Corporate Unplugged

What if the biggest upgrade we need isn't another product, app or sustainability report, but the economic system itself?In this episode, serial entrepreneur and impact investor Stefan Krook returns to Corporate Unplugged to share his vision for the Laghum Economy – a market economy redesigned for a world of 8 billion people living within hard planetary boundaries.Drawing on decades building purpose-driven companies like Kivra and the GoodCause ventures, Stefan explains why even the most innovative circular business models are still swimming upstream against a tax system that makes work expensive and nature almost free. He unpacks how shifting taxes from labour to resource use – applied at the point of consumption – could flip the script, so that repair, sharing, circularity and durability become the natural winners rather than costly exceptions.Stefan also shares the personal crisis that led him from optimism about purpose-driven companies to questioning the rules of the game, and how that journey brought him back to Stockholm School of Economics as its first Practitioner in Residence. Together with Vesna, he explores what this transition would mean for CEOs, policymakers and citizens – and why innovation always follows the brief the system gives us.On today's podcast, you will learn:Why pricing nature – not labour – is the missing systemic lever in today's economy.How a tax shift could turn green premiums into green discounts.Why even the best impact ventures struggle when prices send the wrong signals.What CEOs can realistically do beyond voluntary sustainability initiatives.How a Laghum Economy could shape everyday life for the next generation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raiya Kind, a scholar-entrepreneur and Chief Emergence Officer at Wisdom Beyond, discusses the future of AI and innovation. She emphasizes the importance of embodied leadership, where slowing down can enhance creativity and decision-making. Raiya introduces 'healing innovation', advocating for collective spaces that allow leaders to confront limiting beliefs. The conversation reframes AI as a co-creator, prioritizing human discernment, and envisions a future where AI fosters community and connection, aligning technology with human values.

What if intuition was your greatest business tool? In this episode, Vesna Luca explores the power of deep intuition with renowned Icelandic thought leader, author, and serial entrepreneur, Hrund Gunnsteinsdottir. Drawing on her extensive global experience in leadership, innovation, and systemic change, Hrund reveals how Iceland’s “InnSæi”—the sea within—can transform the way we lead, decide, and live.Hrund explains that intuition is far from mystical; rather, it is a form of deep intelligence, blending embodied awareness with subconscious processing. She shares how cultivating rituals like daily journaling, contemplative walks, and meaningful pauses can unlock creativity, strengthen self-trust, and help leaders make courageous decisions under uncertainty. The conversation unpacks the threefold Icelandic concept of InnSæi: seeing within, seeing from the inside out, and the sea within, illustrating how personal transformation ripples out to shift organizations and systems.Listeners will discover how modern leadership depends on authentic imagination, the courage to experiment, and the strength to embrace vulnerability—essential skills in times of continuous transformation. This episode will inspire leaders to trust their inner compass, build resilient teams, and lead with hope and curiosity. Hrund’s stories and insights offer practical guidance for anyone who wants to thrive amid complexity and create a more human-centered workplace and world.On today’s podcast:The meaning and power of “InnSæi”—Icelandic intuitionBuilding strong, innovative teams through self-awarenessDaily rituals leaders can use to nurture intuitionHow imagination fuels hope and resilienceMaking high-stakes decisions in uncertainty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Vesna is joined by Lars Strannegård, President of the Stockholm School of Economics, for a profound conversation on education, leadership, and the critical role of art and empathy in shaping the future of business and society. Lars shares his formative experiences living abroad, highlighting how cultural exposure and the lack of it shaped his perspective on inclusion and the importance of creative expression. He discusses the vision for SSE, emphasizing the need for students to leave with a broad, reflective mindset, ready to serve society and make a positive impact. In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the landscape, Lars argues that the development of human intelligence—skills like empathy, self-awareness, and critical thinking—becomes more vital than ever. He introduces the FREE framework guiding SSE: Fact-based, Reflective, Empathetic, and Entrepreneurial mindsets, which together foster responsible leadership. The conversation explores the transformative power of art as an “intellectual and emotional itching powder,” challenging individuals to reflect and grow. Lars also stresses the importance of inclusion, respect, and the need for everyone to feel heard and valued in organizations and society. The episode offers practical wisdom for leaders to widen their perspectives, embrace discomfort, and prioritize relationships as the foundation of meaningful leadership.On today’s podcast:● Why art and culture are essential for leadership in the age of AI● The FREE framework: Fact-based, Reflective, Empathetic, Entrepreneurial● How formative experiences shape empathy and inclusion● The transformative power of art as a catalyst for self-reflection● Why inclusion and respect are critical for responsible leadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Peter Senge, a Senior lecturer at MIT Sloan and systems thinking pioneer, dives into the essence of transformative change. He emphasizes that true progress stems from understanding interdependence within society and institutions. Peter shares his vision of leadership as a personal growth journey rooted in purpose and collaboration. He highlights the wisdom of indigenous cultures in fostering resilience and stresses the need for authentic partnerships, collective intelligence, and hope in navigating current challenges.

