coaching & workshops in creative thinking
I design and deliver coaching and workshops for researchers, leaders and organisations working with complex ideas, uncertain questions and knowledge that is still coming into language.
My work helps participants examine the assumptions shaping their thinking and communicate the value of their work in a way that is entirely their own. In a culture increasingly shaped by AI-generated content, these human capacities — judgement, originality, voice — are becoming ever more important.
Previous clients and workshop partners include the creative agency PariPari, International Data Spaces Association, the Africa Policy Research Institute, GlaxoSmithKline, TU Berlin, TU Hamburg, the University of Cologne, Hamburg Research Academy, ifo Institute Munich, and the DAAD: German Academic Exchange Service.
The Workshop
Thinking at the Edge of Knowing: Creative Methods for Communicating Complex Ideas
The people I work with are often carrying ideas whose value has become trapped inside familiar language. Researchers, leaders and teams need shared concepts, models and shortcuts to meaning; without them, complex work would be impossible. But the same language that helps us navigate complexity can also dull our attention. Metaphors grow tired. Jargon hardens. The life of an idea dwindles under the terms we use to explain it.
Thinking at the Edge of Knowing creates a structured space to loosen those frames and spark creativity. Here we re-examine the inherited images, assumptions and stories shaping our thinking. By cultivating attention — our most treasured resource — we find the language that brings the value of our work back into view both for ourselves and for our audience.
practice → attention → theory → revision
The workshop is practice-first, combining guided writing and reflection exercises, presentations, discussion and optional sharing, and short lecture input. The sessions are highly interactive.
In universities and research institutes, the workshop supports individuals as they develop research questions, articles, grant applications, presentations and public-facing explanations of their work.
In organisational contexts, it helps teams and leaders sharpen their language, think more imaginatively about complex problems, and communicate their vision with greater clarity and presence.
PariPari 2022
Theodore Best
Formats
Workshops can be offered online or in person, as:
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90-minute or 2-hour taster sessions
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half-day workshops
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full-day workshops
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multi-session courses
All workshops are designed in consultation and can be adapted to the needs of specific disciplines, career stages and programme goals.
Coaching is conducted on an hourly basis.
About
I am a British writer, performing artist and research communication trainer based near Cologne. I am also a CELTA-qualified English language trainer and Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Executive Coach, with degrees in Psychology, Philosophy and Creative Writing.
Since 2019, I have worked with universities, graduate academies and research institutes across Germany, supporting doctoral candidates and postdocs with academic writing, presentation skills and research communication. This includes my work as a trainer with Write English.
Since 2013, I have been Poet in Residence for The Corporate Theatre, working with multinational corporations to develop inspirational leadership.
My independent workshops combine my training and leadership development experience with my artistic practice as a poet, musician and performer. I work with structure, metaphor, voice and attention as practical tools for thinking through complex ideas and communicating them with clarity, precision and imaginative force.
For enquiries about workshops, formats or availability, please use the form below.