Vision Statement Education & Development.

Mikhaël Akasha
Innovation Lead & Lecturer – Maastricht University (UMIO)
Founder – CINMAYA | Personal Development & Leadership

Education is a living invitation to awaken.
In a world moving ever faster and asking more deeply for meaning, learning is no longer just the accumulation of knowledge but the activation of inner-leadership.

My view of education is this:

Every generation inherits the world from those who came before and shapes the world for those who will follow. The way we educate today becomes one of the most powerful ways we serve society tomorrow. In an era of evolution and systemic change, the essential question arises:
What kind of education will prepare us to live with meaning, confidence and balance in this modern age?

The Legacy of Holistic Learning

In ancient India within Gurukul traditions and ashrams education was never simply about literacy. It was about discovering one’s higher purpose and learning to live in harmony with self, others and the Earth.
Disciplines such as Yoga, Meditation, Pranayama and Ayurveda were not fringe practices; they were doorways into life-understanding. They nurtured mindfulness, self-awareness and a profound respect for the interconnectedness of all beings.

Within our current era we are invited to navigate the complexity of a rapidly evolving world. To serve society meaningfully, we must learn not only inner-stability but also outer-capability:

  • critical and creative thinking

  • empathy and ethical awareness

  • scientific reasoning and digital fluency

  • social responsibility and resilient adaptability

A truly holistic education integrates inner development with outer skill.

Building Confident, Aligned Individuals

True confidence does not arise from grades or accolades. It emerges when we know our breath, when we feeling our emotions, understands our learning and connects it with life.
Education must therefore rest on three foundational pillars:

  1. Awareness of Self through meditation, yoga, movement, and reflection

  2. Awareness of the World through science, art, systems thinking, and social immersion

  3. Awareness of Purpose through service, compassion and alignment with meaningful cause

This perepctive has been shaped by years of working across both academic realms and worlds of consciousness development. At Maastricht University’s School of Business & Economics, I lead programs such as MBA’s in sustainable strategy, transformation and innovation. I design learning experiences in which students, professionals, and organisations learn to navigate complexity not through control, but through curiosity, compassion, and co‑creation.

My teaching approach is rooted in problem‑based and experiential learning, weaving methodologies such as design thinking, systems thinking, storytelling, and ethical reflection into meaningful learning landscapes. I believe deeply in interdisciplinary and transformative pedagogy: education where head, heart, and action are aligned.

Beyond my academic work, I founded CINMAYA—a space for personal development. Here I guide individuals and groups in remembering their original blueprint.

To serve future generations, we must first nurture whole human beings: those who are intelligent and wise, innovative and grounded, imaginative and compassionate.

When we grow in coherence across mind, body and spirit, society naturally evolves toward harmony and resilience. Only then can education become what it was always meant to be: the art of awakening the potential of life itself.

✨ In brief:

  1. Educator in strategic thinking, ethical leadership, transformation and innovation

  2. Facilitator of co-creative innovation processes within Maastricht University and public-sector projects

  3. Guide in personal development work, with international experience in retreats and holistic learning environments

  4. Educational philosophy centred on transformational learning, inner leadership, and systemic awareness

Education is not preparation for life. It is life.
My mission is to create learning environments in which people remember who they really are—and from that remembrance learn to act and lead.

Real-World Examples

  • Exterior view of the Zuyd University building with people walking on the bridge in front, surrounded by greenery.

    Minor Brandmanagement – Bachelor

    Role: Module Development & Teaching

    Within this minor, I developed an educational module on strategic brand management. Students learned that brand identity is not merely a marketing tool, but a profound expression of vision, values, and societal positioning. By linking branding to meaning-making and relevance, I guided students in developing brands that dare to take a stand, resonate with their audience, and authentically distinguish themselves in a crowded marketplace. Learning in this context became not only cognitive, but also creative, critical, and connective.

    Module information
  • A group of people attending a presentation or meeting in a bright, modern room with large windows. A woman with gray hair and striped shirt is speaking to the group, standing near a slide projection that displays a colorful diagram or chart.

    Innovation & Strategy Sprint – CPF Farma

    Role: Innovation Lead (Maastricht University)

    “The research sprint, marked by a truly co-creative approach and deep stakeholder engagement, brought us crucial clarity. The strategy sprint helped us elevate our mission as care providers to the next level.”
    — Christian Vader, Treasurer CPF & Pharmacy Director

    A powerful collaboration in which research, strategy, and participatory leadership converged to shape the future of resilient, purpose-driven healthcare.

    Case Study

Voices of Co-Creation.

  • Christian Vader, Treasurer CPF & Pharmacy Director

    “Our collaboration with UMIO on the strategic multi-year plan for CPF has been of great value. Their research sprint—characterized by a truly co-creative approach and deep stakeholder engagement—provided crucial clarity and actionable insights. The strategy sprint was exactly what we needed to determine our next steps and further advance our mission as proactive healthcare providers.”

  • Adriaan Wagenaar, Senior Project Lead, Business Innovation

    “As a lecturer in business innovation, I came to know Mikhaël as an inspiring and passionate colleague. With evident joy, he shares his knowledge on creativity and innovation in original ways that add depth to the lessons and help students truly absorb the material.”

  • Michelle Gauci, Global Creative Director, Former CD UBER EMEA

    “Mikhaël has never been anything less than inspiring, positively constructive, eternally supportive, and has always led with integrity and grace. I’ve witnessed firsthand how he runs business and leads pitches with great results, serving as a brilliant senior liaison for both brands and agencies.

    He is instinctively aware of trends and developments in broader social movements and creative disciplines. I consider myself very fortunate to have met and worked closely with him.”

Get in Touch.

Are you active in education or developing learning environments around innovation, leadership, or purpose? I’m happy to think along with you on curriculum design, co-creation processes, keynote contributions, or the facilitation of transformative learning journeys.

Feel free to reach out—let’s explore what’s possible, together.