Suddenly a Start-Up
In the summer of 2017, the spontaneous idea of a Digital Nomad woman in Zurich and two like-minded people will give rise to the DNA initiative, and right away the increased pulse will drive a horizon-widening adventure. Quickly the name DNA Digital Nomad Academy is determined, to the exact content and the value proposition (benefit/value promise — info strategyzer) many variations are created and the long-term dynamics of a crispy self-experience CVP (Continuous Improvement Process — Plan, Do, Check, Act — 22 seconds optimization video example T-shirt folding). And the roller coaster style starts; plan, do, check, act.
From the initial news service and the first self-experience articles in coworking spaces worldwide via several social media channels such as Twitter around the buzzword world of the digital nomads, the team’s knowledge grows continuously, gradually building up a wealth of knowledge from zero to 100 and awakening their own demands on the brand and the convincing performance promise.
With the interactive presentation of the «Digital Nomad Talk» at Büro Züri (February 2019), the claim of «delightful inspiration of the whole world» changes: What is our sales product? And the first thought, which is easily thought-provoking, «Are we a start-up after all?» shoots through our brains.
Picture: Start-ups often experience decisive impulses in the wild thinking phase at extraordinary locations with collaborative rapid prototyping (DNA experience in coworking and Coliving KoHub, Koh Lanta Island, Thailand).
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Finding thoroughness on the way
Almost like many passages in the P.O.D. song «This Goes Out to You», the realization that «for everything and all that we go through» captures us. Start-ups tend to constantly try out and apply their own orientation and planning, such as daily tooth brushing, in a slightly different way. And similar to rock music, the composition of the band changes and expands from time to time.
The decisive factor is the permanent openness for collaboration, knowledge flow and the commitment to get to the bottom of things. A thousand questions and a few tests later, the core team crystallizes two assessment offers with the interlocking knowledge group.
Figure: A basic model of the non-linear DNA working method is the original 5-step method with the Design Thinking Process (Interaction Design Foundation).
DNA POPup MAP. Mini-Assessment for individuals, for example in coworking spaces. Focus: future of work, flexible lifestyle, mindset. Instead of presenting a personal success story on stage, DNA brings the interactive exchange of knowledge in event format with live experience.
DNA POPup JOB. (Mass) Assessment for employers and job seekers. Focus: Bringing together talent pools like coworking spaces with recruiters in speed dating format. Instead of reeling off the grounded CV and interview habits of both sides, the no-frills approach with surprising group exercises and aperitif.
DNA develops and functions transdisciplinarily, with the transversal competences of digitisation (more about transversal: UNESCO Bangkok Office) and the international expedition enthusiasm of a laboratory. And with a persistently guided RoadMap with goal-oriented interfaces and priority compliance. A star in the Start-up Milky Way. Time and again inspired by the unique community and bonsai ecosystem of Büro Züri (coworking space) and the «Freiraum» (ideating room for employees, start-ups and SME business) of the Zürcher Kantonalbank (bank of Zurich). We are happy when our DNA Journey inspires many others.
We are DNA.
The core team Maurice Codourey, Aisha Schnellmann, Thomas Wickart, Maria Kromlidou and Laura Arbelaez — with thanks to Björn Brost, Tara Sinniger and Susanna von Känel.
