Team Blickkontakt Archiv

Alexa Firmenich offers a profound insight into the necessity of aligning human systems with ecological systems to foster a regenerative future. Alexa, deeply influenced by Dzogchen Buddhism, emphasizes the importance of dissolving the ego to harmonize with nature, viewing herself as part of the wider ecological system rather than a separate entity. Her professional journey is a testament to this philosophy, with her work spanning the development of holistic measures for biodiversity at ETH Zurich, managing a nature-centric investment portfolio, and initiating "Life Worlds" podcast to explore human relationships with the non-human world.

Alexa challenges the current anthropocentric approach to climate and biodiversity, advocating for a shift in perspective that values the intrinsic worth of nature beyond its utility to humans. She underscores the role of empathy and care in overcoming the dualities that fragment our understanding of the world, suggesting that recognizing our interconnectedness with life forms can drive meaningful action towards regeneration.

Her approach to wealth and the good life diverges from conventional metrics, focusing on mental health, community, and purpose over material accumulation. Alexa envisions a world where wealth includes the thriving of all species, advocating for systems that integrate this broader definition of health and prosperity. She calls for participatory democratic structures, like citizen assemblies, to empower individuals with a sense of agency and collective power, reinforcing the importance of grassroots movements in driving societal change.

Despite the challenges of quantifying complex ecological and social values, Alexa sees potential in initiatives like true cost accounting and the Task Force for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) to make corporate impacts on nature more transparent and accountable. She believes that fostering an awareness of the non-dualistic nature of existence can inspire actions that are aligned with the health of the planet and all its inhabitants, suggesting that a shift in consciousness is essential for a regenerative market economy.

Alexa’s conversation is a call to action for a paradigm shift towards a regenerative and interconnected future, where the health of the planet and its diverse life forms are at the heart of economic and social systems. Her vision for a regenerative market economy is not just a dream but a roadmap for creating a world where humans and nature coexist in harmony and mutual respect.

In a world teetering on the brink, Nina's voice offers a refreshing breath of optimism. Ditching the "save the world" superhero cape, she shares a journey of finding profound joy and purpose in the "micro," in actions driven by passion and a deep connection to nature. Forget the spotlight, Nina champions the "humble hero," those who find fulfillment in contributing without fanfare.

Her message is a call to arms, but not with swords and shields. Instead, she urges us to lay down the weapon of fear and reclaim the inherent love that resides within us all. This, she believes, is the key to unlocking a future brimming with compassion and regeneration. It's simple, yet potent: start with your family, the bedrock of your world. Practice compassion, nurture love, and witness its ripple effect transform your reality, one small act at a time.

Join us as we delve into:

The hidden joys and profound purpose found in the "micro"

Shifting from fear to love as the driving force for change

Embracing the power of the "humble hero"

Cultivating compassion in the tapestry of everyday life

Practical steps for building a world woven with love

This conversation is a balm for the soul, a reminder that even amidst the storm, hope and joy can blossom. Take a deep breath, tune in, and be inspired by the transformative power of love. Let Nina's infectious optimism guide you on a journey towards a future brimming with possibility, where love becomes the revolution.

Today you are treated to a profound exploration of what constitutes a "good life" and how a societal and economic system can foster such a life for all. Asha delves into her rich tapestry of personal and professional experiences, ranging from her early life influenced by diverse cultures and her adventures across Europe, to her academic pursuits in engineering and business, and her eventual deep dive into the realms of yoga, meditation, and sustainable living. This eclectic background sets the stage for her current work in facilitating complex adaptive systems and her commitment to fostering dialogues that bridge differences and cultivate a shared vision for the future.

Asha's narrative weaves through her journey of self-discovery, professional evolution, and her passionate engagement with environmental and societal regeneration. From her childhood adventures across various countries to her work in garden design, business English teaching in Italy, and her transformative experiences in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, Asha's life story is a testament to the power of curiosity, adaptability, and the search for meaning beyond conventional boundaries.

