The Business for Good movement is growing, but how might we take this mainstream and create greater impact??

Here are some reflections from 5 weeks of travel and work around Europe including at EMES International Research Network Conference, SEWF - Social Enterprise World Forum C.I.C. and the World Health Summit alongside some of my favourite doers.

We, the movement, need to get better at:

- Caring for our wellbeing.

Burnout is rife. Loneliness is hugely common. We can all feel isolated. When our energy is low and we're disconnected, we're far from creating the best outcomes. Whilst we've been focussing on integrating these aspects into the programs and events we design and run, there are many more opportunities to improve wellbeing for those working to create change. It does however start with the personal habits and boundaries we create and maintain. A strong session at SEWF on the Inner Development Goals, as well as a fringe event on Countering Heropreneurship proved that this is a global issue.

- Consciously connecting.

Despite the plethora of apps, services and events which have moved our lifestyles towards instant gratification, is it not true that the best partnerships, collaborations, work and relationships, eventuate when we're truly present, authentic and consistent when relating with others - whether in-person or online? When we turn up vulnerably and maintain integrity, we build trust. And as some of my great colleagues repeat, 'change happens at the speed of trust'. Authentically connecting with others also a great antidote to loneliness and isolation. Whilst this is always a work in progress, it's something the team and I have been working to improve.

- Communicating effectively.

Despite effort, we still use terms which are commonly misunderstood by even those working with similar objectives. The language (and the means) we choose is slowing down adoption from the mainstream.

- Breaking down silos.

Currently there is a movement of movements working towards putting people and planet first. Each movement has different language and terms, and in many ways creates an 'us vs them' mentality which decelerates the broader movement's potential. We need to unite, welcome in others and speak to new audiences. Too often we're preaching to the converted.

- Designing and delivering value propositions that solve clearly defined needs.

Why do people choose to drive their car to work in Australia, yet jump on a bike when they're in Amsterdam? Until we offer solutions which are better than existing 'BAU' alternatives and until our solutions 'simply make sense' to use, we will be irrelevant to mainstream markets.

Too often I've seen founders build and develop products and services which falsely assume that because they're creating impact, people will like it and buy it. When was the last time you returned to the social enterprise cafe which served you a terrible coffee?

- Investing in the systems and infrastructure for long-term benefits.

It's no coincidence that cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, Berlin and Copenhagen have public transport systems that 'simply make sense' to use. Riding a bike or taking a metro/tram/bus to get around is the clear winner, by far. Cars are almost irrelevant and in many ways inconvenient.?With a long-term vision, communities, governments and organisations have invested in and helped create the right environment for solutions which are not only more convenient, but better for the environment. We have opportunities as a movement to build the systems together that will see us harvest the fruits in the future.

- Listening to First Nations people.

Whilst the outcome of the recent Australian referendum was hugely disappointing, I remain committed to deeply listening to and working alongside First Nations people. If the ultimate goal is to care for people and planet, we have incredible amounts to learn from their 65,000 years of sustaining the Earth using regenerative approaches.

- Creating a sense of urgency.

When COVID came we acted on solutions which had been spoken about for years. We adopted new ways of doing things. We know (even more) severe climate change challenges and global challenges are coming, yet for many, the sense of urgency and devastating impact is not real or immediate enough. How might we instil that true sense of action which changes behaviours?

With connection and wellbeing being so important, here are some great opportunities for purpose-driven people in Australia:

- 25 Oct (Brisbane): 'Business for Good' Drinks & Networking, co-hosted by Impact Boom , Queensland Social Enterprise Council and Social Traders .

- Very soon: Impact Boom has been investing in and refining an online collaboration and learning platform and app, which brings together the movement and amplifies our potential. Keep your eyes peeled for the public launch of the Business for Good Network; where you will consciously connect with other changemakers, global partners, organisations and service providers from the movement to catalyse change (thank you Javier Casanova for leading this and all the partners already on board. We're looking forward to many more conversations with other intermediaries and organisations (you!) in the coming weeks to show you how we can all benefit from this collaborative platform).

- 8-9 Nov (Sydney): Come and introduce yourself at Purpose Conference . Sally Hill and the team have put together a great program. Use 'impactboom' to get 20% off tickets!

- 6 Dec (Sydney): AMP Foundation 's SPARK Showcase. DM myself or Lucy Watson if you're interested in joining us for a great evening with these Tomorrow Makers! On that note, keep your eyes peeled for excellent opportunities AMPF will soon announce for further support!

- 15 Dec (Brisbane): You can't miss the Female Founders Showcase & Xmas Celebration at Brisbane Powerhouse. Sarah Ripper and the amazing participants have been hard at work!

- Dec: The Hatch: Taronga Accelerator Program will open for applications nationally.

- 26-28 July & 29-31 July 2024: Reignite Impact Leader's Retreats will again be co-hosted by Impact Boom and GoodNorth ( Luke Faccini )... EOIs will open soon for a fantastic experience which sees purpose-driven leaders and founders coming together during a regenerative experience of structured learning, sharing and connection in Northern NSW. Steve Williams (who offered yoga and meditation during this year's Reignite) is running a wellbeing retreat in March too.

Finally, a huge thank you to all of these wonderful humans (and many more not listed here - you know who you are) for such a rich experience overseas: the entire SEWF team and co-hosts Amsterdam Impact and Social Enterprise NL - Egon Van Wees , Jorien van Lookeren Campagne , Stefan Panhuijsen and team. All 63 Australian delegates, including Nicola Stokes and Lucy Watson , my fantastic team mate Indio Myles , legends like Nikoline Arns , Robin Dick , Rashvin Pal Singh , Juliana Adam , Helene Malandain ... Mikey Leung & Greg Hodgkinson for leading the First Nations group, Sally McGeoch for supporting others to get there... Kris Spann , Tara Anderson , Jaison Hoernel , Matt Pfahlert , Luke Terry , Cindy Carpenter , James Gauci , Natalia Muszkat , Kerry Grace , Eloise Hall , Nicholas Marchesi OAM (Him/He) , Nicole Dyson , Tom Dawkins , ?? Michael Lim , Arianna Petra Watson , Lucy Brotherton , Azima Dhanjee . Taiwanese colleagues Oliver Chang , Jas Liu , Ruo-Ning Lee ... My partner Magdalene Parkes ... I could go on and on! Thank you.