Our Approach

Systems thinking meets community wisdom

We combine rigorous analytical frameworks with deep respect for lived experience. Our approach recognizes that sustainable change requires both understanding how systems work and honouring the knowledge of those who navigate them daily. Because complex systems evolve, we work iteratively, learning in real time and adapting as new patterns and constraints emerge.

Core Framework

The Cycle of Systemic Change

We follow an iterative six-step cycle that moves from deep listening to scaled impact. This process ensures that our work is grounded in reality and evolves with the system.

1. Sense

Listening deeply to the system and its people. We map relationships, flows, incentives, and power dynamics to understand the current reality and where change is already trying to happen.

2. Frame

Defining the challenge and the opportunity. We move beyond symptoms to clarify root causes, constraints, and leverage points so the work targets the system, not just the surface.

3. Co-Create

Designing with those most affected. We support community led problem-solving, ensuring solutions are legitimate, culturally grounded, and implementable in real contexts.

4. Prototype

Testing small, safe-to-fail experiments. We learn by doing, using real-world feedback to see what holds up under complexity before scaling anything.

5. Reflect

Learning from what works and what does not. We evaluate outcomes, track unintended effects, and gather feedback so the system’s signals guide the next iteration.

6. Adapt, Iterate, Scale

Refining and expanding what works based on evidence and lived feedback. We iterate as conditions change, then scale by spreading principles, tools, and enabling conditions so solutions adapt to place rather than copy-paste.

How We Engage

Modes of partnership

We work with partners in several ways, depending on context and need.

Strategic Partnership

Long-term collaboration with foundations, governments, or coalitions working on complex challenges. We help align actors, strategy, and infrastructure so efforts reinforce each other rather than competing in parallel.

Capacity Building

Structured programs that develop systems thinking and participatory practice within organizations or networks. The goal is durable capability: people leave able to sense, convene, and act under uncertainty.

Research & Sensemaking

Deep dives into specific challenges to understand the landscape, what has been tried, and where opportunity lives. We translate messy evidence into decision-ready insights, including risks, trade-offs, and leverage points.

Convening

Bringing together diverse actors who need to collaborate. We design and facilitate processes that build trust, surface power dynamics, and move groups from talk to coordinated commitments.