Central to the conversation is Asha's nuanced understanding of "New Wohlstand" or prosperity, which she envisions as a harmonious blend of personal freedom, community connection, and a deep engagement with nature and the arts. Asha articulates a compelling vision for a regenerative market economy where diverse forms of capital—beyond just financial—are recognized and nurtured. She emphasizes the importance of local, contextual adaptations to global challenges, advocating for a societal shift towards valuing creativity, community, and sustainable living practices.

Asha's insights into complex adaptive systems, coupled with her personal journey, offer a refreshing perspective on how individuals and societies might navigate the challenges of the 21st century. Her emphasis on dialogue, experiential learning, and the cultivation of diverse forms of capital as pathways to a regenerative future highlights the potential for profound societal transformation rooted in interconnectedness and mutual respect.

This episode with Jack Manning Bancroft delves into a wide range of topics centered around societal change, personal development, leadership, and the interaction with nature and indigenous wisdom. Our conversation begins with Jack describing his connection to the oldest continuous culture in the world, his journey of navigating between different spaces and cultures, and his efforts to address global inequity through imaginative solutions. Jack discusses his motivation to push boundaries, to explore the edges of human potential, and his belief in causing "good trouble" to foster kindness and abundance. He shares insights into his 20-year journey of working at the edge, breaking norms, and challenging societal structures to bring about change.

Jack emphasizes the importance of mentoring, knowledge sharing, and the role of stories in understanding and addressing inequity. He reflects on his personal growth, the responsibility of being a mentor, and the impact of mentoring on developing a moral and ethical framework. The conversation also covers the need for humanity to engage with nature and other species in a more intelligent and relational manner, suggesting that true wealth and contentment come from being in harmony with the world around us.

Jack discusses the power of imagination in creating a better future, the role of leadership in facilitating change, and the importance of moving beyond fear to embrace possibilities. He advocates for a shift in economic models to prioritize custodianship over acquisition, highlighting the potential of nature-based economies and the value of integrating indigenous knowledge and systems thinking into contemporary societal structures.

The dialogue touches on the challenges of modern communication and social networks, the necessity of embracing complexity, and the potential for creating a more connected and empathetic world through unlikely connections and collaborative efforts. Jack's perspective offers a compelling vision for regenerative market economies, where human activities are aligned with the health of the planet and the well-being of all its inhabitants.

Daniel Dahm, Wissenschaftler und Aktivist und Pionier  auf dem Gebiet der Nachhaltigkeit und regenerativen Wirtschaft, erörtert zunächst die Grundprinzipien der regenerativen Marktwirtschaft. Er betont, dass diese Wirtschaftsform darauf abzielt, Ressourcen zu erneuern und zu erhalten, anstatt sie zu erschöpfen. Dahm argumentiert, dass eine solche Wirtschaftsweise nicht nur ökologisch nachhaltig, sondern auch ökonomisch vorteilhaft ist, da sie langfristige Stabilität und Wohlstand fördert.

Im Verlauf des Gesprächs geht Dahm auf die Herausforderungen und Möglichkeiten ein, die mit der Umstellung auf eine regenerative Marktwirtschaft verbunden sind. Er spricht über die Notwendigkeit, bestehende Wirtschaftsstrukturen und Denkweisen zu überdenken und betont die Rolle von Innovation und Technologie bei der Förderung regenerativer Praktiken. Dahm hebt hervor, dass ein Umdenken in der Gesellschaft und bei den Entscheidungsträgern erforderlich ist, um den Übergang zu einer nachhaltigeren Wirtschaftsweise zu ermöglichen.

Des Weiteren diskutiert Dahm konkrete Beispiele und Fallstudien, die zeigen, wie regenerative Wirtschaftspraktiken in verschiedenen Sektoren umgesetzt werden können. Er bezieht sich dabei auf Erfahrungen aus der Landwirtschaft, der Energieerzeugung und anderen Industrien, um zu demonstrieren, wie regenerative Ansätze sowohl ökologische als auch ökonomische Vorteile bieten können.

