Warum echter Fortschritt und Innovation Authentizität brauchen
In Organisationen, Teams und Projekten wird viel über Innovation, Zusammenarbeit und Wachstum gesprochen. Doch die Realität sieht oft anders aus: Meetings über Innovation, in denen niemand widerspricht. Projekte, die scheitern, weil kritische Fragen nicht gestellt wurden. Teams, die funktionieren, aber nie ihr volles Potenzial entfalten. Der Grund? Menschen tragen Masken. Sie verbergen ihre wahren Gedanken, filtern ihre Ideen und zeigen nur die Seite von sich, die sie für “sicher” halten. Das Ergebnis: Fortschritt bleibt oberflächlich, Innovationen bleiben aus, und echte Durchbrüche werden verhindert. Das Problem mit den Masken für Innovation und Fortschritt Masken schützen das Ego. Sie helfen uns, Konflikte zu vermeiden, nicht anzuecken und vermeintlich professionell zu wirken. Doch dieser Schutz hat einen hohen Preis: Ideen werden gefiltert. Wenn Menschen Angst haben, “falsch” zu liegen oder sich zu exponieren, teilen sie nur die sicheren Ideen – nicht die mutigen, die wirklich etwas verändern könnten. Risiken werden nicht eingegangen. Wer eine perfekte Fassade aufrechterhalten muss, kann sich keine Fehler leisten. Innovation entsteht aber genau dort, wo Menschen bereit sind, Fehler zu machen und daraus zu lernen. Echte Zusammenarbeit stirbt. Zusammenarbeit bedeutet nicht nur, höflich nebeneinander herzuarbeiten. Es bedeutet, offen zu widersprechen, ehrlich Feedback zu geben und gemeinsam Lösungen zu entwickeln
Why cities & communities should support skateboarding and public skateparks
More than anyone, and everywhere young people need to feel like they are recognized and appreciated (by their communities): In too many places skateboarders get the wrong message and public image from local authorities who limit or outlaw skateboarding and ignore its inherent (health- and selfempowerment) benefits for the skateboarders and communities around skateparks. Every open skatepark and public place supports hundreds of kids that might otherwise have nowhere (safe) to go. Furthermore the diversity of a skate park community can provide a social #grassroots supportnetwork where school, family and „traditional sports“ clubs may not be adequate / connecting today with the younger generation(s). Young people need things to do and places where they are free to be themselves within our cities and suburbs — this needs to include not only facilities and public areas that cater to more traditional and formal sport, but also those that provide for skateboarding as a popular and healthy form of recreational and social activity. While skateparks with high visibility and ample community interaction are healthier environments, skateparks in challenging locations can often serve to activate an otherwise underutilized space. Skateboarding is a global movement in 2019 Skateboarding started off in west-coast America around
Some ideas to start using technology more mindful (again)
Digital technology is an important part of modern life. In our increasingly connected worlds, it is critical that you remind yourself that technology should make your life easier by maximizing value focusing on purpose while avoiding common negative consequences associated with technology misuse, overuse, and abuse. Almost anyone can benefit from practicing more mindful technology use. It’s challenging to break bad habits and resist the natural tendency to engage in behaviors encouraged by modern tech. However, it’s extremely rewarding to regain control of your own mind, health, and productivity: Therefore short, digital mindfulness is imperative in harvesting the potential of your digital tools and technology, for example, in terms of improving your overall productivity, health, interpersonal relationships, learning, and the quality of your life in general. Mindfulness commonly refers to a state of consciousness, intrinsic to human beings, and is characterized by a focus on the present moment while being aware of internal and external stimulation(s). In the context of this article, please take some time to reflect on how different dimensions of digital-enabled environments affect you and others around you, including your colleagues at work and your family at home. I would like to encourage you with this article to start and to
From Boardroom (back) to the Streets: A Journey of Rediscovery
As a kid and teenager, skateboarding was my world. The thrill of mastering new tricks, the creativity in designing stuff, and the camaraderie of the skate community fueled my passion. But as I grew older, societal pressures, nightlife, the “ladies” 🫣 and financial obligations “pulled me” away from my purpose. I traded my board for office work, following a path that seemed more “responsible.” 💼… Years later, I found myself in Nairobi for work. I was nearly 100kg, living an unhealthy lifestyle, and trudging through Uhuru Park in a suit that felt more like a straitjacket. That’s when I heard it – the unmistakable sound of wheels on concrete. At first, I tried to ignore it, but curiosity got the better of me. 👀 To my surprise, I discovered a vibrant local skateboarding crew @skateboarding_society_of_kenya . Their energy, their freedom, their joy – it all came rushing back to me. It was a wake-up call, a reminder of the person I used to be and the passion I had left behind. .. Inspired, I decided to get back on a board. It wasn’t easy at first – my body had changed, and my skills were rusty. But with each session,
Creating Healthier, More Supportive Work Environment(s): Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
