The Soul of Enterprise: Business in the Knowledge Economy

Simple Complexity: Interview with William Donaldson

Sep 15, 2023

Ron and Ed interview William Donaldson, author of Simple_Complexity. They discuss the importance of systems thinking, consistency in actions and beliefs, effectiveness vs efficiency in business, challenging assumptions and changing mental models, and the role of the C-suite in enterprise digital transformation.

54:25

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Episode guests

William Donaldson

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Quick takeaways

The knowledge economy places a high value on freedom to create and innovate.

Systems thinking enables a holistic approach to understanding and managing complex organizations.

Having mentors and seeking continuous learning are important for personal and professional growth.

Deep dives

The emergence of the knowledge economy

The podcast discusses how the economy is shifting from being confined by physical resources to one driven by human imagination and creativity. It highlights the importance of the freedom to create and innovate as the most valuable resource in the knowledge economy.

The Challenge of Making Systems Predictable and Repeatable

00:48

Introduction

2min

Systems Thinking and the Power of Mentors

7min

The Paradox of Systems Thinking and the Challenges of Integration

5min

Consistency, Trust, and Systems Thinking

11min

Effectiveness vs Efficiency in Business

7min

Challenging Assumptions and Changing Mental Models

9min

The After Action Review and Believing in Systems

4min

Simple Complexity: Management and System Thinking

6min

Enterprise Digital Transformation and the Role of the C-Suite

3min

This week Ron and Ed welcome William Donaldson, author of Simple_Complexity to the show. Every business leader knows a business is a system, yet very few have studied systems thinking or system dynamics. This is a critical oversight, one that Simple_Complexity remedies. Simple_Complexity reveals the fundamental system archetype at work in your enterprise and prescribes new and exciting ways to reinvigorate your management thinking.

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