What If the Economy Were Built on Care?

Описание: 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.

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]

[00:00] A New Economic Vision
[02:06] Stacey’s Unconventional Path
[03:43] Starting Global Girlfriend
[05:35] The Power of Asking
[07:30] From Entrepreneur to Educator
[10:26] Leading at IFAM

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 elevate your impact: https://designbycosmic.com/


[12:08] Resilience in a Tumultuous Time
[16:27] What is Artisan Economics?
[19:58] The Culture of Care
[23:18] Facing Hard Times as a Leader
[24:35] What’s Inspiring Stacey Now
[26:19] Disconnection in the Digital Age
[28:15] Where to Connect with Stacey