Introduction to Volume I

When I first encountered the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework in 2021, it felt like a homecoming. Here was a convergence of transformative ideas, scholars, and communities dedicated to embedding the profound importance of inner work into our global efforts to address today's most urgent challenges. What inspired me most was how the IDGs don't just focus on personal transformation - they recognize that the path to a sustainable future is rooted in cultivating the inner capacities that enable empathy, collaboration, and systemic thinking across diverse cultures, sectors, and worldviews.

At the time, I was working in a large corporation, grappling with the constant pressure of delivering profit and navigating complex business strategies. Yet, I began to feel a deeper, more urgent calling. My experiences outside the boardroom - immersed in practices that nurtured my own inner development - stirred something inside me. The stable job, paycheck, and title alone no longer felt enough. I realized that leadership must evolve - bridging corporate realities with the urgent need for sustainability and well-being. This realization led me to engage more deeply with the IDGs and to bring empathy, purpose, and connection into organizational life.

Looking back, I realize this calling wasn't new. Like all of us, I was born with a deep sense of care, connection, and awareness. Yet, for many, life brings challenges we struggle to digest. In response, we often shut down, disconnect from ourselves and others, and push harder in pursuit of what we've been taught to value most: a successful career, making more money, and staying busy to avoid deeper reflection.

The systemic challenges we face: A world at a crossroads

Today, despite living in the most comfortable and affluent era of human history, we find ourselves facing an unprecedented array of crises. Archbishop Desmond Tutu once observed that we are the most medicated, obese, addicted, and lonely generation in human history (Tutu, 1999). We stand at a critical juncture where a profound shift in our global narrative is not only desirable but imperative. The factors that once enabled humanity to thrive - leading to a global population of over eight billion - are no longer sustainable as we approach ten billion by 2050.

The prevailing paradigm of infinite growth within a world of finite resources is fundamentally flawed (Jackson, 2017). Societies around the world are grappling with increasing inequality, political polarization, ecosystem collapse, and climate change. These are not isolated issues; they are symptoms of an outdated worldview that no longer serves our collective well-being. Instead, this worldview threatens the future of humanity itself (Rockström et al., 2009).

The power of inner development: From personal to organizational transformation

In my work with for-profit organizations across different sectors, I've noticed a common trend: concerns for people and the planet are often addressed only after profit-driven strategies - focused on short-term gains - are already in place. A mindset rooted in competition, where one party's success comes at another's expense, continues to dominate decision making. This narrow focus overlooks the deeper, systemic impacts that organizational decisions have on the world around them. The result is a finite game where we deplete our limited resources and squander opportunities for long-term, sustainable growth.

The transformation we need requires a new paradigm. This shift must be rooted in individual perspectives, systemic understanding, empathy, and collaboration. We need to move beyond linear, competitive thinking and act from the emerging future in service of our highest purpose (Scharmer & Kaufer, 2013). By doing so, we won't only become more sustainable - we'll rethink how we approach strategy itself. This shift will allow organizations to move beyond the "profit-first" mentality, integrating the triple bottom line - people, planet, and profit - into the heart of strategic decision making. This creates a new dimension that goes beyond well-being, toward a deeper, holistic alignment.

When we integrate inner development into the core of organizational processes, we invite a mindset shift - from "ego" to "eco" (Scharmer, 2009). This shift enables leaders to access a deeper level of wisdom, where immediate outcomes for shareholders remain important, but the broader, long-term impacts on future generations, ecosystems, and communities are non-negotiable. By approaching strategy with this integrated perspective, organizations unlock new dimensions of sustainability, impact, and benefit.

Rather than viewing investments in well-being programs or environmental initiatives as additional costs, organizations can build their strategies on these core pillars. This holistic approach ensures that profitability and competitive advantage arise not from exploitation or short-term wins, but from a sustainable, long-term vision grounded in care for people and the planet.

References

Tutu, D. (1999). No future without forgiveness. Doubleday. a, b

Jackson, T. (2017). Prosperity without growth: Foundations for the economy of tomorrow (2nd ed.). Routledge.

Rockström, J., Steffen, W., Noone, K., Persson, A., Chapin, F. S., 3rd, Lambin, E. F., Lenton, T. M., Scheffer, M., Folke, C., Schellnhuber, H. J., Nykvist, B., de Wit, C. A., Hughes, T., van der Leeuw, S., Rodhe, H., Sörlin, S., Snyder, P. K., Costanza, R., Svedin, U., Falkenmark, M., . Foley, J. A. (2009). A safe operating space for humanity. Nature, 461(7263), 472-475. https://doi.org/10.1038/461472a.

Scharmer, O. (2009). Theory U: Leading from the future as it emerges. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

Scharmer, O., & Kaufer, K. (2013). Leading from the emerging future: From ego-system to eco-system economies. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

This book story and structure

This transformation starts with each one of us - each leader shifting from a mindset of separation to one of interconnection. This essence of leadership is at the core of this first volume in our collection and the heart of the global IDG community.

In April 2022, we launched the Swiss IDG Hub, embodying the spirit of co-creation and purpose. It was during one of these gatherings that Dr Eleftheria Egel and I began envisioning this book. We recognized the vast wisdom within our global IDG network and saw the need to create a cohesive body of knowledge that connected its diverse insights.

When we put out a call for submissions, we were overwhelmed by the response. Nearly 100 papers flowed in, transforming our initial vision into two volumes. We dedicated countless nights and weekends to reviewing contributions and collaboratively shaping each article. This book is not just a collection of ideas; it is a living testament to the collective wisdom and experiences of individuals from across the globe.

This work embodies a commitment to holistic growth, integrating the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of our lives. As we navigate the complexities of our time, the insights within this book are intended to nourish the mind, feed the soul, and heal the heart. They are not simply theoretical concepts but serve as enablers of practical, meaningful action.

We aspire for this book to become a dynamic body of knowledge, a living space where emerging ideas and concepts connect, showcasing collective efforts to shift our global narrative. It is a space for dialogue, understanding, and connection - a catalyst for new ecosystems of collaboration.

This book is supported by three key pillars:

1. The first theme is inner development, which brings together insights from various schools of thought to create a diverse representation of ways to foster transformation and drive meaningful change. Inner development extends beyond personal growth; it encompasses how individuals, communities, and organizations relate, collaborate, and act to contribute to a fairer and more sustainable future.

2. The second theme emphasizes the power of collective leadership. Facing the fact that the "heroic" leadership model won't solve the world's challenges, we need to rethink our approaches and systems to better work together. Collective leadership is essential for creating real impact, leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to address the complexities of today's world.

3. Finally, the meaningful action: inner development and collective leadership form the foundation of impactful action. This section explores how we can translate these principles into tangible steps toward a more sustainable, equitable future.