Hi! My name is Saskia. I started off in a classical company career path - and after working in these environments for about 8 years, I worked my way into being Head of Sales. But I noticed that this is not for me. I noticed that I don’t want to fill boxes others built for me. Where can my curiosity go and play in these? So I went on a quest to find my own box. Today, my official Job Title is Consultant and Speaker on Holistic Digital Strategy, New Era Mentoring and Digital Diversity Advisor. That includes everything I love and am passionate about. And I tossed the search for the box. Because that means there are borders on all sides involved. My Job includes helping companies building their digital strategy, painting the big picture and understanding why people are the key factor for a good digitalization process. My passion is learning all the new stuff that this job includes! 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗲: What I’m curious about: - How the Grey Area helps all of us thrive The puzzle I’m trying to solve: - How the rise of Women in Tech can be supported for the good of all What I’m eternally obsessed with: - Helping people to adjust their technologic solutions uniquely to their situation What I’m relentlessly studying: - What the formula for a holistic digitalization looks like If you did neither fall asleep until now nor are frightened away I think we can work pretty well together. It shows to me that you are open, interested and curious. And with these prerequisites I am curious to see how I can support you!
My Mentoring Topics
- Digital Mindset
- Leadership
- Strategy
- Career Advice
- Freelancing
- Personal Growth
- Diversity
R.
22.September 2022The session was invaluable to me. I'm sure Saskia's advice would really help me a lot and she has answers & POV on everything you ask, which is excellent. I highly recommend Saskia as a mentor if you are struggling with some doubts in mind.
S.
28.July 2022I was blessed with her mentoring, she gave me wonderful advice and opened my eyes to so many things. She gave me the information that I need to hear, not the ones I wanted to hear regarding entrepreneurship and business. It was great to meet her and I look forward to seeing her again soon!
L.
11.November 2021Yes, I just got what I want from the session. Saskia helped me dig deeper into my dream vision of my life. It is one of the most inspiring session I have.
T.
2.November 2021Thanks for your time Saskia! It was great to speak to another female leader who has navigated the path of being a female leader in the tech space. Her candid advice and openness gave me some topics to think on, and changed my perspective on some, thanks a lot!
J.
15.October 2021Liebe Saskia, um ehrlich zu sein hatte ich gar keine inhaltliche Session, sondern nur ein erstes Kennenlernen erwartet - wahrscheinlich hätte ich mir vorher das How To vom Mentoring Club noch mal durchlesen sollen. Anyways, ich fand unser Gespräch und den direkten Einstieg super und konnte gute Erkenntnisse und auch Bestärkung für mich mitnehmen, hatte ich dir ja bereits am Ende des Gesprächs gesagt. Vielen herzlichen Dank für deine Zeit und deinen Input - sehr wertvoll für mich 💛
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Range - How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
David Epstein
Key Facts or Insights from "Range - How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World" The 'Tiger Woods' model of early specialization is not the only route to success. In fact, those who diversify their experiences and skills can often outperform those who specialize early. Generalists are more adaptable and innovative. Their broad knowledge base allows them to draw from different fields and create novel solutions to problems. Learning broadly and slowly in the early stages can lead to better performance in the long run. This is contrary to the popular belief that fast and focused learning is superior. Specialization can lead to 'cognitive entrenchment'. This is a situation where experts become so embedded in their field that they are unable to think outside of it. Applying knowledge from one field to another (lateral thinking) is a powerful tool for innovation. Real-world problems are often 'wicked' as opposed to 'kind.' Unlike kind problems, wicked problems cannot be solved with a single, well-defined solution. Generalists, with their wide-ranging skills and experiences, are better equipped to tackle such challenges. Cultivating a growth mindset is crucial. It is important to be open to learning and developing new skills throughout life. Sampling period - Experimenting with a variety of interests and disciplines before settling on a focus area is beneficial. Failure is a part of the learning process. It provides valuable lessons and insights that can lead to success in the future. The concept of 'active open-mindedness'. It is a mindset that encourages curiosity, questioning, and a willingness to consider multiple perspectives. The 'outside view' or 'reference class forecasting'. This involves looking at a problem from a broader perspective, considering similar situations, and using that information to make more accurate predictions. In-depth Analysis and Summary In "Range - How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World", David Epstein challenges the conventional wisdom that early and narrow specialization is the key to success. Instead, he argues that generalists—those who have a wide range of skills and experiences—are better equipped to excel in today's complex and rapidly changing world. Epstein's arguments are not just theoretical. He substantiates them with numerous case studies and empirical evidence from various fields, including sports, music, science, and business. This makes his arguments more compelling and relatable. The first key insight from the book is that the 'Tiger Woods' model of early specialization is not the only route to success. This is a reference to the famous golfer who started his training at a very young age and quickly rose to the top of his field. While this model might work in certain fields with well-defined rules and clear paths to success, Epstein asserts that it is less effective in complex and unpredictable environments. In such spaces, those who diversify their experiences and skills can often outperform those who specialize early. This is because generalists have a broader knowledge base that they can draw upon to come up with innovative solutions. The second key insight is about the importance of learning broadly and slowly in the early stages. This contradicts the common belief that fast and focused learning is superior. Epstein suggests that dabbling in different fields and taking the time to explore various interests can be beneficial in the long run. This 'sampling period' allows individuals to discover what they are truly passionate about and where their strengths lie. It also gives