Fellow Movers, Shakers, and Visionary Makers,

In this enlightening episode of Under One Sky, we sit down with Erika Staël von Holstein, Chief Executive of Re-Imagine Europa, and Elaine Smith Genser, a sustainability expert and political narrative specialist based in Washington, DC. Together, they explore how narratives shape our societies, politics, and the future of governance, with a particular focus on the role of collective intelligence and the digital age in shaping these stories.

As we approach the upcoming US election, Elaine dives into how we can move beyond the polarized us-vs-them mentality. She explains how narratives are rarely about one side or the other, but often encompass both: an AND perspective—where seemingly separate issues share a core narrative. This approach is crucial in finding common ground in a time of growing political divides.

Erika brings insights from Re-Imagine Europa, where they are using technology and public discourse to create pragmatic solutions for a stronger and more unified Europe. Together, they discuss how AI and media platforms influence the stories that shape our identities and how we can build a future that bridges divides.

Key takeaways include:

• Facts are the words, narratives are the sentences: How narratives contextualize facts and make them resonate.


• Narrative plausibility: Understanding what makes a narrative believable and why some stories stick while others fade.


• Finding common ground: How narratives transcend either/or thinking to reveal a shared core, crucial for bridging political divides, especially in elections.


• Media ecology: "The messenger is the message"—how the platforms we use influence the way narratives are received.

Get involved:

Re-Imagine Europa: ⁠https://re-imagine.eu/⁠

Follow Erika: ⁠https://https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-sta%C3%ABl-von-holstein-42240b136/⁠

UN Joint SDG Fund: https://jointsdgfund.org/

Follow Elaine: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-smith-genser/⁠

But this episode goes beyond technical discussions. We dive into the personal stories of Erika and Elaine—how their experiences, challenges, and insights shape their work in navigating political and cultural narratives to foster unity in divided times.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How narratives are evolving in the digital age and the role of AI in shaping public perception.


• The work of Re-Imagine Europa in fostering public discourse and finding solutions for a more unified Europe.


• The importance of narratives that transcend either/or thinking, especially in the context of the upcoming US election.

Move ONWARDS and UPWARDS with us as we explore how we can support these visionary leaders and contribute to a more regenerative and resilient future—for all of us, because we are not separate, but interconnected.

Thank you to our community for continuing to show up and contribute to creating tools, methods, and resources that empower us to build better communities and launch local, personal regenerative ripple effects with global implications.

SETUP STINGER: Robert McKee - Story https://mckeestory.com/

THEME COMPOSER: Adrian Berenguer "JOY" ⁠https://anbr.adrianberenguer.com/aboutanbr/⁠

SPONSOR: Panarchy.io

And please consider supporting luminary conversations like this that bring value to both personal and business leadership by contributing the cost of a cup of coffee you’ll likely enjoy while listening. 😉

👉 ⁠https://bit.ly/u1s-support⁠ 👈