Simplify Workplace Evolution: Sebastian Klein Shares his Transformative Approach

The final episode of Season 6 features a special guest here at Blinkist: psychologist, entrepreneur, publisher, ex management consultant and one of Blinkist’s original co-founders, Sebastian Klein!

In this interview, Caitlin and Sebastian discuss how businesses around the world are making changes that take them from hierarchical systems that predict and control their next moves, to organizations with a culture of sensing and responding to the needs of the company. Sebastian explains why designating roles rather than titles is more empowering, how he determines whether organizations genuinely want to change, and how to have more effective communication at the workplace. This episode is great for anyone who has identified changes they want to make, and finds themselves asking the question, “but, how?”

“So people talk a lot about changing the mindset of the organization, and that’s a very easy thing to say and very hard to do. And what I thought or what I have found, is that the best way to change a mindset is to change the behavior.”Sebastian Klein

There have been countless discussions around what needs to change in organizations looking towards the future of work. In this episode of Simplify, Sebastian Klein reveals his tried and true methods for how to actually make these changes. This discussion is both informative as well as inspiring.

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Who’s Sebastian Klein?

Sebastian Klein is a psychologist, founder of several companies, a serial entrepreneur, a publisher, an ex Management Consultant, and a co-author of the book, The Loop Approach. He has been involved in starting multiple companies, has helped major organizations like Audi and Deutsche Bahn improve their business and is constantly thinking about and involved in shaping the future of work. One of the companies that Sebastian helped to found: it’s Blinkist! Combining his roots in psychology with ample experience in the business world, Sebastian’s insights into how to enact change are sure to transform your perspective on your work, and your life.

Sebastian Klein’s Recommended Read

Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

Considered by many a masterpiece which changed the face of literature, this 1856 novel about romance, heartbreak, reality and fantasy is brimming with humanity. While we typically feature non-fiction in our recommended reads, this is a great reminder that the world of fiction is also full of wisdom, new perspectives and lessons to be learned.

Extra Credit Reading

If you would like to dive deeper into some of the topics Sebastiain Klein covers in this Simplify episode, check out this book list composed by Ben and Caitlin!

This book takes a look at how we can close the gap between our “work personality” and our “true personality”. Liz and Mollie share their guide to integrating and expressing our emotions in the workplace, and provide us with lots of humor and powerful insights along the way.

Holacracy has been instrumental in shaping discussion and changes in organizations by looking at management systems and redistributing authority and decision-making. The concepts in this book are credited with making many companies more agile, fast and successful in the modern world.

Brave New Work by Aaron Dignan

This book starts with an in depth look into the history of the workplace, how we got to where we are today, and where we need to go in the future. Dignan advocates for us making not only systemic changes, but provides us with an entirely new way of thinking. This is an illuminating read for anyone thinking about the future of work.

This short E-Book is Blinkist’s light take on Holacracy and is able to simplify some of the most complex ideas. If you are interested in how these management structures can change a workplace, this is a great example and resource. Plus, it’s completely free! Find it in our link section below.

What’s Simplify?

Simplify is a podcast for anybody who’s taken a close look at their habits, their happiness, their relationships, or their health and thought “There’s got to be a better way to do this.” We talk to bestselling writers, productivity wizards, sex geniuses, and happiness experts to find it for you.

Simplify is made with love by Blinkist. Click here to try Blinkist free for 14 days with the voucher code: Loops

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Talk to us!

We want to hear from you! Drop a line to us at [email protected] about whatever tickles your fancy.

If you want to say hi to Ben and Caitlin in the meantime, you can find them on Twitter: @bsto and @CaitlinSchiller.

Who made this?

Your hosts are Caitlin Schiller and Ben Schuman-Stoler.

Research and production assistance by Ines Bläsius, sound and editing by Christoph Meyer.

Gorgeous new music by the one and only Odysseas Constantinou.

Got links?

Blinkracy e-Book

Read the transcript here!