Biography

Miha Pogacnik is a violin virtuoso, cultural expert, business maverick and Slovenian Cultural Ambassador with an exceptional capacity to use classical masterpieces to inspire business leaders to "think out of the box".

Using a unique methodology around the world, he has recognized the powerful synergies between intellect and emotion as a crucial factor for true leadership and innovation. Through his deep insights into people and their behaviour, he facilitates organizational transformation and individual development.

He helps teams intensify the spirit of innovation, leading them towards new ways of listening to themselves and to others, by tapping the pathways of their intellect and emotion. He uses music to enhance understanding of the most pressing demands of business, ranging from the search for excellence and leadership, to mobilization around a powerful sense of purpose and direction, problem-solving and development.

He underscores the need for openness, flexibility and courage of teams to challenge their assumptions and ways of working whilst demonstrating that art is a significant force for productivity, creativity, and organizational renewal.

As President of the Institute for Development of Intercultural Relations through the Arts (IDRIART), he has directed the “Annual Art and Business Conference”, in Castle Borl-Ankenstein, Slovenia since 1998. He has also orchestrated 180 intercultural festivals around the world.

Miha, who works in English, German and Slovenian, has worked with scores of leading companies, such as Ericsson, Shell, IBM, Hewlett and Packard and Nike, amongst others He has addressed the World Business Academy, the World Economic Forum and agencies of the United Nations.

The objective of his unique methodology is to help organizations become "masterpieces" by reaching their potential. Whether it is Bach, Beethoven, Brahms or Bartok, using his consummate violin artistry as a catalyst, Miha "unravels" or "takes apart" musical masterpieces.

In this way, he explores the parallels between musical and organizational identity and business processes, and enhances understanding of the most pressing demands of business, ranging from the search for excellence, leadership, and innovation, to problem-solving and development, as well as mobilization around a powerful sense of purpose and direction.