The Conversation Factory The Seven Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems
Aug 25, 2025
Adam Kahane, Director at Reos Partners and author on collaboration, shares insights on systemic transformation. He emphasizes that real change starts with understanding and responsibly engaging with systems. Kahane introduces seven everyday habits for transformation, encouraging listeners to identify 'cracks' as opportunities. He illustrates the importance of collaboration in urban transformations, like Montreal's bicycle infrastructure, and reflects on the need for responsible action, highlighting personal accountability and collective responsibility in enacting change.
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Work With System Cracks
- Systems have cracks where change is already happening and you can climb those openings.
- Pay attention to bright spots or breakdowns and widen them to leverage transformation.
Know What A System Is
- Transforming systems requires understanding what a system is and how it behaves.
- A system is elements connected in structure producing characteristic behaviors.
Montreal's Bike Transformation
- Adam uses Montreal's bike infrastructure as an example of a long, structural transformation.
- Rebuilding roads and changing relationships between cars and bikes shifted city behavior toward cycling.
