SINGAPORE — Global creative change firm Consulus successfully conducted the 2024 Consulus Global School from 18-20 June in Singapore.
The Consulus Global School, which is now in its 7th year, is an annual event where Consulites and Changemakers convene in-person to ensure cause-driven growth and renew commitment among members. Throughout the first three days, and as a prelude to the much anticipated Shape the World Summit 2024 and Gala Dinner at Jewel, Changi, these Changemakers from around the world learned more about what it means to foster “Creative Change Movements” in their respective contexts through specialized workshops and training sessions.
For Belynda Alleluia, Design Strategist of Consulus and a first-time attendee, the event was a “meaningful” experience. She shared, “My worries disappeared as I experienced the family-like environment. I can’t express how powerful the energy was in the room, and I was amazed by how collaboration and unity made such a great impact.”
Consulites attend the Consulus Global School 2024, Singapore. (Photo courtesy of Consulus)
Here are the highlights of the Global School 2024:
Day 1: Consulus Core
Freddy Nicolas, CEO of ProLingua International, gives a talk during the opening session of the Global School (Photo courtesy of Consulus).
The first day focused on showcasing the products, services, and network of Consulus. Participants—comprising mainly key members of the World Centre, practice heads, Regional and City leads, and partner firms—worked closely with each other to strategize for 2024-2025 as Consulus gears up to expand its work of mobilizing creative change globally.
For the first time, partner firms were invited to the core meeting to signal the beginning of a “Changemakers Economy,” so that they, too, can find synergy with Consulus to be economically sustainable to impact the world. For instance, Parendigm will collaborate with Consulus to create unique products and training solutions.
Consulites participate in the Influence and Impact Calendaring Exercise that sought to map their plans and ideas for next year. (Photo courtesy of Consulus)
Other partners such as ProLingua, Frost & Sullivan, SCL Nigeria, and Global Strings Federation also participated in the discussions at the Global School and contributed to the presentations on growth targets, areas for improvement, and pathways for synergy.
For Lawrence Chua, a newly joined Consulite Observer, currently Venture Partner at DesignFutures Venture, participating in the event enabled him to understand “why the team is so passionate in radically changing the world.”
“I can find like-minded Changemakers and build a circle of trust to pursue my cause for transition in a VUCA world here!” he said.
Day 2: Consulus Alchemy
“What is your cause?” This was the question Lawrence Chong asked during his opening talk on Consulus Alchemy, a leadership development program underpinned by a threefold purpose of meaning, conversing, and identifying.
Inspired by the word alchemy, which pertains to the capacity to change or create things in a mystical way, the event focused on capacitating Changemakers to understand the meaning behind the company’s work, converse with fellow participants, and identify personal aspirations and long-term goals.
Lawrence Chong, Group CEO of Consulus, opens the second day with a discussion on what a creative change movement is about. (Photo courtesy of Consulus)
With the question posed, conversations erupted on what it means to be cause-driven in a period of “extreme change” brought about by technology and artificial intelligence (AI). For Lawrence, a cause is “a force greater than yourself, beyond your capabilities. No one has to motivate you to do it, and sometimes, you will die for it.”
“Our cause is our economic E=mc2 ,” he said.
Lawrence used Albert Einstein’s renowned Theory of Relativity as a metaphor to pertain to how our cause in life embodies an essential, almost revolutionary, level of potential or impact, much like how the equation itself revolutionized our understanding of physics and the relationship between mass and energy.
In his talk, Lawrence mapped out the brief history of Consulus and how it managed to survive throughout the years to eventually become the creative change firm it is today. He credits the founder of the Focolare Movement, Chiara Lubich and her vision for a united world which inspired the creation of Consulus.
Lawrence also discussed the concepts based on the The Heart of Creative Change or 4Cs—Cause, Creative Change, Circle of Trust, and Competent Pivot—which are central topics to his book Creative Change. After the discussion, the participants were divided into four groups to further discuss their insights and later share reflections on the topic.
Alchemy participants in the breakout sessions. (Photo courtesy of Consulus)
In the afternoon session, the Alchemy focused on addressing the question: What does it mean to be a creative Changemaker?
