My work as Chief Curiosity Officer, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta.

Ever heard of a Chief Curiosity Officer?

Based in Cape Town, I specialise in career coaching and equipping individuals and teams to navigate the challenges and potential of a fast changing world of work. I also facilitate experiences aimed at taking individuals over the threshold of their own potential as valuable role-players in society, by teaching them important principals for the coming Fifth Industrial Revolution such as Curiosity, Authenticity and Human-Centred Data gathering.

I call this initiative ‘Chronicles of Curiosity’.

The Fifth Industrial Revolution will be about what it means to be human. It will be a dance between machines and humans. Now, if we think about the fifth industrial revolution, in a time where we often feel defined by tech and data, it is perhaps becoming clear that we don’t actually know that much about what it means to be human? We can, however, take what we have learnt from the fourth industrial revolution and let that give rise to a new and fresh appreciation of humanity.

Dylan Lewis beautifully explains; “Humans have progressively colonised Earth’s wild places, and though our lifestyles may have improved, this has brought an accompanying shadow, in his view: the widespread ecological destruction of our planetary home, and the psychological trauma as we become increasingly disconnected from nature.”

This is referred to as the Human-Nature split and we often speak about the Earth being in need of healing. The earth doesn’t need healing. We do. Utterly indifferent to human existence, the earth will thrive — when we are gone. We are the ones who need to do the reaching out, not to save the earth, but to rediscover ourselves in it. One of the most wonderful things about this invitation is that it will lead us towards the skills we need for the future of work, and to thrive in our daily balanced lives, organisations and society.

These skills include Curiosity, Authentic Leadership and Human-Centred Data gathering.

When the Singularity University listed curiosity as one of the most important skills to have for the fourth industrial revolution, I could not agree more, but it is essential that we have physical experiences to support the process of catalysing curiosity. So that’s why I created an experience aimed at doing just that: Welcome to our private camp in the Okavango Delta.

I have created an opportunity for individuals / teams to reconnect with the privilege of being a human in the wilderness, and besides the unparalleled feeling of home, you will rest and immerse yourselves in the daily rhythm of Africa’s smaller secrets. You will be guided through process aimed at catalysing a new found awareness around physical, spiritual, emotional, relational and cognitive experiences- refreshed and equipped with tools, narratives and insights that will sustain a deep embodiment of what is means to be present.

Remember, animals are behaviour specialists.

Animals can be amazing examples of leaders because they lead their groups by influencing, showing examples, guiding and constantly communicating with their followers. They have the aim and goal for their followers to follow. Learning from the attributes of the animal kingdom, the key is to become aware of patterns, and predicting behaviour. Being a successful leader means having a vision, being strong and resilient, guiding, being flexible while being compassionate and caring. They also lead change.

From the humble comforts of our exclusive satellite camp, you will have the opportunity to explore the Okavango Delta in your private game viewer and on foot, tracking wild animals with the respect and caution that animals have for our presence. The opportunity, beyond recognising and owning our power, is to learn to communicate it respectfully, in service to something greater than ourselves.

We will also do a sleep-out night, sitting around the fire and experiencing the magical African skies, before falling asleep with the shimmer of the stars in your eyes.

Get in touch.

Francois (francois@unravelling.co.za)