Embracing a Thriving Future: Insights from the Workshop with Prof. Wayne Visser

On the 28th and 29th of November, a transformative workshop “CATALYST CoVEs and impact on socioeconomic development” unfolded, providing participants with a unique opportunity to delve into the realm of thriving. Moderated by the distinguished prof. Wayne Visser, the workshop showcased a vision where innovation becomes the driving force behind the regeneration of nature, society, and the economy. The workshop offered insights into transitioning from degradation to restoration, depletion to renewal, disparity to responsibility, disease to revitalization, disconnection to rewiring, and disruption to resilience. Participants had the opportunity to reflect in relevance to their organisations, as well as in relation to the CATALYST Centre.

The overarching theme of the workshop was a resounding belief that the future holds promise and that it can indeed be better than we think. Central to this vision is the concept that innovation is the key to navigating the complex, dynamic systems that organisations are part of. The workshop delved into various facets that contribute to thriving, emphasizing patterns, partners and collaboration, purpose, performance, principles, and portfolio.

• Patterns – Understanding Complex Systems: Participants were encouraged to develop a profound understanding of the intricate and dynamic systems in which organisations operate. By recognizing and deciphering patterns, individuals and organisations can navigate the complexities of their environment, identifying opportunities for positive impact and sustainable growth.
• Partners and Collaboration: Collaboration emerged as a cornerstone for thriving. The workshop underscored the significance of forming strategic partnerships and collaborations. By working together, organisations can pool resources, share expertise, and amplify their collective impact, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and mutual benefit.
• Purpose – Mission-Driven Impact: The concept of purpose took center stage, emphasizing the need for organisations to be mission-driven in order to make a positive difference. Aligning business goals with a greater purpose not only contributes to societal well-being but also establishes a meaningful connection between the organisation and its stakeholders.
• Performance – Ambitious Science-Based Targets: Thriving is intrinsically linked to performance, and the workshop stressed the importance of setting ambitious, science-based targets. By integrating rigorous scientific principles into performance metrics, organisations can ensure that their efforts contribute to tangible and sustainable outcomes.
• Principles – Fostering Human Values: The workshop highlighted the significance of fostering human values that support thriving. Principles such as empathy, integrity, and inclusivity were emphasized as essential elements for creating a foundation upon which thriving can flourish.
• Portfolio – Scaling Regenerative Solutions: Scaling products, services, and instruments that accelerate regenerative solutions emerged as a key strategy. Participants explored ways to expand their portfolios, ensuring that their offerings contribute to the regeneration of ecosystems, renewal of resources, and the overall well-being of society.