July 4th, 2022, Hamburg, Germany
Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting an engaging keynote talk Changing business to change the world and a hands-on workshop on Biomimicry Design Thinking at tesa headquarters. Led by our esteemed colleague, Geanne van Arkel (✝︎ 17-07-2023), this hybrid event attracted an impressive online audience of 130 participants, complemented by 20 enthusiastic attendees present in the room. The blend of physical and virtual interactions created a dynamic environment for learning and collaboration.
Inspiring Keynote
As part of our long-term customer engagement, Geanne’s keynote speech Changing business to change the world on the case of Interface where she was the head of sustainability for many years set the stage for an inspiring exploration of biomimicry—the art of learning from nature to solve human challenges. Participants expressed that the talk was not only well-received but also ignited a sense of possibility. One attendee even took the initiative to email during the presentation, eager to explore ways to contribute to the conversation.
As Geanne articulated, biomimicry isn’t just about imitation; it’s about understanding the underlying principles that have allowed nature to thrive for over 3.8 billion years. By studying natural processes and adaptations, we can draw parallels to our design challenges and find sustainable solutions that are both innovative and effective.
Interactive Workshop Experience
Following the keynote, the workshop provided a hands-on opportunity for participants to delve deeper into the practical applications of biomimicry. Many attendees arrived with little prior knowledge of the methodology, but left with a newfound appreciation for its relevance and potential. Geanne guided participants through the Biomimicry Design Thinking framework, which encompasses several stages: scoping, discovering, creating, evaluating, and feedback.
The workshop was structured to encourage creativity and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions and learning from nature’s time-tested strategies. Participants were tasked with identifying real-world challenges and exploring how biological models could inform their solutions. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees noting that the methods introduced were surprisingly useful and relevant to their daily work.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on this successful event, as part of a larger long-term strategic sustainability program, we recognize the potential for ongoing collaboration and innovation stemming from our exploration of biomimicry in combination with The Natural Step methodology. While the immediate impact of the workshop will ultimately depend on individual initiative, the seeds of inspiration have undoubtedly been planted. We anticipate follow-up discussions to evaluate the usefulness of the concepts introduced, and we’re excited to see how participants apply these insights in their respective contexts.
Join Us in Future Endeavors
At SGA, we remain committed to fostering environments where sustainability and creativity can flourish. We believe that by looking to nature, we can uncover solutions that are not only innovative but also harmonious with our planet.
For more information on our upcoming events and workshops, stay tuned to our LinkedIn page, or contact us directly. Let’s continue to embrace nature’s wisdom together!