What if Quality of Life became a business objective?
We measure business success in revenue, growth and profit. I keep wondering what those numbers miss.
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Essays · business, city, society and life
What I notice and question about how we work, live and build places. My own views, written between the fieldwork – not findings from the study.
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quality of life as it plays out in a place
Most of my city work is in the City Signals, the short read from each Tour city. read the City Signals
a letter from a sane world
Found among other things, and written back. Dear you, I hope you’ll forgive a letter from someone you’ll never meet. I came across a few of your things the other week — a calendar with every hour boxed off, a little book promising to make…
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a place that knows you
I’m the wrong person to write this. I’ve spent years moving. The Netherlands, Aruba, Ibiza – and my present work takes me through cities I stay in for a few weeks and then leave. I’ve made a life out of not being anywhere for very…
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Athens: a good life, before the fieldwork
On 3 July I fly to Athens. I’ll be there for three weeks, taking a proper look at what a good life looks like there – told by the people living it. I’m starting here for two reasons. Because Athens is where the good life…
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the engine, not the driver
A week ago I wrote about where AI is taking the economy. Short version: it will run it, better than we ever did. The AI agents will buy the shoes, match supply to demand, take over the small daily decisions – and remove the moment…
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what AI removes
I spent an afternoon talking with my AI system about where AI is taking us. Starting the conversation about the customer journey: decisions, purchases, supply chains. The whole picture. The basics of our economy. That sounds like a strange loop – asking the machine about…
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everything is a transaction now
Somewhere along the way, a conversation became networking. Helping someone became a way to build reputation. Kindness started arriving with a quiet little invoice attached. You know the feeling. A chat starts open and human, and then near the end the vibe changes – the…
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the return of ritual
Across Europe, ancient fires are burning again. Druid gatherings in Ireland. Seasonal festivals in forests. Pilgrimages returning. People dancing around bonfires instead of sitting through another productivity webinar. At first glance, it looks confusing. But underneath the folklore and fire ceremonies sits something much bigger.…
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Moving society beyond GDP
Moving society beyond GDP toward quality of life as the goal for real progress For decades, society has treated economic growth as the main proof of progress. GDP became the big number – the scoreboard governments, cities, institutions, and businesses point to when they want…
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When meaning became content
Why public life is still asking bigger questions than the content world answers. When I scroll through LinkedIn and other media channels, I often see the same pattern coming back again and again. People are promoting products, beliefs, methods, personal brands, lifestyle choices, growth hacks,…
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What is quality of life?
Quality of life is how well daily life actually works – across health, work, housing, relationships, meaning, and freedom. Here is a clear, practical definition and why it matters more than ever.
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Is quality of life really good if someone else pays the price?
We talk a lot about quality of life these days. Cities want it. Businesses promise it. People chase it. And fair enough. Who does not want a better life? But here is the uncomfortable question: Is quality of life really good when it comes at…
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quality time is not a time problem
It’s a Quality of Life problem. When people say they want more quality time, it sounds simple. More evenings without distraction.More weekends that actually feel like weekends.More space for what really matters. The reflex is almost always the same: we open the calendar. Too much…
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Living well, or just longer?
Longevity has quietly migrated from the medical lab into the lifestyle brand. Across the globe, the conversation around health has shifted; it is no longer about the absence of disease, but the presence of data. We track sleep cycles, curate supplement stacks, and obsess over…
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We search for proof, not truth
In most conversations I have – about life, work, the direction things are heading – people rarely ask “Does this feel right?” They ask “Is there evidence?” Research, numbers, case studies, stories of others who tried and succeeded. Proof feels safer than truth. More defensible.…
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Is Quality of Life the next human right?
We talk about human rights as if they’re written in stone – the right to life, freedom, safety, and dignity. But in a world where millions survive without truly living, maybe it’s time to add one more: the right to quality of life Because what…
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Do crises make us more or less human?
What happens to our humanity when the world feels uncertain – and how crisis can quietly restore our sense of connection, purpose, and care. We live in a world that feels like a continuous breaking point – socially, economically, environmentally. Yet every crisis also carries…
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from enlightenment to alignment
Everywhere I go, I hear the same quiet confession: “I’m tired of this system. It doesn’t work for me anymore” + It comes from entrepreneurs who, despite their success, admit they feel empty inside. + From citizens who can no longer afford housing in the…
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happiness & success survey – then
What 139 entrepreneurs shared in 2018 still echoes today In 2018, I conducted a study that turned out to be more than research – it became a wake-up call. I had been asking a question in my coaching sessions for years: What comes first –…
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choose a lifestyle – or it chooses you
Let’s be honest. Most of us didn’t choose our lifestyle – it just sort of… happened. You picked a job. Said yes to the next thing. Took on responsibilities. And before you knew it, your days had a rhythm. Your weeks had a shape. Your…
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The wisdom economy
Why lived experience and wisdom are the most undervalued assets in modern business — and how the wisdom economy is quietly reshaping how real value gets created.
