SHOW NOTES:
WorkLife Stories from School of WorkLife Episode: The Historical Fiction Romance That Developed His Systems Thinking
The historical fiction romance that developed his systems thinking did what no operational training had managed — it showed Mike how to see the hidden connections between problems he had been solving in isolation for years.
Mike had built his reputation on strong numbers, efficient fixes, and resolving problems quickly. But one night, a cluster of seemingly unrelated workplace crises refused to yield to any of it. This is the story of the moment a historical fiction romance showed him he had been solving symptoms rather than the system beneath them — and what changed when he finally learned to see the connections.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
The Storytelling Newsletter (Free) Short, focused, and grounded in real WorkLife situations — how we communicate, lead, make decisions, and navigate challenges at work.
Story Lesson The Historical Fiction Romance That Developed His Systems Thinking — Learn how systems thinking develops through sustained practice — and how fiction can illuminate the hidden connections that shape your professional challenges.
Guided Programme The Power of Fiction: Developing Character Traits Through Reading Discover how fiction strengthens empathy, perspective, and moral judgement — essential character traits for thoughtful leadership and professional influence.
This story was inspired by my book, WorkLife Book Club Volume One Shoreditch by Carmel O’ Reilly — following members of a London book club as they navigate WorkLife challenges through the wisdom found in the books they read together.
Support This Work: Your support makes a difference and helps me to continue creating resources that are accessible to everyone. Thank you. Carmel
Commissioned learning resources, speaking engagements, and organisational partnerships: carmel@schoolofworklife.com
schoolofworklife.com
The stories I write are based on real WorkLife challenges, obstacles, failures and successes. Persons and companies portrayed in the stories are not based on real people or entities. Carmel O’ Reilly