them the versatility to adapt to changing conditions and demands. Another interesting concept that Epstein discusses is 'cognitive entrenchment'. He explains that when individuals become too specialized, they tend to get stuck in their ways of thinking and find it hard to approach problems from new angles. In contrast, generalists are less likely to fall into this trap as they are used to integrating knowledge and ideas from different areas. This makes them more creative and adaptable. The book also emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset and 'active open-mindedness'. These are mindsets that encourage curiosity, continuous learning, and the willingness to consider multiple perspectives. Epstein argues that these qualities are crucial in today's complex and uncertain world where the ability to learn and adapt is more valuable than ever. Finally, Epstein introduces the idea of the 'outside view' or 'reference class forecasting'. This is a strategy that involves looking at a problem from a broader perspective, considering similar situations, and using that information to make more accurate predictions. This approach can help individuals and organizations avoid common pitfalls and make better decisions. In conclusion, "Range - How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World" provides a fresh perspective on success and achievement. It challenges the traditional emphasis on early specialization and highlights the value of breadth, diversity, and adaptability. As an experienced professor, I believe that this book offers valuable insights for educators, parents, students, professionals, and anyone else interested in understanding the complexities of learning and performance in the modern world.
ViewThe Serendipity Mindset - The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck
Dr Christian Busch
Key Insights from "The Serendipity Mindset" Serendipity is more than luck: It is the ability to connect seemingly unrelated facts to create value or exploit opportunities. Active Mindset: Serendipity doesn't just happen; it requires an active mindset to spot and seize the unexpected. Pattern Recognition: Recognizing patterns in unrelated circumstances is crucial to fostering a serendipity mindset. Connectivity: Building diverse networks and maintaining open communication increases the chance of serendipitous encounters. Failure as a Stepping Stone: Often, what appear as failures can lead to unexpected, beneficial outcomes. Experimentation: Trying new things and stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to unexpected discoveries. Reflection: Taking time to reflect on experiences can help to see the serendipitous opportunities that might be hidden. Humility and Curiosity: Acknowledging what we don't know and maintaining curiosity can open us to serendipitous experiences. Cultivating Serendipity: We can cultivate serendipity by developing certain habits and attitudes, like being open, curious, and appreciative of the unexpected. Impact of Serendipity: Serendipity can have a profound impact on personal and professional development, innovation, and societal progress. Detailed Analysis and Summary "The Serendipity Mindset" by Dr. Christian Busch takes readers into the fascinating exploration of serendipity, often mistaken as mere luck. The book dives into the essence of serendipity, which is not just about luck, but about the ability to actively connect dots that seem unrelated to create value and seize opportunities. This perspective shifts the conventional understanding of serendipity as a passive occurrence, emphasizing that it requires an active, engaged mindset. Dr. Busch introduces a crucial skill for fostering a serendipity mindset - pattern recognition. This is a cognitive skill that involves finding connections between seemingly unrelated events or circumstances. This concept parallels with the Gestalt psychology principle of "closure," where the mind completes incomplete patterns. In this context, recognizing patterns where others see randomness can lead to serendipitous discoveries. Connectivity, in the form of building diverse networks and maintaining open communication, is another important element discussed in the book. The concept aligns with Granovetter's "strength of weak ties" theory, which suggests that weak links often provide more novel information than strong ties. Increased connectivity opens up more chances for serendipitous encounters. The book also addresses the role of failure in the serendipity mindset. Drawing on the concept of post-traumatic growth, Dr. Busch illustrates how perceived failures can often lead to unexpected beneficial outcomes. This perspective encourages readers to view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, which can lead to serendipitous outcomes. Experimentation is another key theme. By trying new things and stepping outside the comfort zone, we increase the likelihood of making unexpected discoveries. This resonates with the concept of "planned happenstance" in career development theory, which posits that unplanned events can be instrumental in career development if individuals are open, resilient, and willing to take risks. Reflection is another important component of the serendipity mindset. By taking time to reflect, we can identify the serendipitous opportunities that might be hidden in our experiences. This aligns with the concept of reflective practice, which involves thinking about our actions to engage in a process of continuous learning. Dr. Busch further emphasizes the importance of humility and curiosity in fostering a serendipity mindset. By acknowledging what we don't know, we open ourselves up to new learning and serendipitous experiences. This resonates with the Socratic paradox "I know that I know nothing," which highlights the value of humility and open-mindedness in knowledge acquisition. The book also provides practical advice on cultivating serendipity through certain habits and attitudes. Dr. Busch encourages readers to be open, curious, and appreciative of the unexpected. He suggests that we can train ourselves to be more receptive to serendipity, similar to how mindfulness practice trains us to be present and attentive. Lastly, Dr. Busch discusses the profound impact that serendipity can have on personal and professional development, innovation, and societal progress. This aligns with the observations of many historians and sociologists who argue that serendipity has played a significant role in major scientific discoveries and societal advancements. In conclusion, "The Serendipity Mindset" offers a compelling exploration of serendipity as an active, engaged process rather than a passive occurrence. By offering practical advice and theoretical insights, Dr. Busch provides readers with valuable tools to foster a serendipity mindset and harness the power of unexpected connections in their personal and professional lives.
