We welcome Heather Grabbe, expert in societal change and reflect on what is needed to rise above populist sentiment, overcome polarisation and inspire people to embrace positive change. About Heather Grabbe Heather is the director of the influential Open Society European Policy Institute and advocate for democratic pluralism and open societies. From 2004 to 2009 she was senior advisor to then European Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn. She conducted research at the European University Institute (Florence), Chatham House (London), Oxford and Birmingham universities, and taught at the London School of Economics. Heather on: linkedin / twitter  About the Inner Green Deal The Inner Green Deal podcast, a podcast for exploring compassionate and sustainable leadership is an effort of Awaris and the Inner Green Deal initiative. If you would like to support or start a dialogue with us, please reach out to us here.  For this episode we invite you to contemplate together with us on these reflective questions: How can I start to prepare for the change ahead so my brain will not go on red alert? How can I be part of the solution instead of feeling as part of the problem? What role do mindfulness and compassion play in my life and how can they help me to not get cynical but actually stay in touch and be touched by what I see around myself? Resources: Open Society European Policy Institute  Heather´s remarkable Ted Talk (including the brain on red  alert) Finnish Fund for the Future - Sitra ( as mentioned in regard of the sust ainability questionaire) Read how to manage the politics of a fair climate transition in Europe @ Carnegie Europe  Heather´s piece on How to built lasting support for the EU´s green deal @ politico  Independence The Inner Green Deal is a non-profit initiative of training and leadership development company Awaris. The Inner Green Deal is in the process of establishing itself as a separate and independent non-profit initiative. Neither the Inner Green Deal nor this podcast episode has been funded by any participant. Credits Intro song "the Inner Green Deal" by WayUpNorth. Made with compassion and active hope. From Brussels, Cologne and Hamburg, your team of the Inner Green Deal podcast.