WIL Talk #131 Karen Golden-Biddle, Organizational Ethnographer • Author • Educator

Welcome to today's episode of "The Power of Discovery," where we delve into the transformative potential of embracing the unknown. Today, we're privileged to sit down with Karen Golden-Biddle, an award-winning researcher whose work shines a light on the oft-overlooked leadership capacity of discovery.Karen's groundbreaking research in organizational ethnography reveals the profound impact of cultivating a practice of discovery within leadership. But what does it mean to be an organizational ethnographer? It's not about observing from afar; it's about immersing oneself in the everyday lives of people within organizations, experiencing their joys, struggles, and challenges firsthand.Through her extensive studies, Karen has unearthed the essence of discovery as a dynamic process, not just an outcome. It's about asking the right questions, challenging beliefs, and embracing surprise and doubt. In a world where organizations often prioritize predictability and efficiency, the power of discovery can be overlooked. But Karen's work illuminates its vital role in driving innovation and lasting change.During our conversation, we delve into the meaning of an organization ethnographer. What it’s like to work within verses on a topic or organization. How the art of discovery lies in the process not the actual outcome. How the inventive process is emergent and what it is like to shift as a human being when you focus on the relational outcomes. To learn more about what is happening at WIL Empowered, visit us at www.wilempowered.com and subscribe to our monthly newsletter. #discovery #joyofinquiry #wilempowered #wiltalk #possibility