Wojciech Zytkowiak-Wenzel, PhD’s Post

What an enriching week! Finally, it’s Friday. Here are my reflections: 1. Growth Through Connection 🌱: Companies don’t thrive in isolation (well, maybe they can, but why would you want to?). Tao Dance Arts has received the incredible support from so many amazing individuals and communities. A special shout-out to Jan Blomme —thank you so much for setting up the internal structure of TAO and working on our lighting during your own free time! Sarah Vee, you are amazing and such an inspiration - Thank YOU for letting us be part of the wonderful third-year anniversary of Women of Hong Kong. Besides my family and friends who are always there for me ♥, I feel immense love from my colleagues at Valona Intelligence. Thank you for collaborating with me on numerous wonderful projects to provide the best insights to our clients- Noemie Marchenay and Katie T. Tran ❤ and many other colleagues. Ingrid Klare - your willingness to listen and engage means the world to me. Prathima Bommakanti and Silvia Fossati I always look forward to our regular chats. Also, I truly appreciate our catch-ups, even if they are not often, with Svetlana Siebertz, Kasia Hartwig, & Carsten Gayer. I know this sounds like an Oscar speech 😊, but it’s never too much to show your appreciation and gratitude. 2. The Challenge of Collaboration 🤝: Working together isn’t always a walk in the park, especially when we’re trying to convince others of our ideas (to others, it feels like they have to accept that they are wrong; no one wants to be wrong). I’m guilty of being rigid at times, but I’ve learned (well—still learning) there’s never just one path to a destination. Sorry, sorry, sorry for being so petty at times (too often) in my quest for perfection—what is perfect anyway? 3. Embracing Different Perspectives 🌍: It’s okay if our ideas or products aren’t always appreciated. As long as they’re morally sound and we believe in what we stand for, we should give it time to find like-minded people. Oh no --- My pettiness popped up - I am asking myself why my first reflection is way longer than the others. But hey, why should they all be the same length? 😜 Have an amazing weekend ahead!

Leadership Tip: Welcome to the Monday before Christmas! I don't know about you, but one of my "happy places" is Christmas. I know I have people that I work with that find me amusing (or possibly strange) because I have Christmas music playing in my office randomly throughout the year. It isn't just for December for me, because the music takes me to a happy place when I was little and full of wonder toward something magical. When I was little, there was a true sense of excitement the welled up in me that I couldn't contain. We may not be able to go back to that, but I like catching glimpses of the memory. I find myself sometimes remembering those moments and trying to create new ones for my sons and now for my grandson. Why am I bringing all of this up right now and here? The answer is simple: we all work ourselves very hard and give a lot to our jobs to provide for ourselves and our families, but I don't want you to lose sight of those moments that bring excitement to your life. Slow down and enjoy one of your "happy places." Work is important, but rarely do people embrace their work for its precious memories. #intrinsicleadership #leadership

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY #6 💭 This morning, my 2-year-old reminded me of the power of reflection. Our day starts at 8 a.m., but my eldest often wakes earlier, lying quietly in bed. When I go in, he eagerly shares his favorite memories. Today, he said, “Carve turkey with Thatha (Tamil for grandpa),” recalling his proud moment carving the Thanksgiving turkey with my dad. During those quiet moments, he reflects on the highlights of his week—a simple habit with profound lessons for us. -> In Customer Experience: Reflecting on standout interactions helps us recreate meaningful moments for clients. -> In Leadership: Recognizing team successes fosters positivity and inspiration. -> In Personal Growth: Gratitude and reflection keep us focused on what truly matters. Start your day like my 2-year-old: 1️⃣ Reflect on your best moments. 2️⃣ Bring that energy into your work and relationships. 3️⃣ Let gratitude shape your day. #ThoughtfulThursday #Gratitude #StandardWork

The Power of Shared Belief 💥 For one day, the world feels lighter.  Christmas, or what it represents, has a way of drawing us into something greater. It’s not just the gifts or the traditions; it’s the collective belief in generosity, joy, and connection that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.  This isn’t about Christmas itself, it’s about what it teaches us.  The power of shared belief is undeniable. It shows us how, when people come together with intention, we can shape the world we want to see.  Think about it:  - We construct meaning through rituals, like gathering, giving, or reflecting.   - We anchor ourselves emotionally, finding joy in connection or nostalgia.   - We glimpse what’s possible when kindness and compassion take center stage.  It’s not just one day on a calendar, it’s a blueprint for how we can live. What if we chose to carry that mindset beyond the season? Not because of a holiday but because we’re capable of creating that same magic anytime we choose.  P.S. Shared belief has power. What values will you carry forward into the new year?  Share your thoughts! Comment Below. ⬇️⁣  ♻️ Share and pay it forward 🙏   📌 Save this post for later  

