The Samuele Tini Show - where business, innovation, and sustainability converge

Stop Saving the Planet—Start Reinventing It: Gunter Pauli’s Blue Economy Revolution

In this episode, we speak with Gunter Pauli, the visionary behind the Blue Economy, who challenges conventional sustainability wisdom. Pauli argues passionately against the negative narratives dominating the climate discourse and showcases how innovative thinking and actionable, scalable solutions can radically transform our world. From coffee waste turned into mushrooms, to mangrove restoration creating new economic pathways, Pauli proves that sustainability can be profitable, equitable, and immediate. Join us as we dive into bold ideas, practical innovations, and inspiring stories that demonstrate the limitless potential of the Blue Economy to regenerate nature, eradicate poverty, and create wealth. 

Mining with Dignity – Reframing Artisanal Mining for Sustainability| S.2 E.4

In this insightful episode, Rob Karpati, sustainability and mining expert at Blended Capital Group, delves deep into the world of artisanal mining, revealing its critical role in global sustainability and local economic empowerment. Rob discusses the fundamental challenges artisanal miners face, such as predatory finance and informal structures, and highlights innovative solutions like digital marketplaces, blended finance, and blockchain technology that ensure transparency, productivity, and dignity. Discover how formalising artisanal mining can transform lives, protect environments, and create profitable, sustainable outcomes for investors and communities alike.

The Profit of Purpose: Unlocking Impact in the Non-Profit Sector in Africa | S.2 E.3

In this compelling episode of The Samuele Tini Show, we welcome Bukonla Adebakin, a renowned expert dedicated to advancing the non-profit sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. Join us as we dive deep into Bukonla’s journey, from leading impactful projects to authoring "The Profit of Purpose," a groundbreaking book designed to empower social entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders with essential financial management skills.
Learn how mastering financial accounting, reporting, and fundraising can unlock sustainable growth, ensure transparency, and amplify impact. Practical, insightful, and inspiring—this episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to making a meaningful difference through empowered financial literacy and strategic resource management.

Designing Sustainability: Innovation You Didn't Know You Needed | S.2 E.2

Join host Samuele Tini in this fascinating conversation with Todd Bracher, renowned designer and innovator, exploring how design is not just about beauty but about solving real-world problems sustainably. From creating the world’s most sustainable office chair to pioneering health innovations like UVC hand sanitizers and myopia-fighting glasses, Todd reveals how integrating design early into business processes can drastically transform sustainability. Discover why scale is crucial and how Todd’s Better Lab is bridging the gap between science and practical design to revolutionize everyday life.

Breaking Conservation Myths: Africa’s Innovative Approach | S. 2 E. 1

New Season! After 4 years it is time for a new season and for the first episode we travel to South Africa!  I engaged in a profound conversation with Duncan MacFadyen, Head of Research and Conservation at Oppenheimer Generations. Duncan shares his inspiring journey from growing up in South Africa's conservation areas to leading transformative sustainability initiatives across Africa. Discover groundbreaking projects like Malawi’s innovative approach to sustainable fishing, the empowerment of young African scientists through the Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grant, and pioneering conservation approaches blending wildlife management with community benefit. This episode explores the intersection of science, community engagement, and sustainable economic opportunities, shedding light on how conservation in Africa can coexist harmoniously with development.

AI, China, and Sustainability: Redefining Global Innovation | S.1 E. 142

Join the host Samuele Tini as we delve deep into China’s sustainability story with Lorne Michaels, Program Director for China at The Conference Board and founder of the groundbreaking Sustainability Directory. From his life-changing meeting with sustainability legend Ray Anderson to witnessing firsthand China’s paradoxical journey toward sustainability leadership, Lorne reveals insights from behind the scenes of one of the world's most complex and powerful economies. Discover how grassroots innovation, massive renewable projects, and intricate policy shifts are shaping the sustainability landscape. Plus, learn about his exciting venture, the Sustainability Directory, designed to revolutionise sustainability learning and implementation. Whether you're an entrepreneur, sustainability professional, or simply curious, this episode will transform how you view China's role in our global sustainability journey.
 

Trillion-Dollar Climate Capital: Funding the Next Wave of Green Tech Innovation | S.1 E. 141

Is climate finance scaling fast enough to solve the crisis?
With $2.1 TRILLION invested in green tech last year, we’re seeing momentum—but is it enough? In this episode, Peter Fusaro, founder of the Wall Street Green Summit, breaks down the latest in sustainable finance, from AI-driven decarbonization to the startup funding gap.
Key topics we explore:
The real cost of AI and why data centers could cripple sustainability efforts
Why carbon markets, methane capture, and green hydrogen are the next big bets
The investment gap—why billions aren’t reaching the climate startups that need them
How investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs can accelerate the transition

Innovating Beyond Plastic: The Future of Bio-Materials | S.1 E. 140

What if the future of design meant products that are functional, beautiful, and compostable? In this episode of The Sustainability Journey, we meet Lauryn Menard, founder of GOB, a design visionary using bio-materials like mycelium to tackle single-use plastics.
Lauryn shares her entrepreneurial story, her passion for education, and her commitment to creating sustainable products that do not compromise on quality. With insights like "Begin with the end – start your designs with their afterlife in mind," this episode dives into the challenges and triumphs of scaling eco-friendly innovation.
 
 

How Wellbeing Economies Can Transform Our Future | S.1 E. 139

How do we shift from an obsession with economic growth to a focus on human and planetary wellbeing? On this episode of The Sustainability Journey, we speak with Lorenzo Fioramonti, former Italian Minister of Education and Academic Director at Nativa Campus.
Lorenzo introduces the concept of a wellbeing economy, where development is measured by its impact on quality of life, not consumption. Drawing from examples like New Zealand’s wellbeing budget, Lorenzo highlights the policies, education reforms, and business innovations needed to create a sustainable and just future.
With thought-provoking insights such as "We need to build an economy that improves quality of life within planetary boundaries," this episode offers a roadmap for change.
 
 

Academia in Action: Biofuels, Freight, and Carbon Capture | S.1 E.138

“Universities aren’t just about research; they’re about finding holistic solutions that include policy, science, and people"
In this episode of The Sustainability Journey, host Samuele Tini welcomes Dr, Valerie Thomas, the Anderson-Interface Chair of Natural Systems and Professor in the H. Milton School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech, to discuss transformative solutions for today’s environmental challenges. Valerie shares her fascinating career journey—from nuclear arms control to spearheading innovations in sustainability.
The conversation dives into:
The slow but impactful energy transition in developed and emerging markets.
The future of freight transportation, biofuels, and carbon capture technologies.
Groundbreaking research on industrial efficiency in paper and semiconductor production.
The crucial role of policies and scaling innovations for real-world impact.
Practical advice for individuals to contribute to sustainability efforts.
Valerie’s expertise bridges academia and actionable solutions, providing valuable insights into balancing new technologies and systemic change. Join us for an engaging exploration of the science, policy, and practices driving a sustainable future.