Emergent Thinkers.com: Unveiling the Future of Education & Work in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
I'm excited to update on a new contribution to the field of entrepreneurship linked to my 'Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society' endeavours. My chapter, co-authored with my HES co-founder Professor David A. Kirby, features in the esteemed Emerald Publishing/ISBE volume “Extracurricular Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Activity: A Global and Holistic Perspective, Vol: 19,” expertly edited by Dr Sarah …
Continue reading "New Emerald Publishing Entrepreneurship Education Publication"
I'm thrilled to continue with the EmergentThinkers.com 'Mind Behind' series, focusing this time on Andrew Maund, a dynamic personality whose contributions span entrepreneurship, education, and community development. From launching a themed American diner in Wales to buying and developing an Afro-Caribbean hairdressing training centre in vibrant Brixton, his ventures have covered diverse industries and include …
Continue reading "The mind behind ‘Ventures with Vision and Community’"
I am thrilled to announce the publication of a new chapter titled 'Reflecting on the potential of EntreCompEdu to stimulate teachers’ entrepreneurial thinking and activities'. This work, co-authored by an international team, Dr Russell Grigg, myself, Hazel Israel, Elin McCallum, and Lea Oksanen, is part of the new book Stimulating Entrepreneurial Activity in a European …
I'm thrilled to announce an incredible in person opportunity to learn from a true expert in the field of phenomenology. hanfod.NL is immensely proud to facilitate a live phenomenology half-day workshop led by our esteemed Ffenomenolegydd Preswyl (Phenomenologist in Residence), Professor Cathy Adams in Cardiff 10th May 2024 (10-14.30). Professor Adams is a renowned scholar …
Continue reading "hanfod.NL facilitates ‘Phenomenology in Practice’ in-person workshop, May 2024"
Yesterday I was thrilled to be one of the nine selected Early Career Researchers (ECRs) at the table of the Learned Society of Wales (LSW) facilitated Pathways to Peace Sandpit Event, part of a pioneering research programme orchestrated by Academi Heddwch Cymru (AHC), Wales' first 'peace institute'. With funding from the Welsh Government, AHC aims …
Since 2022, IICED (International Institute of Creative Entrepreneurial Development) colleagues Paul Ranson, Hazel Israel, and I have been deeply involved in a collaborative endeavour, fuelled by our shared dedication to enhancing entrepreneurial education. Under the visionary leadership of Professor Kath Penaluna, this journey has been both dynamic and immensely rewarding for all of us. By combining …
Continue reading "Innovative Entrepreneurial Education at IICED"
Embracing Depth and Reflection in an Era of Accelerated Scholarship I am very excited for the new year, as it brings fresh opportunities for research and publications. In 2024, my postdoctoral work will be centred around three of my essential themes: ethical entrepreneurship, educator education, and elevated cognition, taking opportunities where possible to undergird with …
Continue reading "Preparing for 2024 writing outputs: Phenomenology, People, and Planet"
As we gather closer to the hearth in these coming days, turning away from our daily routines to embrace the company of family and friends, the festive season can also gift us with a reflective mood. Presently, my thoughts are influenced by my reading of Bernard Stiegler, a philosopher of technology who has delved into …
I am delighted to share a pivotal experience that not only enriched my professional journey but also contributed to the realm of ethical leadership and sustainable development. In November, I had the honour of participating in the inaugural Executive Leadership Programme at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Lampeter campus, a part of their …
Continue reading "Facilitating Ethical Leadership with Maharashtra Political Leaders"
title image approved by Dafen Primary School GEW2023 marked a significant milestone for Dafen Primary School. This year's participation in the global initiative was not just a singular event but a continuation of the school's dedicated journey in entrepreneurship and sustainability. Embracing the week with zeal, the school delved into a series of new enterprising …
Continue reading "Embracing Innovation: Dafen Primary School’s Triumph at GEW 2023"
Stepping into the vibrant halls of Aston University for the ISBE Conference 2023 event, I found myself enveloped in a whirlwind of entrepreneurial wisdom and insights. The recognition of my paper, 'Immersive Practitioner Inquiry', as a Best Paper Finalist in the 'Research Methods, Practice, and Inquiry/Impact (RMPI)' category was not just an honour for me …
In the heart of Brussels, at the awe-inspiring Museum of Natural Sciences, I engaged in the 'Being Entrepreneurial 2023 - Skills for Change' conference, a nexus of entrepreneurial vigour and collective aspiration. The event, meticulously orchestrated by Bantani Education, took place in the home of the European Commission in the Year of Skills, setting the …
Continue reading "Celebrating Entrepreneurial Education and Innovation at the Heart of Europe"
This week has been a whirlwind, navigating the intersection of academia, entrepreneurship, and societal impact, filled with enlightening discussions and meaningful partnerships. A Deep Dive into Commercialising Ideas: The Panel Discussion On Wednesday, October 18, I was immensely privileged to take part in a diverse panel, chaired by Professor Jonathan Bradbury (FLSW) of Swansea University, …
Continue reading "Navigating the Nexus: A Week of Impact and Collaboration"
World Mental Health Day stands as a beacon for mental health education, awareness, and advocacy, shining light on the social stigmas that often shadow this critical aspect of our well-being. First launched by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, the initiative has since expanded its reach to over 150 countries worldwide. Although the …
Continue reading "Kindness in Every Link: Kids and #HelloYellow for World Mental Health 2023"
I am thrilled to report on my recent contribution to the vibrant annual meeting of minds within the ecosystem that is the 'Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Educators Network'. Hosted this year by the University of Surrey, the 17th International Entrepreneurship Educators Conference (IEEC) once again connected colleagues and peers, and offered the opportunity to showcase groundbreaking …
This week, I had the honour of presenting a portion of my doctoral phenomenological research method, the Persona Vignette, at the European Conference of Educational Research (ECER) 2023. This year's ECER theme, titled 'The Value of Diversity' aimed to recognise and celebrate the myriad forms of diversity in education and educational research, whether they be …
I am thrilled to share my experience of the Inaugural Learned Society of Wales' Early Career Researchers (ECR) Network Colloquium 2023. This memorable event provided a wealth of learning opportunities and a platform for engaging with thought leaders and peers. Receiving an award from the Learned Society of Wales for my participation in their research …
To my fellow pirate adventurers, a "Be More Pirate" update awaits! Let me share an exhilarating and lively #FoodPirates journey at the Lampeter Food Festival 2023. Inspired by the daring principles of 'Be More Pirate,' I joined forces, as Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society with UNESCO BRIDGES Hub to challenge norms and chart a course for Sustainable …
Continue reading "Celebrating “Food Pirates” Project with HES & UNESCO Bridges Hub"
I'm thrilled to share a few images of my UWTSD Swansea Doctoral Graduation day which took place at the new Swansea Arena, surrounded by my beloved family, and colleagues and friends. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, and these I hope capture the essence of this remarkable day. My doc celebrations …
Continue reading "Swansea Doctoral Graduation pics and reflections"
So thrilled to report on another instalment of Dafen Primary School's Entrepreneurial Journey, UWTSD and EntreCompEdu's Whole School Global Pioneers. Dafen School children continue to grow their entrepreneurial skills with parent entrepreneur Nick Dunford, of Nix by Nature. Nick has been supporting children with their well-being and mindfulness skills in afterschool sessions, yet spotted an …
Art has an incredible power to ignite the imagination, express deep emotions, and unleash boundless creativity. For children this power can become a transformative force, paving the way for a remarkable creative journey. Today, I want to celebrate the extraordinary opportunity that is the 'Criw Celf program'. It has been nothing short of phenomenal. The …
Continue reading "Celebrating Artistic Growth: Criw Celf and the Young Artists’ Experience"
