Explore with Catalyst: Our next theme “Making and Shaping Meaning.”

Our kick-off exploration began with our learning partner, Osaka Institute of Technology.
We invited them to explore with us and share their thinking on the Japanese concept and practice of Ikigai-the art of making meaning, finding purpose.
Building upon our insights from Ikigai, our learning continues as we explore art, culture, design, VR, AI, IOT and the many dimensions of the very human meaning making function.
In Catalyst, we will examine the ways in which human beings make and shape meaning. Meaning making is what makes culture, connection, community and even commerce possible.
When we cannot make meaning of our lives, our world or our work, we feel quite literally, meaningless. But, how do we make meaning? Shape it into products, services, experiences cultural narratives and art forms? Are there meaning making processes we can learn from? And, what role do leaders play in shaping and enabling meaning making.
This is what we set out to explore!

In March, Unsetteled + Catalysts have curated their next Leadership Learning Journey to Tokyo, Japan. Travelers will immerse themselves in the city and it’s surroundings, once the power center of the Tokugawa shogunate and now the contemporary capital of cool! They will connect with visionary practitioner’s, and engage in a cultural and carefully curated experience. Stay tuned for a first-hand journey highlights and insights.
We invite you to enrich us with your thoughts on the theme, and how creative enterprise leaders are shaping meaningful experiences and exchanges.
Suggested reading, reviews and curated features content coming this spring.
We begin with
The Eye of the Beholder
Taking Back Philosophy: A Multicultural Manifesto


Donostia/San Sebastian image shares a glimpse of Karakuri ningyo a mechanized puppet from Japan, a tradition from the 18th century to 19th century. The word karakuri means a “mechanical device to tease or trick”. It implies an element of mystery, even magic. Much of Japans love of robots lies in the history of the Karakuri Ningyo and it continues its influence on technology and the arts today.