The Ripple January 2025

"In this edition of *The Ripple*, we delve into how Network Leadership fosters healthier, more resilient organizations. Discover the transformative power of network science, insights from Microsoft's Satya Nadella on AI and leadership, and actionable strategies for turbocharging collaboration. Explore how a network mindset transcends traditional hierarchies, unlocking innovation and adaptability in today’s interconnected world."

A Leadership Revolution Networks in Action

The RIPPLE Reflections on Network Leadership and Effective Collaboration

Edition December 2025

Table of Contents

Network Leadership: Promoting a Healthier World through the Power of Networks published by Cambridge University Press Page 3

A new science discipline was given a name in 2005: Network Science Pages 4 - 6 Why is Network Leadership different? Pages 7 - 9 What can you learn about AI from Microsoft’s Satya Nadella? Pages 10 - 13 Turbocharge collaboration throughout your organization Pages 14 - 15 Connecting with your customers through social responsibility Page 16 - 18

3 4 5 6 7

A unique Network Leadership Learning Journey Page 19

We are an Enabling Company: We offer solutions and create results Page 20

Successfully navigating a world in flux requires a refreshed leadership approach My book Network Leadership provides a forward-looking framework for leaders to navigate complexity.

This book reimagines leadership for today’s interconnected world, presenting a groundbreaking shift from traditional hierarchical models to a network-oriented approach. Through the lens of network science, the book explores how diverse systems - from natural ecosystems to social communities and the internet - rely on interconnected networks that generate resilient, adaptive behavior. Effective leadership today requires an understanding of network principles by shifting from linear processes to networked thinking.

Leaders must create the conditions that enable their organizations to harness the full potential of their networks, promoting shared purpose, connection, and self- organization. The book proposes actionable insights for leaders in agile, decentralized organizations who seek to build adaptable, customer- focused, and innovative systems. Explore the world of this

network-centric perspective BECOME A NETWORK LEADER

Visit the Cambridge University Press page

A new science discipline was given a name in 2005

Two decades later, it is changing everything.

Why does this new discipline offer an important source of information and inspiration for business leaders everywhere? Because it provides insights and knowledge about what influences how work is organized and how organizations are structured. Take a look at the impressive list of accomplishments which have been realized by this discipline in the last 2 decades:

Network Science offers leaders an important source of information and inspiration 🧠 It has revolutionized neuroscience by uncovering the organizational principles of the brain.

💱 It has provided insights into the structure and interconnectedness of financial systems.

😷 It has played a crucial role in understanding the spread of infectious diseases.

🌱 It has enhanced the understanding of ecological systems and food webs. 🖥 It has been instrumental in understanding and optimizing the structure and performance of the internet.

NETWORK SCIENCE has impacted business and our lives

This is the impact of Network Science * in business and in our lives.

Regardless of how different the types of networks might be – brain, diseases, financial systems, business organizations and much more – Networks are predisposed to adhere to a similar set of principles.

This is what makes the breakthrough of network science so powerful

Since organizations are networks of people and networks of communication , these network principles apply to every organization as well.

What are the implications of networks for the success of your organization?

Connections matter They are the new currency of the digital era

* For the curious 🤔

Network Science was recognized as an independent field of study by the National Research Council in the United States in 2005. Many universities worldwide have added network science to their curriculum.

Why is Network Leadership different?

“Industry boundaries are collapsing everywhere you look, and the trend is accelerating.” This is an observation by Ron Adner, a distinguished scholar at the Dartmouth Tuck School of Business who has introduced “…a new perspective on value creation and competition when industry boundaries break down in the wake of ecosystem disruption.” The automotive industry provides a great case of transformation and how it impacts a business’ ecosystem. The industry player AUDI AG provides an illustrative example: it is diversifying

An ecosystem addresses customer needs transcends the capabilities of any single entity

into fueling services by establishing exclusive charging stations for electric vehicles. However, Audi's movement into adjacent market spaces isn't a solitary endeavor. It is characterized by a collaborative effort which is orchestrated in partnership with a spectrum of organizations. These include EV equipment manufacturers, energy firms, real estate developers, government bodies, and technology partners to name just a few.

