Donna Okell

Wicked Problems: Radical Solutions

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Introduction: A Moment for Transformation

As we enjoy the beauty and warmth of this stunning spring morning, it feels like a perfect opportunity to reflect on why we are where we are, and what the future holds.

Balancing the beauty and fragility of our world is a challenge.

Why does the world currently feel so fragile, and our future uncertain?

For decades, the relentless pursuit of economic growth has been our guiding star. Yet, as the climate and nature crisis worsen and societal inequalities widen, we have to ask: Is this trajectory sustainable? Can we really envision a future where prosperity doesn’t come at high cost to our planet and future generations?

The Illusion of Infinite Growth

Our current economic model is predicated on the notion of endless growth. Not a day passes without it being front and centre of each news bulletin. We’ve become obsessed.

Whether in our bodies, in nature, or the economy, unfettered growth is never good.

Economist Tim Jackson in his seminal work, Post Growth – Life After Capitalism, argues that the insatiable quest for more has led to environmental degradation, social disparities, and a hollowing out of genuine well-being.

He challenges us to rethink prosperity beyond mere financial metrics, advocating for an economy that prioritises ecological balance and human flourishing.

“The idea that we can just keep growing the economy, irrespective of planetary limits, is a dangerous delusion.” – Tim Jackson

Degrowth: A Path to Sustainable Well-Being

Echoing this sentiment, economic anthropologist Jason Hickel delves into the concept of degrowth – a deliberate downscaling of unnecessary economic activities in affluent nations to realign with the planet’s ecological boundaries.

Hickel emphasizes that degrowth isn’t about reducing quality of life; rather, it’s about enhancing well-being by focusing on what truly matters: community, health, and the environment.

“Degrowth is not about reducing GDP. It’s about reducing destructive and unnecessary production while increasing investment in the things that actually matter.” – Jason Hickel

A brilliant example of this shift is Amsterdam’s Doughnut City initiative, where urban planning now revolves around the Doughnut Economics framework. By integrating social foundations with ecological limits, Amsterdam is reimagining everything from housing policies to business incentives, ensuring economic activity serves both people and the planet.

Wales: Pioneering the Well-Being of Future Generations

An inspiring illustration of how this model really works can be found in Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act. This pioneering legislation mandates that public institutions consider the long-term impact of their decisions on both people and the planet.

“It’s about making sure that what we do today is good for our children’s tomorrow.” – Sophie Howe, Former Future Generations Commissioner for Wales

The Act compels government bodies to adopt policies that ensure sustainability, social equity, and environmental stewardship, making it a powerful case study for how national economies can shift towards a post-growth model.

Visualising a Balanced Future: The Doughnut Model

To conceptualise this vital balance between human needs and planetary limits, economist Kate Raworth introduced the Doughnut Economics model.

This framework envisions a safe and just space for humanity, nestled between a social foundation that guarantees essential human rights and an ecological ceiling that prevents environmental overshoot.

Examples of Doughnut Economics in Action:

  • Brabant, Netherlands: Regional policies integrating social well-being and ecological limits.
  • Cornwall, UK: Using the Doughnut framework to guide sustainable development projects.
  • Portland, USA: Embedding Doughnut principles in urban policy and community planning.

Regenerative and Distributive Economies in Practice

Beyond theory, businesses and societies are already proving that a post-growth world is not just possible—it’s happening:

  • Patagonia: A business that operates within planetary boundaries by prioritising sustainability over profit maximisation.
  • Bristol Pay: A local currency initiative fostering a wellbeing economy in the UK.
  • Acumen’s Social Enterprises: Impact-driven companies prioritising long-term social and environmental returns over short-term financial gains.

A Call to Action: Embracing a Thriving Future

In a world where 80% of our population still don’t have their basic needs met, the number of billionaires continues to increase (As of the Forbes 2024 list, there are 2,781 billionaires worldwide with a combined net worth of $14.2 trillion), and both food waste and an obesity crises grow side by side – most people would agree that it’s time for a reset. How have we allowed society and nature to become so out of balance, and what can we do about it?

This isn’t new thinking.

The words of Robert F Kennedy Jr in his 1968 speech at the University of Kansas feel more relevant than ever:

“Yet the gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages, the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country, it measures everything in short, except that which makes life worthwhile. And it can tell us everything about America except why we are proud that we are Americans.

If this is true here at home, so it is true elsewhere in world.”

The time has come to transcend traditional growth metrics and embrace economic models that are regenerative and distributive by design.

This shift requires collaborative efforts across sectors, innovative policy-making, and a collective reimagining of prosperity.

And the great news is that we already have the solutions.

This video offers a wonderful insight into what, with courageous, compassionate, collaborative leadership, the Great Transition may look like over the next 25 years.

