10/07/2026
On Wednesday evening, our London HQ hosted Castle Forum’s event, “A Wellbeing Economy: Reimagining an Economy Fit for the Future”.
The discussion explored what an economy built around wellbeing could look like, why we need one, and how we begin to make it a reality.
Chaired by Micael Johnstone, the panel featured wellbeing economist Ben Kellard, Pins Brown, Business & Enterprise Lead at Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL), and Clarasys’ own Purpose and Impact Lead, Alex Willford.
A few themes really stood out from the conversation.
Alex spoke about the need for a paradigm shift: moving away from an extractive economy focused on profit maximisation and towards one designed around wellbeing. He highlighted ownership and governance as two of the most important levers in making that shift happen.
There was also a strong emphasis on collaboration across the whole system, from government and business to civil society. Building a wellbeing economy will require collective effort, shared responsibility and new ways of working together.
Ben brought the vision for wellbeing to life. At its heart, social and environmental wellbeing means people feeling secure, connected to healthy communities, and able to access meaningful, fairly paid work that leaves room for friends, family and a fulfilling life. It also means a stable climate and access to nature, clean air, energy, water, housing and healthy food.
The conversation also touched on leverage points for change, including the fundamental shifts needed not just in what we do, but in how we think about the economy and our place within it.
The discussion also explored practical tools and frameworks that can help organisations rethink how they create value within a wellbeing economy.
A thought-provoking evening and an important conversation on what it will take to build an economy fit for the future. Here are some picture highlights.