The Open Water Story
The river needs to take the risk of entering the ocean because only then will fear disappear. That’s where the river will know it’s not about disappearing into the ocean, but of becoming the ocean.
Khalil Gibran
For Open Water founders, Ben Shoshan and Marika Cysouw, those barriers never existed. Where others saw limitations, they saw possibility. With a shared love of water and an unshakable belief that anything is possible, they created Open Water - not just as a name inspired by powerful imagery - but a way of thinking and working.
“As humans, we move through life surrounded by unseen constraints—self-imposed beliefs that hold us back. But beyond them lies Open Water: a space of freedom, energy, and momentum. It’s faster there, more exhilarating. It’s where individuals and teams break free of limitations to become who they truly want to be.
Seventeen years ago, this was just an idea, mapped out in a kitchen. It became a small team working from a shed to become the talented team we have today. We work internationally to deliver our purpose: to make the world a more emotionally intelligent place - helping Life Science leaders, teams, and cultures navigate the complexity of change and unlock extraordinary potential. Even now, at the heart of everything we do is the belief in Open Water.”
The Managing Director of a leading global pharmaceutical based in the Middle East, captured our essence perfectly after a three-day leadership program:
"We each started with an intention: by the end of these three days, the doors would open like floodgates, and we’d pour out like a powerful, united river unleashed, ready to achieve great things together."
At Open Water, we help leaders and their teams take that leap into Open Water, and more importantly, connect with each other so they can amplify individual potential and make a real difference in the world.
There are no obstructions.
No barriers.
It is not enclosed or restricted.
It is free-flowing.
A space where navigation and movement aren’t limited by constraints.
An environment of possibility.
Specialists in the human side of change, we partner with leading life science organisations to deliver deep change and cultural transformation.