Reimagine

In the quest to understand what drives us, dopamine stands out as a crucial chemical messenger in our brains. It acts as an early warning system, alerting us to the unknown and fueling our desire to seek out new experiences. This is not just about material gains but extends to our projects, ideas, and the constant pursuit of 'what else' is out there.This podcast episode delves into the concept of dopamine as a catalyst for creativity. It redefines the act of creation not as mere novelty but as a unique recombination of existing elements. Creativity, therefore, is deeply rooted in our biological makeup, driven by the innate urge to explore the uncharted.Dopamine doesn't just compel us to explore; it's the very essence of our creative spirit. Whether it's in the arts or the culinary world, the thrill of combining unfamiliar elements leads to innovation. However, this pursuit is not without its pitfalls. Our fascination with the new often means we leave projects unfinished as soon as the allure of the unknown wanes.Furthermore, the discussion touches on the implications of this understanding for education and personal growth. By tapping into the motivational power of dopamine, learning can become a pursuit, an adventure that naturally engages the mind. This isn't limited to conscious effort; much of our profound insights and problem-solving occur below the level of conscious thought, in the realms of the unconscious mind.Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

This episode tackles the issue of a creativity deficit in the sustainability movement, urging a shift from vague statistics to a more emotion-driven, visionary approach. The conversation suggests the implementation of real-time feedback mechanisms, similar to a "Fitbit for the planet," to effectively measure and adjust environmental campaigns. Such feedback loops are crucial for fostering a sense of immediate impact and accountability.The discussion also highlights the importance of concentrating efforts on singular behaviors or problems. By zeroing in on specific actions, the movement can inspire individual change without detracting from the broader systemic transformation that is urgently needed. This focused approach could stimulate more innovative thinking and emotional engagement within the sustainability movement.Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

This segment critiques the predominant startup incubation model that follows the Silicon Valley pattern of prioritizing capital infusion, rapid scaling, and eventual exit strategies. This model may not always align with the best interests of startup founders and might lead to businesses prioritizing investor expectations over sustainable growth.In contrast, the post-growth entrepreneurship model champions bootstrapping, steady growth, and reinvestment in the company rather than extraction for investors. This alternative approach promotes long-term sustainability and value creation, preventing companies from being set up for quick sales that can undermine their foundational principles.The conversation advocates for a fundamental shift towards better governance structures within companies. By reorienting governance, businesses can inherently address broader environmental and social issues, fostering a more holistic and responsible business ecosystem that balances profitability with societal goodReimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

This episode delves into the concept of complementary currencies as a means to enhance community cooperation and support. It highlights the struggle of individuals within systems that lack a facilitating currency, emphasizing how traditional money's role is limited to settling debts and taxes, without fostering community interaction or growth.The conversation shifts to the potential of these alternative currencies in reviving community spirit, particularly in struggling sectors like French agriculture. These currencies could enable more meaningful exchanges and support, strengthening community bonds and collective resilience.Ultimately, the discussion underscores the idea that collaboration yields greater results than individual efforts. By embracing economic systems that encourage collective action and mutual support, societies can unlock a greater potential for innovation, progress, and well-being. The episode advocates for a shift from isolation and control towards unity and collaboration for the greater good of humanity.Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

This episode explores the multifaceted nature of creativity, highlighting how its essence has been overshadowed by commercial and institutional agendas. Creativity, once a vehicle for artistic expression and societal transformation, now often serves to further corporate and various group interests, losing its authentic impact.Tim Berners-Lee's creation of the internet exemplifies true creativity that changed the world without commercialization. Unlike Silicon Valley's trend of rebranding old ideas as groundbreaking innovations, Berners-Lee's approach to the internet was a revolutionary act of creation for public good, not personal gain.However, the episode also delves into the darker side of tech advancements. Companies like Facebook are critiqued for their role in undermining social connections and democratic processes. The argument is made that many of the brightest minds are now employed not to create radical new ideas, but to enhance corporate profits, often at the cost of societal well-being.The conversation shifts to discuss marginalized communities and their unique perspectives. For instance, the host shares personal experiences with the deaf community, revealing a world of insights and expressions unknown to many. This highlights the richness that lies in exploring and embracing diverse experiences.The episode concludes with a critical view of austerity measures and their impact on creativity. As budgets shrink, professionals in sectors like education and healthcare are forced to 'do more with less,' which is seen as a deceptive narrative that perpetuates inequality. It's a call to recognize our collective strength and to resist the forces that seek to divide and diminish our creative potential.Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

