In this episode, Ugandan innovator Abdul Semakula shares his profound journey from being a software developer to a leader in regenerative design. He argues that the global poly-crisis—from climate change to social breakdown—stems not from a list of problems to be solved, but from a fundamental broken relationship between humans and nature.

Abdul explains that the conventional "problem-solution" mindset often creates a "hamster wheel" of unintended consequences and wicked problems. The regenerative approach, he learned, is to shift focus from fixing what's broken to identifying and nurturing the inherent potential within a community and its place. This work is deeply rooted in rediscovering core principles like the importance of place (our local bio-region), the African philosophy of Ubuntu (which emphasizes our nested interdependence with the whole), and our true human role as stewards of life.

He offers a powerful example from his work in Uganda, where by creating safe spaces and facilitating a process of collective dreaming, he has inspired 92% of local landowners to collaborate on restoring a wetland and building a regenerative economy. His story is a compelling case for how rediscovering who we are and our connection to place can unlock the agency needed to build a thriving future.