Creating a level playing field for collaboration

What is the role of executive leaders in a collaborative change process? In this inspiring episode, we sit down withsociologist and former university executive, Lieteke van Vucht Tijssen. She takes us back to a pivotal moment in her career: stepping in as interim board member at a Dutch University of Applied Sciences in crisis. With financial instability and declining educational quality, Lieteke...

In this episode, we welcome Babah Tarawally, a journalist, columnist, and author originally from Sierra Leone. Baba discusses the philosophy of Ubuntu and its relevance to creating a level playing field for collaboration. He shares his experiences as a migrant from Sierra Leone to the Netherlands, highlighting the challenges of integration and the importance of seeing each other as human beings. T...

In this episode, we welcome Siddharth, a senior banker from Bengaluru, India, with over 20 years of experience in the banking industry. Siddharth shares his inspiring journey of living with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects his coordination, and how he has overcome numerous challenges to achieve success. He holds multiple master's degrees and has authored a book titled "Simply Bein...

Join us for an inspiring episode with Fiona Frank, an educator, politician, activist, and consultant from the Netherlands. With over 22 years of experience, she teaches at the University of Applied Science in Amsterdam and the University for Humanistic Studies in Utrecht. In our conversation, Fiona shares her political journey and dedication to activism, particularly in diversity, equity, and incl...

In this episode, we welcome Tineke Abma, a professor of arts and health at Erasmus University and Leiden Medical Center and executive director of Leiden Academy on Vitality and Aging. Tineke shares her fascinating experiences and insights on participatory research, particularly with older adults and people with disabilities. She emphasizes the importance of experiential knowledge and collaboration...

In this episode, we welcome Rekha Nair, an experienced HR consultant and founder of Align HR, based in Chennai, India. Rekha shares her extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and organizational restructuring, highlighting the importance of building trust, respect, and transparent communication. Key Highlights:      Mergers and Acquisitions: Rekha discusses the significance of s...

In this episode, we welcome Lucy Wairimu Mukuria from Nairobi, Kenya. Lucy shares her insights on how Western people often unconsciously reinforce colonial practices. She recounts personal stories about her experiences with racism and colourism, both in Kenya and internationally. Lucy emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and identity and how these factors contribute to the ability of Africa...

Discover how a group of visionaries broke traditional hierarchies to develop a collaborative model for funding governance. In this episode, we delve into the challenges and successes of co-creating a blueprint for systemic transformation. Learn how shared ownership and action learning led to blueprints for innovative funding practices. Hear firsthand accounts of how the team of the Blueprint Proje...

In this episode, we welcome Cihan Koral, a seasoned facilitator and consultant based in Istanbul. Cihan shares her rich experiences working with diverse groups, focusing on social change and inclusivity within organizations. She provides stories illustrating the importance of consciousness, trust, and perspective in facilitation. Cihan emphasizes the need for understanding privilege and guilt in o...

Join us as Laure Bruère-Dawson shares her journey as a French facilitator, creating safe spaces for conversations that matter. She talks about the Conversation Forum, an event designed to bring people together during COVID-19, and how it developed into a yearly event. Laure highlights the importance of diversity, youth involvement, and listening across generations. She shares striking stories abou...

Craig Freshley is an expert in neutral facilitation and guiding good group decisions. He shares his experiences with Make-Shift Coffee Houses, designed to bridge divides between differing political views. He gives criteria and techniques for engaging diverse perspectives and creating a welcoming and safe conversation space. He emphasises the importance of a neutral venue, welcoming live music, and...

Nancy Bragard is an expert in intercultural consulting and collective intelligence. She shares a compelling story about the workshops she led for Dutch and French HR teams who were facing cultural misunderstandings. Through creative activities like developing cultural DNA profiles, she helped them uncover and appreciate their own cultural values as well as those of each other. The Dutch and French...

Harold Shinsato shares his journey in discovering the principles of Open Space Technology. He recounts his experiences as a consultant dealing with conflicts in large companies, his participation in self-organized Rainbow Gatherings that attracted 25,000 people, the transformative impact of COVID-19, and how what recently happened at the WOSonOS in Istanbul motivates him to take new steps in his p...

Tova Averbuch shares insights from her extensive experience as a consultant, teacher, and facilitator of Organizational Development. Opening space on a level playing field means sharing leadership and power, which must have a good reason. She provides striking examples of when and how this works, even better in hierarchical organizations. Consultants/facilitators adopt the role of a midwife, foste...

Peggy Holman talks about the importance of purpose and of diversity and inclusion in change processes. She shares insights from her extensive experience in journalism and facilitation, emphasizing the need for open spaces where all voices can be heard and valued. In her examples, she highlights the significance of purpose, the role of diversity in collective ownership, how deep listening breaks th...

Jane Lewis talks about collaborative spaces and creating an environment where everyone can feel successful. She tells the story of how this works in Studio Tainan, in Taiwan—a self-organizing space for co-creation. It starts with listening and understanding what people feel passionate about so creative energy can lead. Jane is an experienced facilitator and researcher, having lived and worked in T...