Workplaces have a profound impact on our lives. Beyond being a place where we spend a significant amount of our time, they shape our mental well-being, productivity, and overall happiness. It’s no secret that a positive work environment contributes to greater employee satisfaction and success. But how can we create a culture that is supportive, empowering, and growth-oriented for everyone? In this article, we’ll explore some simple yet impactful ways we can cultivate a more positive work atmosphere, both for ourselves and for those around us. By focusing on the aspects of communication, recognition, well-being, and empathy, we can transform our workplaces into environments where individuals not only succeed but thrive. 1. Embrace Open and Transparent Communication Effective communication is the cornerstone of any healthy work environment. When communication is clear, open, and transparent, trust naturally follows. This trust is crucial for building strong teams and enabling individuals to feel heard and valued. How You Can Help: 2. Recognize Efforts and Encourage Growth Recognition is one of the most effective ways to motivate and retain employees. When people feel acknowledged for their hard work, it reinforces their commitment to the company and fosters a sense of pride in what they
Meditation in Motion – Finding Stillness Through Movement
In a world full of noise, to-do lists, and endless multitasking, many of us long for a moment of peace. But external stillness is rare. What if we could find it within ourselves—not by sitting still, but by moving with intention? Meditation doesn’t have to be still. It can flow. It can breathe. It can move through you—step by step, posture by posture. In martial arts, we call this: Meditation in Motion. Movement as a Mirror of the Mind Every movement tells a story. Our body language often reveals more than words. When we’re stressed, we move differently. When we’re calm, we stand differently. In martial arts, we don’t just train techniques—we train awareness. We learn to reconnect with our bodies, to feel our breath, to be present in the moment. The first form in Wing Chun, Siu Nim Tao, is a moving meditation: slow, flowing, intentional. It teaches us that stillness is not passivity—it’s power in balance. Mindfulness Doesn’t Need a Meditation Cushion When people hear “meditation”, they often picture someone sitting cross-legged with closed eyes. That’s one way—but it’s not the only one. Meditation in motion can be even more powerful. It integrates body and mind. It brings
Wing Chun and the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence: How Preparedness Saves Lives
Written by Natasha W. Githitho Beating up a bad man has been a secret desire of mine since October 2022, when a near-death experience in the hands of one left me shaken and determined to never feel that powerless again. It was in the wee hours of the morning that I was making my way to school, trying to make it in time for a 7 am lecture. I was using a route along a major highway that I live close to, and I had to walk along the road instead of using the footbridge for safety reasons. It was for this reason that I always wore a reflector jacket, just for visibility by motorists. Some matatus (minibuses) were parked close to the elevated roundabout, and it acted as a bus stop. While almost at the top of the slope, I encountered a tall, raggedy and sturdy man who reeked of alcohol that was calling pedestrians to board his matatu. At the sight of me, he quickly and suddenly grabbed me by both arms, trying to get me to hug him by force while telling me to greet him. His grip on me was unyielding. I recall pleading with him to let me go, but
Revolutionizing Work and Life: How Notion AI is Shaping Digital Transformation
In an era where digital transformation is no longer a luxury but a necessity, Notion has emerged as a game-changer. With its recent integration of artificial intelligence, Notion is not just keeping pace with the digital revolution—it’s leading it. Let’s explore how Notion AI is reshaping the landscape of work and personal life management. Enhancing Productivity with Intelligent Assistance Notion AI acts as your personal productivity assistant, capable of summarizing lengthy documents, generating ideas, and even drafting content. This intelligent feature saves countless hours, allowing professionals to focus on high-value tasks that require human creativity and critical thinking. Streamlining Collaboration in the Digital Workspace The AI-powered features in Notion facilitate seamless collaboration among team members. With smart suggestions and automated organization, teams can work more efficiently, reducing miscommunication and increasing overall productivity. This is particularly crucial in the age of remote and hybrid work environments. Personalizing Knowledge Management Notion AI learns from your work patterns and preferences, offering personalized suggestions and organizing information in ways that make sense to you. This adaptive approach to knowledge management ensures that your digital workspace evolves with you, becoming more efficient over time. Bridging the Gap Between Work and Personal Life The versatility of
CONVERGENCE OF DIGITAL & PHYSICAL SECURITY
EVENT: Convergence of digital & physical security NOVEMBER 2023 (NAIROBI / KENYA): Integrating physical and digital security measures offers several benefits that enhance overall security effectiveness and provide a more comprehensive approach to protecting assets and mitigating risks.
