Corporate Unplugged

What if the biggest upgrade we need isn't another product, app or sustainability report, but the economic system itself?In this episode, serial entrepreneur and impact investor Stefan Krook returns to Corporate Unplugged to share his vision for the Laghum Economy – a market economy redesigned for a world of 8 billion people living within hard planetary boundaries.Drawing on decades building purpose-driven companies like Kivra and the GoodCause ventures, Stefan explains why even the most innovative circular business models are still swimming upstream against a tax system that makes work expensive and nature almost free. He unpacks how shifting taxes from labour to resource use – applied at the point of consumption – could flip the script, so that repair, sharing, circularity and durability become the natural winners rather than costly exceptions.Stefan also shares the personal crisis that led him from optimism about purpose-driven companies to questioning the rules of the game, and how that journey brought him back to Stockholm School of Economics as its first Practitioner in Residence. Together with Vesna, he explores what this transition would mean for CEOs, policymakers and citizens – and why innovation always follows the brief the system gives us.On today's podcast, you will learn:Why pricing nature – not labour – is the missing systemic lever in today's economy.How a tax shift could turn green premiums into green discounts.Why even the best impact ventures struggle when prices send the wrong signals.What CEOs can realistically do beyond voluntary sustainability initiatives.How a Laghum Economy could shape everyday life for the next generation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Vesna Lucca talks with scholar‑entrepreneur Raiya Kind, who lives at the crossroads of language, consciousness and AI, and serves as Chief Emergence Officer of Wisdom Beyond. Together, they explore what it really means to shift innovation from disruption and speed toward healing, restoration and integration.​Raiya introduces the idea of embodied leadership, where leaders slow down, deepen their mind–body connection and tap the body’s vast data‑processing capacity to access wiser, more aligned decisions. She shares how group containers for “healing innovation” allow high‑impact AI and systems leaders to see and integrate old wounds and limiting beliefs so that new insight and strategy can emerge naturally from the collective field.​The conversation also reframes AI as a co‑creator rather than a saviour or villain. Raiya explains why treating AI as either rescuer or threat erodes human agency, and how discerning collaboration—with humans firmly in the loop—can help AI amplify our deepest values, not our fears.​They dive into belonging, coherence and community as essential containers for evolutionary leaps, and imagine a future where “AI in the loop” seamlessly supports human connection, interdependence and joy in everyday life.​On today’s podcast:● What healing innovation looks like in practice for leaders and teams​● Embodied leadership and why slowing down unlocks breakthrough creativity​● AI as co‑creator: keeping discernment and human agency at the centre​● Belonging, interbeing and the role of community in transformative work​● Designing AI and systems for coherence, not just productivity and profit​● Why joy, curiosity and self‑care are strategic filters for the future of work Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if intuition was your greatest business tool? In this episode, Vesna Luca explores the power of deep intuition with renowned Icelandic thought leader, author, and serial entrepreneur, Hrund Gunnsteinsdottir. Drawing on her extensive global experience in leadership, innovation, and systemic change, Hrund reveals how Iceland’s “InnSæi”—the sea within—can transform the way we lead, decide, and live.Hrund explains that intuition is far from mystical; rather, it is a form of deep intelligence, blending embodied awareness with subconscious processing. She shares how cultivating rituals like daily journaling, contemplative walks, and meaningful pauses can unlock creativity, strengthen self-trust, and help leaders make courageous decisions under uncertainty. The conversation unpacks the threefold Icelandic concept of InnSæi: seeing within, seeing from the inside out, and the sea within, illustrating how personal transformation ripples out to shift organizations and systems.Listeners will discover how modern leadership depends on authentic imagination, the courage to experiment, and the strength to embrace vulnerability—essential skills in times of continuous transformation. This episode will inspire leaders to trust their inner compass, build resilient teams, and lead with hope and curiosity. Hrund’s stories and insights offer practical guidance for anyone who wants to thrive amid complexity and create a more human-centered workplace and world.On today’s podcast:The meaning and power of “InnSæi”—Icelandic intuitionBuilding strong, innovative teams through self-awarenessDaily rituals leaders can use to nurture intuitionHow imagination fuels hope and resilienceMaking high-stakes decisions in uncertainty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Vesna is joined by Lars Strannegård, President of the Stockholm School of Economics, for a profound conversation on education, leadership, and the critical role of art and empathy in shaping the future of business and society. Lars shares his formative experiences living abroad, highlighting how cultural exposure and the lack of it shaped his perspective on inclusion and the importance of creative expression. He discusses the vision for SSE, emphasizing the need for students to leave with a broad, reflective mindset, ready to serve society and make a positive impact. In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the landscape, Lars argues that the development of human intelligence—skills like empathy, self-awareness, and critical thinking—becomes more vital than ever. He introduces the FREE framework guiding SSE: Fact-based, Reflective, Empathetic, and Entrepreneurial mindsets, which together foster responsible leadership. The conversation explores the transformative power of art as an “intellectual and emotional itching powder,” challenging individuals to reflect and grow. Lars also stresses the importance of inclusion, respect, and the need for everyone to feel heard and valued in organizations and society. The episode offers practical wisdom for leaders to widen their perspectives, embrace discomfort, and prioritize relationships as the foundation of meaningful leadership.On today’s podcast:● Why art and culture are essential for leadership in the age of AI● The FREE framework: Fact-based, Reflective, Empathetic, Entrepreneurial● How formative experiences shape empathy and inclusion● The transformative power of art as a catalyst for self-reflection● Why inclusion and respect are critical for