I am Farid Tabarki. Researcher, international keynote speaker, writer of 'The end of the middle and world traveler. In 2005 I founded Studio Zeitgeist, based in Amsterdam.

The journey of my life began when I grew up in The Netherlands with my Tunisian father, mother from The Hague and younger sister. In my early years my curiosity was already evident when I studied Industrial Engineering and Management Studies and Political Science.

During my study years I became a board member of LSVb (National Student Union), where I further developed my taste for societal transformation. I also became involved in the European Student Union, which provided an international focus and allowed me to travel. 

On the brink of the 20th and 21st century, I became an entrepreneur. I started to co-operate with the new foundation Nederland Kennisland (Knowledgeland), an independent Dutch think tank. Its mission is to help establish the Netherlands as a key region in the international knowledge economy, preferably in a way that creates both economic and social value. I soon broadened my customer base, to include clients from the corporate sector, public authorities, and civil society. My business kept growing and Studio Zeitgeist was founded.

In 2012, I won the Trendwatcher of the Year award. In 2013 De Volkskrant (a Dutch newspaper) added me as youngest person on the list of the 200 most influential people in the Netherlands. Four years later, I am still on the list and the youngest one on it. 

My work is recognisable by my eagerness to catch the Zeitgeist. My lifestyle is characterised by discovery and inquisitiveness. 

Last year I launched my own book (which I am very excited about): 'The end of the middle'. This book describes what a society of extremes means for people, organizations and governments.

I am an avid reader, spending many ours a day reading anything I can lay my hands on. My favourite book is ‘A heartbreaking work of staggering genius’ by Dave Eggers. My curiosity also comes in handy when I moderate discussions and facilitate dialogues, one of my main activities. Besides reading, I love film. My favourite movie is Donnie Darko, and every year, the International Film Festival Rotterdam is an annual highlight.

What I love most is traveling the world in order to catch the Zeitgeist on a truly global scale. My favourite place so far is Beirut, capital, biggest city and most important harbour of Lebanon. My ultimate goal is to travel all countries of the world. With 150 countries visited there are still 48 to go.