Celebrating Achievements: Family, Support, and Exciting Opportunities Amidst the blissful half-term weather, my heart brimmed with excitement as the long-awaited arrival of my doctoral award certificate brightened my day. This achievement is not mine alone; it represents a triumph for my entire family, as my journey has intertwined with the growth of my beloved children. …
Just returned from an absolutely incredible time at the Hay-on-Wye Book Festival in Powys, immersed in the magical world of literature and ideas. Among the numerous unforgettable moments, three stand out vividly: Sitting in on a truly captivating session with Prof Mark Blagrove and Assoc Prof Dr. Julia Lockheart, brilliant authors of "The Science and …
Continue reading "Fresh from the Creative Hay Fields: Art and Inspiration HayFestival2023"
Recently I had the joy of meeting none other than Dave Coker - a true pioneer in the world of FinTech education and computer programming at a recent online University of Wales St David (UWTSD) Learning Exchange on AI in Education. Dave's background on Wall Street, coupled with his deep understanding of the intersection between …
Continue reading "Dave Coker: the mind behind ‘Educating Finance, Fintech, and AI’"
There are moments when I tune out from work and study and relish the chance to slow down, embrace the serendipitous nature of random thoughts, and be fully present. Recently, I visited Jodrell Bank Observatory with my family, which is nestled in the heart of Cheshire. On approach, despite the enormity of its 78-metre telescope, …
Continue reading "Listening to the Universe: Reflections from Jodrell Bank Observatory"
At times it's just too exciting not to cross fertilise activities in my life-world. My work in promoting Harmonious Entrepreneurship often gets an airing or re-share here in Emergent Thinkers. Last week David and I were thrilled to take part in the Charterhouse School Sustainability Conference, that took place on March 14th in Surrey. The conference …
Continue reading "Youth engagement at Charterhouse School Sustainability Conference"
As I sat in the audience watching my 5-year-old daughter compete in a local jiu-jitsu competition, a deep sense of pride and joy swelled within me. Seeing her confidently execute her techniques and assert herself without aggression on the mat was a moment I will never forget. It was a powerful reminder of the limitless …
Today’s blog is one I’ve craved to write. The opportunity to calmly reflect and capture ‘my doctoral moment’ which occurred in the early afternoon of February 14th. A peak of anticipation and uncertainty, a suspended moment that subsumed years of challenge, pressure, preparation, and passion, and culminating in hours of serious and focused thesis oral …
Really excited to share off-the-press news on HES contribution to the new Emerald Entrepreneurship publication: Bleeding-Edge Entrepreneurship. Chapter 3. The Leopard's Spots are Changing: An Evolutionary Approach to Ecological to Sustainability; David A Kirby, Iman El-Kaffass, and Felicity Healey-Benson. Bleeding-edge Entrepreneurship illuminates new possibilities, expanding entrepreneurship’s massive potential to create unexplored physical and virtual realms. The contributors …
Continue reading "Chapter in new book reconceptualizing entrepreneurship"
A brand new year, and with it, horizons come into view, glittering with new possibility. The magical and relentless source of energy that surfaces in waves, subliminally vibrates, urging to push forward, reach for the stars. No future is certain, yet our own decisions and responses guide our fate. A few hours in 2023 feels …
Merry Christmas. Thank you for staying the journey with me. As predicted blog frequency dropped this year due to maturing state of key projects, finalising a five year part-time doctoral thesis included. As I close my 2022 with family, to take advantage of some spirited R&R, I’m sure I join many who reflect on the …
Continue reading "Greetings and poetic reflections from a doctoral phenomenological pirate"
Our EntreCompEdu Pioneer pupils of Dafen Primary School supported by UWTSD continue to shine bright as they spotlight their growing entrepreneurial competence. Taking the opportunity to celebrate their third Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW2022), across the whole school, they have collaborated, ideated, designed, and produced a range of sustainable products to bring value to the school …
Continue reading "Dafen Primary, EntreCompEdu Pioneers rock another GEW"
Emergent Thinkers returns with a share of a new English and Welsh publication on UWTSD’s ever-evolving entrepreneurship story. Really proud to have been able to help contribute material to this celebratory piece timed for the UWTSD's 200th year anniversary. https://issuu.com/trinitysaintdavid/docs/40-year-booklet-english_issuu also available in Welsh: https://issuu.com/trinitysaintdavid/docs/40_-year-booklet_welsh-issuu Continuing with this story, I share a brand new online PG …
Continue reading "Celebrating vibrant entrepreneurship education"
My doctoral studies have drawn heavily on my focus and energies this summer but I have been adamant about preserving time with my children and family for tops up on creative inspiration. Not least, because my own thinking is influenced by the philosophy of Gadamer, for whom engagement with literature and art is a continuing feature. Two trips standout …
On behalf of hanfod.NL, Mike and I am thrilled to announce an online webinar on 14th September 2022 at 2pm UK featuring Michael van Manen (University of Alberta profile page). Endowed Chair in Health Ethics, Michael is the Director of the John Dossetor Health Ethics Centre, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Paediatrics. …
Summer’s here, well and truly. The children are now off school and temps soar. It remains quiet on the 'Emergent Thinkers.com front', while I focus on balancing work, home-life, and the stress of a fast approaching thesis submission deadline. Yet I can report it's been a fruitful July for all things entrepreneurial. It's immense to …
I’m magnificently proud to be part of UWTSD’s International Institute of Creative Entrepreneurial Development team (IICED) led by Associate Prof Dr Kathryn Penaluna: compact, dedicated, perfectly formed and sizzling with incredible energy and impact. Today brings an extra burst of pride with the formal communications of our contribution to our placement as one the 5 …
Continue reading "Triple E Awards Finalist Nomination for sizzling entrepreneurship work"
Sundsvall, Sweden May 16-18, The Networked Learning Conference 2022 (Clockwise, Greta, Cathy, Joni, Yin, Nina, Kyungmee, Greg, Felicity, Mike, Jean & Sean). Writing up a thesis induces anxiety. The mechanics of the process alone, compounded by tiredness and frustration, may diminish the very thing you have passion for. However, I count myself truly blessed, that …
It's a challenging time at present working hard to meet doctoral and project deadlines so it's a mood booster when outputs become concrete. So it's with joy and excitement that April has finally brought the publication of “The Wiley Handbook of Sustainability in Higher Education Learning and Teaching”. With my Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society co-founder, Professor David …
Licensed image: 1298389170 Women - in independence, we have inner strength; collectively we have power and impact. Today it's International Women's Day, a day assigned to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It's easy to look up, or through our screens, to take joy in the women that take the stage, …
Continue reading "IWD2022: women – fuelled, focused and fearless"
Always a pleasure to update on the EntreCompEdu project, the day-to-day of which I miss dearly. This time, I celebrate its scoop of the 'Social EU Award 2021' for ‘Best Social Networking’. Awarded to the 3 best Erasmus + projects, the Social EU Awards evaluate project capacity to produce content, reach targets and engage a …
Continue reading "EntreCompEdu Social Media campaigns impress judges"
On a high this evening from an absolute gorgeous afternoon at the UWTSD's Doctoral College Poster Symposium hosted by UWTSD's Professor Annie Fillery-Travis and Dr Malcolm Maclean. Absolute thrilled to talk about one of my favourite subjects: Wonder. I elected to not focus specifically on the themes of my doctorate, but on my researcher journey …
“All philosophy begins with wonder” Socrates said. This I believe is true for all new enterprises and ventures. Wonder, my favourite word and a theme I've commented upon many a time here at Emergent Thinkers. Unlike curiosity, wonder can never be satisfied fully, wonder lingers. I am proud to share the legal incorporation of the …
Continue reading "On Becoming Incorporated – Harmonious Entrepreneurship"
January has passed us by, but really looking forward to the fruits of labour on my Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society endeavours. My co-founder, Professor David A Kirby and I are thrilled to have gathered the sponsorship and support of a number of sustainability-focused organisations over the last few months to bring the dream of our inaugural …
