EP15: Rethinking What it Means to Thrive Through Truly Sustainable Careers (Interview with David Ko & Richard Busellato)
In our quest for a more sustainable future, we often find ourselves grappling with complex and broken systems that seem to be working against us and the planet. But what if the key to unlocking a regenerative future lies not in fighting these systems, but in understanding and reimagining them?
I recently had the privilege of speaking with David Ko and Richard Busellato, former hedge fund managers who have taken a bold step into the world of emergent economics. Their journey from the heart of the extractive system to champions of a new economic paradigm offers invaluable insights about pursuing purposeful work in a changing world.
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Change isn't Dramatic it's Logic
David Ko and Richard Busellto were highly successful hedge fund managers, working with some of the world’s brightest minds, when they started to see the faults within the foundations of our economic system. Specifically, with humanity’s collective inability to respect planetary limits and our constant striving to find new ways to cheat nature. For them, change wasn’t a dramatic shift it was logical decision based on the realisation that the economic system is broken and that the institutions they were part of weren’t facing this reality. For them, the risks of continuing along the same path were just too great. Something needed to change and that change had to come from within.
The World has a Place for You
For David and Richard, the transition into regenerative work began by looking within themselves to what gives them purpose. They had to gather their skills, find their strength and go in search of their place in the world. For two former hedge fund managers, this means finding ways to turn our economy around so it’s directed towards sustaining life rather than destroying it. They speak to the rewards of discovering who you and what really matters to you, rather than choosing a conventional ‘sustainable’ career path, or worse still, staying put in a job that no longer aligns with your values.
How to Start your Transition
In the podcast episode, David and Richard shared their lessons for transitioning into work that sustains you and the planet.
Follow the Money
Both David and Richard emphasise the importance of "following the money." They challenge us to look beyond surface-level solutions and dig deeper into the economic realities that shape our world, to be pragmatic without losing sight of our values. This isn't about chasing profits at any cost. But for those of us privileged enough to do so, it could mean questioning where our money comes from. Start by asking, what is the purpose of the organisation that you work for? What are the deeper implications of my work and my monthly pay check?
2. Respect Planetary Boundaries
One of the most thought-provoking lessons from our conversation was the idea of creating a personal roadmap for thriving within planetary boundaries. This doesn't mean viewing fossil fuels as an abstract evil. Instead, David suggests we consider our personal relationships with these energy sources, and see ourselves as part of the systems we need to change.
This approach isn't about justifying the use of fossil fuels, but rather about understanding our dependence on them and imagining alternatives. It's about experimenting with small changes in our daily lives that can lead to more significant shifts over time.
3. Experiment, Experiment, Experiment
David shared a personal example of choosing to walk for three hours to meet a friend instead of driving. This simple experiment not only reduced his fossil fuel consumption but also led to unexpected benefits like improved health and a deeper connection with his surroundings.
The key here is to start small and be open to learning from each experiment. As you make these changes, you might find that your definition of "thriving" evolves, moving away from material consumption and towards more meaningful experiences and connections.
4. Connect with your Community
While it's easy to look to governments for solutions, David and Richard emphasise the power of individual choice and community action. They argue that many of the challenges we face, including climate change, are fundamentally social issues rather than purely technological or economic ones.
This perspective shifts the focus from waiting for top-down solutions to creating change from the ground up. It's about recognising that our individual choices, when aligned with our values and multiplied across communities, can create significant impact.
Embracing Emergent Economics
At the heart of David and Richard's message is the concept of emergent economics. This approach recognises that our economy isn't a fixed, unchangeable system, but rather an evolving network of relationships and exchanges that we all participate in shaping.
By understanding this, we open ourselves up to new possibilities for creating value and thriving in ways that align with our values and the needs of our planet. It's about finding our unique place in this evolving economic landscape and contributing in ways that bring us joy and fulfilment.