This discussion focuses on the urgent need to reshape our economic models to address the ecological crisis effectively. The current economic framework is likened to societal metabolism but is criticized for its unsustainable nature. Incremental changes are deemed insufficient; instead, radical restructuring is called for.Economists are often described as ecologically illiterate, overlooking the fact that ecology is not just an asset but a vital component of our financial system. Current economic models lack empathy and vision for nature, often simplifying ecological complexities to fit outdated economic theories.One of the key criticisms is of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) metric. Originally developed during a financial crisis a century ago, GDP is seen as a crisis indicator rather than a measure of societal well-being. It fails to account for human suffering, valuing economic activities like medication for depression or psychological services without considering the underlying human costs.The concept of 'green growth' is challenged, with the argument that it is a fallacy in the face of the multifaceted ecological crisis. In contrast, 'degrowth' is presented not as a regression to simpler times but as a path towards maximizing efficiency and well-being with minimal environmental extraction. The focus is on redefining what is considered valuable work, moving away from capitalism's emphasis on profitability to recognize the importance of non-lucrative but socially and environmentally essential activities.The degrowth movement has evolved from activism to a more scientific approach, aiming to provide practical solutions and a viable framework for a more equitable, greener, and cleaner world. The call to action is for a 'timeout' to reassess our economic goals, moving away from autopilot towards deliberate, conscious decision-making about our economic future.Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

In this episode, we delve into the expansive role of design in shaping our world. Far beyond the traditional scope of production and aesthetics, design emerges as a potent tool for solving problems, one that transcends material boundaries. The discussion pivots to the often-overlooked facets of design, highlighting that its most compelling attributes, like service design, are invisible yet impactful.The conversation challenges the outdated notion of human-centric design, advocating for a paradigm shift to include our planet as the primary stakeholder. This new perspective recognizes Earth as the end-user, demanding a redesign of business practices and product development to account for environmental consequences.A critical reflection on the ethics of design is posed, questioning the trend of companies delegating moral responsibility to select ethical boards. This practice is seen as a superficial gesture, a smokescreen that distracts from the inherent responsibility every individual and entity has towards ethical considerations.The episode suggests that in an age of information overload, the paralysis by excessive data is a real threat. It stifles our innate intuition, which should be treasured as the voice of our collective experience. The call to action is clear: question everything, consider the long-term implications of our actions, and harness design as a force for creating a greener, more sustainable future.Through this introspection, we're encouraged to extend our understanding of the present, to make decisions that honor the relationship with our future selves. In doing so, we confront a paradox: humans, uniquely aware of long-term repercussions, yet often acting in ecological ignorance. The episode urges a reconnection with our intuitive wisdom, tapping into this to guide us toward more thoughtful, conscientious design decisions.Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

This episode explores the foundations of technological advancement, emphasizing the importance of investment and a supportive academic environment. It highlights how regional strengths and specialties significantly influence the nature of technological progress. The discussion underscores that true innovation often arises from the public sector, including universities and research funded through grants, challenging the common notion of individual heroism driving technological breakthroughs.We further discuss the dynamics of power in technology, noting that the creators, rather than the users, often reap the most significant benefits. This concentration of power and wealth illustrates that technology is inherently directed by the values and objectives of its developers. The conversation concludes by examining how different global regions, particularly the US, China, and the EU, approach technological development, each offering unique insights into ethical usage and the unstoppable progression of green technologiesReimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

