Smart Friends #077 Alex Komoroske: Systems Thinking, Builders vs Gardeners, and Working In Large Organizations
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Jul 18, 2024 
Alex Komoroske, a systems thinker from Google, discusses systems thinking, builders vs. gardeners, AI potentials, and book recommendations. He emphasizes the importance of influencing systems, navigating complexity in organizations, and balancing short-term actions with a long-term vision. The podcast touches on topics like the adjacent possible in design thinking, business innovation insights, and the future of technology.
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Gardening Systems
- Systems thinking requires letting go of control and "dancing" with the system.
- Influence systems like a gardener, not a builder, recognizing their inherent aliveness.
Builder vs. Gardener
- A builder works with brute force, while a gardener cultivates growth.
- Gardeners understand that things can grow organically with proper tending.
Two Types of Magic
- Two types of "magic" exist: the Saruman (builder) and the Radagast (gardener).
- Sarumans are heroic leaders, while Radagasts cultivate greatness in others.