Conduit Conversations

Paul's guest in this episode is Paul Polman. Paul is a business leader, campaigner and co-author of “Net Positive: how courageous companies thrive by giving more than they take”, a Financial Times Business Book of the Year. Paul works to accelerate action by business to tackle climate change and inequality. As CEO of Unilever for a decade, he demonstrated that business can profit through purpose, delivering shareholder returns of 290% while the company consistently ranked 1st in the world for sustainability. Today he works across a range of organisations to deliver the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which he helped develop. 

Welcome to The Conduit's podcast series on Humanising Investment. Inspired by Gillian Tett's book, Anthrovision, this series will focus on inspiring the next generation of investors to recognise the value of responsible investing. Hosted by Asha Lad, each episode will be talking to a leading responsible investor in the institutional responsible investing space, getting to grips with each of their stories, understanding what led towards a career in the space and how they feel we can begin to humanize the finance industry. In this episode Asha is joined by Liesel Pritzker Simmons. Liesel and her husband Ian co-founded Blue Haven Initiative, a single family office managing a diversified global investment portfolio. Blue Haven Initiative is considered the largest impact-focused family office in the U.S and is likely among the largest investment funds in the world dedicated solely to impact investing.   Liesel oversees an impact investing portfolio structured to generate competitive financial returns and effect positive social and environmental change. The portfolio spans asset classes, from public equities and fixed income holdings to private equity, direct investments and philanthropic programs. Liesel also works closely with organizations that support and advance the field of impact investing. She was a co-founder of The ImPact, a network of families committed to the conscientious stewardship of wealth. She also serves on the board of Toniic, which provides tools for investors to evaluate impact investments, and on the board and the investment committee of ImpactAssets. Liesel is also co-founder of IDP Foundation, focused on achieving universal primary education.

Welcome to The Conduit's podcast series, Service Please. This series will be focusing on ethical and sustainable hospitality, engaging with a diverse range of industry experts and a variety of individuals across different sectors, disciplines, roles and levels. From supply chains to sourcing, waste management to wellbeing and welfare – what problems need tackling and what does the future of hospitality look like? As part of our series The Conduit has teamed up with the brilliant Design Hotels on a series spotlighting some amazing individuals who have created incredible, responsible places to stay around the world. For 30 years Design Hotels has been at the forefront of a movement in travel, by curating a global collection of independent, design-driven hotels that function as social hubs and spaces for purposeful experiences, connection and curiosity. In this episode we are joined by Veronica Reed, the co-founder and architect behind Carlota hotel in the UNESCO-protected old town of Quito, Ecuador. Set inside the house where Veronica's partner was born, Carlota became Ecuador's first certified B Corporation hotel in October 2019.

Welcome to The Conduit's podcast series on Humanising Investment. Inspired by Gillian Tett's book, Anthrovision, this series will focus on inspiring the next generation of investors to recognise the value of responsible investing. Hosted by Asha Lad, Chief Investment Officer at Conduit Capital, each episode will be talking to a leading responsible investor in the institutional responsible investing space, getting to grips with each of their stories, understanding what led towards a career in the space and how they feel we can begin to humanize the finance industry. In this episode Asha is joined by Rosa Sangiorgio.  Rosa's career represent in some ways the evolution of Responsible Investments over the past twenty years from seemingly conventional investing role to an intentional one. She is currently Head of ESG at Pictet Wealth Management. She previously held leadership roles at several European banks, from IMI Bank (now part of BNP), Societe Generale, Capitalia (now part of UniCredit) and  most recently leading the Sustainability and Impact Investing effort for Credit Suisse Investment Management. Rosa strongly believes that the wealth management industry is currently in an imbalanced position, between an investments' mission and monetary objectives. 