By aligning our economic systems with the planet’s ecological thresholds and prioritising human well-being, we can pave the way for a future where both people and the planet thrive.

Let’s be bold. Let’s reimagine business. Let’s build a world where prosperity is measured not in endless growth, but in genuine human and planetary well-being.

We’re Just Not Frightened Enough

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“We’re just not frightened enough. The government needs to frighten us,” my sister said as we drove back from visiting my mum in hospital.

Hospital visits have a way of making us confront vulnerability, forcing us to appreciate our health and life itself. That day, our conversation turned to the future and the urgency of the climate and nature crisis.

Since I began learning about the polycrisis, my life has changed. Awareness leads to choices, and for the past five years, I’ve worked hard to understand and improve the impact of my decisions. I also strive to help business leaders, family, and friends do the same.

But it’s tough. Once you understand the depth of the crisis, the lack of meaningful action – especially at a government level – becomes unbearable.

My sister thinks most people don’t understand or really care about the climate crisis. But is she right?

A 2024 GOV.UK poll found that 80% of people are concerned about climate change, with 37% very concerned and 84% of people believed that the UK should strengthen its commitments to address climate change.

So, why isn’t radical, systemic change happening? Why does business-as-usual still dominate?

Understanding the Challenge

Here are just some of the recent comments I’ve heard:

  • “Some new technology will turn up.”
  • “But what difference will I make?”
  • “I work hard all year; I deserve some winter sun.”
  • “Why isn’t the government telling us what to do?”
  • “Amazon’s cheaper and faster.”

The reality? These attitudes, though common, are part of the problem. But we can shift them.

What Can We Do?

Step 1: Face the Reality

If we want real change, we need to start with understanding. Here are some key resources:

Step 2: Take Action That Matters

Want to have a better impact? Here are practical ways to start:

Step 3: Stay Informed and Inspired

Despite the doom-laden headlines, real progress is happening. Fix the News recently shared 86 stories of positive change in 2024 – worth a read for a much-needed boost.

Let’s Shape a Cleaner, Greener, Fairer Future

We need business leaders who are ready to act. If you want to understand and improve the impact of your decisions, let’s talk.

And if you’re serious about change, sign up for our newsletter to get insights, solutions, and practical ways to help your business create a better future.

Final Thoughts

We might not need to be ‘frightened into action’ but we do need to be inspired, informed, and empowered. The time for incremental change is over. The time for bold, radical action is now.

Let’s make it happen together.

Empathy: The Leadership Superpower We Can’t Afford to Lose

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Two contrasting quotes caught my attention this morning:

“The fundamental weakness of Western civilisation is empathy.”
— Elon Musk

“The death of human empathy is one of the earliest and most telling signs of a culture about to fall into barbarism.”
— Hannah Arendt

One views empathy as a flaw, a hindrance to progress. The other sees its erosion as a warning sign of societal decline. Both perspectives raise an urgent question: What kind of leaders are we celebrating today, and what does that mean for the future?

The Rise of the Empathy-Deficient Leader

In Western culture, power and success are often associated with traits like dominance, decisiveness, and unshakable confidence. We revere leaders who appear strong, who take risks, who defy the status quo. But too often, this celebration of strength comes at the expense of empathy, of kindness, and compassion.

Leaders like Elon Musk and Donald Trump have built their influence on disruption – sometimes at great cost to those around them. Their rhetoric and actions often reveal a belief that emotional connection is a weakness, that empathy slows us down. Yet, history tells us otherwise.

Empathy Is Not a Weakness – It’s a Strength

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It builds trust, fosters collaboration, and fuels innovation. Without it, leadership becomes self-serving, transactional, and, ultimately, destructive.

Empathy allows a leader to:

  • See beyond short-term gains to long-term impact.
  • Prioritise people and planet over profit and power.
  • Recognise that strength is not about crushing opposition but about lifting others up.

Empathetic Leadership in Action

Thankfully, history offers us powerful examples of leaders who embedded empathy as a force for good:

Jacinda Ardern – Leading with Compassion

As Prime Minister of New Zealand, Ardern set a global example of empathetic leadership. From her response to the Christchurch mosque attacks where she embraced grieving families and swiftly enacted gun reforms, to her handling of the COVID-19 crisis, her leadership was defined by care, kindness, and decisive action.

Jacqueline Novogratz – Investing in Dignity

Jacqueline Novogratz, founder and CEO of Acumen, has dedicated her career to tackling global poverty through “patient capital.” Her empathetic approach focuses on understanding the needs of underserved communities and investing in sustainable solutions that uphold human dignity. Since its founding in 2001, Acumen has impacted over 650 million individuals across Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and the United States.

