Hi, I am Alex.
An award-winning strategist, facilitator, and advocate for regenerative design.

After 5+ years working in sustainability, research and social business, I founded realutopia, as the umbrella of my interdisciplinary work in business, policy, culture and journalism, and as a space for radical imagination.

Discontent with conventional business models that often overlook the value of creativity, design and interdisciplinarity, I took a stand to empower impact organisations, thought leaders and conscious entrepreneurs to see beyond business as usual.

Since then, I have worked with 100+ visionary leaders in start-ups, corporations, media organisations, NGOs, universities, and public institutions, such as PwC, Die ZEIT, German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and many more.

In April 2024, I got awarded with the New European Bauhaus Prize by the European Commission for the Teufelsberg Transformation Lab on citizen-lead policy co-design.

My Journey

My early adulthood was marked by an increasing curiosity about the complexity of the world and justice sensitivity, sparking the neurodivergent urge to make a tangible difference in it.

This is why I pursued a degree in international business, then an interdisciplinary master’s program in politics, economics, and culture, to make sure I got ‘the big picture’, only to realize it will be a life-long quest. My academic journey found its peak in a thesis on transformation narratives of future-viable economic systems, where I studied the frames and narratives of the climate justice movement in Germany.

Embodying the methodology of systems thinking, strategic foresight and design thinking brought me closer to understanding how to bridge from vision to reality with in-depth research, creativity, and a bias to action. Embarking on a journey of unlearning, I began to reconnect with my inner self, cultivating trust in my intuition, creativity, and playfulness.

Today, I bring structure and clarity to complexity in my formats such as workshops, strategy sessions, and experiences. I dedicate myself to fostering regenerative practice of building and collaborating within ecosystems, unlearning business and growth as we know it today, through the lens of regeneration. As you never walk alone, I actively collaborate with value-aligned partners such as IN-VISIBLE, Unlearn Business Lab, The Intervention Bureau, and the Network of Empathy.

Together, we are dedicated to forging not just new ways of doing business, but new ways of thinking about success and our impact in the world. To me, working on those topics with these people is truly — a real utopia.

Values

  • Radical imagination is how we envision and create the futures we aspire to. It involves transcending the constraints of present degenerative systems, and daring to visualize alternative realities filled with regenerative practices. By harnessing the power of radical imagination, we challenge existing norms and paradigms, sparking creativity and inspiring transformative action. Future-thinking encourages us to question the status quo, envision bold solutions, and co-create a more equitable and flourishing world for generations to come.

  • I believe in the power of authentic vulnerability and transparency as foundational elements of trust and collaboration. By openly sharing our challenges, fears, aspirations, and knowledge, we create genuine connections and foster an environment where everyone feels valued and understood. Transparency cultivates a culture of honesty and integrity, enabling us to navigate complexities learning from one another, while reaching out when we need community.

  • Mindful resilience integrates strategic embodiment, where actions align with values and goals, fostering adaptability amid change. It's about staying committed to our vision while navigating challenges with purpose and intention. Embracing awareness in every moment liberates us, reinforcing our capacity to evolve and thrive in the face of uncertainty.

  • Serving communities is at the heart of our purpose-driven approach. We recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of stewardship towards both people and the environment. By prioritizing the well-being of communities and ecosystems, we strive to create positive impact and foster a sense of belonging and reciprocity. Serving communities means actively listening to their needs, amplifying their voices, and co-creating solutions that promote social justice, inclusion and deliberate participation for all.

How it feels like, working with Alex.

Network of Empathy team, after 6-months long strategic collaboration, resulting in the NOE Experience.

Our Network