A few years ago, in my role as IIR for the Kauffman Foundation, I went to Cincinnati, Ohio, to experience the graduation ceremony of MORTAR. MORTAR is an accelerator and community for historically marginalized entrepreneurs in different cities across the US. I’m a huge fan of MORTAR and there is…

Can I weave transformative communities without transforming myself? — As I have been working with communities and networks over the past two decades, my focus has naturally been on the group. …

Whenever we start working with a new group, we usually introduce the practice of a “check-in” at the beginning of each call, and a “check-out” at the end of each call. They are simple opportunities for people to share how they are showing up and how they are leaving the…

When the war in Ukraine started we saw how many organizations and networks were drowning with incoming requests for help. At the same time they also received a large number of offers to support. Much activity in purpose-driven networks seemed quite repetitive and happening in silos. We wanted to help…

I’m tired of engaging in global, virtual-first communities. I crave real, in-person human interaction. And yet, I also wish that my local communities would be part of a bigger whole. There is something powerful about groups that have both the local and global dimension. I first learned that in the…

What if we designed anything with relationships in mind? — “Strong relationships are not a frilly accessory in a happy neighbourhood, a thriving school, an effective health service, a flourishing business, or a successful and cohesive society. They are the making of it all. Working towards a world of good relationships, wherever we are and whatever we do, is simple…

And what can we learn from the conversion mindset? — For several years I was part of a social venture called Holstee. Its intention was, and still is, to create products that help people lead a mindful life. A big part of our income came from online sales. …

Yet subtle forms show up nevertheless. Why is that? — The other day I was talking to a community member who wanted to leave a group I co-host. I tried my best at convincing her that she should stay. I told her all the reasons why I think she could benefit from staying. I tried to understand her doubts and…

Communities as an investment for emergent collaborations in the future. — I am seeing many collaborations in and across communities pop up that are helping Ukrainians impacted by the horrific war in Ukraine. People who usually don’t work together are collaborating. Some teams formed within a few days. Some of the people had never met before. And yet they are getting…