So, we've rung in the new year…laid before us the perceived blank slate, the thrill of new beginnings, the promise of growth, and the potential to do better. Is there not something hardwired in us all to look to see the world anew or wish for better things at the start of a new year? …
A third festive season for 'Emergent Thinkers.com' and a window of reflection, celebration and relaxation before a new year with renewed hopes! 2021 was another unusual year, yet an improvement on 2020 with respect to freedom of movement whilst keeping safe. My tagline became 'Pirates, Pioneers, Passion and Phenomenology underpinned by Entrepreneurship & Harmonious Principles.' …
Our EntreCompEdu Global School pioneers at Dafen School have been busy honing their entrepreneurial skills, and last month sprung into action to engage in Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2021, a key date in the global calendar to celebrate the innovators and job creators who bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. …
Continue reading "School GEW projects generate joy and value"
Work on the Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society in its first year of operation, with my co-founder Professor David A. Kirby has been a key element of our 2021, and we have been thrilled by the sheer number who have taken time out to click in, engage with us online, or enthusiastically exchange with us at conferences …
Thrilled to share the fantastic coverage in the Western Mail's Education Wales paper last week during the height of GEW2021 celebrations. Thank you to Dr Kathryn Penaluna, (Associate Professor), UWTSD, and the Western Mail for the support. I look forward to sharing very soon some of the GEW2021 amazing outputs from the children of Dafen Primary …
Continue reading "Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society in the press"
As we head towards the close of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2021, taking pride in all the wonderful activities engaged in, spotted, and shared, it is timely to reflect upon how and why we should take things forward with speed. That we should indeed, take every opportunity to skill our children and young people to tackle …
Day 4 of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2021 and the second Emergent Thinkers.com special edition ‘mind behind’ interview' supporting the Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society's celebrations. I met Kay Luan, in his capacity of Vice Chancellor of the International University of Malaya-Wales, at the UWTSD's Nexus teaching conference in Wales in the summer of 2019, and was blown …
Continue reading "The mind behind the investing in others for sustainable futures"
Day 2 of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2021 and the first of my Emergent Thinkers.com special edition ‘mind behind’ interviews' supporting the Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society's celebrations. Bev Pold, QAEP, is an experienced practitioner in the field of enterprise, social enterprise, gender equality, and rural development and community. Bev has been and continues to be instrumental in ensuring that …
Continue reading "The mind behind Women in Enterprise in Wales"
Wishing all, local and afar, the best Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2021. GEW is a special week for me. Not only does it celebrate and empower entrepreneurs in every country and community across the world, but it marks the first year of a fruitful journey with my Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society co-founder Professor David A. Kirby. …
Following my wonderful experience of supporting ten faculty members drawn from biotechnology, biology, business, media, literature, and advanced technology at the International University of Malaya-Wales (IUMW) to become EntreCompEdu's first Global Cross-Faculty EntreCompEdu Pioneers, I received a fantastic invitation to co-ordinate a panel workshop at IUMW's International Academic Conference (IAC 2021). An opportunity to share the …
Continue reading "Facilitating entrepreneurial learning in Malaysian Higher Education"
Fresh from the inspiring HQ of Cymbrogi Futures in beautiful Lawrenny, which marked the start of my four-day creative reset, I had the joy of a family-centric cultural deep-dive in London this weekend, collecting new inspirations and connections and resurfacing individual talents and passions along the way. The Cymbrogi Festival of Learning brought together a rich mix …
Felicity & Lea, Yrittäjyyskasvatuspäivät 2021 Woke up to Emergent Thinkers.com 3rd year birthday embracing a warm feeling that embodies all the wonderful people I have connected with through this space. Emergent Thinkers.com is a shared journey, documenting lives and stories, drawing attention from 140 countries; people like you, dropping by with open hearts and minds. …
Continue reading "Emergent Thinkers.com 3rd birthday – celebrating in Lapland"
International Talk Like a Pirate Day 2021 This is my second year of celebrating ‘International Talk like a Pirate Day’ which I wrote about in 2020, so here I go again…my name is Felicity, and I’ve been a pirate for 896 days. Today’s as good a day as any to celebrate why I ‘talk and walk’ …
As co-founder of the Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society, alongside Professor David A. Kirby, I am really proud to share that we have just this morning launched the first iteration of our foundation level online course ‘Principles of Harmonious Entrepreneurship' at the 15th Enterprise Educators UK International Entrepreneurship Educators Conference at Aston University. Part-funded by Enterprise Educators UK's …
Continue reading "Principles of Harmonious Entrepreneurship MOOC"
Lived space (spatiality) is felt space. Lived space is a category for inquiring into the ways we experience spatial dimensions of our day-to-day existence. - van Manen (2011) Lived space is difficult to explain as our experience of lived space is largely pre-verbal, that is, we do not ordinarily reflect on it. And yet we know, …
'Designing Courses with Digital Technologies' released 3rd August 2021 Book production is a long affair, so I had already excitedly shared back in March in 'From Pitch to Published' that my 'Professional Context Vlog' as an assessment device had made the cut in the new 2021 Routledge academic publication edited by Professor Stefan Hrastinski, KTH …
credit: simon maage, gross gasteiger, olia danilevich,helena lopez "Happy International Day of Friendship......".....shares the radio presenter... News to me, but the 'International Day of Friendship is observed on July 30'... a day to mark the significant contribution of friendship to our lives. Not that we should need a ‘marked’ day to recognise or embrace the value …
Jamie, Amber & Felicity, we three pirates we be Yesterday I was treated to an extraordinary and gorgeous evening at the Cymbrogi Futures HQ in Lawrenny, a gem of a place nestled in the outstanding geography that is Pembrokeshire. An evening for memorable meetings, vistas, and conversations. And then, by chance or possibly fated, across …
Continue reading "Pirate worlds collide: courage over comfort"
NEXUS: mid 17th century: from Latin, ‘a binding together’, from nex- ‘bound’, from the verb nectere Nexus +, the UWTSD’s annual teaching and learning conference is a favourite of mine. I always have a lot of fun with my co-presenters and fellow educator attendees; completing the sessions nourished with new ideas and new contacts. This July, the conference …
Continue reading "Nexus + 21: a binding together for resilience"
Dafen Primary school: Head teacher: Mrs Iolan Greville Hot off the press, Tracey Singleton, Faith Muldoon and myself share the entrepreneurial learning journey story behind the Dafen Primary School's EntreCompEdu Global Pioneer School Award. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLXB-gPiONQ The first EntreCompEdu Pioneer School: Dafen Primary, Wales Jeremy Miles, Gweinidog y Gymraeg ac Addysg/Minister for Education & the Welsh …
Last week was pure madness -a collision of key events - I did wonder if there was some chaotic planetary alignment at play. Amongst the usual routines in the week I had the pleasure of participating in another EntreCompEdu cafe, this time led by Paul Ranson, my fellow edu- pirate, and project advisor at the …
Continue reading "Pirates, People, Passion and Phenomenology"
This is a post I have been very keen to share for a couple of weeks. May's online EntreCompEdu Global Graduation event.. Eat your heart out Eurovision – EntreCompEdu knows how to rock a wrap party! The EntreCompEdu Online Global Graduation was the culmination of so much fizz-popping energy, joy, and learning across a collective …
