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* Michael’s quote (3:03)

* Ron’s LinkedIn poll on AI (4:32)

* About Michael’s background (8:11)

* His thoughts on system and design (10:58)

* What’s happening with high performers (14:09)

* How Michael uses Tetris (17:40)

* What the lessons learned were/are (22:18)

* How often Michael sees these design problems (24:52)

* His final words of wisdom (27:52)

During the discussion, we referenced an article and interactive simulation that expand on several of the concepts discussed in the episode.

For readers who want to go deeper, I’ve included links to both the article and the simulation below. They provide additional context, practical application, and a more detailed look at the frameworks behind the conversation.

The original link to the Gemba Academy podcast can be found here: https://blog.gembaacademy.com/2026/05/07/ga-631-what-we-can-learn-from-tetris-with-michael-parent/

Systems of Human Performance is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

The Videos associated with this podcast can be found here:

Free Press Sit down interview (min 27): https://youtu.be/owEpy_Fr_Mo?t=1619

2025 TED Talk: https://youtu.be/ooMXEwl7N8Y

Other Resources:

Theory of Constraints: https://www.tocinstitute.org/theory-of-constraints.html

WWII Operation Pointblank: https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/Operation-Pointblank/

Thanks for reading Systems of Human Performance! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Connect with me:Substack:

Medium: https://medium.com/@miparent1990Youtube: @performance-systemsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parent-michael/

In it, Michael discusses:

Our current flawed paradigm of technology and progress.

Unavoidable issues of technology like the paradox of automation and technological counterfactuals.

The goal of Technology should be conviviality

Rules and principles for technology that creates human flourishing.

Please like, subscribe, and do whatever you can to boost this pod in the algorithm!Connect with me here:Substack: https://PerformanceSystems.substack.com/Medium: https://medium.com/@miparent1990Youtube: @performance-systemsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parent-michael/

Next, Michael dives into his Goodness of Systems framework which shows how moving away from the individual and towards the system is ultimately best for system performance.

Design of Systems response article can be found here:

https://performancesystems.substack.com/p/design-of-system-response

Goodness of Systems article can be found here:

https://performancesystems.substack.com/p/a-roadmap-to-excellence-the-goodness

Please like, subscribe, and do whatever you can to boost this pod in the algorithm!Connect with me here:Substack: https://PerformanceSystems.substack.com/ Medium: https://medium.com/@miparent1990Youtube: @performance-systemsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parent-michael/

The article associated with this podcast can be found here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1117770/

Connect with me here:Substack: https://PerformanceSystems.substack.com/ Medium: https://medium.com/@miparent1990Youtube: @performance-systemsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parent-michael/

Connect with me here:

Substack: https://PerformanceSystems.substack.com/

Medium: https://medium.com/@miparent1990

Youtube: @performance-systemsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parent-michael/

Unlock the secrets of sustained human achievement in the debut episode of Systems of Human Performance Podcast. Discover why individual effort alone can’t guarantee success—and how systems thinking can transform personal and organizational performance. Learn how invisible structures shape outcomes, the pitfalls of traditional management mindsets, and practical strategies for designing better systems. If you’re interested in human performance, UX design, business consulting, or systems thinking, subscribe now!

Connect with Michael here:

Medium: https://medium.com/@miparent1990

YouTube: youtube.com/@performance-systems

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/parent-michael