Playing with my Ecosystem
Along my participation in the Catalyst Lab, I have experienced an inner shift in the past months. The Catalyst Lab journey has provided me with valuable insights, a new understanding of my role in my system and deep connections with the most inspiring people. In one of the last modules one of the Catalysts mirrored back to me how he perceived me at the start of the journey and now. It resonated a lot and his correct assumption that I became more open towards other views and in some way more vulnerable allowed me to get into action and activate my ecosystem.
We have had many well presented insights on how to “activate” an ecosystem. I have to admit, for me those presentations often felt a bit too theoretical. A case of a successful social innovation lab that was shared with us, sounded almost a bit too good to be true. And yet, I have experienced a “too good to be true” moment myself.
I am in the process of developing a “Free Play” program for kids and schools and had been feeling stuck for a while around the Christmas break. Being stuck in this particular moment seemed very fitting, as in our catalyst journey we had reached the bottom of the U- curve, following Otto Scharmers’ Theory-U. I felt an emptiness, but with an inner confidence that something positive will emerge at the right moment. Fast forward to the past month, when I was taking a walk by the beautiful Rietberg Park in Zurich. As I walked past the neighbourhood community center, I noticed a shed with a wide range of wooden material. Taking a closer look, it seemed like this was exactly what I had been looking for for my “Free Play” program. As I got home I called the office number and reached Moritz. He was the person I was destined to talk to. We arranged to meet the next day and we immediately connected on a deeper level and experienced a generative dialog. I have activated my ecosystem! And by doing so, found a new team member and co-creator to support the effort of offering kids the right to free play.
The catalyst lab has been a transformative experience and a humbling one as well. Becoming more aware of the ecosystem around us and being courageous enough to activate it, to find new team members and co-conspirators that want to make a difference and change the system for the better. Who knows maybe one day my story might be shared with future catalysts? As an example of success or as a learning opportunity from its failures. In any case I feel empowered and grateful for the opportunity to bring something as simple (not easy) as free play for children back into my ecosystem. What better way of literally activating the system, then by letting kids play?
Blogpost by Lenny Staples, Catalyst Lab 2
I have spent over 15 years in the hospitality industry before shifting my energy towards education. Currently I am studying at the intrinsic Campus in Zurich, where we are prototyping the teacher education of the future. Thanks to my experiences and connections there I have founded an organisation called skillfulness exploring the relevant future skills for children in a playful and sustainable way. I see myself as a learning and happiness host, trying to improve quality education for everyone.