Ben Kellard, Director of Business Strategy at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, dives deep into the purpose of the economy. He explores how current market practices challenge well-being and urges a shift towards sustainable, ethical frameworks. The conversation highlights the intertwining of political tensions and economic insecurity while stressing the importance of emotional connections within organizations. Kellard also addresses the loneliness stemming from individualism, advocating for community rebuilding as a pathway to collective joy and true fulfillment.
Ben Kellard emphasizes the need for a purpose-driven economy that prioritizes human and environmental well-being over mere profitability and GDP growth.
The concept of 'polycrisis' highlights the interconnected global challenges that necessitate urgent coordinated responses to advance sustainability and equity.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Philosophy and Sustainability
Ben Kellard emphasizes the significance of combining diverse philosophical perspectives with sustainability to foster human flourishing. He shares how his educational journey, particularly his encounters with ancient Greek philosophy, shaped his understanding of what it means to live a good life. This historical lens provides a foundation that aligns sustainability with the need for a deeper connection to nature, asserting that one cannot thrive without the other. By examining the structures of organizations through this philosophical framework, he advocates for a purpose-driven approach to business that prioritizes human and environmental well-being.
Navigating the Polycrisis
Kellard describes the 'polycrisis' as a set of interconnected global challenges—like climate change and social inequality—that require urgent and coordinated responses. He notes that many leaders acknowledge the issues, yet lack awareness of their systemic interconnections and the methods for effectively addressing them. The conversation highlights the need for businesses to explore solutions beyond mere profitability, which often conflicts with sustainable practices. Kellard argues that recognizing the economic model's shortcomings is crucial for reshaping it to prioritize sustainability.
Challenging the Current Economic Paradigm
The current neoliberal economic model, focused on GDP growth, is critiqued for perpetuating environmental degradation and social inequality. Kellard highlights how entrenched interests lobby against substantial regulatory changes, inhibiting genuine progress toward sustainability. He urges for a reevaluation of the relationship between market dynamics and societal well-being, proposing that markets should serve society rather than the other way around. This shift calls for collaborative efforts among leaders across sectors to create new narratives and frameworks centered on well-being and communal flourishing.
Cultivating Community and Connection
Kellard stresses the importance of fostering human connections as a pathway to meaningful change. He advocates for environments—whether in communities, workplaces, or other social settings—that allow for emotional and relational discourse. Creating spaces for these conversations can break down barriers and build a shared understanding of what it means to thrive as individuals and collectives. By promoting interactions that focus on common goals and values, Kellard believes society can forge stronger bonds and work collectively toward sustainable solutions.
Season 3 is here! What are the economy and markets really for? Ben Kellard is Director of Business Strategy at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. In this thought-provoking episode we explore how we might create genuine wellbeing for people and the planet. We discuss how the market economy is undermining civilisations and wellbeing - and what a better future might look like.