The Hidden Impact of School
When I first started my business 15 years ago,
I had no idea what I was doing.
Well, that is not entirely true.
I knew I wanted to DO GOOD in the world.
I knew I wanted to make the world a better place.
Other than that, I had to figure it out on my own.
I didn't go to business school.
I didn't learn how to run and operate a business.
I didn't know anything about KPIs or USPs.
What I did know was that I wanted to do what I LOVE,
while making a positive impact for future generations.
My business became the vehicle to achieve CHANGE.
It was a journey of trial and error.
And it still is today.
I am learning new things and new ways every single day.
Because when you challenge the status quo, there is no paved pathway.
It's all about learning by doing.
And linking your learning to life.
The path unfolds while you are on the path.
There was no guidebook on 'how to start a conscious business'.
People around me told me sustainability was just a trend.
That I shouldn't invest my TIME and ENERGY into it.
I did it anyway.
Because I understood that every person has a choice.
You either make or break the planet.
I think this is what makes business so fascinating.
It's shaped by human behavior.
But what if we all (more or less) learn to think the same way?
The problem:
Most of us learn to focus on economic growth.
This economic growth almost always leads to problems.
Climate change, biodiversity decline, migration, food shortage.
Did you know that just 100 companies worldwide are responsible for more than 70% of global emissions?
Companies that harm the natural environment on which our lives depend.
On which future generations may or may not be able to live on this planet.
I won't call any names, you know what companies I am talking about.
That is not the point.
These companies are created, run, and operated by real HUMANS.
Humans with a beating heart.
Humans who need to eat, sleep and enjoy life.
Humans who simply do their job every day.
Consciously, but mostly unconsciously.
Because 'this is just the way things go'.
This influences all aspects of life:
The average adult makes about 35,000 decisions each day.
All these companies are shaped by human decision-making.
Driven by human behaviour.
Their belief system shapes this behaviour.
So where have their belief systems been programmed?
It has been programmed from a very young age in SCHOOL.
The way we learn defines the way we LIVE.
School programs our behaviour and beliefs for life.
It influences all aspects of LIFE.
This means that school has a huge responsibility.
School is indirectly responsible for the challenges we face TODAY.
And isn't it painfully ironic?
That the solution seems so radically simple?
If we change school, we change the world.
From linear learning to holistic learning.
From destructive learning to regenerative learning.
From a fixed curriculum to a living curriculum.
From indoor learning to outdoor learning.
HOLISTIC learning should be at the core of education,
if we want to turn this around.
This will empower the next generation,
to grow up as holistic thinkers and doers.
This will cultivate a society with a new belief system.
Creating future companies that take care of the world.
And school will indirectly create a THRIVING PLANET for all.
Have a lovely day,
