A focused conversation on young people and why Essential Dynamics matters early in life. Drawing on years of working with youth and the story of The Boys in the Boat, Derek and Bryn explore opposition, flow, and the clarity that comes from working through complexity. Essential Dynamics is presented as a way for young adults to see the system of their own lives, navigate purpose tension, and move forward without becoming overwhelmed or cynical.

Derek is at Unconstrained.

Show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.

Derek and Bryn continue their AI conversation by shifting from “How do I use AI?” to “How do I use AI to understand my system?” The highest and best use of AI is to use it to see the simplicity on the other side of complexity.

Derek is at Unconstrained.

Show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.

Derek and Bryn look past the excitement around AI and argue that the real question is not how to use AI, but whether leaders are working on the right things. Using the rise of spreadsheets as a historical parallel, Derek shows how powerful tools often create local optimization instead of improving system flow. They explore why AI feels intelligent, why it is deceptive, and how leaders can apply Essential Dynamics to clarify purpose, understand constraints, and decide where AI actually helps.

Derek is at Unconstrained.

Show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.