welcome
We are Catalytic, a social change institute.
We create experiential learning journeys that are designed to help you catalyze system change.
Our programs cultivate radical imagination, transform leadership, and amplify your agency.
the challenge
A flourishing future is within reach, but how do we accelerate its arrival?
Existing systems perpetuate ecological destruction, inequality and geopolitical tension.
To move forward, we need to reimagine our societies, master the levers of systems change, and challenge the status quo.
our vision, mission, values
We envision a world where empowered movements create lasting change, ensuring a flourishing future for all. Our mission is to equip the leaders who are building and leading these movements - whether within organizations or communities - with the tools & skills to drive systems change at the necessary scale and pace.
Everything we do is grounded in optimism, courage, inclusivity, collaboration, and a relentless focus on impact.
our offer
Leadership
immersions
Designed for top leadership teams, this program focuses on cultivating the visionary leadership and strategic thinking necessary to guide organizations through complex transitions. Inner growth for outer impact.
Imaginal
Labs
System change accelerators
This immersive and multisensory experience blends visioning, systems thinking, and leadership development, fostering the capacities needed to imagine and catalyze lasting change at both the individual and collective levels.
Geared towards change agents, program teams, and movement leaders, this program equips participants with the tools, frameworks and advocacy strategies to navigate and transform complex systems.
approach
Our learning journeys are designed to provide the space to think beyond the conventional, help you craft strategy based on vision, and collaborate to turn long-term goals into real-world outcomes.
We do that based on these three ingredients:
system change fluency
new social imaginaries
leadership
methodology
We combined the three ingredients into a methodology that addresses the fundamental question: how to truly drive change?
The methodology is new, but draws from old and sometimes even ancient sources. We integrated practices from artists who can see what is possible for our world, system change practitioners that shift power and influence, and leadership approaches essential to drive the change.
CURRENT REALITY
FUTURE POSSIBILITY
reframe
imagine
understand
activate
experiment
people
Former Global Forest Director and Executive Director of Greenpeace Mexico, mobilizing millions to preserve our planet's precious ecosystems. Former Managing Partner at THNK School of Leadership, where she designed and facilitated transformational leadership programs. Read more.
Seasoned social entrepreneur, who worked with partners on five continents on reimagining society. Co-founder of agency Dr. Monk, international public speaker, community curator, and board member of a range of organizations in the impact space. Read more.
Jacob Marshall
Trailblazing multisensory artist, offering us the gift of awe and beauty in all his creations. Jacob is kindness personified, with superconnector skills that allow visionary ideas to become solid initiatives. As the bridge between many communities, he transforms the social soil we thrive on.
Nick Demeris
Musical composer and master facilitator, Nick’s presence creates a field of connection, meaning, and possibility. A lifelong student of both ancient traditions and contemporary challenges, he embodies a unique blend of insight. If there were a global Minister of Culture, it would be Nick.
Marie-Therese Png
Brilliant researcher and advocate, Marie-Therese seamlessly bridges high-level academia, policy, industry, and local communities. She intuitively weaves together themes of AI governance, decolonial theory, and climate justice, honoring us with deep knowledge and direction.
Jaime Westendarp
Jaime is pioneering the field of impact experience design. With a playful yet profound mind, a gift of gab, and a deep understanding of how stories break or heal systems, she transforms every gathering, narrative, and fireside encounter into the heartbeat of a movement.
Jonathan Olinger
Film director and force of nature, Jonathan’s track record of what visual storytelling can do for social change is unparalleled. His vast international experience, creative genius, and moral courage elevate every project he touches.
Hae-jin Marshall
Otherworldly experience artist and guide. Blending wisdom with wit, she leaves an enduring mark on everyone she encounters. Hae-jin’s analyses are razor-sharp, her words as precise as a poet's verse, her work medicine for the world.
Our advisory board:
David Snellenberg
Down-to-earth yet iconic founder, creative director, writer, strategist, and father. His most recent endeavour, DAWN (acq), an award-winning B-corp for strategy and ideas.
Ama van Dantzig
Bridge builder between the realms of art and social enterprise, linking Europe with Africa, and merging knowledge with artistry. In her various roles, Ama poses critical yet compassionate questions that drive real progress.
Fatima Denton
Director of United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa and renowned expert on natural resource management, policy development, and a just climate transition. Fatima’s thought leadership is compelling and widely respected.
Kumi Naidoo
Prominent South African environmental justice activist and former leader of both Amnesty International and Greenpeace International. Kumi champions 'Artivism', a powerful blend of art and activism to inspire change.
Rajiv Ball
Lecturer at Haas School of Business, partner at THNK and former partner at McKinsey, Rajiv works at the intersection of business strategy and leadership development.
“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.”
—
experience
While Catalytic is pretty new, its founding team brings a wealth of experience. We have worked with the below partners on leadership, strategy and social innovation:
