Exploring how the principles of systems thinking, pioneered by Dana Meadows, offer a critical framework for designing resilient and adaptable architectures in the complex world of modern finance.

Leverage Points for System Architects: A Systems Thinking Approach Applying Donella Meadows’ Framework to Transform Your Architecture Practice Introduction As system architects, we’re constantly making decisions about where to focus our efforts. Should we optimise those API timeout values? Redesign the entire microservices topology? Or perhaps advocate for a fundamental shift in how the organisation thinks about system resilience? The answer lies in understanding leverage points - a concept from systems thinking that reveals where small changes can produce big results. Based on Donella Meadows’ seminal work on systems intervention, this framework helps architects identify the most effective places to intervene in complex systems. ...

Performing a Gap Analysis A Gap Analysis is a critical tool for identifying the differences between the current state of the architecture and the target state, which could include both functional and non-functional requirements. It helps identify what is missing or what needs to change to achieve the desired outcomes. The analysis should consider both immediate needs and future scalability, ensuring that strategic decisions are aligned with business objectives. Having conducted numerous gap analyses in financial services environments, I’ve learned that certain areas require particular attention in highly regulated industries. ...

Why Stories Matter in Architecture For thousands of years, stories have united people across tribes, nations, and generations. They create a shared understanding — the essential ingredient for any large-scale collaboration. In architecture, storytelling is just as vital. Transformations are complex and demand broad cooperation. A clear, shared narrative doesn’t just explain the change — it inspires belief in a future state. It’s not only about diagrams or models; it’s about creating a story that aligns people and keeps them moving in the same direction. ...

Technical debt and complexity stall transformation. Clear it to restore focus, speed up delivery, and drive sustainable innovation.

How an architecture provides options for stakeholders

An approach to Architecture Maturity

An approach to Strategy and Architecture Delivery

Business Strategy

An approach to Strategy and Architecture based on practical experience of applying the TOGAF standard.