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Mind & Life

Otto Scharmer – Changing Systems

Mar 13, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Otto Scharmer, an action researcher and thought leader in systems change, emphasizes the importance of awareness and relationships for societal transformation. He dives into the concept of 'social farming' and the need for collective action in addressing crises. The conversation also explores the tension between ego and regeneration, the role of leadership in uncertainty, and the significance of deep listening. Scharmer highlights the transformative potential of acknowledging 'not knowing' and the importance of creating trustworthy spaces for collaboration.
01:12:54

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Collective action requires a shift from individual goodwill to shared intentionality, crucial for addressing global challenges effectively.
  • The 'social soil' concept highlights the need for nurturing relationships within communities to foster successful social change efforts.

Deep dives

The Importance of Shared Intentionality

Addressing the need for a collective approach, the conversation highlights that while good intentions exist globally, they often do not manifest as shared intentionality. This gap between individual goodwill and collective action prevents potential movements from realizing their full impact. The speaker emphasizes that a movement lacking self-awareness cannot be a historical force, especially in the face of unprecedented global challenges. Realizing this potential requires harnessing shared intentionality to transform individual goodwill into meaningful, collective action.

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