The Catalyst’s Way
A handbook for people who want to change the world.
What happens when something in the world can no longer be left as it is?
The Catalyst’s Way is an invitation to explore how change begins — within ourselves, between people, and in the systems and communities of which we are part.
What does it mean to be a catalyst?
A catalyst is someone who causes change to happen. Catalysts are not defined by title, position or authority. They may be activists, artists, educators, scientists, organisers, healers, entrepreneurs, community workers, writers or people simply responding to something they believe needs to change. Sometimes catalytic work means loosening or dismantling systems that perpetuate injustice. Sometimes it means creating new possibilities. Often it requires both. Being a catalyst is about how we carry ourselves in the world, what we are in service of, and how we work with others.
A spiral, not a straight line
The Catalyst’s Way is not a step-by-step formula. It is a spiral: a living movement between reflection and action, inner and outer worlds, challenge and possibility. You can enter the work at many different points. At times you may return to your centre and reconnect with purpose. At others, you may find yourself in discomfort, questioning assumptions, healing, telling a different story, collaborating, mobilising or taking action. The elements flow into and strengthen one another. The journey is iterative, relational and ongoing.
Inside the Spiral
At the Centre of the Spiral are purpose, vision, values, knowledge and a Flame of Activated Hope.
From there, the journey moves through relationship, discomfort, dis-covery, healing, creative storytelling, praxis, collaboration, mobilisation and succession.
These are not stages to complete. They are places we return to as the work changes and as we change.
The Catalyst’s Way invites you to explore:
Work relationally and collectively
Dis-cover new possibilities
Reconnect with what matters
Carry the work forward
Enter discomfort with courage
Turn reflection into action
Explore The Catalyst’s Way
The Catalyst’s Way and Foundational Storytellers Companion Guide are available to read and download at no cost.
Together, the two publications bring the Catalyst’s Way to life through research, reflection, practical inquiry and the lived experiences of fifteen Foundational Storytellers from around the world.
Step into your Catalyst Space through inquiry
Encounter the Chamber of Discomfort
Have a conversation with your future self
Explore The Catalyst’s Way and accompanying resources
About Chellie Spiller
I’m a Professor of Leadership at Waikato Management School in Aotearoa New Zealand.
My work explores Indigenous leadership, wayfinding, relationality, cultural intelligence, stewardship and the possibilities that emerge when different knowledge systems encounter one another.
The Catalyst’s Way grew from my time as Leader-in-Residence at the Atlantic Institute at Oxford and from conversations with fifteen Foundational Storytellers whose lives and work illuminate different forms of catalytic action.
Across my research, teaching, writing and facilitation, I’m interested in how we might meet uncertainty with greater imagination, courage, care and responsibility.
“I hope The Catalyst’s Way calls to you, whoever and wherever you are, and in reading this and the accompanying Storytellers Guide, you are further inspired and empowered to seek to change the world.” – Chellie
Where might your catalytic work begin?
The Catalyst’s Way is an invitation to reflect, inquire, connect and act.
There is no one way through.
Begin where you are.