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The Age of Wisdom
As the global population ages, wisdom is becoming a more valuable asset than ever. A new lens on aging, longevity, and what it means to live a genuinely rich life.
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the wisdom gap in business
I’ve spent decades navigating the world of business – sometimes with great success, sometimes with spectacular failures. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned the hard way, it’s this: wisdom always outweighs raw knowledge. Yet, in today’s fast-moving world, businesses often mistake having more information for…
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Find Your Spot
In a world where change is happening so fast it feels impossible to catch up, many of us are left wondering: How do we keep up, and where do we truly belong? At the Business Hippie Club, we believe the answer lies in going back…
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work-life balance is about energy, not time
We all chase work-life balance, believing if we just worked faster or scheduled smarter, we’d finally find harmony. But here’s the truth: balance isn’t about managing time – it’s about aligning your energy with your values. When we focus on energy, we unlock a deeper…
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aligning purpose with profit
In today’s business world, something beautiful is happening: people are waking up to the fact that purpose and profit don’t have to be at odds – they can fuel each other. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a movement toward creating businesses that thrive by…
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a social economy based on human values
A different economic model built on human values, not just profit. What a social economy looks like when quality of life replaces output as the measure of progress.
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why are you in business?
Creating a social role in business organizations In today’s world, businesses are more than just profit-driven entities, they’re becoming second homes for employees. Where culture shapes well-being, mental health, and identity. The question Why are you in business? should encompass not only financial success but…
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The decline of religion: a new search for meaning
As traditional religious structures weaken, particularly in Western societies, people are increasingly searching for new systems of belief and identity. This trend is accelerating the phenomenon of “societal refugees” those who feel disconnected from societal norms, including religious institutions, work systems, and education. (See our…
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the rise of societal refugees
More and more people feel disconnected from the systems they once relied on — work, housing, community, identity. Who are these societal refugees, and what does their rise signal?
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In a world that moves faster than ever, it’s easy to get swept up in the current, pursuing goals, following trends, and chasing after what others define as success. But when we pause and look within, what we often find is that a meaningful life…
read moreconscious living – let’s do this together
In today’s busy world, it’s easy to feel like we’re just going through the motions. But I’ve realized that, within all the chaos, there’s a chance for us to create real change, starting with how we live our daily lives. That change begins with conscious…
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about minimalism
Juggling personal and professional responsibilities can easily lead to overwhelm. Minimalism offers a path to clarity and purpose by focusing on what truly matters and eliminating distractions. When I applied minimalism for myself and my business (hippie club) I noticed significant improvements in my decision-making,…
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conscious living & traveling
Conscious living begins with the awareness that every decision we make impacts not just ourselves, but also the world around us. It’s about living with intention, aligning your choices with your values in a way that promotes well-being for you, others, and the planet. As…
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navigating transparency
in the age of Social Media Growing up in a pre-internet era, transparency was a simple concept. We shared our thoughts and feelings in person, through letters, or over the phone (can you imagine…) Life was private, and boundaries were clear. Fast forward to today,…
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company of the future
from profit only to a purposeful organization In today’s evolving business world, companies are shifting their focus from just making money to making a difference. The “Company of the Future” isn’t just about profits; it’s about having a bigger purpose that benefits society and the…
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Authenticity
The Power of Keeping It Real In your business-life you’re navigating a dynamic landscape where innovation, resilience, and adaptability are essential. But there’s another crucial ingredient that often gets overlooked: authenticity. Let’s delve into why authenticity matters and how it can shape your entrepreneurial journey.…
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Decision-Making Pressure
In the busy world of entrepreneurship, making decisions is super important. But sometimes, it can feel like a lot of pressure. Whether you’re starting a new business or running an existing one, dealing with all the choices can be tough. However, learning to handle decision-making…
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rainbow expectations
Have you ever wondered what your life would look like if you could achieve anything you wanted? Have you ever dreamed of living a life that is aligned with your true purpose and passion? If so, you are not alone. Many people have a desire…
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spirituality in business
Integrating Spirituality into Business: A Holistic Approach for Success The intersection of spirituality and business is a concept that challenges the traditional boundaries between the sacred and the secular. In a fast-paced and often highly competitive business environment, individuals and organizations are increasingly recognizing the…
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living a conscious life
How to Live More Consciously in a Busy World Do you ever feel like you are just going through the motions of life, without really being present or aware of what you are doing? Do you ever wonder if there is more to life than…
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visualize – the future
Have you ever felt stuck in your life, not knowing what to do next? Maybe you have a vague idea of your goals, but you don’t know how to achieve them. Or maybe you don’t even have any goals, and you just go with the…
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uncomfortable change
