The Sustainability Journey

Data-Driven Sustainability: Can Tech Save Us From Climate Catastrophe? with Lucas Joppa | S.1 E 91

In this compelling episode of The Sustainability Journey, host Samuele Tini engages in an insightful discussion with Lucas Joppa, Chief Sustainability Officer at Haveli on the crucial role of technology and finance in accelerating solutions to the planetary crises. Lucas is the former Chief Environmental Officer at Microsoft. 
With deep expertise spanning ecology, computing, and business strategy, Joppa provides a systems-level perspective on how technology can empower data-driven sustainability efforts. He outlines Microsoft's ambitious commitment to be carbon negative by 2030, and how their work paved the way for other companies.
Looking ahead, Joppa sees promise in AI's ability to model Earth's complex systems and guide more informed decision making. However, realizing AI's sustainability potential requires thoughtful data infrastructure and computing platforms purpose-built for environmental insights. Joppa discusses his work on planetary-scale cloud computing through initiatives like AI for Earth.
On mobilizing finance, Joppa believes we're entering the most consequential decade as capital aligns with net zero pathways. As an investor at a16z, he aims to accelerate both sustainable operations and sustainability-focused innovations across the software sector.
With pragmatism and vision, Joppa makes the case for technology's indispensable role in scaling evidence-based sustainability - if developed responsibly. Tini and Joppa explore constructive paths forward for tech professionals and companies seeking to drive real-world impact.

From the Melting Arctic to Cleaning Up ”Forever Chemicals” - A Dive into Sustainability with Elena Doms| S.1 E.90

In this episode of The Sustainability Journey podcast, I interviewed Elena Doms, head of Earth Plus, about her work restoring polluted soils and capturing CO2 through large-scale industrial hemp cultivation.
Elena shares how seeing the melting Arctic ice as a child sparked her passion for sustainability. She discusses a successful pilot project in Belgium using industrial hemp to extract "forever chemicals" from contaminated soils while also sequestering carbon.
They explore plans to scale this solution globally to clean up industrial pollution, restore degraded lands, and provide circular construction materials. Elena offers advice for aspiring sustainability professionals and emphasizes the importance of education, experience, and building your personal brand.
 
 

Unleashing the Potential: How ESG Strategies Drive Sustainable Economic Development with Ilkay Demirdag |S.1E. 89

Join impact investing expert Ilkay Demirdag as she shares insights from her 25 years in finance and strategy. Ilkay has a lot of experience in private equity, corporate finance, M&A, and strategy. She has worked in the UK, Bahrain, and Turkey.
Through her experience in different roles, Ilkay realized the importance of creating value for all stakeholders, not just shareholders. This triggered her interest in sustainable investing and impact investing.
Ilkay wants to change mindsets and decision-making processes in business, consumption, and investing to address climate change and social inequalities.
Learn how she evolved to focus on stakeholder capitalism, driving positive change through investments.
Hear Ilkay's strategic advice for improving ESG performance.
Discover how NGOs spur development and how mindfulness enhances leadership.
Be inspired by stories of companies creating measurable social and environmental impact.

Navigating the Path to Effective Sustainability Strategies: Insights from a Sustainability Practitioner with Eyad Abotteen| S.1 E. 88

In this episode we meet  Eyad Abotteen, a sustainability practitioner and former chemical engineer. Eyad shares his transition from the oil and gas industry in Saudi Arabia to sustainability consulting with one of the big four and provides valuable insights into developing effective sustainability strategies.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding industry-specific challenges and opportunities, conducting materiality assessments, and setting measurable targets.Eyad also discusses the role of regulations, investor focus, and the realization of positive value in driving companies towards more comprehensive sustainability practices.
Don't miss this episode filled with practical advice and real-world examples of sustainability in action.

Regenerating Tourism: Shaping a Sustainable Future for Communities and Places with Dr.Dianne Dredge |S.1 E. 87

In this thought-provoking episode, I host Dianne Dredge, founder of the Tourism Colab. Diane shares her deep insights into the transformative potential of regenerative tourism and the need to shift away from the traditional industrial approach.
Drawing from her background as an environmental planner and community engagement expert, Dianne emphasizes the importance of building sustainable, flourishing communities and environments as the foundation for meaningful tourism experiences.
She reveals how the Icelander Way Regenerative Tourism Living Lab project in Tasmania is successfully implementing regenerative tourism principles by empowering the local community and co-creating solutions that address their specific needs. Through this episode, listeners will gain valuable insights into how tourism can be reimagined as a force for positive impact and community wealth building.
Join us on this inspiring journey towards a more sustainable and regenerative future for tourism.

From Carbon Insetting to Ocean Plastic: Tristan’s Journey Towards a Sustainable Future with Tristan Lecomte Second Life and PUR| S.1 E.86

In this episode, we have the honour of interviewing Tristan Lecomte, a renowned sustainability pioneer and founder of Second Life and the Pur Project.
Tristan's remarkable journey started with launching an NGO to empower rural communities, and later founding a Fairtrade company. With a focus on developing nature-based solutions, his work has centered around carbon insetting, agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and combating ocean plastic.
Join us as we dive into Tristan's inspiring story, learn about the transformative power of sustainability within the business world, and explore the impact of his projects on communities and ecosystems. Discover how Tristan's initiatives have planted millions of trees, protected forests, and contributed to the creation of biosphere reserves.
Through this engaging conversation, we aim to ignite your passion for sustainability, empower you with knowledge, and inspire you to take meaningful action towards building a more sustainable future.
Tune in to the Sustainability Journey podcast and join us on this thought-provoking expedition towards a greener and more equitable world. Let's make a difference together!

