Jeroen Blijsie - Unlocking Visual Magic

The podcast features Jeroen Blijsie at the European Visual Practitioners Meetup in Ypres, discussing his influence on visual thinking and the growth of his company. The conversation highlights the value of networking within Europe and the intimate setting of the meetup for fostering relationships and learning. Jeroen reflects on a weekend event that allowed him to gain perspective on his profession, leading him to prioritize facilitation over purely visual elements. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, insights, and the use of liberating structures to enhance facilitation through visualization. The speaker discusses the role of visuals in capturing interactions and connections during facilitation, noting that while they hold value for participants, they may need explanation for others. He highlights a project involving a book with 52 co-authors, focusing on the collaborative process and the stories conveyed through visuals. Meeting David Sibbet in 2014 inspired Jeroen to work on this book, emphasizing sharing lessons and connecting with pioneers in the field. Interactions with other practitioners, like Mara Kallert and Ben Crutters, are mentioned, along with plans for future collaborations and training courses. The discussion underscores the significance of books and partnerships in advancing the visual practitioners’ community, expressing gratitude for contributions from peers.