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Transformation is a word that is often on everyone’s lips. But how can we actually implement it instead of just talking about it? My journey led me to an approach that is not only pragmatic but also deeply human: design thinking. My learning journey, which took me through the Design Thinking specialisation at the University of Virginia (UVA) and the AI Leadership courses at Vanderbilt University, showed me that real change starts from the ground up.
Design thinking as a driver of transformation
Traditional change management is often a top-down approach that feels like a checklist. There is a plan that needs to be worked through, and people have to adapt. Design thinking, on the other hand, is different. It is empathy-driven, iterative and collaborative. This approach is perfect for tackling so-called ‘wicked problems’ – complex, unclear challenges such as cultural change.
In my work, I combine design thinking with agile methods, AI and OKRs (objectives and key results). This creates a framework that makes change not only theoretical but also practical. It’s not just about designing products or services, but about creating a culture that understands and welcomes change as an ongoing process.
The democratisation of learning
One of the most impressive aspects of my trip was the accessibility of knowledge. US universities such as UVA and Vanderbilt are opening their doors to the whole world through platforms such as Coursera and edX. High-ranking professors share their expertise globally, regardless of geographical location or financial situation.
This often contrasts with traditional education systems, such as those still commonly found in Europe or Germany. There, structures are often more rigid, formal and heavily focused on formal qualifications. The new wave of open learning shows that first-class education does not have to be confined to physical walls.
Empathetic professors as trailblazers
What makes this type of learning so effective? It’s the people behind it. Professors like Jeanne Liedtka and Jules White are not lecturers who teach from above. They are guides – they guide rather than control knowledge.
Jeanne Liedtka, who describes herself as ‘the least creative person I know’, teaches with a remarkable blend of modesty, joy and accessibility. Jules White is pragmatic, encouraging and values building community. Empathy, clarity and kindness – these qualities make knowledge truly stick, something that is often lacking in many traditional corporate training programmes.
Conclusion: A new era of transformation
Design thinking is more than just a toolbox – it is a mindset for transformation. And the universities and professors who teach these principles with empathy embody exactly what we need for real change.
This is the model of how we should imagine transformation: pragmatic, open and deeply human.
When empathy is at the heart of learning, it transforms not only students – it also transforms organisations and entire societies.
