Dear readers,

The future does not unfold in a straight line, but often in the spaces in between – in liminal spaces. These are transitional zones where the old no longer fully exists, but the new has not yet fully taken shape. They are characterised by change and transformation. They are places of change – full of possibilities, but also full of uncertainty. They can unleash creative energy and feel like chaos.

The work of designing sustainable structures, cultures and strategies in organisations takes place precisely in these spaces: between designing, resistance and mourning.

Designing means bringing new ideas into the world, developing utopias and creating with imagination and creativity. Resistance involves identifying injustices, confronting them and initiating change. Mourning can mean consciously saying goodbye to what is allowed to go – and accompanying this process. In terms of time, we also move between two poles: the long-term horizon and the concrete actions of today, next month and this year. What a task!

We invite you to pause for a moment and reflect on the quality of liminality in your life:

— What liminal spaces are you currently experiencing in your life or work?

— What question accompanies you in this space between?

— What (or who) supports you in staying in this space, maintaining it, shaping it?

— If you like, find an object or image that symbolises the quality of liminality for you — and share your thoughts about it with someone.

As usual, we invite you to join us in spaces, conversations and experiences that enable us to grow, be together, reflect, digest, mourn – and create.

We look forward to seeing you!

Julia Hoffmann