Empowering Women, Transforming Communities: The Solar Sister Journey with Katherine Lucey| S.1 E.85

In this captivating episode, join us on a transformative exploration of clean energy access and women's empowerment. Our special guest, Katherine Lucey, the founder and CEO of Solar Sister, takes us on a remarkable journey through her experiences and insights.
Discover how Katherine's career in banking and power plant construction led her to recognize the crucial role of energy in development. Through her work with Solar Sister, Catherine has harnessed the power of women entrepreneurs to bring clean energy solutions to off-grid rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Listen in as Katherine shares inspiring stories of the impact solar energy has on households and communities, from improved lighting and safety to enhanced education and economic opportunities. Gain valuable insights into the importance of gender equity and the need for scalable solutions to address the energy access challenge.
Join us in this engaging conversation and be inspired by the stories of resilience, change, and empowerment

Rethinking Recycling –Exploring Waste Management Innovations - Delterra with Shannon Bouton| S.1E.84

In this episode, our guest is Shannon Bouton, the CEO and President of Delterra. With a background as a conservation biologist and a former consultant and founder of the sustainability practice at McKinsey & Company, Shannon brings a unique perspective to the table.
Join us as we delve into the world of waste management and recycling, discussing the pressing issues we face today and the innovative approaches being taken to address them. Shannon shares insights from Delterra's mission to redesign human systems for the good of people and the planet. Discover their collaborative efforts with corporate players, communities, and experts to create sustainable and scalable solutions.
Through engaging stories and practical tips, Shannon reveals the importance of behavior change, designing recyclable packaging, and investing in recycling infrastructure. She emphasizes the significance of recycling as one piece of the puzzle, alongside reducing, reusing, and rethinking product design.
Whether you're an individual looking to make a difference or a business leader seeking to embed sustainability into your organization's practices, this episode offers valuable inspiration and actionable steps.
Join us on this captivating sustainability journey with Shannon Bouton. Tune in now to gain valuable insights and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Disruptive Design and System Thinking: Transforming Systems for a Sustainable Future with Dr. Leyla Acaroglu |S.1 E.83

Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Dr. Leyla Acaroglu, a pioneer in the realm of sustainability and design sociology. Known for her groundbreaking initiatives like Eco Innovators and Disrupt Design, Dr. Leyla has spent her career exploring the intricate intersections of design, sociology, and sustainability. She is also UNEP Champion of the Earth. 
In this episode, we unravel misconceptions around sustainability, often viewed as a mere "nice-to-have" feature. Dr. Leyla passionately discusses its role as a primary business objective and an innovation opportunity. She stresses on the need for a paradigm shift, taking sustainability beyond images of tree huggers and polar bears, to understanding and reducing real environmental impacts. 
As a believer in the transformative power of education, Dr. Leyla shares her unique approach towards making sustainability engaging through toolkits and gamified experiences. She emphasizes the role of fun and challenge in learning, breaking biases, and fostering creative thinking around sustainability.We also delve into the challenges faced by sustainability teams in companies and how they can be empowered. Our conversation further extends to the influence of policy and global leaders in shaping a sustainable future. Dr. Leyla brings to light the fine balance between regulation and innovation, sharing instances of impactful policies and potential unintended consequences. 
Tune in for an episode brimming with insights, as we redefine regeneration, question Western ideologies, and learn from indigenous communities, all in pursuit of living within the means of our planet. Don't miss out on this enriching dialogue that underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the emergent field of sustainability.
To learn more visit https://www.leylaacaroglu.com/ 

Triple Bottom Line and Beyond: Navigating the Sustainability Landscape with John Elkington | S.1 E.82

 In this enlightening episode, we are honored to welcome John Elkington, a world-renowned pioneer in sustainability, corporate responsibility, and innovation. Known for his concept of the Triple Bottom Line, Elkington gives us a deep dive into the past, present, and future of sustainable business. 
From the roots of sustainability in the 70s to today’s greenwashing issues, Elkington provides a unique insight into the journey of sustainability and corporate social responsibility. He stresses the importance of transparency and integrating sustainability into business strategy. He also candidly discusses the challenges of greenwashing, the balance between green consumerism and business responses, and the necessity for regulating bodies like the European Commission to take action. He discusses the concept of green swans and the importance of the B Corp movement, as founder of Volans the first UK’s B Corp.  
In a vivid recounting of the historical evolution of the sustainability field, Elkington reflects on the past 50 years and offers an insightful vision for the future. He highlights the critical need for large-scale funding to tackle societal and environmental challenges, cautioning against the potential pitfalls of the financial sector driving sustainability. Yet, he passionately communicates the immense opportunities that lie ahead, encouraging us all to courageously embrace the disruptions and innovations required for a sustainable future