In Their Own Words
Applying systems thinking (ST) and system dynamics (SD) skills as problem solving approaches came naturally given my earlier education in engineering and veterinary medicine that also teach problem solving approaches. When I became frustrated that my SD models weren’t always resulting in the expected mathematical answers, I reflected on my modelling effort and recognized that many new lines of problem questioning had bubbled up in my mind while trying to build the models. I discovered that the model building effort is a creative question generator as much as an analytical answer generator. Systems thinking skills have improved my “curiosity quotient”! My ST skills have flourished through self-directed study, using systems thinking concepts and vocabulary when conversing with others, and participating in volunteer projects with other systems thinkers. A favourite movie is Brother Sun, Sister Moon about the younger lives of St. Francis, St. Clare and their first followers in Assisi, Italy. Enjoyable activities include crosscountry skiing, sailing/boatbuilding, clogging dance, Renaissance music.