Wonder fills the soul Just days away - the first handfod.NL event - #hNL21 'Phenomenology In Practice' workshops with Professor Cathy Adams and Professor Nina Bonderup-Dohn (10-11 June 2021) https://hanfod.nl/programme/. A last call invitation to join in, and to also share some of my unfolding phenomenological journey. To look forward to the future, and the …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tponlecAWk0 Really pleased to share my time in the EntreCompEdu cafe last month pitching my vlog summative assessment, or quite specifically, PCV (Professional Context Vlog) as an assessment device. Really had a lot of fun making this one, especially the taking of the great questions from some of the participants at the end! Some earlier …
Continue reading "My EntreCompEdu Cafe ‘Vlogging as an assessment device’ VIDEO"
Tickled ‘Be More Pirate’ pink for my birthday card from my Mum today. Maturing birthdays bring all sorts of reflections, stirring and amplifying aspirations. And to be fair, my pirate-self spirit powerfully stirs. Well timed, given my pirate parley in less than 48 hours in Lincoln at Bishop Grosseteste University. Pirate Mindset Being more pirate …
I can sometimes get quite overwhelmed with all the pieces of project work through the different channels of Emergent Thinkers, hanfod.NL and the Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society, and try not to duplicate messages very often, but I think this one is worth pulling through today. David and I are honoured to support TLC Harmony's fantastic Tourism …
Continue reading "RESET Tourism Sustainability event May 25th"
I 'Bring a Spring Upon ‘er' and set sail for Port Grimsby to head for Lincoln, to check out new 'hands' for the changes afoot in our stormy seas. So looking forward to meeting up for some swashbuckling live discussion with the staff at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), with co-conspirator Chris Jackson, Merchant Adventurer, Transformational …
Crying is fullness and emptiness. The welling up of crying, the 'filling up' erupts within a closing down of the world - my world– Paul McGinley, 2008, p220. Today is my Dad’s birthday, and a very special one it would have been for him. I plan to spend the day as close to our memories …
From fear to resilience in the face of uncertainty If Sam Conniff and Alex Barker are involved, I know that’s there’s good trouble and positive discomfort ahead…which is why my Pirate self-jumped at the opportunity to further explore dealing with fear, change and uncertainty!. 'The Uncertainty Experts' - has been created up by multi-talented author, …
Continue reading "The Uncertainty Experts: turning uncertainty into opportunity"
Earth Day is being celebrated on 20-22 April this year, with a focus on the climate emergency. Children, adults, communities, organisations and governments will unite on the theme 'Restore Our Earth.' Key events: Earth Day 2021 now unfolds with a global youth climate summit led by Earth Uprising, in collaboration with My Future My Voice, …
Continue reading "EarthDay21: Restoring Earth through Wonder"
Excited to share another thoroughly rewarding adventure with the EntreCompEdu project, from the recent phase 2 with participants drawn from over 50 countries - one journey, representing UWTSD, with the multi-discipline faculty team at the International University of Malaya-Wales (IUMW). After three months of the phase 2 CPD, ten faculty members drawn from biotechnology, biology, …
Continue reading "Supporting the 1st Global Cross-Faculty EntreCompEdu Pioneers"
As you know my philosophical, phenomenological, piracy, planet and people endeavours spread out from EmergentThinkers.com into The Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society (HES) and hanfod.NL amongst other online spaces. I am proud to draw attention today to a recent HES post sharing the work some inspirational ladies who drive key entrepreneurial and sustainability work from their Celtic …
Continue reading "HES: sharing & celebrating entrepreneurial endeavours"
Picture: Vishal Shah: Castles in the Sky Imagination, the engine of my creativity Ian Van Dahl’s millennium classic ‘Castles in the Sky’ conjures strong memories of my youth. Interpreting the lyrics as dreams of visionary projects or the impossible, few can deny the deep neural connections between music and imagination (Kaufman, 2000; Fries, 2009) or …
Continue reading "Embracing sandcastles: rekindling Imagination"
Last Autumn I shared the birth of a new society with Dr Mike Johnson and Morten Kure Kattenhøj. At hanfod.NL, we aim to build a community of phenomenological enquiry within networked learning. Despite all our positive thoughts and finger-crossing we were timed out with the continuing covid restrictions for our 2-day event and gathering at Cardiff …
Continue reading "hanfod.NL phenomenology goes online – June 2021"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBY4SpXRoWc Picking up on my time last month sharing how entrepreneurial value creators are uniquely poised to support the SDGs, I share the video link hot off the press. Sustainability provides limitless opportunities for value creation for learners. The SDGs provide the ideal canvass to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and action- and encourage teaching practices that …
Continue reading "My ‘Value creation through the SDGs’ VIDEO"
Whether you agree with the new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill or not, RUSHED IN legislation will NOT be subject to the serious scrutiny that is required. The UK's new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill will effectively make all protest illegal in the UK. This Bill not only cracks down on Non Violent …
Continue reading "Urgent: a rushed in bill that threatens social justice & liberties"
In line with Netflix's release of 'The Lost Pirate Kingdom' 15th March, featuring the 'Be More Pirate' Sam Conniff Allende, who recruited me at the Urban Foundry 51.6 event [21st century pirate: the rebel with a cause].... I share the 'mind behind 21c rebellion' interview... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOC7EImJ3OU My interview with Sam Conniff Allende. Social Entrepreneur. Innovator. …
As much as I denounce the commercialisation of this day, alongside many other celebrations, I do enjoy this one. In some ironic way, the pre-marked calendar date forces a break in an otherwise chaotic and fast-moving existence. Today, I take all the goodness (& rest) I can. Being present, humble about my gifts [that are …
A finale to the energetic and insightful first series of webinars to celebrate the ideas of Professor Allan Gibb hosted by the Societal Innovation and Enterprise Forum (SIEF), attention turned to the topic of stakeholder engagement and trust-based partnership working as a means of developing universities as entrepreneurial learning organisations. A key contribution of Professor …
Continue reading "SIEF webinar #4: Universities as partners for change"
Last week I was asked "why do you commit so much time and energy on talking about harmony, the SDGs, and the state of the planet, when it's all surely beyond your influence and control?" - the implication my time be best focused elsewhere... I supplied my usual impassioned answer.. scanning for the intended response. …
Continue reading "‘Adagio For Strings’ – an embodied answer to a question"
Yesterday I read a post on LinkedIn that made me roar. It is attracting much commentary – from many women like myself. Does it always have to be CEOs/founders? If the rebellion has to begin with an already seen progressive leader and go top down, how much of a workplace rebellion is it? There are many, …
Continue reading "International Women’s Day – why I ‘roar’ for my lady rebels"
It's two years to the day I blogged about my first 'call to action' VLOG! In that time, I have experimented with my students on vlogging assignments, creating various iterations, and developed criteria for adoption for wider share and application by various education stakeholders across the globe. Distinguished from the more common 'reflective design' used …
Continue reading "From pitch to published: new heights for the ‘vlog’ as an assessment device"
Yesterday I had the good fortune to lead an educator-centric multi-country webinar on three of my favorite themes: change agency, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Invited to contribute to an EntreCompEdu café webinar series, I detailed the why, the how, and the what next for educators ‘Creating value through the Sustainable Development Goals’. Important when embarking upon …
Continue reading "Educators facilitate ‘value creation’ through the SDGs"
Image: RamCreativ Recently, a quote of unknown source was shared with me: "The mother whipped off her cape, held her hands in the air, and said 'I'm struggling this time'. The other mothers breathed a sigh of relief, ripped their capes off and said 'me too', and they knew they were not alone" 'Vulnerability' is …
Continue reading "Public displays of EV: reimagining a healthier future"
