diverse groups, from marketing professionals at a Marketing conference in Warsaw, to country heads for SEA for NIKE at a conference in Jakarta and for treasury clients of CITI in Singapore and many more.

He got to speak for a government body (MIDA in KL), for corporate clients (on a speech about “One World. One Company.” in China) and creatives (in Poland.)

Perhaps the most interesting assignment was to be flown in to Shanghai to be the keynote speaker as the Swedish Business Association celebrated 15 years. Fredrik did a speech at the dinner on the differences in creativity between different cultures. Having spoken on creativity in – now – 47 countries, it is safe to say that he has some experience to draw from.

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Ideas Island #3 (Svanholmen, Stockholm, Sweden)

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General info about Ideas Island.

Ideas Island was created as a safe haven for creatives. A place made to inspire and motivate people with great ideas to make those ideas happen. Created to give creative people the time and space needed to sit down and focus on their ideas – while at the same time feeling great. And to let them stay on the island without having to pay us anything.

So in short: You get your own private island that you can stay on for up to two weeks and you do not pay us anything. (You only have to pledge to give US$ 1.000 to a charity of our choice.)

If you get to go you have the whole island for yourself, so you can be alone with your ideas.

Why is Fredrik Härén doing this?

Because:

1) Fredrik knows that the best ideas come when you are alone in a relaxing place, which makes private islands perfect for idea generation.

2) Fredrik feels that it is wrong to charge people to stay on the islands. He does not want to make money on your creative process.

Ideas Island is his way of giving back to the world. A way of encouraging creativity. And he is happy to take the cost of running and developing the three Ideas Islands.

If you feel the urge to get away to a private island to sit and develop some great ideas, then read the rest of the information here and feel free to apply to be one of the lucky ones that get to go.

About Ideas Island #3 (Svanholmen, Stockholm, Sweden)

Ideas Island #3 is a tiny private island of just 2 000 sqm,located very close to Stockholm, Sweden. It is perfect for a creative person who wants an island that is both secluded and yet full of energy. All the boats and ships going into Stockholm pass by the island, close enough to inspire you, but far away to keep your privacy.

The island is home to many different kind of birds, and fittingly enough – since the name of the island is “Svanholmen” – even a pair of Swans live there.

Ideas Island #3 is where Fredrik Härén spends most of his time. When he is not there you get a chance to experience this unique place.

The house.

There are a number of small houses on the island and if you add up the floor space on all of them you get more than 100 sqm. The main house is designed by Alexander Lervik and built to resemble a birds nest.

The main house is modern, while the other houses on the island are classic, Swedish summer houses painted in red. (The oldest house is from 1917.)

Since the island is tiny there is not running fresh water (only sea water), and only a dry toilet, and all the electricity comes from solar cells. (Drinking water is easily collected in a tap on land after a 3 minute rowing trip in the rowing boat.)

The view from the 40 sqm veranda on top of the main house is magical.

How to apply to stay on Ideas Island #2, Vifärnaholme, Stockholm, Sweden

Want to stay at Ideas Island #2?

Please email us at ideasisland@interesting.org.

1) write your name & email.

2) Add a short message about who you are and why you want to stay at the island

3) Tell us which week (or weeks) you would like to go and how many you will be coming.

4) Confirm that you are willing to pledge US$ 1.000 to charity.

Ideas Island – Make your ideas come true.

Please note!

Entries that doesn’t have ALL of the 4 above points answered will NOT be processed.

Please understand that since we we do this for FREE we ONLY have time and resources to handle enquries that are complete and that include all required information. If you are serious about wanting to go, then enter as much information as possible. Thank you.

If you have any questions you can contact us at ideasisland@interesting.org or call +65 96330421. (Singapore time.)

We prefer email.

ps. Watch this official Youtube video about Stockholm and at 2.07 (!) you get to see an arial view of Ideas Island #3.

The post Ideas Island #3 (Svanholmen, Stockholm, Sweden) appeared first on Inspiring Ideas.

Ideas Island #2 (Vifärnaholme, Stockholm, Sweden)

General info about Ideas Island.

