Episode 72 - Matt Hocking - Leap Design/Goodfest - Business from the heart
“The thing is, it is us coming to terms and not listening to our brains, our heads, to what they are saying but actually our hearts and our guts. We know deep down that we are doing things wrong but we haven’t come to terms with that conversation with ourselves to go - oh actually, yeah I am going to change the way I exist and make my money, and get the life I do. You know those lawyers have done the right thing. How can we be prosecuting somebody that is trying, with every part of their being to protect future generations. You know it’s not actually about them. They are doing this for multiple generations, every kind of carbon we draw down and stop is providing lives for future generations. I think this is coming more and more, even with B Corp- even if you are just, in a way, starting your B Corp journey because you are seeing other businesses do it, and you want to be like them. Once you start enquiring through the lens of the BRA, you go - oh yeah, what policy should I use?, and actually what does it mean when my team strikes?, should I give some paid volunteering days, and the like? I do think that all industries are coming to a change point and it’s just how soon”
Matt Hocking is an extraordinary force of nature, a generous and humble being who has dedicated himself to serving our planet. As a designer, curator and connector he has channelled his energy into the creation of forward thinking, ecologically inspired, design agency Leap; developing Goodfest, a gathering for creative change makers in Cornwall, and as an ambassador for B Corp, encouraging more creative businesses to join the movement. Matt is a galvanising individual, a catalyst for interesting journeys and an encourager of exploring beyond what is seen as enough in terms of action in these times of crisis.
In a little pocket of ancient woodland in Bath, Smallcombe Woods, Dan invites Matt in the company of two ancient oaks, surrounded by the aroma of wild garlic and the pitter patter of rain drops to delve into deep exploration of Matt’s servitude to planet Earth.
The conversation begins with a reflection on the state of Britain’s natural world and a connection to colonial destructive separation logic, then moves into the importance of a sharing economy beyond material things, and appreciation for Goodfest, in creating a space where youth wisdom sits alongside elder wisdom.
There is discussion on our highly extractive, captalist economy and the need for touching uncomfortable spaces beyond our own ecosystems. Thoughts circle around bringing the voices of the living world into our discussions on climate action, embracing humility, the dance of perfect imperfection along the journey to new, creative imagingings, becoming playful with unknowingness, rewilding our cities and how buisnesses can take action towards systemic change.
Matt invites us to:
Find our own space where we can sit, release, think and breath.
Remain curious and foster your inner child
Get into unknowing, uncomfortable spaces
Share your thoughts, feelings and experiences with your tribe.
Community and Links:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/matt.hocking/
Twitter:
twitter.com/Leapness
Community -
Leap:
https://leap.eco/team/matt-hocking/
Goodfest:
B Corp:
https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/
Becoming Crew - What is yours to do?
https://www.becomingcrew.com/1day
Play Out Track:
Fulltone - ‘Woodland Oracle’
Thanks for listening to The Spaceship Earth Podcast.
Host: Dan Burgess @dansolo / @dan___burgess
Audio: Charlie Shread
Engine room: Seemah Nahome-Burgess
Jingles: Willow Nahome-Burgess
Shownotes: Kamara Venner
Music: Escape Goat by Soren Lorenson (The Spaceship Earth Remix)
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