Business is more than strategy and hustle. It’s a living system shaped by structure, nervous system regulation, and foundations that determine how sustainable your growth actually is.

What Is Systems Thinking in Business?

I’ve been thinking about all the different types of systems that impact us and our businesses. And how I want to be known as I expand my position in this arena.

I have this book on my desk called Thinking in Systems.. I’m yet to read it. It’s there amongst the tonnes of other books I gather in hopes of someday getting through them all.

I’ve flicked through it a few times. And even though I haven’t read it, I notice myself thinking about the title a lot, and applying systems thinking to everything I do.

Being a writer, my mind tends to think more in words than visuals... but I’m noticing how lately, I'm seeing things in diagrams and process maps more frequently.

I guess it’s always been in me... I just shut these pieces down at various times over the years because I didn’t want to be that boring girl who just drones on about business and systems.

Especially not in overly creative, spiritual, magical environments.

So the questions I’ve been asking are... how do I make systems speak more relatable? More engaging?

How do I actually get through to people and make them care when I’m incessantly talking about this seemingly boooring thing?

There’s only so many ways you can talk about pipelines and workflows and automations... about funnels, and emails, and all-in-one platforms... before people zone out.

The Systems That Shape Our Lives

So I’ve been asking myself: What do people in my networks actually care about?

Embodiment. Archetypes. Feminine leadership. Astrology. Human design. Art. Culture. Breathwork. Nature. Identity. Shadow work. Music. Dance. Just to name a few things.

And it began to hit me. All of these are systems.

Astrology is a symbolic system. The nervous system shapes how we respond to life. Culture conditions behaviour through invisible rules and reinforcement.

Nature operates through ecosystems and interconnected rhythms. As do our bodies (especially menstruating women).

Identity is built through patterns, repetition, memory, and feedback loops.

We have family, community, partners, friends, business connections... relationships can be systems of exchange.

Businesses are living systems and our relationship to all of these other systems impacts our capacity to show up inside of ours.

There’s obviously banking and financial systems which are intrinsically connected to business.

And within our businesses there’s plenty of systems we can develop to support ourselves...

• content systems

• tracking systems

• planning systems

• implementation systems

It goes on and on and on.

Why “Fuck the System” Eventually Stops Working

Systems are everywhere and the more we reject and avoid them... the more chaotic our lives and businesses become.

In my time, I’ve been a “Fuck the System” kinda girl... wanting to rebel against it all.

And I’ve brought that energy into my business at times too.

I don’t need to follow any rules. I don’t care what the algorithm says. No mentor is gonna tell me what to do. Your strategy isn’t for me. I’ll do it my way. I’ll show up when I feel like it. Expression and authenticity is the number one rule I live by.

This works to a degree.

But what about the days when you don’t feel like showing up? What about when one day turns into ten.. turns into weeks.. and suddenly you’ve burned your business to a crisp?

Does every identity crisis need to be on public display? Do you really need to burn everything down every other week, or do you just need to track your cycle and recognise when you’re pre-menstrual?

I’m going through a bit of that right now. Everything is changing again.

I’m about to move out of this house. I have 4 weeks in limbo staying with my family before I fly back to Italy. I’ve let clients go. Stopped saying yes to so many things.

I’ve upped my rates. Established clear pathways and processes for my clients to move through.

It’s edgy and uncomfortable.

Parts of me are scared. Parts of me know I’ve been shrinking and holding myself back for far too long.

In the past, I would’ve been sharing the whole messy process with you. The tears, the frustrations, the daily journals about what I’m feeling.

But this time something feels different.

Business as a Living System, Not a Machine

The more life changes, the more I understand why systems matter.

Because when identity feels wobbly… systems create stability.

When emotions fluctuate… systems reduce chaos.

When life is in transition… supportive structures keep things moving even when your energy changes day to day.

A content bank stops social media becoming an emotional dumping ground every time you’re processing something.

Weekly money check-ins stop temporary emotions from distorting your perception of reality.

Checkins with my coach and business community supports me to realise when I’m spiralling instead of looking at the real data.

Workflows and rhythms create steadiness while other parts of life are dissolving and reforming.

Which is why I don’t think systems are just about productivity anymore. I think they’re about creating foundations strong enough to hold us through transformation.

The times I’ve rejected them or found them boring, is because I haven’t truly been able to articulate the way I work with them.

I’ve had an inner war going on, because how can someone whose highest value is freedom and liberation... be banging on about systems?

When in the same breath, she’s talking about all the ways “the system” lets us down..

So whenever I felt that disconnect within myself I’d lean to the magic, the creativity... the fun stuff.

That’s safer.

Be emotional. Be relatable. Tell stories. Share the chaos. People connect to that stuff.

But is that truly serving in the ways I know I am capable of? Noooo.

At the end of the day, there's sooo many types of systems and different ways of interpreting them and working with them.

Building Sustainable Business Structures for Long-Term Growth

I’m coming to realise, mature leadership is learning which systems deserve rebellion… and which systems deserve devotion.

Yeah there’s problems with capitalism, governments, rigidity, bro-hustle business culture, loss of creativity, and corporate conditioning.

It’s absolutely true:

• some systems oppress us

• some systems create distortion

• some systems disconnect us from ourselves

But it’s also true:

• some systems support us

• some systems create freedom

• some systems create sustainability

Intentional systems create more freedom for creativity, humanity, and expression. And that’s the kind I build.

So my work has never really been just about “tech setup.”

It’s always been about helping visionary leaders build structures strong enough to support the life they’re here to create.

It’s always been about serving meaningful missions.

And about creating sustainable business ecosystems that allow people to expand without abandoning themselves in the process.

I didn’t feel like showing up today.. I was letting emotions get the better of me. Didn’t know what I wanted to say.

Then I thought about all the work I did last week to prepare for an exact moment like this…

The content bank I created. The trackers to look at real data. The money dates. The offers that now have a clear process flow.

Instead of letting my emotions derail the entire day, I turned to my systems.

And I started thinking about all the people who would benefit from systems like this within their own businesses. Asking myself what they care about.

Where else do systems show up?

And then this post came out…

I could’ve done what I used to do. Let the day turn to chaos. Write it off. Start again tomorrow.

But my systems held me. And that’s what they can do for you too.

Are you ready to take a look at yours? Find out how I can support you.