By English Sall and Jeffrey Walker
Introduction
In the midst of today’s global crises, a new leadership style has emerged based on systems change thinking – an approach to problem-solving that holistically looks at an issue and dives deep into its root causes.
We call these new leaders system catalysts. What are some common characteristics? They are leaders who are willing to put their egos aside to bring people together and collaborate. They are leaders working to provide more inclusive, connective, system-level solutions to our most complex challenges.
What We’ve Learned from Interviewing System Catalysts
To tap into the wealth of knowledge these system catalysts hold, we made a podcast called–you guessed it: System Catalysts. Thank you to Boldly Go Philanthropy for being one of our partners!
This podcast offers space for these leaders to tell their stories. We hear it all–the failures, the successes, the collaborations, the pivots. Each story contains priceless insights for anyone looking to solve one of the world’s big problems.
After 50+ interviews, we’ve put together a comprehensive Introduction to Systems Change and some common themes we’ve since discovered by talking to the experts. Here are some highlights:
Center On Locally-Led, Network-Supported Change
No one knows better for a community than its own members who are proximate to the problems at play. To solve the problem of Black women getting sicker and dying younger, Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison didn’t run to the systemically racist healthcare system to demand change. Instead, they created walking communities for women to focus on their own self-care. This approach to systems change turned GirlTrek into a global movement of over 1.2 million Black women for health justice.
Data Leads to Change
When used correctly, data provides valuable insights, evidence, and feedback necessary for understanding complex dynamics, measuring progress, and informing strategic moves. Did you know that it is 15 times more likely to lose or damage an organ in transit than an airline is a suitcase? This is what Greg Segal and Jennifer Erickson uncovered when they used data to break through and reveal just how broken the organ donation system is. By focusing on objective data, Organize got Congress to crack down on the organ donation system. Their work has led to 7,200 lives saved a year–and that’s just the start.
Collaborate, Collaborate, Collaborate
Systems change would not be possible without collaboration. Unite key individuals and organizations to address the problem. Potential partners include NGOs, government agencies, businesses, academic institutions, religious groups, and others. As the founding CEO of Virgin Unite, Jean Oelwang has been at the center of dozens of partnerships that promote criminal justice reform, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate change. What is her key tip? Start off with a small, dedicated group of people who are committed to the vision and willing to work through the hard moments.
Learn More on System Catalysts
This is just the tip of the iceberg. To learn more, please refer to our Introduction to Systems Change to pinpoint where to start on your journey to systems change. You can also find System Catalysts on any major podcast platform, or follow us on Instagram or Linkedin for updates. And remember–together, we can make a difference.
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