Robert Edward Grant, a modern polymath, inventor, author, and visionary entrepreneur, joins Vesna on Corporate Unplugged to explore the profound intersections of love, leadership, and multidimensional thinking. With over 80 patents and contributions spanning fields like cryptography, geometry, and healthcare, Robert shares his unique journey of bridging science, spirituality, and innovation.In this episode, Robert reflects on how love drives his purpose and how self-awareness and judgment-free living are essential for personal and societal transformation. He discusses the importance of polymathy in addressing complex challenges and why humanity is on the cusp of a collective awakening. From sacred geometry to the power of synchronicity, Robert offers a thought-provoking lens for leaders seeking to create meaningful impact.In this episode:Why love is the ultimate driver of purposeThe role of polymathy in solving global challengesHow judgment creates suffering and self-love heals itHumanity’s awakening and interconnectedness through synchronicitySacred geometry as a meditative practice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Vesna Lucca speaks with Thierry Malleret, economist, author, and founder of Summit of Minds. Thierry shares his unique perspective on leadership, sustainability, and the urgent need for businesses to embrace stakeholder capitalism. Drawing from his diverse career—including years at the World Economic Forum—Thierry reflects on the challenges and opportunities shaping our world today. “Without nature, there is no economy,” Thierry emphasizes, underscoring the critical role of natural capital in sustaining our future. Through his Summit of Minds initiative, he immerses leaders in nature-based experiences to inspire action: “When you see glaciers retreating almost visibly, it compels you to act.” Thierry also reveals his creative side as a novelist. His latest geopolitical thriller, Deaths at Davos, explores themes of power, greenwashing, and global influence. “Fiction allows me to ask bold questions about our world without the constraints of non-fiction,” he explains.Listeners will hear Thierry’s candid thoughts on cross-generational collaboration: “Younger generations are today’s change agents—more attuned to sustainability and determined to make a difference.” He also highlights the importance of listening as a key leadership skill: “Too many leaders talk at people instead of with them. Listening is rare but transformative.”This episode is a call to action for leaders and individuals alike to embrace hope through decisive action, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability.On today’s podcast:Thierry’s non-linear career journeyThe importance of stakeholder capitalismWriting fiction to explore global challengesNature as an economic cornerstoneCross-generational dialogue as a force for change Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Vesna explores new worlds with Jesh de Rox, cultural anthropologist and founder of hOURS. They explore the transformative potential of AI in enhancing human connection and creativity. Jesh shares his journey from being a renowned photographer to a visionary leader in social technology, emphasizing the importance of nurturing environments that foster human growth.Jesh discusses his shift from seeing himself as a healer to a gardener, focusing on creating conditions for people to thrive. This metaphor underpins his work at hOURS, where he aims to build scalable systems that promote epiphanies and personal development. He envisions a future where technology supports collective intelligence, drawing from the deep well of human creativity and emotion.The conversation also touches on the limitations of current AI systems, which often lack depth and fail to capture the richness of human experience. Jesh advocates for a new approach that respects individual data ownership and incentivizes genuine contributions to a collective intelligence network.This episode reflects on the role of trust and purpose in this journey, highlighting the urgent need for businesses to align with human-centric values. It is a call for leaders to embrace boldness and authenticity in shaping a future that prioritizes growth and connection over profit and exploitation.In this episode:Transitioning from healing wounds to cultivating growth.AI that can enhance human creativity and connection.Personal data ownership – crucial for ethical AI development.Trust and purpose – essential components of systems aligned with human values.A call for leaders to prioritize meaningful contributions over profit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Vesna sits down with Dr. Renée Lertzman, a renowned psychologist and strategist, to explore the intricacies of creating genuine engagement within organizations. Renée shares her insights on leveraging psychology to drive transformative change and how leaders can foster resilience in the face of volatility.She emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation, highlighting key drivers like mastery, purpose, autonomy, connection, and belonging. This challenges traditional approaches to change management, advocating for a shift from pushing and persuading to guiding and partnering with teams.The conversation delves into the psychological aspects of courage and how organizations can create environments that enable individuals to access their inner strength. Dr. Lertzman also discusses the significance of integrating experiences into daily practice, ensuring that transformative moments lead to sustainable change.Join us as we uncover strategies for unlocking potential and driving meaningful change in today's complex world.On today’s podcast :Intrinsic Motivation: Mastery, purpose, autonomy, connection, and belonging.Guiding Over Pushing: Shift from traditional methods to a partnership approach in leadership.Courage and Resilience: Creating conditions that enable individuals to access their courage.Integration of Experiences: Ensuring transformative experiences are integrated into everyday practice.Psychological Approach: Using psychology to foster engagement and manage change effectively. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Davin is  the Global Innovation Director at UNICEF. With over two decades of experience in international development and humanitarian work, in this episode of Corporate Unplugged Thomas shares his insights on leveraging innovation to address global challenges affecting children.He emphasizes the critical role of young people as active contributors to climate innovation and highlights UNICEF's efforts to empower youth through initiatives like climate accelerators, which support young innovators in developing impactful solutions. UNICEF's strategic approach to identifying and scaling innovative solutions has stretched to cover 160 countries. Thomas explains how his team identifies key problems affecting children, such as the learning crisis where a significant percentage of children cannot comprehend texts they read. By vetting and adopting successful solutions from various regions, UNICEF aims to address these challenges effectively.Thomas discusses the importance of building future leaders through programs like Upshift, which equips young people with skills in critical thinking and problem-solving. This initiative has reached over 1.5 million adolescents globally, fostering a generation of adaptable and innovative thinkers poised to shape the future.Throughout the episode, Thomas reflects on the power of collaboration and co-creation in solving complex global problems. He underscores the need for bold thinking and unlearning conventional approaches to drive meaningful change.Thomas powerfully expresses his passion for social justice and his vision for a future where every child has equal opportunities for quality education and health. He advocates for hope and empathy as essential elements in addressing global challenges and building a more equitable world.In this episode: UNICEF's focus on accelerating impact for children globally through innovative solutions.Identifying key problems, vetting solutions, and facilitating adoption and scaling of effective interventions.Importance of storytelling and highlighting successful local examples to inspire replication.UNICEF's "Upshifts" curriculum empowering young entrepreneurs and changemakers.Co-creation and "unlearning" as powerful tools to unlock new perspectives.Thomas's personal commitment to social justice and equal opportunities for all children.Advice to leaders on being bold, daring, and continuously challenging themselves and their teams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.