#077 Alex Komoroske: Systems Thinking, Builders vs Gardeners, and Working In Large Organizations

Listen to the full episode now: https://kite.link/smartfriends77t

New friend: Alex Komorske. He’s building a secret new startup after spending 13 years at Google and 3 years at Stripe. I met Alex through our friend Sam Arbesman at Lux Capital who joined us in episode 63.

Alex refers to himself as a “Gardener of Systems.” We talk about the differences between traditional business approaches and systems thinking. Alex also shares practical advice for those navigating large organizations.

Here’s what we explored in the episode:

• Alex describes himself as a "gardener of systems"
• Influence is better than control.
• In gardening outcomes, success comes from nurturing potential rather than immediate, forceful action.
• Alex wrote the "Magic of Acorns" essay to highlight the difference between builders and gardeners–with gardeners recognizing the potential for organic growth.
• Some leaders exemplify the gardener mindset over the more common builder archetype.
• Alex introduces the concept of "magic" in social contexts, where belief and indirect influence can create significant outcomes.
• Steve Wozniak, Stewart Brand, Dee Hock as examples of leaders who organically catalyze larger movements without seeking direct credit.
• Being both inside and outside the system is important to influence it effectively.
• Alex shares his journey into systems thinking which started from his interest in complex adaptive systems in high school.

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