About
Career, credentials and core values
Dr. Karim Fathi – complexity scientist, resilience strategist, trainer and coach.
Academic background
Degrees
- Since 2011: PhD in Philosophy (summa cum laude). Dissertation “Integrierte Konfliktbearbeitung im Dialog” (Integrated Conflict Resolution in Dialogue), Viadrina European University, Frankfurt (Oder)
- Since 2007: M.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies, specialisation in methods of meditative conflict resolution, Philipps University Marburg
- Since 2005: Diplom-Sozialwirt (social economist), specialisation in social economics, Hamburg University of Economics and Politics
Professional experience
Roles and mandates
- Since 2023: Trainer at Dr. Müller Institute Cologne – resilience, communication and conflict management
- 2022: Trainer at the Institute for Human Development – resilience, communication and decision-making
- 2021–2025: Trainer at FeelGood Coaching & Trainings – leading the “Feelgood Coach” and “Feelgood Mastercoach” programmes
- 2021: Trainer at indisoft – three-week module “Coaching Techniques” within a systemic coaching certification
- 2019–2023: Active member of the Future Circle at the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), expert on societal multi-resilience
- 2017–2021: Part-time research associate at European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder)
- Since 2017: Trainer at AIZ – stress management and trauma coping
- Since 2016: Consultant and trainer for clinics – culturally sensitive communication with international patients
- Since 2014: Managing partner at PROTECTIVES GbR – de-escalation and prevention in workplace violence contexts
- 2014–2017: Trainer at GRUNDIG Academy Nuremberg – “Systemic Conflict Management” and resilience coaching for leaders
- Since 2013: Lecturer at more than 15 universities (see Teaching)
- 2012: Founding partner of the Academy for Empathy GbR
- 2012–2022: Partner at DENKBANK GbR – organisational resilience and communication
- 2011: Geostrategic consultant at Joschka Fischer and Company GmbH
- 2010: Research associate at Berghof Conflict Research
Qualifications
Certifications
- Certified Conflict Consultant, Conflict Transformation (TRANSCEND)
- NLP Practitioner (kikidan)
- Train the Live Online Trainer (GRUNDIG Academy)
- K-i-E Agile Master (K-i-E Institute)
- SCRUM Master and SCRUM Product Owner (scrum.org)
- wingwave Coach (Besser-Siegmund Institute)
- Becoming a Resilient Person: The Science of Stress Management (edX, University of Washington)
- U.Lab: Transforming Business, Society and Self (edX, Presencing Institute)
Core values
What I believe
I firmly believe that within every problem lies a chance for growth. We all carry the knowledge we need – often without realising it – to master our challenges in the best possible way, whether as individuals or as part of a group, organisation or society.
As a researcher and consultant, my mission is to uncover and activate this hidden knowledge. To me, good problem solving means centring on the deepest needs of those involved and striving to fulfil them as well as possible.
As a researcher, I am convinced that no single discipline – be it sociology, psychology or business administration – can alone grasp the complex challenges of our time. Only by bringing together diverse perspectives, interdisciplinary and especially transdisciplinary, can we see the bigger picture and find sustainable solutions.
In consulting, I emphasise a blend of approaches tailored precisely to your situation. It is about awakening and strengthening the resources already within you. Alongside proven techniques, I focus on activating universal competencies – skills inherent in all of us that help in very different situations, such as mindfulness or an evolved form of empathy I call Empathy 3.0.
In practice
Three short stories from my work
A seminar room, before the final presentations
Students feared their presentations. I asked them to recall moments when they had spoken passionately and been listened to attentively. That memory proved they already possessed the skill. We practised recalling that state – and everyone spoke with enthusiasm and confidence.
A de-escalation training
Participants realised they already used many techniques intuitively, especially when their intention was honest: not to take things personally, to see the need behind aggressive behaviour, and to help professionally. We focused on remaining centred – enabling calmer, more empathetic responses under stress.
A workshop with experts from different fields
Once the group reached a state of inner centredness – a brief meditation was enough – communication shifted from exhausting debate to creative, appreciative dialogue. That opened the door to new insights and innovative solutions.
These experiences continually remind me how much potential lies within each of us. I look forward to supporting you on your journey.
Get in touch – no strings attached
A free first conversation clarifies in 20 minutes whether and how I can support you.