Charting Our Path: Embracing Inner Development Goals at Purple Shoots

As Chris Jackson (Director of Entrepreneurship) and I embarked on our journey to Stockholm to attend the Inner Development Goals (IDG) Summit, personally I had a preconceived notion.

Namely, that these goals were primarily tailored for the client group that Purple Shoots serves and had little if nothing to do with my own life.

For months, the Purple Shoots team had gotten excited by the fact that the IDG framework fits, perfectly, the work that we are undertaking in empowering dreams and enriching communities in areas of the country left behind and forgotten by society. Little did I know however, that this trip to Stockholm would be a truly transformative experience for me personally, reshaping not only my perception of the IDGs, but also my understanding of their relevance to my life, both at home and in the workplace.

The summit was hosted at the captivating Cirkus Arena in Stockholm and immediately set the stage for something mega. Emotive, powerful, and uplifting performances sought to capture the imagination and ignite a spark of passion for protecting the world in which we live.

Intertwined with these performances were keynote speakers, with their invaluable insights, becoming beacons guiding us through the enlightening journey.

• Erik Fernholm 's passionate discourse on the disconnection between humanity and the natural world, and its impact on global issues such as the climate crisis and workplace disengagement, struck a chord deep within me.
• Phoebe Tickell 's concept of "Imagination Activism" and its potential to drive systemic change by challenging outdated worldviews had a truly profound effect.
• Dan Siegel's emphasis on expanding our identities beyond the self, fostering the transition from "Me” to “Mwe," resonated with my core beliefs.

These powerful messages left me yearning for more.

On the second day, our path led us to explore the application of IDGs in the Corporate World.

• Kjersti Fl?gstad , Executive Director of The Nobel Peace Institute, gave insightful exploration of the principles of effective dialogue illuminated the need for respect, empathy, and understanding, not only within organisations but also in our daily lives.
• Jennifer Garvey Berger then led a deep dive into common pitfalls that hinder personal and organisational growth was an eye-opener, revealing essential steps on our transformative journey.

The amount that I could relate to within my own working context was both scary and encouraging…these were common themes and ones which, with the power of the IDG’s, could be overcome.

We then explored Sustainable Development, guided by Prof. Dr. Rodney Irwin from the WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Rodney questioned the prevailing profit-centric state of business, emphasising the urgency of a shift towards sustainability and equity. The WBCSD's mission and commitments need to become a powerful impetus for change.

Finally, we were enchanted once again by the inspiring Phoebe Tickell, encouraging us to escape our fish-tank thinking which so limits us and instead yearn to break out and use our imagination and our dreams for greater good. We have so much potential and so much to give, and yet far too many of us (and myself 100% included) are held back by constraints that the world puts on us. Just imagine if we could break free from these limitations and nagging doubts. What endless possibility awaits?

As the summit came to a close the penny dropped as a sudden realisation suddenly dawned like a bright and vibrant sunrise. The IDGs are not just there for our clients at Purple Shoots so we can prescriptively point them in the direction of them in the hope of creating some sustaining change! They are for everyone! It became evident that for us to effectively convey the transformative power of these goals to others, we must start by embracing them personally. My earlier beliefs were humbled by this newfound understanding.

This epiphany has prompted Purple Shoots to consider more how the Inner Development Goals apply to our own circumstances and teams. We believe that the journey towards change begins with us, and we are eager to embrace these goals both in our personal and professional lives.

The IDGs are guiding the way, nurturing a mindset that fosters empathy, adaptability, effective communication, and collective action, amongst so much more. By fully embracing the IDGs ourselves, we can be better equipped to share their transformative power with others. We understand that only when we embark on this journey of self-discovery can we hope to guide others down the same path.

In the words of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry,

"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea."

Our sails are set for a brighter future, not just for our clients, but for ourselves, our team, and our communities.

Do you yearn for the vast and endless sea?! Join us on our voyage of inner discovery for sustainable gain! And if you don’t…what’s stopping you?

The journey of discovery continues, and I am excited to see the change it will bring to us all.

Richard Kirtley , Divisional Director - Purple Shoots