Ideas Island was created as a safe haven for creatives. A place made to inspire and motivate people with great ideas to make those ideas happen. Created to give creative people the time and space needed to sit down and focus on their ideas – while at the same time feeling great. And to let them stay on the island without having to pay us anything.

So in short: You get your own private island that you can stay on for up to two weeks and you do not pay us anything. (You only have to pledge to give US$ 1.000 to a charity of our choice.)

If you get to go you have the whole island for yourself, so you can be alone with your ideas.

Why is Fredrik Härén doing this?

Because:

1) Fredrik knows that the best ideas come when you are alone in a relaxing place, which makes private islands perfect for idea generation.

2) Fredrik feels that it is wrong to charge people to stay on the islands. He does not want to make money on your creative process.

Ideas Island is his way of giving back to the world. A way of encouraging creativity. And he is happy to take the cost of running and developing the three Ideas Islands.

If you feel the urge to get away to a private island to sit and develop some great ideas, then read the rest of the information here and feel free to apply to be one of the lucky ones that get to go.

About Ideas Island #2 (Vifärnaholme, Stockholm, Sweden)

Ideas Island #2 is a 7 000 sqm big, private island close to Stockholm, Sweden, that you get exclusive access to. Yes, you get the whole island to yourself so that you can focus on finalizing what ever idea you want to make happen.

It has been created to make it as inspiring, relaxing and enjoying as possible to sit and work on ideas.

The house.

The house is not big (65 sqm), but since the house is located in the middle of the Island it is alway only a few meters to the water on all sides. The closeness to the water will inspire you.

The house will sleep about 6 people in 5 beds in 4 bedrooms (+ one small guest cabin.)

The house is not fancy, but a typical Swedish summer house. It has running water, electricity, washer, heating and water closet etc.

The house might be basic, but the island is magical. It has its own beach, its own dock, plenty of room room to run around, and yet small enough to always be close to water.

Even though it is one of the 10 most central private islands in Stockholm the island feels very isolated and secluded once you are on it. In most directions you see nothing but water and trees, yet you always know you are close to civilisation.

You get to the island by rowing about 200 meters.

How to apply to stay on Ideas Island #2, Vifärnaholme, Stockholm, Sweden.

Want to stay at Ideas Island #2?

Please email us at ideasisland@interesting.org.

1) write your name & email.

2) Add a short message about who you are and why you want to stay at the island

3) Tell us which week (or weeks) you would like to go and how many you will be coming.

4) Confirm that you are willing to pledge US$ 1.000 to charity.

Ideas Island – Make your ideas come true.

Please note!

Entries that doesn’t have ALL of the 4 above points answered will NOT be processed.

Please understand that since we we do this for FREE we ONLY have time and resources to handle enquries that are complete and that include all required information. If you are serious about wanting to go, then enter as much information as possible. Thank you.

If you have any questions you can contact us at ideasisland@interesting.org or call +65 96330421. (Singapore time.)

We prefer email.

(Ps. All pictures are courtesy of Skeppsholmen Fastighetsmäkleri | Sotheby’s International Realty)

The post Ideas Island #2 (Vifärnaholme, Stockholm, Sweden) appeared first on Inspiring Ideas.

Ideas Island #1 (Palawan Philippines)

General info about Ideas Island.

Ideas Island was created as a safe haven for creatives. A place made to inspire and motivate people with great ideas to make those ideas happen. Created to give creative people the time and space needed to sit down and focus on their ideas – while at the same time feeling great. And to let them stay on the island without having to pay us anything.

So in short: You get your own private island that you can stay on for up to two weeks and you do not pay us anything. (You only have to pledge to give US$ 1.000 to a charity of our choice.)

If you get to go you have the whole island for yourself, so you can be alone with your ideas.

Why is Fredrik Härén doing this?

Because:

1) Fredrik knows that the best ideas come when you are alone in a relaxing place, which makes private islands perfect for idea generation.

2) Fredrik feels that it is wrong to charge people to stay on the islands. He does not want to make money on your creative process.

