In a fast-paced world filled with complexity, structured thinking is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury. Nastja Mulej, an expert in creative and structured thinking methodologies, has spent years helping individuals and organizations harness the power of deliberate thinking. In this interview, she shares her insights on innovation, leadership, and decision-making, while also offering a glimpse into her personal and professional journey.
A Visionary in Structured Thinking For over 18 years, Nastja Mulej has been an exclusive trainer of de Bono’s renowned thinking methods. Now, she is expanding her influence by training certified professionals in structured thinking techniques such as Six Thinking Hats and Lateral Thinking. Her mission is clear: to make structured thinking a standard skill across industries, leadership, and education.
What was your best decision in 2024?
In 2024, after 18 years of exclusivity, I decided to train the first certified trainers in de Bono’s structured and focused thinking methods—Six Thinking Hats for effective meetings and Lateral Thinking for generating out-of-the-box ideas. This decision allows us to spread these “recipes” for efficiency and co-creation more widely in increasingly engaged teams. This year, I am continuing with new trainers and methods—Thinking by Design, which guides innovation from focus to action, and Six Value Medals, which help assess and create value in all areas.
What are your personal and business growth goals for the year ahead?
On a personal level, I strive to practice what I teach: balancing creative and structured thinking in everyday decisions while staying open to new ideas. Professionally, my goal is to further expand the network of de Bono thinking trainers across Europe, making structured thinking a fundamental skill in organizations, education, and leadership. I aim to inspire more people to embrace deliberate thinking to improve collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation.
What important decisions will we have to make in the next ten years?
Looking a decade ahead, the key decisions will revolve around sustainability, technology, and human values. We must balance rapid technological advancements—AI, automation—with ethical responsibility, ensuring they serve humanity rather than divide it further. Organizations and governments must invest in deliberate thinking methodologies to navigate complexity, foster ethical and socially responsible innovation, and make long-term strategic decisions that benefit both business and society.
What is your added value as a keynote speaker?
I don’t just talk about structured thinking—I demonstrate it in real time. My keynotes are interactive, thought-provoking, and packed with practical tools that audiences can immediately apply. I bridge science and practice, making complex thinking methodologies accessible, engaging, and fun. The audience doesn’t just leave inspired; they leave equipped with a new way of thinking that transforms their decision-making and collaboration.
What tips can help select the right keynote speaker for an event or conference?
- Clarity of Purpose – Know what impact you want the speaker to have on your audience.
- Relevance – Choose a speaker whose expertise aligns with your industry’s challenges.
- Engagement – Watch past talks to see if the speaker can hold attention and inspire action.
- Authenticity – The best speakers don’t just deliver content; they live their message.
- Practical Takeaways – Ensure the audience gets actionable insights, not just inspiration.
Which Slovene or international speaker would you like to hear at the Festival Odločitev next year?
I would love to hear Dr. Julia Sloane, an expert on strategic thinking who deeply understands how leaders can develop cognitive agility to navigate complexity. From Slovenia, I truly enjoy listening to President Nataša Pirc Musar—she delivers insightful and thought-provoking speeches with clarity and impact.
What do you appreciate most about Slovenia?
I admire our ambition. With only 2 million people, Slovenia consistently ranks among the top 30 countries in the world. But we don’t stop there—we strive to be among the top five. This relentless drive for excellence, innovation, and progress is what makes Slovenia truly special.
What is your favorite gift from Slovenia?
A bottle of Slovenian sparkling wine—a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and joyful moments.
What is your life motto?
“Think before you open your mouth.” Deliberate thinking leads to better decisions, greater innovation, and a more fulfilling life.
Why are you excited about the Festival Odločitev (Summit of Decisions)?
The Summit of Decisions brings together bold thinkers, forward-looking leaders, and people willing to challenge the status quo. It’s a space where structured and creative thinking collide, inspiring better choices for individuals, businesses, and society. I am excited to share practical tools that empower people to think with purpose, make better decisions, and create a future worth looking forward to.
