Article

PODCAST: Embracing Complexity for Social Change

Insights on systems, storytelling, and uncertainty help us shift from quick fixes to lasting change

26 November 2025

    "Let's Talk Poverty" is written in black font in a red circle in the centre. On the top left is a black and white image of Jean Boulton smiling at the camera. Bottom left is an illustration of a chid walking alone, this is the cover of the Dao of Complexity. Top right is a photo of the Calgary skyline. Bottom right is a spiderweb.
    Black background with the podcast title "Embracing Complexity for Social Change" written on the top left. Underneath is the "Let's Talk Poverty" logo. Next to the logo is the text "with special guest Jean Boulton." On the right of the image is an image of Jean Boulton.
    In this episode of Let’s Talk Poverty, Jaclyn Silbernagel sits down with Jean Boulton, complexity scientist, author of The Dao of Complexity and Embracing Complexity, and thought leader on systems change. Together, they explore what it means to rethink how the world works, seeing systems as dynamic and relational. They talk about embracing uncertainty, using narrative and shared sense-making to co-create the future, and shifting from quick fixes to deeper systems change in addressing the root causes of challenges like poverty. 

    Focus Areas

    Tags

    Attribution

    • Jaclyn Silbernagel

    Related Articles

    Newsletter

    Get updates directly in your inbox on how poverty is changing in Calgary.