Meaningful Systems Can Change The World
The reason I started Meaningful Systems LLC, is I wanted to make a significant impact on the world. There are so many meaningful problems to be solved and the world needs more systems thinkers and innovators. By providing information, training, resources, systems thinking ideas, and other creations, my hope is to have a compound or multiplicative effect.
The world is in a constant state of chaos and some problems seem to be age old problems that society so far has not solved. After nearly 20 years in various engineering capacities in and around systems engineering across multiple industries, my view of the world is that many of these problems are solvable problems if we can truly work together. I have worked on some of the most complex systems in the world from the super computer that performs sophisticated algorithms for the Lockheed Martin F35 fighter jet to implantable devices that listen to signals in the brain and spinal cord and provide closed loop neuromodulation therapy for Parkinson’s Disease (Medtronic Percept™ RC with BrainSense™ Technology) or Chronic pain (Medtronic Inceptiv™). Today, in my day job at Medtronic, I am privileged to work on next generation implantable systems for incontinence (Medtronic InterStim™). What drove me to join Medtronic was a need for a real meaning to my work and I really resonate with the Medtronic mission statement. However, as a lifelong systems thinker I see the world through a lens that is unique even among systems engineers. I have sometimes been criticized for thinking “too hard” about a problem.
Well, here’s the thing, some problems are so big it takes thousands of people multiple years to solve. Some problems may even require all of humanity to solve, like climate change and survival of our species. Elon Musk is interested in developing ways to habitat mars and founded SpaceX with the vision to Make Humanity Multiplanetary. While, I do agree that making humanity multiplanetary is a good investment long term and good risk mitigation strategy considering the chaos and uncertainty in the world, there are clearly unlimited opportunities to improve life as we currently know it on earth and I plan to use this blog as a way of sharing those ideas through a systems thinking lens.
Additionally, Meaningful Systems is something that I feel can build a community of systems thinkers and innovators around the world. I know that many organizations struggle with age-old problems and feel like progress is slow. I’m here to tell you that systems thinking and innovation is for everyone who is human. Systems thinking should be taught in every elementary school, high school, college, and university. Perhaps I will use some of my creative energy to create materials for such an endeavor.
When I read through the world news, I see tragedy after tragedy. I see common themes and common problems. I see small problems that are part of medium sized problems that are part of large problems. So, I don’t expect that there will be a shortage of “material” to innovate on. I can just read the news and get new ideas for problems to be solved and connect them to other problems in my mental model of the world. I may even take things a step further and develop system models of the world's problems and system models of potential solutions to those problems. Then those can be shared with other systems thinkers and readers of this blog for the community to consider, criticize, and build on.
In addition to this blog, Meaningful Systems is offering consulting services in the field of systems thinking, systems engineering, systems modeling, model based systems engineering, and systems innovation. These services will likely grow over time and I expect that over time, more of my time will shift in this direction. If you are interested in learning more about what Meaningful Systems can do for your team, are interested in training on systems thinking & innovation, system modeling, or related areas, please contact me. I am available to work on projects and help create an inclusive innovation culture in your organization. Or, if you are overwhelmed with a problem your organization faces and need a fresh perspective, please reach out and I’d be happy to help. I have some ideas for the local ice cream shop and restaurant as well! Our services are not just for engineering and technology companies. I hope that by serving you and your team that you will make a meaningful difference in the world and some day I can say, I had some small part in that.
Look forward to hearing from you!