STERO – THE MOVIE (featuring the Spirit of Martial Arts in Cinema)
[CREATIVE DIRECTION / INSPIRATION / CHOREOGRAPHY / STORYBOARD ASSISTANCE / TRAINING OF ACTORS] With the heart of a warrior and an imaginary sensei by his side, Bruce attempts to defy this unjust rule by becoming Stero – a badass hero, honouring his true self and wild spirit. In the world of African cinema, a new star is rising. “STERO,” the latest production from LBX Africa, is set to captivate audiences with its innovative storytelling and powerful performances. This film marks a significant milestone in the continent’s cinematic landscape, showcasing the talent and creativity emerging from Africa’s vibrant film industry. What sets “STERO” apart is its unique approach to storytelling. The film seamlessly blends traditional narrative techniques with experimental elements, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience. The director’s use of dynamic camera work and immersive sound design puts the audience right in the heart of Lagos’ vibrant music scene. The film features a cast of rising stars from across Africa, highlighting the depth of talent in the continent’s acting pool. The lead performance has already garnered critical acclaim, with many praising the actor’s nuanced portrayal of a young artist at a crossroads. “STERO” is more than just entertainment; it’s
Safeguarding Your Private Security online: Navigating Social Media
The pervasive influence of social media has revolutionized the way we connect, communicate, and share our lives. However, amidst the excitement of these virtual interactions lies a critical concern: the potential compromise of our private security. What might seem like harmless updates or posts can inadvertently expose sensitive information, leaving us vulnerable to a range of threats. The Extent of Vulnerability The perils of oversharing on social media extend far beyond the confines of our physical dwellings. It’s essential to recognize the broader risks, including: Protecting yourself and your Loved Ones: Recommendations As we embrace the digital age and its myriad opportunities, we must not overlook the risks that come with sharing personal information on social media. The consequences of oversharing extend beyond our homes and possessions to the safety of our loved ones, especially children. By remaining mindful of the potential threats and adhering to prudent online practices, we can protect ourselves and our families from the perils that lurk in the digital realm. Striking a balance between enjoying the benefits of social media and preserving our private security is not just a responsibility—it’s a necessity. Stay safe!
Reminder (to myself): don’t give up (on changing habits)
When you´re going through and/or working on a lifestyle transformation by continuously evaluating and changing your habits, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by thinking about the weeks and months ahead. Don’t do that to yourself! Every journey starts with the first steps, therefore always try to focus on the present moment, and let the compounding power of day-to-day work do its magic. Follow your passions — not your fears Always remind yourself about your dreams and why you need(ed) or want(ed) to change your lifestyle and habits in the first place. Use this as motivation when you get up in the morning or when you feel overwhelmed. Enjoy exploring daily possibilities outside your comfort zone. Get more comfortable with the unknown. The world is changing rapidly and so can you! Do not wait; the time will never be “just right.” Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along. — Napoleon Hill Be kind to yourself “Don’t defeat yourself. Stop telling yourself what you can’t be or what you can’t do. The person in the mirror should be your friend, not your opponent. Stop being embarrassed
Start to declutter your life by getting rid of the old to make room for the new
Once in a while, I feel overwhelmed and continuously drained. For me, these times and moments make me realize again, that I am carrying (again) a lot of clutter and I realize, that it is again time to start to declutter my life by remembering to wind down and do less while evaluating my life using this process as a chance to refocus on my purpose and goals. For myself, starting to declutter not only means re-organizing material items, but using this process to evaluate and simplify every aspect of my life. Focus on purpose (Re-)Evaluating my current lifestyle while reminding me of what i want to do with my life gives me a lot of energy and momentum to focus on the important aspects in my life while making it easier to get rid of everything which does not really bring value to our lifes and goals. Decluttering home Starting with decluttering material items around my home is a great way to start since I believe that somehow the outside clutter also reflects the inside.From cleaning up the space we live in by getting rid of collected items up to minimizing my wardrobe by discarding and donating clothes, which I
CNN Documentary: “Inside Africa” feat. Skateboarding in Nairobi & Kenya
We worked with CNN to produce a short documentary showcasing skateboarding in Nairobi and Kenya:
UN Habitat: “The Impact of Skateboarding for the youth in Kenya”
