#10 Jan Bommerez: When experience becomes a problem (Dutch)

01/05/21 • 19 min

Belgian Jan Bommerez (Santa Barbara), who has been a resident of California for the last 25 years, is a thought leader, trainer, writer, and a much sought-after expert and specialist in the field of transformation processes.
"We still look too much from the point of view of linear thinking – cause and effect. We have to think in terms of systems. A system under stress can go in two directions: breakthrough or breakdown. It is an illusion that we can steer this, I think the fear is still greater than the insight that it can be done differently. The breakthrough is in understanding the system, only then you can change."
"What you resist, persists. I am optimistic, because the people who are not afraid come up with the new ideas. The hope of the world is in creativity. The breakthrough often comes from young people who are not stuck in paradigms. Where experience used to increase your value, now it's often a problem because you're too much into old thinking. So bring experience and young people together and have a conversation. Then you have the best of both worlds."
Open up Digitals is a Fellow Digitals production.

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#9 Cara Antoine: Don't create a new crisis!

Dr. Cara Antoine (Amsterdam) is president and chairwoman of the Dutch chapter of WOMEN IN TECH - Global Movement, who is committed to strengthening diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace. We talk to Cara about how the current crisis is affecting inclusiveness, diversity, women in tech, digital transformation, and changing business models.
"Due to all technological developments, companies are moving more and more towards a platform model. Since Corona, women have also become more present in these communities, such as Women in Tech. And isn't your business digital yet? That's really going to happen."
"Digital transformation is inevitable in these times. Keep reminding yourself that it is even more important to have compassion. Don't forget, it's all about people. On such a platform, communities and ecosystems come together. For example, Women in Tech is a place where women can stimulate and empower each other, Corona has brought us together even more here and increased our reach."
"There is still a lot of inequality, a 'digital divide.' Technology (tools and connectivity) can help solve that. Just like an agile and digital mindset. Look at what you didn't think was possible before with a positive view. And we don't know how long we'll be in this situation, how many more waves are coming? Don't create a new crisis yourself."
Open up Digitals is a Fellow Digitals production.

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#11 James Robertson: Focus on the digital employee experience

James Robertson (Sydney) is a keynote speaker, author of three best selling intranet books, and a global expert on intranet strategy and design. He is founder and director of Step Two Designs, a consultancy firm based in Sydney, Australia. In this role, James has helped organizations to develop intranet strategies, both within Australia and internationally.
"In this day and age, resilience is needed. Zoom fatigue exists and we miss the micro-interactions at the coffee machine and in the elevator. We do what it takes to be productive and tools can help. But they have to be purpose-driven and tailored to the needs of employees. The danger now is that we put technology back at the forefront, and we have to be vigilant about that."
"The digital environments we offer are often too complex. You notice by walking along with your employees for a few days. You'll soon get to know the users of your platform and identify a few things you can tackle right away. But beware: you can't solve everything. Start small, do the right small thing. Tackle something that really helps your employees and take it from there."
Open up Digitals is a Fellow Digitals production.