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The divide between making money and making a difference is a false one – and Leehe Skuler has spent 15 years proving it. In this captivating conversation, we explore how impact investing is redirecting capital toward regenerative solutions that benefit people and planet simultaneously.

Leehe Skuler takes us through her fascinating journey from environmental activism to pioneering impact investments across Africa, where she helped finance clean energy solutions for off-grid communities. Her work revealed a crucial insight: the barriers to funding regenerative enterprises aren't insurmountable – they're primarily psychological and structural. Through innovative approaches like offering bank managers observation roles and structuring funding arrangements, Leehe has successfully unlocked capital for ventures that transform lives while generating sustainable returns.

"The paradigm that we were born into – that you have to choose between values or money – makes all of us feel uncomfortable," Leehe explains. "Even the most cynical, experienced person in finance doesn't like to admit they're putting their values aside to make money." She argues that this either/or mentality is actually a relatively recent concept, emerging primarily in the 1980s, rather than an economic law of nature.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Leehe shares her experience growing up in Israeli kibbutz communities, where resources are shared, decisions made collectively, and money plays a minimal role. These intentional community models have given her unique insights into the challenges and rewards of communal living – knowledge she now applies to the regenerative communities emerging in rural Portugal where she currently lives.

Looking toward the future, Leehe envisions networks of diverse regenerative communities collaborating while maintaining their unique characters. As decision-making tools improve and more people seek meaningful connection, these new community models could transform our relationship with both the environment and each other.

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Imagine living in a community where your neighbors aren't just people next door, but friends you share values and intentions with. This episode delves into the transformative concepts of coliving and cohousing, exploring how they pave the way for a fairer society. Join us as we speak with Peter Burke, cofounder of Affair Society, whose passion for cooperative living is reshaping the fabric of community life.

In our conversation, Peter shares his journey through the cohousing landscape, highlighting the differences between traditional coliving spaces and cohousing communities. He emphasises the importance of intentional living, where each person has their own space complemented by communal facilities that foster connection and collaboration. We touch on the role of rural coliving in revitalizing communities and how it can reclaim the vibrancy of local areas while providing opportunities for sustainable living.

With a keen focus on innovative governance structures like mutual home ownership societies, we discuss how ownership can evolve from traditional models to encourage collective stewardship and community wellbeing. Peter’s insights on the necessity of social capital in creating inclusive communities are inspiring, prompting us to rethink what home and community mean in today’s world.

Join us on this journey of discovery as we explore the myriad ways communal living can enrich our lives, foster deeper connections, and help build a more sustainable future. Don't miss out on these vital insights that could change how you view living spaces forever. Be sure to subscribe, share, and engage with us as we continue to seek new ways to connect and create together!

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Unlock the secrets of regenerative finance with Ishan Dan, the visionary CEO and founder of RegenX, as he shares his journey from a stockbroker in Australia to a trailblazer in climate-positive investments. Discover how blockchain technology is revolutionizing the investment landscape by making sustainable investing more transparent and accessible. Learn about Ishan's innovative solutions to the limitations of traditional finance, and how he harnesses blockchain to democratize impact investing, making it efficient and open to everyday investors.

Explore the groundbreaking concept of asset tokenization and how it's reshaping opportunities in ESG investing. We're tackling the barriers that traditional investors face, from the high entry costs to outdated systems, and revealing how blockchain can streamline processes and build investor confidence. With major financial institutions like Blackrock moving into this space, we're on the brink of a new era for regenerative finance. Incubators such as Refi Talents are at the forefront, fostering innovation poised to transform global financial systems by 2024.

Look into the future of sustainable investing as we highlight the potential "triple win" of financial, social, and environmental returns. Ishan discusses diversifying into renewable energy projects and the evolving investor attitudes driving this shift. As we embrace the concepts of green and regenerative capitalism, we're redefining how capitalism can integrate environmental considerations without sacrificing returns. Examine coliving communities as a model for amplifying the benefits of regenerative finance, and consider the possibilities of interconnected communities working towards a sustainable future. Join us to enrich your understanding of this transformative movement.