This presentation at Columbia University outlined how, compared to traditional methods in international development and peacebuilding, systems thinking and adaptive management can be used to make our interventions more effective and less likely to cause harm. The presentation covers relevant concepts of thinking, methods of analysis and MEL, and adaptive management methodologies. All in all, a necessary concept and practice toolkit for professionals working to improve lives in complex environments, which we hope will lead to a graduate course delivered at Columbia University from next year onwards.