Andy Thornton: Navigating Change with Regenerative Design and Leadership

Do you ever wonder how your organization can embrace change and thrive in the face of uncertainty? Join us on a journey into the world of regenerative design and leadership with our guest, Andy Thornton, the Head of Regenerative Design at the RSA - The Royal Society of Arts, Commerce, and Manufacturing. We explore design and systems thinking, discuss the importance of courage in leadership, and peel back the layers of an ever-evolving organisational landscape. Andy's expertise paints a fresh and crucial perspective on these subject matters, which is pushing the boundaries of what Brian and I are exploring in our research for Liminal Leaders.Our conversation takes us through some of the intricacies of systems thinking and its pivotal role in driving paradigm shifts. Andy references Donella Meadows' leverage points and discusses how to effectively intervene in a system for maximum impact. Andy highlights how the RSA has molded its vision through research, influential connections, and experimentation, and how design thinking can guide us through the uncertain waters of change. We dive into the challenge of getting people to leap into the unknown and how design thinking can be instrumental in navigating this complexity. As we journey further, we dissect the role and evolution of design throughout history, its impact on business and society, and its potential in shaping ethical outcomes. The conversation opens up discussions on the challenges and opportunities in regenerative business, and how design can be used to alter narratives for a more prospering society. This episode concludes with some thought-provoking discussions on the importance of leadership in driving change and stepping into the unknown. So, gear up for an enlightening discourse on regenerative business models and systems thinking that promises to challenge and stretch your perspective on leadership and design.

Being LiminalIs a podcast about the changing nature of Leadership in Business Transformation. Brian and Martin explore the mindset and skills currently missing in Business Leadership of Transformation that when present contribute to the 30% success rate of Large-Scale Business Transformation and Change.The podcast explores Systems and Design Thinking as a necessary approach to leading through the Liminal State that is a Transformation programme. Each episode is either a research interview with a Guest Expert or a working discussion session between the hosts Martin Dowson and Brian Hoadely as they develop the content that will form their new book: Being Liminal. This podcast is your opportunity to eavesdrop on their research and writing process.

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