Abschließend betont Dahm die Dringlichkeit des Handelns angesichts der globalen Umwelt- und Klimakrise. Er fordert die Zuhörer auf, sich aktiv für eine regenerative Marktwirtschaft einzusetzen und betont, dass jeder Einzelne einen Beitrag zur Förderung nachhaltiger Praktiken leisten kann. Dahm schließt mit einem Appell zur Zusammenarbeit und Innovation, um eine nachhaltigere und gerechtere Zukunft für alle zu schaffen.

In this conversation Melanie Rieback shared her insights on "new prosperity" and her journey toward social entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on Post Growth Entrepreneurship (PGE). Melanie's venture into creating Radically Open Security as a not-for-profit, foundation-owned company was highlighted as an example of her commitment to using business as a form of activism, redefining success in the business world away from purely profit-driven motives.

During the podcast, Melanie elaborated on her initiative, the PGE Roadshow, which she had launched just five days prior to the recording. This initiative is a significant step towards spreading the ethos of Post Growth Entrepreneurship to a wider audience, particularly targeting business schools and startup incubators. For those interested in gaining deeper insights into the PGE Roadshow and potentially participating, Melanie shared a LinkedIn post (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mrieback_post-growth-entrepreneurship-roadshow-activity-7135392641277431808-7kMz) detailing the initiative. Additionally, she provided a sign-up form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEKGw5xdUhCXzfMup5Oahmtb6Czws0Ue-8eRkRUPmUgoelEA/viewform) for those interested in bringing the concept of Post Growth Entrepreneurship to their local communities.

To further explain and provide context to Post Growth Entrepreneurship, Melanie Rieback provided several resources. This includes a 3-minute PGE explainer video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHR2py46co4) available on YouTube, offering a concise overview of the concept. Additionally, an article on Medium (https://medium.com/postgrowth/putting-post-growth-theory-into-practice-70033f334088) provides a detailed explanation of PGE incubation. For those interested in a more in-depth exploration, a PGE class video playlist (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL14vcCXv7XVONAwzNv0ApYwZ5iepLzz3S) is available on YouTube, showcasing the practical aspects of PGE. Moreover, the homepage of the PGE incubator, Nonprofit Ventures, can be found at nonprofit.ventures (https://nonprofit.ventures/learn-more/), offering additional resources and insights into the implementation of PGE principles.

Melanie's initiatives in education, her PGE Roadshow, and the provided resources collectively reflect a deep commitment to exploring and promoting new models of business and economic systems. These efforts focus on sustainability, social responsibility, and a shift away from traditional profit-driven approaches, aiming to create a more sustainable and equitable business landscape.

Tharald is Norwegian, grew up in Norway, and studied physics in the US. Coming from a family that emphasized positive societal impact and business success, he ventured into the tech space after his studies, starting several companies. His journey into impactful life began around 2010 when he started working with Ashoka, helping social entrepreneurs make a positive impact. This experience led him to impact investing and eventually, in 2014, he committed to 100% impact, dedicating his time, capital, and skills to creating positive global change.

He talks about starting Catapult in 2016, which included initiatives like the Catapult FutureFest, Catapult Accelerator, and others, focusing on mobilizing people around impact investing, technology, and building a better society. The discussion also touches upon how businesses can be a force for good, combining problem-solving with profitable models.

Tharald also shares his views on what constitutes a good life and society, discussing concepts like Wohlstand (well-being beyond just material wealth) and the idea of a post-scarcity society. He believes in the importance of having material needs and security met, allowing people to focus on more fulfilling aspects of life.

The conversation delves into the shifts needed in the financial system to support this vision. Tharald argues for the integration of externalities into the financial system, the shift from short-term profit focus to long-term impact, and the need for a fundamental change in the perception of capital's purpose. He also emphasizes the role of innovation in addressing global challenges, such as energy transition and sustainable practices.

Regarding technology, Tharald acknowledges its potential drawbacks, like being energy and materials hungry, but believes in the necessity of sustainable innovation. He stresses the importance of a more conscious approach to technology development and use, particularly in terms of energy consumption and the environmental impact.

