This question speaks directly to our inner development—to how we perceive the world, make choices, and align our actions with what truly matters. It invites us to slow down, reflect on our values, and question the cultural story of endless growth and consumption. I am deeply inspired by a recent episode of The Great Simplification, where Helena Norberg-Hodge, a pioneer in the localization movement, speaks with Nate Hagens about the deeper systemic forces behind our global crises. Together, they explore how economic globalization has contributed to environmental destruction, social disconnection, and cultural loss—and how a shift toward more localized, relational, and regenerative economies might be a vital step forward. At its core, this shift isn’t just political or economic—it’s personal and developmental. It calls on us to cultivate: - Critical thinking – to see through the dominant narratives of progress and growth. - Compassion and empathy – to recognize the lived impact of these systems on people and the planet. - Inner compass and courage – to make different choices, even when they go against the mainstream. - Connectedness – to rediscover our place in local communities, in nature, and in shared purpose. 👉 Helena puts it plainly: “We are being sold a worldview that takes us further and further away from nature and from each other. It’s time to wake up to who is really benefitting—and imagine a different path rooted in reconnection.” 💬 How does this land for you? What does enough mean in your life or work? And what inner capacities do we need to build to help shape more localized, life-supporting systems? 🦉Her DAILY practice of the FIVE R's gave me a ton of energy and optimism. What about You? Let’s open the conversation Sending you all much love, compassion and compelling conversation. https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/181-helena-norberg-hodge Full transcript here: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TGS-182-Helena-Norberg-Hodge-Transcript.pdf

This week we were in conversation with Elif whose story begins not with action, but with a pause. After years in research, social science, and academia—and the disorienting experience of moving between countries—Elif found herself “getting lost in the kitchen,” a phrase she uses to describe the quiet unraveling and reassembling of her sense of purpose. It was in this space of stillness and introspection that she began to reconnect with herself. Time slowed down, and with it came the opportunity to reflect deeply on the choices she had made—and the ones she still could. Fast forward to COVID and she attends the 2022 IDG summit online and something clicks, she senses a shift in her and all the pieces she’s been reflecting upon begin to align.... It's 2024, she’s back in Turkey, her country of birth, when 79 women are elected as mayors across Turkish cities. Watching this happen Elif feels a strong calling to reach out to them, believing that the knowledge of the IDGs would support their leadership as mayors. Immediately five very curious newly elected mayors responded! Soon they gathered for an initial meeting where they focused on their inner compass, took time to tell their stories, shared their values and discussed how they wanted to lead as mayors. This initial meeting created a deep bond between them, for the first time they felt connected to each other as well as to something greater that they could aspire to. Over the next 8 months, despite their hectic schedules, the mayors met 3 more times and their energy to co-create change grew stronger. Each session was initiated with intention, and they embarked on a theory U journey, co-sensing leading to co-creation. All the while Elif is connecting the dots of her own uncertainty and understanding from her experiences in Caux, with the IDGs, the SDGs, and with a change process. In December she proposes that the mayors focus on women and climate and organize World Café discussions in each of their cities. Despite numerous obstacles with Elif’s guidance they spend 4 months organizing the events. In April 2025 in 5 cities Turkish women from different backgrounds come together to connect and engage on climate change in their cities.

Happy (Easter) Sunday to you all! Two things: 1. Next Tuesday, April 22nd, 6pm CET, 12pm ET, we're hosting another 'What Are the IDGs?' call. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the framework, in a playful way, with meaningful conversations. Check the details & sign up now. 2. Below you'll find a summary of our call last Tuesday, about the Inner Alchemy cards by @Marielle Van Hemert as well as the replay of the call. Take-aways from the Inner Alchemy call: 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣 It’s about self-awareness, empathy, and reflection. Conscious leaders are purpose-driven and consider the impact of their actions on people and the planet—not just business outcomes. 𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙤𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩 Many leaders operate in a constant state of stress (“fight, flight, or freeze”), which narrows perspective and limits connection. This leads to burnout, disengagement, and unsustainable practices. 𝙄𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝘼𝙡𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨: 𝙋𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙙𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙩𝙝 These cards help leaders nurture their inner state, offering a simple daily ritual to reconnect, find calm, and gain clarity—no lengthy meditation required. 𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢𝙨: 𝙎𝙤𝙞𝙡, 𝙎𝙚𝙖, 𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄𝙣𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 We dove into four key themes. In the “Home” group, the conversation centered on what “home” truly means in the context of leadership and well-being. We discussed how creating a sense of home—safety, belonging, and authenticity—within ourselves and our organizations is foundational for conscious leadership. When people feel “at home,” they are more open, creative, and resilient, which ripples out to healthier teams and more impactful organizations. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 6 𝙀𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 (𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝘿𝙂𝙨 & 𝙎𝘿𝙂𝙨): 1. Being: Who am I? 2. Thinking: How does my mind work? 3. Relating: How do I care for myself and others? 4. Collaborating: Who is with me on this journey? 5. Acting: How do I persevere and move forward? 6. Impacting: How can I amplify my positive impact in the world?

Soil 🌱 —a simple, four-letter word, yet it holds profound meaning, doesn’t it? What comes up for you when you read it? Is it the foundation of life, the source of growth, or perhaps a reminder of connection to the earth? In our upcoming workshop on April 15th at 12pm CET, we’ll delve into reflections like these as part of the Inner Alchemy game, guided by @Marielle Van Hemert. Using her beautifully crafted Inner Alchemy card deck, we’ll explore how personal growth can align with global impact, connecting Inner Development Goals (IDGs) with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ✨ What You’ll Experience: ✅ Reflect on SDG themes like UnEqual, Home, Sea, and Soil to envision meaningful impact in breakout groups. ✅ Choose one card to inspire actionable steps in your leadership today. ✅ Learn practical techniques for using the Inner Alchemy Cards to align your leadership with your values and vision. ✅ End with a moment of appreciation and discover how this transformative deck can become a tool for your journey. This session is perfect for leaders who: ➡ Seek to inspire change with purpose. ➡ Are passionate about connecting personal growth to a better world. ➡ Want practical tools for self-reflection and collaboration. RSVP for this workshop now! https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/sclWikflSJqIe4VR9SqAKw Let’s create impact together, one card at a time. 🌟 Yes, we'll record it and share with you here. See you next Tuesday! And go put your hands in some soil this weekend ;-) Sarah

In challenging times, it’s easy to feel powerless—as if the big changes happening in the world are beyond our influence. But what if the opposite is true? 💡 Optimism is not a naïve perspective but a conscious choice. It gives us the strength to take action and shape change. 💡 Hope is our inner compass. It reminds us that new possibilities are always emerging—even when we can’t see them yet. 💡 Personal agency is our key. It shows us that every small action matters and that together, we can create a regenerative future. Looking back at this week, we had two influential gatherings on this very subject. 🔹 On Wednesday, we concluded our trilogy on “Agency and IDGs” with the IDG GPN monthly gathering. In small breakouts, we immersed ourselves in an exercise of stepping into our agency—a powerful reminder of how we can embody change. 🔹 On Thursday, during our March ID@Work Connection Call, we explored optimism and hope through the lens of yin-yang energies, embracing the balance between light and shadow in shaping our perspective on the future. 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫: 🔸 What gives you hope and confidence? 🔸 How do you strengthen your own influence on the world? 🔸 What small, intentional steps can you take today to embody change? Please share your thoughts, experiences, and inspirations in the comments. Have a wonderful weekend !!!