If you want to make an impact in the world, you have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and embrace change. Change is inevitable, and it can be a powerful catalyst for growth and innovation. But change can also be uncomfortable,…
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detachment
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to detach yourself from everything you own and everything you know? To pack your bags and leave behind your home, your job, your friends, your family, and your comfort zone? To explore a new place, a…
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responsibility
How to Be a Responsible Citizen in a Complex World We live in a world that is full of challenges and opportunities. We face issues such as climate change, social injustice, poverty, and more. These problems require collective action and creative solutions. But how can…
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intrinsic motivation
What is intrinsic motivation? It is the drive that comes from within you, not from external rewards or pressures. It is the feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment that you get from doing something that aligns with your values and interests. It is the spark that…
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unlearn to learn
Unlearning is a powerful process that can transform your life. It means letting go of old beliefs, habits, and patterns that no longer serve you. It means leaving your comfort zone and abandoning the familiar surroundings that keep you stuck in a rut. It means…
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happiness makes you lazy
Today I want to talk about a controversial topic: happiness makes you lazy. I know it sounds counterintuitive but hear me out. You see, when you are happy, you feel satisfied with your life. You don’t have any problems to solve, any challenges to overcome,…
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spirituality in business-life
Many people think that spirituality and business are incompatible, but I believe that they can go hand in hand. Spirituality is not about following a specific religion or dogma, but about finding your own meaning and purpose in life. It is about connecting with your…
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be the CEO of your own life
Do you ever feel like you are not in control of your own life? Like you are just following someone else’s agenda, or reacting to whatever comes your way? Do you wish you could have more clarity, purpose and direction in your life? If you…
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work-life
we need to be more critical, vulnerable and authentic in our communications, and more conscious and collaborative in our actions.
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revolt!
A call to challenge systems that no longer serve people. What happens when enough individuals decide the current model is broken and begin building something better?
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work: a choice or a right?
Is work a right, a choice, or a necessity? A look at what work really means in modern society and what alternatives exist for those who want to live differently.
read moreyour purpose is found in your future
Finding your purpose isn’t that difficult. It just needs some imagination and self knowledge. Here are the three steps to define your purpose. STEP 1 Start with imagining your ideal world – in 10 years from now. How would this Utopia look like? What would…
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time is now
Many people are publishing articles about the rapid development of technology and how it effects our world. Our life’s are speeding up, time is money in our work, you only live once etcetera. But honestly, we know all this, so let’s look at it from…
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onboarding = expectation management
The hire of new personnel can be daunting. It’s a profession by itself. The HR Manager might fall into the trap that his job is done when the application process is finished. The file of the new employee will be forwarded to the assigned department-head,…
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peace, love and happiness in business
Trade Necessity A long time ago when new transportation techniques emerged, it created new jobs like the traveling merchant and local trader. Where you could buy new and different products from other places then your own. There was a natural balance between the buyer and…
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WHAT IF… employers apply to candidates
Since years candidates apply for jobs with employers. Where hundreds of applicants for one position, seems to be the new norm. These large numbers make that most applicants don’t receive an answer at all, or just a standard mail confirmation. And when you are not…
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company culture is underrated
When we talk about cultural differences we tend to think about differences in national cultures. But being involved in several international projects with people from different backgrounds and sectors, I noticed that even within one country, there are some cultural hurdles to overcome. Within a…
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a truthful business
A truthful business is when you have a healthy balance between who you really are and who you want to be. In other words it’s closing the gap between your authenticity and your ambition. WHO YOU ARE (authenticity) Your company is existing now for some…
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writing your values
Culture eats strategy for breakfast. A nice saying, but what does this mean and firstly, what is culture? Culture contains a mix of elements such as norms, values, behaviors and ethics. The most basic element of culture is values. About being aware of what we…
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well-being inequality
What matters more: the greatest overall happiness, or the happiness of the greatest number? This question has concerned philosophers for centuries. It is easier to talk about income differences (inequality) then about more subjective items as feelings about happiness. Most conversations about development these days…
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economic philosophy
Our current economic system is not working for most people. A look at alternative economic philosophies and what a more human-centred model could look like.
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we are only human
We are living in a society which is rooted on an economic system with production and efficiency goals. Where making profit was the target, whatever it takes. Now we come to the point where we realize this was perhaps a good idea back then, but…
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feel the heat
Climate change is a symptom, not the cause. The real problem is an economic and political system that prioritises short-term profit over long-term planetary health.
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