What If the Economy Were Built on Care?

What if everything you’ve been taught about economic progress is wrong?

In this episode, Stacey Edgar — social worker turned social entrepreneur and now executive director of the International Folk Art Market — shares her journey through the “career jungle gym” of the social impact sector. We unpack her concept of artisan economics, a radically human approach to commerce rooted in care, dignity, and connection.

From surviving U.S. customs mishaps to rewriting economic theory from a feminist perspective, Stacey challenges the status quo and shows what a purpose-driven economy really looks like — on the ground, in the marketplace, and in our communities.

If you’ve ever wondered whether mission can truly coexist with margin, or how to lead with care in a world of burnouts and bans, this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights

• [00:00] Introduction
  Challenging the paradox of progress and introducing artisan economics
• [02:06] Stacey’s Nonlinear Path
  From social work to fair trade founder to nonprofit ED
• [03:43] Turning $2,000 into a Movement
  The surprising spark behind Global Girlfriend
• [05:35] Lessons from the Early Days
  “Just ask.” The power of invitation in purpose-driven business
• [07:30] Teaching Business with Purpose
  From MBA metrics to artisan-led projects across the globe
• [10:26] Leading a Legacy Nonprofit
  The cultural shift from founder-led to stakeholder-centered leadership
• [12:08] Resilience Under Pressure
  What happens when “women” becomes a banned word in federal grants
• [16:27] Building a Purpose-First Economy
  Stacey’s upcoming book and why care must be central to the future of work
• [20:26] Defining the Culture of Care
  From feminist economics to Bhutan’s “gross national happiness”
• [23:18] The Loneliness of Leadership
  Where Stacey finds strength during tough times
• [24:35] What’s Lighting Her Up
  Authentic creativity in a world obsessed with AI and performance
• [26:19] Digital Disconnection
  Why real person-to-person connection still matters most
   

Notable Quotes

“There is no career ladder. There is a career jungle gym. Go from playground to playground, following your curiosity.” — Stacey [02:06]

“Once you tell people what you’re doing, it’s not a sale… You’re inviting someone to be part of a bigger movement.” — Stacey [05:35]

“In the artisan economy, creativity builds on itself… It’s about building forward and retaining tradition.” — Stacey [19:58]

“Our biggest personal poverty at the moment is disconnection.” — Stacey [27:23]

“When purpose becomes your marketing, it’s gone past its core.” — Stacey [17:15]

P.S. — Feeling the disconnect between your mission and your message? I help social impact leaders build trust through story-rich brands, compelling campaigns, and values-aligned strategy. Let’s talk about how to e

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