Consulting & Advisory

I help universities and education organizations move from transformation strategy to transformation practice. Drawing on 20+ years of founding, leading, and redesigning educational institutions — not from the sidelines, but from inside.

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Who I Work With

Universities & Colleges

Presidents, vice-presidents, deans, and transformation teams who want to redesign learning — not just digitize the status quo. From learning model redesign to faculty development to institutional change strategy.

Ministries & Policy Makers

Education ministries and policy bodies developing frameworks for future-ready higher education. Evidence-based, internationally informed, and grounded in what actually works on the ground.

Foundations & Organizations

Stiftungen, education NGOs, and corporate foundations investing in education innovation. Strategic guidance on program design, impact models, and building education initiatives that last.

EdTech & Corporate L&D

Companies building education products or transforming internal learning. Advisory on learning science, pedagogical strategy, and designing for real learning outcomes — not just engagement metrics.

Manuel Dolderer speaking in an intimate setting

What I Bring to the Table

Builder's Perspective

I don't just advise on transformation — I've done it. Twice. I've founded two universities, designed learning models, hired faculty, built student assessment systems, and navigated accreditation. I know what works in theory and what survives contact with reality.

System-Level Understanding

Through my work with Hochschulforum Digitalisierung and the peer-to-peer consulting program, I've worked closely with dozens of German universities on their transformation journeys. I understand the systemic barriers and know which levers actually move institutions.

International Perspective

From Stanford to Kigali, from Helsinki to Cartagena — I've seen how different countries and cultures approach education innovation. I bring this breadth to every engagement.

AI + Learning Expertise

As someone who's been designing human learning systems for two decades, I bring a uniquely grounded perspective on AI in education — beyond the hype, focused on what actually enhances learning.

Advisory Services

Learning Model Design & Redesign

Design or transform your institution's pedagogical approach. Project-based learning, competency-based assessment, self-directed curricula, AI integration — tailored to your context, accreditation requirements, and institutional culture.

Institutional Transformation Strategy

Move beyond strategy documents to actual transformation practice. I work with leadership teams to identify leverage points, build coalitions of the willing, and create conditions for sustainable change.

AI Strategy for Higher Education

Develop a thoughtful, institution-specific approach to AI in teaching and learning. Beyond "AI policy" — toward a vision of how AI reshapes what your university does and why.

Peer Review & Expert Assessment

Drawing on my experience in Hochschulforum Digitalisierung's peer-to-peer program: structured, honest, constructive external assessment of your institution's transformation efforts.

Workshops & Masterclasses

Interactive half-day or full-day sessions for leadership teams, faculty groups, or mixed audiences. Topics include: future-proofing curricula, designing for curiosity, implementing project-based learning, and preparing institutions for AI.

How It Works

  1. Discovery Call

    30-minute conversation to understand your situation, goals, and constraints. Free and no-commitment.

  2. Proposal

    A clear scope, approach, and investment outline tailored to your needs. Typically within one week.

  3. Engagement

    Formats range from a single workshop to multi-month advisory retainers. Always flexible, always focused on outcomes.

Ready to Move from Strategy to Practice?

Every transformation starts with a conversation. Tell me about your institution, your challenges, and where you want to go.

Schedule a Discovery Call