responsible leadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Vesna welcomes Dr. Peter Senge, renowned MIT Sloan lecturer and pioneer of systems thinking, to the Corporate Unplugged Podcast. Peter explores why true change requires a shift in how we see interdependence, not just in business but in society at large. Drawing from decades of work with organizations and indigenous communities, he explains how deep, sustainable transformation starts with cultural and institutional shifts—far beyond quick fixes or policy tweaks.Peter shares practical ways leaders can catalyze systemic change, emphasizing the power of authentic partnerships and “pre-competitive collaboration”—even among rivals. He highlights the importance of leadership as a developmental journey rooted in purpose, service, and the ability to create generative social fields where trust and innovation can flourish. Peter also reflects on the wisdom of indigenous cultures and the critical need for hope and honest dialogue in times of uncertainty.On today’s podcast:Why systems thinking is essential for real, lasting changeHow leaders can embody and catalyze transformationThe value of partnerships and collective intelligenceLessons from indigenous cultures on resilience and memoryWhy hope, courage, and relational space matter now more than ever Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Edward Grant, a modern polymath, inventor, author, and visionary entrepreneur, joins Vesna on Corporate Unplugged to explore the profound intersections of love, leadership, and multidimensional thinking. With over 80 patents and contributions spanning fields like cryptography, geometry, and healthcare, Robert shares his unique journey of bridging science, spirituality, and innovation.In this episode, Robert reflects on how love drives his purpose and how self-awareness and judgment-free living are essential for personal and societal transformation. He discusses the importance of polymathy in addressing complex challenges and why humanity is on the cusp of a collective awakening. From sacred geometry to the power of synchronicity, Robert offers a thought-provoking lens for leaders seeking to create meaningful impact.In this episode:Why love is the ultimate driver of purposeThe role of polymathy in solving global challengesHow judgment creates suffering and self-love heals itHumanity’s awakening and interconnectedness through synchronicitySacred geometry as a meditative practice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Vesna Lucca speaks with Thierry Malleret, economist, author, and founder of Summit of Minds. Thierry shares his unique perspective on leadership, sustainability, and the urgent need for businesses to embrace stakeholder capitalism. Drawing from his diverse career—including years at the World Economic Forum—Thierry reflects on the challenges and opportunities shaping our world today. “Without nature, there is no economy,” Thierry emphasizes, underscoring the critical role of natural capital in sustaining our future. Through his Summit of Minds initiative, he immerses leaders in nature-based experiences to inspire action: “When you see glaciers retreating almost visibly, it compels you to act.” Thierry also reveals his creative side as a novelist. His latest geopolitical thriller, Deaths at Davos, explores themes of power, greenwashing, and global influence. “Fiction allows me to ask bold questions about our world without the constraints of non-fiction,” he explains.Listeners will hear Thierry’s candid thoughts on cross-generational collaboration: “Younger generations are today’s change agents—more attuned to sustainability and determined to make a difference.” He also highlights the importance of listening as a key leadership skill: “Too many leaders talk at people instead of with them. Listening is rare but transformative.”This episode is a call to action for leaders and individuals alike to embrace hope through decisive action, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability.On today’s podcast:Thierry’s non-linear career journeyThe importance of stakeholder capitalismWriting fiction to explore global challengesNature as an economic cornerstoneCross-generational dialogue as a force for change Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Vesna explores new worlds with Jesh de Rox, cultural anthropologist and founder of hOURS. They explore the transformative potential of AI in enhancing human connection and creativity. Jesh shares his journey from being a renowned photographer to a visionary leader in social technology, emphasizing the importance of nurturing environments that foster human growth.Jesh discusses his shift from seeing himself as a healer to a gardener, focusing on creating conditions for people to thrive. This metaphor underpins his work at hOURS, where he aims to build scalable systems that promote epiphanies and personal development. He envisions a future where technology supports collective intelligence, drawing from the deep well of human creativity and emotion.The conversation also touches on the limitations of current AI systems, which often lack depth and fail to capture the richness of human experience. Jesh advocates for a new approach that respects individual data ownership and incentivizes genuine contributions to a collective intelligence network.This episode reflects on the role of trust and purpose in this journey, highlighting the urgent need for businesses to align with human-centric values. It is a call for leaders to embrace boldness and authenticity in shaping a future that prioritizes growth and connection over profit and exploitation.In this episode:Transitioning from healing wounds to cultivating growth.AI that can enhance human creativity and connection.Personal data ownership – crucial for ethical AI development.Trust and purpose – essential components of systems aligned with human values.A call for leaders to prioritize meaningful contributions over profit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Vesna sits down with Dr. Renée Lertzman, a renowned psychologist and strategist, to explore the intricacies of creating genuine engagement within organizations. Renée shares her insights on leveraging psychology to drive transformative change and how leaders can foster resilience in the face of volatility.She emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation, highlighting key drivers like mastery, purpose, autonomy, connection, and belonging. This challenges traditional approaches to change management, advocating for a shift from pushing and persuading to guiding and partnering with teams.The conversation delves into the psychological aspects of courage and how organizations can create environments that enable individuals to access their inner strength. Dr. Lertzman also discusses the significance of integrating experiences into daily practice, ensuring that transformative moments lead to sustainable change.Join us as we uncover strategies for unlocking potential and driving meaningful change in today's complex world.On today’s podcast :Intrinsic Motivation: Mastery, purpose, autonomy, connection, and belonging.Guiding Over Pushing: Shift from traditional methods to a partnership approach in leadership.Courage and Resilience: Creating conditions that enable individuals to access their courage.Integration of Experiences: Ensuring transformative experiences are integrated into everyday practice.Psychological Approach: Using psychology to foster engagement and manage change effectively. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Davin is  the Global Innovation Director at UNICEF. With over two decades of experience in international development and humanitarian work, in this episode of Corporate Unplugged Thomas shares his insights on leveraging innovation to address global challenges affecting children.He emphasizes the critical role of young people as active contributors to climate innovation and highlights UNICEF's efforts to empower youth through initiatives like climate accelerators, which support young innovators in developing impactful solutions. UNICEF's strategic approach to identifying and scaling innovative solutions has stretched to cover 160 countries. Thomas explains how his team identifies key problems affecting children, such as the learning crisis where a significant percentage of children cannot comprehend texts they read. By vetting and adopting successful solutions from various regions, UNICEF aims to address these challenges effectively.Thomas discusses the importance of building future leaders through programs like Upshift, which equips young people with skills in critical thinking and problem-solving. This initiative has reached over 1.5 million adolescents globally, fostering a generation of adaptable and innovative thinkers poised to shape the future.Throughout the episode, Thomas reflects on the power of collaboration and co-creation in solving complex global problems. He underscores the need for bold thinking and unlearning conventional approaches to drive meaningful change.Thomas powerfully expresses his passion for social justice and his vision for a future where every child has equal opportunities for quality education and health. He advocates for hope and empathy as essential elements in addressing global challenges and building a more equitable world.In this episode: UNICEF's focus on accelerating impact for children globally through innovative solutions.Identifying key problems, vetting solutions, and facilitating adoption and scaling of effective interventions.Importance of storytelling and highlighting successful local examples to inspire replication.UNICEF's "Upshifts" curriculum empowering young entrepreneurs and changemakers.Co-creation and "unlearning" as powerful tools to unlock new perspectives.Thomas's personal commitment to social justice and equal opportunities for all children.Advice to leaders on being bold, daring, and continuously challenging themselves and their teams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Everything vibrates. So every cell of your body right now is vibrating and has its own frequency." In this episode of the Corporate Unplugged podcast, Vesna ventures into sound with renowned multi-instrumentalist, and multimedia producer Laura Inserra. Laura shares her personal insights as a ‘Sound Alchemist’ on the vibrational essence of the universe and the profound healing power of music.Laura explains how music can entrain the body's natural frequencies, releasing stagnant energies and emotions. She describes her personal journey of discovering her musical gifts, and the transformative mentors and experiences that have shaped her work, culminating in her immersive ‘Chambers of Awe’ experiences that combine ancient instruments with cutting-edge technology to guide participants on journeys of expanded consciousness.Looking towards the future, she emphasizes the importance of flexible, caring leadership that empowers people's unique talents and contributions.In this podcast:●     The vibrational nature of the universe and how it is understood across diverse spiritual and philosophical traditions●     Laura’s work creating immersive ‘Chambers of Awe’ experiences●     The healing power of music to entrain the body's natural frequencies and release stagnant energies●     Laura’s personal journey of discovering her musical talents and the mentors who shaped her work●     The importance of leadership that empowers people's unique gifts and fosters a cooperative, nature-inspired model●     Laura’s vision for a future where humanity learns from nature's collaborative approach, using technology to augment human abilities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phoebe Tickell is a renegade scientist, systems thinker, and social entrepreneur that sums her work up as an ‘‘imagination activist’. In this episode, Vesna and Phoebe discuss the critical role of creativity and perception in shaping the world around us. We delve into the challenges of fostering imagination and creativity within organizations, highlighting the need for psychological safety, non-hierarchical work environments, and interventions that integrate art and creativity into leadership and decision-making. Phoebe shares her personal journey from the world of science and technology to the realm of moral imagination, driven by a desire to address societal issues at a deeper level.She envisions a future where living on Earth is safe, free, and abundant, with restored ecosystems and a life-centric economy. This important discussion explores the potential for organizations to become instruments of change, prioritizing people's well-being and the planet's health over traditional metrics of success. On this podcast with Phoebe Tickell you will hear about:The power of moral imagination in shaping the world and driving collective action.The importance of acknowledging the full spectrum of emotions, including our shadow sides, to create more textured and life-affirming futures.Strategies for building work environments that nurture creativity and innovation, such as fostering psychological safety and non-hierarchical structures.Phoebe’s personal journey from the world of science to the realm of moral imagination, driven by a desire to address societal issues at a deeper level.The potential for organizations to become instruments of change, prioritizing people's well-being and the planet's health over traditional metrics of success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Zealand born business philosopher and entrepreneur, Christopher Evatt, was raised with the understanding that we should leave everybody and everything better than when we found it, and we should work for the good of the whole. But the problem is, we humans have been labouring under an illusion of separation, both individually and collectively. We’re all connected, says Christopher, our society, companies, organisations, the planet; we’re all one living system.In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Christopher discusses our need to evolve and grow, to raise our consciousness and understanding of our interconnectedness, both within individuals and organisations. But more importantly, we need to learn to clear our own energy system, to embrace the power of thought, intention, and beliefs to make wise choices and grow in wisdom.To learn more, download and listen to this episode today.  