
All Episodes - Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson
Join Derek Hudson as he explores Essential Dynamics, a framework for approaching the challenges facing people and organizations. Consider your Quest!
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Ann Hall - System Flow with the Grads
Derek continues his conversation with Ann Hall about the legendary Edmonton Grads women’s basketball team, highlighting coach J. Percy Page’s leadership, Purpose X and Purpose Y, community support, and the keys to achieving system flow.Derek is at Unconstrained.Dr. M. Ann Hall is here. Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Ann Hall - The Grads are Playing Tonight
In search of great examples of systems flow, Derek welcomes Dr. Ann Hall to explore the extraordinary story of the Edmonton Grads, the most successful basketball team ever!Dr. M. Ann Hall is at mannhall.com. Ann's book is The Grads Are Playing Tonight. More on the Grads at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and Historica Canada Heritage Minutes.Derek is at Unconstrained.Show notes are on the Unconstrained Wiki.

Season Four Recap - Dedicated to the Memory of Jared Bateman
This episode is dedicated to the memory of Jared Bateman. Derek and his daughter Lisha discuss some of the wisdom Jared has shared. Dave and Derek discuss the key learnings of Season Four.Jared Bateman's WebsiteDave and Derek are at Unconstrained.Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
The Six Functions of Leadership
Derek and Dave talk about six distinct functions of leadership that every leader needs to understand.Dave and Derek are at Unconstrained.Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Entrepreneurs, Consider Your Quest!
Dave and Derek discuss how the principles of Essential Dynamics apply to early-stage startups. It's all about the quest: purpose, path, and people.Dave and Derek are at Unconstrained.Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Process vs. Outcome
Derek and Dave discuss the importance of balancing process and outcome measures to achieve system flow. They explore the pitfalls of relying solely on outcome metrics, the role of process adherence in managing and improving systems, and how effective measurement can support rather than hinder flow.Dave and Derek are at Unconstrained.Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Achieving System Flow
Dave and Derek look at what it takes to get to system flow. It might not be what you think.Derek Hudson and Dave Kane are at Unconstrained.Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
What is System Flow?
Dave and Derek talk about system flow: What is it and how does it feel when you have it?Derek Hudson and Dave Kane are at Unconstrained.Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
The Consequences of Systems Dysfunction
The cost of systems dysfunction is high. Let me count the ways...Derek Hudson and Dave Kane are at Unconstrained.Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
If You Have a Systems Problem
Whether you see it or not, you have a system. If your system isn't working, you have a systems problem, and if you have a systems problem, you need a systems solution.
Energy Flow
Dave and Derek explore ideas around maintaining the momentum. Hint: it's all about the energy flow!
Getting off the Comfortably Stuck Couch
Dave questions Derek on how to break inertia when there is not a sense of urgency.Derek Hudson and Dave Kane are at Unconstrained.Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Comfortably Stuck
Dave and Derek explore reasons organizations might stay comfortably stuck...but comfortable is more risky than you might think.Derek Hudson and Dave Kane are at Unconstrained.Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Low Hanging Fruit (Business Traditions That Have to Stop Now Part 5)
Dave and Derek discuss the pitfalls of targeting "low hanging fruit" when planning strategic improvements. They emphasize that not every improvement is beneficial and that taking the easy route can often be a distraction, or worse!Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.Derek Hudson and Dave Kane are at Unconstrained.
Back to the Birdhouse
Dave and Derek explore why it is hard to effect real change in organizations. Then they talk about how to do it anyway.Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki. Derek Hudson and Dave Kane are at Unconstrained.
You Better Build a Birdhouse
Dave asks Derek some deep questions about Derek's recent blog post You Better Build a Birdhouse. Derek does not do a great job of answering, but important truths are highlighted nonetheless."We're looking for truth here. Truth can stand on it's own and it can come from anywhere. So let's get multiple voices in a room and try and understand cause and effect."Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.Derek Hudson and Dave Kane are at Unconstrained.
Angela Montgomery - The Most Important Skill
Angela and Derek continue the conversation. "The ability to think systemically is something which we're not taught at school... and yet it is the most important skill for anybody in any kind of leadership position in the world today to have."Visit Intelligent Management for information on Angela Montgomery and her book, The Human Constraint.Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.Derek is at Unconstrained.
Angela Montgomery - The Human Constraint
Angela Montgomery shares some thoughts with Derek on the origins of her upcoming book The Human Constraint. "We cannot continue to live in a world where we are continuously undermined by the inability to think systemically."Visit Intelligent Management for information on Angela Montgomery. Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.Derek is at Unconstrained.
Canada's Productivity Prescription
Dave and Derek follow up the last episode on Canada's productivity problem with their productivity prescription.Full show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.Dave and Derek are at Unconstrained.
Canada's Productivity Emergency
Dave and Derek discuss disturbing reports from the Bank of Canada that Canada's economy is facing a productivity emergency.Full show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.Dave and Derek at Unconstrained.
Motivating Employees (Business Traditions That Have to Stop Now Part 4)
In Episode 89 we "stomped all over" individual incentive plans. In this episode, Tiz, Dave and Derek talk about the real work of helping employees understand the value creation system and wanting to contribute to it.Full show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.Tiz, Dave, and Derek are all at Unconstrained.
Individual Incentives (Business Traditions That Have to Stop Now Part 3)
Unconstrained guides Tiz Benvenuto and Dave Kane join Derek to take on individual incentive schemes. Comments include: "lazy", "cop-out", "band-aid", and "quick fix." Plus they don't actually work.Full show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.Tiz, Dave, and Derek are all at Unconstrained.
Silo Busting (Business Traditions That Have to Stop Now Part 2)
Ann, Glen and Derek talk about how to break down silos in an organization. Hint: it's all about the system.Full show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.Ann, Glen, and Derek are all at Unconstrained.
Organization Silos (Business Traditions That Have to Stop Now Part 1)
Ann, Glen, and Derek talk about the fallacy of breaking up organizations into divisions that inevitably act as silos.Full show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.Ann, Glen, and Derek are all at Unconstrained.
The Biggest Leverage Point
The biggest leverage point in any organization is to optimize the use of management attention.Full show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.Ann, Glen, and Derek are all at Unconstrained.
The Most Critical Resource
Derek welcomes his Unconstrained colleagues Ann and Glen to explore how to improve the economy - one business at a time.Full show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.Ann, Glen, and Derek are all at Unconstrained.

