Canada's Productivity Emergency Essential Dynamics With Derek Hudson podcast

33:27

In this follow-up to Episode 113, Derek and Dave return to the question: Can technology help leaders step back and see their system? The answer is a big reveal. EDy is a conversational AI designed to help leaders get unstuck and achieve system flow using Essential Dynamics. EDy doesn’t give answers, he helps leaders think clearly, focus their attention, and take meaningful action. He's private, adaptive, and available anytime a leader needs to step back and see their system. Derek and Daver are at Unconstrained . Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki .…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
What Leaders Need from Technology 30:00

6 weeks ago30:00

30:00

Derek Hudson and Dave Kane explore how technology is helping—or hindering—leaders in 2025. They map out where leadership attention gets hijacked, what clarity looks like at the operational and meta levels, and where technology still falls short. From financial visibility to systems insight and real-time flow feedback, the conversation traces both risk and opportunity, concluding that technology’s greatest potential lies not in automation, but in context-aware guidance and timing. Derek and Daver are at Unconstrained . Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki .…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Tal Pizzey - System Flow at Scale 30:21

9 weeks ago30:21

30:21

Tal Pizzey, CEO of Acuren, returns to explore how system flow can scale—even across 90 divisions and 6,000 employees. From rope access inspections to regional P&L ownership, Tal shares how Acuren empowers division managers with the training, data, incentives, and freedom to lead. Along the way, they discuss acquisition integration, risk reduction, and what great governance and guidance look like in practice. Derek is at Unconstrained . Tal Pizzey is at Acuren . Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki .…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Tal Pizzey - Engineering System Flow 26:18

11 weeks ago26:18

26:18

Derek talks with Tal Pizzey, CEO of Acuren, a billion-dollar company specializing in nondestructive testing and inspection services. Tal shares insights on Acuren’s impressive growth journey, the critical importance of management excellence, and the purposeful impact their work has on society by preventing failures and catastrophic events. Derek is at Unconstrained . Tal Pizzey is at Acuren . Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki .…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Ann Hall - System Flow with the Grads 28:35

14 weeks ago28:35

28:35

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 .…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Ann Hall - The Grads are Playing Tonight 28:33

16 weeks ago28:33

28:33

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 .…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Season Four Recap - Dedicated to the Memory of Jared Bateman 36:25

31 weeks ago36:25

36:25

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 Website Dave and Derek are at Unconstrained . Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki .…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
The Six Functions of Leadership 33:59

33 weeks ago33:59

33:59

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Entrepreneurs, Consider Your Quest! 29:08

35 weeks ago29:08

29:08

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Process vs. Outcome 27:39

37 weeks ago27:39

27:39

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 .…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Achieving System Flow 26:19

39 weeks ago26:19

26:19

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
What is System Flow? 24:37

41 weeks ago24:37

24:37

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
The Consequences of Systems Dysfunction 25:48

43 weeks ago25:48

25:48

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
If You Have a Systems Problem 27:11

45 weeks ago27:11

27:11

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. Derek Hudson and Dave Kane are at Unconstrained . Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Energy Flow 30:13

47 weeks ago30:13

30:13

Dave and Derek explore ideas around maintaining the momentum. Hint: it's all about the energy flow! Derek Hudson and Dave Kane are at Unconstrained . Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Getting off the Comfortably Stuck Couch 25:56

49 weeks ago25:56

25:56

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Comfortably Stuck 25:26

52 weeks ago25:26

25:26

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Low Hanging Fruit (Business Traditions That Have to Stop Now Part 5) 26:01

1 year ago26:01

26:01

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 .…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Back to the Birdhouse 25:49

1 year ago25:49

25:49

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
You Better Build a Birdhouse 25:13

1 year ago25:13

25:13

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 .…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Angela Montgomery - The Most Important Skill 25:21

1 year ago25:21

25:21

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 .…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Angela Montgomery - The Human Constraint 26:50

1 year ago26:50

26:50

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 .…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Canada's Productivity Prescription 25:09

1 year ago25:09

25:09

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Canada's Productivity Emergency 20:56

1 year ago20:56

20:56

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Motivating Employees (Business Traditions That Have to Stop Now Part 4) 27:26

1 year ago27:26

27:26

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 .…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Individual Incentives (Business Traditions That Have to Stop Now Part 3) 26:51

1 year ago26:51

26:51

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Silo Busting (Business Traditions That Have to Stop Now Part 2) 26:03

1 year ago26:03

26:03

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Organization Silos (Business Traditions That Have to Stop Now Part 1) 26:22

1 year ago26:22

26:22

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
The Biggest Leverage Point 25:16

1 year ago25:16

25:16

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
The Most Critical Resource 29:07

2 years ago29:07

29:07

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
It's A Wonderful Replay 53:43

2 years ago53:43

53:43

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 .…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Season 4 in 2024! 3:32

2 years ago3:32

3:32

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Mike Palmer - How Much is That Worth? 26:50

2 years ago26:50

26:50

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 Wiki Mike Palmer is at Valley Landscape Derek is at Unconstrained

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Mike Palmer Likes Solving Problems 23:35

2 years ago23:35

23:35

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 Wiki Mike Palmer is at Valley Landscape Derek is at Unconstrained

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Chris LaBossiere - The Future of Digital Identities 26:45

2 years ago26:45

26:45

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Chris LaBossiere - Get Focused 28:28

2 years ago28:28

28:28

Chris and Derek discuss key steps that have helped We Know Training get focused. Chris is at We Know Training Derek is at Unconstrained Full show notes are on the Essential Dynamics Wiki

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Glen Vanstone - Building Resilience 30:02

2 years ago30:02

30:02

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 .…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Glen Vanstone - Uniquely Stuck 27:49

2 years ago27:49

27:49

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 .…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Seven Steps to Scaling Your Business - Part 2 26:09

2 years ago26:09

26:09

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

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Seven Steps to Scaling Your Business - Part 1 26:48

2 years ago26:48

26:48

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…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Ann MacTaggart - Focusing on the Value Creation System 26:35

2 years ago26:35

26:35

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…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Ann MacTaggart - Management Attention is a Precious Resource 28:05

2 years ago28:05

28:05

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…

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
The Value of a Guide 26:21

2 years ago26:21

26:21

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Why Do You Put Up With It? 23:05

2 years ago23:05

23:05

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 .

Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson

1
Marvin Washington - It's Their Question, It's Their Quest 25:18

2 years ago25:18