In relation to Africa, Tharald discusses the potential for entrepreneurial and business solutions to address social and environmental challenges. He notes the positive shifts in tech competence, investment, and market functionality in Africa and the concept of leapfrogging, where developing regions can bypass certain stages of development and adopt advanced technologies more quickly.

Tharald concludes by emphasizing the importance of an abundant mindset and collaboration for positive impact. He advocates for a culture shift from fear and scarcity to abundance and growth, suggesting that societal and cultural shifts need to go hand in hand with business, investing, and financial system changes. His vision is for a world where everyone collaborates to solve problems and create a better society.

Rachel describes herself as a human being at her core, deeply involved in investigating gaslighting in the realm of climate corruption. She focuses on those who claim to do good but continue harmful practices. This drive stems from her upbringing in a household with a strong orientation towards justice, yet marred by unspoken pain and gaslighting. Rachel emphasizes the importance of truth-telling and courage, especially in the face of widespread disinformation and a misleading political stage.

Rachel’s journey has been varied and unconventional. She started as a tabloid journalist, later quitting to pursue different paths, including teaching in France, running a publishing house in Eastern Germany, and working in a corporate role. Throughout her career, she remained focused on communication, education, and uncovering underlying truths.

Her path led her to develop the Planet Critical podcast, which evolved into a platform for investigating capitalism and the climate crisis. Rachel’s work in this area highlighted the interconnectedness of corrupt politics, financial systems, and environmental degradation. She rebranded her work to focus on climate corruption and crisis resolution.

Rachel shares her definition of wealth, discussing how it is derived from the exploitation of natural abundance. She believes that wealth transformation is analogous to energy transformation, emphasizing that power in the world is the capacity to transform natural abundance into sovereign wealth. Rachel advocates for rethinking our relationship with natural resources and wealth creation.

Discussing the concept of a good life, Rachel emphasizes the importance of being part of a community and ecosystem, appreciating natural abundance without ownership, and fostering joy, fearlessness, trust, and protection. She envisions a world where people are more connected to the life cycles of things they engage with and are aware of the origins and production of everyday items.

Rachel critiques the concept of work as a societal scam, suggesting that communities should focus on providing what they need rather than laboring for profit. She envisions a future where communities are self-sufficient, networked, and operate on natural resource budgets, prioritizing collective well-being over individual gain.

The conversation delves into governance, where Rachel proposes a form of anarchy characterized by community sovereignty and networking. She discusses the need for accountability and the role of compassion and violence in governance. Rachel emphasizes the importance of recognizing our full human potential, including the capacity for violence and goodness.

Rachel discusses the possibility of global solidarity and the need for the working classes worldwide to recognize their shared exploitation. She highlights the importance of diverse voices and perspectives in shaping a more equitable and just world.

Karel describes himself as a 'Business Romantic' and an 'Innovation Rebel', emphasizing his desire to challenge the status quo and promote continuous change. He stresses the importance of adapting and thinking creatively, especially in today's fast-paced world where traditional innovations may no longer be sufficient.

The discussion explores the subjectivity of 'a good life', suggesting that it varies greatly based on individual circumstances and cultural backgrounds. Karel, drawing from his extensive experience, underlines the significance of having basic needs met without anxiety, and the crucial role of social capital in ensuring a sense of safety and support in society.

Karel also delves into cultural differences he has observed, particularly in Germany, and contrasts these with his own experiences. He notes the differences in attitudes towards the elderly, the value of social capital, and communal support systems.

The conversation touches upon the economic system and societal agreements, where Karel proposes a balance between financial capital and social capital. He advocates for cooperation without expectations of return, contributing to society for its own sake. This philosophy extends to his role as an academic and mentor, where he aims to contribute to the community.

Karel's insights on untainted love and empathy are profound. He shares an exercise of looking into another person's eyes, leading to a realization of interconnectedness and empathy. This reflects his broader perspective on the importance of seeing others as extensions of ourselves.

