Creating a level playing field for collaboration

Tonnie van der Zouwen
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Creating a level playing field for collaboration

How can we make a difference together, in equity and mutuality, instead of inviting people to participate in a project they do not own? In this series, we discover what works by sharing stories of lived experiences from a diversity of wise guests. Organizers, participants, facilitators, and researchers of participatory projects. By sharing examples and insights, we want to contribute to co-creating a world that works for all. Special thanks to Jane Lewis for helping to bring this series to life and to our guests. Hosted by Tonnie van der Zouwen. Help us to grow by rating and giving a comment.

  1. #16 Lieteke van Vucht Tijssen: Courageous executives - realising a cultural turnaround in a collaborative manner

    JUN 18

    #16 Lieteke van Vucht Tijssen: Courageous executives - realising a cultural turnaround in a collaborative manner

    What is the role of executive leaders in a collaborative change process? In this inspiring episode, we sit down withsociologist and former university executive, Lieteke van Vucht Tijssen. She takes us back to a pivotal moment in her career: stepping in as interim board member at a Dutch University of Applied Sciences in crisis. With financial instability and declining educational quality, Lieteke faced the challenge of turning things around—without resorting to yet another costly reorganization. Instead, she championed a bold cultural shift: moving from a rigid, top-down management style to a participatory, quality-driven educational ethos. She takes us behind the scenes of a pivotal moment—the 2010 “Craftsmanship andMastery” conference, where 300 staff, students, and leaders came together for a one-day large-scale intervention. Through carefully designed dialogue, clearframeworks, and inclusive participation, the university community began to reimagine itself—not as a “bachelor production machine,” but as a true house of education. Through her story, we explore the power of intrinsic motivation, professional responsibility, and the role of co-creation in building sustainable change. She also shares practical lessons on executive leadership, student engagement, and sustaining change through follow-up actions. Chapters Introduction to Lieteke and the executive perspectiveA university in crisis: Challenges for the interim boardTurnaround to a quality culture in education, engaging the whole systemApplying the Large Scale Interventions approach for whole system changeEstablishing clear boundaries for the playing field for collaborationForming a stakeholder steering commission, including a governor  Challenges at the top, fear of losing controlCourageous leadership to overcome fear and misunderstandingsA one-day large group conference to initiate the turnaroundClear frameworks forcollaborationFollow-up actions to sustain change and growthAs a governor, take daily sorrows and small results into account More info Lieteke van Vucht Tijssen on LinkedInArticle ‘Enhancing the Impact of Co-Creation Research: Large Scale InterventionsWith a Stakeholder Steering Committee for Whole System Engagement’  Article ‘Kwaliteit als cultuur. Ruimte voor de innerlijke drive van HBO studenten’ (Dutch)

    43 min
  2. #15 Babah Tarawally: The wisdom of Ubuntu - a path to connection

    MAY 2

    #15 Babah Tarawally: The wisdom of Ubuntu - a path to connection

    In this episode, we welcome Babah Tarawally, a journalist, columnist, and author originally from Sierra Leone. Baba discusses the philosophy of Ubuntu and its relevance to creating a level playing field for collaboration. He shares his experiences as a migrant from Sierra Leone to the Netherlands, highlighting the challenges of integration and the importance of seeing each other as human beings. The discussion also touches on the need for reciprocity in relationships, the differences in how migrants and refugees are welcomed, and the role of community support systems in fostering a sense of belonging. Reflecting on the broader journey of life, Babah encourages listeners to consider what they will leave behind for future generations. He stresses the importance of investing in others and taking care of the environment, so that we leave the world in a better state for those who come after us. Read the transcript More information Babah Tarawally on Wikipedia Books by Babah Tarawally (overview and descriptions) Column in Trouw (Dutch daily newspaper)

