Pre-Conference Workshop M1
M1 - Sovereignty - The Missing Links
Date Wednesday, 2 Dec Time – Price: 95.00 € Status: places available
Jef Staes
Architect Learning and Innovative Organisations, Red Monkey Company
Jef Staes (1956, Belgium) is an authority on learning processes, innovation and culture change. With decennia of professional experience (Engineering Digital Telephony, Training Manager & Corporate Learning Officer), he currently assists CEO’s and Managers to find a comprehensive answer to the changing dynamics of today’s world. He is a passionate & inspirational author, keynote speaker & concept creator. His striking metaphors and stories are guaranteed eye-openers and his thoughts on the future of business and education inspire many. Google 'Jef Staes' or 'Red Monkey' and you know where he stands for.
We are so blinded by the "Golden Calf" of Artificial Intelligence that, once again, we risk neglecting what really drives evolution. As AI rapidly reshapes learning, work and innovation, are we paying too much attention to technology and too little to the human capabilities needed to use it well? This interactive workshop challenges the assumption that technology itself is the main driver of sustainable transformation. Instead, it explores human sovereignty and engagement as essential conditions for meaningful learning, innovation and change.
Drawing on over 45 years of experience across every major technological shift since 1956, as a software engineer in early digital telephony and mobile networks, founder of an Open Learning Center, corporate learning leader, and author and keynote speaker on learning and innovation - the workshop's facilitator brings a rare, lived perspective on what actually drives change. Participants will explore what it means to become more sovereign as a learner, expert, manager or executive, and examine how organisational structures and cultures can either enable or restrict this sovereignty. Through discussion, reflection and practical exploration, the workshop will challenge participants to reconsider how learning and innovation are supported within their own organisations.
A particular focus will be placed on the role of managers and executives in creating environments where people can take ownership of their learning, develop their potential and contribute to innovation. Participants will explore what courageous leadership looks like in practice and how greater human agency can help organisations move beyond technology adoption towards disruptive, sustainable transformation - because only sovereignty in learning and doing can unlock the potential in all of us.
Agenda:
- Part 1: Switch-3D, Real Learning & the Impact of AI (60 min)
- Coffee Break
- Part 2: The Power Defect & Personal Drivers of Innovation (60 min)
- Coffee Break
- Part 3: The Smarting & Agility Compass: Developing People, Learning & Leadership (60 min)
- Closing
Target Audience: Education Leaders, Learning and Development Professionals, Managers, Executives, Innovation Leaders, Educators and Organisational Development Professionals
Target Audience Sector: Secondary Education, TVET / Vocational Education, Higher Education, Adult / Continuing Education, Workplace Learning
Prerequisite Knowledge: No specific prior knowledge is required. Participants should have an interest in learning, innovation, leadership or organisational transformation.
Expected Outcomes:
- Explore the role of human sovereignty and engagement in learning, work and innovation.
- Identify organisational conditions that enable or restrict individual agency and potential.
- Reflect on how managers can create environments that strengthen learning, collaboration and innovation.
- Explore how leaders can support greater human agency and more sustainable organisational transformation.