On today’s podcast:●     Personal growth, collective dysfunction, and planetary transformation●     Consciousness, growth, and personal development●     Bridging generations for business success●     Businesses need a quantum understanding to thrive●     We are all leaders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don’t stress about where you are in life, says Eda Çarmıklı, a proud utopian and firm believer, that it’s never too late to become what you might have been. You're going to get to where you need to be, or perhaps you’re already there. Just open your eyes and trust that life will bring you the right people, the right communities, and the right collaborations, when you’re ready. Eda’s the co-founder of the global collaborative platform, Joint Idea; lifelong laboratory growth program Life Works Labs; and social tribe, Love Mafia. She’s also a second generation shareholder in Nurol Holding, an industrial conglomerate in Turkey operating in construction, infrastructure, machinery, energy, investment, banking and tourism. In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Eda talks about the hurdles life presents us so that we can become what we were meant to be. “Just flow and see where life takes you. Don’t force things, don’t try to wear jackets that don’t fit you, just let it go and enjoy life as it is; just trust life that it may not deliver you what you want, but exactly what you need.” On today’s podcast: ●     Personal growth, vulnerability, and utopia●     Learn to voice your truth●     Leadership, growth, and sustainability in a family-owned business●     Exponential humanity and learning to listen●     Collective intelligence, love, and compassion in business Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all depend on Planet Earth for life and yet as a species, our collective actions are having devastating impacts such as a loss of biodiversity and climate change, among other things. It’s literally the definition of insanity, says Lisen Schultz, Associate Professor in Sustainability Science, Deputy Director for the Stockholm Resilience Center, University of Stockholm, Director of Education, and the Programme Director for the center's executive programme in resilience thinking. We humans aren’t evil, our problem is we don’t see what we’re doing as damaging, nor can we see how we could do it differently. Our world is built around a formula of growth, rather than meaningful growth.  In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Lisen discusses the urgency of the climate change challenge, but also the potential opportunities it presents for us individually, as well as for companies, but, in a way that doesn’t create a whole new set of problems.  To find out more, download and listen to this fascinating conversation.  On today’s podcast:Climate change impact and human warmingSustainable business practices Sustainability transition and its benefits for societyClimate action and hope for the future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is a real pressure to solve the climate crisis and the myriad other environmental and social issues by breaking them down into their constituent parts, to solve them individually. But, says Nora Bateson, award-winning filmmaker, writer and educator, and President of the International Bateson Institute, this approach is the biggest challenge we need to overcome. We live in a complex, interdependent world, and to find new solutions we need to relearn how we think, feel and navigate, we need to adopt a different mindset. In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Vesna and Nora discuss the need for a more diverse ecology of knowing; how do we know things? What is our ability to zoom in and study the details? And how can we zoom out and see the context?To find out more, download and listen to this latest episode. On today’s podcast:The perception habits we need to ditchWe have to learn to do things togetherWhat is this warm data stuff?The future Nora wants to see Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Right now, says Nipun Mehta, founder of Service Space, an incubator of gift economy projects that inspire people to be the change they wish to see, the world needs a little more kindness. And yes, with so many challenges happening globally, it might feel like such an insignificant act isn’t going to affect anything but says Nipun, that’s how history changes. 25 years ago, in Silicon Valley, Nipun started Service Space as an experiment with friends. Today it’s a global ecosystem with around 1.5 million members. And they've not only delivered millions of dollars in service for free, but they're also regenerating a gift culture. In this incredibly insightful conversation, Vesna and Nipun discuss how small acts of kindness can change the world. To find out more, download and listen to this episode. On today’s podcast:What we can learn from the gratitude economyThe future potential of AIAligning AI with heart intelligenceThe 1,000 km journey to himselfThe long term solution for businessLinks:https://www.servicespace.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes a physical ailment isn't physical, says Neha Sangwan, MD and CEO and founder of Intuitive Intelligence. In fact, stress causes or exacerbates more than 80% of illnesses, so rather than simply treating the physical injuries, we need to be asking people what's at the root of their stress. In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Neha explains why her passion is teaching people how to communicate with themselves, and with each other, to navigate their emotions, manage their energy, to learn how to keep themselves well so that collectively, as humans, we can all rise together now, and in the future.  “What I have learned is, self-care is not selfish, it's self-full. It's how I can, over time, be able to serve in the world in a way that comes from a replenished full, energized place, full of vitality and energy, versus a depleted exhausted place.” To find out more, download and listen to this latest episode. On today’s podcast:Why self-care isn’t selfishWhat is burnout?The three phases of burnoutWhy we need human connectionBridge leaders of today, to be leaders of tomorrowLinks:FacebookTwitterLinkedInWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Capitalism has served us well in many ways, says Manish Bhardwaj, CEO and founder of Innovators in Health, but it has also exacerbated injustice and inequality worldwide. So, how can we address the problems at the heart of this? How can we design more just systems? By having moral clarity. In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Manish explains we first need to understand why there is injustice in the world, before we can find a solution. A lot of our failures today, says Manish, are failures of imagination. We’re really good instrumentalists, we know how to crunch data, what we lack is a fluency in the language of morality. To find out more about cultivating moral clarity, download and listen to this episode today. On today’s podcast:Why we’re all such good instrumentalistsWe aren’t trained to navigate difficult issues morallyMoral clarity and justice requires accompanimentLeaders should rely on moral authority Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A lot of people believe the problems we're facing on a global scale are related to tech, says Nichol Bradford, pioneer, innovator, investor and thought leader at the intersection of technology and human transformation. But the truth is, much of what we’re struggling with just boils down to a lack of belonging. “We craft these visions of the future where people can't see themselves in it, they can't see that they belong to it.”In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Nichol discusses the future of human intelligence and why there can be no digital transformation without a human transformation, and explains why change needs to come from the top.“Culture eats strategy for breakfast. Culture is a collection of people, and how they show up with each other every day, and how one shows up with other people has everything to do with how you show up with yourself. It starts with you. It always starts with you.”To find out more, download and listen to this latest episode. On today’s podcast:The future of human intelligence Taste and the future of workRedefining what it means to be human The web of lifeWhy the world needs more belongingLinks:TwitterLinkedInWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you bring your whole self to work? Are you encouraged to bring your authentic self to work? Or do you feel you need to leave parts of you at the door? If you’re a leader, do your followers bring their whole selves to work? Because, says Gianpiero Petriglieri, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at INSEAD, and one of the 50 most influential management thinkers in the world, if we’re not bringing our whole selves into the workplace, we’re absent from the very place where so many of us spend such a significant portion of our time. In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Gianpiero shares his thoughts on the need to humanise leadership and learning, and how he encourages his students to look at leadership as a kind of love. Then, using this framework, he explores the difference between good leadership and bad leadership. “Good leadership is the one in which there is an element of seduction, but then there has to be something more. There has to be care. There has to be a promise. But there has to be something more; there has to be progress.”To learn more, download and listen to this episode. On today’s podcast:Leadership is a kind of loveThe difference between good and bad leadershipWhy leadership is shaping systemsHow to know when you’re failing as a leaderThe paradox of leadership and supportLinks:TwitterLinkedInWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you really trust your people? Do your people trust you as a leader? Is your company a trustworthy stakeholder for society and the planet as a whole? And if not, why not? The answer, says Stefan Beiten, Founder and Managing Partner of Argo Ventures, always lies with your people, you need to learn to connect with them.Stefan is an out-of-the-box thinker and serial entrepreneur, investor, company builder, and opportunity finder from Berlin. Best known for producing the global phenomena, Earth, the most successful nature documentary ever produced, on this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Stefan discusses how to empower purposeful leaders to solve real-world problems. To find out more, download and listen to this truly insightful episode.  On today’s podcast:Bringing trust and purpose to the worldBe terrified about missing conversations Businesses as instruments of purposeThe potential dilemma of AILinks:Earth - A Venture of Argo Ventures  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How often are you moved to tears in a day? How often do you experience things that make you really feel deeply? This is what drives Richard Hsu, as he tirelessly redesigns systems and connects dots, as he develops humanistic balanced projects and places.The world has had a collective awakening. People are fast realising life is too short to waste on dirty, profit making projects. They want purpose, they want good reasons to invest their time in something. Which is why now is a really good time to have a conversation about what kind of society we should develop, what kind of companies we want to build, and how we want to be for the people around us. In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Richard explains why collaboration and curation are key to change, why leaders need to create on the edge, and why China is leading the way, creating cities of the future, with an open mind and a desire to disrupt.On today’s podcast:How to design humanistic, balanced projects and placesWhy China provides a second life for international brandsInnovating through the D O U X principleHow to bring humanism into your corporationWhy the world needs balanceLinks:Richard HsuFacebookAlternative Thinkers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Filippo Dal Fiore is an unconventional social scientist, corporate advisor and university professor of sustainable business. Having moved back and forth from academia to the frontline of highly conscious companies, Filippo has developed a new paradigm vision for the university of the future, where science is done with a heart and a new human-centred civilisation can be built from the ground up. On today’s podcast:Bridging the gap between the academic and business worldWhy academia needs to changeFilippo’s vision for the university of the futureThere is no work/life balance; there is only life workWe need to become less emotionally attached to our companiesLinks:Filippo Dal FioreWebsite: Filippo Dal Fiore Great Place To Work® Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Fullerton is an unconventional economist, impact investor, writer and founder of Capital Institute. In this episode of Corporate Unplugged he discusses regenerative economics, and the universal patterns and principles that will shape the new economy. But first, why after a 20 year career on Wall Street where he was the Managing Director of JP Morgan, did he choose to walk away with no plan? On today’s podcast:Why we need to pause before we actThe darkside of the Green RevolutionCompetition isn’t our innate human natureThe problem with tracking ESG metricsWhat the world needs most right nowLinks:8 week course: Introduction to Regenerative Economics – CAPITAL INSTITUTEcapitalinstitute.