Episode 81: Economics
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Looking Outside is for curious people looking for a fresh take on familiar topics, in business and beyond.
Financial stability and economic growth has been a staple of national prosperity and business success. In this search for predictable prosperity, fueled by individual ownership and material attainment, we forget that economic models were built as a fix to a problem within the specific context of a social need. Today, economic models have become the convention our society moves within, and the narrative of perpetual growth is familiar. But are these models serving society in the context we now live in, one that requires constraint? To explore these frameworks that rule our lives, we’re joined by economist Hans Stegeman, who, in his double life as Chief Economist at Triodos Bank in the Netherlands by day, and independent thinking columnist by night, shows how provocative questions that help us re-perceive existing systems can influence change from inside the system.
To look outside, Hans steps outside the bubble of his work and gains perspective from what’s more personally meaningful. While experiences, like spending time with his mom who is affected by dementia, are not ‘refreshing’ they do provide a lens into what is actually happening out there in the real world.
Hans Stegeman is the Chief Economist at Triodos Bank, where he oversees economic and sustainability research, as well as Triodos' impact strategy. His work centres on the fundamental belief that our economic system requires significant changes, with the financial sector playing a pivotal role in this transformation.
Prior to joining Triodos, he held various positions at Rabobank, the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB), and started his career at a the labour union FNV.
In addition to his role as Chief Economist, Hans is an avid writer, contributing columns and essays to various media outlets and maintaining his own blog.
Learn more about Hans Stegeman
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Subscribe to Hans' Substack - System Economics
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