The future of humanity and the earth will emerge from a complex adaptive system of complex adaptive systems! In this Adaptive Action Lab, we explore the intersection of two of the most significant: Wellbeing and Economy. Each of these is massively complex, and they are intimately intertwined in the lives of people, institutions, and communities. They are both critical to the HSD vision “people everywhere thrive” and to the work of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WeAll).
We are honored and pleased to partner with Stewart Wallis OBE, Chair of WE All. Stewart will share stories of his experience as a leader and thought leader for international development, including some of the most difficult and most hopeful moments. Glenda will share HSD theory and practice in Adaptive Action to facilitate shifting patterns toward an economic ecosystem that supports thriving of people and planet.
In dialogue with our audience, we will explore:
- WHAT are the patterns we desire, and what constraints keep us stuck?
- SO WHAT models and methods can inform action to shift economic patterns toward wellbeing?
- NOW WHAT can we do—as individuals, professionals, and citizens—to create a future where everyone—and the earth—thrive?
Faculty & Coaches
Glenda Eoyang is the founding executive director of the Human Systems Dynamics Institute. Since 1986, she has applied principles of complexity to all aspects of human systems. She leads a network of over 900 scholar-practitioners who tame wicked issues across contexts and disciplines. She trains, coaches, and consults internationally. Recent clients include National Health Service (UK), VTT—National Research Institute (Finland), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US).
Her publications include articles in professional, scholarly, and practitioner journals and book chapters in fields ranging from mathematical analysis to medical education and leadership. She has co-authored multiple books, including Coping with Chaos: Seven Simple Tools (1996), Facilitating Organization Change: Lessons from Complexity Science (2001), and Adaptive Action: Leveraging Uncertainty in Your Organization (2013).
Stewart is a Co-Founder of WEAll and came out of retirement to voluntarily help run it. Previously he was Executive Director of NEF -the New Economics Foundation for 12 years and International Director of Oxfam GB (responsible for Oxfam’s emergency, development and policy work worldwide) for 10 years. Prior to this, he spent 7 years with the World Bank, in Washington DC, working on industrial and financial development in East Asia, and 13 years working in business, including leading a successful turnaround of a 1000 employee business.
Stewart has Master’s degrees from Cambridge and London, an Honorary Doctorate from Lancaster University, and was awarded the O.B.E. for services to Oxfam. He is also Chair of the Conservation Farming Trust and co-author of the recently published ‘A Finer Future’.
He lives in a wild and windy place in rural England with his partner and 2 large dogs.
