Holger Nils Pohl

Holger Nils Pohl

WorkVisual Institute

Holger Nils Pohl is a Level 3 Ambassador of Agile Academy and a globally recognized visual strategist, trainer, and keynote speaker who transforms complexity into clarity. Drawing from his background as a communication designer, carpenter, and educator, Holger has trained thousands worldwide in visual thinking, business model innovation, and creating clarity through visual tools. His compelling delivery style, rich with visuals, thought exercises, and actionable insights, empowers teams to navigate wicked challenges with confidence.

Holger is also an award-winning author, having published seven books and co-created an acclaimed business board game and facilitation app. He’s taught visual strategy at top German institutions and now shares his work through keynotes and workshops for clients across industries—bringing clarity to leadership, collaboration, and innovation

Agile Academy Ambassador Level 3

Experience

Holger Nils Pohl is a multi-talented visual strategist, communication designer, and trainer, whose career spans teaching, writing, facilitation, and entrepreneurship. He started as a trained carpenter, moved into communication design (FH Dortmund), and became a drawing teacher in Berlin. Since 2009, he runs WorkVisual Institute, training professionals in visual thinking, clarity techniques, and business model innovation across diverse sectors

Holger has authored seven books—including non-fiction, children’s and fantasy—and co-created a board game and facilitation app that promote experiential business learning. He is a long-time lecturer at University of Arts Berlin and Macromedia Hochschule Cologne, delivering highly visual workshops and masterclasses internationally. A sought-after keynote speaker, Holger brings clarity to complexity, with frameworks such as his “Clarity Framework” and multi-sensory facilitation that amplify understanding.

Holger's impact is grounded in his authenticity—open about his autism, he leverages it as a strength in creativity and clarity . Based near Cologne, he balances professional life with family and creative pursuits—furniture-making, farming rabbits and horses, and playing basketball.

Languages

  • English
  • German

Agile Academy Ambassador

Certified by Agile Academy Ambassadors are handpicked experts who embody our commitment to advancing Agile education and practice. As trusted professionals, they contribute to the Agile Academy community in various ways, including:

  • Delivering certified training and e-learning courses to build practical Agile skills.
  • Providing transformation coaching for teams and organizations.
  • Sharing insights through articles, case studies, and thought leadership.

If you want to work with this person, please contact us at team@scrum-academy.com.

If you're interested in becoming an Agile Academy Ambassador, please contact us at team@scrum-academy.com.

Work with Holger Nils Pohl

Holger Nils is open to provide training, coaching and consulting services. Contact us to learn more.

Contact us

All E-Learning Courses (E-Learning)

Visual Clarity - Drawing Basics

Holger Nils Pohl
Holger Nils Pohl

The Visual Clarity online course improves your skills in drawing the main concepts we need to express our thoughts in business.

Free plus VAT
Certified by Agile Academy
Learn more

Creating Customer Engagement

Sohrab Salimi
Holger Nils Pohl

This online course helps you develop the skills and mindset you need to navigate the uncertainty of an agile world.

149 € plus VAT
Certified by Agile Academy
Learn more

Links, Articles & Case Studies

Meet the Ambassador – Holger Nils Pohl

In this Agile Academy feature, Holger talks with Sohrab Salimi about using visuals to create clarity in complexity, his passion for systems thinking, and how he helps teams solve big problems visually.

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Tackling Complex Problems Using Visual Thinking

In this podcast with David Lancefield, Holger explores how visual thinking can help leaders and teams make sense of ambiguity and drive alignment.

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A New Framework to Create Clarity and Succeed

Holger outlines his visual framework for clarity—helping organizations reduce ambiguity, align decisions, and navigate complexity through structured visuals.

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