    27 min
  3. #14 Siddharth GJ - The essence of collaboration beyond disabilities

    APR 18

    #14 Siddharth GJ - The essence of collaboration beyond disabilities

    In this episode, we welcome Siddharth, a senior banker from Bengaluru, India, with over 20 years of experience in the banking industry. Siddharth shares his inspiring journey of living with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects his coordination, and how he has overcome numerous challenges to achieve success. He holds multiple master's degrees and has authored a book titled "Simply Being Sidd." Siddharth is also a motivational speaker who enjoys discussing topics such as leadership, management, and self-awareness. He shares stories of how his childhood experiences have made him mentally stronger and how he has learned to take control of situations without worrying about others' perceptions of his condition. Siddharth highlights that effective collaboration requires a two-way process towards a common goal. He also talks about the importance of building personal relationships before starting any collaborative project. He shares his strategies for connecting with colleagues, especially those who may have different perceptions about disability. Siddharth's advice for facilitators, leaders, and researchers is to take the time to get to know each other and build relationships before expecting collaboration. He emphasises that understanding each other as whole human beings, beyond any disabilities or differences, is crucial for effective collaboration. Tune in to hear Siddharth's valuable insights on leadership, collaboration, and the importance of personal connections in creating an inclusive and productive work environment. Listen with subtitles Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Siddharth 03:02 Childhood Experiences and Collaboration 07:13 The Importance of Getting to Know Each Other 13:46 Overcoming Perceptions of Disability 21:42 The Essence of Collaboration Beyond Disabilities More info  Siddharth on LinkedIn  Simply being Sidd! My fight with life and God, book (2017)  Am I normal?: Siddharth GJ at TEDxEMWS 11 min. video  CavinKare Ability Mastery Award 2021, 2 min. video on Siddharth mission  TEDxGateway- Siddarth GJ- Love yourself and Life will follow its own Path

    25 min
  4. #13 Fiona Frank: Creating inclusive activism - courageous and intersectional leadership

    APR 4

    #13 Fiona Frank: Creating inclusive activism - courageous and intersectional leadership

    Join us for an inspiring episode with Fiona Frank, an educator, politician, activist, and consultant from the Netherlands. With over 22 years of experience, she teaches at the University of Applied Science in Amsterdam and the University for Humanistic Studies in Utrecht. In our conversation, Fiona shares her political journey and dedication to activism, particularly in diversity, equity, and inclusion. She recounts coordinating the Black Lives Matter demonstration in Utrecht during the COVID-19 lockdown, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in activism. Fiona advocates for courageous leadership that challenges the status quo to create real change. She highlights the power of collective action among diverse communities embracing intersectional thinking. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how fearless leadership can pave the way for a more equitable future! Read transcript Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fiona Frank 03:41 Activism and the Black Lives Matter Movement 08:45 Community engagement and municipal collaboration 11:56 The importance of diverse perspectives 14:15 Rewarding voices of marginalised people 16:43 Tailoring communication and participation to different cultures 21:49 Appreciating silence in conversations 24:59 The need for courageous leadership in activism and politics 31:15 Embracing intersectionality for collective action More information Fiona Frank on LinkedIn

    34 min
  5. #12 Tineke Abma: Redefining research - the power of sitting next to, not in front of people

    MAR 19

    #12 Tineke Abma: Redefining research - the power of sitting next to, not in front of people

    In this episode, we welcome Tineke Abma, a professor of arts and health at Erasmus University and Leiden Medical Center and executive director of Leiden Academy on Vitality and Aging. Tineke shares her fascinating experiences and insights on participatory research, particularly with older adults and people with disabilities. She emphasizes the importance of experiential knowledge and collaboration in making research relevant and impactful. This implies seeing people as a whole and creating a level playing field by sitting next to them rather than sitting in front of them and asking questions. For example, taking nursing home residents seriously and involving them as co-researchers, sharing uncertainties, and collaboratively seeking solutions are crucial for building trustful relationships. Listen to this inspiring episode to learn more about how creative methods, working with artists, and collaboration with stakeholders can positively change healthcare and research agendas.  Read the transcript   Chapters Introduction to Tineke Abma and her workStepping into the field, engaging patients and other stakeholders in researchParticipatory research with spinal cord injury patientsEmpowerment through collaboration, broadening research agendas    Improving a nursing home with the older residents as co-researchers Sitting next to people, creative methods to build trustful relationships Researching with artists to mirror and honour emotionsMore information Tineke AbmaArticle on epistemic injustice, by Groot, Haveman & Abma 2020 Article Social impact of participatory health research, by Abma et al. 2017Article Patients as partners in responsive research, by Abma et al. 2009Article Dialogue and Deliberation. New Approaches to including patients in setting health and healthcare research agenda, by Abma 2018

