At the quarter mark of the 21st century, there is a growing sense that our conventional ways of understanding the world are insufficient to address the many overlapping problems we face. This plenary 'fireside' chat will explore how different cultures and sectors see (or have the potential to see) the world through a systems lens. Some of the questions this opening session will explore: What can we learn from Blackfoot cosmology, non-Western, and Western science-based insights into ways of understanding systems that help us better address the problems of our time?  How can innovation - including technological innovation, policy innovation, and social innovation - benefit from systems thinking?

Panellists:

• Daniela Papi, Systems-led Leadership
  
• Roy Bear Chief, Mount Royal University
  
• Allan Boesak, NABC (Network for the Advancement of Black Communities)
  
• George Constantinescu, ATCO Ltd.
  
• Brenda Kenny, Canada West Foundation

Why we are here?

Katherine McGowan, the MC of the session, set the tone for the discussion by emphasizing the importance of systems thinking for future changemakers:

“We are here to inform and build the future changemakers [with the skills] to tackle complex issues so that they will go about and apply systems thinking and the next generation will not have to learn systems thinking in undergrad or master. It's because systems thinking is a natural way of thinking and we should already know that everything is connected and everything is possible.”

From the perspective of the Blackfoot cosmology

Elder Roy shared a profound perspective from Indigenous wisdom, drawing on the concept of "Ani-to-pi-si" - a spider web metaphor that illustrates the interconnectedness of all things. He explained:

"Everything has spirit and knowledge before our lives mean. We are all related. Speaking of systems and how they work [reminiscent of] the story 'Ani-to-pi-si'...The Creator instructed Ani to wrap the world with people and bring it down here. The Creator left a spiderweb with the people, saying, 'If there are any problems or issues, the web will vibrate, signaling me to come and help.' The people were then told to pattern their lives after Ani-to-pisi, which means to stay close together, support each other, and help one another. This is the essence of systems thinking: when there is a vibration under the system, it signifies a need for assistance.

We must ask questions like: Where is the vibration? What causes the vibration? What resources do I have to address these vibrations

Creation stories still hold relevance in our institutions today. I want us to embody Ani-to-pisi internally. It’s the core, interconnected with mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of our being”

From the perspective of Western corporate

George, approaching systems thinking from a practical standpoint, shared his journey of challenging corporate morality and rethinking success:

“My journey to systems thinking was practical. Have been challenged with working on something and face corporate morality. That’s when I think we need to challenge ourselves and rethink about what makes success in the corporate world rather than competition.”

 

 

"How individuals often solve problems...From my observations, individuals don't necessarily solve problems and seek to find the answer. They're more seeking justifications for their answer."

He stressed the importance of understanding problems objectively before jumping to solutions:

"If people start with their favourite solutions and stop from actually understanding problems...how can we get to objective truth and factor into the situation."

From the perspective of social innovation education

Daniela recounted her experience in Cambodia, highlighting the pitfalls of linear thinking in addressing complex issues:

"I thought I was from a wealthy country, have a good education so wanted to help Cambodia with their education systems. What I learnt was the fault of linearity. It turned out this is not how you fix the problems like linear hackathon - here's a problem, go quick and solve it."

She emphasized the need for inner work and bringing ancient knowledge into modern conversations:

 

“Cross-pollination is essential for educators as they move to the next threshold. It's not just about engaging those eager to solve problems but also about acknowledging what we know and what we don't know. It involves bringing others into the conversation and integrating inner work. We often work in silos, forgetting our interconnectedness, leading to a kind of devolution. Reevaluating our approach means bringing ancient knowledge and inner work into the classroom. To start healing, we must address the trauma within us. This is the next crucial threshold.”

"We cannot heal and the trauma is in us, this is the next threshold and the only way to start to heal."

>> Watch Daniela Papi Thornton's TedXTalk: Reclaiming Social Entrepreneurship

Allan stressed the importance of collaboration and collective knowledge:

"We can't exist without each other. My kids force me to admit I don't have all the answers... We need collaboration, need a collective knowledge and experience."

Brenda highlighted the rapid change in worldviews and the need for adaptability in systems thinking:

 

"For too long, we have had a worldview, if we do more science and dig into the problems, want to know all the details risks before... This is wrong in systems thinking."

She advised:

"Don't be worry if you don't know all the answer. You are deluding yourself by trying to know all the answer before action. Do not sit still."

How to start with Systems Thinking

 

The panel concluded with advice for those starting their journey in systems thinking:

Allan: "Make sure you can be loud and proud about what you can do. Don't hold it."

Daniella: "As students, distill things and start talking about these facts. Invite experts around the world."

Brenda: "Be more intentional about building the dialogue and be clear about how we build and why the dialogue."

Roy: "I invite you into my world. I invite you into my lens so we can dialogue and talk."

Reflecting on our session, we have come to appreciate the profound significance of diverse perspectives, interconnectedness, and the pursuit of continuous learning when tackling complex problems through systems thinking. Embracing different worldviews and fostering open dialogue are not just strategies, but essential practices that enable us to address the multifaceted challenges of our time.