Christopher Cooke - A Fully Open Mind

Many people today are familiar with the basic concepts behind the powerful model of social change and transformation called Spiral Dynamics. But how does it actually work? What kinds of problems can it effectively address? What sort of people can be helped by its sophisticated analysis of life conditions, developmental levels, and cognitive capacities? In this exclusive EnlightenNext interview, international whole-systems consultant and Global Spiral Dynamics Group core member Christopher Cooke offers anecdotes and examples from his work to illustrate his use of Clare Graves' theory of value memes and levels of development to catalyze positive change in individuals, groups, and corporations. In response to editor Elizabeth Debold's questions, Cooke draws on his extensive first-hand experience to explain SDI, in theory and application, discussing how he works and why, with what kinds of clients, and why he thinks his integral approach is so effective.

BIO

Christopher Cooke is an international senior manager, consultant, coach, trainer, and qualified engineer with over twenty years experience in pioneering and supporting personal and organizational change. His curiosity about what is truly possible for individuals, teams, organizations, communities, and countries provides him with a passionate capacity to engage the real issues using elegantly simple approaches that are aligned with the natural systems that support the continued emergence of all life.

Cooke's specialization in Natural Systems Thinking is highly appreciated by clients across a wide range of public, private, profit, and voluntary sectors. He has become widely recognized for his interest and ability to support innovation in thought, effective decision making, and the development of practical approaches to complex, large-scale organizational and societal change.

Through his links with the Spiral Dynamics Group, Cooke has access to large-scale initiatives and maintains a significant advisory role for a global network of Whole Systems Thinking and Change expertise. He was awarded the Clare W. Graves Award for Ethical and Innovative Leadership in May 2003.

Cooke holds a master's degree in Managing Change awarded through Sheffield Hallam Business School and The Centre for the Study of Change. He also holds an HND in Mechanical and Production Engineering and a BA in Environmental Monitoring and Control through the Open University. Cooke is a member of the Institute of Water Officers, an associate of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management, a member of Institute of Directors, and a member of the International NLP Trainers Association.