…the blog’s content: A chaordic* dialogue project where: imagination meets discovery & logic meets magic

Short bites for think, talk and walk:

• think – creativity, discovery, imagination, musings, innovation, ideas, science, theories…
• talk – dialogue, reflection, musings, stories, conversations, reading, listening, writing, art, quotes, photos…
• walk – action, personal and corporate responsibility, change, collaborate, tips…

…me:

My name is Natalie Shell.

I was born in Sydney, Australia.

I am a passionate communicator, writer, entrepreneur, (positive) change agent, facilitator, wonderer, wanderer, catalyst, amateur storyteller, amateur digital storyteller^ and storycollector with an interest (and occasional knowledge) in many, many subjects.

I consider my life’s work a dialogue project – conversations and stories are key themes.

I still want to change the world for the better. And I believe everyone can – everyday, one world at a time. I know everything is connected. I advocate strategic sustainability. I favour strength-based approaches. I believe in people and human leadership. I am interested in creating environments that support us to be the healthiest humans we can be.

June 2007: I have decided something radical for me, trust a bit more, do a bit less. I love story. My current professional work is thus focused on Story (telling, making, facilitating, collecting…) and developing myself to be a more effective instrument for communication and change. I am a founding partner in a small  (VERY niche) facilitation/coaching practice, ‘Vibrant’. I would like to publish some children’s books

My professional background is apparently interesting to many so if you want to know more about me work-wise, you can email me. Or click here to view my first ever digital story for a laugh. (Please note this story was made in 2005 and I have evolved and changed since…that said the core messages still remain though I have changed a key question of my own: ‘why are they not talking’ to –> ‘why are we not talking’

(go to #% to read What used to be here…  )

As a communicator I am always looking to define myself with clarity. In 2004 my friend Thomer called me a fractal. I find this idea appealing because it works on many levels (mathematicians excuse the pun).

Aside from the pretty images here are three reasons why:

1. The defining characteristics of fractals are that they are remarkably hard to condense into a [mathematically] precise definition.

2. They work on many levels – I tend to work big picture through to detail, though I have a preference for the former.

3. Fractal geometry is a branch of mathematics that bridges/can be applied to a lot of areas including art, science and technology.

…the original blog design (more on this new design coming soon!)

I have been looking for a symbol that matches me. I finally settled on this spiral and Fibonacci sequence** design. It is inspired by a spiralled seashell, the Chambered Nautilus.

The Nautilus is a living fossil that is ever adapting and ever evolving. Each time it outgrows itself it creates a new chamber, in a mathematically perfect proportion (it grows precisely 6.3%).

The Nautilus has long stood as a symbol for change – and how to thrive with it. Not only does it remind us that growth and change is a natural part of our lives, it also balances logic and magic, left and right, real and imagined.

To quote Sir John Templeton “it is emblematic as a window on visible and invisible worlds.”

…the making of this blog:

As with my life – my mother is German, my father Australian – this blog is a global collaboration.

Thomer bought me the URL in Boston, my hand-drawn scribble was transformed by my Sydney-based friend (artist & graphic designer) Sarah and my Dutch friend Jochem customised it into its current form in Copenhagen. (Thank you!)

No animals were harmed in the making.

* Yes, chaordic is a real word! It is in the dictionary “chaordic = …simultaneously chaotic and ordered“. (Nov 2005 – I am working with a group on using the chaordic organising model/concept to re-create an exisiting organisation. Much fun and curiousity! And great people)

**Those with a mathematics bent may feel that there is a 1 missing from the Fibonacci sequence (0,1,1,2,3,5…) design. There isn’t, it is just faded in the background because designers aren’t always mathematicians and thus form sometimes overtakes function(s).

^ digital storytelling is a narrative form that is typically short (2mins) and uses digtal media to tell it. You can visit this post to learn more(Please note:
this was made in 2005. The concept still stands but I imagine I have moved on a bit ;) Though I will admit, not completely…now I am focused not on the ‘what I do’ but getting on with it in ways that are positive, vibrant and enjoyable…)

– playing with technorati’s “Natalie Shell” tag [natalie shell]

#%Evolution of my changes from before now:

In the meantime, know I have been running my own business ”EG” for the last 3 years. Think communication, strategy, branding, positive change and the occasional website.  However, currently I’ve ”gone fishing” ie taken a break for some re: -freshing, -imagining, -visioning etc.  I am now (since 2005) based in NY se I am now, 2007, in Europe, eking work as as a Storyteller working facilitator, consultant and coach, mostly in the areas of Leadership, human communication (including technology) and positive human change. And also working on a number of other cool projects with wonderful people. I am considering a Phd as well. Note the term ‘considering’. My children’s books and facilitation/coaching/consulting career are likely to be a greater focus for the moment, given that is where I am directing my work related energy. More thoughts from 2007. I am continuing to do many things but I must admit, I am not sure what the next iteration looks like, though learning, as every change agent must, to enjoy the questions and the process – that said, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!