“Dear Dan, As one of the stakeholders shaping Nairobi’s public space ecosystem, we are pleased to invite you to the validation workshop for the just concluded Citywide Inventory of Open Public Spaces. The workshop will be held at the UN complex, Gigiri. Attached please find the official invitation letter.” Beside our presentation, we published a statement from Leo Kilel (, one of the founders and former chairman of the Skateboarding Society of Kenya): “Kenya is a country made up of 42 different tribes; there has been a history of tribal conflicts among the different tribes which has resulted in the loss of lives because of fighting between the tribes. Our politics over the years have been built on tribal groupings which have affected many aspects of our country. Most people would vote into government a politician from their tribe so in turn when he succeeds into office they would be guaranteed jobs and other benefits, this has led the various tribes to treat each other with suspicion and hidden hate. When we formed the Skateboarding Society of Kenya we had no intention of tackling this huge social issue we just wanted to skate and enjoy the fun we get from
Improve your life by starting to practice the ancient art of Wing Chun / Wing Tsun 詠春
We all crave positive change. But probably for most of us, positive change doesn’t happen overnight. There are so many factors that go into changing one’s lifestyle that really takes a little bit of time to get right, therefore probably the most important reason why people choose to take up martial arts in general and 詠春, in particular, is because it has the power to improve the quality of our everyday lives. From just being healthier and fitter up to unlocking your potential, practicing Martial arts and 詠春 on a regular basis help us to become better versions of ourselves while learning about ancient ideas and concepts on how to deal with all kinds of interactions in life. About 詠春 (Wing Chun / Wing Tsun) 詠春 is a rare gem of Chinese martial arts — traditional and classical, yet modern and functional: Practitioners engage in many ancient exercises such as forms, solo drills, and unique partner training methods as meditation in motion applying philosophy in action. For example, rather than relying on brute strength or pre-arranged sequences, 詠春 applies unique principles and strategies not only to challenge yourself physically but also to teach you how to examine all forms of
Improve your life by starting to practice Martial Arts and unleash your (inner) Warrior
“There is a story in Chinese martial arts lore about “The Peaceful Warrior,” where a young apprentice asked his teacher why if he was striving to be inwardly calm and at peace, did he need to learn the ways of a warrior. “Would it not be more tranquil and serene to be a gardener and tend the plants?” he asked. “Tending the garden,” the master replied, “is a relaxing pastime, but it does not prepare one for the inevitable battles of life. It is easy to be calm in a serene setting. To be calm and serene when under attack is much more difficult, so, therefore, I teach you that it is far better to be a warrior tending his garden rather than a gardener at war.” Every journey starts with the first step(s) Like they say “It´s all about the journey”, but before you need to start your journey! Martial Arts can direct us on paths & philosophies to guide us to experience and balance our Body, Mind, and Soul. After training in martial arts for some time, you will have learned more about yourself and along with the enhanced physical well being comes an enhanced mental state backed
Some Ideas and lessons learned on how to start your (skateboarding) community project
Most of us have an opinion on what is wrong with the world or (y)our local communities, yet only some of us will finally do the work to improve (y)our own lives, leave their comfort zones or even invest time on their passions, beside for example the act of skateboarding itself. So if you are not happy with your local skatespots or community and maybe even if you don´t have a skatepark or local skatespot, you might want to start brainstorming about on how to start changing this today with some friends? If your town doesn’t have a public (skate) park, maybe it’s time to get together to start contacting local initiatives or finally to start your own movement with your homies? The Sky is the limit: Dream big and never give up Like in every project, starting with brainstorming to collect ideas and prepare your first steps is important. Do the research and get as much as information together as you can. If you aren´t familiar with certain topics, take your time to learn. There are many inspirational ressources out there in the web from various crews and individuals. In my case, I started skateboarding in the late 80s
Research & study: Skateboarding teaches life skills & improves communities
“Skaters are excellent critical thinkers and problem-solvers who view success from a more communal perspective. They bring that insight into other areas of their lives which is valuable to any university or organization” are findings from a first-of-its-kind study about skateboarding culture, supported by the Tony Hawk Foundation and the legend himself, finally reveals and (statistically) proves, that skateboarding improves mental health, fosters community, and encourages diversity and resilience. Probably most skateboarders are aware, which positive impact this activity, for some the first love, for most a lifestyle and for all a global community of people from several backgrounds with often a similar approach to life— but for most people outside of skateboarding, its still merely just another sport “on a useless wooden toy” practiced by some rebellious kids and teenagers on the streets”. But the narrative around skateboarding is changing“Educational and cultural institutions are beginning to engage with skateboarding in new ways. Skateboard-focused non-profits, after-school programs, and summer camps are rapidly developing. Skateboarding is at the forefront of style and taste-making in popular culture. With the 2020 Olympics on the horizon, we expect even greater attention directed toward skateboarding and skateboarders (skaters). At the same time, skaters still thrive
