Otto Scharmer is a Senior Lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Founding Chair of the Presencing Institute, an organization dedicated to activating awareness-based systems change through action research. Otto co-authored the influential books Theory U and Leading from the Emerging Future, introducing the transformative practice known as "presencing"—learning from and responding effectively to emerging futures. Drawing inspiration from his regenerative farming upbringing, Otto emphasizes nurturing "social soil," referring to the quality of relationships, awareness, and collective capacity crucial for profound systemic transformation. His work has significantly influenced leadership practices, organizational behavior, and societal change globally.
About the Presencing Institute and U-School:
The Presencing Institute, founded by Otto Scharmer, is a global organization committed to enabling profound societal transformation through awareness-based systems change and innovative action research. Known worldwide for its groundbreaking Theory U methodology, the institute actively collaborates with leaders, organizations, and communities to cultivate deeper collective understanding and facilitate meaningful change across sectors.
The U-School is an innovative global platform within the Presencing Institute dedicated to helping change-makers, educators, and leaders deepen their understanding and mastery of Theory U. U-School provides transformative learning journeys, workshops, and community initiatives that empower individuals and teams to respond creatively and effectively to complex societal challenges by fostering greater personal and collective awareness, intention, and agency.
Learn more about their impactful work at Presencing Institute.
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