Lieven Callewaert

In this conversation, social entrepreneur Lieven
Callewaert shares his personal and professional journey
toward fostering regenerative systems. His quest began with a
longing for simplicity, a stark contrast to the
complex life he was leading. A pivotal moment was the complicated
birth of his second child, Amber, which shattered his perception
of conventional systems and catalyzed a profound reconnection
with himself, nature, and community. 

This journey ultimately led him from Belgium to a small,
close-knit island community near Vancouver, Canada.


Lieven explains that true, simple connection is the precondition
for creating coherence in any group. His work focuses on creating
the conditions for deep listening and helping
people remember what truly connects them. He emphasizes
"place-based" approaches, arguing that physical location provides
a natural boundary and common ground that facilitates genuine
conversation. By fostering a safe space where a group's
collective wisdom can emerge, it's possible to move beyond
conflict and toward shared direction and action.



The conversation then explores the challenge of applying this
"inside-out" approach to drive large-scale systemic change.
Lieven notes the frustration that only about 1%
of investors and leaders grasp this deep, preparatory work. The
solution, he argues, is not to talk about change anymore but to
manifest it in tangible projects, such as innovative housing
developments. By creating "living labs," it's possible to
demonstrate new, regenerative models that can attract capital and
challenge existing regulations. He concludes that the key is to
remember our innate wisdom and our fundamental sense of
belonging—to ourselves, to each other, and to
the natural world—as the foundation for building a regenerative
future.