Improvisations On Growth Madhu Einsiedler

A special edition and addition to my series of podcasts, as my hostess, Adina Arhire and I welcome guest speaker Karima Kadaoui, Co-founder and Executive President of Tamkeen Community Foundation for Human Development. "Tamkeen" has various translations, such as "empowerment," "potential" or "possibility." As in, empowering co-creation, exploring our unlimited potential to create and embracing the possibility of co-creation in all aspects of our lives, including our professional ones. Intrigued? Start listening.

What does survival mean in our current times? As we take a step back, we notice how the survival instincts developed thousands of years ago are still driving our workplace behavior and leadership. Today there are no mammoths and wild beasts to fight - yet we very much still feel like every day is a survival game. So, if we need to survive these days, then who are our enemies? Listen to this first episode and see what opens up for you.

Many years ago, survival meant mainly food and shelter. Today, survival means paying bills, 'making it into the world,' buying the big house, getting the corner office with the view. Do our lives truly depend on these 'achievements'? Is our current system fostering an environment where people can create freely, or is it solely targeting performance and profit? It seems like we are still under the impression that we can either focus on performance OR on creativity - but one thing does not have to exclude the other - or does it? Listen to this episode and explore these questions further, with us.

In this third episode dedicated to the topic of survival we are discussing real-life companies that have made the leap into a more humane organizational form, placing profits second on the priority list and focusing first on the well-being of customers and of their employees. It may still seem like a small step; some may say such structures are utopian and will disappear fast, some may learn and invest in similar initiatives - what angle would you take? One thing becomes pretty clear: it may be worth in the long run to continue taking even bigger steps toward a world of creativity and innovation. So, listen and see the role you can play in this shift.

Just when we think we have a definition of a ‘new normal’ we face ongoing challenges and a persistent tough situation in South Florida, as the threat of the virus continues to place ‘normal life’ on hold. This year’s events have emphasized the need to care for each other, watch for one another and share. But, what is sharing? Do we have to abide by certain unwritten rules about sharing that keep us from helping one another? Are these rules so ingrained that they shape how we act without us even noticing? Listen and explore what sharing means to you.

Sharing seems like such an easy concept, yet, does it happen as often as it should? How can sharing work? Do we share more easily from a surplus or from less? Is the ability to share connected to the amount of wealth? And, are wealthy people more detached from the concept of poverty, thus, involuntarily sharing less? Could it be that neocapitalsm, the free market, prevent true innovation because it fosters bubbles and thus blocking diverse experiences? Listen and see where our discussions take you.