In a world increasingly defined by complexity, interdependence, and rapid change, resilience is not just a desirable trait, it is an imperative. Designed to Thrive: A Pathway to Building Resilient Systems offers a transformative blueprint for individuals, organizations, and institutions seeking to create human systems that endure, adapt, and flourish in the face of uncertainty. Authored by Dr. Alison S. Foster, a scientist-turned-strategist with decades of experience across public service, industry, and consulting, this book is an insightful exploration of systems thinking-presented with refreshing clarity and grounded in real-world application, centered on the human's perspective.
Dr. Foster bridges her background in physical sciences with experience in governance, management and organizational development, to reveal how the same principles that govern natural systems can be leveraged to build more effective and sustainable human systems. The book unfolds in three powerful sections:
Part I: Understanding System Dynamics introduces what systems truly are, how to recognize them, and how feedback loops and system behavior shape outcomes.
Part II: Designing the System You Want guides readers through standardizing processes, developing rules and procedures, and stabilizing operations for management of quality and long-term effectiveness.
Part III: The Art of Building Resilience explores the mindset, strategy, and structural elements needed to grow and foster thriving systems-within families, institutions, governments, and nations. From personal systems like belief structures to national institutions tackling climate and economic shocks,
Designed to Thrive provides a universal methodology for diagnosing dysfunction, and designing and implementing solutions that last. It's especially relevant for organizational leaders in small island developing states (SIDS) and other resource-constrained environments, yet its lessons are globally applicable.The author's voice is both accessible and motivating, making this book essential reading for:
- Policymakers and institutional leaders
- Organizational developers and consultants
- Educators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers
- Business owners and managers
- Leaders
- Anyone who is interested in managing their business or organization for success
With deep empathy, scientific insight, and practical tools,
Designed to Thrive empowers readers to stop firefighting problems-and start architecting success.
Foster, Alison S.: - After years working in leadership and management positions within public and private entities, including the food and light manufacturing businesses which she co-founded and operated, Dr. Alison Gajadhar-Foster became frustrated by the continued systemic limitations to growth that she had to overcome. In 2017, she moved on to establish her consulting firm, KMA Consulting, through which she helps organizational leaders solve complex development problems that intersect leadership, governance, management, and operations. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Graduate Diploma in Law, coupled with her training in quality and project management, Alison uses a systems-approach and systems-thinking, combined with her business acumen to help her clients produce high-impact outcomes. She has been recognised for her contributions to quality and standards within the English-speaking Caribbean, and she continues to volunteer her time contributing to national and international standards development, and in other quality infrastructure-related areas.
