Global innovation challenge

“How do we develop a leadership mindset that drives innovation and sustainable solutions?”

Innovation and sustainability are crucial for businesses to thrive in today’s world. To equip leaders with the necessary mindset, collaboration, and tools, we designed a global program for Sika, an international chemical company. Our program focused on cultivating a learning and innovative mindset to drive innovative and sustainable solutions for their customers.

Our program was highly successful in 2021/2022, where we engaged a new generation of leaders from Sika and taught them about meaningful innovation, the process of innovation, and the way of working that goes with it. The first program was conducted entirely online and resulted in significant personal development for the participants and output in terms of innovative sustainable solutions. Building on this success, we conducted a second program in 2023 with two online modules and one physical module, with more participants and a larger group of sponsors involved in the business.

The success can be attributed to a combination of various factors, including:

• starting with imagination: keynotes to stretch the future vision, giving meaning with the “cone of possibilities”
• aiming for personal and business growth: a program design that challenges participants in their personal development and provides methodology, tools, exercises, and skills for being “futures ready” and innovating.
• storytelling as the heart of the program: participants design an argument for change to convince stakeholders using the “Stories for Change” methodology
• learn-by-doing: applying knowledge throughout the program in a Sika-relevant case study where collaboration with others is crucial
• co-creative and agile approach: a creative structured approach to design thinking – “questions”-driven and human-centered
• involved business: an active role for business sponsors and experts in the organization
• facilitated by a strong team: facilitators and coaches support participants throughout the entire process

Participants were very enthusiastic about working together with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds. Of course, you have to facilitate this with great care, especially if it’s “online only.” Just like in a physical session, there must be a good flow of inspiration, joint conversation, working together in small groups, and room for personal reflection. In a safe atmosphere where you can be vulnerable and have fun together.

This program was successful beyond clients’ expectations. Participants showed great progress in their personal and leadership development and presented ambitious and sustainable solutions to the board. In close cooperation with Minkowski, Alexandre Janssen, in co-creation with Sika.