Advertise on podcast: IAF Continued Conversations

For thirty years, the International Academy for Leadership shaped liberal thinkers, activists and future decision-makers from more than 130 countries. In this special episode of “IAF Continued Conversations,” host Sven Gerst speaks with Bettina Solinger, Verena Schweickhard and Axel Friedrichsen about what made the IAF unique. They discuss the spirit of Gummersbach, the craft behind great facilitation, the power of safe learning spaces and the countless human stories that defined the Academy. As the IAF closes its doors at the Magic Mountain, this conversation captures its legacy and the lessons that will continue to matter.

Around the world, young people are taking to the streets to challenge failing governance systems, rising living costs and limited opportunities. These Gen Z movements share a common call for accountability, transparency and a political system that reflects their realities and expectations. In this episode of IAF Continued Conversations, hosts Arpita Nepal and Rainer Heufers speak with Kathya Berrada from Morocco and Dhananath Fernando from Sri Lanka about the rise of Gen Z Movements across the Global South. Together, they explore what sparked these youth-driven uprisings, how economic pressures and governance failures shaped public anger, and why younger generations increasingly distrust traditional political structures. Drawing on recent developments from Colombo to Casablanca, the conversation highlights how societies respond when young citizens demand accountability, transparency and a new political mindset.

What does it really take for an organization to survive and succeed when resources are tight and expectations are high? In this episode of IAF Continued Conversations, hosts Marike Groenewald and Clinton du Preez from Anew - a leadership and organisational development agency speak with campaign, strategy and fundraising expert Jonathan Moakes about the real foundations of a resourced organization. They explore why people development is not a luxury, how to grow networks beyond familiar circles, how credibility and culture attract support, and why effective storytelling is central to modern fundraising. Packed with practical insights, honest reflections and examples from political and civil society work around the world, this episode offers leaders clear direction for building resilient organizations with lasting impact.

What makes land rights such a powerful tool for freedom, development, and climate resilience? In this episode of IAF Continued Conversations, hosts Arpita Nepal and Rainer Heufers speak with land governance expert Karol Boudreaux from Landesa about why secure property rights are at the heart of liberty and prosperity. They discuss why land titles alone aren’t enough, how customary systems can work with formal law, and why patient, locally driven approaches—not top-down aid—create lasting change. From women’s empowerment in Tanzania to community-based conservation in Namibia, this conversation offers a grounded look at what truly works in development.

The liberal world order is under pressure. Geopolitics is not making a comeback — it was never gone. In this episode of IAF Continued Conversations, hosts Bettina Solinger and Sven Gerst talk with geopolitical strategist Velina Tchakarova about shifting power dynamics, strategic uncertainties, and what the “bifurcation” of the global order really means. From the “Dragonbear” axis between Russia and China to Europe’s strategic hesitation, this conversation explores how liberal democracies can respond to a more competitive, fragmented world.

What does it mean to practice “hard hope” in politics and leadership today? In this episode of IAF Continued Conversations, hosts Marike Groenewald and Clinton du Preez from Anew - a leadership and organisational development agency - talk with Lisa Witter, CEO of the Better Politics Foundation and co-founder of Apolitical. Lisa shares her ideas on “hard hope”, a mindset that faces reality, embraces difficulty, and chooses action anyway. Together they explore how leaders can stay resilient in times of fatigue and crisis, why empathy and curiosity are crucial political skills, and what it means to build “better politics” through facilitative leadership. From neuroscience to nature, from women in politics to the role of AI in leadership, Lisa connects practical tools with deep purpose. A conversation for anyone striving to lead with integrity, courage, and a sense of possibility — even when things feel hard.

What makes societies flourish—and what causes their decline? In this episode of IAF Continued Conversations, hosts Arpita Nepal and Rainer Heufers talk with Johan Norberg about his latest book Peak Human: How We Can Learn from the Rise and Fall of Golden Ages. Drawing on examples from Athens to Baghdad and Song China, Norberg shows how openness to ideas, trade, and innovation has fueled human progress across time and cultures. Together they explore the balance between strong institutions and creative freedom, the tension between traders and tribalists in every society, and what it takes to sustain progress in today’s interconnected world.

What if a city could write its own rules? In this episode of IAF Continued Conversations, hosts Bettina Solinger and Sven Gerst explore the world of charter cities together with Honduran attorney and IAF alumnus Christian Betancourt, who lives and works in Próspera on the island of Roatán. Charter cities are autonomous zones with their own regulatory frameworks for business, taxation, and labor — a radical idea that challenges our usual understanding of the nation-state. Próspera is one of the most ambitious examples of this concept, offering entrepreneurs, innovators, and residents the chance to experiment with new ways of living and working. Christian shares his unique perspective as both a legal expert and a resident, giving insight into how Próspera came into being, what daily life looks like, and why Honduras, of all places, became a pioneer in this field. From its legal foundations and economic opportunities to the diverse mix of residents who call it home, this conversation brings theory and practice together in a way that makes the experiment tangible. Tune in to learn how charter cities are reshaping governance, what challenges they face, and what they might mean for the future of freedom and innovation.

