Résumé

Deutsch | English

​In an era where narratives and subjective perceptions shape political reality, the democratic forces in any country must find new ways to embed themselves deeply in the 'lifeworld' and lived experience of the people. As a strategist, political advisor, and coach with a background in art and theater, I draw on over 20 years of transdisciplinary experience advising politicians and activists at the intersections of public administration, civil society, and party politics. My goal is to develop effective strategies that bridge the gap between politics and society, strengthen social cohesion, and enable us to collectively work towards a sustainable and regenerative future.

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​​Formal Education

​1995 - 1997

​London Business School, University of London – London, UK
MBA Degree, Executive MBA Programme (EMBA97)

​1991 - 1992

Belfast School of Art, Ulster University – Belfast, UK
MA/MFA Degree in Fine Art (Master of Arts in Fine Art)

​1981 - 1987

​Urspring Schule (Boarding) – Schelklingen, DE​
Abitur (A Level Equivalent)

​​Professional Experience

​2019 - Present

Nico Heller Consulting (Self-Employed) – Berlin, DEU
Political Advisor & Coach (see nicoheller.de)

• Advises clients and their organisations on political issues
• Supports clients with the development of their political practice

2017 - Present

Democracy School gUG (haftungsbeschränkt) – Berlin, DEU
Founder & Managing Director (see democracyschool.com/history)

• Edits Unruhe Digital Media, the Democracy School's portfolio of digital publications
• Presented Reboot2030, a Democracy School podcast and YouTube channel (2022-24)
  
• Founded and runs the Democracy School gUG as a nonprofit organisation

2007 - Present

Nicodemus (Freelance) - London, UK & Berlin, DE
​Theatre Director, Artist & Producer (see unruhe.eu/current)​

• Works internationally as catalyst, artist and theatre director
• Develops new plays/operas/works (unruhe.eu/current)
• Co/creates re:frame [en] and dis:kursiv [de], two AI-powered text generators
• Hosts Annotations, a Unruhe Digital Media podcast and YouTube channel
• Convenes Silent Lectures (unruhe.eu/silent-lectures)

​2003 - 2019

Democracy School Ltd – London, UK (dissolved Feb 2019)​
Founding Director (see democracyschool.com/clients-uk)

• Supports politicians and activists as a consultant, mentor und coach
• Provides participation and engagement services for public sector clients
• Creates Narrative-Driven Action Learning, the School’s core methodology
• Designs and manages social research projects for local authorities
• Designs one of the UK’s first civic participation websites
• Founds the Democracy School Limited

1993 - 2003

Nico Heller (Self-Employed) – London, UK
Management Consultant (Arts, Media and Culture)

• Advises companies and associations such as Reuters UK Ltd and PACT (UK) in the area of digitalisation with a focus on ePublishing and eLearning
• Develops strategies for cultural institutions such as the Museum für Post und Telekommunikation (DE) and the Whitechapel Art Gallery (UK)

1990 - 1993

Nicodemus Productions Ltd – Belfast, UK
Theatre Director, Artist & Producer (see unruhe.eu/early-work)

• Receives two ABSA awards for excellence in fundraising and marketing
• Achieves critical acclaim as a producer, theatre director and artist

1988 - 1990

Eirene, Internat. Christian Service for Peace – Neuwied, DE​
Project Manager (Volunteer, see eirene.org)

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the programme in Belfast (UK)
• Secures funding for a 12-month drama school for workless people

​​Additional Information

• Fellowships :: Royal Society of Arts (FRSA)
• Memberships :: berufsverband bildender künstler*innen berlin (bbk) & Kulturpolitische Gesellschaft e.V. (KuPoGe)
• Languages :: German (native), English (fluent)
• Interests :: The familiar and the unknown
• Motto :: Fail again, fail better.