Happy Thanksgiving! While our team is out of the office this week, we want to take this opportunity to revisit our September 2024 conversation focused on the Abundance Movement. In this episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with the CEO and Founder of the Inclusive Abundance Initiative, Derek Kaufman. Derek is a thought leader and policy strategist dedicated to advancing equity and sustainability through innovative business practices. The Inclusive Abundance Initiative aims to create inclusive economic systems that foster abundance for all, pushing back against a scarcity mindset with policies that grow economic opportunity and build thriving communities for everyone. Debbie and Derek talk about his definition of abundance that “creates opportunities to overcome limitations in the status quo,” they unpack how a focus on abundance work translates into effective policies, and explore the relationship between abundance and democracy. They discuss why streamlining government functions can restore faith in institutions and how the abundance framework can create better outcomes for all Americans. Tune in to learn about ideas for reshaping public policy, building inclusive growth, and unlocking new possibilities for all.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:40] Background and mission of The Inclusive Abundance Initiative.

[03:58] He explains the concept of abundance in the context of public policy.

[06:16] Comparing the impacts of an abundance versus a scarcity mindset on policy.

[08:30] Examples of how the system is not achieving its inclusive growth goals.

[10:32] Why Derek is optimistic about The Inclusive Abundance Initiative’s mission.

[12:38] The challenges faced on the Federal level regarding affordable housing.

[15:54] Why the Presidential Campaign gives him hope for solving America’s problems.

[20:24] Hear how the abundance framework will drive bipartisan agreements.

[24:54] Benefits of applying the abundance framework to a democracy.

[28:52] Find out how and why he started The Inclusive Abundance Initiative.

[32:12] Derek’s outlook for the future of the abundance framework in government.