Paul Polman – Redefining Corporate Responsibility

As CEO of Unilever, Polman rejected the traditional short-term profit model and courageously championed sustainable business practices. He understood that true leadership meant considering the impact on people and the planet, not just shareholders. His approach proved that empathy-driven business can also be highly successful.

The Academic Perspective: Empathy’s Role in Effective Leadership

There are myriad academic studies which illustrate the value of empathetic leadership. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Compassionate Leadership: This leadership style emphasises showing compassion to employees. Studies indicate that employees who experience compassion from leaders feel legitimised, valued, and more satisfied with their jobs. en.wikipedia.org
  • Jeremy Howick’s Research on Empathy: A Canadian-born philosopher and clinical epidemiologist based in the UK, Howick directs the Oxford Empathy Programme at the University of Oxford. His research focuses on evidence-based medicine, clinical empathy, and the philosophy of medicine, including the use of placebos in clinical practice and trials. en.wikipedia.org
  • Belinda Parmar’s Empathy Business: British entrepreneur and campaigner Belinda Parmar founded “The Empathy Business,” a consultancy that embeds empathy into companies. The firm published an annual “Global Empathy Index” in the Harvard Business Review, highlighting a causal relationship between corporate empathy and commercial performance. en.wikipedia.org

A Call to Action: The Leaders We Choose Shape the Future

Empathy is not a liability. It is not a weakness. It is what makes leadership human. In an era of climate crisis, inequality, and growing division, we need more leaders who see the world through the lens of shared responsibility, not individual gain.

So, as we reflect on these two opposing views of empathy in the quotes I saw this morning, we must ask ourselves:

  • What kind of leadership are we developing and celebrating?
  • Are we rewarding those who listen, understand, and act with compassion?
  • Or are we elevating those who see human connection as an obstacle to power?

Because the leaders we admire today will shape the world our children inherit tomorrow.

UK for Good Quarterly Insights: A Fireside Chat with Roman Krznaric

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Last year, we decided intentionally to pursue a ‘Less is More’ pathway.
Inspired very much by Jason Hickel’s book of the same name, we’re convinced that focusing on fewer things while driving greater impact is the way forward.

And to that end, we moved from Monthly Gatherings for UK for Good members, to Quarterly Insights for everybody who wants to shape a better world – together.

We would love to welcome you to our first Quarterly Insight of 2025; A Fireside Chat with the incredible Roman Krznaric, author and social philosopher.

Among other things, we’ll be discussing lessons learned from his books “The Good Ancestor” and “History for Tomorrow”, and exploring the vital question underpinning both books: How to think long term in a short-term world.

Reserve your ticket here

Navigating Uncertainty: Essential Reads and Resources for a Better Future

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In a world that feels increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA), finding sources of inspiration, knowledge, and actionable solutions is vital.

The following resources – grouped into academic research, podcasts, videos, and books provide tools to inspire curiosity, courage, compassion, and collaboration.

Academic Research

Dr James Hansen

Website: Columbia Climate School
One of the world’s foremost climate scientists, Hansen’s research and insights focus on climate change, its impacts, and solutions. His updates on global temperature trends and policy advice are essential for anyone seeking to understand the science of our warming planet.

Johan Rockström

Website: Planetary Health Check
Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Rockström co-developed the Planetary Boundaries framework. His work explores how we can maintain a “safe operating space” for humanity on Earth.

Business Declares

Organisation: Business Declares
Business Declares mobilises businesses to acknowledge and act on the climate emergency. A must-follow for business leaders seeking to align strategy with sustainability and are courageously committed to shaping a better world.

Katherine Hayhoe

Substack: Climate Action Insights
A climate scientist and communicator, Hayhoe’s insights are accessible and empowering, offering actionable advice on addressing climate issues with empathy and science.

Podcasts

Rachel Donald – Planet Critical

Website: Planet Critical
Exploring critical systems thinking and sustainability, this podcast dives into how we can address systemic challenges to ensure a livable future.

Antidote Live

Website: Antidote Live
A thought-provoking podcast featuring discussions on the intersection of culture, sustainability, and innovation.

Videos

Dave Borlace – Just Have a Think

YouTube Channel: Just Have a Think
Through insightful, well-researched videos, Borlace explains complex climate and social issues in an engaging and easy-to-understand way.

Books

Jacqueline Novogratz – The Blue Sweater and Manifesto for a Moral Revolution

Website: Acumen
Novogratz’s deeply personal narratives inspire readers to embrace a moral approach to entrepreneurship and social change. The Blue Sweater was the very first book I read before becoming a B Leader; it had a profound impact, as did Manifesto for a Moral Revolution.

John Elkington – Green Swans and Tickling Sharks

Website: Volans
Elkington known as ‘the godfather of sustainability’, explores the transformative potential of regenerative business practices. John’s Substack ‘Rewilding Markets’ is a valuable and thought-provoking resource too

Roman Krznaric – The Good Ancestor

World of Books Link: The Good Ancestor
Krznaric’s book challenges us to think long-term and act in the best interest of future generations.

