Some time into a construction project at LEGO, the project manager unexpectedly stopped working on the project, and I was asked to step in to help complete the work. Joining midstream was initially a little unusual. There was a need to quickly understand the existing dynamics and do what was necessary. What at first seemed challenging soon evolved into one of the most inspiring projects I have ever worked on. The project brought together a rich mix of people: Dedicated colleagues from within LEGO, an external architect with a sharp eye for detail,  skilled engineers, and talented craftsmen. Together, we transformed ordinary workspaces into environments designed to spark creativity, foster collaboration, and reflect the company’s values. 

Throughout the process, the spirit of innovation was tangible. Every conversation, sketch, and prototype carried a sense of curiosity and shared purpose, which helped strengthen a culture grounded in learning, creativity, and quality. One of my favorite initiatives from that period was the introduction of wide hallways equipped with small three-wheeled vehicles that made it easy and fun to get from A to B. It was a playful, practical idea that captured well the imagination and inventiveness at the heart of LEGO. Looking back, the whole experience felt a bit like living inside a real-life Bob the Builder project — full of discovery, teamwork, and joyful problem-solving. 🙂

During a memorable mini assignment at LEGOLAND Billund, I had the joy of steering a playful yellow robot built entirely from LEGO bricks -  a small and intelligent creation that embodied both imagination and innovation. The mobile robot, brought to life through a mix of creative design and mobile technology, could sprinkle water playfully from its mouth, while chirping with funny sounds. It didn’t take long before families gathered around, smiling and laughing as the robot rolled by like a tiny entertainer on wheels. What fascinated me most was how something so simple could so quickly dissolve boundaries between strangers. Children were full of joy, parents laughed as they avoided the water, and grandparents joined with smiles - happy to be part of the fun. The laughter became contagious, and technology turned into a connector. One father, still laughing after a playful splash, said: “This is when work turns into fun.”

Every moment with that robot embodied the magic that arises when technology meets creativity and playfulness. In other words, it was about much more than technology. It was just as much if not more about sparking imagination, curiosity, and human connection. The robot became a gentle reminder that innovation can be joyful and full of humor. Behind each giggle or surprised reaction was a spark of creative thinking - the same kind that fuels invention and teamwork in every field. Watching people’s reactions, I realized how fun can be a powerful learning tool. The playful experiment demonstrated that robotics and technology can invite laughter, participation, and shared discovery. Seeing technology used this way reminded me of how important it is to design with surprise and joy in mind. That the fun and laughter kept going even after the robot stood still was to me enough proof that laughter and creativity are some of the best drivers of innovation.

As digital platforms started transforming industries. I decided to embraced them, for example to innovate in real estate - blending personal hands-on experiences with professional expertise. Among the first initiatives was the use of Rent a Rentner, Switzerland's leading platform connecting skilled retirees with homeowners for tasks from electrical work to gardening. An initial project included inviting an experienced senior to help install solar panels on an urban garden house roof, even adding an innovative indoor LED switch for energy-efficient lighting. The collaboration highlighted mutual benefits: Retirees gain purpose and income, while clients access reliable wisdom at fair rates. Another great initiative was supporting young travelers seeking affordable urban escapes. A helpful platform to pursue this purpose and help create social impact in real estate was campinmygarden.com, now evolved into campspace.com. Some young guests, who were on their way from France to a music festival in the Eastern part Switzerland, expressed delight in the nature-connected haven amid city journeys. Airbnb, which I have used on several occasions in different countries, further amplified this approach, transforming properties into dynamic assets for "belong anywhere" experiences that boost living anywhere through smart pricing and analytics. To me, the above mentioned platforms help strengthen innovation as well as exemplify regenerative real estate: Activating idle spaces, supporting seniors' independence, and aiding youth exploration. I feel grateful to the founders of these platforms as well as teams working to further expand the impact..

When moving to Switzerland in 2006, it relatively quickly became clear to me that several Swiss cities have significant potential to improve their bicycle infrastructure and everyday cycling experience. Wanting to contribute to this, I searched for innovation platforms to address this challenge. I was happy to discover bikeable, a participatory digital platform using which people upload photos, describe challenges and ask questions about specific locations in the street network. Crowdsourcing contributors also share ideas and highlight good examples of cycling infrastructure, with the aim of helping municipalities make their streets more bicycle friendly and, in turn, more attractive places to live and work. Through this location-based feedback, bikeable acts as a bridge between everyday cyclists and city authorities, supporting more responsive and sustainable mobility planning. An example.

Living in Switzerland introduced me to Schrebergärten, communal city gardens where people grow fruits and vegetables. My girlfriend and I embraced the challenge of revitalizing one, turning it into an innovation project that taught us about urban gardening, communication, and aligning our shared values and purpose.​ One initiative we took was planting raspberries. This initiative unfolded in five phases, starting with the idea to plant fresh raspberries for their appealing taste.

• Phase 1: One of us proposed raspberries, drawn by their sweet flavor.

• Phase 2: We discussed responsibilities, including pruning and maintenance.​

• Phase 3: Brainstorming on a garden wall identified a sunny spot with optimal light.​

• Phase 4: Online research led to "Autumn Bliss," an organic, large, sweet autumn-fruiting variety. We then bought canes and supplies.​

• Phase 5: On a Sunday morning, we planted step by step, communicating constantly to ensure agreement on each action.

The urban gardening challenge of my girlfriend and me extended to renovating the small garden house, transforming it into a vibrant, sustainable space. We tackled practical upgrades methodically, blending functionality with aesthetics. These are three examples of renovation steps we took​:

• Replaced broken roof gutters with durable new grey ones to prevent water damage and ensure longevity.

• Installed solar panels on the roof, harnessing renewable energy to power garden tools and lights efficiently.

• Painted the exterior blue for a fresh, welcoming look and the interior white to brighten the cozy space.

Our Slovenian neighbor, who had settled in Switzerland years earlier, stopped by one day with a photo of our renewed house. He praised the transformation, which inspired him to paint his own house partly orange - a confirmation that our efforts rippled outward, fostering shared pride and motivation in the community.