To reimagine what systems in the world could look like in a more sustainable and equitable future, Tamar Guttmann and Alexandra Korijn launched their podcast: "A world from scratch." In this podcast, guests are invited to discuss the specific system within their field of expertise. The topics range from business to food waste, peace, and happiness. Tamar and Alexandra challenge their guests to go beyond discussing problems within current systems by giving them an imaginary blank sheet of paper and a pencil, with the task of redesigning and reimagining the system from scratch. Each episode ends with concrete actions that each of us can take today to contribute to the vision outlined by the speaker. Tamar and Alexandra hope to inspire people to make changes in their personal and professional lives.

How did the idea for this podcast come about? 
Tamar: The idea arose because of COVID. Since the first wave, everyone in the world has become aware, consciously or unconsciously, that we are all part of the systems that govern the world. Take the healthcare system, for example. By staying at home, we as individuals could ensure that others stayed healthy and that intensive care units did not exceed their capacity limits. Whereas in the past, talking about changing systems could feel overwhelming and unattainable for many people, COVID showed us that many systems are made up of people who are interdependent, and that their individual actions matter. If we really want the world to look different, we can achieve that. It’s just a matter of putting our heads together and doing it. 

Alexandra: COVID also created a unique momentum for people to have time to think and reflect on their own lives. People started asking themselves questions like: What does my life look like? How can I change it? How can I contribute to my community and help others? What we really hope is to inspire people about what a more sustainable and equitable world could look like and what concrete actions we could all take to make this a reality.  

What was particularly surprising in the process of redesigning the systems? 
Alexandra: What surprised me was that, although we talk about completely different systems in each episode, you start to see threads running through these conversations. A consistent theme is the recommendation to develop more awareness and skills—whether it’s a deeper understanding of racial equity, a better grasp of what makes us humans happy, or skills to transform conflicts through nonviolent communication. Another recurring recommendation was to develop a personal mindfulness practice, so you can come from a stronger, more grounded place when you want to create positive change. 

Tamar: What I also love is the reaction every time I give our speaker an imaginary blank sheet and pencil and ask them to design the system from scratch. Every time, people’s eyes light up, because somehow they are able to let go of the current world for a moment. Instead of talking about the heaviness of global problems we face, such as structural inequality and climate change, we offer a chance to create something beautiful. That makes everyone want to participate and contribute to the possibilities. 

What is the role of investment in systemic change? 
Alexandra: It’s important to understand that system change is complex, and that investment capital is not a magic bullet that solves all problems within a system. With this in mind, what’s exciting about this emerging group of systemic impact investors is that they use the full spectrum of capital at their disposal—not just their investment capital, but also their voice, political capital (such as voting and potentially activism), consumption capital, and more. They look at the bigger system before investing, and understand how the different elements interact. Collaboration becomes essential for them—with non-profits, governments, local organizations—who can help the investor better understand the system, reach the right stakeholders, and limit unintended consequences.

Tamar: The current financial system has led to a world where eight people own as much as the bottom 50% of our entire world population. Eight people! Some private companies like Amazon and Apple have more money than the GDP of an entire country. Because of this enormous power, the private sector has an undeniable responsibility in creating a new system. I always think about impact investing this way: if you care about the planet, animals, and social issues in your personal life and your personal actions are aligned with that, it makes no sense to let your capital support things you don’t believe in. 

Alexandra: It’s about not separating your investment capital from your personal life and values. Too many people close their eyes and see it as two separate things, whereas in fact: your money can be a beautiful expression of who you are and what you believe in. 

Tamar: This starts with asking your banker questions about which companies your savings are really going to and critically looking at your investment portfolio. If there is enough demand from investors and civil society to invest sustainably, companies and banks will have to listen and act on it, ultimately adapting their business models and existing structures. Then it’s no longer a one-off action, but a movement towards systemic change.

What do you want people to take away from the podcast? 
Alexandra: In terms of change, start with yourself and the rest will follow. Come listen to our conversations, share your own visions of current and new systems, and make small changes in your daily life towards your vision. All these ideas and actions together can bring about powerful change.  

Tamar: Many systems are made up of people, so if people can change, then systems can change. I hope our podcast can create a little more awareness that we are all part of maintaining systems, but that at the same time we also have the power to change them. 

In future episodes, Tamar and Alexandra will discuss "Leadership from Scratch," "Technology from Scratch," and "Dating from Scratch." Curious? Listen to the podcast and join the conversation:

A World From Scratch

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