From another week closer to the end of 2024 (and a festive ho ho ho 🌲 in between), we’ve witnessed the highs and lows of humanity… Here are my three takeaways from another fascinating seven days... 💡I’ve had the same conversation that I have most weeks about working environments and specifically working from home v being in an office. It’s not a black and white issue (which is probably why I’m having this conversation so often…). If you're involved in these sorts of discussions, remembering that it involves thinking about a whole range of perspectives - not just one - can be useful. 💡I’ve had LOADS of conversations this week about how folk have left the starting line in a mad dash to get to Christmas and ready for 2025.  If this is you, I’d like to share a thought coming from some of those discussions… is everything you’re trying to get finished urgent and essential right now or is there any part of it that could wait until January? 💡in the UK this weekend, the first blind contestant won the Strictly Come Dancing dance competition. It's a brilliant demonstration of how, as humans, we can do pretty much do anything we set our minds to. But it’s really made me wonder why we don’t do more to use that ability to solve BIG problems (that in many instances we’ve created ourselves 🙄 ) and to be better human beings? Any thoughts really welcome. How’s your week been? #ThreeThings #Bigproblemsbigsolutions #changeforthebetter

—🗣️Say it, don’t hold yourself back🗣️— Last week, I had the privilege of receiving an Ignite Recognition from a dear colleague in Germany. A simple yet powerful way to say, “I see you, and I value what you do. Gratitude filled me completely, energizing me in ways I hadn’t expected. It reminded me just how impactful a few kind words can be. Recognition, when genuine, has the power to uplift and inspire. Yet, how often do we pause to express appreciation? As we approach the end of the year—a natural time for reflection—let’s make it a priority to recognize and celebrate the people around us. Tell them. Tell them how much you appreciate their efforts, their ideas, and their contributions. Because in the end, kind words matter far more than material gifts or financial rewards. Appreciation creates a ripple effect. When we acknowledge the positive actions of others, we spark more positivity, more motivation, and more success. So, take a moment today to reflect and share your gratitude. Let’s end the year on a high note of connection, recognition, and appreciation! #MissionGratitude #Gratitude #SayThankYouMoreOften

It’s a new week, and I’m considering introducing a Policy For the Week. 👏 So, what exactly does that mean, you might wonder? I'll pick a theme for the week inspired by some concepts from the game of Leela, and we (or maybe just I) will follow it every day! These themes can unfold in unexpected and fascinating ways, so keep your eyes peeled and enjoy this engaging activity. For some of you, it might be an event, a synchronicity, your actions, thoughts, memories, or even plans for the future. It could be anything as long as it makes sense to you. 👈 Your task? Simply observe how this concept plays out and what insights you can glean from it. So, without further ado… The theme from 15 April to 21 April is KINDNESS! 💛 Wishing you the best of luck in your quest for meaning and in embracing this concept throughout the week! Kill Them With Kindness! :) Best, M www.leelaby.com

Christmas Reflections: Embracing Uncertainty and the Future As celebrating Christmas today, let’s take a brief moment to acknowledge the beauty of uncertainty and the opportunities it brings. The future may be unpredictable, but it’s in these unknowns that we find growth, resilience, and innovation. A Thought to Carry Forward The IC industry and the world around us are evolving faster than ever. While it can be overwhelming, it also reminds us of our collective strength and creativity. Together, we adapt, innovate, and move forward. A Simple Wish: May this holiday season bring clarity amidst the chaos, courage to embrace the unknown, and connections that inspire us to build a brighter tomorrow. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a promising year ahead! Let’s look to the future with open hearts and limitless possibilities. 🎄✨✨ #ChristmasDay #ICIndustry #UncertaintyAndOpportunity #Collaboration #FutureFocus #SeasonGreetings

Sometimes, the most magical moments happen when we step into the light—cheering each other on with courage, heart, and a little sparkle of possibility. This year, we had the joy of watching Autumn and her cheer team light up the Grapevine Christmas Parade of Lights! ✨ Seeing their boldness and teamwork reminded me how much growth happens when we decide to show up — even when it’s a little scary. Whether it’s walking down Main Street or stepping into a new season of life or work, having support and a vision makes all the difference. It’s not always about having the “perfect” plan, but about having the courage to start. 💡 What lights are calling you forward? 💡 Where do you need a little extra clarity or cheer? We all have a parade to step into — and it’s not about perfection. It’s about momentum, movement, and the willingness to step into possibility. What’s one step you’re ready to take as you end the year? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to cheer you on! #StepIntoTheLight #MomentumMatters #PersonalInnovation #GrapevineParadeOfLights #IGNITEYourLife #ClarityAndCourage #InnovationInLife

As I depart the Intercontinental Hotel, O2 after attending another excellent Capacity Europe event, I am reminded about the importance of kindness. I attended many successful meetings and conversations, we discussed topics ranging from and including future strategies, priorities, partnerships, evolution of markets, to the impact of market changes etc etc, but the one thing that stood out to me this year is that every meeting, whether planned or just by chance, started with a smile, a warm greeting, a hug or a handshake and it re-energised my mind and heart about one of my key priorities from a human kindness perspective. Kindness is like a gentle breeze that sweeps through our lives, bringing warmth and comfort. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, the importance of kindness becomes even more pronounced. When we choose to love a little more, we create connections that transcend barriers, reminding us of our shared humanity. A simple smile can brighten someone's day, while a few kind words can lift a heavy heart as we never truly understand another persons situation. By caring a little more, we create an environment where compassion flourishes, encouraging others to do the same. Engaging in meaningful conversations can release the shackles of stress and fear, fostering understanding and empathy. In these small yet powerful acts of kindness, we find the potential to create ripples of positivity that can change lives. It’s a reminder that, amidst our busy lives, taking a moment to connect and uplift one another can make a real difference. Let’s commit to loving, caring, and smiling a little more each day, creating a world where kindness reigns and everyone feels valued and heard.