Meet the DEAL Community

Kauri, Northland, New Zealand

Kia ora koutou! I've spent the last two decades working as a strategist, facilitator and designer focused on facilitating change. I'm grateful to have built an award-winning career around the idea of going “beyond business as usual”. My work, which has spanned industries and scales, (probably familiar to the other Generalists, Connectors and Conveners out there), consistently challenges how things are traditionally done, in order to create connections, unlock new ways of thinking and feeling and ultimately facilitate decision-making based on different criteria, leading to new and more positive action in the world.  A business activism retreat at Findhorn led me to enrol in post-graduate study in Regenerative Economics at Schumacher College, and then to an MA in Regenerative Design at UAL: Central St Martins. I'm currently scoping my graduation research project, exploring ecosystems of regenerative enterprise and possible transition pathways to cultivate them, alongside my professional consulting practice.

Crockett, California, United States

Cultivating Self aligns with the principles of Doughnut Economics by focusing on the well-being of both people and the planet within the context of healthcare; addressing the "social foundation" aspect of Doughnut Economics by aiming to empower and educate healthcare providers and communities, alleviating burnout and moral injury, and improving patient care through holistic practices, cultural and ecological medicines, and reconnection with nature. This directly contributes to meeting human needs like health, a key component of the social foundation, by fostering individual and community well-being beyond conventional medical interventions. Furthermore, Cultivating Self emphasizes regenerative tools, ecotherapy programs, and sustainable practices such as plant-based nutrition implicitly supports the "ecological ceiling" of Doughnut Economics. By promoting a deeper connection with nature and advocating for health practices that are in harmony with the environment, the organization contributes to the broader goal of living within planetary boundaries. Both Cultivating Self and Doughnut Economics advocate for a systemic shift towards regenerative and distributive models, moving away from extractive practices to create a more balanced and sustainable future for humanity and the Earth.

Nijmegen-Centrum, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands

I am an international taxlawyer, based in the Netherlands, with over 35 years of experience in this field. My aim is to study the field of tax-systems as part of (larger) legal frameworks and search for ways to improve or create tax-systems that will systematically support 'Doughnut Economics'. Current tax-systems are based on old economic models (lineair) and paradigms: in providing counsel and policy suggestions, I seek to address the underlying shortcomings in current tax-systems and to offer alternative fundamentals to taxation.  Key words in this respect are:          

Lima, Lima Province, Peru

Alice is Managing Director of Three Fin Consulting and Trustee of The Finance Innovation Lab. She has worked extensively with the UN, charities and financial service providers to create a fairer and more sustainable financial system. Alice began her career at Lloyd’s of London, before shifting her focus to social and environmental issues within the financial sector. As Research and Innovation Officer at the International Labour Organization’s Impact Insurance Facility, Alice worked with insurers to introduce new inclusive products with a range of financial institutions. She since set-up the consulting firm Three Fin Consultants, where she leads research studies, inclusive product development projects, and campaigns aiming to align the financial sector with social and environmental goals. Alice is a graduate of Cambridge University and the Geneva Graduate Institute’s Executive Master in Development Policy and Practice, and holds a Diploma from the Chartered Insurance Institute. She is fluent in English and Spanish.

Pokhara, Gandaki Province, Nepal

My roots are on the farm, bare hands in soil, learning not just how to grow food, but how life connects through roots, rituals, and resilience. From those early days in rural Nepal, my journey has carried me across continents, disciplines, and failures, all in search of one thing: a more regenerative way to feed the world. Today, I build regenerative food systems from the ground up, literally. Blending traditional farming wisdom with tools like Web3, Regenerative Finance (ReFi), and carbon markets, I work to reimagine agriculture from farm to fork. That means creating value for smallholder farmers, restoring the soil, redesigning food supply chains, and helping communities take ownership of their food futures. I've failed. I've trusted and been broken. I’ve seen my crops swept away by floods and hailstones. But every time, I return to the soil, wiser, stronger, more committed to serving not just as an innovator, but as a steward. I believe in building ecosystems, not just ventures. Through platforms like Bhumi Sewa Networks and Sarvaguna Foods and Kitchen I focus on circular models, biochar-based soil regeneration, and incentive systems that reward farmers as climate champions. If you care about systems change, regenerative economies, or creating value that’s both ethical and ecological—let’s connect. 🌍 Website: www.madanpoudel.com.np 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/mdnpoudel 📬 Open to: Collaborations, regenerative pilots, ecosystem design, speaking, consulting

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I am a climate strategist and sustainable finance advocate experience building multi-stakeholder partnerships and leading initiatives at the nexus of clean energy transition, ESG innovation, and inclusive impact across Southeast Asia. Passionate about advancing systemic solutions to climate injustice by democratizing access to capital, capacity, and policy influence. Currently exploring the intersection of climate justice and growth alternative economies. I would love to hear about movements from all walks of life. 

New York, New York, United States

My name is Esin, and I am currently pursuing a Master of International Affairs at Baruch College. My  journey has been shaped by my experiences working in a refugee camp, where I witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by women and children. This experience ignited my strong commitment to human rights and deepened my understanding of the urgent need for global action to protect vulnerable communities. I believe that sustainable and inclusive policies are essential to building a more just and equitable world. My focus lies at the intersection of human rights, international development, and global governance, and I am particularly interested in how international organizations, civil society, and policy frameworks can work together to address complex global challenges.

Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico

 I'm a cultural organizer based in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, working with resident communities and local businesses in the distritotec initiative. My focus is on building bridges between diverse communities and fostering collaboration to create a positive impact in the territory. Through participatory processes and local engagement, I aim to strengthen social ties and support more inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable neighborhoods. 

