Chris Clearfield

Exploring complexity, risk management, and trust with Chris Clearfield. Importance of curiosity in decision-making. Transformative role of trust in business. Books that shaped professional journeys. Psychological safety in the workplace. Human connectedness and its pivotal role.

Chris Clearfield, co-author of “Meltdown: Why our systems fail and what we can do about it”, discusses how understanding system complexity and coupling can prevent accidents. He emphasizes the importance of improving system feedback and shares practical advice on implementing HSE change and creating inclusive safety cultures. The podcast also explores strategies to reduce risk and improve system design, as well as techniques like premortem and collaborative learning for preventing failure.

In this engaging discussion, Chris Clearfield, an expert in resolving complex organizational issues and co-author of 'Meltdown', shares invaluable insights on tackling seemingly impossible problems. He emphasizes the need for leaders to foster a collaborative culture and navigate organizational transformations with a nuanced approach. Clearfield introduces the Cynefin framework, highlighting how understanding complexity can lead to effective solutions. He also advocates for engaging leadership teams through small pilot initiatives to build momentum and acceptance during change.

Chris Clearfield, author of 'Meltdown,' dives into the complexities of systemic failures, drawing from notable disasters like Chernobyl and the Deepwater Horizon spill. He discusses how tightly coupled systems can lead to unexpected catastrophes and the psychological factors that fuel panic buying during crises. Clearfield also highlights the dangers of connectivity through the story of Microsoft's Tay and emphasizes the need for transparency and communication in organizations. His insights urge listeners to adopt a systems-thinking approach to navigate today's intricate challenges.

In this engaging dialogue, Chris Clearfield and Andras Tilcsik, co-authors of "Meltdown," explore how major disasters, from financial crashes to nuclear meltdowns, can inform better decision-making in our lives. They discuss the distinction between complicated and complex systems, shedding light on vulnerabilities that lead to failures. The guests share compelling anecdotes, like a Starbucks social media misstep, and emphasize the need for diverse perspectives and a blameless culture to strengthen organizational resilience and improve everyday systems.