On Becoming the Change Podcast

In this episode, I speak with Sean Andrew, the Learning and Practice Partner Lead at the School of System Change. We dive deep into systems thinking - a way of seeing and being in the world that embraces complexity, interconnection, and the entangled nature of life. We explore how systems thinking is a dynamic and adaptive practice informed by both the internal and external world. We explore the interconnectedness of issues, the importance of understanding multiple perspectives, and the risks of searching for "silver bullet" solutions to systemic challenges.

We talk about how systems change requires us to think in terms of practices, processes and relationships rather than linear problem-solving for a specific outcome. It’s about shifting patterns, not just fixing problems—recognising that individual actions and ways of being contribute to larger-scale outcomes. We talk about the need to balance hope with the reality we face, and how our approach and behaviours are key leverage points for real change. We explore how to keep showing up for the work, even when things look bleak, and the critical role of community in sustaining us.

We also talk about how personal reflection, grace and self-compassion play an essential role in systems change. It’s about going beyond outcomes and developing the inner capacity to engage with the complexities of the times we are faced with.

Whether you’re working in an organisation looking to have a more systemic impact, or you’re someone seeking to contribute in a meaningful way to systemic challenges, this conversation offers powerful insights into living and working in a more systemic, interconnected way.

A BIG thank you to Sean for sharing his wisdom on the podcast, for his guidance on the School of Systems Basecamp course and his support as I’ve transitioned onto this new path.

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Sean Andrew is the Learning and Practice Partner Lead at the School of System Change. Sean is brought into his work through the potential of dialogue to unearth ways of being together that support connection, learning, and action. His practice focuses on designing, hosting, and facilitating transformative conflict, action inquiry, nature-based culture regeneration, and collaborative governance processes that are in service of people working on their most complex insidious questions.

His experiences range from working with community-based groups, to being a collaborative intermediary across and between spheres of government to develop learning and action networks, and accompanying people and organizations in civil society and business to cultivate new ways of thinking, acting, relating that embrace and embody complex living systems.

Resources mentioned can be found -https://schoolofsystemchange.org/systems-change/resources

You can find courses from the School of Systems Change here

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Thanks for listening to On Becoming The Change! Find more on Substack or follow me on Linkedin - Heather Lynch https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherlynchcoaching/. Subscribe to receive new episodes and support my work.

In this first guest episode of On Becoming the Change, I chat with Amelia Cookson. Amelia and I worked together for 2 years as the Sustainability team at the B Corp, Oddbox. In this conversation, we reflect on our time working in sustainability. We talk about our experiences with eco-anxiety and developing emotional resilience, the evolution of their approach to sustainability, and how understanding our values has shaped our career choices.

Here are some of the topics we cover:

- Navigating emotions and eco-anxiety

- Realities of working in sustainability

- Balancing individual action and systemic change

- Navigating knowledge about degrowth and working in business

- Aligning personal values with career goals

- Advice for making a meaningful impact

Thank you to Amelia for joining the podcast and sharing insights, learnings and reflections that I am sure will help others going through similar experiences.

I hope you enjoy this conversation. I would love to hear what resonated with you. If you know anyone who might enjoy this conversation then please do share it.

Amelia Cookson is currently campaigning for sustainable and just food systems, working as a Campaigner at Feedback, focusing on Industrial Aquaculture (fish farming). Previous experience includes working in sustainability teams within a range of food businesses, dealing with net zero strategies, sustainability data, comms and all things B Corp. However, with the growing belief that systems change best occurs best in the 'fringes', rather than a corporate setting, made the transition to campaigning. Outside of work you may catch her running around London or volunteering at her local Friends of the Earth group. Here are some links we talk about:

- Sign the petition to ‘Wagamama: Stop supporting a food crisis in West Africa. Take farmed salmon off the table’. here

- Accompanying paper on how the Norwegian salmon industry extracts nutrition and undermines livelihoods in West Africa

- Sign up for the '2040' Free Film Showing with Wandsworth Friends of the Earth - 29th September

- Find your local climate group

Thanks for reading On Becoming The Change! Subscribe to hear future episodes and support my work. You can find me on Substack - On Becoming the Change and Linkedin - Heather Lynch.

I’m excited to share the first episode of On Becoming the Change, a new podcast that explores how personal transformation can lead to systemic change.

After over a decade working in jobs trying to ‘fix the world’s problems’ in international development and sustainability, I found myself disillusioned and overwhelmed by the scale of the global challenges we face.

This podcast is for those who are striving to make the world a better place but may be feeling burnt out or uncertain about how to make a real impact.

After working through a lot of my own personal blockers, eco-anxiety and disillusionment about whether I was really making an impact, I started this podcast to explore how personal growth and systemic change are deeply interconnected. We'll dive into the inner work needed to address global issues with more ease, purpose, and authenticity.

On this podcast, I’ll speak with people who have influenced my journey of becoming, from colleagues, coaches and course leaders. Together, we’ll dive into topics like - how to be well in the context of climate change, the power of systems and regenerative thinking, the importance of mindfulness and consciousness, and the role of self-awareness and coaching in creating a regenerative future.  

I will be releasing episodes every week. I’m looking forward to sharing them with you and would love to hear what resonated, so please drop me a message with any reflections. If you think others may be interested, then please do share it with them.