An ecosystem alliance provides mutual benefit for all partners

All these partners together form a unique ECOSYSTEM .

This is an alliance which is promoted to address customer needs and transcend the capabilities of any single entity. The nature of these ecosystem relationships are characterized by multilateralism and voluntary participation, unlike traditional supply contracts. Companies remain engaged in the partnership as long as mutual benefits are realized.

Leadership in ecosystems differs from conventional leadership

Leadership within such ecosystems diverges considerably from leadership in conventional organizational hierarchies.

Leaders in ecosystems:

✳ Put emphasis on collaboration, partnership, and holistic value creation spanning the entire ecosystem, rather than any individual organization. ✳ Skillfully navigate the spectrum of mutual benefits, focus on leveraging the complementary resources and capabilities to foster competitive advantages for the entire ecosystem. ✳ Facilitate processes which solicit input from diverse stakeholders and encourage decentralized and participatory decision-making through this approach. This shift in a Leadership Mindset throughout an ecosystem epitomizes the qualities of a Network Leader. To thrive in a continually evolving business landscape, embracing this leadership approach is vital.

A leadership mindset shift epitomizes a Network Leader

What can you learn about AI from Microsoft’s Satya Nadella?

In the 10 years during which he has been the CEO of Microsoft, Nadella has renewed its entire spirit and working culture. By doing so, Microsoft became the most valuable company in the world in 2023, beating both Apple and Alphabet (aka Google). It is indisputable that Microsoft has achieved a strong and dominant position in computing technology worldwide. Just the same, the reset of its mission and vision provide indicators of how this success was made possible.

A reset of mission and vision set the foundation for Microsoft’s success

These indicators all focus on people (not technology).

MISSION : To empower everyone

VISION: To help businesses and people throughout the

world realize their potential

Nadella and his approach to technology offers an important message for leaders of organizations of any size or industry. We are currently entering the emerging “Age of Intelligence” where a strategic balance between human capacity and technological proficiency will impact the success of AI initiatives. Delineating the unique solutions for their organizations is a decisive role for leaders of organizations who are dealing with the challenges of this kinds of ongoing digital transforma- tion. CEOs and leaders in the C-Suite need to serve as a model for embracing lifelong learning about these emerging technologies. While they

Balancing human capacity and technological proficiency

The AI challenge is not all about technology ...

do not need to become technical experts on all the details of AI, they do need to understand what it can (and can not do) for their business. AI poses a special challenge for leaders to not only develop an appro- priate strategy for the use of AI. It requires that leaders formulate powerful questions about how best to realize this strategy. These questions can serve to initiate a exploration and discussion with people throughout the organization. Active participation taps into the vast know-how and experience of every- one throughout the organization. This feedback not only provides useful feedback but also serves to cultivate a positive work environment about the introduction and use of AI throughout the organization. All this people-driven knowledge provides a solid foundation to inform the technical design, development and testing of an AI initiative. With an overall strategy and the accompany- ing strategic questions, the appro- priate data base can be modelled and tested by the CTO and the

AI poses a special

challenge for leaders to develop an AI-strategy

...it’s about leadership, culture, values and new ways of working

organization’s team of data scien- tists, statisticians and analysts.

When the results start coming in, it is time for the experienced people throughout the organization to constructively look at the results and provide feedback for improvements to make the AI initiative even better and more effective for everyone in the organization. AI is about LEADERSHIP which models the way forward, continuously learning. AI is about a CULTURE which values the potential of its people and their ability to innovate. AI is about VALUES which advance the participation of employees who help shape the successful develop- ment of AI initiatives. AI is about experimenting with new ways of WORKING to enhance people’s performance. Nadella Satya’s approach at Microsoft demonstrates, the AI challenge is not all about technology, it is about the vital role that people play as well.

