Changeworker of the Week #38: Kirsty Lee Reimagining Systems Through Healing, Intuition, and Matriarchal Wisdom

For Kirsty Lee, systems change is deeply personal. As a social psychologist and creator exploring matriarchal systems and values, her work asks an important question:

What kinds of systems become possible when we center connection, intuition, care, and collective wellbeing? Her work explores the intersection of healing, social conditioning, identity, and collective transformation while inviting people to reconnect with themselves, each other, and ways of living beyond extraction and domination.

Through the #MyPieceForChange campaign, we invite people to share their unique contributions to collective transformation. This series exists to honor their stories, amplify their voices, and connect them with a wider community of like-minded peers. Today, we’re honored to introduce our Changeworker of the Week: Kirsty Lee whom we had the pleasure of interviewing for this special spotlight.

What’s your piece for change?

My piece for change is to apply my expertise as a social psychologist, and my wisdom as a human with lived experience, to the building of new systems guided by matriarchal systems and values.

What inspired you to begin this work or stay committed to it?

I have seen and felt the ways our current patriarchal-capitalist systems are oppressive and extractive, personally and professionally. Once you wake up to this reality, you cannot go back to sleep. I’m regularly inspired by the other women I see doing this deep work to reclaim themselves and our world.

What’s one hope or vision you hold for the future?

I dream of a future of true connection, collaboration, and harmony – where we are able to be our creative, full, authentic selves – free from harm, abuse, or neglect.

What support or connection are you currently looking for?

I’m always looking to connect with like-minded folks. I’ve been doing my work alone for a long time, so it’s nourishing when the opportunity to work with others arises.

What’s one thing about your field or topic you wish more people knew, considered, or acted on?

I wish more people were aware of their social conditioning and the ways in which their past experiences can still affect their current decisions and behaviour. Healing, change, and growth are always possible.

What practices, tools, or resources have supported you most on your changework journey?

I’ve been on my personal journey for a very long time, so there’s lots I could write about, but I’d say meditation has had the biggest impact on my life. Two years ago when I was in deep burnout I developed a daily meditation practice, which opened up healing and insights that I didn’t know were possible. In matriarchal cultures, spirituality and connection to the cosmos and divine mother play a key role, so I think the practice of sitting/standing/laying alone and separating from the overthinking mind will continue to be beneficial.

Can you share a moment or experience that deeply shaped the way you approach change today?

My life has been one of constant change, so change is something I’m comfortable with. What has been more challenging is making decisions about which path to follow when I know that change is necessary. I realised that this was due to a lack of self-trust. I think this is something a lot of women experience, as we are taught from a young age to distrust the signals from our bodies and emotions. I now trust my intuition and the wisdom of my body a lot more.

What collective shift do you believe is needed for meaningful change to happen and what gives you hope that it’s possible?

I believe that more people, especially men, who generally seem a bit behind in their evolution, would benefit from acknowledging the harmfulness of our systems – particularly for groups that have been marginalised, like women, racial minorities, people with disabilities or neurodivergence – and how boys and men are also hurt by these systems, through emotional suppression and resistance to anything deemed “feminine”.

How do you take care of your own energy or wellbeing while doing this work?

This has been especially challenging lately, after I began sharing my ideas on social media. The topics I write about attract a lot of hate and hostility. My general coping mechanisms are to spend as much time as possible in nature, with animals, and eating good food with good friends.

Where can people learn more about your work or connect with you?

You can find me across social media sites @kirstyleephd – I do short-form videos on Instagram and TikTok and share long-form pieces on Substack and YouTube. I have a community group called Realm of Her, where we have live discussions around these topics, which you can find via the link my bio. If you’re interested in working together, you can email me at [email protected].

The Parayma community is rooted in authentic, supportive relationships. 

Kirsty’s changework reminds us that systems change is not only political or structural, it is also emotional, relational, and deeply human.

Thank you, Kirsty, for sharing your thoughtful #PieceForChange.

If you are exploring healing, collective transformation, or new ways of relating to ourselves and each other, we invite you to share your story and join the movement.