Human Current: Recent Episodes
Angie Cross & Haley Campbell-Gross
The #complexity podcast. Stories, interviews & casual conversations about the systems that shape our world and our work. www.human-current.com
This is Human Current’s final episode. Angie and Haley share exciting news about the release of their new book, Our Human Current, which includes quotes, stories and insights from all Human Current episodes. They also share how grateful they feel toward their mentor Doug, their podcast guests and listeners, and everyone else who has supported their work over the past four years. For this final episode, they also share Haley’s interview with Phil Lawson, an inventor, author and systems thinker. Lawson describes his journey in seeing the world as holistic rather than mechanistic. He also shares how his SPHERIT system, which leverages AI, helps people navigate complex situations and achieve holistic growth.
We talked with writer, researcher, and coach, Jennifer Garvey Berger, about her passion for spreading ideas about complexity, leadership, adult development, and change “so they can do the good that the world needs them to do”. She explained that “there are ideas about the world that are unbearably useful, and yet they are often locked up away from the people who could best use them.” Berger’s work and research are driven by her desire to get ideas about complexity out into the world. She expressed to us that there is joy and beauty in complexity describing it as “a fundamental energy in the world” that we should try to understand the rules and learn to play inside them, rather than try to contain and control complexity.
Later in our conversation, Berger shared insights from her new book Unlocking Leadership Mindtraps: How to Thrive in Complexity, including the five mindtraps she believes are holding us back. These are: the desire for simple stories, our sense that we are right, our desire to get along with others in our group, our fixation with control, and our constant quest to protect and defend our egos. After describing why these natural impulses are hindering us, she stated, “if we can get a handle on some of these mindtraps, that redeploys our energy and lets us work with the system instead of continually fighting against it.”
To learn about more about Jennifer visit:
https://www.cultivatingleadership.co.nz/our-team/jennifer-garvey-berger
In this episode, we talked with professor, systems thinker, and aging researcher, Alan Cohen. Cohen described how controlled experiments continue to dominate the way biologist learn and think, he suggested “this paradigm of complex systems thinking is what can guide us to understand when those controlled experiments are formative or not. The more complex the system the more a lot of factors might be interacting and the more we have to doubt how generalizable our experimental results will be.” During our conversation, Cohen also shared some of the complex questions he is researching in his lab like, “can we integrate biomarkers (Cholesterol, Albumin, Hemoglobin, Glucose) together to get a good idea of what’s happening with the aging process? And what happens if, instead of looking at them [biomarkers] one at a time, we try to integrate their signal and look at what might be happening in terms of underlying processes?” He explained that people who have “high dis-regulation levels” are at greater risk of health complications and that his research on holistic physiology is uncovering fundamental processes in the biology of aging.
In this episode, Angie talked with Francesco Filia, CEO of Fasanara Capital, an unconventional, boutique asset management company which focuses on niche investment strategies and researches systemic risk. Filia shared his perspective on the way financial markets are conventionally analyzed saying, “analysis that is typically performed on financial markets, in my opinion, is quite outdated. It has not evolved and could learn so much from nearby fields such as complexity theory.” He described financial markets as ecosystems and continued to bring many different insights from complexity into the conversation, including how feedback loops in financial markets can create instability and lead to tipping points.
In this episode, Haley talks with whole systems design practitioner, educator, public speaker, regenerative development consultant, and author, Dr. Daniel Wahl. Wahl shares stories from his journey in learning about complexity science, holistic science, and whole systems health, and how this journey ultimately inspired him to study natural design. During his interview Wahl says, “for me design is human intention expressed through interactions and relationships. It touches almost everything.” He also expresses his love for biomimicry and talks about the importance of learning from Gaia.
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with whole systems design practitioner, educator, public speaker, regenerative development consultant, and author, Dr. Daniel Wahl. Wahl shares some very important insights about the hidden dangers of paradigm shifting. He also talks about Donella Meadows' later work around dancing with systems.
In this episode, Angie talks with human-centric leader, futurist, and CEO of Toffler Associates, Deborah Westphal. Westphal shares the history and legacy of Toffler Associates and provides insights into their mission to help organizations understand the dynamics of change, plan their way to the future, and adapt. She explains four macro-drivers that are causing uncommon disruption and influencing everything we know about organizations. Westphal also explores very important questions and assumptions about power structures, technology, and societal values and advocates for leaders to focus on people, rather than processes or technology.
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In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with Deborah Westphal, a human-centric leader, futurist and the CEO of Toffler Associates. Westphal talks about the importance of reorganizing business for the future so there is less emphasis on processes and technology and more emphasis on people and the values and questions they bring into the workplace.
In this episode, Haley talks with Dr. Mihaela Ulieru, a scholar of distributed intelligent systems, Founder and President of the IMPACT Institute for the Digital Economy, and Chief Alchemist at Endor. Ulieru talks about the interplay between society and technology and its effects on our humanity. She shares many paradoxical examples for how technology, like artificial intelligence and blockchain, can help us transcend our limitations while also preying on them. Ulieru also urges leaders to educate themselves on the ways blockchain can streamline their business, stating it’s now “a matter of survival”.
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with Dr. Mihaela Ulieru, a scholar of distributed intelligent systems. Ulieru is also Founder and President of the IMPACT Institute for the Digital Economy and Chief Alchemist at Endor. In this clip, Ulieru talks about how leaders can identify whether or not their business is "blockchainable" and shares examples for how blockchain technology has been successfully leveraged within different industries.
In this episode, Angie talks with Biophysical Scientist and author of Crashes, Crises, and Calamities, Dr. Len Fisher. Fisher gives many in-depth examples for how sudden change, or critical transitions, can happen within complex adaptive systems. He unpacks how interconnectedness, unintended consequences, runaway effects, and emergence all influence systemic collapse. Fisher also shares what is needed to effectively govern of complex systems.
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with Biophysical Scientist, writer and broadcaster, Dr. Len Fisher. Fisher introduces the concept of systemic risk and critical transitions in complex adaptive systems.
In this episode, Haley talks with systems thinker, entrepreneur and pragmatic implementer, Tanuja Prasad. Prasad shares details about her relationship with complexity, including how it has shifted her perspective about life, work and science. She beautifully describes the complex, nonlinear nature of systems and explains many practical concepts and applications for people working with and living within systems. Prasad also shares her passion for complexity science applications within the social impact sector.
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with systems thinker, entrepreneur, and pragmatic implementer, Tanuja Prasad. Prasad shares some of her favorite aspects of complexity science.
In this episode, Angie talks with author and Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Complexity Space Consulting, Denise Easton. Easton talks about how she became introduced to complexity science and how it has influenced her life and her work. She shares the story behind her book, Complexity Works!: Influencing Pattern-Based Change in Teams & Organizations, which she co-authored with Lawrence Solow and explains how Complexity Space Consulting leverages a pattern-based approach to understanding and influencing organizational change. Easton also shares her hopes for the future of complexity science.
