We are collectively creating results nobody wants, and most change efforts address the symptoms rather than the source.

Presencing offers a different approach—one that bridges inner development with outer systems change through 7 concrete practices built for this moment.

From Otto Scharmer, MIT senior lecturer and creator of Theory U, and Katrin Kaufer, MIT researcher, cofounder of the Presencing Institute, and author of Just Money (MIT Press), this field guide draws on more than twenty years of global work with the Theory U framework, now used by thousands of organizations across climate, finance, education, and social innovation.

Inside this book:

The Wheel of Deep Change — a framework mapping 7 societal sectors and specific leverage points where transformation takes hold
Social Fields theory — a deeper layer of systems thinking that accounts for the quality of consciousness from which collective action emerges
Seven step-by-step practices covering generative listening, dialogue, co-sensing, presencing, co-imagining, co-creating, and ecosystem governance
Real-world stories of “islands of coherence”—communities already demonstrating regenerative ways of working together across the globe
Reflection questions and dialogue prompts for individual readers, leadership teams, and classroom or workshop settings

Readers new to Theory U will find a self-contained entry point, and those already familiar will find significant new depth and updated methods.

We have entered an age of disruption. Financial collapse, climate change, resource depletion, and a growing gap between rich and poor are but a few of the signs. Otto Scharmer and Katrin Kaufer ask, why do we collectively create results nobody wants? Meeting the challenges of this century requires updating our economic logic and operating system from an obsolete “ego-system” focused entirely on the well-being of oneself to an eco-system awareness that emphasizes the well-being of the whole. Filled with real-world examples, this thought-provoking guide presents proven practices for building a new economy that is more resilient, intentional, inclusive, and aware.

Banks define our future. Every investment decision writes the story of where we are going as society, which project, business, or initiative receives funding and which does not. Much work has been done to critique our financial system, but less has been done to present viable, alternative models.  Katrin and Lily who have been leading the Finance Lab within the Presencing Institute have written this short and very accessible book on their experience of working with mission-based banks around the world over the past 10 years. These banks use finance as a tool to create a more equitable and sustainable economy. Katrin and Lily call this practice “Just Banking”.

Over the last decade, the authors have worked extensively with Just Banking institutions, facilitating learning communities and networks that provide a platform for these organizations to learn from each other, exchange best practices, and innovate. This work has given the authors a unique perspective on this emerging field and enables them to provide the reader with real-world cases and stories that bring the work to life.  In this book, the authors explore whether Just Banking practices and innovations can inform the next iteration of our financial system, and if so, how.