People play a vital role in the AI Challenge

Turbocharge collaboration throughout your organization

Our COLLABORATION LAB offers an opportunity for people throughout an organization to stretch themselves and identify novel solutions.

When entire companies embrace a growth mindset, their employees report feeling far more empowered and committed; they also receive far greater organizational support for collaboration and innovation.

It’s easier than you think!

We listen to your needs

We design a COLLABORATION LAB to focus on generating useful business insights We facilitate the entire experience – from concept development to results analysis

Carol Dweck

Be bold Experience a COLLABORATION LAB

Depending on the needs of your company, our half-day COLLABORATION LAB can focus on:

One key strategic issue to discover novel solutions or A cluster of related issues which require new insights and approaches

You decide on the focus of your COLLABORATION LAB, we do the rest.

The solution often turns out more beautiful than the puzzle.

All your organization need to do is:

Invite the relevant people Participate in lively exchanges about key issue of your business Hit the ground running by taking the results to implementation

Richard Dawkins

We are Enablers who support your organization’s way forward

For more information

Connecting with your customers through social responsibility

How social responsibility is good for a business Let’s take a look at the case of Maria, a young girl from a rural village in Guatemala. She struggled to see the chalkboard at school. Her poor eyesight hampered her ability to learn. Her family couldn't afford to buy her eyeglasses. Warby Parker, an innovative online eyewear provider, stepped in to help. Through their “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” program, Maria received a free pair of eyeglasses.

Warby Parker donates a pair to someone in need for every pair of

Donating eyeglasses to those who can not afford them

of eyeglasses which are purchased. Since the program’s inception, Warby Parker has distributed over 15 million pairs of glasses. This has enabled an immense number of individuals to learn, work and improve their eco- nomic prospects. Maria's world became clearer with her new glasses. Her learning improved. She now dreams of someday becoming a teacher. What truly distinguishes Warby Parker is their commitment to social responsibility. In addition to their charitable endeavors, the company’s operational emissions have been carbon neutral since day one. They are also pioneering sustainable practices, such as creating eco- friendly lenses. Warby Parker is developing a demo lens molecular recycling program in collaboration with Eastman, a specialty materials company. This innovative material is 60% bio-based and has 40% certified recycled content. This combination creates lenses which are both sustainable and recyclable.

Carbon neutral and eco-friendly eyglasses

Enabling people to learn, work and improve their economic prospects

Warby Parker plans to incorporate this material into some of its frames later in 2024. Warby Parker’s rapid growth suggests that social responsibility indeed is good for business. Its revenues soared by 46% in the past two years while the U.S. eyewear market grew by only 5% in the same period. Warby Parker attributes its success to a stakeholder-centric business model which seamlessly integrates social and business goals. This approach resonates deeply with customers, fostering one of the most loyal customer bases in the industry.

Business success through a

stakeholder- centric model

Lead Differently Champion Optimal Performance Realize Innovative Results Become a Network Leader

Your opportunity to become a Network Leader is coming in February and May 2025. Leadership powered by networks is a novel and different approach to leading effectively in an increasingly perplexing business environment.

Take a look at the viewpoint of this unique leadership journey

Your journey towards clarity and focus awaits you.

https://cli.re/Become-a-Network-Leader

We are an Enabling Company

ENABLING is a unique network-driven approach aimed to:

Enhance effective collaboration at all levels of an organization Nurture the capacity in organizations to advance a network mindset Deliver optimal business solutions with speed and effectiveness

We offer solutions and create results

COURSES both online and onsite LABS to find network solutions TOOLS to map the network landscape ENABLING SERVICES to provide customized network solutions for company of all sizes

Contact

Ensemble Enabler

Danklstrasse 30 81371 Munich , Germany

+49 89 72 93 97 23 www.ensembleenabler.com value@ensembleenabler.com

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