Inspired by Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics and developed by the Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL), this is not your typical seminar. This is a hands-on, movement-based workshop designed to help us reimagine what it means to thrive for all individuals and businesses within the limits of our planet. The workshop is co-facilitated by Dr. Olivia Freeman and Dr. Lucia Walsh (TU Dublin) and Roisin Markham (Irish Doughnut Economics Network).
What to expect:
Map the Challenge: Using ropes, we will physically construct the "ecological ceiling" and "social foundation" to visually grasp the Doughnut Model.
Experience the Doughnut: You will move through key zones from "resource overshoot" to the "social shortfall" to find the sweet spot of a "safe and just space for all within the means of the planet." You will engage in short, paired reflections with other participants.
Commit to Action: We will explore practical examples from business and local communities, leaving you with tangible actions for a regenerative future.
Why it matters:
This active learning experience makes complex planetary, social and economic constraints feel real. By the end of the 90 minutes, you will walk away with concrete tools and the courage needed to lead change within your own business or community.
Event Details & Lineup of Speakers:
When: Thursday, 12 March 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Where: Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC)
Dr Lucia Walsh
Sustainability Education & Innovation Lead
Dr Lucia Walsh is a Sustainability Education Lead within the Sustainability Team where she supports colleagues from across the University to embed sustainability into their practice. Her current research and industry collaboration interests include social entrepreneurship, sustainability literacy in business and entrepreneurial leadership. Lucia’s focus has been on empowering learners with entrepreneurial mindsets to solve sustainability challenges using enquiry-based and experiential learning and authentic assessment.
Dr Olivia Freeman
Sustainability Education Lead / SDG Literacy COP Lead
Dr Olivia Freeman was previously a senior lecturer in the School of Marketing in TU Dublin, and co-chair of TU Dublin’s SDG Literacy Community of Practice. Her teaching areas include Consumption Studies and Education for Sustainable Development. Olivia has a background in sociology and her research interests include the use of discourse analytical approaches across a broad range of contexts from the wider sphere of business and society. Olivia will be supporting the Faculty of Arts & Humanities.