This episode delves into the transformative concept of Doughnut Economics (DE) and its potential to redefine business operations within the context of ecological and social responsibility. At its core, DE advocates for a regenerative approach, aligning business processes with the natural cycles of the living world and emphasizing equitable distribution of value among those who contribute to its creation. The episode explores how DE aligns with many indigenous and spiritual beliefs, which inherently embrace circular principles, and contrasts this with the linear, profit-maximizing paradigms of the past. It challenges the traditional notion of shareholder capitalism, arguing for a model where companies are designed to be commercially viable, ecologically sound, and socially beneficial. The discussion also touches on human nature's dual aspects of competition and collaboration, critiquing current economic models for over-emphasizing the competitive aspect. The episode highlights the importance of systemic change over individual good deeds and offers practical advice on adopting DE principles, such as leveraging networks, speaking up, and educating others about sustainable practices. This thought-provoking conversation aims to inspire a shift towards a more holistic and sustainable approach to business, prioritizing planetary boundaries while fulfilling human needs.Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

Can business be beautiful? Today's distinguished guest seems to think so. British author, artist and entrepreneur and poet Alan Moore has dedicated a large part of his career to building businesses that are beautiful by design, aesthetics, and ethics. But before he tells how business can be beautiful, he has a bone to pick with all the ugliness around. Prepare to reimagine beauty. Guest: Alan Moore is a British designer, artist, poet, and entrepreneur. He has held advisory positions at major companies such as Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, and Coca Cola to help them improve their businesses and provide better products and services. He's the author of four books on creativity, marketing, and business design.  Moore strives to lead his life as beautifully as he can every day.Learning points:•To create a thriving and ethical business, we need to change our KPIs.•Society should always be the main stakeholder for any business •Why French shoemaker Veja is what Alan refers to, as beautiful business Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

Are we experiencing the death of imagination? What if the global crisis we are experiencing today is not linked to our lack of ethics and morals but rather to our lack of imaginative thinking? What if we are experiencing the death of imagination? Today's guest, Balder Onarheim, a former military officer turned neuroscientist and innovator, claims that “We have a global crisis in creativity” (creativity is the implementation of imagination). The consequence is our inability to solve our issues through new and improved paradigms. How should we get imagination back then? Balder has some thoughts on that. Prepare to reimagine!Guest: Balder Onarheim, a former military officer turned neuroscientist with focus on creativity and an innovator. Balder has held TED talks and keynote speeches on the importance of creativity and imagination, in society, business and our daily lives. Talking points:•You will hear that We have a global crisis in creativity. Our inability to think in new novel ways reinforces current structures and issues.•We need to change the discourse from creative and non-creative people. We need to realize all people are creative and creativity is not for struggling artists but a superior tool for social and personal progress.•We talk about how we need to change our educational system which today stifles creative and lateral thinking.  •From a business perspective, creativity is a risk. Is a risky, messy enterprise to be creative with a high ratio of failure but the bigger risk is not to be creative at all. Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

Do we need nudging to more sustainable lifestyles? In this episode, we explore the what, why and how's of behavioral insight and nudging.  Is nudging a manipulative tool used against us to consume more or the tool we need to push people towards a more sustainable lifestyle? How effective is it really? According to our expert guests, nudging can work, but it comes with a big if! Prepare to reimagine human psychology.Guests. Irmelin Berg who has a doctorate in psychology and Martine Carlson  has a background in marketing. Irmelin and Martine founded NudgeLab and work with behavioral insight and nudging with the aim of influencing people's decision in a certain desired direction. Learning points:•You will hear that behavioral psychology (or nudging) can push people and society towards a more sustainable path. But for that to happen, we need to build better structures which enable change.  •Human reasoning and decision making is much more complex than previously presumed and our current economic models and incentives don't reflect that. •You will also hear that nudging can be manipulative. It is a powerful tool. Key is to be transparent about its end goal, and always giving people the option to opt out. Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