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Complexity Space Consulting, Denise Easton. Easton shares how she defines and relates to complexity.
In this episode, Angie talks with systems educator and award-winning author, Linda Booth Sweeney. Booth Sweeney describes her work as a systems educator and explains why understanding systems is so important. She shares many wonderful examples and stories of patterns (and feedback loops) that show up in everyday life and explains how seeing a pattern is the very first step toward influencing change. Booth Sweeney also talks about her books and why storytelling is such an instrumental tool in her work.
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with systems educator and author, Linda Booth Sweeney. Booth Sweeney shares the importance of learning about the nature of systems and working with them, not against them. "People who have a concept of the whole can do very fortunate things." — Linda Booth Sweeney
In this episode, Haley talks with Albert-László Barabási. Barabasi is the Robert Gray Dodge Professor of Network Science and a Distinguished University Professor at Northeastern University, where he directs the Center for Complex Network Research. He is also a renowned author of several books including his newly released book, The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success, which he discusses in-depth during his interview. Barabási shares key takeaways and important lessons from his new book and research on the science of success. He also gives us insights from his journey of learning about and pioneering the young field of network science and shares his hopes for the future of this field.
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with Albert-László Barabási. Barabási is the Robert Gray Dodge Professor of Network Science and a Distinguished University Professor at Northeastern University, where he directs the Center for Complex Network Research. He is also a renowned author of several books including: Network Science; Linked: The New Science of Networks; Bursts: The Hidden Pattern Behind Everything We Do; The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success. In this brief clip, Barabási describes the fruitful relationship between complexity science and network science.
In this episode, Haley talks with Yaneer Bar-Yam, President of the New England Complex Systems Institute, and Alexander Siegenfeld, a PhD physics student at MIT, about their collaborative research paper entitled: Negative Representation and Instability in Democratic Elections. They each discuss why the current political climate in the U.S. is so polarized and unstable and explore how low voter turnout leads to negative representation and further instability. Describing insights from their research, they share the importance of increasing voter turnout and weakening the two party system (through methods like ranked choice voting) in order to achieve a more stable democracy.
In this episode, Angie and Haley share their final four interviews recorded at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems. These interviews include: Brad Glisson, co-founder of Thoughtblox; Liz Johnson, Managing Editor for the Journal on Policy and Complex Systems; Vinesh Raja, Bioinformatician and Software Engineer; Rhys Lindmark, podcaster and Head of Community and Long-Term Societal Impact at MIT Media Lab. Each of their stories weave together some of the shared values, ideas, and visions for the growing field of complex system science. And to wrap up this series on the conference, Haley and Rhys Lindmark talk about some their favorite highlights and share some key takeaways. (Episode cover image by JK Rofling.)
In this episode, Angie talks with Dr. Stephan Harding who is an ecologist, author and senior lecturer and founding member of Schumacher College. Dr. Harding discusses his passion for the Earth and why he believes so deeply in helping others feel more connected to our planet. He describes his role with Schumacher College and how the school offers unique learning experiences to help students connect with and learn from nature. Dr. Harding shares details about his Holistic Science course, which integrates complexity theory, Gaia theory and deep ecology. He also explores how more expansive approaches to science, which integrate diverse methods of inquiry (beyond reason), can help us better understand the implications of complex problems like climate change. Lastly, Dr. Harding talks about his book, Animate Earth: Science, Intuition and Gaia, in which he integrates science, poetry and meditative practices to inspire people to form a participatory relationship with nature.
In this episode, Angie and Haley share four interviews recorded at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems. These interviews include: Javier Borondo, Research Scientist and CTO of AGrowingData; Rosa Benito, Physics Professor at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid; Victor Dossetti, Research Scientist and Professor at Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla; Roozbeh Daneshvar, Blockchain Software Engineer at IBM. Each of the experiences they share highlight various research, applications, and opportunities in the field of complex system science. (Episode cover image by JK Rofling)
In this episode, Haley interviews theoretical biologist and author, Josh Mitteldorf, at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems. Mitteldorf talks about the evolutionary process, including gene sharing, cooperation, and natural selection. He also shares what inspired his book, Cracking the Aging Code, and why biology needs holism.
In this episode, Angie talks with Dr. Loren Demerath at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems. Dr. Demerath is an author, researcher, theorist of social complexity, and Professor of Sociology at the Centenary College of Louisiana. He discusses the fundamental nature of complex systems and how he applies concepts of complexity science to his research on culture, social interaction, and the emergence of order.
In this episode, Haley talks with Simon DeDeo at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems. DeDeo is an Assistant Professor in Social and Decision Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University and External Professor at the Santa Fe Institute. He talks about his current research, which explores extreme creative people and events throughout history in order to learn where new ideas come from and what people do when they get them. Describing his research as “an alternate account of what it means to be human”, DeDeo explains that we are not infinitely predictable creatures, rather we harness extreme capacity to evolve and create. Professor DeDeo also shares more about his course and research at the Santa Fe Institute.
In this episode, Angie talks with network science researchers, Brennan Klein and Sarah Shugars, at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems. Both Klein and Shugars are network science PhD students at Northeastern University, but they share very different stories for why they decided to study network science and how they plan to approach and apply their research. (The image used in this episode cover is ©JK Rofling)
In this episode, Haley interviews Jose Mateos at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems. Mateos is a physicist and network researcher at the National University of Mexico. He is also on the Steering Committee for the Complex Systems Society, an international scientific community which organizes the annual Conference on Complex Systems (taking place this year from September 23-28 in Thessaloniki, Greece). Mateos talks with Haley about what makes conferences on complex systems so unique and important for solving real-world problems. He also describes his research on mobility within networks where he explores how things, like viruses and rumors, propagate within social networks.
In this episode, Angie talks with Irene Bosch and Elena Naumova at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems. Irene Bosch is a research scientist at MIT who works with Tropical diseases and viruses like Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya. Bosch discusses the lack of research and understanding around how diseases are diagnosed and spread. She also talks about the potential benefits of interdisciplinary collaborations in forecasting epidemics and bringing solutions for diagnostics. Bosch’s work colleague, Elena Naumova, a Mathematician and Director of the Tufts University Initiative for Forecasting and Modeling of Infectious Diseases, also talks with Angie about how she applies mathematical models to better understand different kinds of biological phenomenon.
In this episode, Haley talks with Dr. Daniel Stickler at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems. Dr. Stickler is a physician, author, speaker and the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of The Apeiron Center for Human Potential. During his interview, Dr. Stickler explains Apeiron’s systems-based model which focuses on human systems, homeostatic balance and optimization. He also discusses how and why lifestyle decisions are the key to creating an optimized life.
