Estee Miltz (PhD)
🌍 "Systems thinker & sustainability modeler, using models & data to shape smart policy. Passionate about maritime planning, green energy, climate impacts, & national development—where systems thinking meets real-world impact."
#SystemsThinking #Sustainability #Policy #SystemDynamics
How did you first encounter systems thinking, and what made it "click" for you?
My background is in ocean modelling, and before my PhD, I had never heard of systems thinking. After completing my master's degree, I found myself at a crossroads. I valued my education, but I struggled to see a clear career path in my field—especially given the limited opportunities in South Africa.
What truly interested me wasn’t just the physical sciences—it was the bigger picture:
How do we make sense of complex problems that span multiple disciplines?
How do we integrate economics, social systems, law, and the environment into decision-making?
Why aren’t things working as they should?
I found my answer in a PhD project on system dynamics and marine spatial planning. Under the guidance of incredible mentors, I was introduced to system dynamics modelling. What really made it "click" was a simple ‘bathtub’ model—a visual representation of how inflows and outflows determine accumulation.
That small insight opened a door to a much bigger world. Over time, I saw how a basic structure like the "fish banks model" could scale up to national policy models like the Integrated Sustainable Development (iSD) Model of the Millennium Institute.
Today, I work as a policy analyst and modeler, applying systems thinking and simulation to sustainability challenges. The shift from single-discipline science to systems integration completely changed my career—and my perspective on problem-solving.
What is a misconception about systems thinking that you wish more people understood?
Many believe causal loop mapping is a simple exercise—or that it merely states the obvious behaviour. But the real power of causal maps comes from how they guide discussions and reveal hidden system structures.
I, too, had a misconception when I started. I once thought systems thinking was just about causal loop diagrams (CLDs) and stock-flow diagrams (SFDs). But as I explored more, I realized that systems thinking fits into a much broader discipline of systems sciences—one that extends far beyond diagrams into policy, human behavior, and decision-making.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone new to systems thinking, what would it be?
Start small. When it comes to system dynamics modeling, begin with a simple structure—then expand iteratively.
Self-learning is key. The field is vast, and learning never stops.
Find what you love in systems. Whether it’s policy, modeling, sustainability, or decision-making—become good at what excites you.
Can you share a moment when systems thinking changed how you approached a real-world problem?
Most people don’t use system dynamics to buy a house, but that’s exactly what I did.
When I was weighing the decision to purchase my current property, I built a simple stock-flow model of interest and bond repayment. It allowed me to see the financial structure clearly—in a way that long bank documents never could.
That’s the beauty of systems thinking—it can transform not only large-scale policy decisions but also deeply personal ones.
What is one book, tool, or resource that significantly shaped your journey in systems?
Business Dynamics by John Sterman – This book helped me grasp how to model different behavioral reference modes.
Beyond books, my greatest learning has come from the people I’ve worked with and countries I have visited for consulting and teaching. The ability to exchange ideas, test assumptions, and learn from teams is one of the most valuable aspects of the field.