In this episode of IAF Continued Conversations, hosts Marike Groenewald and Clinton du Preez from Anew - a leadership and organisational development agency - talk with Gareth Morgan, Executive Director of Future Planning & Resilience for the City of Cape Town and coauthor, along with Peter Willis, of Becoming Good at Crises – A Field Guide for Leaders. Together they explore what it takes to lead in moments of uncertainty: from declaring a crisis, to building the right teams, to preparing capabilities during “peacetime” that allow organizations to adapt when shocks arrive. Drawing on lessons from Cape Town’s “Day Zero” drought and the COVID-19 pandemic, Gareth shares practical insights on mindset, communication, and the role of leadership in navigating the crises of our time.

In this episode of IAF Continued Conversations, Arpita Nepal and Rainer Heufers talk with Sam Bowman—editor at Works in Progress and Head of Publishing at Stripe—about what housing has to do with everything from economic growth to climate change, fertility rates, and even innovation. Bowman explains why cities that build more homes thrive, why restrictions on housing development worsen inequality, and how proximity drives creativity and productivity. Drawing on global examples from Tokyo to London to San Francisco, the conversation explores political and economic roadblocks—and how we might begin to overcome them.

Is shrinking the state enough to fix it? Or do liberals need a better plan altogether? In this episode of IAF Continued Conversations, hosts Bettina Solinger and Sven Gerst are joined by political economist Mike Munger for a wide-ranging discussion on state capacity, government reform, and the limits of bureaucracy. From Argentina’s dramatic cuts to Elon Musk’s failed DOGE experiment, they explore why some efforts to reinvent the state spark momentum while others fall flat. But beyond the headlines, the conversation turns to a more fundamental question: What should government actually do? Drawing on political theory, real-world cases, and personal experience, Munger challenges common assumptions about efficiency, regulation, and the role of the liberal state in the 21st century. This episode asks tough questions about power, structure, and what it takes to make reforms stick. Whether you’re a policymaker, theorist, or curious listener, this conversation offers new angles on a very old problem.

In this episode of IAF Continued Conversations, hosts Marike Groenewald and Clinton du Preez welcome Brent Colburn—former director for President Obama's reelection campaign and current Vice President for Global Public Affairs at Microsoft—to explore the challenge of leading with vision when the world demands instant results. From the “Yes We Can” breakthrough to today’s shifting political playbook, Brent shows why hope is the essential spark that fuels action. Discover how history shapes context, authenticity wins trust, and small daily steps sustain big, long-term change. Tune in and learn why hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s the foundation for any strategy.

In this episode of IAF Continued Conversations, Arpita Nepal and Rainer Heufers explore the meaning and measurement of development with economist Lant Pritchett. Drawing on decades of research and practical experience, Pritchett makes a compelling case for distinguishing between national development and individual human flourishing—two processes often conflated in policy debates. The conversation touches on the four pillars of national development: productivity, responsive governance, state capability, and equal treatment of citizens. Pritchett warns that many development agencies have shifted focus away from these fundamentals, favoring short-term, donor-driven interventions over long-term structural change. He challenges the development industry to rethink its priorities, arguing that without a renewed commitment to national transformation—including economic freedom and institutional resilience—aid risks becoming irrelevant. The episode also reflects on the role of development aid in building or undermining state capacity, and what it would take for the global development discourse to become more meaningful and effective again. This is an honest and urgent discussion on what development really means, how it should be measured, and whether current strategies are truly serving the countries they intend to support.

In this episode of IAF Continued Conversations, Bettina Solinger and Sven Gerst sit down with political entrepreneur Josef Lentsch to explore how liberal parties can evolve beyond traditional models. Drawing on the founding of Austria’s NEOS, insights into participatory leadership, and the rise of political technology, they map out a strategy for renewing liberalism in a rapidly changing world. Whether you’re a party insider or civic-minded citizen, discover practical lessons on culture, organization, and innovation—and learn how to turn vision into political reality.

In this episode of IAF Continued Conversations, hosts Arpita Nepal and Rainer Heufers sit down with seasoned Silicon Valley entrepreneur and investor John Chisholm to tackle a critical policy question: How can we regulate markets without suffocating innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic dynamism? With over four decades of experience in the tech industry, Chisholm brings sharp insights into how regulation can support—or hinder—growth. The discussion contrasts organic regulations, which evolve from societal norms and common law, with imposed regulations, often rigid and top-down. Together, they explore how policymakers can strike the right balance, drawing on real-world examples from worker status laws, the drone industry, and financial markets. Whether you're a policymaker, entrepreneur, or simply someone interested in economic freedom and innovation, this episode offers a practical and globally informed lens on smarter regulation.