Some benefits of skateboarding
Skateboarding is a sport, an art form, a lifestyle, and a culture which also creates friendships between people from different (social and cultural) backgrounds. With more than 100 million (estimated) active skaters, skateboarding is gradually becoming one of the most popular hobbies shared by people around the globe. Contrary to what most people and parents think, apart from funky clothes, shoes, attitude, and gravity-defying tricks, skateboarding does offer some amazing benefits for the mind and body. The best part about this sport is the convenience of practicing it anywhere; it can be performed indoors or outdoors, and in large spaces or small confined areas. “Skateboarding brings the people together from different backgrounds and economic statuses.” Skateboarding teaches important lessons & longterm skills (for life)Skateboarding starts with more failures before eventually making managing riding down a street or even doing a basic trick. Then after giving the process of learning some acceptance and time, eventually improvements are made while realizing, that it’s not a shame to fail, it’s even a bigger mistake to not even try. I believe, that in the first place, skateboarding is teaching us longterm skills for life like responsibility together with “self-improvement” and problem-solving skills, which are
Business Daily Africa: How skating is transforming children’s lives
Skating, which is practised worldwide, is said to be a good tool for youth empowerment but it is not until recently that the sport became widespread in Kenya. Initially only a few people engaged in the sport but now some non-governmental organisations have introduced the sport to children in the slums as a way of keeping them out of trouble. Skate Aid, a German NGO, started training children on how to skate but lack of ample free space proved to be an obstacle. “In Kibera slums where we introduced skating when we first came to Kenya, most of the skate training was done on the streets,” says Skate Aid regional director Daniel Gluche, adding that it is now one of the safest streets in the area as it has been transformed into a skating haven for children. On the other side of town, stands a 1,000 square metre skating park, which is Kenya’s first and biggest project at the Shangilia Mtoto wa Africa in Kangemi. Daniel, who is a volunteer skate trainer, tells us of the hundreds of children from the children’s home and the surrounding slums of Kangemi who show up at the park to skate every weekend. “The
Huffington Post: Lessons of life learned on a skateboard
ohn Kiara, 15, wipes sweat off his forehead as he stares down at a stair set of his height. He runs a few steps, hops on a skateboard and jumps down the drop. The impact of landing shakes his balance slightly off and he falls forward on the concrete. Kiara brushes his hands off the sand dust, grabs the board and runs up the stairs for another try. It is Tuesday afternoon in Nairobi and the sounds of play and joy fill Shangilia Skatepark, the first and only skatepark in Kenya. Daniel Gluche, a skateboarder himself and one of the masterminds behind the skatepark, observes Kiara’s skating from a distance. Kiara is focused, ready for a second shot. This time he lands the jump right on the trucks and rolls away maintaining his balance. He cracks a wide smile, the feeling of success is his reward for pushing himself. “Skateboarding has tough me discipline and to be courageous”, Kiara tells. For now he skates the park nearly every day, as he does not have a chance to attend high school due to high tuition fees. He lives in the adjacent slum of Kibagare, where drug abuse and petty crime blossom
„The Impact of Skateboarding for the Youth of Kenya
A statement from Leo Kilel (, one of the founders of the Skateboarding Society of Kenya): “Kenya is a country made up of 42 different tribes; there has been a history of tribal conflicts among the different tribes which has resulted in the loss of lives because of fighting between the tribes. Our politics over the years have been built on tribal groupings which have affected many aspects of our country. Most people would vote into government a politician from their tribe so in turn when he succeeds into office they would be guaranteed jobs and other benefits, this has led the various tribes to treat each other with suspicion and hidden hate. When we formed the Skateboarding Society of Kenya we had no intention of tackling this huge social issue we just wanted to skate and enjoy the fun we get from it, but as we’ve progressed we have realized that through our skateboarding this hatred between the tribes has been greatly reversed because our members are from very different tribal backgrounds yet while we session together we have managed to create deep and real friendships among ourselves, this has created a unity among us the youth who skateboard