How It Ticks: The Swiss Culture, Business & Life Podcast

Whats Next After Protesting, A Guide To Systemic Change

11 snips

Nov 3, 2025

Nora Wilhelm, a systems change strategist and co-founder of Collaboratio Helvetica, dives into the complexities of social issues. She explains the difference between simple, complicated, and complex problems, using vivid examples. Discussing why traditional approaches often fail, she emphasizes the importance of understanding systemic factors in issues like poverty and fast fashion. Nora also offers practical frameworks for individual action and reflects on the role of protests in building awareness and community, sharing her hopeful vision for change.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Complex vs Simple Problems

Complex problems lack predictable cause-effect; interventions can yield different outcomes each time.
Simple and complicated problems allow planning and replication, but systemic issues require different strategies.

ANECDOTE

Cane Toad Example

Nora tells the cane toad story to show linear fixes can create larger problems in ecosystems.
The toad spread unchecked and became poisonous to predators, worsening the situation.

INSIGHT

Problems Can Be Engineered

Many harmful systems were engineered or promoted by actors who profited from them.
Industries created throwaway culture and sometimes deliberately misinformed the public.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

My guest today is Nora Wilhelm, a systems change strategist, social innovator, and co-founder of Collaboratio Helvetica. Her work focuses on helping people and organizations understand the complex systems that shape society and what needs to happen to implement real, lasting change.

Expect to learn about the magnitude of global problems and why traditional approaches often fail. We discuss what it means to think systemically, the difference between simple, complicated, and complex problems, and how individuals can still make a meaningful difference. We also discuss Nora’s personal journey in building Collaboration Helvetica, her views on the effectiveness of activism, and why she remains hopeful about our capacity to change complex systems for the better.

RESOURCES & WORKSHOPS

Nora has provided the following free resources for listeners who want to apply systems thinking or find their purpose:

Free Systems Change 101 Workshop: Learn more about systems thinking and apply tools to your cause.https://www.parayma.co/sc101
Free Find Your Purpose 101 Workshop: For anyone looking to identify and align with their unique contribution.https://www.parayma.co/fyp101

CONNECT WITH NORA WILHELM

Website for Systems Change Work: https://www.norawilhelm.org/
Inner Work & Creativity Project (The Well): https://www.norawilhelm.org/the-well
LinkedIn: Search Nora Wilhelm

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:15 What is the difference between a simple, complicated, and complex (systemic) problem?

00:03:50 The Cane Toad/Aga Toad example: Why linear solutions fail in complex ecosystems.

00:07:20 The difference between natural disasters and engineered problems (e.g., plastic waste).

00:10:50 The fish in the water: How society's embedded paradigms (Capitalism, Patriarchy) block change.

00:15:55 Why world poverty persists: The narrative of "pull yourself up by your bootstraps."

00:19:40 Finding your unique contribution: The two-part process to avoid burnout and make an impact.

00:26:00 Go small, not global: Why you must focus on your sphere of influence to drive change.

00:36:55 The wrong ways to act: Avoiding the pitfalls of linear thinking and ego-driven solutions.

00:40:00 The value of protesting: How peaceful and humorous protest builds community and raises awareness.

00:44:00 Optimism vs. Hope: Grieving lost certainty and finding commitment for the future.

00:50:50 Nora’s struggle with burnout and the project for givers (The Well).