In this episode, Haley talks with Gad Saad at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems. Gad Saad is a Marketing Professor and evolutionary behavioral scientist. He is also author of The Consuming Instinct: What Juicy Burgers, Ferraris, Pornography, and Gift Giving Reveal About Human Nature, which explores how evolutionary forces influence our daily lives as consumers. During his interview, Saad shares how elements of complexity theory apply to his research as a behavioral scientist. He also describes the challenges he faces when talking about evolutionary theory and behavioral science openly with the public.
In this episode, Haley and Angie introduce a special conversation between Gad Saad and Nassim Nicholas Taleb at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems (ICCS). Gad Saad is an evolutionary behavioral scientist and Marketing professor at Concordia University and Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a best-selling author, probability researcher and former trader. During their quick and informal conversation, Gad and Nassim share details from their joint presentation at ICCS and some friendly remarks about each other’s research.
In this episode, Haley interviews Stephen Wolfram at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems. Wolfram is the creator of Mathematica, Wolfram|Alpha and the Wolfram Language; the author of A New Kind of Science; and the founder and CEO of Wolfram Research. Wolfram talks with Haley about his professional journey and reflects on almost four decades of history, from his first introduction to the field of complexity science to the 30 year anniversary of Mathematica. He shares his hopes for the evolution of complexity science as a foundational field of study. He also gives advice for complexity researchers, recommending they focus on asking simple, foundational questions.
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with Stephen Wolfram. Wolfram is the creator of Mathematica, Wolfram|Alpha and the Wolfram Language; the author of A New Kind of Science; and the founder and CEO of Wolfram Research. Wolfram shares with us his disappointment that the basic science of complexity has not been more explored. He states, “the great thing about the basic science is that it will survive forever”.
It’s the 100th episode of the Human Current podcast! In this celebratory episode, Angie and Haley make a cheers to all the wonderful people who have supported the podcast’s mission, including cofounder Stacy Hale, Professor Yaneer Bar-Yam and community members of the New England Complex Systems Institute (NECSI). They also reminisce about their experience at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems (ICCS) and share two interviews from the event. The first interview they share is with Dr. Emma Towlson who is a Physics Professor at Northeastern University and a researcher in the Center for Complex Network Research (CCNR), with interests in the emerging field of Network Neuroscience. The second interview is with Richard Cooper, Ph.D, who is a NECSI board member and Maurits C. Boas Professor of International Economics at Harvard University.
In this episode, Haley interviews George Church, who is Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and Professor of Health Science and Technology at MIT, as well as a co-author of 480 papers, 130 patent publications & the book Regenesis. Church talks with Haley at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems about his presentation on the evolution of modern biotechnology and the implications of existential risk within this field. He also talks about the goals and mission of the BRAIN Initiative, which he co-initiated in 2011, as well as why he believes people should have access to their own genome.
In this episode, Haley interviews Boston College Professor Patrick McQuillan. McQuillan talks with Haley at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems about his current work and expertise in education reform and urban school leadership. He shares why it is so important for school leaders to decentralize control and work toward a unified school culture. Professor McQuillan also describes “the thread of adaptive leadership” as a productive approach to systemic change.
In this episode, Haley interviews Natalia Komarova, Chancellor's Professor of the School of Physical Sciences at the University of California, Irvine. Komarova talks with Haley at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems about her presentation, which explored using applied mathematics to study the spread of mutants, as well as the evolution of popular music.
In this episode, Haley interviews the Minos A. Zombanakis Professor of the International Financial System at Harvard Kennedy School, Carmen Reinhart. Reinhart talks with Haley at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems about financial fragility and economic booms and busts. She also explains the profound complexity of financial crises describing them as black swan events which affect many systems connected to human wellbeing.
In this episode, Angie interviews the Head of Strategy at Basecamp, Ryan Singer. Singer talks with Angie at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems about design strategy, nonlinear dynamics, interdisciplinary work, and his personal journey of discovering complexity science and NECSI.
In this episode, Haley interviews author, mental health counselor, change agent, and Founding Director of the Freedom of Mind Resource Center, Steven Hassan. Hassan talks with Haley at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems about cults and mind control as “a systematic social influence process”. He also describes how a complex systems model can be used to mobilize social networks like policy makers, educators, health professionals, and law enforcement to empower individuals impacted by undue influence.
In this episode, Haley interviews Ricardo Hausmann at the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems. Hausmann is Professor of Economic Development at Harvard's Kennedy School and Director of the Center for International Development at Harvard University. He talks with Haley about the scale of the current economic collapse in Venezuela, economic complexity, systemic resilience, and the invisible hand.
In this episode, Haley talks with the President of the New England Complex Systems Institute, Professor Yaneer Bar-Yam, at the opening day of the Ninth International Conference on Complex Systems. Bar-Yam talks about the diversity of people presenting and attending the conference and why the event is so important for the complexity science community and the world.
In this episode, Haley interviews author, filmmaker and founder of Local Futures, Helena Norberg-Hodge. Helena is a pioneer of the ‘new economy’ movement and has been promoting an economics of personal, social and ecological well-being for more than thirty years. During her interview, she discusses the harmful consequences of economic globalization and advocates for localism as a systemic path to return us ‘to the reality of complexity, diversity and interdependence of all life.’ Helena also shares the importance of spreading systemic and economic literacy, which is a mission she works toward at Local Futures.
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with author, filmmaker, and founder of Local Futures, Helena Norberg-Hodge. Norberg-Hodge describes how our dependence on large global systems limits our freedom. She explains that face-to-face connection between people in community is not only important, but also relevant to systems thinking and complexity.
In this episode, Angie interviews best-selling author, speaker, teacher and formal leader, Margaret Wheatley. Wheatley talks in detail about her new book, Who Do We Choose To Be? Facing Reality | Claiming Leadership | Restoring Sanity, and reveals why she is so driven by her “unshakable conviction that leaders must learn how to evoke people’s inherent generosity, creativity, and need for community”. She also describes how leaders can experiment with complexity theory and systems thinking to better understand the role of interconnectedness and emergence in their work. Wheatley offers a powerful and thought-provoking message for courageous leaders of this time, calling on them to become “warriors for the human spirit”.
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with Margaret Wheatley. Wheatley is a speaker, author, teacher, consultant, advisor & formal leader—she has developed an unshakeable confidence that leaders must invoke people’s inherent generosity, creativity and need for community. In this clip she talks about emergence, which she describes as 'the most overarching, most profound learning [she] ever got from complexity science'.
