In this conversation, social entrepreneur Lieven Callewaert shares his personal and professional journey toward fostering regenerative systems. His quest began with a longing for simplicity, a stark contrast to the complex life he was leading. A pivotal moment was the complicated birth of his second child, Amber, which shattered his perception of conventional systems and catalyzed a profound reconnection with himself, nature, and community. 

This journey ultimately led him from Belgium to a small, close-knit island community near Vancouver, Canada.

Lieven explains that true, simple connection is the precondition for creating coherence in any group. His work focuses on creating the conditions for deep listening and helping people remember what truly connects them. He emphasizes "place-based" approaches, arguing that physical location provides a natural boundary and common ground that facilitates genuine conversation. By fostering a safe space where a group's collective wisdom can emerge, it's possible to move beyond conflict and toward shared direction and action.

The conversation then explores the challenge of applying this "inside-out" approach to drive large-scale systemic change. Lieven notes the frustration that only about 1% of investors and leaders grasp this deep, preparatory work. The solution, he argues, is not to talk about change anymore but to manifest it in tangible projects, such as innovative housing developments. By creating "living labs," it's possible to demonstrate new, regenerative models that can attract capital and challenge existing regulations. He concludes that the key is to remember our innate wisdom and our fundamental sense of belonging—to ourselves, to each other, and to the natural world—as the foundation for building a regenerative future.