Introducing Rootwork Academy
Shift your impact from surface-level fixes to deep, lasting transformation.
In this small group program starting on the 4th of May 2026, I’ll help you develop and act upon a systems change strategy for the cause you care about most - making strides towards becoming a systems change leader and shifting paradigms.
Sign me up for the Rootwork Academy!
You care deeply.
But the world feels heavy.
You’ve been doing the work: showing up for your community, your organisation, the planet.
You’ve poured your heart, energy, and creativity into change.
And yet, lately, it’s been hard to shake the feeling that something isn’t working.
Do any of these sound familiar?
- You’re tired of patching up symptoms when the roots of the problem run so much deeper.
- You see the same patterns repeating, even in spaces meant to create change.
- You sometimes wonder if what you’re doing really moves the needle — or if the system simply absorbs your efforts and keeps going.
- You care deeply about others, but feel depleted yourself — questioning how to sustain your energy and hope.
- You’re witnessing collapse in real time, and know the strategies we deploy need to evolve.
- You can sense there’s a different way to create change, one that’s wiser, deeper, and more interconnected… but it feels hard to grasp.
If this resonates, you’re not alone.
Many changeworkers are feeling this same friction — the ache of knowing that the old ways aren’t working, and the longing to find a way forward that actually transforms things.
The good news: it’s not just you.
All of us who have been doing changework for a while, who pay attention and are honest with ourselves about it, feel the same.
It’s not just us, either. It’s the systems we live in.
They’re complex, tangled, and full of feedback loops that keep us stuck - individually and collectively. Power and capital are in the hands of the few, and growing increasingly centralised.
And while these systems can feel overwhelming, they also hold clues for how change really happens.
That’s where systems change work comes in: a way of understanding the deeper patterns beneath the surface, and of working with them - instead of against them - to create true transformation that lasts.
But let’s be real: most explanations of systems change are too abstract, too academic, and often disconnected from lived experience.
That’s why I created the Rootwork Academy - a grounded, experiential journey into the practice of systems change.
So you can reconnect to your sense of agency, find clarity in complexity, and begin leading change that actually shifts the underlying story.
Join the programme
“Nora has been an inspiring role model and source of support throughout my journey as a young activist. Her guidance is not only encouraging but also grounded in concrete strategies that have empowered me to make real contributions to systemic change. Nora’s generosity in sharing opportunities with young changemakers, whether it’s nominating us for Forbes 30 Under 30 or recommending us as speakers, reflects her commitment to lifting others as she rises. Working with Nora has given me a platform to raise my voice and strengthened my capacity to keep pushing for systemic transformation.”
Bea Albermann, planetary health activist & medical doctor
“Nora is very generous with her resources, offering not only her vast network but also deep insights and practical skills. Her work on funding systems change will likely enable many systemic change initiatives in the future.
Working with her and learning from her has left me feeling empowered, hopeful, and inspired. I wholeheartedly recommend that both current and aspiring change-makers connect with Nora. As a great listener with a wealth of experience, she has the ability to ask powerful, thought-provoking questions that have made a real difference in both my personal development and my work.”
Lukas Aeschlimann, social entrepreneur & food systems catalyst
“As a changemaker and specifically systems change leader, connecting to other souls on the same journey to increase my energy has been a necessity. Nora provides a unique perspective on transformation that includes inner and outer change as indivisible aspects of the same dynamic. Her ability to create opportunities out of challenges and share abundant harvests with the wider community has been greatly valuable and appreciated, helping me build confidence and increase my impact.”
Erica Mazerolle-Castillo, Social entrepreneur & Earth Guardian
Hi, I’m Nora!
I was 16 when I awoke to the state of the world. Once I had processed some of the grief, shock and anger that this caused, I set out to make a difference. Ever since, I have been on a quest to make my best possible contribution to a better tomorrow. It was never a question of whether this is what I would dedicate my life to, it was just a question of how.
Since then, I have spent a lot of time thinking about how to truly make change work. In 2017, I realised that the tools we were taught would be insufficient to create the level of transformation needed, so I set out to learn about systems change. I worked in the field for 8 years, running multiple Social Innovation Labs, delivering hundreds of talks, training and supporting dozens of aspiring systems change leaders… Also, burning out in the process.
I’m not ashamed to speak of what I went through, because it was one of the experiences in my life that taught me the most. I know now that exploiting myself is not the way to create a more regenerative world. This is one of the many hard learned lessons that I hope you won’t have to go through in the same way.