With generous support from the OECD and St Aidan’s College at Durham University the Societal Innovation and Enterprise Forum (SIEF) webinar series turned its focus to the ability of universities to become more entrepreneurial in order to respond to, cope with, and indeed potentially benefit from significant change, volatility and uncertainty. This third webinar was …
Continue reading "SIEF Webinar No. 3: Creating entrepreneurial universities: the new frontier"
Emergent Thinkers.com welcomes guest blogger, Alyssa Jane Clarkson With climate change concerns becoming increasingly alarming each day, more and more organisations, communities, and households have become more conscious about sustainability. In response, different technologies have also started to cater more to this need. And while technological waste is often seen as part of the problem, …
Continue reading "How Technology and Sustainability Can Work Hand-in-Hand (Guest contributor)"
Type image: Cliff Johnson A milestone for Emergent Thinkers.com - one hundred pieces published. It feels both special and surprising today, as I succumb to brain strain and cabin fever in my nth lockdown. 'WFH whilst homeschooling' back in play, raising stress levels somewhat. Enforced isolation more akin to an ‘institutional lock-in’ with the loudest …
International Flower of Hope: The Cornflower (credit: Birger Strahl) I’ll dispense with the new year goal-sharing this year. In times of heightened uncertainty, I share two recent mindset influencers: Martha Nussbaum, a philosopher focused on human emotions, and poet and naturalist, Diane Ackerman. Photos: Martha Nussbaum (Harvard University Press); Girl, Christopher Sardegna (Unsplash); Diane Ackerman(World …
Continue reading "Strengthening mindset for 2021: vulnerable, capable, interdependent"
2020 is the year coined as 'one to forget but all will remember' - challenge, distress, grief and pressure, alongside resilience, adaptability, compassion and dedication.As Christmas day draws nearer, I reflect on the key themes of the second round of seasons of 'Emergent Thinkers.com' - change agency, sustainability, entrepreneurship & philosophical thinking, with a portion …
Adapted image (JJ Ying) I have been asked many times, 'what do you mean by systems thinking?' A concept which influences my work, doctoral research and day-to-day thinking, my relationship with 'systems thinking' spans two decades. Its most recent emphasis in the principles of 'Harmonious Entrepreneurship', as promoted with my co-founder Professor David A. Kirby. …
The Professor & the Pirate (image designed by Vanessa Randel for HES (c) 2020) Recently, I joined up with Professor David A. Kirby to create an intergenerational change agency – the Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society. In our view, the harmony, sustainability and stability of society is seeded in such working groups. An intergenerational collaboration, we have …
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Gabrielle (Gay) Haskins has worked for forty years in the field of leadership and management development. Her key roles have been threefold: building networks (she was the first woman appointed as Director-General of the European Foundation for Management Development); leading the growth of Executive Education (at London Business School, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford …
Continue reading "The mind behind kindness and support in entrepreneurship"
Embracing its EntreCompEdu Pioneer school status, Dafen Primary showcased its growing entrepreneurial vison and competences in Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW2020 : 16-20 Nov). Their EntreCompEdu online graduation is a pleasant summer memory, but the staff at Dafen Primary School, not resting on their laurels, have leapt into action to embed their enhanced entrepreneurial principles and …
Continue reading "EntreCompEdu Pioneer School ‘Into Action’ for GEW2020"
Learning Reframed? On the October 23rd, the topic of the second Societal Innovation and Enterprise Forum (SIEF) webinar was the need for entrepreneurial learning to focus on problems and issues. Moderated by Professor Andrew Atherton, Global Director of Transnational Education, Navitas, the international panel included: • Professor Suzi Jarvis, Founding Director, UCD Innovation Academy, University …
Continue reading "SIEF webinar #2: Re-designing entrepreneurial learning around problems and issues"
kids takeover and turn the world blue Hey, hi everyone. My brother, sister and I, have taken over Emergent Thinkers today, and turned it blue. Why? Because today's a special day to promote children's rights and voice all over the world. Mum likes to write A LOT, but we think we are better at explaining what we want …
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Adapted background image: Phokin, Prof David. A. Kirby & Felicity (Pirate (c) V. Randel) This week, as Global Entrepreneurship Week 2020 unfolds, a new ship ‘The Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society’ was launched. Its destination clear – a planet that is in harmony, and its course is via entrepreneurship and the principles of holistic systems thinking. For …
This week excites me. Out of the COVID drama, springs hope eternal, a new thirst and growing energy to create and innovate. This is Global Entrepreneurship Week, the world's biggest celebration of entrepreneurship. Some space set aside to celebrate and inspire. An opportunity to showcase and reflect on 'entrepreneurship' as effective means to guide, inspire, …
Continue reading "GEW2020 – the welsh dragons roaring with creative spark"
Image: Adapted Camel pic (skitterphoto) with Felicity-the Pirate (Vanessa Randel, 2020) We are subsumed by challenge and change, at micro, meso and macro level. The implications and the importance amplified by our tumultuous political, economic, and social landscape. There are transitions in world leadership, and newly mobilised and channelled energies. Voices of the disenfranchised and …
Continue reading "Addressing elitism, exclusion, prejudice, greed and despair in 2020"
This week has been packed with ‘wonder’, fortuitously coinciding with some personal contribution on the topic in the first airing of Kevin Watson’s ‘Words Matter’ podcast series. A portion, honing in on my long-term relationship with Albert Einstein’s quote “He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good …
Three months into lockdown. COVID blues mixed with a cocktail of missing my Dad, health worries, increased workload, and back-to-back video calls. Broken routines from WFH whilst home-schooling three. I was fast losing purchase on day-to-day living. And then some magic dropped into my inbox. From a trusted colleague and friend. The opportunity to engage …
Continue reading "Motivational Maps – my journey back to ‘self’"
Image Credit: Hush Naidoo Today is World Teacher's Day 2020. A perfect opportunity to pay homage to the quiet, introspective, absorbed patience of the teaching profession (Rilke, 1958). People who have, through their competence, commitment and compassion, surmounted all manner of challenges throughout the pandemic. Professionals with the power to transform individuals and society at …
Continue reading "World Teacher’s Day 2020: recognising education’s heart"
Thanks to Vanessa Randle - thinkingvisually.com for the new logo Phenomenology has become my passion since starting my doctorate. Enveloped by its underpinning philosophy, I have worked to develop my practice of phenomenological method and attitude. It's already been quite an adventure, opening up new networks, friendships, ways of seeing. I believe it will continue …
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About Felicity © 2020 Graphic created by Vanessa Randle, www.thinkingvisually.com – Click to Enlarge Excited to reveal a new ‘site banner and logo’ to celebrate Emergent Thinkers.com's 2nd birthday! There’s been quite a lot to share over these last couple of years, from vlogging to pirate voice, and entrepreneurial, sustainability and phenomenological endeavours. I have also had …
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Felicity Pirate image: Vanessa Randel www.thinkingvisually.com Today is ‘International Talk Like a Pirate Day’. My name is Felicity, and I’ve been a pirate for 531 days. Evocative memories of the evening I claimed this mantle firmly cemented. A potent mix of shared values, a collective consciousness of grievances, powerful stories shared by author, social entrepreneur …
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Reporting on the first 'Reimagining Our Futures' webinars organised by the Societal Innovation and Enterprise Forum (SIEF) - Friday 4th September 2020. Reimaging futures amidst and beyond Covid-19 At the start of the webinar, a collection of photos of the late Professor Allan Gibb curated by Marju Unt (Founder and CEO, Estonian Euromanagement Institute) and …
Continue reading "Re-imagining university futures: building upon Professor Allan Gibb’s legacy"