A Changemaker, as defined by Consulus, is an individual who has a specific cause and is creatively changing the world while mobilizing a movement for lasting action. Lawrence explained that to become a Changemaker, there needs to be a more thorough understanding of the 4Cs: Cause (What bothers you or makes you restless?); Creative Vision (Are you naturally seeing new ways?); Circle of Trust (Are you finding a circle of friends to walk or converse with?); and Competent Pivot (Do you sense your need to pivot?).
For the final activity of the day, the same groups reconvened to evaluate their ‘heart’ as Changemakers and connect their individual and shared lived experiences in connection with the 4CS, which led to a fruitful dialogue on what it means to imprint lasting change in the world.
“We are always conscious of the cycle of change,” said Lawrence. “So, the whole idea of the Alchemy is to ignite the ‘fire’ to sustain us for the next years of constant evolution.”
Day 3: Economy of Communion (EoC) Asia Pacific Regional Assembly and Consulus Global School Workshops
As a member of the Economy of Communion (EoC) network, Consulus organized the 2024 EoC Asia Pacific Regional Assembly. The gathering aimed to reorganize the structure of the group, invite new friends to introduce them to the EoC, and collaboratively plan a regional action strategy.
One of the most pivotal topics covered during this time was the “7 Key Aspects of EoC in Action,” which included discussions on Premise and Goals; Capability and Capacity; Supply Chain; Co-innovation; Economy at large; Participation and Co-governance; and Building strong local communities together. This topic highlighted how a Creative Movement for an Economy of Communion—the theme of the assembly—can be achieved.
The EoC Asia Pacific Regional Assembly convened participants from different countries like the Philippines, South Korea, Pakistan, Australia, and Vietnam. (Photo courtesy of Consulus)
“The engagement with like-minded individuals and organizations is what I truly value about EoC. Listening to the insights of fellow advocates from various sectors made me appreciate even more the good work that we do and the potential of our advocacy to create positive change on society,” said Dr. Norby Salonga, Founding Director, LSEED Center, De La Salle University. “I’m truly grateful for being part of this growing community since 2021.”
For the afternoon session, several workshops were organized specifically catered to Consulites interested in learning how to conduct training and presentations about Consulus. For this year, the following have been offered:
The Blueprint of Cause-Driven Organizations
Lead Trainer: Helena Pham
Unveil Your MasterPlan: How to work with this Consulus Personal Development Tool and Future Resilience Leadership
Lead Trainer: Stanislav Lencz
The Opening: Introduction of power and relevance of faith fluency in business
Lead Trainer: Dr. Farha Iman
Participants join the workshop on leading cause driven organizations with a train-the-trainer format led by Helena Pham (Photo courtesy of Consulus)
With a focus on interfaith and intercultural dialogue, interested participants joined a training on the nexus between faith and businesses. (Photo courtesy of Consulus)
Based on the My MasterPlan series, attendees learn more about the methods of Consulus facilitated by Stanislav Lencz. (Photo courtesy of Consulus)
Abiola Ebohen, CEO of SCL Nigeria, emphasized the relevance of the specialized workshops she attended. She believes that the lessons she learned will significantly impact her work in Nigeria and beyond. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “As we participated in the sessions, the theme and connection of ‘from the inside out’ crystallized for me. As Changemakers, we start from within, that then spills out.”
Check out previous iterations of the Global School:
Interested in joining the Consulus Global Network?
Companies aligned with our mission can apply to join and bring Consulus to their cities by committing to a shared creative change plan. This plan will include participation rates and a clearly defined scope. Interested companies can share the global brand and platform of Consulus and access the Changemakers Economy. They must review Consulus’ foundational documents and attend the annual Global School to remain active members driving the movement forward. Applicants must present their credentials and explain their reason for joining the Consulus Global Network.
For more information email: info@consulus.com
About Consulus
Consulus is a global creative change firm serving persons, companies, and cities in their transfiguration for an Economy of Communion (EoC). Consulus believes that purpose and unity are essential for innovation and inclusive growth. Since 2004, Consulus has implemented systemic innovation solutions with multidisciplinary business and design capabilities throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. With a presence in 23 nations globally, Consulus believes in shaping an inclusive socio-economic system and is a member of the EoC network.