ViewCreativity, Inc. - Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration
Ed Catmull
Key Insights from "Creativity, Inc." The role of management is not to prevent risk but to build the ability to recover. Creativity is an ongoing process that involves many mistakes along the way. Building a culture of trust and empowerment fosters creativity and innovation. Failure is not a necessary evil. It is a necessary consequence of doing something new. The power of candid feedback and open communication in fostering creativity. The importance of removing barriers between different parts of an organization to encourage an integrated approach to problem-solving. Unseen forces such as fear and complacency can hinder creativity and innovation. The necessity of a clear vision and values for creative organizations. The importance of developing a learning organization that continually evolves. The significance of nurturing a creative community that embraces diversity and inclusion. The value of storytelling in creating compelling narratives that drive creativity. A Detailed Analysis of "Creativity, Inc." "Creativity, Inc." is a profound exploration of the workings of a creative organization, authored by Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios. The book draws on Catmull's vast experience in leading a creative organization and presents valuable lessons on fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. The Role of Management The book emphasizes that the role of management is not to stifle risk-taking but to build the capacity to recover when failures occur. This point aligns with the concept of "resilient organizations," which suggests that organizations should be designed to adapt and recover from failures and crises. Ed Catmull proposes that by encouraging risk-taking and providing support during periods of failure, organizations can foster a culture of creativity and innovation. Creativity as an Ongoing Process Ed Catmull asserts that creativity is not a one-off event but an ongoing process fraught with mistakes and failures. This perspective echoes the notion of "creative process," which suggests that creativity involves stages of idea generation, incubation, illumination, and verification. Catmull's idea emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience in the creative process. Building a Culture of Trust and Empowerment The book underscores the significance of building a culture of trust and empowerment in fostering creativity and innovation. Ed Catmull suggests that by empowering employees to make decisions and encouraging them to take ownership of their work, organizations can stimulate creativity. This idea aligns with the concept of "employee empowerment," which has been shown to enhance creativity and innovation in organizations. The Power of Candid Feedback and Open Communication Ed Catmull stresses the importance of candid feedback and open communication in fostering creativity. By creating an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and receiving feedback, organizations can cultivate a culture of creativity. This idea resonates with the concept of "psychological safety," which suggests that individuals are more likely to engage in creative behaviors when they feel safe to take risks and make mistakes. The Importance of Removing Barriers The book highlights the importance of removing barriers between different parts of an organization to foster an integrated approach to problem-solving. Ed Catmull proposes that by encouraging cross-functional collaboration, organizations can stimulate creativity and innovation. This perspective aligns with the notion of "boundary-spanning," which suggests that organizations can enhance innovation by facilitating interactions across different functional areas. Nurturing a Creative Community The book underscores the significance of nurturing a creative community that embraces diversity and inclusion. Ed Catmull suggests that by fostering a diverse and inclusive culture, organizations can inspire creativity. This idea resonates with the concept of "diversity and inclusion," which has been shown to enhance creativity and innovation in organizations. Conclusion In summary, "Creativity, Inc." offers a rich exploration of the workings of a creative organization, presenting invaluable lessons on fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. The book underscores the importance of risk-taking, resilience, empowerment, open communication, cross-functional collaboration, diversity, and inclusion in fostering creativity. These insights align with various organizational behavior concepts, offering practical guidance for leaders and managers seeking to enhance creativity and innovation in their organizations.
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R.
3.May 2023I recently had the privilege of participating in a mentoring session with Saskia Listle, and it was an incredibly enlightening experience. Saskia's unique approach to holistic digital strategy, new era mentoring, and digital diversity is both refreshing and inspiring. Saskia's journey from a traditional career path to founding her own consulting practice and becoming a speaker demonstrates her ability to think outside the box and embrace change. Her passion for learning and curiosity is contagious, and it was a pleasure to gain insights from someone who is genuinely invested in the success of others. During our session, Saskia shared valuable knowledge on various topics, including digital mindset, leadership, strategy, and personal growth. Her understanding of the importance of the "grey area" in helping individuals thrive and her dedication to helping people adjust their technological solutions uniquely to their situation make her an exceptional mentor. Saskia is not only a domain expert but also a caring and empathetic mentor who genuinely wants to help others succeed. She took the time to listen to my concerns and provided thought-provoking, personalized advice that has significantly impacted my professional development. I highly recommend Saskia Listle as a mentor for anyone seeking guidance in digital strategy, leadership, and personal growth. Saskia's experience, expertise, and compassion make her a top-tier mentor who can help take your career to new heights.