Ideas Island is his way of giving back to the world. A way of encouraging creativity. And he is happy to take the cost of running and developing the three Ideas Islands.

If you feel the urge to get away to a private island to sit and develop some great ideas, then read the rest of the information here and feel free to apply to be one of the lucky ones that get to go.

About Ideas Island #1 (Palawan, Philippines).

Ideas Island #1  is a 30 000 sqm big, private island in Palawan, Philippines that you get exclusive access to. Yes, you get the whole island to yourself so that you can focus on finalizing what ever idea you want to make happen.

It has been created to make it as inspiring, relaxing and enjoying as possible to sit and work on ideas.

The house.

Overlooking lush mangroves and sprawling mountains the view from the house will inspire you to think fresh and big ideas.

The house is not big (50 sqm), but since one whole side of the house is without walls the building is opening itself up for great views that inspire new thoughts and ideas.

The villa has two bed rooms with super King size beds and a large living room – or “thinking room” as we like to call it. All rooms – even the shower – have a view. The house is simple, but beautiful. It is totally built out of bamboo and other natural materials.

Food for thought …

Fish and crabs caught at the island. Cashew nuts and a few coconuts grow near your house.

Fresh and delicious home cooked food delivered to your doorstep gives you the energy you need to work on your ideas.

Chilled fruit juices is in the fridge. Cold, refreshing and great tasting natural spring water – that is safe to drink – comes out of the tap.

You will live – and eat – like a King.

How to apply to stay on Ideas Island Palawan.

Want to stay at Ideas Island Palawan?

Please email us at ideasisland@interesting.org.

1) write your name & email.

2) Add a short message about who you are and why you want to stay at the island

3) Tell us which week (or weeks) you would like to go and how many you will be coming.

4) Confirm that you are willing to pledge US$ 1.000 to charity.

Ideas Island – Make your ideas come true.

Please note!

Entries that doesn’t have ALL of the 4 above points answered will NOT be processed.

Please understand that since we we do this for FREE we ONLY have time and resources to handle enquries that are complete and that include all required information. If you are serious about wanting to go, then enter as much information as possible. Thank you.

If you have any questions you can contact us at ideasisland@interesting.org or call +65 96330421. (Singapore time.)

We prefer email.

The post Ideas Island #1 (Palawan Philippines) appeared first on Inspiring Ideas.

News for March.

After launching “One World. One Company.” last month it was very fitting that March was again a very global month for Fredrik.

In 17 days in March he spoke in:

Cambodia, Singapore, Norway, Sweden, Abu Dhabi and Indonesia.

Traveling to different places means nothing unless you also learn. So in March Fredrik learnt (amongst other things) about:

How the tape industry is being changed by the mobile phone business while speaking for Tesa.

How mobile payments in Africa is driving the digital money industry while speaking for Visa.

How the renewable energy sector is changing while speaking for Siemens.

What the future of search looks like while speaking for Finn.no.

How much food is wasted by commercial airlines while speaking for Jeppesen.

and

How the drive for more nutritious food in developing countries is driving growth, while speaking for Danone.

As a bonus he also got to:

See how the ancient builders of Angkor Wat in Cambodia built their temples.

Learn how the drivers of jeeps tackle the sand dunes by attending a dessert safari.

And much, much more.

Not bad for a month where Fredrik took 12 days off to be on paternity leave with his newborn, baby girl.

Quote of the Month:

“Fredrik’s presentation was very well received by our audience. Although I had experienced it before and knew what was coming, it was again very stimulating and motivating for me personally.”

- Andrea Stumpf, Jeppesen. (Who booked Fredrik for two of their mayor customer conferences in the last 6 month.)

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Awarded “Certified Speaking Professional (SCP)”

The Global Speakers Federation has 6,000 speakers as members. Less than 700 are CSP’s. In Asia there are only 10. One of them is now me.

After being a full time professional speaker (and author) for 12+ years who has spoken in 45+ countries I am very proud to be part of this professional and exclusive group of speakers.

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