What happens when you bring embodiment, creativity, and intentional design into the way we work and lead? In this episode, I sit down with Dorchess De Koning, founder of Awe Academy, to explore how experience design can radically transform teams, organizations, and human connection.
Dorchess shares her unique journey—from designing immersive childhood birthday parties to leading team workations and building learning experiences that blend play, purpose, and emotion. We dive into how embodiment reconnects us to ourselves, why workplaces need more awe and less autopilot, and how leaders can create cultures of curiosity and trust.
This episode is a deep yet practical look at innovation through the lens of being fully human.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why embodiment is key to leadership and collaboration
How to design meaningful team experiences that build connection
The role of play and awe in adult learning and innovation
How Dorchess helps brands and organizations rethink engagement
Why small, thoughtful experiences often beat big, flashy ones
Whether you're leading a team, building a brand, or just looking to reconnect with your creative self—this conversation is for you.
Listen now and explore what it means to innovate as a whole human.
Highlights:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
01:00 Meeting in the Netherlands
02:44 First Encounter with Experience Design
04:31 Transition to Entrepreneurship
05:42 Exploring Interior Design
07:04 The Importance of Embodiment
11:08 Leadership and Team Connection
17:38 Challenges in Modern Workplaces
21:56 Brainstorming with Silly Costumes
22:37 The Power of Experience Design
23:27 Curated Activities for Deeper Learning
24:17 Introducing Workation: Work and Vacation Combined
26:15 Physical Exercises for Team Connection
30:27 Experience Design for Brands
32:42 Convincing the CFO: The Value of Experiential Marketing
36:42 Unique Keynote Experiences
39:19 Embracing Awe and Playfulness
Guest Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorchess/
Business: https://aweacademy.live/
Jens Heitland Links:
Website: https://www.jensheitland.com/
Business: https://www.heitlandmediagroup.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jensheitland/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JensHeitlandofficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jensheitland/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jensheitland
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jensheitland
Newsletter: https://www.jensheitland.com/newsletter
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jens-heitland
Subscribe and listen to The Jens Heitland Show Podcast here:
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjuSGi1feauCNSER3IKuGWg
Web: https://www.jensheitland.com/podcasthome
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jens-heitland-show-human-innovation/id1545043872?uo=4
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7H0GWMGVALyXnnmstYA1NL
