The Sustainability Journey- by Samuele Tini

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.

Financing the Green Transition and Democratizing Climate-Conscious Investing | S.1 E. 126

"If you bring the do good after the return, that's quite the differentiator."
Pyrpose, a sustainability-focused startup, is tackling the challenge of energy transition in Switzerland by democratizing access to financing for green infrastructure projects. Leveraging a crowdfunding-like platform, Pyrpose empowers climate-conscious investors to directly support local building retrofits and renewable energy installations, while also earning a return on their investment. This innovative approach challenges the notion that "doing good" must come at the expense of financial returns. By addressing the capital constraints faced by building owners, Pyrpose is driving measurable impact in carbon emissions reduction and community engagement. The startup's resilience in navigating different business models and its focus on additive capital have positioned it as a trailblazer in the sustainable finance space. As Switzerland grapples with an aging building infrastructure and high energy prices, Pyrpose's model offers a scalable solution that can be replicated globally, bridging the gap between environmental and financial objectives.
 
learn more at https://pyrpose.io/

Solving Problems with Entrepreneurship: Insights from a Serial Changemaker | S.1 E 125

"The best way of fighting a system that you want to get rid of is not fighting it but coming up with a better solution"
In this episode  the incredible career of Maurits Groen, a pioneering entrepreneur in sustainability. Maurits shares his lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship, from his early days recycling paper to founding transformative ventures like WakaWaka, Kipster, and many more. Discover how his innovative solutions are tackling global issues such as energy access, food waste, and climate change. Learn about the challenges and successes of embedding sustainability in business operations and hear his insights on creating a circular economy. This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, and visionary thinking in driving sustainable change.

Harnessing Data for a sustainable value chain | S. 1 E. 124

Please note that the interviewee was an employee of Agritask at the time of this interview. He has since left the company. The opinions expressed in this interview are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company or any other entity.
 
In this insightful episode of The Sustainability Journey, host Samuele Tini engages in a compelling conversation with David Taylor, former Head of Sales and Business Development for Agritask in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. Delve into the intricate world of sustainable agriculture, data-driven value chains, and innovative practices that aim to enhance both environmental and social impacts. Discover how Agritask is pioneering in the field by helping businesses gain better visibility into farm-level activities and improve their sustainability metrics.
Key Highlights:
The importance of data aggregation and remote sensing in modern agriculture.
The role of technology in bridging the gap between enterprises and farmers.
Success stories from Agritask’s collaborations with major food and beverage companies.
The critical challenges faced by the agri-food sector and how Agritask is addressing them.
Join us for an engaging discussion that sheds light on the crucial role of sustainability data in transforming agricultural practices and ensuring a greener future.

Gender Justice and Climate Action: Empowering Women in climate action | S. 1 E. 123

80% of people displaced by climate change are women. We must bring the voices of women leaders in all their diversity for a just and urgent climate action.
In this powerful episode of The Sustainability Journey, host Samuele Tini welcomes Mamta Borgoyary, Director of She Changes Climate, to discuss the intersection of gender justice and climate change. Mamta shares her extensive experience working at the grassroots level in India, advocating for women's rights and leading climate action movements. This episode highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and children and emphasizes the importance of incorporating women's voices in climate policies and actions.
Key Highlights:
The unique challenges faced by women and children in the face of climate change.
The importance of intersectionality in climate action and gender justice.
Initiatives by She Change Climate to empower women and advocate for inclusive policies.
The critical need for women's leadership in global climate negotiations.
Tune in to hear inspiring stories from the front lines of climate action and learn how gender justice is essential to achieving sustainable solutions for our planet.

Regenerative Fashion: Building a Better Fashion Industry| S. 1 E 122

Our mission is to create systemic change in the fashion industry by providing plant-based, zero-waste products
In this episode of "The Sustainability Journey," we explore the dynamic intersection of fashion and sustainability with Eric Liedtke, CEO and co-founder of Unless Collective. Eric shares his inspiring journey from leading sustainability initiatives at Adidas to pioneering regenerative fashion. Discover how Unless Collective is disrupting the fashion industry by creating products from plant-based materials that decompose naturally, aiming for zero waste and environmental regeneration. Eric discusses the challenges and opportunities in sustainable fashion, the importance of storytelling, and his ambitious vision for the future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainable innovation and transformative change in the fashion industry.
 

Hydrogen and Ammonia: The Future of Clean Energy| S. 1 E. 121

"The biggest problem we face is that the pollution and negative externalities of using fossil fuels are not internalized; they are socialized"
Join us for an enlightening episode of "The Sustainability Journey" as we sit down with Alicia Eastman, co-founder and former president of Intercontinental Energy. Alicia, a global expert in renewable energy, takes us through her fascinating sustainability journey, starting from her early experiences with environmental awareness to her groundbreaking work in hydrogen and ammonia as clean energy solutions. Discover the innovative strategies and policies driving the energy transition, the role of private-public partnerships, and the future of sustainable industries like shipping and steel. This episode is packed with insights on the challenges and opportunities within the energy sector, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainability.
 

Pioneering Sustainability in Mauritius: Green Building and Technology | S.1 E. 120

"In Africa, businesses are born out of social necessity, making them inherently geared towards sustainability" 
In this episode we learn about green building, smart cities, and sustainable development with Tony Lee Luen Len , an influential sustainability expert from Mauritius. Tony shares his inspiring journey from a small village in Mauritius to becoming a leader in green building and sustainability consulting. Discover how Tony has been at the forefront of promoting green building practices, advocating for climate action, and leveraging technology for sustainable urban development. Learn about the innovative projects and initiatives Tony has led, including the development of a national net-zero roadmap and the greening of public sectors. This episode is packed with insights on operationalizing sustainability at local and global levels, making it essential listening for anyone passionate about sustainable development and climate action.