Systems Thinking & Mapping
Systems thinking is about understanding complexity at play in the world around us; by working within systems, we can effect positive change outcomes. Systems are intuitive, and tapping into a systems thinking worldview is critical when addressing global challenges.
Leyla is a renowned expert in applied systems thinking and systems mapping. She is frequently invited to provide training, facilitation and consulting for high-impact projects that demand an interconnected lens.
Why Problem-Solving Needs Systems Thinking
Thinking in systems is a core skill needed in leadership today and into the future. A way of seeing the world as a series of interconnected and interdependent systems rather than segmented and siloed parts, systems thinkers work with complexity and embrace chaos in problem solving and understand the relationships between things. Leyla has shared her approach to applied systems thinking with a wide and diverse audience, ranging from Fortune 500 executives to grassroots organisations and government agencies.
Systems Thinking Services That Support Positive Change
Co-Designing Change
Leyla works with you to create a co-design workshop with key stakeholders to identify and map the system’s dynamics. Together, we identify and review friction points/opportunities within systems and work to alleviate them through creative interventions that leverage change outcomes.
Supporting Social Impact
Having collaborated extensively with community service organisations and government agencies, Leyla excels in supporting upskilling in systems dynamics and mapping to identify key processes and opportunities for positive social impact, ensuring effective service delivery and fostering positive outcomes for communities.
Systems Mapping
Systems mapping is a core skill in business, leadership and understanding complexity at play in the world around us. When systems mapping is combined with tools such as a Theory of Change, there are significant benefits for communities and companies to amplify their change efforts.
What is Systems Mapping?
Systems mapping allows for the practical application of systems thinking. A visual representation of the system in focus, a systems map provides an in-depth exploration of the system at play, communicates understanding from a bird’s-eye vantage point and allows for the identification of knowledge gaps, intervention points, and valuable insights. There are many different types of systems maps that support understanding and decision making, as well as being critical to developing circular and sustainable solutions and cultural interventions.
Watch Systems Mapping in Action
Helping You Explore Complex Challenges Through a Systems Thinking Lens
With her background in design and expertise in systems approaches, Leyla is often tasked with helping teams around the world solve problems that, at first glance, seem unsolvable. Not only does she bring a paradigm-shifting perspective, but she also helps you unlock the powerful ability to see the world through a systems lens. These customised, curated in-house or co-design workshops with key stakeholders help teams create their own systems maps—identifying friction points, inefficiencies, and opportunities for impactful change.
“Systems Thinking helps us see the relationships that exist naturally within a system and dive into the murky waters of what is holding up the problem. The key is to have the right approach and tools for inquisition, without imposing bias, presumption or preconception about how the system operates.”
— “A scientist’s opinion: Interview with Dr Leyla Acaroglu about systems thinking”, European Science-Media Hub
Recent Systems Thinking Projects
Leyla’s recent work for clients included tailored systems thinking solutions, from foundational skills to industry-specific expertise.
Foundational Systems Skills
An accelerator program for companies transitioning to the circular economy hired Leyla to provide a half-day deep dive into systems thinking and mapping, establishing foundational skills for their ongoing 6-month program into circular economy solutions.
Startup Activation
A circular economy start-up incubator brings Leyla in for each cohort to provide a 2-part online training program on systems thinking, mapping and developing systems approaches related to the new ISO 59000 Circular Economy Standards and supporting the integration of systems thinking into business plans.
Industry Specific Training
A well-known entertainment company asked Leyla to develop a tailored and immersive one-day in-house systems thinking training course, equipping their HR team with industry-specific systems thinking and mapping skills.
Learn More About Systems Thinking
Read Leyla’s writing and hear her talks on Systems Thinking. Her popular systems series on Medium has more than 1.5 million reads.
Circular Systems Design Handbook
Learn how to leverage circular systems design to positively disrupt the status quo and ensure that effective outcomes are...
Ready to Start or Expand Systems Thinking?
Do you have a project that needs a systems lens or a team that would benefit from expanding their perspective and developing systems mapping skills? Reach out to find out how quickly you can develop a systems skillset with Leyla’s help.