Imagine cultivating authentic progress where each of us ignites change, economies serve all, and potential knows no bounds

In a world that ceaselessly reshapes itself, demanding more from us each day, it's natural to pause and consider what truly defines progress. Is it merely the relentless pursuit of growth, the ticking off of achievements, or the accumulation of fleeting successes? Or might there be a deeper, more profound current beneath the surface, guiding us towards a future that genuinely serves all?

For too long, our understanding of "progress" has been, in many ways, an immature narrative. It has often focused narrowly on technological innovation and economic gains, inadvertently externalizing costs and ignoring the vast web of interconnectedness that sustains us. We’ve optimized for parts of the system, often missing the ways our efforts might harm the whole, leading to unintended and profound negative consequences. This raises a critical question: How can we foster a form of advancement that is not just expedient, but truly authentic, truly human, and truly sustainable?

This is where the concept of Authentic Progress emerges as the foundational philosophy behind Practical Acts. It calls for a higher standard, redefining success to encompass not only financial performance but also ethical considerations, the well-being of all stakeholders (employees, customers, communities), positive societal impact, and long-term environmental sustainability. Authentic Progress means systematically identifying and internalizing externalities—caring deeply enough to notice the ways in which our actions might cause harm, and then making deliberate changes to address them. It is a commitment to holistic betterment, where every action strives to be net-neutral to net-positive for everything it touches, now and in the future.

Authentic Progress does not stand alone; it is inextricably woven into the three core principles that guide the work of Practical Acts:

1. Each of us is the greatest platform for change. This principle resonates deeply with the idea that every individual is a powerful platform for change. To truly be this platform, we must cultivate self-knowledge—understanding our own strengths, limitations, and values. This self-awareness is the foundation upon which effective action is built. Authentic Progress challenges us to realize that each of us has the capacity to drive profound shifts. It’s about activating the potential of everyone, recognizing that individual potential emerges from the interdependence of our connections. By embracing Authentic Progress, personal actions are transformed into ripples that can cascade into a planetary movement for human and ecological flourishing.

2. Imagine a world where our economy works for every human. This is a profound aspiration, one that highlights the need to redefine how our economic systems function. The current reality often perpetuates inequality and prioritizes wealth over the well-being of people and the planet. Authentic Progress directly challenges this paradigm. It advocates for holistic betterment for all stakeholders, pushing for a balance between profit and purpose. It demands a shift in our collective values, focusing intently on the well-being of people and the health of the planet. When businesses adopt Authentic Progress, their purpose extends beyond mere financial gain, genuinely shaping their strategy to deliver profits through, not in spite of, pursuing a greater good.

3. Imagine if we unlock the potential of everyone. The vision of Authentic Progress is one where human potential is fully unleashed. It means that true leadership isn't about holding all the answers, but about cultivating environments where every individual feels equipped, encouraged, and supported to make their own positive impact. This amplifies our collective ability to navigate complex challenges and innovate for a better future. Unlocking this collective potential requires investing in both capability and capacity, which in turn unleashes intrinsic motivation and performance. It necessitates creating a psychologically safe environment where people are comfortable sharing ideas, experimenting, and seeing mistakes as valuable learning opportunities, rather than failures.

The founders of Practical Acts, Stephanie and Stuart Mills, believe we all have the capacity within us to drive this profound shift. By grounding our actions in Authentic Progress—a commitment to holistic betterment, continuous learning, and courageous action rooted in purpose and values—we don't just lead; we inspire a movement. We don't just build companies or initiatives; we build a better world for others. The future that wants to emerge is waiting for us to birth it into reality, one purposeful act at a time.