Episode 16: Systems Thinking and Interconnectedness with Dr Alex Mifsud, Consultant, Senior Lecturer, Education for Sustainable Development

“Get out of your comfort zone - educate yourself to raise your head above the parapet and understand the wider issues and the interconnectedness - because once you see things … you can’t unsee them”. Dr Alex Mifsud

I met Dr Alex Mifsud whilst on a Sustainable and Inclusive Leadership course at Nottingham Trent University. Her insights and knowledge further inspired my already ignited awareness, to want to learn more. So it was a total privilege to have Alex guest on the podcast. She brings her wisdom, insights and years of experience, not only in academia, but on the front line, with businesses - educating, inspiring and driving change.

In this episode Alex raises a number of important questions - one being whether we’ve lost our moral compass! We also discuss the significance of short-term thinking - and our need for immediate gratification and how ‘convenience’ is hampering progress when it comes to understanding the urgency around our actions in driving more sustainable behaviour, leading to short-term fire-fighting rather than long-term solutions.

We speak of ‘hope’ - and the fact that there is significant opportunity to change behaviour and the role marketing plays. We touch on the impact of immediate behaviour change, as witnessed during the Covid-19 epidemic.

We look at the practicalities and challenges facing organisations - and Alex shares the case for 'systems thinking’ and ‘interconnectedness’ rather than a linear approach.

Accountability is raised a number of times. It’s one thing for organisations, governments and countries to make pledges and have great intention but pledges and targets are not plans - and that’s a critical difference.

Alex is passionate about the change that needs to happen… you’ll hear this and no doubt, like us come away from this episode inspired with a mind full of thought-provoking questions.

For more information about Dr Alex Mifsud and any comments, questions, ideas, suggestions related to the podcast, get in touch.

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