In this episode, Haley talks with the founder of Complexity Labs, Joss Colchester. Joss explains why he created Complexity Labs, which is the most extensive online resource on complex systems, as well as what he hopes to achieve with his platform. He describes one of his courses, “Blockchain Introduction”, and shares how this complex, emerging technology will influence society and economy. Joss also discusses artificial intelligence and the immense challenges and opportunities it presents.
In this episode, Haley interviews research professor and leader of the Self-Organizing Systems Lab at UNAM, Carlos Gershenson. Gershenson discusses some findings from his book, Complexity 5 Questions, which is comprised of "interview style contributions by leading figures in the field of complexity.” He also shares his own perspectives on the past, present and future of complexity science, as well as how philosophy plays a role in the emergence of this field.
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with Carlos Gershenson. Gershenson is a tenured research professor at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. He is also Editor-in-Chief of Complexity Digest as well as Council Member of the Complex Systems Society. We asked Gershenson, do you believe there is a stand alone science of complexity?
In this episode, Angie talks with academic and management consultant and co-author of Embracing Complexity, Jean Boulton. Boulton shares her excitement about the only MSc Holistic Science programme in world offered at Schumacher College where she will be a tutor and lecturer this Fall. She explains how chaos, complexity and Gaia theories are integrated in this unique programme to help students understand the emergent properties of whole systems. Learn more at schumachercollege.org.uk
In this episode, Angie interviews author, public speaker and co-founder and CEO of Wisdom Works, Renee Moorefield. Moorefield discusses her passion for systems thinking and how she uses this way of seeing the world to help others thrive as living systems and leaders. She explains how to nurture our innate capacity to thrive through self-awareness and holistic thinking practices. She also shares many different books, resources and stories which have helped shape her perspectives and guide her work.
In this episode, Haley talks with physicist, complexity scientist, and MIT professor, Cesar Hidalgo. Hidalgo discusses his interest in the physics of networks and complex system science and shares why he believes these fields are so important. He talks about his book, Why Information Grows: The Evolution of Order, from Atoms to Economies, which takes a scientific look at global economic complexity. Hidalgo also shares how economic development is linked to making networks more knowledgeable.
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with physicist, complexity scientist, and MIT professor, Cesar Hidalgo. Hidalgo shares his definition of complex systems.
In this episode, Angie and Haley recap the WorkHuman Conference and share live interviews from the event. They share Haley’s interview with Jennifer Fondrevey, a Chief Humanity Officer who specializes in mergers and acquisitions and seeks to rediscover the humanity in business. They also share Angie’s interview with Angela Romei, Director at Panorama and leader of the Paid Leave Program. Angela discusses why paid leave is a requirement for a more human workplace. She also explores the unintended consequences of not providing paid leave and shares several resources for leaders to plan and execute paid leave programs for their employees. Let's work happy!
In this episode, Angie talks with entrepreneur, public speaker, and systems thinker Amber Christian. Christian discusses how to build strong business relationships through personalization, technology, journey mapping, and transparent processes. She also shares how systems thinking can be used to understand whole processes, identify unintended consequences, and strengthen network connections.
How does chaos influence creativity? How can “flow states” help teams manage feedback and achieve creativity? In this episode, Haley interviews designer, educator and author, Jon Kolko. Kolko shares details from his new book, Creative Clarity: A Practical Guide for Bringing Creative Thinking into Your Company, which he wrote to help leaders and creative thinkers manage the complexity and chaos of the creative process. During his interview, he explains how elements of complex systems science, including emergence, constraints, feedback and framing, influence the creative process. He also provides many helpful tips for how to foster a culture of creativity within an organization.
What is “real” magic? How is magic tied to consciousness? How will magic play a role in the future of science? In this episode, Angie interviews author and Chief Scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, Dean Radin. Radin discusses his scientific research on mind-matter interaction, consciousness, psychic phenomenon and esoteric magic. He also shares details from his new book, Real Magic, including what scientifically-informed magic actually is and how magic will play a key role in exploring the frontiers of science.
In this episode, we share a live interview from the WorkHuman Conference with Erica Keswin, Founder of the Spaghetti Project and author of the forthcoming book, Bring Your Human to Work:Ten Sure-Fire Ways to Design a Workplace That is Good for People, Great for Business and Just Might Change the World. Erica is passionate about the science and stories of connection at work because as she mentions, “left to our own devices, we are not connecting”. During her interview, she talks with Angie about her new book and shares the details of her presentation at WorkHuman about how to be more authentic at work.
In this episode, Angie interviews Assistant Professor at the New England Complex Systems Institute (NECSI) and Visiting Scientist and the MIT Media Lab, Alfredo Morales. Professor Morales works in the areas of complex systems, AI, data science, and human behavior to develop both methods and insights that help solve complex societal problems. During his interview, he shares details from the AI and Beyond Program at NECSI, a five day certificate program where he presented alongside, Stephen Wolfram, Iyad Rahwan, and Yaneer Bar-Yam. He also discusses some unintended consequences that could arise from artificial intelligence and how complexity science can help us integrate AI systems more effectively.
Why is it important for AIs to experience unconditional love?Can robots teach you to love? In this episode, Haley interviews author, systems thinker, researcher, and public speaker, Dr. Julia Mossbridge. Dr. Mossbridge is a Visiting Scholar in the Psychology Department at Northwestern University, lead Robot Psychologist at Hanson Robotics, the Director of the Innovation Lab at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, and founder of the Mossbridge Institute. She is also the Principal Investigator and Team Lead for the Developing LOVing INtelligent General AIs or LOVING AIs project. During her interview, Dr. Mossbridge discusses the LOVING AIs project, which “addresses how AI agents can communicate unconditional love to humans through conversations that adapt to the unique needs of each user while supporting integrative personal and relational development”. She also shares why she believes it’s so important for AIs to experience unconditional love.
What is artificial intelligence? Could unintended consequences arise from our increased use of this technology? How will the role of humans change with AI? How will AI evolve in the next 10 years? In this episode, Haley interviews leading complex systems scientist, Professor of Computer Science at Portland State University, and external professor at the Santa Fe Institute, Melanie Mitchell. Professor Mitchell answers many profound questions about the field of artificial intelligence and gives specific examples of how this technology is being used today. She also provides some insights to help us navigate our relationship with AI as it becomes more popular in the coming years.
In this episode, Angie interviews WorkHuman Radio Host and Social Marketing Manager at Globoforce, Mike Wood. Globoforce is the leading social recognition provider who is pioneering the WorkHuman movement, a movement “to galvanize leaders worldwide to harness the transformative power of people for the next generation of HR”. The WorkHuman Conference will take place in our hometown of Austin, Texas this year from April 2nd - 5th. We will be attending this event and sharing highlights from their amazing lineup of speakers, so stay tuned!