Kate Raworth – Doughnut Economics

Website: Doughnut Economics
This paradigm-shifting book provides a framework for balancing human prosperity and ecological health.

Robin Wall Kimmerer – Braiding Sweetgrass and The Serviceberry

World of Books Link: Braiding Sweetgrass
Kimmerer’s work combines Indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge, offering profound lessons on reciprocity and stewardship.

Yvon Chouinard – Let My People Go Surfing

World of Books Link: Let My People Go Surfing
The Patagonia founder’s memoir is an inspiring guide to living and doing business in harmony with nature.

These resources are more than antidotes to uncertainty; they are roadmaps to a better, more sustainable future.

Dive in, share widely, and let’s navigate this journey together.

Buy Now: The Hidden Costs of Overconsumption

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Last night, I rewatched the powerful film Buy Now. It brilliantly lays bare the manipulation at the heart of our overconsumption crisis, revealing how big businesses employ sophisticated tactics to ensure we keep buying more – at enormous costs to people and our planet. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a must-watch for anyone curious about the hidden mechanisms driving our consumption habits.

It was a real insight. I remember when I first began learning about the root causes of climate change, about five years ago, I was shocked, saddened, and cross – I mean really cross. I immediately deleted my Amazon account, committed to not flying again, and became vegan.

Extreme? For some people it may seem so. For me, it was the first time I looked myself in the mirror and asked: “you knew, what did you do?” Once armed with the knowledge, I just had to take action.

As Maren Costa, a courageous former Amazon employee featured in the film, said:

“Outrage will create action, and action creates hope.”

These words resonate deeply in a world where we’re inundated with messages designed to compel us to buy more, more, and still more. But how exactly do corporations sustain this cycle of overconsumption, and what can we do to resist it?

The Tools of Manipulation

1. Planned Obsolescence

Many of the products we purchase are designed to fail or become obsolete within a short time. Whether it’s a smartphone that slows down after a couple of years or fashion trends that shift with each season, big businesses ensure we’re constantly in the market for the “next big thing.” According to a 2023 report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 85% of textiles end up in landfills each year, driven by the fast fashion industry.

2. Emotional Advertising

Brands craft narratives that tap into our desires for status, happiness, and belonging. The emotional pull of advertising can override rational decision-making, encouraging us to buy products we don’t need.

3. Artificial Scarcity

“Limited-time offers” and “out-of-stock” alerts exploit our fear of missing out (FOMO). These tactics push us to act impulsively, often leading to unnecessary purchases.

4. Cultural Normalisation of Overconsumption

From Black Friday sales to influencer-driven hauls, consumer culture normalises overconsumption as a marker of success. This has profound social and environmental consequences. For example, the UN Environment Programme highlights that if global consumption continues at its current rate, we would need 1.75 Earths to sustain our lifestyle.

The Costs We Can’t Ignore

Overconsumption doesn’t just strain our wallets; it’s wreaking havoc on our planet and communities:

  • Environmental Impact: The extraction of raw materials for consumer goods contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. The IPCC attributes some two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions to consumption.
  • Social Inequity: Many products are manufactured under exploitative conditions. A 2022 report by the Clean Clothes Campaign found that garment workers in low-income countries earn less than half the living wage.
  • Mental Health: The relentless push to consume leaves many feeling unfulfilled, perpetuating a cycle of dissatisfaction and consumption. Research links materialism to higher levels of anxiety and depression.

A Call to Action

Buy Now reminds us that we have the power to break this cycle. As Costa’s words inspire outrage, let that outrage fuel meaningful action. Here are three ways you can start shaping a better world today:

  1. Buy Less, Choose Better: Adopt a minimalist mindset. Before purchasing, ask yourself if the item adds true value to your life. Costa recommends placing the item you think you need in your online basket, and returning after a month to see whether or not you still need it.
  2. Support Responsible Businesses: Seek out companies committed to ethical practices, such as certified B Corps. Businesses like Tony’s Chocolonely, Elvis & Kresse, and Y.O.U Underwear demonstrate that profitability can go hand in hand with positive impact.
  3. Advocate for Change: Use your voice to demand greater accountability from corporations and policymakers. Join movements that promote sustainable consumption, like Fashion Revolution or Break Free From Plastic.

Hope Through Action

As we reflect on the powerful insights of Buy Now, let us remember: outrage must lead to action. And through action, we can create hope – not just for ourselves, but for future generations.

Together, we can build a world where business serves people and the planet, not the other way around.

So, what will you do next? Will you continue to be a cog in the machine, or will you take a stand for change?