Lynda, a Nigerian and an assistant professor of international relations, shares her journey from Nigeria to Berlin for her PhD and eventually working in a U.S. institution while living in Qatar. She discusses the significance of names in African cultures and her Igbo ethnicity. Despite the political and economic challenges in Nigeria, she still considers it home 

The concept of a good life, according to Lynda, is subjective and influenced by one's background. Growing up in Nigeria, her idea of a good life was having enough to support herself, her family, and her community, reflecting the communal culture she was raised in. She emphasizes the importance of having enough to cover basic needs without anxiety 

Lynda touches upon the challenges of traveling with a Nigerian passport due to global perceptions and restrictions. She values the learning and growth that comes from interacting with different cultures of 'enough' in different cultures, where Lynda emphasizes covering basic needs and the value of social capital in feeling safe and supported 

The conversation delves into cultural differences observed in Germany, particularly in attitudes towards the elderly and the value of social capital. Lynda contrasts this with the communal support systems in Nigerian culture, where families and communities play a significant role in taking care of each other 

Regarding the economic system and societal agreements, Lynda suggests the necessity of balancing financial capital with social capital. She observes that in her experience, societies tend to cooperate with an expectation of return, and advocates for cooperation without such expectations, simply as a contribution to society. This philosophy extends to her role as an academic, where she mentors students not for personal gain but to contribute to the community 

Finally, the conversation touches upon the concept of untainted love and the importance of seeing others as a reflection of ourselves. Lynda recounts an exercise that involved looking into another person's eyes, which led to a profound realization of interconnectedness and empathy 

Overall, Lynda's insights offer a rich perspective on cultural differences, the meaning of a good life, and the importance of community and social capital in personal and societal well-being.

Jessie Lydia Henshaw has unique insights to share based on her diverse background. Growing up surrounded by scientists and educators, she studied physics but recognized the need to understand systems holistically over time. Her studies led her to architecture, where she pioneered solar building and microclimate research.

Through meticulously monitoring energy flows in houses, Jessie discovered that energy moves through organization, not just abstract numbers. This realization launched her into the fields of general systems theory and recognizing nature's patterns. She saw that all growth systems, from the smallest cells to entire civilizations, proceed through explosive, extractive growth before shifting resources toward maintaining stability and continuity when contexts change.

Applying this lens, Jessie perceives that civilization has perfected tools for multiplying power while losing sight of impacts on surrounding contexts. Now, an overpowering economic system steers itself according to profits alone toward inevitable limits. For Jessie, true wealth integrates reasoning and feelings, allows healthy potential to emerge from small beginnings, and freely completes one's journey from immaturity to mature engagement with the world.

An economic system respecting nature would distribute some profits to relieve accumulated crises and use some to proactively steer toward societal well-being beyond growth. Jessie also sees wisdom in returning to the roots of words to reveal original intents linking mind to nature. This fosters cohesion over artificial divisions and misunderstandings.

If civilization's survival instincts could encompass more than individual lives, the actors dominating the global economic system might recalibrate to emphasize retaining internal cohesion before risks of fragmentation destroy cultures. Listening deeply to Jessie's thoughtful perspective gives hope that through open discourse, common ground supporting human and natural well-being can be rediscovered.

Indy shares that his experiences growing up in Delhi during riots in the 1980s shaped his view on the power of division and violence, leading him to question underlying philosophies and seek coherence. He studied architecture and was interested in democratizing how we construct our built environments and societies, which gave him insights into how we create environments and the limitations of current systems.

Indy discusses the concept of "self-terminating" systems, where our treatment of nature as a dead resource to consume is actually driving feedback loops that are destroying ecological systems and impacting humanity. This feedback is building planetary intelligence. He advocates for a shift to seeing nature as generative rather than a resource, and moving to relationships of treaty rather than enslavement through concepts like property, which opens up new concepts of wealth and relationships.

Indy's work with Dark Matter and others explores new frameworks like houses and land that own themselves, self-sovereign surveillance systems, tree canopies as assets rather than liabilities, and reimagining governance of natural and technological systems. He sees the need for soul, worldview and institutional shifts alongside technological change to transition to systems that are life-affirming for all, including humans, non-humans and machines.

