Strengthening Communities Through Transformational Change
Einstein’s Parable of Quantum Insanity “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”
When a system, no matter how small or large, simple or complex, consistently produces the same results, it is because it is designed to do so. The only way to alter the outcome is to change the system.
Adapted from The Water of Systems Change by John Kani, Mark Kramer, Peter Senge, June 2018 The full document can be found at here.
At CLMLI, we understand that people are the most powerful part of any system—especially in the social service and nonprofit sectors. Your work is deeply human, and so are the challenges you face. That’s why we use a Systems Thinking approach that centers the well-being, resilience, and potential of the individuals and teams who drive your mission forward.
When staff experience burnout, compassion fatigue, or vicarious trauma—or when systems and processes aren’t aligned with your mission—your organization can struggle to achieve the outcomes your community needs. We’re here to change that.
Our mission is to increase the transformative capacity of community leaders like you. We help nonprofits and social service providers identify their unique strengths, align their strategies, and build healthier, more effective systems from the inside out.
Transformational change isn’t just about improving culture—it’s about reimagining how your organization operates at every level. It starts with individuals and grows into a system-wide shift that leads to sustainable, meaningful impact.
We envision a future where social and human service organizations thrive—where innovation, compassion, and equity drive lasting change in the communities you serve.
Why Systems Thinking?
It creates solutions!
Why Systems Thinking? It creates solutions!
At CLMLI, we believe that lasting change doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when we understand the bigger picture.
Systems Thinking is a powerful approach to problem-solving that looks beyond individual issues to see how people, processes, and structures interact. As defined by the World Health Organization, it’s about recognizing the relationships, interdependencies, and dynamics that shape outcomes across an entire system.
We apply this approach to help social service organizations and nonprofits strengthen their teams, align their missions, and improve outcomes at every level.
Using insights from Patrick Lencioni’s Five Dysfunctions of a Team, we help organizations address common barriers to success:
Absence of Trust
Fear of Conflict
Lack of Commitment
Avoidance of Accountability
Inattention to Results
By addressing these dysfunctions through a systems lens, we don’t just fix problems—we build stronger, more resilient teams and organizations that are equipped to lead transformational change in their communities.
Partnering for Purposeful Change
At CMLI, we offer customized coaching, facilitation, and technical assistance to help individuals, teams, and organizations unlock their full potential. Regardless of your role, or your organization's stage of development, CMLI can tailor support to meet your unique goals.
Founded by Gabrielle Stewart, a seasoned leader in nonprofit and community development, CMLI leverages her over 20 years of experience in systems theory, racial equity, trauma-informed care, and collective impact. Gabrielle’s approach is rooted in strengths-based, relationship-centered practices and a deep commitment to social change.
Her purpose is to partner with community leaders and the organizations they manage to strengthen internal culture, elevate stakeholder voices, and improve outcomes—especially for children and families impacted by trauma—working together to break cycles of generational poverty.
Connect with us today!