Unlocking Clarity and Impact
Sustainable Effective Systems Approaches Made Easy (SESAME) makes systems thinking accessible, actionable, and impactful for individuals and organisations.
Whether you’re navigating organisational change, improving community outcomes, or creating sustainable impact, SESAME is here to simplify the journey and amplify your results.
Our services
Systems Mapping and Analysis
Gain insights into complex relationships and hidden dynamics within your organisation or project. Systems mapping and analysis service provides you with visual and conceptual clarity, helping you to pinpoint leverage points, identify opportunities, and address challenges in a structured, sustainable way.
Strategic Planning for Sustainable Impact
With SESAME, strategic planning goes beyond traditional goal-setting. We use systems thinking to develop strategies that are both sustainable and adaptable, giving you a roadmap that prepares your organisation to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.
Workshops and Training in Systems Thinking
Equip your team with the skills and knowledge to think systemically and act strategically. Our hands-on workshops and training sessions demystify systems thinking, turning complex theories into practical tools that empower every team member to contribute to systemic impact.
Make systems thinking work for you
Frequently Asked Questions
Why ‘SESAME’?
The name ‘SESAME’ is both a metaphor and an acronym that captures our approach to systems thinking. The word “sesame” brings to mind the idea of unlocking hidden insights and opportunities—much like the phrase “open sesame.” This reflects our commitment to helping organisations reveal the potential within complex systems, making connections visible and accessible.
Sesame plants themselves are an ideal metaphor: they’re highly resilient, thriving in challenging environments with minimal water, much like how well-designed systems can adapt and grow even under pressure. SESAME stands for Sustainable Effective Systems Approaches Made Easy—an acronym that represents our mission to make systems thinking accessible, impactful, and practical for real-world challenges.
What is Systems Thinking, and why is it important?
Systems Thinking is a way of understanding and addressing complex problems by focusing on the relationships and patterns within a system, rather than just isolated parts. By looking at the bigger picture, Systems Thinking helps organisations identify underlying issues, anticipate consequences, and develop sustainable, long-term solutions. At SESAME, we make Systems Thinking accessible, enabling you to address challenges with clarity and insight.
Where can I find out more about Systems Thinking?
Dr Doug Belshaw has written a three-part introduction to Systems Thinking, which covers some of the basics.
How does SESAME make Systems Thinking 'easy'?
We simplify Systems Thinking by breaking down complex concepts into practical, easy-to-understand approaches. Our services are designed to guide you step-by-step through mapping, planning, and applying systems strategies, giving you the confidence and tools to manage complexity effectively. Whether you’re new to Systems Thinking or looking to deepen your skills, SESAME is here to make the journey clear and manageable.
Who can benefit from SESAME’s services?
SESAME’s services are ideal for organisations, teams, and leaders dealing with complex challenges and seeking sustainable, impactful solutions. Our approach benefits various sectors—whether you’re in community development, education, environmental sustainability, or business, we offer systems approaches tailored to your unique context and goals.
What makes SESAME different from other consultancies?
SESAME is unique because we focus specifically on Systems Thinking and sustainable solutions, using an approach that balances depth with accessibility. We believe in empowering our clients by demystifying systems approaches, providing you with tools you can continue to use long after our work together ends. Our mission is to make complex ideas easy, practical, and impactful.
How long does it take to see results from Systems Thinking?
The timeframe for seeing results depends on your project goals and complexity. Systems Thinking can provide quick insights through initial mapping and analysis, but creating sustainable change is typically a longer-term process. SESAME supports you in creating a strategy that balances immediate improvements with lasting impact.