There has been a lot of activity happening behind the scenes for mentokc over the last year or so .
Where it began
When I first started the business, I very much focused on a kind of traditional management consultant/leadership consultant model.
In the traditional sense, I was offering:
• businesses and organisations help to solve their problems of external adaption and internal integration,
• to work with people on organisational development and design,
• and, to help leaders develop and build high-performing teams.
Changing the approach
At the start of 2021, I had a bit of an epiphany and I restructured mentokc’s offering, shifting away from the traditional approach ever so slightly.
In my way of explaining, I would say that I moved away from a linear, “cause and effect” style of thinking. I view this as more of a transactional approach to helping people address symptoms of wider issues.
Also, I moved to a more non-linear system, holistic thinking model, which is heavily based on dialogue and relationships, with a stronger focus on helping people actually transform.
The focus changed to be more on deep diving and attempting to uncover root causes and systemic problems. More importantly, I shifted my mindset from a fear-based justification mindset to an abundance mindset, open to exploring opportunities.
Extending realities
One of the opportunities that I started to explore over this time was the use of different technologies, as I have a passion for technology and wanted to incorporate some of these aspects into what I was doing daily.
Then it happened. Through a lot of excited chit-chatter on my behalf with an organisation, they were open to me introducing them to some immersive technologies – namely, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality AR).
I remember being introduced to VR as a younger gentleman and suffering pretty badly from cybersickness . However, I am happy to say, the technology has come a long way, and I no longer engage in the content that is not so good for me!
How it looks
Never in my wildest dreams did I think that this is where I would end up. I spend a large portion of my day-to-day talking to people about VR hardware and showing them through different software.
There is some absolutely amazing software, off-the-shelf solutions around, especially in the soft skills / human skills space. For example, Bodyswaps has some fabulous modules that can assist greatly in areas such as workplace communication and inclusive leadership.
There’s also a number of different software options available for organisations to access, which enables them to author their own content that can be used in VR. Whether it’s through 360VR using 360-degree camera panoramas, videos and adding some user interface or building out scenarios. The options are almost endless.
Further applications
That’s not to mention I also work within the “wellness” space the fabulous applications that these extended realities provide in this area.
There is something exceedingly fun about talking to people about these technologies and the way they can apply to learning and development. I love seeing the skepticism in their eyes, underlying a view that this is all a little “gimmicky” and “gamey”. Inevitably, this always changes after they have completed some content and I hear them say… “I get it.”
One thing’s for sure, I am exceptionally passionate about this technology. So much so, that I am biased towards it. I say that from the lens of someone who has seen it make a significant impact on the wellbeing of someone I love… hmm perhaps a blog from that person is in order?
Sound like fun?
Are you are interested in this sort of technology?
Or possibly keen to learn about how it can impact your people’s well-being, learning and development, communication, or productivity?
Perhaps we need to have a chat so I can help you make that a reality.
Regardless, you will see and hear me talking about this topic a whole lot more in the future.