    31 min
  6. #11 Rekha Nair: Dignity in mergers, acquisitions and restructuring

    MAR 1

    #11 Rekha Nair: Dignity in mergers, acquisitions and restructuring

    In this episode, we welcome Rekha Nair, an experienced HR consultant and founder of Align HR, based in Chennai, India. Rekha shares her extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and organizational restructuring, highlighting the importance of building trust, respect, and transparent communication. Key Highlights:      Mergers and Acquisitions: Rekha discusses the significance of showing respect and building trust during M&A processes. She shares anecdotes about how small gestures of respect from senior leaders can create a strong foundation for successful integration. Continuous and transparent communication is emphasized as a crucial factor in reducing anxiety and fostering collaboration.     Transparent Communication: Rekha explains how clear and honest communication, even about difficult topics, can help employees understand and accept changes during M&A. She provides examples of how simulations and detailed explanations can turn perceived disadvantages into benefits. Cultural Integration: Rekha highlights the importance of honouring the history and achievements of acquired organizations. She shares successful practices where the legacy of the acquired company was blended into the new organization's story, fostering pride and inclusion.   Restructuring with Dignity: Rekha recounts a successful restructuring process at a multinational bank, which involved meticulous planning, transparent communication, and opportunities for growth and lateral movement. She emphasizes the importance of handling redundancies with dignity and supporting outplacement. Collaboration and Common Good: Reflecting on her experiences, Rekha underscores the value of collaboration and working towards a common good. She experienced that transparent communication and a focus on collective success can lead to better outcomes for both individuals and organizations. Join us as Rekha Nair shares her insights and practical strategies for navigating complex organizational changes with empathy and respect. Listen now or read the transcript Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Rekha Nair and Her Work 01:35 Mergers and Acquisitions: Building Trust and Respect 04:52 Transparent and continuous communication to reduce anxiety 06:52 Explaining the process by making a simulation for employees 09:50 Aligning employees to work for a common purpose 12:05 Merging cultures by a free flow between the old and new organisation 13:14 Honour the glory of the acquired organisation 16:11 Restructuring with dignity: The success story of a multinational bank 29:27 Anchoring the change 32:07 Reflecting on collaboration: The gains of working on a common good 34:18 Outro More info: Align HR Rekha Nair on LinkedIn

    35 min
  7. #10 Lucy Wairimu Mukuria: The essence of humanity, unpacking colonialism and identity

    FEB 8

    #10 Lucy Wairimu Mukuria: The essence of humanity, unpacking colonialism and identity

    In this episode, we welcome Lucy Wairimu Mukuria from Nairobi, Kenya. Lucy shares her insights on how Western people often unconsciously reinforce colonial practices. She recounts personal stories about her experiences with racism and colourism, both in Kenya and internationally. Lucy emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and identity and how these factors contribute to the ability of Africans to stand up for themselves. She also discusses the challenges of social expectations and the impact of historical traumas on contemporary society. Lucy reflects on her 20 years of experience in psychology and the limitations of Western approaches to mental health. She advocates for a broader perspective on normality and abnormality, highlighting the need for cultural inclusivity and understanding. The conversation concludes with a powerful message about the essence of humanity and the necessity of recognizing and celebrating our shared humanity. Read the transcript Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:51 Understanding Colonial Mindsets 04:54 Identity and Race Dynamics 13:29 Challenging Western Approaches to Mental Health. What is Normal? 18:57 Identity and Mutuality 20:21 Microaggressions 21:12 Understanding Socialization and Cultural Inclusivity 27:14 The Essence of Humanity, Finding Our Centre 39:16 Outro More information Lucy Wairimu Mukuria on LinkedIn The True North Kenya Global Good x Amani International Humanitarian Award

    40 min
  8. #9 - Ben Roberts: Power shift - collaborating to reimagine funding governance for systemic transformation

    JAN 30

    #9 - Ben Roberts: Power shift - collaborating to reimagine funding governance for systemic transformation

    Discover how a group of visionaries broke traditional hierarchies to develop a collaborative model for funding governance. In this episode, we delve into the challenges and successes of co-creating a blueprint for systemic transformation. Learn how shared ownership and action learning led to blueprints for innovative funding practices. Hear firsthand accounts of how the team of the Blueprint Project 2023 navigated the complexities of shifting power dynamics and fostering a truly inclusive process. Tune in and be inspired by Ben’s stories of regenerative funding, the power of collaboration, and the potential for creating a more equitable future. Transcript  Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ben Roberts and His Background 03:06 Exploring Large Group Engagement and Technology 04:39 Case Study: Collaborative Paper on FundingGovernance 08:48 The Process of Collaboration and Its Challenges 13:30 Activating the Blueprint: Moving Beyond theDocument 15:19 Reflections on Collaboration and CulturalDifferences 19:32 The Importance of Clarity and Vision inCollaboration 23:59 Future Directions and Reimagining FinancialSystems More information Ben Roberts on LinkedIn Blueprint 8: Funding Governance for Systemic Transformation (pdf) Website R3: Redesign Resilience Regeneration

    35 min
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About

How can we make a difference together, in equity and mutuality, instead of inviting people to participate in a project they do not own? In this series, we discover what works by sharing stories of lived experiences from a diversity of wise guests. Organizers, participants, facilitators, and researchers of participatory projects. By sharing examples and insights, we want to contribute to co-creating a world that works for all. Special thanks to Jane Lewis for helping to bring this series to life and to our guests. Hosted by Tonnie van der Zouwen. Help us to grow by rating and giving a comment.

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