Founders
Michael C Jackson (OBE)
Co-Founder
Mike has worked in the civil service, in academia, and as a consultant. Forty years ago he established a research programme at the University of Hull which led to the establishment of the ‘Centre for Systems Studies’ and to the birth and development of ‘critical systems thinking’ (CST), a topic on which he has published ten books and over 150 articles.
He writes that: “In today’s world, decision-makers increasingly have to manage issues that arise unexpectedly, generate uncertainty, are characterised by interconnectivity, and spread across traditional boundaries. CST aims to assist decision-makers to think differently about the issues they face, understand the strengths and weaknesses of different systems approaches, and use them in combination as a means of ensuring responsible leadership in a complex world.”
Mike’s latest book Critical Systems Thinking and the Management of Complexity was published by Wiley (2019). He sees the role of CSI as ‘helping to bridge the systems thinking capability gap’.
Paul Barnett
Co-Founder
Paul founded the Enlightened Enterprise Academy and Enlightened Enterprise Media, and is CEO of both companies. He, advocates that the purpose of all businesses and organisations must be the creation of value as contributions to sustainable widely shared prosperity, where prosperity is defined in terms of human flourishing and wellbeing.
Previously, Paul has worked in business as a buyer, then marketing and business development manager. He has a strong interest in brand and business strategy which sparked his interest in governance and systems thinking. he has also studied economics and and is currently taking an MA in Philosophy at the New College of the Humanities in London.
Paul is a regular writer of articles for he own audiences and for a range of business publications. He has also contributed chapters to books and works with thought leaders on the publication of their books - work which will expand to multi-media publishing with his Enlightened Enterprise Media publishing platform. .