David Peter Stroh

David Peter Stroh is a prominent figure in the field of systems thinking and social change, serving as a Principal at Bridgeway Partners, a consulting firm he co-founded. Stroh is widely recognized for his expertise in applying systems thinking to address complex social issues and improve organizational performance.

Professional Background

• Founding Partner of Bridgeway Partners: Stroh co-founded this consulting firm, which focuses on helping mission-driven organizations achieve sustainable social and environmental change by addressing systemic issues.12
• Author: He wrote the acclaimed book Systems Thinking for Social Change: A Practical Guide for Solving Complex Problems, Avoiding Unintended Consequences, and Achieving Lasting Results, published in 2015. This book has been praised as a vital resource for understanding and applying systems thinking in practical contexts.346
• Previous Ventures: Before Bridgeway Partners, he was one of the founders of Innovation Associates, a consulting firm that pioneered organizational learning concepts, influencing Peter Senge’s seminal work, The Fifth Discipline.136

Education

Stroh's academic credentials include:

• M.A. in City Planning from MIT, where he was a National Science Foundation Fellow.
• Summa Cum Laude degrees in Civil Engineering and Urban Studies from the University of Michigan.16

Contributions and Philosophy

David Stroh's work emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying structures that contribute to complex social problems. He advocates for a systems thinking approach that involves:

• Engaging multiple stakeholders to identify root causes of issues.
• Developing strategies that foster long-term, sustainable change rather than quick fixes.25

His clients have included notable organizations such as the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the World Bank, showcasing his influence and reach in the sector.15 Through his work at Bridgeway Partners, Stroh aims to equip leaders with the tools necessary to navigate and resolve chronic challenges effectively.

Recognition

Stroh is often described as possessing "the mind of a scientist and the heart of a healer," reflecting his dual focus on analytical rigor and empathetic leadership in facilitating organizational change.34