In this episode, Angie interviews author of Embracing Complexity: Strategic Perspectives for an Age of Turbulence, Jean Boulton, who is also an academic and management consultant, specializing in complexity theory. Boulton talks with us about many different concepts including: how complexity thinking compares to systems thinking, change management, organizational strategy, complexity as a worldview, and even how this field is shining a light on climate change.
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with co-author of Embracing Complexity, Jean Boulton. Boulton shares her view of how systems thinking compares to complexity thinking.
In this episode, Angie interviews author and integrator, Jeremy Lent. Lent integrates systems biology, complexity science and neuroscience with ancient wisdom traditions to explore how different cultures throughout human history have created meaning. He shares many perspectives from his book, The Patterning Instinct: A Cultural History of Humanities Search for Meaning, including research and analysis of how humanity has gotten to where it is today and where it could be heading.
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with author and integrator, Jeremy Lent. Lent brings together Western and Eastern worldviews, science, spiritual wisdom, and embodied experience. He shares his perspective on how reductionism— the same mindset that led to the Scientific Revolution— has also led many people to believe a dangerous story...that humanity is separate from nature.
In this episode, Haley talks with scientist, psychophysiologist, and the Executive Vice President and Director of Research at HeartMath Institute, Dr. Rollin McCraty. Dr. McCraty shares stories and examples from scientific research about the complex nature of heart coherence, intuition, and consciousness. He also talks about HeartMath’s Global Coherence Research, which encompasses scientific data on the interconnectivity of all living systems through the Earth’s magnetic field. When wrapping up, Dr. McCraty emphasizes the importance of practicing self-awareness and self-regulation in order to bring ourselves into balance with the heart’s intuitive guidance and reach higher levels of consciousness.
In this episode, Haley interviews author and developer of TEPP (The Embodied Present Process) Philip Shepherd. Philip explains how Western culture has led us to believe the story of separation and isolation and he urges us to learn how to feel and embrace our complex and deeply interconnected reality. He also shares why the embodied present process is critical for personal growth and truly radical wholeness.
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with embodiment coach and author Philip Shepherd. Philip discusses the importance of balancing objective knowledge with self-knowledge in order to thrive within all living systems.
In this episode, Haley and Angie reflect on all the topics they have discussed with guests in 2017 and share exciting news about future guests in 2018 (including interviews with Melanie Mitchell from the Santa Fe Institute and Jean Boulton co-author of Embracing Complexity). They also share their full length interview conducted earlier this year with Professor Yaneer Bar-Yam, President of the New England Complex Systems Institute. Happy New Year from the HumanCurrent!
In this episode, Haley interviews journalist, life coach, and host of the Happy Melly podcast, Sam Mednick. Sam talks about the importance of emotional intelligence and shares her philosophy on living a more happy and fulfilled life. She also shares a few stories from South Sudan where she is currently working and writing.
In this episode, Haley interviews complexity thinker and founder of NOBL Collective, Bud Caddell. Bud explains how NOBL designs human-driven systems which enable teams to become more empowered, inspired, and engaged. He also describes how his understanding and application of complex system science has influenced his mission to expand access to meaningful work.“I fundamentally believe that meaningful work is a human right.” - Bud Caddell
In this episode, Angie interviews author, speaker, and entrepreneur, Jurgen Appelo. Jurgen has been named the “Top 100 Leadership Speaker & Top 50 Management Expert” by Inc.com and he has become a key influencer in the workplace happiness movement. During his interview, Jurgen discusses how practicing complexity thinking has influenced his career and management style. He also shares stories and advice on how to “manage the system not the people” with different tools, games, and practices.
In this episode, Angie interview's complexity scientist, professor, and founding president of the New England Complex Systems Institute (NECSI), Yaneer Bar-Yam. Professor Bar-Yam shares the details of new research out of NECSI entitled, Preliminary Steps Toward a Universal Economic Dynamics for Monetary and Fiscal Policy. His research, which was conducted with Jean Langlois-Meurinne, Mari Kawakatsu, and Rodolfo Garcia, calls for wealth redistribution, not tax cuts, to improve the US economy.
In this episode, Haley interviews Dr. Carlos Gershenson who is a research professor, Editor-in-Chief of Complexity Digest, and a Co-Chair member of the Conference on Complex Systems. Dr. Gershenson discusses this year's conference and how it is relevant to events happening in the world today. He also shares details about next year's Conference on Complex Systems.
How can we leverage self-directed neuroplasticity, so we can grow and change as much as possible? In this episode, Angie interviews best-selling author, psychologist, and human potential expert Dr. Rick Hanson, who explains how understanding evolutionary neuropsychology and using daily meditative practice can help us feel safe, satisfied and connected. He describes the difference between engaging life with a responsive mindset, as opposed to a reactive mindset. Dr. Hanson says we are more resilient and happier when we are in the “green zone” with a responsive mindset because this expansive thinking mode allows us to combat our negativity bias and take in the good in our lives.
In this episode, Angie interviews psychologist and New York Times best-selling author, Dr. Rick Hanson. Dr. Hanson eloquently describes how the human brain has evolved as a complex system and he shares why it is so important “to really appreciate the implications of having a stone age brain in the 21st century”. This is part one of his interview. Stay tuned for part two of Angie’s interview with Dr. Hanson!
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with psychologist and author, Dr. Rick Hanson. We asked Dr. Hanson how he became interested in complex systems. For more information visit rickhanson.net and stay tuned for his full length, two-part interview with the HumanCurrent.
In this episode, Haley talks with neurologist and author, Dr. Robert Burton about the most complexly organized form of matter in the known universe, the human brain. More specifically, Dr. Burton talks about the mind-brain paradox and explains some key distinctions between conscious and unconscious thought. We also talk about his books, A Skeptic’s Guide to the Mind and On Being Certain: Believing You’re Right Even When You’re Not.
In this episode, we share our last interview from the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) conference with Dr. Rupert Sheldrake. Dr. Sheldrake is an English author and researcher in the field of parapsychology. He talks with Haley about discovering, after years of in the field research, that paranormal activity is actually a very normal occurrence because many people claim to experience it throughout their lives. Dr. Sheldrake states in his interview that “our minds are more extensive than our brains”. He also shares that he will be releasing a new book this year in the UK about science and spirituality.
In this episode, Angie and Haley share more interviews from the Institute of Noetic Science (IONS) Conference, The Science of What Connects Us. They talk with one of their past guests, Laurie Marshall about how noetic science is changing the world. Laurie also shares news about her recently published book called The Flood of Kindness. Angie and Haley also share their interview with Andrea Dennis, from Greenheart International, and Jon Darrall-Rew, from the Global Purpose Movement, about The Purpose Summit and how their work is connected to human consciousness.
