Anne Beate Hovind: What if urban spaces were designed to evolve with us?

What if the key to meaningful change lies in awe rather than fear? Join us for a compelling conversation with socio-environmental impact strategist Laura Francois, who challenges conventional change-making wisdom. With an impressive track record working alongside global giants like the World Bank and Greenpeace, Laura shares her insights on how awe can inspire creativity and foster a profound sense of interconnectedness. Together with Ronny Eriksson from New Nordic Way, we explore the concept of awe as an experience that expands our understanding of the world, sparking wonder and curiosity. This episode invites you to reimagine your role in making a difference, proposing that awe can lead to deeper, self-directed transformations.Discover how embracing moments of awe can reshape our behaviors and relationships with the world. From personal stories about the mystical northern lights to the collective energy of concerts, we discuss how mindfulness and presence can unlock these awe-inspiring experiences. Laura and I reflect on sociologist BJ Fogg's model of behavior change, positioning awe as a positive prompt in contrast to guilt. We delve into fostering genuine grassroots change that impacts communities at their core, concluding with a thought-provoking question: What does effective grassroots change truly look like? Tune in to be inspired and to ponder the possibilities of awe-driven transformation.

In this episode, we sit down with Philippe Birker, co-founder of Climate Farmers, a world record holder in simultaneous fire breathing, and a member of Ashoka Changemakers and the BMW Foundation’s Responsible Leaders Network. Philippe shares his journey from organizing social impact raves to pioneering regenerative agriculture practices that restore ecosystems and reconnect us to our roots.In our conversation, Philippe shares insights from his extensive travels to over 60 regenerative farms, where he gathered invaluable knowledge on sustainable practices. We explore how Climate Farmers is building the infrastructure needed to scale regenerative agriculture across Europe, focusing on ecosystem measurement systems and financial support for farmers transitioning to sustainable methods.Discover how we can rethink food systems, prioritize soil health, and build a sustainable future where farming regenerates our planet instead of depleting it.

In this episode of the Impact Series, Ronny Eriksson interviews Mara Lehmann, a self-proclaimed data nerd and pragmatic activist who is on a mission to bring non-human voices into the conversation. As the founder of Tumblebee, Mara envisions a future where data from ecosystems and nature play a crucial role in decision-making processes across industries. They discuss the challenges of integrating multi-source data to understand nature's needs, the role of empathy in sustainability, and how even small changes in mindset can have a big impact on our world. Explore how curiosity, technology, and a holistic perspective can transform how we approach conservation and sustainability.

In this episode of Impact Stories, Ronny Eriksson interviews Dr. Craig Wing, a futurist, entrepreneur, and investor whose expertise spans over 50 countries and influential organizations like Google X and the United Nations. Dr. Wing unpacks the profound question, “What if we were all more capable of imagining the future?” He explores how imagination, empathy, and human connection can reshape our lives and influence the world in more impactful ways. From advancing AI sentiment analysis to fostering inclusive thinking, Dr. Wing’s work challenges us to consider the future as a collective endeavor. Listen in to discover how small, meaningful actions contribute to greater change and why sometimes the best impact begins with asking better questions.

In Episode 9 of Impact Stories, Ronny Eriksson interviews Anne Beate Hovind, curator of Oslo’s renowned Future Library. With a vision stretching over a century, Anne Beate shares insights into the power of public art and its potential to shape urban landscapes, inspire trust, and foster community. She discusses the Future Library project, which invites one author per year to write a work that will remain unread until 2114. Through this long-term initiative, Anne Beate explores the importance of imagination, empathy, and inclusivity in city planning. Join us as we explore how art can help bridge cultures, connect generations, and inspire hope in an ever-changing world.

In Episode 8 of Impact Stories, Ronny Eriksson from New Nordic Way interviews Ruchir Punjabi, founder of Distributed Energy, to explore how technology and business can catalyze transformative change. Ruchir shares his journey from creative technologies to solar financing, focusing on enabling small and medium businesses in emerging markets to transition to affordable, clean energy. With candid insights on scaling impact and the essential balance between financial viability and social good, Ruchir offers a thought-provoking perspective on the potential of technology to empower underserved communities. Listen to discover a fresh vision for impact investment.

In this episode, Ida Faldbakken, CEO of Katapult X and Co-Founder of Katapult Future Fest, joins Ronny Eriksson from New Nordic Way to explore the power of community-driven gatherings in fostering systemic change. From Katapult’s origins at Slush in Finland to its unique position today as a convergence point for tech entrepreneurs, impact investors, and visionary changemakers, Ida sheds light on her journey and the philosophies that guide Katapult’s impact. With an unyielding belief in kindness, transparency, and collaboration, she reveals her vision for future gatherings and her dream of a more interconnected world. Tune in to discover what it takes to build events that go beyond transactions and inspire meaningful, lasting change.

In this episode of Impact Stories, host Ronny Eriksson sits down with Thomas Bjelkeman, a visionary technologist and entrepreneur dedicated to leveraging software and data to tackle global challenges.Thomas shares his journey from feeling disillusioned with the traditional software industry to co-founding the Akvo Foundation, where he developed open-source tools that mapped drinking water sources for over 100 million people across Africa and Asia. His work significantly improved water management in developing regions, showcasing the transformative power of data for social good.He then introduces his latest venture, Johannas Stadsodlingar, an innovative company pioneering circular, sustainable food production systems in urban settings. By integrating fish farming and plant cultivation in closed-water loops and harnessing advanced data analytics, Johannas Stadsodlingar aims to revolutionize food production with minimal environmental impact.Join us as we explore how Thomas combines technology, data, and systems thinking to create scalable solutions for global issues. Discover how a holistic approach can drive massive impact and why thinking big can lead to real change.

In this episode of Impact Stories, Ronny Eriksson engages in a thoughtful conversation with Theresa Perez, the managing director of Atmos – a platform and biannual magazine leading the way in climate and culture. With over 15 years of experience, Perez shares her journey, from touring with a Grammy-winning band to leading innovative tech agencies, ultimately finding her calling at Atmos.Perez discusses the delicate balance between creativity and commerce, offering insights on how artists can navigate the business world while remaining true to their craft. She passionately emphasizes Atmos's mission to reconnect humanity with nature through storytelling, visual art, and community events, aiming to foster a deeper sense of responsibility toward the planet.The episode also explores the realities of building an impact-driven media organization, addressing challenges such as sustainable funding and the evolving landscape of social media. Perez's perspective provides an inspiring and grounded look at how creativity, when paired with purpose, can become a powerful force for positive change.

Ronny Eriksson sits down with Alexandre Prate, Co-Founder, Venture Builder & DAO Operations at Hypha Energy, and a pioneer in decentralized governance and well-being intelligence. They delve into how Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) are transforming community collaboration, impact measurement, and accelerating system change. Alexandre shares his vision for a more regenerative and equitable world, discussing how DAOs empower individuals to pursue their passions, contribute to societal transformation, and create genuine impact through transparent, democratic processes.