GP 42: What Really Affects Quality of Life? with Adam Hinds of LifeProven

Grow Places

What if we told you that the biggest driver of quality of life in a building isn’t space, location, or sleek design – but how connected people feel to each other?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Grow Places Podcast, Tom Larsson sits down with Adam Hinds, co-founder of LifeProven, to unpack what truly makes a place thrive. From ESG’s misunderstood reputation to surprising data on mental well-being in housing, this is a deep dive into how buildings influence lives – and how the real estate sector is only just beginning to catch up.

Adam shares the real reason LifeProven was born (hint: it started with a very awkward question from a university client), and how their pioneering approach is shifting decision-making for investors, developers, and policymakers alike.

Expect insight, humanity, and a few well-earned reality checks – plus a vision for the kind of places we should be creating, and what happens when data meets empathy at scale.

You’ll learn:

• Why the most powerful ESG investors aren’t backing down
• What “quality of life” really means – and how to measure it
• How dense urban living can still be deeply human
• Why clutter causes anxiety (and how to design that out)
• The design decisions that really matter – and the ones that don’t

If you care about the future of cities, real estate, or just want to know how your environment shapes your wellbeing – this one’s for you.

Learn more at growplaces.com

Chapters

1. The Impact-Focused Real Estate Approach (00:00:00)

2. Understanding Different Layers in Real Estate (00:06:08)

3. BlackRock's Approach to Sustainable Investing (00:16:13)

4. The Life Proven Origin Story (00:23:27)

5. Real Estate Well-Being Metrics (00:32:54)

6. Personal Values and Future Aspirations (00:41:05)