Switzerland

 With my organisation, guidance4good GmbH, I offer purpose-driven sustainability consulting that creates positive impact for people and the planet. I believe in the Doughnut Economics model because it offers not only a powerful visual but also a strong framework for a future economy that stays within planetary boundaries while ensuring a good life for all. I’m part of the Swiss Doughnut Economics Core Team and support the organisation in bringing Switzerland into the Doughnut — and the Doughnut into Switzerland. Happy to exchange and collaborate with you!

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

I am a professional engineer since 1996. I am just starting a career pivot, taking the UVic MBA in Sustainable Innovation, expected grad 2027. I have three kids, ages 16, 19, and 20. I am interested in ensuring the future of life on Earth, not just survival but thriving. The model really resonated with me. I have questions about  and  and what that looks like in the business world.

Watermael-Boitsfort, Brussels-Capital, Belgium

I am a climate conscious Human, a Passivhaus Consultant & Physio, and believe in the donut economic model & want to support. I believe we can all live together and thrive in harmony with the planet. My daughter and her peers have a right to live in a healthy world that has a stable climate and is protected from man-made harm.

San Antonio, Texas, United States

Hi There! I'm a recent transplant to San Antonio, Texas teaching economics at San Antonio College. Challenging the old ways of thinking about, teaching, and applying economics is an exciting new direction and one I'm committed to sharing with my students. I would love to connect with other forward-focused thinkers in my area--and beyond!--so feel free to reach out.

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Hi, I am a theoretical physicist turned tech product and business expert. I have always been fascinated with Economics. What I learned during my MBA now seems out of touch with the real world. Wealth creation used to depend upon physical objects; land, gold, oil, minerals etc. which were all finite, also the marginal cost of production was never zero.  Both these fundamental assumptions and "truths" do not hold now.  We need new economics and the concept of Donut Economics is extremely interesting

I'm an interested student and I wish to learn more about our economy and how we can shape it to be more sustainable for our future. 

Kampala, Uganda

law graduate from Islamic university in Uganda humanitarian and an advocate for domestic and international human rights climate change advocate. the deal community is one of the strongholds to sustainable and resilient communities. I believe that humans can prosper and thrive in their communities using the resources the planet provides without exhausting them and harming the planet.  climate change also comes with its disastrous effects; the principles of the doughnut economics help safeguard against fatal effects for proper resilience and sustainability.

Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden

Recently graduated Energy and Environmental Engineer, burning like a wildfire for sustainability, climate and environment. My Master’s thesis was on visions for Sweden within the safe and just operating space, and I am always looking to where I can be most impactful in creating a better world. I am happy to collaborate and join on any projects or initiatives, just send me a message!

Portland, Oregon, United States

I'm a technology and business professional that's branching out to contribute to broader problems, melding business, art, spirituality, philosophy, agriculture and economics.

Argenton-sur-Creuse, Indre, France

Artist, company owner and civil servant, I work to push for culture to a motor for the ecological and ecomomical transition. 

Wormingford, Essex, England, United Kingdom

I’m Anthony, a retired teacher of Economics and later of Computing and IT. During my teaching career, I became an economic atheist, gradually rejecting the methods and assumptions of classical economics. Now in my late seventies, I am seriously worried about the world we are bequeathing to our children and grandchildren. I cannot bear the thought of my grandchildren in their adulthood cursing me and my generation for our stupidity and selfishness as the world disintegrates around them. Doughnut Economics provides a framework for an alternative and viable approach. I look forward to exploring how its principles can be put into practice.  The elephant in the room, it seems to me, is how to change the predominant world mindset from one of ‘growth, growth and growth’ to ‘improvement, improvement and improvement’. The task of changing this mindset is immense but possible. The chances of saving humanity without such a change are zero. Doughnut Economics provides the vision to make a start. I love it.

Philippines

I am a multidisciplinary writer and creative strategist from the Philippines who bridges culture and sustainability. With over a decade of multisectoral experience, I am a planner, researcher, and facilitator who has led, developed, and implemented strategies for communications and engagement, narrative change, and ecosystem building. Interested in the politics of sustainability, urbanization in the Global South, and arts and cultural strategy.

Davao City, Philippines

I’m an artist with a background in sustainability and circular economy, driven by a deep belief in unity and collaboration. Through my art, I aim to inspire connection—and through my work in the circular economy, I strive to create tangible change. I authored Human Nature, a poetry book that explores the human experience through the lens of nature’s rhythms and character. It’s a lyrical journey that weaves together the themes of interconnectedness—between people, and between humanity and the natural world.

Barcelona, Spain

With 12+ years across sustainability, economics, and education—and deep experience in Tier 4 raw materials—I focus on where strategy, biodiversity, food systems, and community intersect. The Doughnut offers a powerful framework to guide the kind of impact I’m passionate about co-creating—especially in areas tied to nourishment, health, and resilience.

Benue, Nigeria

I are a passionate community-driven individual with a strong background in agriculture, environmental sustainability, and humanitarian service. With hands-on experience in WASH, livelihood development, and climate advocacy through roles with organizations like UNICEF, CBM-Nigeria, and Angel Support Foundation, I am deeply committed to improving lives in underserved communities. My academic work, includies a master’s thesis on sustainable household energy in Makurdi, reflecting my focus on practical, people-centered solutions to environmental and development challenges. As a proactive learner and leader, I am continually seeking ways to bridge policy, research, and grassroots action to create lasting impact.