Monday was powerfully poignant. Thoughts on purpose, presence, and the past. My youngest enjoyed her first day at nursery, presenting an unfamiliar, albeit very cute look. A loose gingham dress and formal black leather shoes. The profound impacts on the psychology of child and parent on a life milestone met, acknowledged, felt. A new phase …
Image adapted: Guille Álvarez Following this blogspace, you’ll know I work on the Erasmus+ funded ‘EntreCompEdu’ project. It is with much delight I update with phase one celebratory news, specifically the culmination of Dafen School’s entrepreneurial CPD endeavours through lockdown. An online graduation. We didn’t start out with a pandemic context in mind, but what …
Continue reading "COVID-19 fails to halt CPD: Online celebration of Welsh entrepreneurial school"
Image: Sarah Trummer I'm used to falling down rabbit holes in my doctoral research, and do so quite deliberately, enjoying and valuing the adventure. The process satisfies 'wonder' through access to the new, the forgotten, the unnoticed or uncharted. Challenging thinking and cultivating insight, it can produce or trigger deliciously rich memorabilia [data] and new …
Continue reading "I spy with my little eye…something to do with ‘being’"
Image: Pompeo Batoni (1708–1787) National Trust, The Public Catalogue Foundation It is 'National Book Lovers Day', deliciously coinciding with my wonderful in-depth conversation with Kevin Watson of 'My Own Coach Ltd'. Recently, Kevin had invited his network to engage in his upcoming podcast series 'Words Matter'. An invitation for a one-to-one to discuss quotes, poems …
Continue reading "In celebration of ‘Pathic Writing’: a personal journey"
Professor David A. Kirby, Holder of The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion, is one of the UK's founding fathers of Entrepreneurship Education (EE). His interest in EE started in the early 1980s at the University of Wales. He was appointed to the UK's first Chair in Entrepreneurship at the University of Durham in 1989. Before …
Continue reading "The mind behind entrepreneurial mindset education"
Adapted image by Clint Adair Fresh from the close of UWTSD's Nexus+ 2020 I’m just too stimulated to not commit a few ‘in the moment’ reflections to screen. It was an absolute privilege and joy to present with entrepreneur/pirate/pioneer Educator, Paul Ranson, to share work on entrepreneurial inspired online peer support and development on behalf …
If the isolation of Covid-19 has highlighted one thing, it’s that human connection is important to and for all of us. Manifesting in many different ways or channels, it has also encouraged many of us to open our attention more fully to the people around us, and to review and refocus energies on the connections …
Continue reading "Shifting Old Paradigms: a virtual conversation"
Through a COVID-19-context lens, it is possible to glimpse the formation of a new economic order. While for some COVID was a 'known unknown' and referred by some as a black elephant (Kemp, 2020), the pandemic has been the Neoliberal's Black Swan (Taleb, 2008), an object lesson in complexity. A difficult situation has unfolded, and …
Continue reading "A COVID-19 driven paradigm shift: ‘disrupting Porter’s Forces’"
Art Credit: 'Nyntastic', Gail Troth, 2006 Dr Kelly Smith, currently based at the Birmingham Business School, is an influential enterprise and entrepreneurship educator with a strong portfolio of graduate venture creation. Here I spend time with one of the key architects of Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Educator networks in the UK. Contributing to education research and …
Continue reading "The mind behind curious & reflective entrepreneurship"
Photo: Pawel Szvmanski 12 weeks into lock-down I succumb to an anxiety brain fog. I dialled my 4th emergency service, IT. Irritable, an acute sense of slow thinking and processing, not feeling myself, I admitted to having forgotten a standard access code used over twenty times a day! An exceptionally tasking week on all fronts …
Continue reading "Too many tabs open – education & work design"
Following 'Judge it! A book by its cover' last October, I embraced another invitation to work with the Faculty of Communications, Arts & Media (FCAM) at the International University of Malaya-Wales. This time, my task was to review, reflect and feedback on an extensive collection of digital campaigns about various social issues, to shortlist a …
Continue reading "Digitally Expressed: Winning Social Campaigns"
I am experiencing data overload. The constant state of being plugged in, tuned in, updated. There is a heavily disorientating aspect to the Age of Distraction, as penned by Richard Wurman in ‘Information Anxiety’ and revisited in Nicholas Carr’s ‘cri de couer’ ‘The Shallows’. My tension, fully embodied (Francis, 2018), requiring unbundling beyond this blog-space. …
An education with nature: Lao Tong and I in 2005, Thailand It's my birthday so I'll re-share if I want to ;-). Just watched 'Disney Nature's Elephants'... The development of critical thinking, creativity and complex problem-solving are long standing goals of education. Recently I’ve been exploring the potential of Biomimicry to support critical and creative …
Continue reading "Education, Biomimicry and becoming better beings"
In an update this week for 'EntreCompEdu', the multi-country project aimed at strengthening teacher competences for entrepreneurial learning, I reported on the magnificent commitment of our teachers and support staff to our learners and families through our global crises. "Covid-19 has hit education hard, pushing the ‘brick and mortar’ school into uncharted territory. Placing unprecedented …
An interview with Dr Simon Brown. From security hologram innovation, pioneering education research and practice, to high impact roles shaping the academic, graduate and business enterprise landscape, Dr Simon Brown is a leading figure in enterprise and entrepreneurship business incubation and education in the UK. You have a multi-sector background Simon, which includes the study …
Continue reading "The mind behind pragmatic and innovative entrepreneurship"
For those who follow my posts you will know I am a strong advocate of what I term the 'professional context assessment vlog'. Here, guest contributor, Kieran Hughes, reflects on the skills development achieved from the VLOG assessment integrated into one of my online Human Resource Management graduate modules. A newer assessment model helps equip …
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This is my first WFH-homeschooling ‘Earth Day’. Today, I reflect on the opportunity born from COVID-19 adversity, to have brought all the SDGs much closer to home. A genuine shift in priority, focus, mindset and daily habit. In the period of lock-down, as a family, we have both been ‘forced’ and ‘encouraged’ to adopt new …
It’s not fun turning 6 in COVID-19 lock-down, especially when plans to spend time with your friends for your first ‘big boy party’ get scrapped! Yet, I am in awe of my sister Frances, who has embraced the situation, drawn on her creativity, and made use of natural materials to create some magical moments for …
On being, and managing change while working from home (WFH) To share one experience of a working mum’s ‘COVID-19 state of mind’, I turn to Roald Dahl’s lesser-known sequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Dahl, 1962). Charlie’s Great Glass Elevator adventure (Dahl, 1972) starts with Charlie Bucket and chocolatier Willy Wonka squeezing Charlie’s entire …
Multiple-award winning educator and author, Dr Colin Jones is committed to the development of authentic and transformative entrepreneurship and enterprise education. Here I gather Colin’s reflections on entrepreneurial education, and garner insight into how his personal journey shapes his students’ authentic learning environments. On Entrepreneurial Education What do you say to those who argue entrepreneurship …
Continue reading "The mind behind authentic entrepreneurship"
An enthusiastic and forward-thinking Carmarthenshire primary school (South Wales) has taken steps to increase its ‘entrepreneurial learning’ curriculum content through engagement in the ‘EntreCompEdu’ pilot, the Erasmus+ funded skills framework that aims to build educator creative and entrepreneurial mindsets. Identifying the value of entrepreneurship education, Dafen Primary School Head Teacher, Mrs Iolan Greville with full …
Continue reading "EntreCompEdu supporting new national curriculum challenge"
‘Harmony principles’ in practice For the delegates and presenters drawn to the UWTSD's Harmony Institute Student Conference 2020 last week, this translated into crossing silos, addressing diversity, adopting integrative thinking, moving beyond analysis to synthesis, and empowering with narrative. To the representations gathered from, and for, the business, interfaith, theology, social justice and inclusion faculties, …
Continue reading "In pursuit of Harmony: we can thrive again"
Here I argue the 'VLOG' has the power/agency to disrupt written discourses in some areas of business and management academia.