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you had an idea for a potentially multi-billion dollar business, would you have the courage to make it free for the entire world to use?Because that’s exactly what Matt Mullenweg, CEO and founder of WordPress did. After many twists and turns, today the company has nearly 2,000 employees and a valuation of $7 billion. And WordPress powers more than 40% of the websites on the internet.  So why did Matt decide to go against the status quo and make his platform free for all users? And why, almost two decades ago, did Matt decide that it was so important that the internet was about sharing and freedom and bringing people together to collaborate online?Download and listen to find out more.On today’s podcast:The genesis of WordPressUnderstanding the need for Open SourceThe cycle of generosity in Silicon ValleyMaking investments with Audrey CapitalWhat the world needs most right now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can art awaken people's desire for change and support them in creating the future they wish for? Jayce Pei Yu Lee is a graphic facilitator and visual catalyst based in Taipei, Taiwan. Jayce is big at heart, small in size and organic in spirit. She is an artist, a scribe and a maverick storyteller through her whimsical brush marks. She is a core team member of The Value Web and of The Presencing Institute led by MIT professor Otto Scharmer. She also drives the visual practice movement in the Asia Pacific region.On today’s podcast:Realising the power of marksBecoming a graphic recorderHow to work with a graphic recorderMaking the first markWhy we need to be more kindness-centricLinks:Book - Drawn Together through Visual Practice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having abandoned a career in the petroleum industry to pursue a vocation defending the environment and defending future generations, Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi is affectionately known around the world as the Green Sheikh. So what does it take to transform a nation from polluter to protector, and why, as a member of one of the ruling royal families in the oil rich United Arab Emirates, has he chosen the rather unlikely vocation as environmental campaigner?Find out in this episode!You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3yrSSm6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Otto Scharmer is a senior lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management and co-founder of the Presencing Institute. In 2015, he co-founded the MITx U.lab, and in 2020, the GAIA journey (Global Activation of Intention and Action). GAIA has activated a vibrant worldwide ecosystem of transformational change involving more than 200,000 users from 185 countries. And if you haven't read his books yet, we recommend The Essentials of Theory U, and also Leading from the Emerging Future: from ecosystems to ecosystem economies.In this podcast:From ego system to ecosystem The knowing/doing gapThe ecological, the social, and the spiritual dimensionsHow can leaders play their part?The need for movementsLinks:https://ottoscharmer.com/https://www.presencing.org/Putin and the Power of Collective Action from Shared Awareness: A 10-Point Meditation on Our Current Moment​​Putin and the Power of Collective Action from Shared Awareness — Part 2: The Social Grammar of Creation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shelley Paxton is an author, speaker and movement maker. Think Brene Brown with a dash of rebel. As former Chief Marketing Officer of Harley Davidson, Shelley found herself at the top of the proverbial mountain feeling success-empty instead of success-full. And that awakening led her on a profound sabbatical journey that became her mission, her business and best selling book. Today, she's leading a REBELution with a B to rewrite the script of success and liberate one billion souls. In this podcast:Defining your own successOn a mission to liberate a billion soulsLeaving Harley-DavidsonBecoming a rebel role model for other leadersThe power of kindnessLinks:Book - Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel's Guide to Finding Your Best LifeRebel Leader’s Manifesto Rebel Souls Podcast with Shelley Paxton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sasja Beslik is an international financial expert known for promoting financial sustainability across the world. He has been ranked the world's most influential person within green finance. Sasja is a true sustainability pioneer who has with passion taken on several leading roles in the world of finance: as head of responsible investments, as corporate governance, as CEO, and as head of sustainable finance. And today he's leading the sustainability work at the biggest Danish commercial pension company, PFA. His work has been recognised widely, for example, as a young global leader at the World Economic Forum, and he received a medal from the Swedish King also for Outstanding Contributions within environmental and sustainability theory. He's also the author of several books, the latest one is Where The Money Tree Grows. And his weekly newsletter ESG on a Sunday, is read widely by many impact makers around the world. In this podcast:It’s time to review the resultsThe answer isn’t driving an electric carWhy fleeing war changed his lifeThe power of the financial industry to bring about changeLinks:Where the Money Tree GrowsESG on a Sunday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charles Eisenstein is a writer, speaker and the author of several books including The More Beautiful World our Hearts Know is Possible. His work covers a wide range of topics such as history of human civilization, economics, spirituality, and also the ecology movement, all topics which leaders today need to understand to evolve their companies. In this podcast:Why success doesn’t have to be goal drivenOur education system doesn’t create leadersHow to use business as a force for changeThe most important quality of a leader Kindness is the highest form of intelligence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William Ury has a passion for helping people, organisations and societies get to seemingly impossible yes’s - i.e. agreements that work for everyone. He's trained as a social anthropologist, he’s worked as a mediator and negotiation advisor in many of the world's toughest conflicts from the Cold War to the Middle East. And he is co-author of ‘Getting To Yes’, a 15 million copy bestseller translated into over 35 languages, and author of the award winning ‘Getting to Yes With Yourself’. He co-founded Harvard’s programme on negotiation where he currently directs the global negotiation initiative, and he’s co-founder of the climate parliament, a forum for parliamentarians and civil society to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis. In this podcast:How to get to yesHow to negotiate for important thingsWilliam’s vision for the futureLong term solutions for businessGo to the balconyWhat does a win look like?Links:www.williamury.