A conversation about LEGO® Serious Play®, social impact and why development should travel beyond the person who receives the opportunity.
Bricks for Social Good was created with a clear idea: a scholarship should not be just financial support. It should become impact.
Petar is active across different professional fields, with a strong connection to social causes, youth initiatives, entrepreneurship and inclusion. He joins Bricks for Social Good with a clear intention: to use LEGO® Serious Play® in spaces where more people need to be heard, included and actively involved.
That is why we are proud to introduce Petar Neftelimov, the first Smart Minds scholar in the programme.
What attracted you to LEGO® Serious Play®, and how do you plan to apply it through Bricks for Social Good?
What attracted me was the combination of creativity, structure and real human interaction. It is very different from standard trainings and meetings.
The method allows people to build ideas, solutions and vision with their hands. This unlocks deeper thinking, more honest communication and more active participation.
In my work with JAMBA and different youth and entrepreneurial initiatives, I see how important it is for people to be included in the conversation — regardless of their experience, communication style or personal challenges.
LEGO® Serious Play® creates a space where everyone has a voice and can contribute equally.
I plan to use the methodology in two directions: with young people and entrepreneurs, to support idea development, confidence and teamwork; and in social and educational initiatives connected to the inclusion of people with different abilities.
The method allows people to build ideas, solutions and vision with their hands. This unlocks deeper thinking, more honest communication and more active participation.
In my work with JAMBA and different youth and entrepreneurial initiatives, I see how important it is for people to be included in the conversation — regardless of their experience, communication style or personal challenges.
LEGO® Serious Play® creates a space where everyone has a voice and can contribute equally.
I plan to use the methodology in two directions: with young people and entrepreneurs, to support idea development, confidence and teamwork; and in social and educational initiatives connected to the inclusion of people with different abilities.
What would you say to another young professional who is considering applying but still hesitating?
I would definitely advise them to apply.
LEGO® Serious Play® helps us deal better with change, challenges and the process of creating new ideas and solutions. It develops the way we think, communicate and work with people.
The most valuable part is that the benefits do not stay only with the person who learns the method.
They can then support the people around them - friends, colleagues, teams and communities - by giving them space to express their ideas, be heard and find a clearer direction.
LEGO® Serious Play® helps us deal better with change, challenges and the process of creating new ideas and solutions. It develops the way we think, communicate and work with people.
The most valuable part is that the benefits do not stay only with the person who learns the method.
They can then support the people around them - friends, colleagues, teams and communities - by giving them space to express their ideas, be heard and find a clearer direction.
You are active across different professional fields, with a clear commitment to social causes and their connection to business. Where do you see the greatest need for better dialogue, innovation and collaboration?
First, science.
Many scientific developments remain unclear or inaccessible to the wider public. When science is communicated in a more human way, more people can understand, trust and build on innovation.
Second, the connection between business, innovation and people.
Every idea, product or service should be created with real benefit for people in mind. Good solutions have no value if they do not reach the people who need them.
Third, the cause.
Sustainable business should have a bigger mission than the product or service itself. But real change does not happen through one-off campaigns.
It requires long-term communication, consistency, innovation and collaboration between business, NGOs, institutions and active citizens.
Many scientific developments remain unclear or inaccessible to the wider public. When science is communicated in a more human way, more people can understand, trust and build on innovation.
Second, the connection between business, innovation and people.
Every idea, product or service should be created with real benefit for people in mind. Good solutions have no value if they do not reach the people who need them.
Third, the cause.
Sustainable business should have a bigger mission than the product or service itself. But real change does not happen through one-off campaigns.
It requires long-term communication, consistency, innovation and collaboration between business, NGOs, institutions and active citizens.
Smart Minds closing note
Petar is the first Bricks for Social Good scholar.
But the real story is what happens next — when the method starts serving more people, more conversations and more causes.
Bricks for Social Good is not just a scholarship.
It is a commitment to give skills back to society.