Piloting of the Erasmus+ 'EntreCompEdu' is underway in Wales, with primary teachers and PGCE Post Compulsory Education Teachers in training, currently being immersed into the new CPD framework that envelopes EntreComp (the Entrepreneurship Competence Framework). EntreComp Today’s I report on the PGCE PCET engagement led by Mark Flagg, the UWTSD’s Programme Director PG Cert HE. …
Continue reading "‘EntreCompEdu’ embraced by teachers in Wales"
Creativity, Curiosity, Challenge with Fire, Fun and Focus. That was my morning yesterday, joining Professor Andy Penaluna, as he inspired educators and leaders from a breadth of Swansea primary schools. Delegates gathered together, as agents of change in the development and implementation of the new Curriculum for Wales 2022. A collective of focused professionals working …
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I stand proud as a ‘Pirate in Education’, pledged to facilitate ‘positive disruption’ in the education system. Embracing a shared vision with other ‘rebel’ educators and parents, I commit to shape an education system that maximises the innovative potential of all learners; one purposed to social, cultural, environmental and economic value creation. Subscribed to the …
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Photo Credit: https://homegets.com/ My curiosity, appetite for learning, and joy of questioning have brought a new level of challenge to work-life balance this week. Hitting a peak in the middle of school half term. My bundles of joy, fairly and enthusiastically demanding more hours of fun, stimulus, attention and care. This evening, I’m feeling somewhat …
Immensely proud to be part of the EntreCompEdu project, a policy reform project funded through Erasmus+ Key Action 3, to assist educators with the development of EntreComp competences. EntreCompEdu seeks to empower teachers to rethink the skills they have and how they can be used to foster entrepreneurial skills in their learners. The vision being …
At 'We are Curious' Last weekend I spent the day in Bristol's 'We are Curious' science discovery centre with my young children. Amongst the interactive exhibits, activities and labs, I was particularly inspired by their ‘question’ installation. Collecting since 2017, ‘We are Curious’ aims to gather 10,000 curious questions from across the city of Bristol …
Continue reading "Beautiful questions: creating a culture of curiosity"
Some of the EntreCompEdu Steering Group who met in Swansea Last week, in the heart of the UWTSD’s SA1 technium centre, EntreCompEdu’s pioneering team met to drive forward the implementation of the professional entrepreneurship competence framework. A team drawn from Spain, Belgium, Sweden, North Macedonia, Wales and Finland, brimming with expertise and enthusiasm. An international …
In light of today's [28/01/20] discussions generated by the Guardian's article on 'Schools Killing Curiosity' - a revisit to one of my 'hot topics' of 2019. Questions, a kindling for curiosity For many babies, ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ is one of the first literary introductions to the concept of wonderment, contributing to the foundation ‘inquisitive …
Continue reading "Ponder, Puzzle, Pose: the case for curiosity revisited"
2020. The time has come to ditch broken paradigms, and unleash the power of 21st century 'EntreComp' skilled change agents. As global citizens, we live with constant change and challenge. Issues seeded from an era of unrestrained greed and competition, and an over-zealous drive for growth. All against the backdrop of rising populations, depleting resources, …
Continue reading "EntreComp: the tool of choice for resilient VUCA*-proof change agents"
As a founding figure of ‘positivism’, Francis Bacon is very well-known for his promotion of the scientific method. This contrasts with my own researcher position as a phenomenologist. Subscribing to the belief that knowledge is obtained through both experience and observation, I adopt the view “science is useful for understanding many things, but not literally …
Continue reading "I’ll do my thinking with a spot of ginger and bacon!"
I, I shake it off, I shake it off.I, I shake it off, I shake it off. (Taylor Swift, 2014) A joyous by-product of my fascination with biomimicry as introduced in Education: Biomimicry and becoming better beings, is a gathering of the powerful tips nature supplies for us to deal with the messiness of living. …
It’s hard to ignore the outgoing decade witnessed a growing disillusionment to deliver on happiness, particularly that born of personal fulfillment. 2020 heralds the dawn of a new decade. I look forward. Open to its new possibilities. Hope for a rebirth of consciousness of both the individual and collective mind. In contrast to previous episodes …
2019 meant facing a full year without Dad. Experiencing grief, day by day has felt like layers of myself being stripped away. There have been times when I’ve been totally despondent over everything that death represents. Yet, it has been said, grief can lead to transformation; from darkness will come light. I believe this is …
Beginning with the Winter Solstice celebration this Sunday, then enveloping Christmas, Yuletide starts with a celebration of the lengthening amount of light we experience in the day. This provides a welcome moment to reflect on the first four seasons of ‘Emergent Thinkers.com’. A chance to illuminate the themes that have emerged over the year. Rebellion …
This time of year begs reflection. Recently I’ve been trying to document some of the learning from my doctoral and professional journey. After a great conference session at the ALT Winter Conference 2019 today, with international contacts I now consider an intricate part of my learning network, I had a moment! I suddenly realized that …
Continue reading "Back to the future: the journey of one vlog"
This post focus on the value of motivation, in relation to additional hours worked by employees in organisations. Through the contents of an article co-authored by Dr. David Griffiths, the late Dr. Rob Lewis, and myself a few years ago, I appeal to revive discussion on motivation, and HR’s awareness of value creation through voluntary …
Today I attended the Wales Academy for Professional Practice and Applied Research (WAPPAR)'s ‘Coaching Today for a Better Tomorrow: Flourishing Communities and Organisations’ Conference. A room packed with people, irrespective of coaching expertise who fundamentally believe in people and the transformative power of coaching. Underpinned by a range of disciples and areas of knowledge there are many …
Intergenerational exchange (image: pixabay) Globally connected, locally rooted It was my first Circular Economy mapping event [20/11/2019]. A breadth of industries and contexts were represented in the room, from farming to engineering, goods repair through to artisan glass manufacture, student, sole trader, SME and large corporation. All ready to access and share, ideas and opportunities …
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My 'lived experience reflections' of the ICDE's 28th World Conference on Online Learning, Dublin, 2019 (4-7 November), hosted by Dublin City University (DCU). Sense of place WCOL2019 was well situated in the unique glass-fronted futuristic Conference Centre Dublin. Interaction, innovation and inspiration were first impressions as I rose the heights of its atrium of crisscrossing …
Continue reading "WCOL2019: new pathways to hope and light in a digital world"
Image: Entrepreneurial competencies (EntreComp) The Global Skills landscape is morphing quickly. In the educational context, the spaces and silos built up between disciplines are collapsing under the weight of 21c connectivity and the appetite for transversal competencies. There is a growing collective impetus for curricula reform, that which will robustly prepare learners for life beyond …
An abridged re-post from earlier in the summer when I marked one year to the day I last held my father’s [an Irish-man] hand. Reflections on loss that triggered a deeper reflexive insight, on being, life perspective, and identity, including that of a ‘researcher’. Feelings resurfaced, as I make an emotional return journey to Ireland. …
Continue reading "WCOL2019: the power of voice and story unveiled [repost]"
my Dutch window-shopping I return home from a week in Holland further persuaded sustainability isn’t a goal but a mindset. One that is predisposed to being healthy, playful, smart and community-focused. In my view, exposing the important role of cultural worldview in addressing sustainability issues Various studies have for a while listed awareness, compassion, empathy, …
Continue reading "Going Dutch: Experiencing Dutch interiority first-hand"
An interview with Sam Conniff Allende. Social Entrepreneur. Innovator. Disruptor. Author. Following the impact of my first meeting with Sam at an Urban Foundry 51.6 event, as reported in my previous blog: 21st century pirate: the rebel with a cause I finally get to know more about the mind behind the global movement 'Be More …
Image: Markus Spiske Three words have tumbled around my head repeatedly, almost prophetically for the last 12 months. Sustainability. Ethics. Technology. Three lenses through which to address the urgent interlinked societal issues: from the environment through to education and the economy. Sustainability: as it balances economic, ecological, and social values in the pursuit of long-term …
Continue reading "Rebel Call: sustainability-based ethics in a technological world"
Faculty of Communication, Art & Media, at the University of Malaya-Wales This is a break from the norm for me, as it contrasts with my interest in minimizing cognitive bias and introduces me to the power of visual rhetoric, how we are persuaded by the things we see. Here, on invitation to judge six pieces …
Saturday (5th Oct) is World Teachers' Day, also known as International Teacher Day. Established in 1994, it celebrates the signing of the 1966 UNESCO/ILO recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, to "acknowledge, evaluate and enhance the instructors of the world" and to "consider the issues identified with educators and the teaching process in general". Over …
Tay Kay Luan's gift to the future generation It is with enormous pleasure I announce the availability of Mr Tay Kay Luan's second book on sustainability. The arrival of the book has brought tremendous excitement to my household. For not only does it contribute significantly to the global discussion on the most important challenge of …
Continue reading "Their future, our hands: new book inspires"
A simple thank you to all my followers and visitors from the last 12 months. Whilst I typically have education, sustainability and technology themes in mind, exploring how we can prepare well for a future AI-shaped volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world, simply I enjoy the journey of a voice shared. In the words of …
Picking up from earlier blogs embracing-sandcastles-rekindling-imagination and cyborgs-part-1-world-without-mind a brief share on an incredibly invigorating induction with sand, soul, and sustainability in mind with the Carmarthen Business School (UWTSD) freshers today on Tenby beach. "The future will belong to the nature-smart—those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative …
Fast-track to a ‘World without Mind’? Technological development has quickened its pace; it’s now speeding down the autobahn in a super-car. For the dreamy-eyed, it’s risk-free, without limits, and will deliver us to a better world. The right to drive forward, as fast as possible is considered by a number to be sacred, even an …
New academic year It’s the beginning of a new academic year for thousands globally. Our media and networks highlight the beginning of a new journey for learners, kitted out afresh, young and mature; all gearing up excitedly for their year of challenge, with focus on the end prizes of progression and achievement. Yet, the energies …
Picture: Vishal Shah: Castles in the Sky Imagination, the engine of my creativity Ian Van Dahl’s millennium classic ‘Castles in the Sky’ conjures strong memories of my youth. Interpreting the lyrics as dreams of visionary projects or the impossible, few can deny the deep neural connections between music and imagination (Kaufman, 2000; Fries, 2009) or …
Continue reading "Embracing sandcastles: rekindling Imagination"
4IR ? In the words of the Word Economic Fourm (2018) ‘the fourth industrial revolution is already here! ‘ “Emerging Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies are rapidly changing how people, business, society and nations interact. Universities have a pivotal role to play. Their ability lies in three main dimensions: developing new technologies; grappling with the broader …
Continue reading "The fourth industrial revolution, really?"