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John P. Milton is an explorer and a true pioneer. He is a professor of environmental studies and has written books on ecology and environmental conservation. In the mid-1960s, he played a key role in fostering the environmental movement. He also helped author one of the earliest publications on the threat of rising global carbon dioxide levels. Starting very young, he pioneered bringing the ancient Vision Quest into a modern one, called Way of Nature. This is a quest on how to connect to the three nature's: the outer, inner and true. In this podcast:A pioneer for the environmentThe Way of Nature The Vision QuestWhy we need an educational system around the ecosystemThe fragility of modern highly centralised systemsHow leaders can come back into balance with natureLinks: [email protected]/wayofnature Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Johan Premfors is an unconventional entrepreneur with a global experience that is hard to match. He has moved from investment banking to post conflict reconstruction, to building a global coaching school. And today, his focus is on mental health and his and his wife's passion project, Gozamm, a technological platform that will forever change how we consume life changing content, and also how you grow with the people you care most about. In this podcast:Getting closer to the people you care aboutGozamm as a platform for changeThe importance of human connectionCreate human change within organisationsThe future according to JohanAdvice to leaders and organisationsLinks:https://gozamm.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Batstone is a Silicon Valley venture capitalist, on a mission to eradicate human trafficking and the global slave trade. And at the same time, he is what you might call a social justice warrior. David is the Founder and Managing Director of Just Business social impact investment firm. And he's also the founder of Not For Sale, which builds viable and successful companies and returns the profits back to the community. In this podcast:The Not For Sale modelFounding RebblSaving the Corporate Soul Designing a better worldEradicating human trafficking What David can teach the worldLinks:RebblSaving The Corporate Soul Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charles O'Malley works at the intersection of personal organisational and societal transformation. He has two decades of experience working on social and environmental issues with everyone from startups to large corporations and governments. Prior to that, he worked for a decade in finance and venture capital. He currently spends half of his time as Senior Systems Change Advisor at the UN Development Programme, where he focuses on how to accelerate transformation in global food and agricultural systems. He spends the rest of his time involved in a range of projects that bring together personal, organisational and systemic change.In this podcast:Personal organisational and systemic changeCollective sense-making processConnecting to a sense of purposeLong term solution for businessMake change with the resources you haveWhy leaders need to slow downLinks:The Power Of The Powerless Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rebecca Henderson is The John and Natty McArthur University Professor at Harvard Business School, a research fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research, and also a fellow of both the British Academy and of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Rebecca is an expert on innovation and organisational change. Her research explores how much the private sector can play a major role in building a more sustainable economy.In this podcast:Her dream for the futureReimagining CapitalismWhy change in business is necessaryBeing a tree huggerLessons from deathLinks:Book - Reimagining CapitalismRebecca Henderson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Lippert is the President and CEO of LCI Industries (LCII) listed on the New York Stock Exchange. LCII is a global manufacturer of components and engineered solutions for recreational vehicles, marine and transportation industries, with over 90 divisions and 14,000 team members worldwide. The key objective at LCII is to provide a positive experience for all of their customers, and at the heart of the company’s core values lies a culture of caring, which is transforming the company and the communities around it. In this podcast:The journey to caringSharing the knowledge with other companies Persuading stakeholders to invest in cultureImpressing culture on acquisitionsThe essence of LCII cultureThe business culture revolutionLinks:https://www.lci1.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Caswell created Group Partners as an antidote to the frustrations and missed opportunities of the leaders in the business world. He saw the lack of creativity and thoughtfulness forced on businesses through legacy processes, investment in the wrong objectives, and generally, how easy it was to solve the wrong problems really well. And above all, he saw how these things were all the better for being brought to life visually.In this podcast:The best way to have a visionPerpetual reinventionA passion for problemsWhat the world, businesses & leaders needLinks:https://www.grouppartners.online Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raj Sisodia has been on a mission to bring caring, humanity and healing to business and capitalism since 2007. He is a preeminent thought leader in the rapidly growing movement to redefine the purpose and role of business in society. He is co-founder and co-chairman of Conscious Capitalism Inc, and has published over 100 academic articles and 12 books including Conscious Capitalism, Everybody Matters and The Healing Organisation. His work has been featured in many media outlets such as Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Financial Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Economic Times, CNBC and many others. Raj is a Professor of Global Business and Wholefoods Market Research Scholar in Conscious Capitalism at Babson College. He's on the board of directors at The Container Store and a trustee of Conscious Capitalism, Inc.In this podcast:Happiness cannot be pursuedThe biggest challenges we faceRise of feminist valuesThe Athena doctrineCreating whole human beingsHeart, healing and soulLinks:Book - Conscious Capitalism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Sheridan is a successful entrepreneur, CEO, Chief Storyteller and co-founder of Menlo Innovations, a software design and development firm with an unexpected effect on their clients. 