I am very passionate about helping people and organisations unleash their full potential, and shifting more of our collective energy away from symptom-fighting, towards addressing the root causes of the social and environmental challenges we are facing.
I am putting all the tools, processes and insights I have gathered over my 15+ years of changework into a process to help you develop a systems change strategy, and act upon it. We won’t talk theory only; we’ll actually move into prototyping together. Navigating complexity and collapse, the resistance of powerful stakeholders and the scarce funding landscape are all part of what we’ll cover. Things I wished I had been told or warned about sooner are front and centre in this programme.
It’s my mission to support leaders like you in deepening their contribution towards paradigm shifts, without burning out or sacrificing yourself in the process.
My R.O.O.T. model for systemic transformation: Re-imagine • Open • Orient • Test
- Reimagine what’s possible - challenge the dominant paradigms that hold the current system in place.
- Open to new ways of seeing and being - cultivate curiosity, compassion, and creativity. Decondition from current narratives, remember what your ancestors knew.
- Orient to paradigm shift and potential. Explore how the future wants to come into being through you.
- Test the next prototype - probe, sense and respond, iterating your way forward whilst sharing your learnings.
My R.O.O.T. model for personal transformation: Reflect/Recognise • Observe • Own • Transform/Take Action
- Reflect on your changework story, what is unfolding
- Observe the patterns - from visible behaviours to invisible beliefs and narratives.
- Own your part in it, take full responsibility and take back your power and agency.
- Transform through aligned action - letting it ripple from self, outwards.
In short, we will go through a process that begins with Reimagining what is possible. We will step out of the dominant paradigms and envision what future we are working towards. From there, in order to embody this future and help it come into being, we will Open ourselves up to new ways of seeing the world, and of being. We will practice systems thinking, and explore what being a systems change leader means. We will then Orient to paradigm shifts and potential, and craft our systems change strategy from that place of anchoring. The last step in the process is to act in a way that honours the complexity of the challenges we are seeking to address: we Test and iterate our way forward. Rather than making a linear plan and hoping for the best, we probe, sense and respond, in continuous feedback and learning loops.
Systems change never happens without personal transformation. As we walk the path towards the future we envision, we must do the inner, as well as the outer work. Therefore, this process is not just about systems thinking and crafting strategies for the world out there. It’s also about developing self- and ecosystem awareness, guiding us towards greater understanding of our part in the patterns that have been unfolding in our lives, and the paradigms we continue to replicate despite our best intentions. This programme, whilst not replacing therapy, will also include self-reflection and invitations to step into greater personal alignment and into becoming an embodied ecosystem leader.
Introducing: Rootwork Academy
A transformative 10-week group journey bridging both inner and outer work, helpful theories and practical experience, to support you in stepping into your role as a systems change leader.
Founders Round:
Exclusive opportunity to join for the lowest ever price, in a small cohort of pioneers
Join Rootwork Academy
Curriculum Overview
The program starts on the 4th of May and runs for 10 weeks. Each week, we will meet online for 2 hours, during which I will teach a live workshop. The sessions include ‘do time’ to take action on the different steps, the opportunity to ask questions, and times of connecting with the community. If you miss a live workshop, the recording will be posted within 1 business day.
Here's the tentative schedule, subject to change based on student feedback:
Week 1: Orientation
- Before the programme officially starts, you’ll get situated and begin reflecting on your changework journey
- Then we’ll co-initiate this journey with a kick-off call
Week 2: Why systems change, and what is it? (04/05)
- Let’s begin with the question: why are we even here?
- We’ll define systems change, complexity, root causes, and other key terms
- And introduce some key concepts and frameworks
Week 3: The paradigm shifts we really need (11/05)
- Dive into the broken systems and understand the paradigm shifts we need
- Preparing ourselves to get to work in the ruins
- Understanding power inequity and situating ourselves within it
Week 4: Buffer week (18/05)
- This week is here to give the programme some breathing space. Some of you may be catching up on a workshop you missed, complete some of the action steps, or just take some time to rest.
- If you don’t have a clear vision for the future, you’ll have the opportunity to craft one using a bonus module
- This Monday, I will offer a session without any content, entirely dedicated to answering any questions you may have.
