Hello, my name is Genevieve Hodge, and I’d like to share my journey and how I discovered the Inner Development Goals (IDGs). My story begins with profound loss. At 12, I lost my mum to a rare brain cancer, and by 20, I had lost my dad to lung cancer. These tragedies shaped my perspective on life. Inspired by the film Dead Poets Society, I vowed to “seize the day” and live an extraordinary life—not just for myself but also for my parents.
This commitment led me to incredible experiences, from studying hospitality in Switzerland to working on the world’s most luxurious cruise ship, Crystal Serenity. But amidst the glitz and glamour, I began to feel disconnected—from myself, from purpose, and from the inequalities I witnessed between the wealthy clients I served and the poverty-stricken communities we visited. This realization ignited a search for something deeper.
Self-Leadership (Being):
When my grandmother posed a life-changing question—“Why would you serve those who can serve themselves?”—I embarked on a journey of self-awareness. I sought to reconnect with my values, understand my purpose, and align my actions with something meaningful. This is at the heart of the IDG dimension of Being. I embraced mindfulness and reflection, which later became foundational in my work.
I returned to Australia and immersed myself in education, earning a Master’s in Leadership, Policy, and Change. I started volunteering with refugee families, developing empathy and compassion—skills critical to inner development.
Relating (Connecting):
While managing a leadership program at Curtin University, I learned the power of human connection. Supporting students in self-leadership, team collaboration, and community impact taught me how relationships shape our capacity to lead. This aligns with the IDG dimension of Relating, which focuses on communication, dealing with conflict, and fostering trust and empathy.
I deepened these skills through professional coaching and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) training, enabling me to guide others in overcoming limiting beliefs and building meaningful connections.
Thinking (Cognitive Skills):
Developing critical thinking and perspective-taking became integral to my work. Designing leadership programs for young people, centered around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), challenged me to think systemically. The IDG dimension of Thinking emphasizes these skills—integrating complexity, creativity, and foresight in addressing global challenges.
Collaborating (Social Skills):
In South Australia, I designed programs that encouraged young leaders to work collectively on SDG-focused projects. This required skills like inclusive decision-making and co-creation, which are key elements of the IDG dimension of Collaborating. Empowering young change agents showed me the power of teamwork in driving social impact.
Acting (Driving Change):
My family’s move to Italy marked a new chapter, but also reinforced the urgency of action. Living through devastating floods brought the climate crisis into sharp focus. This solidified my commitment to the IDG dimension of Acting, which involves courage, resilience, and driving sustainable change.
When a colleague introduced me to the IDGs, everything clicked. These dimensions encapsulated the skills I’d been cultivating and the tools I’d been searching for to create meaningful change. I began integrating them into my work, using them as a reflective tool in my leadership programs, such as The Impactors. The participants experienced profound transformations, building self-awareness, strengthening relationships, and amplifying their impact.
Recently, I joined the Kilimanjaro Group as an IDG Ambassador, a global network of changemakers dedicated to spreading these essential skills. During our training, I witnessed the power of the IDGs to bridge disconnection—within ourselves, with others, and with nature.
Why the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) Matter:
The world faces interconnected crises—climate disasters, social inequality, and mental health challenges. These challenges stem from disconnection. The IDGs provide a roadmap for reconnection:
Connection to Self (Being): Building self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and inner strength.
Connection to Others (Relating and Collaborating): Cultivating empathy, trust, and collaboration to address collective challenges.
Connection to Nature (Acting): Rekindling our relationship with the earth and acting courageously to protect it.
Through my programs, retreats, and upcoming podcast, I aim to bring these dimensions to life. My purpose is to empower individuals to become better humans, better leaders, and better ancestors for future generations.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, we can harness the power of the Inner Development Goals to create a better world. Ready to reconnect and make a meaningful impact? Explore how the Inner Development Goals can transform your leadership journey —[Click here to learn more].
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