About
Dr. Karim Fathi
Researcher, trainer and consultant at the intersection of complexity, resilience, communication and conflict.
Academic background
Degrees
- 2011: Doctorate (Dr. phil., 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
Understanding complexity. Strengthening the capacity to act.
My academic and practical work is held together by a single question: how can people and social systems understand, decide and act better under complex conditions?
As a researcher, I work on bringing different disciplinary perspectives together and on making complex relationships visible. Resilience, communication and conflict are at the centre of that work.
As a trainer, coach and consultant, I carry this perspective into concrete professional situations. The aim is not to remove complexity through simple off-the-shelf answers, but to create orientation and develop workable options for action.
Research and consulting are therefore not separate activities for me: research deepens understanding – practice shows which questions actually matter.
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.
Would you like to discuss a specific question?
In a no-obligation first conversation we clarify whether and how I can usefully support you.