Bridging Business and Spirituality: Regenerative Economics at Flagler College
As an academic member of the Design Economics Coalition, Dr. Paula Seymour brings a unique perspective that bridges business education with spiritual wisdom. As Associate Professor of Social Entrepreneurship and steward of the Hazel Henderson Center for Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship at Flagler College, Seymour champions regenerative practices and the circular economy. We asked her about her work and its connection to design economics.
Which tenet of design economics most connects to your academic focus, and why?
Acknowledging Change. My teaching and research emphasize the dynamic evolution of economic and social systems—particularly how extractive, patriarchal, and linear economic models have failed both people and the planet. I engage students in co-creating alternatives grounded in justice, well-being, and ecological regeneration, which requires constant adaptation and iteration.
How has your academic work challenged traditional economic paradigms?
Through my courses in Social Entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary projects, I challenge the assumption that economic value is solely tied to profit. I introduce students to frameworks like Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics, Hazel Henderson’s Quality of Life Indicators, and B Corps to prioritize human and ecological well-being. My work also interrogates the historical marginalization of care work, feminine wisdom, and spiritual values in economic systems.
What creative methodologies do you use to approach economic questions?
I use experiential learning, service-learning, and systems mapping as creative methodologies. Students often prototype social ventures, lead simulated stakeholder meetings, and collaborate across disciplines. I also integrate spiritual inquiry, embodiment practices, and storytelling to surface deeper truths about values, purpose, and community connection that traditional economic models often overlook.
How does your research or teaching approach acknowledge the evolution of economic systems?
I teach that economic systems are human-made and therefore malleable. Through comparative models (like solidarity economies, circular economies, and feminist economics), students see how economies have evolved—and can continue evolving—toward more equitable and sustainable futures. I also emphasize inner work and consciousness as catalysts for systemic change, aligning with Design Economics’ values.
What recent economic shifts have most influenced your research direction?
Recent shifts that have influenced my direction include the rise of regenerative economies, the mainstreaming of stakeholder capitalism, and growing attention to intersectional environmental justice. The pandemic highlighted deep systemic inequalities, while Gen Z is demanding purpose-driven work. These trends affirm the need for economic models that reflect interdependence, dignity, and care.
Feedback on the self-interview:
You may want to include space for those of us who integrate spiritual, ancestral, and embodied knowledge systems in our economic frameworks. Much of my work draws on lived experience, intuition, and mysticism as legitimate ways of knowing—especially in service of reimagining economics beyond the limits of Western rationalism.
About This Interview
Design Economics Coalition members complete a self-interview exploring how their work connects to the three tenets of design economics: acknowledging change, embracing creativity, and cultivating literacy. These responses help connect professionals across sectors who are working to evolve economic systems.
Interested in joining the coalition? Contact us to learn more about membership.