My weekly posts
Fenton
Sometimes leadership feels like chasing a runaway dog through a herd of deer — chaotic, messy, and utterly out of your hands. That viral moment of “FENTON!” reminds me how transformation often unfolds: uninvited, uncontrolled, but totally committed. I work with leaders who know control is an illusion and the old tools no longer work. Instead of clinging to frameworks, let’s find ways to navigate complexity with agility, humour, and resilience. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_bemorefenton-systemsleadership-complexity-activity-7359108538184466432-0qu2?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Too many things
I’ve got a lot going on — new offers, ideas, events — but I’m struggling with how to share them in a way that actually reaches the right people. Algorithms want neat products and target audiences, but the people I work with don’t fit simple boxes. I’m not just looking for clients, I’m looking for conversations with like-hearted folks doing complex, meaningful work. How do you connect diverse ideas with a diverse, values-driven community in a machine-readable world? https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_sysprac25-activity-7358402735697760256-V46C
Courses and events
Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship: webinar on 28 August, 12:30
Join our free webinar to discover how the new apprenticeship Leading and Commissioning for Outcomes in Complexity – Convening Systems Change can supercharge your career and transform your organisation. Fully funded Level 7 programme this year only! Real-world impact through applied systems thinking. For commissioners, system leaders, and systems change-makers. Free webinar 20 August, 12:30–1:30pm Sign up here: https://link.redquadrant.com/apprenticeshipinfo for further information, see https://www.publicservicetransformation.org/level-7-apprenticeship-course-leading-and-commissioning-for-outcomes-in-complexity-convening-systems-change-free-webinar-on-20-august-2025-1230pm-uk-time/
The 5 Core Practices Challenge:
August 18, 19, 20 2025, 5pm-6pm BST. What if 5 simple practices could shift your organization from stuck to strategic – without adding more complexity? Adapt Faster. Lead Better. Deliver More. Join the five core practices challenge now. https://5pchallenge.openeyescollaborative.com/5-core-practices-challenge
Financial Times expert survey on management consultancies – vote now!
If you’re a consultant then you can vote in the peer survey to find Britain’s leading consultancy. RedQuadrant has done well for the past eight years. Usually, we’ve been listed in the public and social sector, organisation and change, people and performance, or in strategy. https://engage.statista-research.com/index.php?r=survey/index&sid=358489&lang=en.
Commissioning Compass: systems assessment for change
Our newly launched tool, the Commissioning Compass, helps you to assess your commissioning system and form an action plan for improvement. It’s available for free via our Teachable site – try it now! link.redquadrant.com/commissioningcompass
This September – Outcomes-based commissioning: a ten-step introduction
We’ve announced new dates for our introduction to commissioning course at the PSTA, perfect for early career commissioners in police, justice, health, care, children’s services, or other commissioning disciplines. Register your interest now. https://link.redquadrant.com/10step0925
Next National Commissioning Academy
We’re building our cohort for the next national commissioning academy – our flagship commissioning programme from the PSTA. Register your interest now: https://link.redquadrant.com/nextacademy25
SysPrac25 – The Systems Thinking Practitioner Conference.
3-4 September, Milton Keynes. SCiO, The Open University, and the International Federation for Systems Research (IFSR) are excited to invite you to SysPrac25 — the essential conference for systems thinking practitioners, learners, and leaders. Join us on 3rd and 4th September 2025 at the Open University campus in Milton Keynes for two dynamic days of insight, interaction, and innovation. Book your place now: www.sysprac25.org
Things I shared on socials:
Reflecting on the Making Savings in the Public Sector Event, iNetwork.
Read this piece from iNetwork reflecting on their recent event on Making Savings in the Public sector https://i-network.org.uk/2025/08/01/reflecting-on-the-making-savings-in-the-public-sector-event/
New Book: Connecting the Dots… Reflections on The Toyota Production System – Jose and Krishnamurthy (2025)
I’m super excited to announce the details of an upcoming book co-authored by Harish Jose and Venkatesh Krishnamurthy! The book is titled “Connecting the Dots… Reflections on The Toyota Production System” and is scheduled to be published next month (more details as we get closer) and can be downloaded for free by all the community-tier members of Cyb3rSyn. Hard copies will also be available. https://stream.syscoi.com/2025/08/03/new-book-connecting-the-dots-reflections-on-the-toyota-production-system-jose-and-krishnamurthy-2025/
Thurrock Council’s Complex Housing Intervention Programme (CHIP), run with Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. Vicky Sargent LinkedIn.
The Programme delivers targeted work with individuals who have complex lives, struggle to engage with mainstream services, and consequently have difficulties in maintaining their tenancies with the council. The video explains why such very focused work can achieve good outcomes for individuals and families where traditional services fail, repeatedly. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/vickysargent_the-video-describes-thurrock-councils-complex-activity-7353411974384230402-mPW3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Harish’s Notebook – The -isms of a Man Who Rejected -isms – Jose (2025)
Social Care Future annual gathering: People Powered Policy and Action. Manchester, 25th September.
Check out this event now: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/martin-routledge-21a19a2a_people-powered-policy-and-action-activity-7358174728798294017-aF2u?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADUV_eUBZSxZvFpx70OV050F6K5HM2MhTMo
21st On-Line HSSS International Conference on Systemic HR Management and New Technologies – No Fees – Hellenic Society for Systemic Studies, 8-11 October 2025, Tripoli, Greece
This Conference is a great opportunity for system specialists from Europe and the rest of the world to meet and emulate each other in order to decompartmentalise the specialist approaches of the different disciplines. https://stream.syscoi.com/2025/08/04/21st-on-line-hsss-international-conference-on-systemic-hr-management-and-new-technologies-no-fees-hellenic-society-for-systemic-studies-8-11-october-2025-tripoli-greece/
chosen path 