Initiating positive change.
Working on a remote island in Canada is a blessing for nature-lovers, but sometimes one might miss team-mates and the “water tank talks” you have in bubbly busy places or in a big company. This short, spontaneous meeting at the water tank – or coffee machine – that often opens up to an unplanned sharing of thoughts, ideas, exchange for a quick advice or the name of someone that can help to go ahead. I was not the only entrepreneur on this island, that missed the magic of water-tank talks and so initiated “the Collective”: The Collective Salt Spring is a group of business-minded islanders who want to support each other in a regular meet-ups to share ideas, knowledge and have access to the gift of collective intelligence.
I strongly believe that children’s curiousity leads to learning. Therefore an inspiring, loving environment, both in nature and depending on weather a roof helps them to grow in order to become what they are meant to be, just like a seed that has the full blueprint ready to flourish. As we could not find such a place for our eldest two sons, I started an initiative for a new Kindergarden where children can play, explore, grow in their own paste, being nourished by positive relationship, friends and nature. 4 month after my first public post, 25 children – including our 2 sons – had their 1st day at our new Montessori Kinderhaus. With lots of support from parents, sponsors and the local community the renovation, staffing etc. was done in an amazing collaboration. Over the years the Kinderhaus has expanded and offered a positive environment for over 400 children to learn and grow. It belongs nowadays to a multi-facility Montessori flagship school.
Growing up in a small village in the countryside can be boring – unless you build something together where you can meet people, get inspiration, share culture. I started the initiative, got support from the major, and with the help of a group of young adults we renovated, painted, furbished and managed the “Sharp Curve” – a community place to meet, eat, play music, perform, talk, connect.
What do you do with 120 energetic students from 40 different countries? Organize community involvement to build briges: social volunteering in prisons, schools, nursing homes and local businesses. Cooking international meals for the community, exchange culture, learn from each other and make new friends. 3 Projects in USA and Europe.
“I am passionate about changing lives for the better. “
Stephanie Weiss-Quentell, an initiator, entrepreneur, mom of 5 with a passion for innovation in education and on a mission to help individuals and organisations thrive. As the founder of multiple startups and social innovations, Stephanie brings a wealth of experience in business and a drive to make a positive impact in the world. In addition to her professional pursuits, Stephanie is a professional in positive psychology, a dedicated mother of five and an avid live long learner and traveler. She believes that authentic happiness is the foundation for a healthy caring society and she is dedicated to creating spaces and systems that enable happiness and flourishing .
– Initiator, Founder, Family lover.
“An initiator supports the beginning of an idea with high motivation, optimism and enthusiasm for the product or idea. An initiator often has a good sense of observing the situation and surrounding and often feels as the first person in a group, organisation or community what is needed and does not stop here, instead gets the ball rolling. From creating the vision, to finding co-creators, communicating the idea to all different kind of people, recruiting supporters, inspire decision-makers, organise funding, get permissions, celebrate milestones and overcome challenges, evaluate … and once the idea runs, points out and educates the people that gets the initiative running.
Ask me for more examples of successful initiatives.
“Stephanie is a pleasure to work with. Always with high motivation and engagement. Her curiosity, quick grasp, flexibility and broad knowledge and talent in dealing with others make her a valuable co-worker. She was very much appreciated by the management with her spontaneity and affability.”
“Stephanies way of working was characterized by great efficiency, independence and diligence. We were able to rely on her completely, even in difficult situations. Stephanie scored qualitatively and quantitatively excellent results. Through her enormous personal commitment and the flow of information between all those involved, she made a very valuable contribution.”
Stephanie Weiss-Quentell 