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Leading Through the Next Great Transformation: Complexity, Resilience, and Regeneration

  • 130 Travessa Maria Feliciana São Mamede de Infesta, Porto, 4465 Portugal (map)
The 21st century presents humanity with an unprecedented array of interconnected and complex challenges, often characterized as a "polycrisis," "metacrisis," or simply the defining era of the "Anthropocene." 
These terms all point to a singular, urgent truth: if we are to avert the most catastrophic outcomes, a fundamental and sweeping transformation of our current global systems is not merely desirable, but absolutely imperative. 
This transformation must be holistic, touching every facet of our existence to cultivate economic systems that are demonstrably fair and inclusive, ecologically wise in their stewardship of natural resources, socially flourishing in their support of human well-being, and inherently resilient to the shocks and disruptions that are increasingly becoming the norm.

To be an active participant in this "great transformation" requires a particular set of capacities and a profound shift in perspective. It demands an ability to skillfully navigate profound uncertainty, recognizing that the pathways forward are often unclear and require constant adaptation. Crucially, it necessitates seeing the world through a robust systems perspective, understanding that individual problems are interconnected within larger frameworks and that interventions in one area can have ripple effects across the entire system. Furthermore, it involves the capacity to design and implement adaptive strategies, recognizing that rigid plans are often ill-suited to dynamic environments and that continuous learning and adjustment are essential for progress. Beyond these core competencies, the journey of transformation also calls for a deeper understanding of ethical responsibilities, a commitment to collaborative action, and an unwavering dedication to fostering a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

This one-day immersive masterclass offers both:
  • a deep exploration of upstream concepts from complexity science, resilience, and regenerative economics;
  • and practical, embodied tools to act with clarity in turbulent environments.

This immersive masterclass is co-created by the School of Systems and Complexity (PT) and the Schumacher College (UK).

Who’s Leading It

Pedro Portela

Founder, School of Systems and Complexity. Engineer, peacebuilder, facilitator of governance and leadership in complex environments.

Jay Tompt

Educator at Schumacher College (UK), co-founder of the REconomy Project in Totnes, expert in regenerative economics and community-led transition.

Luisa Costa

Visual facilitator and art-therapist in training, bridging artistic expression and organizational learning. Works with groups and individuals to foster creativity, well-being, and transformation in complex environments.

What You’ll Gain

  • ✅ Clarity on complexity — how to diagnose and respond in uncertainty

  • ✅ Principles of resilience in polycrisis — from engineering to socio-ecological systems

  • ✅ Regenerative thinking — moving beyond compliance to innovation

  • ✅ New connections — peers working on Portugal’s transition

Who It’s For

This masterclass is designed for:

  • Leaders, innovators, and change agents in companies and organisations

  • Professionals in sustainability, transition, and resilience roles

  • Educators and facilitators rethinking learning for the future

  • Anyone committed to shaping Portugal’s transition

Details & Pricing

📅 Date: November 7, 2025
📍 Location: Meditation House, Porto, Portugal
🎟️ Corporate rate: €300
🎟️ Early bird (until Nov 1st) : €250