Imagine a world where cities invite you to slow down. Where growth isn’t measured by profits, but by purpose. And where urban design is deeply rooted in inner development and collective flourishing. Today’s conversation will open your mind, and your heart.

In this beautifully rich episode of The Impactors Podcast, I sit down with Jan Albert Eckert, a post-growth urbanist, lifelong learner, and fellow Inner Development Goals (IDG) Ambassador.

Jan brings a fresh and deeply thoughtful perspective on how our inner worlds shape the outer world—and why we need a radical shift in how we design everything from city spaces to leadership mindsets.

What’s “post-growth urbanism”? What does “less is more” look like in practice? And how can we all start shifting away from individualism and towards a more connected, hopeful future?

Whether you’re a new leader, a changemaker, or just feeling a little overwhelmed by the state of the world, this episode is packed with wisdom, realness, and quiet revolution.

KEY LEARNINGS + TAKEAWAYS

✅ Post-Growth 101: Why traditional economic growth models are outdated—and what “post-growth” could mean for the future of leadership and urban design.

✅ The Power of Inner Development: How frameworks like the IDGs are not just “nice to haves,” but essential tools for creating systems-level change.

✅ Leadership is not a solo act: The importance of community and surrounding yourself with people who lift you up and challenge the status quo.

✅ Hope as a leadership strategy: How to stay inspired in a world that often feels overwhelming—and why designing with hope can be revolutionary.

✅ Think less about yourself: A powerful mindset shift that unlocks connection, compassion, and long-term impact.

QUOTES TO REMEMBER:

“The greater the people are around you, the more you can learn from them—and maybe even challenge the system you’re embedded in.”

“Let’s stop measuring cities—and leadership—by speed and efficiency. What if presence, connection, and contemplation were the goal?”

“Hope is the design ability of change. It’s not just about dreaming. It’s about doing.”

WANT TO LEAD WITH IMPACT?

If this conversation sparked something in you and you’re a woman recently promoted into a leadership role, or you’re responsible for developing new leaders in your organisation, let’s talk.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode filled with inspiring humans and game-changing leadership tools.

Thank you for being here—together, we are the impactors.

With heart,

Genevieve 💛

Designing a Hopeful Future: Post-Growth, Inner Development & Urban Spaces with Jan Eckert