As we approach the end 2024, it is time to close the PropTech for Good chapter. And that is okay. PropTech for Good is dead; long live PropTech for Good! The end of PropTech for Good does not mark a failure but the natural completion of one season, which promises a new beginning. Just as winter clears the way for new growth, the conclusion of PropTech for Good is an opportunity to reflect and create space for what lies ahead. This journey has shown the power of purposeful work, and now it is time to embrace new possibilities and evolve my mission in a way that aligns with a profound calling and a new business chapter.
Reflecting on the dead and renewal
I recently re-read Laura Storm’s blog “When It’s Time to (Let Your Ego) Die.” In this blog, Laura describes the profound need to surrender the ego and embrace the discomfort of darkness to facilitate personal and societal transformation. Storm shares her decision to retire from her professional persona in 2024 to enter a phase of “hibernation”—a conscious period of silence, letting go, and nurturing inner growth. She emphasises the vital role of symbolic death in regeneration and suggests that transformation requires the courage to let go of outdated ways and navigate Laura’s uncertainty of the unknown. From her own experiences, she emphasises embracing the cycles of life—death, darkness, and renewal—as a path to deeper clarity and authenticity. She critiques modern leadership’s resistance to change and calls for collective spaces to grieve, surrender, and transform together. Ultimately, her message is a call to align with the rhythms of nature, trusting that endings are fertile ground for new beginnings.
Dead – Winter and the End of PropTech for Good
By winter, the recession has you in its cold grip. The trees are dead; there is very little activity on farms. Winter is the time to prepare for spring; you are in a good position to change and adapt now. It is an excellent time to take action and redefine your business dreams and goals. This is the time when business is a little “cold.” We are not getting much new business, but we have enough business to keep our heads above water. We can use this time to maintain our networks. It is also a time for celebration, holidays, and gatherings with loved ones.
On April 22, 2020, I launched the PropTech for Good movement with a vision: to bring societal issues (ESG and SDG-related topics) to the forefront of the global real estate industry and connect them with technological solutions. Over the past four and a half years, I have poured my heart and soul into this mission, dedicating myself to creating a meaningful impact. PropTech for Good became a platform to drive positive change in the industry by raising awareness and encouraging action on some of the world’s most pressing issues through countless inspirational sessions, initiatives, and partnerships.
Reflecting on the past four and a half years, I cannot help but share my gratitude. I am immensely grateful that PropTech for Good has become a recognised hub for driving positive impact in the urban environment. I am grateful for the trust and support we have received over the years from our members, partners, clients, and supporters. I am grateful for the valuable conversations, transformative projects and impactful events to which we have had the privilege to contribute.
The landscape has changed significantly since I started the movement. I am happy to see PropTech associations worldwide embracing the ‘for Good’ paradigm in their organisations and initiatives. It is inspiring to see how members and other technology companies have adapted their offerings or fully committed to addressing societal challenges, how investors have launched ESG-related funds, and how event organisers – such as CREtech, Mipim, CityScape, Expo Real, and Provada—have included societal themes in their agendas. ESG, sustainability, and impact have become essential pillars of progress and innovation. Long live PropTech for Good..!!
The Four Levels of Paradigm
The choice to end the activities of PropTech for Good at the end of the year stems from my reflection on the past period on my level of energy, the changing landscape (as described above), my interest in regeneration since 2020, and the four levels of paradigm – outlined in the book 'The Regenerative Life' by Carol Sanford:
Regenerate Life – building the capacity in people and other living systems to be self-determining in the world;
Do Good – operating from faith in the potential of things and people to improve and make more meaningful contributions to the world;
Arrest Disorder – managing entropy in a continuously changing world;
Value Return – investing money, time, or effort into something will generate a useful return.
While all levels have value, I have decided to stop focusing my daily efforts on sustaining the old degenerative system by solving past problems. I will continue to support it (selectively) because it is necessary to move forward.
Renewal – A New Era
For years, I have sensed that we are living through a change of era – a force that has only grown stronger and more pervasive with time (I am not an astrologist – just based on my observations). As Aquarius enters Pluto on November 19, 2024, a new era begins. Aquarius will remain in Pluto until 2044. With its irregular orbit, Pluto takes an astonishing 248 years to complete its journey through the entire zodiac. This new era echoes past revolutionary periods like the American and French Revolutions. This era will spark collective awakening, egalitarian, tech-driven, grassroots transformations, challenging traditions and redefining power and societal norms.
Anticipating this event, temporarily stepping away from the rat race didn’t feel like enough. Some years ago, I realised I must take a more significant leap forward – a true pause for reflection and strengthening my capacity to bring new life, new light, and renewal. This is one of the reasons why I started my Tour for Regeneration, a tour of regeneration in my inner and outer worlds [Read my first and second blogs], and embrace the New Era. By adopting the regenerative paradigm, we can build capacity in people and other living systems to self-determine and catalyse places for life.
What’s next in business?
In the past months, I’ve shared my inner journey, travels, and future business ideas with valued business relations. Naturally, the question often arises: “What’s next, Menno?” My response has been simple: “I’m giving it time. I trust the process and believe the Universe holds something meaningful in store.” I know this is not an answer everyone can relate to because we are used to thinking in boxes/ functions. Honestly, I don't like (golden) cages. I know that I (and you) have much untapped potential. We must give it space to flourish. After all, we are not robots but people.
Over the years, I have learned several languages. In addition to Dutch and English, I’ve learned (and continue to learn) to speak the languages of real estate, urban environment, technology, digital transformation, and ESG/sustainability. I’ve been exploring the beautiful language of regeneration and its growing movement for a few years. This evolving combination of languages allows me to approach challenges holistically, inspire people, and create systemic value for nature, society, and business.
Starting in January 2025, I’m open to new forward-thinking (interim) roles and projects. A forward-thinking person, I am committed to driving change, regeneration, collaboration, and innovation across organisations and urban initiatives. With expertise as a Regenerative Weaver, I excel in connecting ideas, people, and systems to unlock holistic solutions. As a Non-Executive Director and Boardroom Whisperer, I provide strategic oversight and foster purposeful decision-making. I bring a track record of creating transformative concepts, nurturing ecosystems, and building partnerships. I would love to connect and explore new opportunities and challenges. For more information, you can find my LinkedIn profile here.
In parallel, I am actively pursuing projects that embody the regenerative principles I believe in, with a focus on the urban environment. By focusing on regeneration in the urban environment, I will put the living principles into action, paving the way for spaces embodying a renewed, thriving spirit. Whether through (co-created/ collective) collaborations or otherwise, this approach represents a tangible, hands-on commitment to catalysing places for life.
As I close the PropTech for Good business chapter at the end of 2024, I am immensely grateful for what we have achieved and for all who have joined me on this journey – THANK YOU so much! Together, we have proven the power of a purpose-driven network. Now, it is time to evolve my mission into something even more deeply aligned with my calling and the needs of our world. Let us enter this new era with an open heart, love, and a renewed sense of purpose – creating a responsible, resilient, regenerative urban environment and a genuinely thriving future.
With winter regards,
Menno Lammers
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