Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast

Michael Green, CEO of the Social Progress Imperative, explains the fundamental distinctions between the Social Progress Index and the Human Development Index, shedding light on how social and environmental factors are measured differently from traditional economic metrics. Michael shares the origin and purpose of the Human Development Index introduced in 1990, its indicators, and its limitations....

Over the past year, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts have faced severe backlash , especially in the United States, prompting many organizations to quietly abandon their initiatives. Some claim “mission accomplished.” The data says otherwise. In Episode 5 of Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast , host Michael Green sits down with Elmira Bayrasli , former diplomat, author, professor...

The world got Ukraine wrong. Why was Ukraine underestimated and Russia overestimated for decades? It’s not just a military question, it's a social progress story. In this episode of Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast , host Michael Green sits down with Orysia Lutsevych , Head of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House , to reveal the surprising civic strength that has defined Ukraine's i...

Let's explore Costa Rica's remarkable social progress and the factors contributing to its success. Our special guest, Jaime Garcia, discusses the historical context, the role of institutions, and the importance of education and health in driving social welfare. The conversation also addresses current challenges and the need for a more equitable distribution of social progress across the...

In this episode, we challenge the foundational purpose of modern business, asking a provocative question: Is your hard-earned pension money funding the very companies that undermine your long-term health and the stability of the planet? Michael Green, CEO of the Social Progress Imperative , is joined by Catherine Howarth, CEO of ShareAction , to expose this ultimate investment paradox, where the s...

What are the successes and challenges of Philanthrocapitalism? We highlight the evolving role of wealthy individuals and businesses in addressing social and environmental issues, the impact of political changes on philanthropy, and the future of social progress in a rapidly changing world. The conversation focuses on the need for a shift away from GDP-centric thinking towards a more holistic appro...

Learn the shifting perspectives on economic growth and the limitations of GDP as a measure of national success. Discover the origins of GDP, Gross Domestic Product,  its role in guiding global economic development, and the reasons why it falls short in capturing true societal progress. From the historical context of the Great Depression and Simon Kuznets to the modern challenges of sustainability...