Mary C. Edson

Organizational Systems and Strategy

United States

About

ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGIST - Grounded in principles of systems thinking and participatory action research, I foster adaptive capacity and resilience in individuals, leaders, teams, and organizations with focused attention on high quality decision making. My experience spans finance, information systems, industrial engineering, systems engineering, human resource management, and organizational leadership in business, non-profits, and higher education. SELECT PUBLICATIONS: Edson M. C. (2020) Team Systems Theory. In: Metcalf G.S., Kijima K., Deguchi H. (Eds.) Handbook of Systems Sciences. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-0370-8_29-1 Edson, M. C., Henning, P. B., & Sankaran, S. (Eds.). (2016). A guide to systems research: Philosophy, processes and practice (Vol. 10). Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-0263-2 Edson, M. C. (2012). A complex adaptive systems view of resilience in a project team. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 29(5), 499-516. PAST PRESIDENT: International Federation for Systems Research (IFSR 2016-18)

Experience

  • Founder, President at Equipoise Enterprises, Inc
    Aug 1998 - Present · 27 yrs 11 mos

    Organizational Strategy and Systems: Founded an organizational strategy consultancy to cultivate managers for leadership through the development of essential, adaptive management competencies. Based on needs analysis, developmental strategies emerge to leverage strengths, resolve blocks, and advance opportunities resulting in the successful achievement of goals and objectives. Expertise includes building adaptive capacity, strategic change management, and transformation through organizational learning. I facilitate coaching clinics that foster a coach approach for improved organizational dynamics, productivity, and performance through employee engagement. Recent client: Consortium for Ocean Science Exploration and Engagement (COSEE).

  • Coach, Author, Workshop Facilitator at Learned Resilience (Equipoise Enterprises, Inc.)
    Jan 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 6 mos

    I coach clients and facilitate workshops about learned resilience - competencies for navigating life's uncertainties. I work with clients through transitions - high school to college, college to career, early career to next career, and late career to new ventures after retirement. More information is available at www.maryedson.com (direct link below).

  • Cornell University (5 yrs)
    • Visiting Lecturer - Systems Engineering
      Jan 2024 - Jun 2025 · 1 yr 6 mos

      Systems Engineering - SYSEN 5290: Transdisciplinarity in Systems

    • ILR EMHRM Instructor
      Jan 2021 - Feb 2025 · 4 yrs 2 mos

      Instructor, Executive Masters Human Resource Management, School of Industrial and Labor Relations

    • Instructor PHR Prep Course
      Jan 2021 - Feb 2025 · 4 yrs 2 mos

      PHR Certification Exam Prep

  • Affiliated Faculty at Union Institute & University
    Nov 2013 - Jun 2019 · 5 yrs 8 mos

    Designed and taught, Managing Talent: Engaging a Diverse, Distributed Workforce, in hybrid format for the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership Program. Pedagogy develops leadership competencies for managing talent through strategic project management, distributed teams, and employee engagement. Course design complements a capstone in Organization Development, Innovation, Change Management, and Design Thinking using a collaborative approach to integrate coursework. One-on-one coaching, mentoring, webinars and demonstrated written competency are required, ensuring positive learning outcomes. Consistently receives high student ratings (3.7/4.0).

  • Executive Committee (2012-18), President (2016-18) at International Federation for Systems Research (IFSR)
    May 2012 - May 2018 · 6 yrs 1 mo

    The IFSR is an umbrella research network for Systems Science societies globally, such as the International Society for the Systems Sciences and the System Dynamics Society. I served on the IFSR Executive Committee in progressive roles culminating as President (2016 to 2018). I spearheaded the development of an education platform, leading the Executive Committee through contract negotiations with Springer for the IFSR Book Series, installing a new Chief Editor, as well as planning and conducting biennial, weeklong intensive workshops of invited, distinguished Systems Scientists focused on specific topics resulting in advancements of the discipline. I led a Systems Research Team, which published A Guide to Systems Research (2017), a collaboration of experts in support of researchers new to the field, a first for the IFSR in 35 years. I co-authored and edited Proceedings of the IFSR Conversations (2014, 2016, 2018).