20,000 people from all over the world have visited Menlo over the past two years to understand what lies behind their magic culture. So no wonder Menlo has received numerous prestigious Business Excellence and Culture Awards. He's also an author of two best selling books: Joy, Inc, and Chief Joy Officer.In this podcast:Creating an intentional cultureJoy in businessTeamwork, collaboration, pairingScaling up and scaling downLong term solutions for businessDealing with self doubtLinks:Book - Joy, IncBook - Chief Joy Officer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Ytterborn is an experienced entrepreneur, he’s the founder and CEO of CAKE. And after more than three decades as an influential force in design and product development, he is now four years into his newest successful venture - CAKE. It's an electric motorbike company that wants to help the world on the journey to a zero emission society.In this podcast:Why CAKE is the opposite of motorbike cultureThe global rise of IKEABeing purposeful without expecting paybackTake a breakBe respectful, be patient, take actionThe importance of caring leadershipLinks:https://www.ridecake.com/en/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kristof De Spiegeleer is a humanist and serial entrepreneur. And for the past few years, he's been laying the foundation for a decentralised internet, building the next generation of IT infrastructure, and leveraging the power of blockchain. He believes that respect and transparency is the basis for solid business, and that doing good for the world and providing return for investors can coexist.In this podcast:What is ThreeFold and who is it forHow to become a farmer of internet capacityFinding a balance and building trustThe importance of compassion Do less with the mind and more with the heartLinks:http://threefold.io Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bob Chapman imagines a world where every person matters. He plans to change the world to achieve this.Bob is chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, a global $3 billion capital equipment business with more than 12,000 team members. He was recently named the number three CEO in the world in an Inc. magazine article. And Bob is very intentional about using his platform as a business leader to build a better world. Bob was recently asked the question - what do you do, and his reply highlights quite how incredible he is - he said, ‘we build great people who build extraordinary things’.In this podcast:Why we need leadershipHow to care for your peopleThe cure for our world is our education systemThe importance of empathetic listeningLinks:Chapman and Co. Leadership InstituteBooks: Everybody MattersConscious Capitalismwww.trulyhumanleadership.comwww.barrywehmiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bosun Tijani is a Nigerian British entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Co-Creation HUB, a pan-African hub for innovation. He drives the application of innovation and social capital for a better society across Africa. With a presence in 5 cities across Africa (Lagos, Nairobi, Abuja, Kigali and Ijebu Ode). CcHUB works closely with stakeholders - including entrepreneurs, technologists, civil society, government and private sector to identify and nurture novel solutions to pressing challenges in Africa. Bosun is a well awarded and celebrated leader and initiator of many groundbreaking innovations and tech clusters. In this podcast:Design and intentionCo Creation HUBOpportunities and challenges in AfricaSolving problems with science and technology The future is brightLong term business solutionsExperience, wisdom and empathy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marie Ringler is a member of Ashoka's Global Leadership Group and leads Ashoka's work in Europe. She founded Ashoka's Austrian office in 2011 and soon took over as Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe. Ashoka envisions a world in which everyone is a changemaker; a world where all citizens are powerful and contribute to change in positive ways. Ashoka supports over 4,000 leading social entrepreneurs from all over the world, mobilising a large global community of changemakers, to solve some of the world’s toughest social problems. Marie's work is featured extensively in international media, and she is a frequent speaker at conferences focusing on social entrepreneurship and innovation. In this podcast:Redesigning the futureUsing rats to clear landminesBuilding resilient societies through social innovationThe power of businessesThe positives from COVIDTrust is the best way to leadWhat makes a social entrepreneurLinks:http://marieringler.at/Giant rats put noses to work on Mozambique's landmines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Edmondson is the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School, studying human interactions that lead to the creation of successful companies for the betterment of society. She's been recognized by the Thinker's 50 Global ranking of management thinkers since 2011 and has received numerous top rankings and awards. She studies psychological safety and organizational learning.In this podcast:The ugly and beauty in transformational changeWhy don’t all companies create psychological safetyHer passion to create a better workplaceBuckminster FullerThe importance of system thinkingThe power of ‘I don’t know’Links:The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and GrowthBuilding the Future: Big Teaming for Audacious Innovationhttps://fearlessorganization.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katarina Graffman holds a PhD in cultural anthropology, and is a pioneer of consumer anthropology in a commercial context. She’s worked with clients such as IKEA, Volvo, Bloomberg, Swedish radio and BBC among many others. She’s there to help them understand consumer behaviour, preferences, and such like. But what is the real driver behind their eagerness to understand more about culture?In this podcast:How big business uses cultural anthropologyConsumer behaviour misconceptionsHow Katarina worksUnderstanding Gen ZDefault thinking and sense makingLinks:www.inculture.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Virginia Salas Kastilio is a hyper connector and serial entrepreneur who was named one of Inc. Magazine's top 26 Women to Change the World. She's an internationally acclaimed speaker, marketer and activist and having built multiple empires, she is currently helping "reconnect" humanity and bring consciousness into the mainstream through The I Trust You Movement (after previously disputing the social media landscape through her agency, Gini.TV). In this podcast:Self mastery and I Trust You The importance of human connectionLaw of attractionBeing a responsible influencerHuman connection in Silicon ValleyUnderstanding Gen ZLinks:humantrustlogistics.com  (Company Website)itrustuniversity.com  (Portfolio) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.