These thoughts allowed me to reflect on the needs of my peers and inspired the design of the Chats initiative. The first tool, Innovation Storytelling, made me realize that the greatest innovations always stem from unmet needs, and that human beings have a basic need to connect with others and learn about each other’s stories and experiences, as it is especially from these that they draw inspiration. Two tools from the UN Innovation Toolkit – the Innovation Storytelling tool and the Embrace Failures tool – helped my teammates and I through the creative and innovation process that led to the launch of the “ Fireside Chats with IFAD Leaders” initiative.
#Fireside chats professional#
IFAD had already offered initiatives like coffee meetings, mentoring programmes and other virtual activities aimed at facilitating professional interactions and countering the sense of isolation caused by social distancing.Īs such, how could I set our initiative apart? What new elements could be incorporated into this new project?ĭesigning new interaction spaces through the UN Innovation Toolkit The ask seemed challenging at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. When it happened, I immediately began wondering what the added value of this new initiative could be. From the simplest of ideas: that promoting and fostering a culture of dialogue and empathy at the workplace – where most our interactions take place – can be revolutionary, innovative and life-changing.Īs member of the IYN steering committee, I was asked to co-lead and help design a safe and informal space where young colleagues could meet and share ideas with our organization's senior professionals. This is how the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Youth Network (IYN) “ Fireside Chats with IFAD Leaders” initiative was conceived. (António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations)
Be bold, be revolutionary, and disrupt: because without innovation, there is no way we can overcome the challenges of our time.” Innovation is not only the most sophisticated technologies, sometimes it is the simplest of things. “ We can do things differently, and we can do different things.