Redefining Leadership: The Power of Systems Thinking in Creating More Equitable Access

Georgina Wilson, Founder and CEO of BUD Leaders, has spent over a decade pioneering systems change initiatives that empower Black and other Global Majority women in business. Through BUD Leaders, a pioneering black-led, female-led social enterprise, Georgina works to disrupt leadership structures and drive equity.

Her organisation collaborates with large organisations to create strategic and transformative approaches to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and supplier diversity while also supporting SMEs to scale their businesses. BUD Leaders partners with companies including SKY, GSK and Transport for London to implement meaningful change. In this interview, Georgina shares insights into her leadership journey, her experience with the Systems Thinking apprenticeship and the impact it has had on her work.

Q: How does systems thinking play a role in your work at BUD Leaders?

Georgina: Systems thinking is at the heart of everything we do. Even before formally studying it, I had a systems mindset—seeing the bigger picture, recognising interconnections and identifying leverage points for change. The apprenticeship has provided me with structured tools and frameworks that I now apply in various aspects of our work. For instance, when refining our ChallengeX2 initiative—aimed at doubling the revenue of 20 businesses by 2030—we used systems thinking to map out barriers, stakeholders and interventions that would have the greatest impact.

Q: Can you share a specific example of a project where you applied systems thinking?

Georgina: One of the most impactful projects has been our work with large organisations to diversify their supply chains. We used Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to explore how these organisations perceive supplier diversity, what constraints exist and how different actors within the system interact. By using tools like Rich Pictures—where stakeholders visually represent their understanding of a problem—we were able to surface hidden assumptions and shift perspectives in a way that traditional conversations wouldn’t have achieved.

Q: What made you choose an apprenticeship and how did you find the experience?

Georgina: Honestly, I didn’t even know that apprenticeships at this level were available for adults. When I discovered the Systems Thinking Practitioner Level 7 apprenticeship, it felt like the perfect fit. I wanted practical tools that would help me create meaningful change, not just theoretical knowledge. The structure of the programme, with a mix of weekly seminars and coaching, helped reinforce learning. The work-based project was particularly valuable because it allowed me to apply systems thinking principles directly to BUD Leaders’ initiatives.

Q: Were there any challenges or surprises along the way?

Georgina: Being part of the first cohort meant there were a few teething challenges, but the support from JGA was excellent, especially from Martin and Bee, who were fantastic mentors. One of the biggest surprises was how much I enjoyed the process of writing my final project report—I was thrilled to receive a distinction for it. The apprenticeship has not only deepened my understanding of systems thinking but also reinforced my confidence in using these tools strategically.

Q: Are there any particular frameworks or methodologies you keep coming back to?

Georgina: Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) is definitely a favourite. It aligns well with our approach at BUD Leaders, where we tackle complex, often ambiguous challenges. The use of Rich Pictures, for example, has been incredibly powerful in helping teams articulate their perspectives and explore new possibilities. I also frequently use Viable Systems Model (VSM) in my coaching work to help entrepreneurs assess how well their business functions across different layers—from operational delivery to long-term strategy.

Q: How has the apprenticeship influenced your leadership and coaching?

Georgina: It’s been transformative. I now approach strategic decisions and problem-solving with an even greater emphasis on interdependencies and long-term sustainability. Beyond my own work, I’m embedding systems thinking within BUD Leaders by training my team to use these tools. We’ve already integrated elements like Critical Systems Heuristics (CSH) into our strategic planning and I’m working on a structured programme to deepen our internal capabilities. I’ve also recently become a trustee for a large trust that distributes funds focused on racial justice. Here, my systems thinking knowledge has been invaluable in helping shape funding strategies that address root causes rather than just symptoms.

Q: What’s next for you in your systems thinking journey?

Georgina: I’m currently writing a book, Shift, which will serve as a practical guide for large organisations that want to drive meaningful change but don’t know where to start. It blends systems thinking with diversity and inclusion principles, offering a structured approach for senior leaders and decision-makers. Beyond that, I’m keen to contribute more to the systems thinking community. I’d love to explore opportunities to support others on their learning journeys, perhaps even working with JGA to mentor future cohorts.

Q: If you had to summarise your experience of the apprenticeship in a few words, what would they be?

Georgina: Interesting. Unexpected. Fascinating. Turbulent at times. Massively rewarding.

Q: Would you recommend this apprenticeship to others?

Georgina: 100%! Whether you’re in leadership, consultancy, or any role that involves tackling complex challenges, the Systems Thinking Practitioner apprenticeship provides invaluable skills that will stay with you for life.

Georgina Wilson’s journey highlights the power of systems thinking in driving change, particularly in areas of equity and inclusion. Her experience with the apprenticeship has not only strengthened her ability to lead BUD Leaders but also positioned her as a thought leader in using systems thinking to address societal challenges. As she continues to embed these principles in her work, her impact is set to grow, inspiring others to rethink how they approach complex problems in their own organisations.

For more information on this transformative programme, visit our Systems Thinking Practitioner page.