Is local the new global? This episode with Helena Norberg-Hodge is the one that challenged me the most and perhaps, it will challenge you as well. Helena asks us to go local instead of supporting the global agenda. Helena argues that globalization has negative effects on communities and the environment, and that localization is necessary for sustainability and resilience. She calls for a shift in perspective from a solely global one to a global/local perspective. Prepare to Reimagine globalism. Guest: Helena Norberg-Hodge is an award-winning author, filmmaker and activist who advocates for localization instead of globalization. Helena saw the negative sides of globalization before most of us even realized the world had gone global. She usually sits at the table with the Dalai Lama and heads of UN. Now she is a guest of Reimagine as well. Learning points:•Many of our current issues are created by a dominant and destructive global system. We need to localize our economy to thriving, meaningful sustainable communities.•Global cooperatives are not evil by nature, but totally detached from the consequences of its action.  •The left v right lens and discourse is becoming increasingly irrelevant. We need to view our issues from a global v local lens.•Solutions such as circular economy, biomimicry can only be effective if used in a local context. Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

Is consulting actually hurting our society? The world and its inhabitants constitute a messy, circular, and unpredictable space. Yet management theory, which is ubiquitous and governs much of our strategic approach, seeks to transform that space into something that is linear, rational, and predictable. While society is obsessed with Peter Drucker's “if you can't measure it, you can't improve it”, one must ask, how do we then improve on the immeasurable? How do we improve the intangible mess we have created? Perhaps, to become a better advisor, one should study philosophy instead of an MBA? Prepare to reimagine strategy. Guest: Matthew Stewart. Former CEO and consultant turned philosopher. Matthew wrote a controversial book called The Management Myth a while back. He took aim at major global consultancies and their pseudo-scientific approach. He was the odd man out when he wrote the book a decade ago but it seems as though he was ahead of his time as more critical voices are turning against modern management theory. Learning points: •Management theory is a blunt instrument when tackling complex business and social issues•By outsourcing strategy and thinking to outside consultants, an organization becomes less self-reliant and resilient in face of turmoil. •Introduction of new public management theory in the public sector has not served society well.•By seeking answers, values and inspiration in humanity studies such as philosophy instead of MBAs, business could become more responsible and resilient.Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

Is this the greatest greenest story ever told? One of the most radical sustainable transformations comes from the unlikeliest of places, the lower leagues of British football. The story of Forrest Green Rovers FC is legendary and inspiring. The club is entirely vegan and has implemented green initiatives such as using solar panels and an organic pitch, while also investing in innovative technology to reduce its environmental impact. And yeah, they are experiencing the most successful era in their 130-year-old history. Led by their charismatic owner Dale Vince, many have asked about their journey, but until now, no one asked what business and society can learn from a radical change maker such as Dale Vince. Prepared to reimagine green transformation. Guest: Dale Vince is the owner of Forest Green Rovers. Dale is a businessman with a background in eco-friendly initiatives and a passion for promoting sustainable practices. Dale is a radical change maker and is very clear about his vision and what is needed of leaders when looking to transform their business.  Learning points:•You will hear that Forrest Green Rovers FC became immensely successful by reimagining what a football club can become and how it  creates social value beyond winning games. •How the journey of making Forest Green Rovers, the first carbon neutral club in the world paved the way for their massive on field success. •That grit, courage and the long perspective must be part of your leadership when looking to create radical change. •You will hear from their owner, successful businessman Dale Vince, how the stakeholder and private ownership models are more suited for radical change than the shareholder model. Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

Is ugly is the enemy of the circular economy? From depressing urban spaces to ultra-fast fashion, made to wear once! There is a sense of detachment. The problem is how the market is priming us and pushing us towards the disposable. And here lies the challenge for a circular economy: In a world where we create for cheapness, efficiency, and short-term consumption, what then, is worth refurbishing or restoring? This episode takes you through what, why and how of Circular Economy and explains why it needs to be sexy to go mainstream. Prepare to reimagine waste! Guest: Connor Hill. The prophet of circularity. World renowned Circular Economy expert. Besides countless fascinating projects, Connor uses his energy and charisma to spread the word and get people to fall in love with the circular movement. Learning points:•You will hear how we are the only living creatures who are linear whilst the rest of nature is circular and regenerative. •How we need a change in mind shift to go from viewing nature as a financial asset to seeing it as a partner and inspiration for innovation and life. •How we are making products to break down easily when they don't have to. •You will also hear why and how we should build things that are aesthetically pleasing and circular. Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

