Personal references of working with our coaches
What’s it like to work with Jens Heitland
In 2018 I was headed to Bremen, Germany to present my work as a published Author of two papers for the IAC2018 (International Astronautical Congress). My work addressed the importance of the Arts in STEM education through a collaboration with NASA, as well as the applications of Experience Design for Space Education. One of my co-Authors invited me to Czocha Castle in Poland before the Congress began, which is where I met Jens Heitland. It was a meeting that happened organically, without my knowing of who he was or what company he worked for. I found myself in an inspired conversation of ideas for immersive experiences and "edu-tainment". It was towards the end that Jens humbly mentioned that he was the "Prefect" of the "School of Engagement" and invited me to join the group. Not knowing what to expect but delighted in the inclusion and anticipation of adventure, I accepted the invitation. The very next day the ideas we had discussed began shifting into actions through a series of site-specific projects. With more like-minded individuals from around the world working together (under the direction of Jens), the barriers of corporate titles, politics and traditional processes began to fade. What emerged was a powerful and transformative journey into experience design. This is something that is needed in visionary work, not only on Earth but in space as we build villages on the Moon and look to creating space colonies on Mars. It was a pleasure working with Jens and learning what is truly means to be at the forefront of innovation design and how it can be done when we all work together. For anyone looking to disrupt themselves: work with Jens! The time spent with him is priceless!
- Ad Astra, Patty Rangel Author/Producer/Futurist
“Jens is one of the few people I’ve ever met, who actively enjoys being challenged on his assumptions. Many talk the talk about innovative mindsets, but fall flat when it comes to themselves. Jens walks the walk to a degree that’s as rare as it’s inspiring. And he does it with a smile on his face and an unrelenting belief that the world CAN be better. Highest recommendations from here.”
— Claus Raasted, Director at The College of Extraordinary Experiences & Senior Advisor to McKinsey
“I started working with Jens when he was heading the innovation efforts in IKEA and I was thoroughly impressed by how much he managed to accomplish in the company with such a small team and almost no resources. Effectively he bootstrapped to build the foundations of the innovation ecosystem and strategy for IKEA Centers. He's absolutely one of the best experts in the corporate innovation field on this side of the ocean. We have continued our professional relationship and I often rely on his knowledge and bring him into our corporate programs.”
— Daniil Kozlov, Managing Partner, Global Venture Alliance
“Jens has for me been an innovation compass for true transformative innovation. Always challenging to do better whilst still ends being your best friends in the battle.”
— Ludvig Liljekvist, Global Sustainability Insights & Innovation Leader, IKEA Group
“Working with Jens has been always an WOW. He as an innovation program leader, always sets high target, high standards and delivery great outcome with meaningful impact to the management. When Jens and I were working at IKEA Group designing innovative Sustainable Stores, he demonstrated the innovation leadership competence on brining global teams together and achieve goals than expected, with lasting sustainable influence, and working with Jens being part of his Advisory Group for IKEA Centres Future Innovation Workshops have both been really fantastic experiences seeing him integrate venture building and innovation process together. Jens is always learning and evolving in the innovation field and stay ahead of the game. I will certainly recommend Jens for leading innovation and guide organizations to be leader of tomorrow’s innovation.”
— Vanessa Folkesson, Founder of Sports Republic an Olympics Movement Company and Earth Emergency Exchange E3E.org PPE Supplier to Nobel Foundation Institute Karolinska Hospital. A former colleague and Innovation Advisor to IKEA Group.
“What I like about Jens is that he is all about pushing boundaries and experimentation. And that he has a courageous mindset.
That is why whenever we got to collaborate, he found a way for true innovative magic to emerge.”
- Paul Bulenceea Co-author Gamification in Tourism: Designing Memorable Experiences