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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