The Sustainability Journey- by Samuele Tini

Entrepreneurship and Storytelling: A Message of Hope | S.1 E .136

“Amid challenges, it is our commonalities, not our conflicts, that define us.” A message of hope for this Christmas season!
In this episode of The Sustainability Journey, we explore the profound connection between entrepreneurship and storytelling with Miles Spencer—author, mentor, and serial entrepreneur. Drawing from his experiences retracing the legendary path of Lawrence of Arabia, Miles shares a unique perspective on finding purpose in both business and storytelling.
Through  tales from the Middle East, Miles reveals how shared cultural narratives can bridge divides and inspire new ways of thinking. “Storytelling is the currency of the future,” he explains, highlighting its crucial role in problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and making knowledge accessible in today’s AI-driven world.

Innovation for Sustainability: Tackling Water Pollution with AI and Robotics | S. 1 E.135

I had the pleasure of speaking with Jacky Zhu, CEO of ORCAUBOAT, a trailblazer in autonomous technology. Jacky shares the incredible journey of developing cleaning robots that tackle both physical and chemical water pollution across lakes, rivers, and oceans.
From being the first Chinese robotics company to join the UN Global Partnership on Marine Litter to inspiring the next generation of young innovators, Jacky’s story showcases the power of technology in creating a sustainable future.
Tune in to hear about:
The innovative use of AI and robotics in water conservation
ORCAUBOAT’s global deployment and customer feedback
The challenges and rewards of leading a sustainable tech company
Advice for young entrepreneurs aiming to make an impact

Biodiversity, Tequila, and B Corp: Building a Sustainable Spirits Brand | S. 1 E .134

In this enlightening episode of The Sustainability Journey, Elise Som, Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of Altos Planos, shares how she is revolutionising the spirits industry. From local production in Jalisco to supporting biodiversity and achieving B Corp certification, Elise explains how her team prioritises sustainability at every step of the process.
Key Takeaways:
Why biodiversity credits are the future of sustainability.
The role of women and local communities in creating a sustainable value chain.
How B Corp certification opens doors and drives accountability.
💬 "Being B Corp certified is living proof that you are walking the talk." – Elise Som

Beyond Limits: Equity, Well-Being, and the Club of Rome's Path to a Sustainable Planet | S.1 E. 133

I sat down with Carlos Álvarez Pereira, Secretary General of the Club of Rome, to explore the roots and evolution of the global sustainability movement.
From the groundbreaking Limits to Growth report to the latest insights on equity, well-being, and cultural transformation, Carlos shares a compelling narrative about humanity's challenges and opportunities in creating a sustainable future. Discover how systemic thinking, empowering people, and redefining business education can spark meaningful change.
“Human well-being for all is possible within planetary boundaries. The cornerstone for that is equity."
“It starts by connecting with others—by reconnecting with life, with humanity, and with nature. Change begins with mindset.”
 

Rebellion, Activism, and Building Alternatives: A Conversation with Dr.Gail Bradbrook

"We must upgrade democracy, create citizens’ assemblies, and assert economic power to change the system"
In this episode we sit down with Dr. Gail Bradbrook, co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, to discuss her path from a coal miner's daughter to a leading activist challenging systemic structures. Gail shares her belief that "the current economic system is inherently anti-life" and calls for a deeper transformation: "We must upgrade democracy, create citizens’ assemblies, and assert economic power to change the system." Listen in as she describes her journey, the challenges of building alternative systems, and why civil disobedience is essential for climate action: "It is the duty of a thinking citizen to rebel against governments and corporations when life on Earth is at stake."
 

Africa’s Energy Future: Unlocking the Potential for a Low-Carbon Future | S.1 E . 131

In this episode of The Sustainability Journey, we explore Africa’s energy future and the key role hydrogen can play in driving a low-carbon transition. Oghosa Erhahon, an energy and sustainability expert, shares her insights on how the continent can address energy access challenges while promoting sustainable industrialisation. From renewable energy to hydrogen economics, this conversation dives deep into the technologies and strategies that can unlock Africa’s potential for a greener future.
"The infrastructure we lay down today will be used for decades. Why not make it sustainable now?" — Oghosa Erhahon

Public-Private Partnerships: The Key to Green Innovation in the Middle East | S.1 E.130

In this episode of The Sustainability Journey, we explore the unique sustainability challenges and opportunities facing the Middle East with one of the region’s leading voices, Hassaan Ghazali. From water scarcity to the transition from an oil-based economy, we dive into the pivotal role of public-private partnerships and SMEs in driving the green revolution. Ghazali, who has worked extensively on mega projects, green finance, and innovation hubs, shares his perspective on how the region can lead the Global South in sustainability efforts.
"Without public-private partnerships, things are going nowhere." — Hassaan Ghazali

Climate Action and Green Value Chains: SMEs and the Global South’s Role in International Trade

In this episode of The Sustainability Journey, we dive into the transformative potential of SMEs in driving climate action and fostering green value chains. Vanessa Enogbogbo, a key leader at the International Trade Centre (ITC), shares her insights on how small businesses in the Global South can navigate international trade, overcome barriers, and lead the sustainability revolution.
"Small businesses can make a huge contribution to achieving climate goals if they are empowered to take action." — Vanessa Erogbogbo
Join us as we explore the challenges, opportunities, and the pivotal role that women entrepreneurs and SMEs play in the green transition, turning global trade into a force for good.

Women in STEM, Regeneration, and the Future of Sustainability | S.1 E. 128

In this episode of The Sustainability Journey, host Samuele Tini interviews Giulia Marzetti, a young and dynamic sustainability expert, Top LinkedIn voice,  who has collaborated with the European Commission, championed renewable energy, and decarbonised cities across the globe. Giulia’s journey is one of passion and purpose, stemming from her deep connection to the environment. As she explains, “Caring for the environment is not just about nature; it’s about humanity.”
In this thought-provoking conversation, Giulia shares her insights on the most pressing sustainability issues, from energy transitions to sustainable consumption, and the vital role of regenerative systems. She also touches on the challenges women face in STEM fields, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable workforce. “We must create workplaces free of barriers, where women can rise and lead in science and engineering,” she says, inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Whether you’re an aspiring changemaker or a seasoned sustainability professional, Giulia’s insights will leave you inspired and motivated to take action for a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Breaking Barriers in Finance: UNA’s Approach to Inclusive Banking | S. 1 E. 127

“The gender gap in finance is still 300 years away from closing, but we can start by advocating for inclusive financial systems that leave no one behind"
In this insightful episode of The Sustainability Journey, we sit down with Yasmina Vucina, a changemaker in finance, sustainability, and gender inclusion. Yasmina discusses how the financial sector can shift from traditional extractive models to regenerative systems that restore  both the economy and the environment.
We explore key topics, including:
UNA Initiative: Yasmina's groundbreaking project focused on closing the gender gap in finance by providing inclusive, innovative banking solutions for women facing barriers in traditional systems.
Financial Inclusion: The role of digital banking and fintech in empowering underbanked communities and promoting financial access for all.
Regenerative Finance: Why sustainability is no longer enough, and how finance must evolve to create systems that do no harm and instead actively contribute to societal and environmental regeneration.
Strategic Partnerships: The power of collaboration across sectors—NGOs, academia, businesses, and governments—in driving systemic change in banking and beyond.
Leadership Challenges: Yasmina’s journey in overcoming resistance within traditional finance institutions and creating a culture of sustainability from within.
Join us for an inspiring conversation about reimagining finance, building inclusive banking systems, and Yasmina’s vision for a more equitable, regenerative financial future.