Episode Summary Money is not just something we earn, spend, or invest.It is something that trains us every day. In this episode of The Future Is HOW, Frederik G. Pferdt sits down with Markus Koch, widely known as the face of Wall Street, live from New York. What unfolds is not a conversation about markets or forecasts, but about how money shapes our inner world. Together, they explore how our relationship with money influences fear, freedom, trust, happiness, and the choices we make about our future. They talk about personal journeys, the role of improvisation in life and finance, and why community and trust matter more than ever in a world shaped by AI and constant change. Markus shares stories from his own life, including formative experiences in Africa, how fatherhood changed his priorities, and why he intentionally puts himself into situations where he is not good yet, from jazz to artificial intelligence. Not to master them, but to stay open. This episode invites a shift in perspective:from asking “How much can I accumulate?”to asking “How do I want to relate to money as I create my future?” Because the future is not what happens to us. The future is how we live, decide, and relate. Key Takeaways The future is shaped less by prediction and more by perspective. Money is not neutral. It can amplify fear or create freedom. Our relationship with money reflects our values, not just our income. Flexibility and openness are essential in times of rapid change. Trust and community are foundational currencies of the future. Learning from mistakes is a feature, not a failure. Improvisation is a life skill, not a risk. AI will change how we interact with money, but not why it matters. Gratitude and reflection create clarity in a noisy financial world. Chapters 00:00 Welcome Markus Koch – live from New York 02:45 Who Markus Koch wants to be in the future 05:10 Where his sense of contentment comes from 07:28 What money really does to us as humans 08:46 What money can and cannot give us 10:27 Money in an entrepreneurial context 12:14 Out of Africa – experiences that shaped Markus 14:58 Where he draws strength and energy from 16:11 When money once meant something very different 18:33 Markus as a father, at home and in life 19:59 What matters more: money or happiness? 23:01 A future-ready relationship with money 25:56 The biggest fears Markus sees in people today 32:11 What it truly means to have “enough” 34:30 Finding calm and clarity around finances 36:33 Why Markus seeks out things he’s bad at – jazz, AI, learning 38:32 “I won’t be here anymore” – AI and impermanence 41:18 Why people stay in familiar but unhappy situations 46:48 “Machen, einfach machen” Socks, gifts, and what they reveal about American culture 51:07 Frederik’s gratitude ritual while traveling 52:04 Markus on community, trust, and the future 57:26 Will money become less important in the future? 58:00 Markus Koch’s wish for what comes next Learn more about Markus Koch, widely known as the face of Wall Street, and his work at: https://360wallstreet.de/ Explore Frederik G. Pferdt and The Future Is HOW — reflections, practices, and conversations on creating what’s next: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/
