The Art of Encounter

Her international career paved the way for this: after studying law, she worked for the Austrian government and spent 25 years at the European Commission in Brussels. It was there that she discovered the ‘Art of Hosting’ – participatory process facilitation as both an approach and a craft. Communities of practice, dialogue and the art of listening became central elements of her work. Her mentor, Claus Otto Scharmer, also had a profound influence on her through Theory U. When she was introduced to this approach to collaboration, her reaction was simply: “That’s me.”

Today, Hillbrand supports managers, teams and organisations when situations become complex. She first clarifies what the issue really is, listens carefully and creates structures within which people can contribute. She describes her own leadership style as diplomatic, natural and with a ‘feminine touch’. “By that I don’t mean sweet and nice. It’s about striking a balance, looking closely at the situation and also giving a voice to people who don’t put themselves in the spotlight.”

One client describes how her services are particularly in demand when the stakes are high: people call on Hillbrand “because things simply must not go wrong”. She herself puts it more matter-of-factly. She creates a safe space, defuses tensions, listens and, in doing so, brings clarity to the chaos.

With the Bregenz Salon, she is bringing this approach back to Lake Constance. For her, salon culture means more than just good conversation: it is about consciously bringing people together, creating a safe space, and allowing new ideas and connections to emerge from it. “I wanted to give back to my home region what I had learnt and absorbed in Brussels.”

Original German Text: Johanna Lambach

Photos: Ulrike Sommer