Could a catholic priest fix capitalism? ? His name was José María Arizmendiarrieta, and in 1956 he started what is now the world's largest Co-op, the legendary and almost mysterious industrial company the Mondragon. Touted by many as the answer to a fairer and inclusive capitalism. Can this highly profitable business, which is owned by its workers be copied in other places or can it only be applied in the cultural context of the Spanish Basque region where the Mondragon is from? Get ready to reimagine business. Ander Exteberia is Mondragons ``professional explainer”. Mondragon hosts about 3000 visitors every year. These visitors want to learn and experience what makes the Mondragon model work. Therefore, Ander's work is to explain Mondragon to outsiders. Usually, he talks to The New Yorker, CNN, BBC, The New York Times and now even The Reimagine podcast. Learning points: •You will hear about the foundations which the world's largest and most successful co-op; Mondragon, is based on.•How Mondragon became resilient and built thriving communities through fair distribution of wages and democratic decision making. •You will also learn that Mondragon is not about activism but pragmatism. So in order to defend their model, they need to stay highly profitable.  Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

We are talking about AI with David Mattin. The fundamental issues: AI and other technologies are evolving at a speed that our societies can't adapt around. So are we moving at a faster speed that we can handle? What are the consequences of AI in regards to popular culture? Politics? Creative industries and our children? Lastly, what did Karl Marx know about technology that is highly relevant today? Guest: David Mattin is the founder of New World Same Humans, a weekly newsletter on trends, technology, and society. David's business, innovation and trends journalism has appeared everywhere from Fast Company to the Guardian to Google Think Quarterly. As experienced broadcaster, David has also written and presented documentaries for BBC Radio 4. He sits on the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Consumption. He is author of the book Trend-Driven Innovation, published by Wiley. Learning points:Tech leaders, not politicians will be in the driving seat when it comes to the development of western societies.Used right, AI can be the golden age for creativity.Promt writer is already a profession.If we are not careful, we could be realizing Aldon Huxleys Brave New World. Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

Does a million years of natural innovation beat a Google sprint? Prepare to have your mind bent.  Biomimicry might be the most interesting subject that you have not heard of. Biomimicry is a design approach that seeks to imitate the strategies and processes found in nature to solve human problems. Learn about concrete examples of how we can tap into nature's wisdom to find innovative, sustainable solutions to human challenges. After this, you will reimagine your relationship with the natural world. Guest: Sarah Juhl Gregerson, an entrepreneur and associate of The Stockholm Resilience Centre. Sarah is a leading expert and practitioner of Biomimicry.Learning points: •By viewing nature as a partner rather than an asset, we can unlock many secrets to innovation which can help us solve human made problems.  •You will get practical examples, like how the Japanese railway system used the connective ability of slime molds, on a miniature map of Japan, to find the most efficient ways to connect thousands of train lines and stations, in a way the human mind could–never imagine. •Or, by understanding how sunlight is evenly distributed into the forest, we could envision new, more efficient economical models as collectively, nature does not lose, nothing goes to waste•You will also hear why it makes sense to bring biologists to the innovation table. Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.

To shape our future, must we first understand our past? So, how did we end up here? When did we disconnect from nature? When and how did we swap the holistic view for reductionism? How do we get out from the mess we have created? Jeremy Lent, world renowned author and activist takes us on a whirlwind tour, from the days of Sir Francis Bacon and Rene Descartes to the present day and beyond. Jeremy does not mince his words.  He is very clear about the flaws of the current system and the value changes needed so that we can live in thriving, healthy and wealthy societies. Prepare to reimagine our past.  Guest: Jeremy Lent. Former CEO. Now an activist and author of books such as the paternal instinct and The Web of Meaning. Described by The Guardian as one the greatest thinkers of our time. Learnings points:•Many of our struggles today is linked back to 200 year ago when western cultures distance themselves from nature•Why monikers such as “green growth” and “sustainable capitalism” are just smokescreens and will not provide what it promises as constant growth cannot coexist with a sustainable, ecological society.  •Unless we regulate business, sustainable organizations will not be at an advantage as the playing field is not even. •You will also hear why implementing the Triple Bottom Line theory to business is the way forward.Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.