It's A Wonderful Replay
As a Christmas card to our 2023 listeners, here's a replay of the Essential Dynamics Christmas Special first broadcast on December 21, 2021.Derek, Reed and Bryn discuss how the principles of Essential Dynamics connect with the Christmas story. The idea of the quest resonates so deeply because our mortal journey is the ultimate epic quest, complete with a call to adventure, companions, mentors, divine help and miraculous intervention.Derek is at Unconstrained.Show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.

Season 4 in 2024!
Derek shares a quick look at Season 4 of the Essential Dynamics Podcast, brought to you by Unconstrained. The new season starts January 9, 2024. Don't miss it!Show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Mike Palmer - How Much is That Worth?
Mike Palmer talks about his journey from "I'm done." to "I'm excited to go to work!"Full Show Notes on the Essential Dynamics WikiMike Palmer is at Valley LandscapeDerek is at Unconstrained
Mike Palmer Likes Solving Problems
Mike talks about why he got into business, how business school helped him learn to solve problems, and about some of the problems he has solved.Full Show Notes on the Essential Dynamics WikiMike Palmer is at Valley LandscapeDerek is at Unconstrained
Chris LaBossiere - The Future of Digital Identities
Chris gives us insight to the future of digital identities, and why he's so excited that this technology is coming soon.Full Show Notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.Chris is at We Know Training.Derek is at Unconstrained.
Chris LaBossiere - Get Focused
Chris and Derek discuss key steps that have helped We Know Training get focused.Chris is at We Know TrainingDerek is at UnconstrainedFull show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki
Glen Vanstone - Building Resilience
Glen and Derek explore ways to help organizations grow, despite the fact that each has a unique challenge. They talk about value creation systems and how they contribute to resilience, which is critical when facing an uncertain future.Glen and Derek are at Unconstrained.Full shownotes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Glen Vanstone - Uniquely Stuck
Glen and Derek explore a dilemma: in their efforts to grow the economy, the public sector provides generalized support to startup companies. As businesses mature they become more differentiated - and therefore harder to support - just when they start to have an impact on the economy.Glen and Derek are at Unconstrained.Full shownotes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Seven Steps to Scaling Your Business - Part 2
Derek and Reed complete the seven steps to scaling your business.Derek is at Unconstrained.Full shownotes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55- located in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca
Seven Steps to Scaling Your Business - Part 1
Derek and Reed talk about several principles for scaling up: how operating businesses can overcome barriers to growth and get to the next level.Derek is at Unconstrained.Full shownotes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55- located in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca
Ann MacTaggart - Focusing on the Value Creation System
Ann and Derek share thoughts on how to help management focus on building a value creation system.Ann and Derek are at Unconstrained.Full shownotes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55- located in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca
Ann MacTaggart - Management Attention is a Precious Resource
Ann and Derek explore the idea that management attention is a precious resource that we should learn how to manage better.Ann and Derek are at Unconstrained.Full shownotes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55- located in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

The Value of a Guide
Reed and Derek talk about how a guide can help you get to the next level of thinking.Derek Hudson is at Unconstrained.Full show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.

Why Do You Put Up With It?
Reed and Derek talk about how people and organizations get stuck and wonder why we put up with being stuck.Derek Hudson is at Unconstrained.Full show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Marvin Washington - It's Their Question, It's Their Quest
Marvin and Derek talk about how to help students and leaders answer their own questions, and own their quest.Marvin Washington is at marvinwashington.com.Derek Hudson is at Unconstrained.Full show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Marvin Washington - What Quest Are You Actually On?
Dr. Marvin Washington shares how having a life plan can help you get clear on your quest and deal with unexpected opportunities.Marvin Washington is at marvinwashington.com.Derek Hudson is at Unconstrained.Full show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki
Randy Marsden - Putting a Dent in the World
Randy Marsden shares examples of technologies he's developed that have helped millions.Randy Marsden is on LinkedInDerek is at UnconstrainedFull show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki
Randy Marsden - Who Are You Going to Help Next?
Legendary Edmonton serial tech entrepreneur Randy Marsden shares his amazing entrepreneurial journey and the question that started it all.Randy Marsden is on LinkedInDerek is at UnconstrainedFull show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki
Lisa Sharapata - Practical Outward Mindset
Lisa shares practical ideas for getting better at seeing other people as people, and Derek and Lisa talk about the impact that can have in organizations.Show notes are at the Essential Dynamics Wiki Lisa Sharapata is at The Arbinger Institute Derek Hudson is at Unconstrained
Lisa Sharapata - The Outward Mindset
Show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Podcast Wiki.Lisa Sharapata is at The Arbinger InstituteDerek Hudson is at Unconstrained
Travis Anderson - Culture by Design
Derek is at UnconstrainedTravis is at Culture BuildersFull show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki
Travis Anderson - Building Culture
Derek is at UnconstrainedTravis is at Culture BuildersFull show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki
Ann MacTaggart - Value Creation and the Business Model
Ann and Derek are both at Unconstrained.Full show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki
Ann MacTaggart - The Business Model is the Boss
Ann and Derek are both at Unconstrained.Full show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki
Lisa Scheinkopf - The Value of the Value Chain
Lisa Scheinkopf is at JenradaDerek is at UnconstrainedFull show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki
Lisa Scheinkopf - It's Always About the People
Lisa Scheinkopf is at JenradaDerek is at UnconstrainedFull show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki
Domenico Lapore - Breaking the Core Conflict
Domenic Lapore is at Intelligent ManagementDerek Hudson is at UnconstrainedMoneyball Job Offer on YouTubeSee full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki
Domenico Lapore - Getting Unstuck
Domenic Lapore is at Intelligent ManagementDerek Hudson is at UnconstrainedSee full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki
Brad Ferguson - The Power of Purpose
Brad Ferguson is at Optimus SBRDerek Hudson is at UnconstrainedSee full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.

Brad Ferguson - Creating a Purpose-Driven Organization
Brad Ferguson is at Optimus SBRDerek Hudson is at UnconstrainedSee full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.

Essential Dynamics 2021 Christmas Special
Enjoy this video: The Christ Child: A Nativity Story.Cover art courtesy of Wild Roo Artwork.Derek is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Season Two Finale - Blessed with Abundance
Derek Hudson is at derekhuds.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Michele Hecken - Offboarding
Michele is at michelehecken.com.Michele's article on The Absent CEO is here.Derek is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Michele Hecken - The Fax on Time Travel and Quantum Leaps
Michele is at michelehecken.com and michele@michelehecken.comDerek is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
John Hudson Hits Your Heart and Opens Your Mind
John is at Shadow Theatre.Derek is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki. Reed's Play is The Wrong People Have Money.
John Hudson - Survival of the Most Stubborn
John is at Shadow Theatre.Derek is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Bruce Alton - The Drivers of Finding Drivers
Check out Bruce Alton's framework at Product Opportunity MappingShane Parrish and his work on mental models can be found at Farnham Street Derek learned the Feedback Model from the Roy GroupPeer groups cited:Entrepreneurs' OrganizationYPOMacKay CEO ForumsTEC CanadaDerek is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Bruce Alton - Whiteboard Session on Drivers
Check out Bruce Alton's framework at Product Opportunity Mapping.Derek Hudson is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Working With the Garage Door Up
See Andy Matuschak work with the garage door up at Andy's Working Notes.Derek Hudson is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Kristen Cox - Make it a Winnable Game
Kristen Cox is on LinkedIn and at Stop Decorating the Fish.Derek Hudson is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Kristen Cox - Stop Decorating The Fish
Kristen Cox is on LinkedIn and at Stop Decorating the Fish.Derek Hudson is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki
Kristen Cox - What is the Right Problem to Solve?
Kristen Cox is on LinkedIn and at Stop Decorating the Fish.Derek Hudson is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Dave Bodnarchuk - Awesome Sauce
Dave Bodnarchuk is at Election Buddy.Derek Hudson is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Dave Bodnarchuk - Preparation Meets Opportunity
Dave Bodnarchuk is at Election Buddy.Derek Hudson is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Greg McGillis - I Can Do Hard Things
Greg McGillis is on LinkedIn.Derek Hudson is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.

Practical Essential Dynamics - Consider Your Quest
Derek Hudson is at derekhudson.caSee full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.Consider Your Quest graphic by Marilla of Wild Roo Artwork
Reed and Derek - Recap and Call for Engagement
Derek calls for engagement from our listeners: what are you picking up from our guests? Please let us know what you are thinking at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Glen Vanstone - Competing to Win
Glen Vanstone is at New West Networks.Derek Hudson is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Greg McGillis - The Motivation that Sustains Me
Greg McGillis is on LinkedIn.Derek Hudson is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Katie Burgess - All Things Cheerfully
Katie Burgess is at All Things Cheerfully.Derek Hudson is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Ellen Hollinger - Customization and Flexibility
More about Ellen's work at exploreedmonton.comEllen is on LinkedIn.Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Dr. Alex Clark - Context is Critical
Dr. Alex Clark: at alex.clark@ualberta.ca and happyacademic.com.Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Jeff Tetz - Untapped Potential
Jeff Tetz on Twitter @jefftetzResults is at unleashresults.comDrive by Daniel Pink Derek is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Reed and Derek - Pause and Reflect
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Mackenzie Brown - Strong is Around the Corner
Key LinksMackenzie Brown Indigenous Tourism AlbertaUniversity of Alberta - Indigenous Canada CourseThe Inconvenient Indian by Thomas KingExplore Edmonton - Indigenous ExperiencesDerek Hudson is at derekhudson.caSee full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Jade Bateman - The Kids are Alright
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. Jade Bateman is on Twitter @realjadebatemanSee full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Lindsay Osmond - You Have to do the Work
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. Lindsay Osmond is at Odgers BerndtsonSee full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Bruce Alton - Product Opportunity Mapping
See more about Derek Hudson and Essential Dynamics at derekhudson.ca.Check out Bruce Alton's framework at Product Opportunity Mapping.What is your Ikigai?Shane Parrish is at Farnham Street.Reed's Play about Greenland is "The Wrong People Have Money". Stay tuned for its release.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Season 1 Finale
Accountants and other nerds should check out Get Unconstrained.Normal people can find Derek at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Management Attention is the Ultimate Constraint
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
The System - Getting System Definition at the Right Level
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Ann MacTaggart - CFOs on a Quest
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.Check out Derek and Ann's work at Get Unconstrained.
People Don't Leave Companies, They Leave Managers
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Essential Dynamics and Middle Management
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Pick a Door and Run Through It
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
The Character Ethic
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
What Makes a Good Leader?
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Essential Dynamics and the Principles of Leadership
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Lessons Learned Over a Long Career
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Getting Purpose X and Purpose Y on the Same Team
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Let Me Explain. No, There is Too Much. Let Me Sum Up.
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
People: The Individual and The Group- Part Three
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
People: The Individual and The Group- Part Two
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
People: The Individual and The Group- Part One
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
People: The Individual and The Group
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
More on Purpose X and Purpose Y
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Drivers
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Constraints
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Finding the Quest in Everyday Life
Derek Hudson and host Reed McColm talk about the balance between the work place and home on today's episode.Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
People, Path and Purpose
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
What is Your Quest?
Derek is at derekhudson.ca.See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.Your feedback is always welcome!
What is Essential Dynamics?
Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See full show notes at the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
Let's get started.... a new venture
On this first, full episode the guys start to define what the podcast will take on each week.Derek is at derekhudson.ca. See the full shownotes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki.
We are coming your way... join us!
Derek Hudson breaks down what his new podcast is going to be all about.Derek is at derekhudson.ca Full show notes on the Essential Dynamics Wiki