Week 5: Exploring strategies for systems change (25/05)
- We’ll discuss different approaches to shifting paradigms, with real-life examples
- We’ll also explore the challenges of systems change work, such as funding, access to powerful stakeholders, inertia, and more
Week 6: Crafting a systems change strategy (01/06)
- Applying different systems thinking tools, we will seek to understand your cause on a deeper level, and find potential leverage points
- Based on what’s already happening in the ecosystem, we will explore what strategies hold considerable potential for transformation
Week 7: Why is shifting paradigms so hard? (08/06)
- This week, we’ll talk about the major challenges of this work, specifically in relation to the strategy you have developed
- We’ll prepare ourselves for these challenges and explore how to increase your perceived leverage
Week 8: Buffer week (15/06)
- This is another buffer week, giving you the opportunity to go deeper, or catch up on previous modules you may have missed
- You can also start thinking about prototyping and your next steps!
Week 9: Prototyping & next steps (22/06)
- We’ll map out your next steps, both on the ecosystem level (your strategy implementation) and the individual level (your path and inner work as a systems change leader)
- It’s time to move into prototyping! You’re invited to take at least one concrete action this week to move forward
Week 10: Closing this journey (29/06)
- It’s time to close this journey, for now. We’ll check in on the progress you made
- And refine your next steps, so you have a clear roadmap for the weeks and months ahead
The result
By the end of this journey, you will:
- Have a clear map of your system, and your place within it
- Understand how to shift from treating symptoms to addressing root causes
- Know how to design and test strategies for systems change
- Have your own systems change strategy, and next steps mapped out
- Feel more grounded, hopeful, and equipped to sustain your changework long-term
- Have joined a supportive network of peers who share your commitment to meaningful transformation
“The programme helped me reconnect with my values, clarify the kind of change I want to contribute to, and better understand how to do so. The materials, weekly gatherings, and pod meetings offered space to feel inspired and to connect with others who are also committed to changework. They also provided concrete tools and resources to begin designing a personal strategy, identifying meaningful intervention points and areas of work, and grounding that strategy in social justice values, aspirations, and systems-based approaches.”
Raquel Serrano
“Working with Nora lifted the fog I felt around what to do next. She has a rare ability to guide with exactly the right system change tools — never overwhelming, always leading step by step toward greater clarity. What stood out was how she weaves together the systemic lens with the personal one, empowering me to think boldly, without slipping into naivety. Her methodology goes beyond ego-driven entrepreneurship but always includes your unique personality and needs. Now, after the program, I feel calm and confident to be working on two clear pathways. It’s the most systemic idea-incubation program I’ve ever seen!”
Jana Ganzmann
Course Experience
Onboarding & Goal Setting
Right when you join, you’ll go through a brief onboarding process (self-paced) so I can learn more about your starting point, your goals, and any other info that will help me personalise your experience. This is also a chance for you to reflect on your own goals for the program.
Kickoff Call
The first session on Monday, the 4th of May will allow you to get to know your peers in this Founding Cohort. This first session will be from 6:00pm to 8pm CEST (It will be recorded, so no worries if you can’t join live. It’s casual.)
Weekly Live Calls
We'll meet Mondays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm CEST for live sessions, for 10 weeks. Each week, I will take you through a different part of the process. The live sessions don’t just include content, but also ‘do time’ to take action, exchanges with other community members, and time to ask any questions you may have.
Community
We'll also have a student community space where you can start discussions, celebrate wins, and share feedback with each other. You will retain free community access for at least 6 months.
Instructor Feedback
If you can't come to a live call, or if you need support in between calls, we'll have a dedicated feedback space in our online community where you can post any questions. There will also be prompts in the curriculum to submit specific assignments for feedback, and as Founders, many of you will be working on the same schedule. I'll personally reply to everyone with comments and/or a short video reply, and I love when students jump in and support each other, too.
Digital resources
You will have access to this online programme as well as the community through our own digital portal. You will also receive multiple templates, one of each tool I introduce in the programme, and a free digital workbook to make this process as easy as possible for you.
Save your Founding Spot today:
We have need-based scholarships available, you can apply for one here.
Plus, unlock these limited-time bonuses
Since this programme is new, I wanted to include a few extra bonuses to show my commitment to helping students get real results:
Bonus #1:
1-1 Call with Nora
(>€100 value)
At any point during the 10 weeks and for another 6 months after that, you can book a 1:1 call with me (30min) to get my personal feedback on your ideas or ask me anything. The call will be recorded for your personal future use, and you’ll keep access to any notes we take, too.
Bonus #2:
Follow-up group call in September
(>€35 value)
I have written a book about the process we will go through together and the SEED Framework. Once it comes out, you will not only get invited to the book launch, but also receive a signed copy, shipped to you for free.
Bonus #3:
Free community access
(>180€ value)
You will receive free community access for at least 6 months! We have our own online portal with multiple spaces. I personally respond to all posts and you can also connect directly with any member of the cohort via the in-built messenger.
