4 years ago I co-launched a network to solve some of the world’s toughest challenges in a small self governing nation.
In 2014 we created an Apollo style mission to make Guernsey the best place to live on earth by 2020 without any idea of how we were going to do it. All it involved in the beginning was the launch of a TEDx conference and the asking of one bold question to the people that attended: How do we make Guernsey the best place to live on earth?
In the weeks that followed we also asked a series of moonshot sub-questions that were looking to break down and solve elements of that challenge.
How can we be the most positive country on the planet?
How can we be the first country in the world to have a life expectancy of 100?
How can we become the world’s first self actualised country
How can we get our cost of living down to zero sustainably?
How can we become the world’s first self organised country?
How can we become the highest impact nation on the planet?
How can we be the world’s first country that ends the need to work?
How can we be the first country that develops legislation in real time?
How can we be the most philanthropic country on the planet?
How can we leave no one behind?
That initial conference and subsequent movement surfaced the beginnings of a diverse non-linear network that is at the very foundation of a cultural transformation that is starting to emerge in our community.
In 2015 we built and launched a network called Thrive2020 to solve mental health and societal happiness.
In 2017 we built and launched a network called Journey to 100 to solve the cost of ageing and healthcare by setting a mission to become the first nation to break through the 100 year life expectancy barrier. (We are still looking for a system leader to take this network on and develop into into an independent system)
Out of these networks and this approach we are seeing the emergence of new leadership and new solutions that we could not have dreamed of when we launched them. Over time we started to see viable whole system approaches emerge from a community of problem solvers that informally form around these challenges. We genuinely believe that this networked approach works and needs expanding and investing in.
What we have learnt in 4 years:
1: You can solve any issue over time with an intentional network. (Think Xprize)
2: Building networks is far more effective at solving challenges than building organisations. The best people in the world are very unlikely to work for you.
3: The more diverse the network the more likely it is to be able to solve the challenge.
4: The hardest part is launching without knowing where the solution will come from. You have to be willing to be heavily criticised initially to bring the future forward.
5. The network needs to focus on creating safe spaces for people to talk openly and vulnerably. Unfinished ideas need nurturing and developing.
6. People are amazing. This world is full of them. They just need finding and inspiring.
I am really passionate about building networks to solve world issues. To see the recent formation of LinkyBrains as a worldwide network of non-linear thinkers to take on the world’s toughest challenges is one of the key infrastructures that every community needs to look to build. Join in that network if you want to find a local tribe of people to work with.
Two questions to ask yourself.
- If anything was possible, what is the one problem in the world that you would solve?
- How do you build a network to solve that problem?
To get in touch with me on anything of this further details and links are on my website.
