Now, more than ever, organisations need their teams and leaders to respond to the fast paced and disruptive environment in which they find themselves. The answer often lies in finding our unique gifts and talents and unleashing them. I believe that we all have an urge to grow and be more and changes in behaviour come from thinking, feeling and acting differently. I'm a creator and collaborator, with a deep curiosity in understanding of people within ecosystems and value chains. This curiosity has led me to complete a Master’s degree focusing on organisational change, and a Phd focusing on how information systems can contribute to trust formation between employees and line managers in organisations. My passion is to assist individuals and teams to develop practices to increase the quality of their thinking in complex environments. Curiosity and fascination are two crucial attitudes that I encourage to gain fresh insights about the world we live and work in. My purpose is to inspire, create and shape progress and innovation in business, teams and people and I am inspired by the future and what could be. I enjoy working with people and teams in a wide variety of settings and contexts, and use a range of methods to support them to have better conversations, build and sustain more constructive relationships, and take more effective action by exploring blind-spots, underlying beliefs and meanings. My coaching approach embraces the whole person and my style is authentic, future focused and goal orientated. I view coaching as a partnership, that is judgement free where my role is to facilitate you in defining where you are, where you want to be and then to work with you in co-creating a plan of action to make that happen. I will work with you to create awareness of your thoughts and actions and the impact they have on your life and others. I will support you to shift any limiting beliefs or perspectives, and provide you with tools that will serve as a foundation for growth.

My Mentoring Topics

  • Career advice and self mastery
  • Performance coaching
  • Personal development
  • Change management & culture
  • Startup monetisation and go to market approaches
S.
21.August 2024

The session with Stefan Brandt was incredibly insightful and informative. I learned valuable tips on improving my profile and strategies for applying for scholarships in the USA.

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Creating Great Choices - A Leader's Guide to Integrative Thinking
Jennifer Riel, Roger L. Martin

Integrative Thinking as a Problem-Solving Framework The Four-Step Process of Integrative Thinking Opposable Mind Concept Importance of Embracing Complexity Building Prototypes for Solutions Role of Empathy and Understanding Diverse Perspectives Creating a Shared Vision Overcoming Cognitive Biases Application of Integrative Thinking in Leadership Case Studies and Real-World Examples **Integrative Thinking as a Problem-Solving Framework** Integrative Thinking is at the heart of the book, serving as a robust framework for tackling complex problems. It is a methodology that involves combining elements from seemingly opposing models or ideas to create new, innovative solutions. By not settling for conventional trade-offs, leaders can develop more effective and imaginative outcomes. **The Four-Step Process of Integrative Thinking** The book outlines a structured four-step process for Integrative Thinking: 1. **Articulate the Models**: Clearly define the opposing models or perspectives. 2. **Examine the Models**: Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each model. 3. **Build a Better Model**: Synthesize elements from both models to create a superior, integrative solution. 4. **Assess and Refine**: Test the new model and refine it based on feedback. This step-by-step process ensures that leaders can systematically approach complex issues and develop well-rounded solutions. **Opposable Mind Concept** The concept of the **Opposable Mind** is integral to Integrative Thinking. It refers to the ability to hold two conflicting ideas in one's mind simultaneously, without settling for one at the expense of the other. This cognitive flexibility enables leaders to explore a broader range of possibilities and develop more nuanced solutions. **Importance of Embracing Complexity** A key insight from the book is the importance of embracing, rather than avoiding, complexity. Leaders are encouraged to delve into the intricacies of problems, understanding that complexity often holds the key to innovative solutions. This contrasts with traditional problem-solving approaches that often seek to simplify issues, potentially overlooking critical factors. **Building Prototypes for Solutions** Prototyping is emphasized as a valuable tool in the Integrative Thinking process. By creating tangible prototypes, leaders can test and refine their integrative solutions in real-world scenarios. This iterative approach allows for continuous improvement and adaptation based on practical feedback. **Role of Empathy and Understanding Diverse Perspectives** Empathy is highlighted as a crucial component of Integrative Thinking. Understanding and valuing diverse perspectives enables leaders to draw from a wider pool of ideas and experiences. This empathetic approach fosters a more inclusive and comprehensive problem-solving process. **Creating a Shared Vision** The book discusses the importance of creating a shared vision among team members. By uniting around a common goal, leaders can align efforts and resources more effectively. A shared vision also facilitates the integration of diverse perspectives and ideas, enhancing the overall problem-solving process. **Overcoming Cognitive Biases** Cognitive biases can hinder the Integrative Thinking process. The book provides strategies for recognizing and overcoming these biases, enabling leaders to approach problems with a more open and balanced mindset. This awareness is crucial for developing unbiased, integrative solutions. **Application of Integrative Thinking in Leadership** The practical application of Integrative Thinking in leadership is a central theme. The book demonstrates how leaders can use this approach to navigate complex challenges, drive innovation, and foster a collaborative work environment. Real-world examples and case studies illustrate the effectiveness of Integrative Thinking in various leadership contexts. **Case Studies and Real-World Examples** The book is rich with case studies and real-world examples that illustrate the principles and practices of Integrative Thinking. These examples provide concrete evidence of how the methodology can be applied successfully in different scenarios, offering valuable insights for readers. In conclusion, the book equips leaders with a powerful framework for **Integrative Thinking**, enabling them to tackle complex problems, drive innovation, and create more effective solutions. By embracing complexity, understanding diverse perspectives, and overcoming cognitive biases, leaders can develop integrative solutions that are both imaginative and practical.

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