January 24, 2025
6
Min

Ecosystem Thinking with Catherine Schoendorff

Exploring the transformative power of ecosystems with Julian Kawohl and Catherine Schoendorff. Insights for a sustainable future!

Author(s)
Prof. Julian Kawohl and Catherine Schoendorff

The Power of Ecosystem Thinking

Earlier this year, Julian Kawohl, Founder of Ecosystemizer, was invited to a live LinkedIn session with Catherine Schoendorff, a strategic sustainability advisor. Their conversation explored the transformative potential of ecosystem thinking, the growing relevance of sustainability as a business model, and how companies can leverage these principles to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world.

Julian brought a wealth of insights from his dual role as a professor of strategic management and ecosystem consultant. Catherine, with her expertise in sustainable strategies, emphasized the critical need for businesses to integrate sustainability into their core operations—not as a compliance measure but as a driver of innovation and growth.

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Key Themes from the Discussion

1. From B2B and B2C to Ecosystem to Human (E2H):

Julian introduced the concept of “Ecosystem to Human” (E2H) thinking, an evolution from traditional B2B or B2C approaches. This mindset focuses on aligning business goals with human needs across interconnected life domains, such as mobility, health, and recreation. By considering how businesses can add value to human lives holistically, organizations can position themselves as orchestrators or key enablers within larger ecosystems.

2. Circularity as a Business Model:

Catherine highlighted the growing role of circularity in reshaping industries. Rather than treating sustainability as a cost or regulatory requirement, businesses can view circular practices—such as recycling, reusing, and resource-sharing—as opportunities for profitability. Ecosystem thinking, with its focus on collaboration and cross-industry synergies, is perfectly positioned to make circularity a core business driver.

3. The Role of AI in Ecosystem Innovation:

Both speakers emphasized the potential of AI and digital tools in enabling ecosystem thinking. Julian noted how AI can simulate, map, and quantify ecosystem strategies, making them more tangible and actionable. Catherine underscored that while AI can enhance decision-making, it’s the strategic vision of leaders that ultimately drives transformation.

4. Bridging Strategy and Execution:

One of the key challenges discussed was translating ecosystem strategies into practical steps. Julian emphasized the importance of tools like the Ecosystem Strategy Map, which allows organizations to visualize their roles within ecosystems and identify opportunities for partnerships, innovation, and value creation.

5. Challenges and Opportunities

A recurring theme in the session was the resistance leaders often face when implementing ecosystem and sustainability strategies. Many executives hesitate due to perceived risks, fear of failure, or entrenched operational mindsets. However, Julian and Catherine stressed that the cost of inaction—falling behind competitors, losing customer relevance, or missing growth opportunities—is far greater than the risks of experimentation.

Inspiring Leadership for Ecosystem Success

The session concluded with a call to action for leaders to embrace bold thinking, collaboration, and innovation. Cathrine’s mantra of “radical simplicity” resonated as a guiding principle for executing ecosystem strategies. Julian’s insights on the transformative power of ecosystems—combined with tools, frameworks, and a customer-centric focus—demonstrated that success lies in both vision and execution.

Why Ecosystem Thinking Matters Now

As businesses navigate a complex and uncertain future, the principles of ecosystem thinking and sustainability offer a roadmap for resilience and growth. Companies that adopt these strategies can position themselves as leaders in their domains, delivering value not just for shareholders but for society at large.

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Ecosystem Thinking with Catherine Schoendorff

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