

Rediscovering Natural Human Organization w Simon Holzapfel
Feb 16, 2025
Simon Holzapfel, an innovative educator and coach, discusses the untapped wisdom of ancient collaborative practices that align with our natural instincts. He critiques modern hierarchical management, advocating for decentralized organizational structures that foster connectivity. By exploring concepts from anthropology and neuroscience, he highlights the power of human adaptability and the failings of top-down well-being initiatives. Holzapfel urges leaders to create environments rooted in trust and inclusivity, unlocking the potential for resilience and collaboration in today’s workplaces.
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Ancient Decentralization
- Nebalivka, a prehistoric mega-site, housed 10,000 people 6,000 years ago.
- It thrived without hierarchical structures or modern management tools, challenging assumptions about organizational design.
Shift in Mindset
- Industrial-era thinking shifted towards viewing nature as resources for exploitation and profit.
- This separation of humans from their ecosystem fostered a mechanistic, zero-sum mindset, impacting organizational structures.
Embrace Adaptability
- Individuals are built for adaptability, a concept called pluripotency.
- Embrace adaptability by responding to environmental triggers and developing diverse skill sets.