Steve Wheeler is a Learning Innovations Consultant and former Associate Professor of Learning Technologies at the Plymouth Institute of Education. Here I interview the global educator, author, edublogger, and disrupter activist whose work on technology-enabled learning attracts millions of followers. You have a rich career path Steve, from artist and musician, psychologist and lecturer, to …
Continue reading "The mind behind harnessing technology for learning"
Fresh from some research on AI, robots and sustainability, the health of the planet has become a consistent theme that weighs heavy on my mind. Technology vs Nature. Various news media pump out the stories. We see-saw between a celebration of the latest advancement or ingenuity, to serious lament over the newest crisis, another step …
It’s the golden hour. I’m finally winding down with my children for the summer, forcibly ‘disconnecting’ for a while. I sit outside, overlooking nature. The magic of this unique ethereal light envelopes the landscape, my soul, evoking strong memories of a childhood spent in open spaces, open arms and lengthy conversation. Cherished days gone, of …
Continue reading "Unplugged in the Golden Hour (with Matthew Pinder)"
Pando, the oldest living tree in the world celebrates an estimated age of over 80,000 years In my post Education, Biomimicry and becoming better beings I shared my thoughts on nature being the perfect model to support the of address of societal challenges. A common and crucial issue for the individual, the organisation, or the system …
As featured in UWTSD Press Release 25.07.19 https://uwtsd.ac.uk/news/press-releases/press-2019/wales-nexus-conference-2019-1.html Awakening Days ago I attended the Wales Nexus Conference 2019 to deliver 2 papers. No ordinary event. This was special. Inter-disciplinary in purpose, but able to facilitate beyond the overlapping of ideas at discipline boundaries. At a time when we are subsumed by online connection, socially and …
Continue reading "Nexus: the trigger for collective transformation"
Yes, I am picking a fight with robots and the organ-grinders! Automation is not the end of the road for Educators Yes, you know too, ‘the robots are coming for our jobs’! Cue to some collective eye-rolling, this statement has fast morphed into a ‘future of work’ cliché. Arguably, there’s little to prevent automation’s continued …
Continue reading "Taking on the machines: the rise of the Educator"
Emergent Thinkers 5 minute Spotlight: with Dr. Jesse Martin, the mind behind ‘Socelor’ – the digital home to ‘learning how to ‘think’ 1. Jesse, congratulations on the relaunch of Socelor’s website https://socelor.com, an accumulation of a two-decade mission to unlock thinking for the masses, where did it all begin? Socelor was birthed from the collision …
Continue reading "The mind behind ‘Socelor’: home to ‘learning how to think’"
Image by Dmitri Posudin from Pixabay 4th June. Today marks one year to the day I last held my father’s hand; the birth of an all-consuming grief that would transport me into a dual reality. Two states of mind. One, where life continues as normally as can be manufactured, for the sake of a young …
Continue reading "In grief: the power of voice and story unveiled"
For the love of wisdom, photo by Pixabay With jobs being automated and knowledge being devalued, business and education need to prioritise proven tools that support flexible thinking. In the words of Charlotte Blease “we need people who are prepared to ask, and answer, the questions that aren’t Googleable.” Of ancient Greek origin, the word ‘philosophy’ …
Continue reading "Philosophy vs. Google: The Value of Philosophy to Business and Education"
Pedagogic practice and semantics aside, call us teachers. lecturers, educators, tutors, facilitators of learning; for most of us the calling is consistent - to try to make a difference. Last night I attended the University of Wales Trinity St. David's Swansea Student Union Awards. Unbeknown to me I had been shortlisted in two listings: UWTSD …
Continue reading "Award Nominee: my golden thread reflections"
Questions, a kindling for curiosity For many babies, ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ is one of the first literary introductions to the concept of wonderment, contributing to the foundation ‘inquisitive period’, the preschool years. Anyone who wants a crash course or trip down memory lane in viral questioning, I’ll happily signpost you to my three young …
Continue reading "Ponder, Puzzle, Pose: the case for curiosity"
Conference Time! Photo by Nacho Capelo on Unsplash Pleased to share my inclusion in the forthcoming Wales Nexus Conference, an Annual Learning and Teaching Conference . Will be presenting my research: 10th July 2019 Symposium 3: 11.05am: To VLOG or not to VLOG? Skills for Industry 4.0 11th July 2019: Symposium 9: 10.00am: Influence of Online Discussion Design for …
An education with nature: Lao Tong and I in 2005, Thailand The development of critical thinking, creativity and complex problem-solving are long standing goals of education. Recently I’ve been exploring the potential of Biomimicry to support critical and creative thinking through the unique blend of biology, creative problem solving, design, STEM and systems thinking. Biomimicry …
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Photo by Cezary Kukowka on Unsplash “Pirates didn’t just break the rules; they rewrote them. They didn't just reject society, they reinvented it. Pirates didn’t just challenge the status-quo, they changed everyf*ckingthing” (Sam Conniff Allende, 2018). This quote from the author of the 2018 best-selling book ‘Be More Pirate’ embedded in an email invitation to his workshop stole …
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Continuing on my exploration of key future-proofing skills I turn to Critical Thinking, thinking about how we think.
Recently I designed an assessment in the format of an internal communications vlog, which created an expected ratio of trepidation and intrigue.
With the help of Delaney, possibly the first business donkey vlogger?–what assumptions should we challenge in ourselves, in others?… what skills sets should we hone/fine-tune to continue to evolve alongside the machines?
Quantitative Research can be abstract-centric, blurring out the specifics, trading off deeper meanings and interpretations to quantify phenomena, with relevant variables being missed entirely.
The “reproducibility” crisis suggests a growing number of research studies published across disciplines are unreliable due to the declining quality and integrity of research and publication practices.
Using pictures to understand data goes back centuries, but today’s new easy access, web-based techniques allows for non-specialists to create visually compelling analytics.
Here I argue the 'VLOG' has the power/agency to disrupt written discourses in some areas of business and management academia.
The Boston Consulting Group predicts by 2025 as much as a quarter of jobs will be replaced by either smart software or robots. Oxford University research claims up to 35 percent of UK jobs are at risk of automation inside the next 20 years.
It's kind of obvious a DBA should be a journey of discovery: of knowledge, growth, and change. Yet a mindset change caught me off guard. I did not predict falling a little in love with statistics!
Historically, researchers simply asked if one were single or married. Over time this became confusing and/or offensive. Marital status presents as “less nebulous as questions about racial or sexual identity” but relationships remain deeply complicated.
Statistics have been manipulated since time immemorial. Today, in a business context alone, whether its research to advance management knowledge or address policy concerns, or bad statistics feeding Fake News or political campaigns, data is employed for high impact.
Emergent Thinkers.com 