In this episode of the HumanCurrent, Angie and Haley talk about their experience at IONS (The Institute of Noetic Sciences) 17th International Conference The Science of What Connects Us. They also share their interview with Dr. Cassandra Vieten, the President of IONS, who explains some of the mind-expanding projects happening at IONS at the intersection of technology, innovation, and consciousness.
In this episode, Angie interviews best-selling author, neuropsychiatrist, and founder of the Women’s and Teen Girls’ Mood and Hormone clinic, Dr. Louann Brizendine. Dr. Brizendine discusses the complexity of The Female Brain, which is the title of one of her best-selling books. She also shares how learning more about our innate biology is important for us to thrive both individually and collectively in modern-day society.
How much does our environment and our biology affect our behavior? How can understanding our biofeedback empower us to live well? In this episode, Haley interviews Eileen McDonald who is an inventor, speaker, and a cofounder and Chief Coaching Officer of the Axeos Performance Institute. Eileen discusses how stress and poor breathing habits can influence our behavior and overall wellbeing. She also shares how self-awareness, self-care, and self-compassion can help us unlearn harmful habits, so we are free to practice more beneficial ones.
In this episode, Angie informally interviews her fellow co-host, Haley Campbell-Gross, to discuss what she has learned from recent interviews, as well as what she has discovered while researching the complexity of the human brain. Angie and Haley also share their excitement about starting a new series on the complexity of the brain and body, which leads them into a discussion about all the factors, like biology, history, and culture, which influence our lives as humans.
Does living in cities rather than rural settings differentially activate our amygdala? In this episode, Haley interviews science journalist, author, and podcast host, Florence Williams, to discuss how our environment influences our health and wellbeing. She shares research and stories from her book, The Nature Fix; Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative, which has been described as “an intrepid investigation into nature’s restorative benefits by a prize-winning author”.
Haley interviews professor, Complexity Scientist, and founding president of the New England Complex Systems Institute (NECSI), Yaneer Bar-Yam, to discuss the nature of global complex problems. Yaneer shares how quickly unintended consequences can ripple throughout our global systems. More specifically, he discusses research he conducted with NECSI on the causes of increasing global food prices. Yaneer states, “We need to understand global consequences in order to be able to act and react effectively to the challenges we are facing today.”
In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with founder of the New England Complex Systems Institute, Yaneer Bar-Yam. Professor Bar-Yam discusses some of his world-renowned research with NECSI on the global food crisis.
Why are all of our biggest global problems caused by reductionist thinking habits? How does the environment and sustainability influence global security? In this episode, Angie interviews global security thought leader, keynote speaker, and founder and CEO of BlindSpot Think Tank, James Greyson. James discusses his unique approach to solving intractable problems, which he calls “blindspotting”. He also shares the details of his research paper for NATO titled Seven Policy Switches for Global Security.
In the spirit of Earth Day approaching, Angie and Haley discuss the importance of being environmentally consciousness. They also share clips from past guests, Laurie Marshall, Chris Ling, and James Greyson, who responded to a quote by environmental activist, Annie Leonard. Her quote states: “The assumptions that ‘pollution is the price of progress’ or that ‘we must choose between jobs and the environment’ have long limited our creative thinking about innovative solutions that can be good for the environment, the workers, and a healthy economy.”
In this episode, Angie interviews the Director of the School of Environment and Sustainability at Royal Roads University, Professor Chris Ling. Chris shares his experiences with sustainable community planning throughout his career, including some fascinating research he conducted on the scalability of farmer’s markets. Chris also explains the importance of implementing solutions which are “based on the local socio-ecological reality”.
In this episode, Haley interviews author, public speaker, and education transformer, Laurie Marshall. Laurie discusses her passion for empowering youth through creative collaboration and introduces her new book, Beating the Odds Now, which she describes as “a love letter for teachers” to help them feel inspiration and joy in their work. Laurie also shares the importance of looking to nature as a tool for learning and a way for each individual to discover their inner genius. Learn more at www.Laurie-Marshall.com. The cover image for this episode is titled “Fig Singing Tree of the Child”.
In this episode, Haley interviews professor, complexity scientist, and founding president of the New England Complex Systems Institute (NECSI), Yaneer Bar-Yam. Yaneer talks about how we can understand complex systems science by applying it across all of the systems we interact with in our society today. He also explains the importance of flatter, team-oriented organizations when dealing with complexity because, he says, today’s hierarchical organizations are limited by “what one individual can do and individuals have a limited degree of complexity that they can cope with". Also, in this episode, Angie and Stacy Hale discuss how the role of leadership is changing in the face of more and more complex problems. They also talk about Stacy’s experience as a student at NECSI.
In this episode, Angie interviews innovator, silicon valley veteran, and VP of Marketing at iCharts, Rico Andrade. Rico discusses the importance of a leader’s role in empowering teams and creating the right environment and conditions for them to interact and make real-time decisions. He also explains that because the world is more complex and data-driven it is becoming more important than ever for leaders to release some control and allow for emergent insights to play a role in guiding business decisions. Rico claims that using “data as a team member” is a powerful way for leaders to design employee collaboration and problem-solving.
In this episode, Haley interviews entrepreneur, teacher and visionary, Paolo Gaudiano, who applies complexity thinking to all aspects of his work and life. He is the President and Chief Technology Officer at Icosystem, which is an inspirational organization that combines expertise in human behavior & decision-making with simulation and optimization techniques inspired by complexity science and biology to build predictive analytics solutions. Paolo is also a professor at CCNY and a Forbes contributing author of a blog called, The Complexity of Diversity.
In this episode, Angie interviews consultant, blogger, and systems thinker, Scott Jancy. Reflecting on his background in architecture, Scott discusses why he believes design and leadership are synonymous. He explains how leaders can successfully utilize systems thinking for problem solving, stating that “solutions often emerge on their own with a little coaxing". Scott also emphasizes the importance of leadership vision while approaching complex problems. Check out his leadership blog at www.scottjancy.com
In this episode, Angie and Haley welcome the new year and get excited about their upcoming series on the complexity of leadership. They also introduce upcoming guests, Scott Jancy and Paolo Gaudiano, and share their responses to the question: “how did you become interested in complexity?”
In this episode, Angie and Haley share clips from past interviews about the power of human networks. They also reminisce about what they have learned in 2016 and share their excitement about upcoming guests and topics to come in the new year. Happy holidays from the HumanCurrent Complexity Podcast!
In this episode, Angie interviews Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Cognitive Edge, Dave Snowden. Professor Snowden describes his work with complexity and how it applies to decision-making. He also introduces us to “anthro-complexity”, which is a term he has coined to represent a whole new approach to human systems based on natural science. Professor Snowden explains that “human systems are fundamentally organic entities”, so they should be studied as entirely different forms of complex systems.
