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. Due to the COVID19 situation, our podcasts are currently being recorded purely via online conferencing platforms, we apologise for any minor sound quality issues.