Indy envisions a potential future of hyperabundance if we can survive the next few decades, once energy superabundance is unlocked, but warns excessive consumption could be self-terminating without shifts in how we see ourselves. His key concept to embed in all humanity is seeing ourselves not as individuals but as multitudes, beings that are interbecomings as verbs not nouns, defined by our relationships and entanglement with all of existence.

Gugulethu, a South African native and daughter of a miner and a nurse, shares her experiences growing up in a mining town, her academic journey, and her eventual gravitation towards agriculture. Despite initially studying agriculture at university as a means to an end, she later found a genuine connection to it, especially after volunteering on a farm.

Gugulethu's narrative includes challenges such as unemployment, redefining her identity, and the transition from studying human physiology, genetics, and psychology to embracing agriculture. She narrates her unexpected introduction to agriculture through volunteering, leading to a deeper understanding of herself and her passions.

Her entrepreneurial journey began with spinach farming, which thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the resilience and potential of agriculture as a business. Despite initial struggles, including debt and crop damage due to weather conditions, she persisted and eventually diversified into aquaponics, leveraging an accidental mislabeling by the China Global Television Network. This mislabeling led to an opportunity with a German investor and her involvement in a commercial aquaponics farm.

Gugulethu highlights the role of women in agriculture, emphasizing their meticulous nature and their ability to think beyond business to community welfare. She discusses the importance of skills development and the integration of modern agricultural techniques like aquaponics for economic growth and sustainability.

Towards the end of the interview, Gugulethu touches upon the regenerative potential of agriculture, especially in transitioning communities reliant on mining to more sustainable practices. She emphasizes the need to respect and rejuvenate nature, envisioning an economic system where agriculture plays a central role in wealth creation and societal well-being.

Her vision of wealth is deeply connected to nature, land, and the nurturing of resources for long-term prosperity. Gugulethu's story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and a deep connection to the land and community.

Dieses Gespräch mit Henning Reiche, dem Gründer von Truesday Cafe bietet interessante Einblicke in die Welt des nachhaltigen Kaffeehandels. Henning erzählt von seiner Reise, die ihn von der Gastronomie und Hotellerie zum Gründer eines Kaffeeunternehmens führte, das sich auf die Internalisierung der versteckten Kosten im Kaffeeanbau konzentriert. Diese Kosten umfassen Umweltaspekte wie Klimawandel, Boden- und Wasserverschmutzung sowie soziale Kosten.

Henning hebt hervor, wie sein Unternehmen durch die Zusammenarbeit mit NGOs und die Nutzung von Primär- und Sekundärdaten die tatsächlichen Kosten des Kaffeeanbaus ermittelt. Diese umfassende Betrachtung ermöglicht es ihnen, einen "wahren Preis" für Kaffee zu berechnen, der alle Umwelt- und sozialen Kosten berücksichtigt. Er betont, dass ihr Kaffee zwar teurer ist als herkömmlicher Kaffee, aber für Liebhaber von Spezialitätenkaffee durchaus erschwinglich ist.

Ein zentrales Thema des Gesprächs ist die Verantwortung der Verbraucher und der Politik für die Umwelt- und sozialen Kosten der Produkte, die wir konsumieren. Henning argumentiert, dass viele Produkte, wie billiger Kaffee und Fleisch, aufgrund ihrer versteckten Kosten nicht auf dem Markt sein sollten. Er spricht sich für mehr Transparenz und Bewusstsein bei den Verbrauchern aus und betont die Notwendigkeit, unseren Konsum zu überdenken und nachhaltigere Entscheidungen zu treffen.

Das Interview endet mit einem Aufruf zu mehr Bewusstsein und Verantwortung im Konsumverhalten. Henning  und Sebastian, diskutieren die Bedeutung von bewussteren Kaufentscheidungen und der Berücksichtigung der wahren Kosten, die über den Preisetiketten hinausgehen. Sie betonen, dass ein Umdenken in der Art und Weise, wie wir konsumieren und welche Produkte wir unterstützen, entscheidend für eine nachhaltigere Zukunft ist.