In this episode, Angie and Haley explore their political mental models in order to question their own assumptions and ideologies. They also share clips from past guests, John Feehery and Spencer Gerrol, regarding presidential power in the USA. Additionally, they discuss some helpful resources, like the quiz on isidewith.com, to help increase awareness of the complexity underneath most political “talking points”.
In this episode, Angie interviews Spencer Gerrol, a human behavior specialist, applied neuroscience expert, and founder and CEO of SPARK Experience. Spencer shares the results from a research study he performed with his team to gather biofeedback data from both Trump and Clinton supporters. He also discusses the importance of valuing and understanding emotions in order to make more mindful decisions.
In this episode, Haley interviews Republican strategist, columnist, and part-time lobbyist, John Feehery, on the complexity of politics in the United States of America. John describes his political outlook and shares how and why democracy requires a lot of personal accountability from all American citizens.
In this episode, Angie and Haley ask past guests—Benjamin Taylor, Angela Montgomery, Oleg Konovalov, and Sonja Blignaut—to share their thoughts on a quote by Jeff Lawrence. His quote states, “There is no such thing as a dysfunctional organization, because every organization is perfectly aligned to achieve the results it gets.”
In this episode, Angie interviews Sonja Blignaut who is a narrative practitioner, change catalyst, and founder of a niche consultancy called More Beyond. Sonja shares how using a complexity thinking approach to study and influence company culture can help leaders avoid best practice recipes and reach positive organizational change.
In this episode, Haley interviews Benjamin Taylor, a business evolutionary, systems thinker, and avid learner. Benjamin discusses the intended and unintended consequences of systemic leadership, and he describes the philosophical side of company culture, as well as, how leaders can influence company culture.
In this episode, Haley interviews Dr. Oleg Konovalov, who is the author of a new management concept called Organisational Anatomy, which views organisational processes and functions from a biological perspective. Dr. Oleg shares some key concepts from his new book, along with several metaphoric examples to help unpack complexity and make it more digestible.
In this episode, Angie interviews author, entrepreneur, and systemic thinking advocate, Angela Montgomery PhD. Angela discusses the importance of leadership education and systemic thinking within organizations and she shares some key insights and tools for managing business complexity.
In this episode, Haley interviews Dr. Daniel Taber, a scientist who specializes in food policy and systems research. In his interview, Dr. Taber uses real-world language and examples to explain the complex relationship between system science, science communication, policy change, and public health.
In this episode, Angie interviews D’Artagnan Caliman, a child welfare consultant, who discusses the complexity of serving two million people with many different interconnected network service groups and stakeholders. His enlightening case study reveals the importance of cause prevention within the child welfare system, rather than simply treating the symptoms of family dysfunction as they arise.
In this episode, Haley interviews Jasper Faolan, a writer, psychiatric nurse practitioner, and founder of Journal to Save Your Life, which is a free, online mental health program. Jasper advocates for self-expression, including storytelling, as a way for people to heal from trauma and mental health problems. And, she explains how her non-profit (J2SYL) promotes social change by connecting the dots within complex adaptive systems.
In this episode, Stacy interviews Angie about the ins and outs of action research for her Master’s in Leadership project. Together, they also introduce the topic of complex human networks with guest Mary Anne Herrick, who is the Communication’s Program Officer at World Vision and the President of Foster Care Alumni of America (FCAA). FCAA is also the sponsoring organization for Angie’s Master project.
In this throwback episode, Haley shares some clips from past guests: Diego Espinosa, TK Coleman, Gloria Burgess, and Jason Dykstra. The clips from their interviews are responses to these questions: what is a self organizing system, how did you become interested in systems thinking, and why does understanding complexity matter?
In this episode, Angie interviews Andrea Ippolito, who is the Innovator's Network Lead at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Andrea shares how human-centered design is implemented and deployed at the VA in order to create exceptional experiences for our veterans. Her examples and advice are helpful for anyone wanting to build an innovation strategy using design and systems thinking methods.
In this episode, Haley interviews Jon Kolko, the VP of Design at Blackboard and the founder of the Austin Center for Design. He is also an author of several books, including Well-Designed: How to Use Empathy to Create Products People Love, which is discussed in this episode. Jon shares his vast knowledge and experience with complexity, design, and problem solving.
In this episode, Angie interviews Turi McKinley from frog design, a global design and strategy firm. As a leader at frog, Turi regularly utilizes design thinking principles in order to excel frog’s thought leadership initiatives. During her interview, Turi explains the complex topic of design thinking in layman’s terms, as well as why design thinking is an essential mindset for anyone dealing with complex, wicked problems.
How do we take an understanding of complexity and apply it to how we handle “wicked problems”? Is design thinking an innovative action plan for approaching complex problems? In this episode, Angie talks with our former co-host Stacy Hale to address these questions and take a closer look at what “design thinking” really means.
In this episode, Haley interviews hypnotherapist and wellness coach, Pilar Angel, to discuss the power of mindfulness. Pilar shares some tips and tricks for practicing mindfulness and explains how this practice can reduce stress and improve overall performance.
In this episode, Haley interviews TK Coleman to discuss how humans allow their conflicting mental models to influence the way they handle controversial topics like racism. TK also shares how understanding context and patterns within human systems ultimately empowers us to actively contribute to human progress.
In this episode, Angie interviews motivational speaker, author, and leadership coach, Gloria Burgess, to discuss patterns and systems within human history. Gloria explains that because we are truly interconnected systems, how we relate to ourselves and each other matters. We all have the ability to gain “intercultural intelligence” in order to move through the world and systems differently.
In this episode, Angie and Haley reflect upon the Human Current’s journey of curiosity, learning, and exploration in 2015. They listen to a few clips and highlights from some past guests including: Michele Battle-Fisher, Jason Dykstra, Isaac Morehouse, and Bonnie Caver. The complexity team compiled this episode to further explore and validate their theory that a complexity or systems thinking lens can be used in all aspects of life.
In this episode Angie interviews Walter Moreau, the Executive Director for Foundation Communities, a nonprofit which creates housing where families succeed. Walter discusses how the foundation leverages a systems-approach to affordable housing in order to provide successful, sustainable programs for families. His inspirational stories help paint a picture of how networks can work together to reframe mental models and influence change.
In this episode we interview sociologist and fellow podcaster Josh Morgan. He is the host of “The Plural of You”, a podcast inspired by stories of human good. We discuss how complex social problems influence our human networks and relationships. And, Josh helps us identify different ways in which ordinary people can influence systems-level issues, like social trust.
