Thinking in Systems

Thinking in Systems

In this episode of The Unknown Knowns, Dr Angela Lewis explores why some of the most persistent problems resist simple solutions. Rather than focusing on individual events or decisions, Angela examines how systems shape behaviour, outcomes and risk. From organisational challenges to geopolitical crises, she explains how feedback loops, incentives and interconnected relationships can create patterns that are difficult to see when we focus only on immediate causes. The episode explores why well-intentioned interventions can produce unexpected consequences and how adopting a systems perspective can help leaders, analysts and decision-makers better understand complexity. By stepping back from individual events and examining the broader environment, we can often identify the forces truly driving change. Join the Sibylline Podcast mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/podcastsignup If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing or leaving a review. You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sibyllineltd/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/sibyllineltd/?hl=en] Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/sibylline-ltd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sibylline-ltd/] Follow us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV [https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV] For more information, visit our website www.sibylline.co.uk [http://www.sibylline.co.uk] #SystemsThinking #Leadership #DecisionMaking

Tiny Orange Paws

In this episode of The Unknown Knowns, Dr Angela Lewis examines how assumptions shape interpretation and why slowing down the decision-making process can often reveal what people initially miss. The episode draws on concepts to explain how analysts can structure information to improve understanding rather than simply delivering facts. Angela also explores the growing role of AI in analytical environments and why context, sequencing and understanding the consumer remain essential human skills in intelligence work. Join the Sibylline Media mailing list https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/sibyllinemedia [https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/sibyllinemedia] If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing or leaving a review You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sibyllineltd/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/sibyllineltd/?hl=en] Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/sibylline-ltd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sibylline-ltd/] Follow us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV [https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV] For more information, visit our website www.sibylline.co.uk [http://www.sibylline.co.uk] #Leadership #CriticalThinking #DecisionMaking #IntelligenceAnalysis #AI

Intellectual Humility vs. Imposter Syndrome

In this episode of The Unknown Knowns, Dr Angela Lewis explores the difference between imposter syndrome and intellectual humility and why the distinction matters in intelligence, leadership and decision-making environments. Drawing on psychology research, intelligence tradecraft and personal experience, Angela examines why high performers often question themselves most and why uncertainty is not always a sign of weakness. The episode explores rigor, judgment and the challenge of making decisions without perfect information. Join the Sibylline Media mailing list https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/sibyllinemedia [https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/sibyllinemedia] If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing or leaving a review You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sibyllineltd/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/sibyllineltd/?hl=en] Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/sibylline-ltd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sibylline-ltd/] Follow us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV [https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV] For more information, visit our website www.sibylline.co.uk [http://www.sibylline.co.uk] #Leadership #DecisionMaking #CriticalThinking #IntelligenceAnalysis #ProfessionalDevelopment

The Mint Strategy: Staying Resilient When Your Brain Wants to Tap Out

In this episode of The Unknown Knowns, Dr Angela Lewis explores what happens to judgment and decision-making under sustained pressure and how resilience can be built before cognitive overload takes hold. Using the “mint strategy” as a framework, Angela examines how small interventions can interrupt stress spirals and improve analytical thinking in high-pressure environments. The episode explores cognitive resilience, premature closure, team dynamics and the systems that help people think more clearly when the stakes are high. This is a practical discussion about stress, judgment and the importance of building structures that support better thinking before pressure starts to narrow it. Join the Sibylline Media mailing list https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/sibyllinemedia [https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/sibyllinemedia] If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing or leaving a review You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sibyllineltd/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/sibyllineltd/?hl=en] Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/sibylline-ltd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sibylline-ltd/] Follow us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV [https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV] For more information, visit our website www.sibylline.co.uk [http://www.sibylline.co.uk] #Leadership #DecisionMaking #CriticalThinking #Resilience #IntelligenceAnalysis

The Sound of Silence

In this episode of The Unknown Knowns, Dr Angela Lewis explores the role silence plays in leadership, analysis and decision-making. From uncomfortable meetings to high-pressure intelligence environments, Angela examines why silence is often misunderstood and how it can reveal uncertainty and hidden assumptions. The episode explores when silence creates space for better thinking and when it becomes avoidance that damages teams and decision-making. This is a short reflection on communication, judgment and the signals people miss when nobody speaks. Join the Sibylline Media mailing list https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/sibyllinemedia [https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/sibyllinemedia] If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, or leaving a review You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sibyllineltd/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/sibyllineltd/?hl=en] Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/sibylline-ltd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sibylline-ltd/] Follow us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV [https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV] For more information, visit our website www.sibylline.co.uk [http://www.sibylline.co.uk] #Leadership #DecisionMaking #CriticalThinking #Communication #IntelligenceAnalysis