What happens when you bring embodiment, creativity, and intentional design into the way we work and lead? In this episode, I sit down with Dorchess De Koning, founder of Awe Academy, to explore how experience design can radically transform teams, organizations, and human connection.

Dorchess shares her unique journey—from designing immersive childhood birthday parties to leading team workations and building learning experiences that blend play, purpose, and emotion. We dive into how embodiment reconnects us to ourselves, why workplaces need more awe and less autopilot, and how leaders can create cultures of curiosity and trust.

This episode is a deep yet practical look at innovation through the lens of being fully human.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why embodiment is key to leadership and collaboration

• How to design meaningful team experiences that build connection

• The role of play and awe in adult learning and innovation

• How Dorchess helps brands and organizations rethink engagement

• Why small, thoughtful experiences often beat big, flashy ones

Whether you're leading a team, building a brand, or just looking to reconnect with your creative self—this conversation is for you.

Listen now and explore what it means to innovate as a whole human.

Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

01:00 Meeting in the Netherlands

02:44 First Encounter with Experience Design

04:31 Transition to Entrepreneurship

05:42 Exploring Interior Design

07:04 The Importance of Embodiment

11:08 Leadership and Team Connection

17:38 Challenges in Modern Workplaces

21:56 Brainstorming with Silly Costumes

22:37 The Power of Experience Design

23:27 Curated Activities for Deeper Learning

24:17 Introducing Workation: Work and Vacation Combined

26:15 Physical Exercises for Team Connection

30:27 Experience Design for Brands

32:42 Convincing the CFO: The Value of Experiential Marketing

36:42 Unique Keynote Experiences

39:19 Embracing Awe and Playfulness

Guest Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorchess/

Business: https://aweacademy.live/

Jens Heitland Links:

Website: https://www.jensheitland.com/

Business: https://www.heitlandmediagroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jensheitland/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JensHeitlandofficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jensheitland/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jensheitland

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jensheitland

Newsletter: https://www.jensheitland.com/newsletter

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jens-heitland

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