In this episode we say goodbye to Stacy as she moves on to new adventures and introduce our next guest, Josh Morgan, a sociologist and fellow podcaster. We discuss the meaning of the term HumanCurrent, which encompasses the complex connections that shape and influence us: our evolving human mind, our personal and professional networks, our ideas and our history. We each play a role in the development and evolution of our humanity and the energy that binds us, our human current.
In this episode, Angie and Stacy talk to the rest of the HumanCurrent team in a casual conversation to discuss their personal opinions of happiness and what "Let's Work Happy" means to them
In this episode, Stacy speaks with Thomas Appleyard who is the Manager of Planning and Programs with Ontario's Ministry of Health and Long Term Care in the Emergency Management Branch. He discusses how complexity theory can be used to plan for crisis and emergency situations by giving real world examples.
Angie & Stacy introduce more of the HumanCurrent team and explore stories of emergence in everyday social ecosystems.
We live in a reputation economy, where intangible assets like trust make up 85% of a brand's market value. In this episode, we ask "reputation whisperer" Bonnie Caver of Reputation Lighthouse about how to design a solid ecosystem for your brand's reputation.
What is complexity? And what does it have to do with work? In this quarterly reflection, we look back at what we've learned and discovered.
Angie & Stacy ask: Where does wellness live? Is it in our minds, our health systems, or is it a complex system of shared responsibilities? In this episode we explore how the spread of information affects our health. How do you know when you've created a culture--and whose responsibility is it to create change?
Public health policy scholar Michele Battle-Fisher reveals how systems thinking can bring new light to how disease, wellness and the effects of policy change spread through populations. From food deserts to "policy puffins", we learn some new things about the very real impact of chaos in healthcare, why time scales matter in measuring system impact, and why we need systems thinking education for tomorrow's policy-makers.
Ever had trouble coming up with a single "right" answer? You're not alone. "Though we may be across the world, we breathe the same air," says public health policy scholar Michele Battle-Fisher. In this episode, interview guests and systems thinkers from our audience tell their stories of thinking outside the textbook, eureka moments, and the radical learning experiences that brought them into the systems thinking community.
In this episode we interview Isaac Morehouse, founder of Praxis, writer, and podcaster who's obsessed with human freedom, education, and entrepreneurship. Praxis is a one year program where you learn by doing. Participants work alongside founders and CEOs at an amazing company while also completing a rigorous education experience which includes one-on-one coaching, self-guided projects, hard and soft skills training, and more. Isaac talks to us about the explorer mentality, the eureka moment, and shifts in the complex system of higher education.
Stacy & Angie explore different perspectives on learning, and ask their mentor (and listeners), "What has been your most radical educational experience?"
Peter Senge referred to "systems citizenship" as the leadership mandate for this millennium. So how can we all be better systems citizens?
In this episode we ask real systems citizens (practitioners and educators) at Royal Roads University in Canada how studying complexity helps them understand the world and solve real world problems.
What is complexity's "definable, deliverable gift to the world? How can we use it to influence and make impact, and even grow ourselves as people?
Complexity shouldn't make people anxious--in fact it should make life simpler. With all this talk of emergence and working with uncertainty, it seems like there's an element of "trust the process" at work in putting complex systems theory to work in the workplace. What does that look like? In this casual conversation, Stacy & Angie ask, what does it mean to trust the process? How do you structure your attitude, mental models and workplace for emergence? How can an understanding of life as networks, and an awareness of our own value systems & mental models bring us a sense of personal mastery?
"Our personal relationship with uncertainty is fundamental to being human, yet over the last 30 years we’ve begun outsourcing it to other people. You have a relationship to those big questions."
Climate change, inequality, the rising cost of college tuition... all complex problems, but not complicated. Out of touch with the rhythms and interdependencies of our natural environment, we look to statistics and experts to help us make major decisions. Are we missing something?
In Part 2 of our interview with Diego Espinosa, we learn from a former money manager about how our addiction to certainty over the last three decades has created a whole industry of specialists who make money using statistics to sell the promise of certainty and security--and it's making us more vulnerable.
What happens when we stop listening to the certainty merchants? Can we leverage our strongest social bonds to regain resilience in an uncertain universe? What can the complex patterns of the natural world teach us about ourselves?
"Most of us are unaware of how our actions lead to self-organizing behavior." In this episode we talk with Diego Espinosa, founder of the complexity based Sistema Research, about the way information travels in ant colonies, financial meltdowns, and human social networks--and the things these complex systems all have in common: feedback loops. In a complex world where we are bombarded with false signals about certainty, how can we regain resilience?
The HumanCurrent podcast is hosted by Angie Cross & Stacy Hale. Subscribe in iTunes or listen at www.human-current.com.
Stacy & Angie imagine the workplace as a complex living system, muse on how information travels through networks, and get meta about culture and change.
Cover artwork for this week's episode: "Faberge Fractal" by Tom Beddard, sub.blue, @subblue
In states of "flow," inspiration and ease come effortlessly and a person does things for the sheer joy of doing them. Flow states allow us to more easily perceive networks of relationships between the elements of our selves and our environment, to handle complexity with grace and ease. What happens in these states? In this episode we explore the idea of the autotelic personality - someone who is more often than not curious, internally motivated, productive and operating with a sense of flow. What would the autotelic workplace look like? What would life be like if we spent more time in flow?
In this episode we talk with conflict resolution expert Jason Dykstra about the complexity of conflict: why we're afraid of change, how to shift from a mindset of scarcity to abundance, and how understanding complexity in relationships can help us evolve ourselves and our world.
Jason Dykstra is a conflict resolution specialist, international speaker, husband, and father of two. He works with organizations and churches in Canada and the USA assisting them through sticky situations and improving company culture. Jason uses his knowledge of complex systems to help people and organizations find creative solutions to conflict and become “comfortably uncomfortable with approaching the unknown.” Jason believes that personal growth affects the growth and evolution of an organization, and that no matter where you are in a system, if you make even small changes it will automatically cause others to change as well. You can find out more about Jason at jasondyk.com, or on twitter @jasondyk. Subscribe in iTunes, get show notes and more for this podcast episode at human-current.com.
When is screwing up beneficial? What can we learn from failure and its relationship with uncertainty and innovation? In this episode we toss around a few f-words to explore what happens when "noise" is part of the co-evolution of a system.
In this first episode of the HumanCurrent podcast, we begin our casual conversations about complexity by defining what complex systems are and why they matter in life, work, and all the things we do. What is complexity? Why do we care when there are starving people in the world? Why not focus on simplicity? Systems and networks shape our world, even (and especially) when we can't see them.
Hi there. Welcome to the HumanCurrent, with Stacy Hale and Angie Cross. We're here to explore how understanding complex systems can help us make sense of the world, especially our human systems. In this foundational episode, we explain why we are starting this podcast, and the journey we plan to share with you. We hope to create the Human Current as a hub for conversation about complexity.