LBi's Hyper Island Master Class

Two weeks ago I had the privilege and pleasure of attending one of Hyper Island’s esteemed Master Classes in Sweden with LBi and friends (clients and press).  The purpose of the weekend was to explore Blending, LBi’s collaborative business and cultural approach, which is ingrained in everything  we do.   

The question I’ve received most since I got back is, “so, did it live up to the hype??”

For those of you who don’t know, Hyper Island is an internationally esteemed school that started in 1995 in Karlskrona, Sweden and has since expanded into an incubator for all things digital.  In 2008 Hyper Island began offering three-day Master Class programs for professionals who wanted to challenge themselves in – and become immersed in – digital.  

The Hyper Island Way champions learning by doing, and that’s how the weekend was run – with a heavy focus on workshopping and reflecting on group dynamics and our personal experiences. 

We were lucky to have two of Hyper Island’s founders with us - David Erixon (@DexoDexo) and Jonathan Briggs (@jonathanbriggs) – along with CEO Johanna Frelin (@JohannaFrelin), and facilitator Åsa Silfverberg (@Silfverberg).

There was a great presentation on change, and how if you can’t adapt as a company, you’re dead. We evaluated ‘dinorsaur’ industries (newpapers, travel agents, book stores, etc) and identified key values and beliefs that have helped lead to their current challenges (for example, ‘people will continue to do things this way because that’s how they’ve always been done’).

Another key takeaway was the Customer Activity Cycle (CAC), which calls for a re-evaluation of ‘what type of business you’re in’ based on the emotional value you provide to consumers.  The CAC takes a detailed look at the entire customer journey from before, during and after an activity with the purpose of identifying ‘waste’ and key value gaps.

We talked about value a lot – what is value?? How do brands provide value to customers?? At the end of the day value is really intangible. It’s the emotional/psychological feeling you get from an experience or exchange. As more and more companies strive to put their customers at the heart of their businesses, understanding value is crucial. 

So back to all the HYPE. If it’s not already clear, my answer is a resounding HECK YES – Hyper Island was one of the most effective, valuable learning experiences I’ve ever participated in.

I came to Sweden with great expectations and a huge, over-packed suitcase (girl’s gotta have options..!)

I left with new enthusiasm and appreciation for working with smart, passionate people in a truly collaborate way that produces exceptional results.  

That, and a pretty sweet hat :)