In Too Deep

Centering actors and behavior in systems change efforts

Kumu Inc. Season 2 Episode 17

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0:00 | 47:36

What does it take to map a system in a way that will actually lead to change? Traditional models can make change look like a straight line from input to impact, but real systems rarely work that way. 

In this episode, Jeff Mohr talks with Mark Oldenbeuving, co-creator of the Actor-Based Change framework and founder of Ripple CoLab, about why he moved away from linear theories of change and toward mapping people, behaviors, and relationships instead.

They explore: 

  • Why traditional theories of change fall short in complex environments
  • What inspired the Actor-Based Change framework and how it works
  • How to set boundaries to avoid an overwhelming system map
  • How to hold a theory lightly while still tracking meaningful data

Whether you're designing programs, evaluating impact, or trying to make sense of a messy system, this conversation offers a concrete, people-centered way to think about how change actually happens.

Subscribe to the In Too Deep Podcast or read the full transcript on the In Too Deep blog.

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