A new approach to tackling complex global challenges in the business world is gaining traction through the Brain Forest Alliance, a collaborative platform founded by Perry Knoppert. The alliance brings together a network of non-linear thinkers to study problems and deliver solutions inspired by the mission “We solve the unsolvable.” Recognizing the shift from a linear, industrial model to a decentralized digital one, Knoppert believes that the solutions to these challenges lie in the systems that are already in place but need to be approached with a different way of thinking.
Many companies and organizations struggle to tap into a diversity of thought when it comes to problem-solving, as culture fit issues often arise. Consultants who think and operate outside of the box may find it difficult to be accepted by leaders in more traditional, buttoned-up companies. The Brain Forest Alliance provides a platform for these non-linear thinkers to thrive without having to conform to the culture of the organization. This approach allows for innovative ideas and solutions to be brought to the table by individuals who possess unique perspectives.
The Brain Forest is an offshoot of The Octopus Movement, a nonprofit global network that highlights the gifts of neurodiverse individuals, such as those with ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism. These individuals have often found themselves at odds with the linear thinking prevalent in traditional business environments and have gravitated towards more unconventional careers. The Brain Forest Alliance, while charging for its consulting services, relies on the volunteer labor of its members to help fund the nonprofit and support its mission of solving complex challenges.
To enlist consultants for each project, the Alliance sends out an email to all registered members of the network announcing the project, allowing individuals to decide if they want to join the solutions team. This approach ensures that a diverse group of thinkers come together to tackle each problem from multiple perspectives. With eight clients served as of January, the Brain Forest Alliance has already made an impact on organizations looking for new and innovative solutions to their challenges.
One recent client of the Brain Forest Alliance was an NGO focused on teaching refugees to become filmmakers. Another client, Hinrick Josafat Atlason, founded Atlas Primer, an education startup that aims to support neurodivergent learners through audio learning AI technology. By collaborating with the Brain Forest Alliance, Atlas Primer was able to gather a diverse group of individuals with varying experiences in education to brainstorm solutions to the question, “What is the problem with education?” The insights and ideas generated were described as insightful and focused on individual exploration and potential rather than fitting into a box.
Overall, the Brain Forest Alliance is providing a new and innovative approach to problem-solving in the business world by tapping into the diverse perspectives of non-linear thinkers. By embracing neurodiversity and encouraging unconventional thinking, the alliance is helping companies and organizations find creative solutions to complex challenges. With an emphasis on collaboration and inspired thinking, the Brain Forest Alliance is paving the way for a new era of problem-solving in the corporate world.