This Founders Round is a great fit for you if…
- You’re a changemaker, creative, or community builder tired of short-term fixes.
- You want to make sense of complexity and act from clarity, not confusion.
- You’re ready to integrate inner and outer transformation in your changework.
- You value reflection, collaboration, and learning by doing.
- You have time to take part in most of the live sessions and catch up on the recordings if you miss one
- You are willing to enjoy the lowest ever price, exclusivity of a small group, and special bonuses in exchange for your feedback and testimonials
- Are happy to be a part of something happening for the first time, enjoying the ride whilst knowing there will be things we will iron out in the future, thanks to the feedback of the Founders
- You want to feel part of a global movement of system shifters.
- Don’t want to wait until I run this programme live again in months or even years to take the next step in your journey.
“The future can’t be predicted, but it can be envisioned and brought lovingly into being. Systems can’t be controlled, but they can be designed and redesigned. We can’t surge forward with certainty into a world of no surprises, but we can expect surprises and learn from them and even profit from them. We can’t impose our will upon a system. We can listen to what the system tells us, and discover how its properties and our values can work together to bring forth something much better than could ever be produced by our will alone. We can’t control systems or figure them out. But we can dance with them!”
Dr. Donella Meadows
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss a call?
I don’t even know if I am a changeworker, activist or not… is this for me?
I have been a changeworker for 10+ years and I’m at a crossroads. Is this too basic for me?
I don’t know much about ‘systems change’ yet, is that alright?
I am not sure what cause I’m meant to contribute / what my purpose is…
I don’t have much time, can I take part?
I can’t afford this programme, what do I do?
Can you summarise the practical details?
How long do I keep access to the course?
When are the live weekly calls?
How many people will be in this programme?
Do you have a refund policy?
How can I get in touch if I still have questions?
“Nora Wilhelm takes you on a step-by-step hike into the art, science and practice of system change. She encourages you to assemble your personal strengths and resources for your own change project. Each workbook is a piece of art, and the lectures allow for motivating interactions with an amazing group of participants.”
Bernhard Wehrli
“Nora, through a combination of thoughtful explanations, reflective tasks, and deep conversations, helped open up new perspectives — and helped me feel worthy of being a changeworker. That in itself was transformational. [...] I’ve gained confidence in expressing my goals and the change I want to create. And maybe the most valuable part of all has been the community of changeworkers — people walking their own paths, who’ve offered nothing buttsupport and understanding.”
Verena Lorenz
Pricing
To recap, Rootwork Academy is a new 10-weeks program where I’ll help people who care deeply address the root causes and shift paradigms, without burning themselves out.
In the future, Rootwork Academy will be priced higher. But for this founding round, the price is €300, or 3 x €100, and you'll get lifetime access to the programme - including all future upgrades!
Other programs run in the systems change space cost as much as €1500 to €3500 for a similar duration, which I am not going to comment on except to say that financial means should never be an obstacle to receiving support as a changeworker. For this reason, we price our programmes lower and offer additional need-based scholarships. you can apply for one here.
When you join, you’ll unlock…
- Lifetime access to the curriculum, including future updates
- Live weekly group calls (10 weeks)
- Private student community
Plus, these exclusive Founders’ bonuses:
- Bonus #1: free 30-minute 1-1 call with Nora
- Bonus #2: follow-up call in September
- Bonus #3: community access!
100%Satisfaction Guarantee!
I truly believe in the value of this programme. And: all I do, I do to make a difference in people’s lives (and hopefully the trajectory of humanity some day). So if after spending some time in the programme and doing the work you realise it’s not for you, you can request a full refund via email within 2 weeks of the programme beginning on the 4th of May. That means you have 14 days to test everything out, and have the opportunity to decide to stop if you decide it’s no longer right for you.
Next Steps
The Founders Round of this new programme at best-ever price starts on Monday, 4th of May and you have the option to pay in full (€300) or choose a payment plan (3 x €100).
As usual, we have need-based scholarships available, you can apply for one here. I'm capping this group at 20 students so I can support everyone fully. Doors close on the 2nd of May or whenever we have reached 20 participants, so if you’d like to join, save your spot today!
Join the Changework CompassJoin the Rootwork Academy
We have need-based scholarships available, you can apply for one here.
This could be you
The world doesn’t need more exhausted changemakers - it needs rooted ones.
People who understand the patterns beneath the surface and act from awareness, compassion, and courage.
If you’re ready to move from overwhelm to clarity, from reaction to strategy, from exhaustion to grounded impact:
