The Topic

In this webinar, Mishel McMahon will lead an exploration of how systems-psychodynamics can be reimagined for today’s rapidly changing and interconnected world. Traditionally, systems-psychodynamic models focused on understanding organisational life through structure, boundaries, authority, and task - yet these frameworks struggle to account for the fluid, networked, and interdependent realities of contemporary ecosystems. This session introduces a new, expanded lens that integrates ideas of Networks, Identity, Power, and Influence (NIPI) to better understand the emotional, relational, and unconscious dynamics that move not only between individuals but also through digital systems, environmental contexts, and organisational networks. Participants will consider how desire, anxiety, and unconscious defences shape leadership, creativity, and collaboration in times of disruption, and how reflective, distributed approaches can build resilience, meaning, and ethical responsiveness within complex organisational ecosystems.

The Agenda

In the first half of the webinar, Mishel will make her presentation and facilitate initial responses.

In the second half, we'll move into a reflection-application session:

- 'Composting': experienced peers work the material in small groups to sprout new ideas;

- 'Weaving': attendees gather to collectively reflect and question, weaving our experiences together;

- Discuss how we will apply learnings to our personal practice and living in a plenary.

The Speaker

Mishel McMahon is a casual Senior Research Fellow, Violet Vines Marshman Research Centre and proud Yorta Yorta woman living on Djaara Country, northern Victoria. Through First Nations-led research Mishel positions First Nations worldviews, concepts and processes for application within the health and healing sector, and research methodologies. Mishel led the Victorian Aboriginal Research Accord project, an 'On Country' Aboriginal Youth Leadership Aboriginal youth mentoring: a pathway to leadership, Blak Butterfly: First Nations emergency care best practice framework Blak Butterfly and Replanting the Birthing Trees: Our Kids Growing Up Strong, Happy & Healthy. 

If you purchase a ticket but can't make it in real-time, a recording will be shared with you after the webinar.