This year, The Conduit has partnered with the Johnson & Johnson Center for Health Worker Innovation to create a podcast series that explores the meaning of care in different communities around the world. From physicians to directors, community workers to advocates, we will be talking to individuals on the ground to discover answers to the question, “what is the point of care?”  In this episode the conversation will focus on the role of Community Health Workers across sub-Saharan Africa who are responsible for delivering care to approximately 40% of the continent's population – that's 916,000 active Community Health Workers treating over 400 million people across 24 different countries. Though they are often not formally recognized as professionals, Community Health Workers may be responsible for at least a dozen different types of preventive, promotional, and curative services depending on the country and local context.  Paul's guests in this episode are Prossy Muyingo and Dr. Madeleine Ballard. Prossy is a Community Health Worker in Mityana District, Central Uganda and since 2019, Prossy has been providing reproductive, maternal, and child health services to 120 households. Madeleine is the co-founder and executive director of the Community Health Impact Coalition, a global alliance of community health implementers working to ensure that Community Health Workers receive fair pay, field support, and the official recognition they deserve so everyone can access high quality healthcare.

Welcome to The Conduit's podcast series, Service Please. This series will be focusing on ethical and sustainable hospitality, engaging with a diverse range of industry experts and a variety of individuals across different sectors, disciplines, roles and levels. From supply chains to sourcing, waste management to wellbeing and welfare – what problems need tackling and what does the future of hospitality look like? As part of our series The Conduit has teamed up with the brilliant Design Hotels on a series spotlighting some amazing individuals who have created incredible, responsible places to stay around the world. For 30 years Design Hotels has been at the forefront of a movement in travel, by curating a global collection of independent, design-driven hotels that function as social hubs and spaces for purposeful experiences, connection and curiosity. In this episode we are joined by Daniel Lauber, the creator of Cervo Mountain Resort in Zermatt, Switzerland. In a recent renovation, the hotel made adjustments to drastically lower its carbon footprint. Thanks to these efforts, a commitment to the local, and a dedication to “a mindful awareness of life,” the hotel was recently awarded Ibex Fairstay platinum certification.

This year, The Conduit has partnered with the Johnson & Johnson Center for Health Worker Innovation to create a podcast series that explores the meaning of care in different communities around the world. From physicians to directors, community workers to advocates, we will be talking to individuals on the ground to discover answers to the question, “what is the point of care?”  This episode focuses on the role of Community Health Workers in Brazil, also known as Community Health Agents. Unlike some other countries, community healthcare is a verified and formalized field of work in Brazil, thanks to an initiative called the Family Health Strategy that legally recognized Community Health Agents in 2002. Paul's guest is Ewerton Nunes, Global Community Impact Manager for Johnson & Johnson. Ewerton has led social impact work at Johnson & Johnson for 8 years, working to uplift the stories and voices of Community Health Agents to better represent the full picture of what community health work looks like in Brazil. He is also the co-creator of A Casa, an organization designed to provide resources, support, and spaces for knowledge-sharing to Community Health Agents throughout Brazil. 

This year, The Conduit has partnered with the Johnson & Johnson Center for Health Worker Innovation to create a podcast series that explores the meaning of care in different communities around the world. From physicians to directors, community workers to advocates, we will be talking to individuals on the ground to discover answers to the question, “what is the point of care?”  In this episode Paul is joined by Corey Feist and Stefanie Simmons.Corey is a healthcare executive with over 20 years of experience and is the co-Founder of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation. He also served as the Chief Executive Officer of the University of Virginia Physicians Group, a medical group of more than 1,200 physicians and advanced practice providers. Corey has authored numerous publications on the need to support the well-being of the healthcare workforce. Dr. Stefanie Simmons is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over 15 years of clinical practice. She focuses on the research, development and implementation of programs designed to strengthen the relational skills of clinicians, enhance professional well-being among clinicians, and engage teams in the practice of medicine.

This year, The Conduit has partnered with the Johnson & Johnson Center for Health Worker Innovation to create a podcast series that explores the meaning of care in different communities around the world. From physicians to directors, community workers to advocates, we will be talking to individuals on the ground to discover answers to the question, “what is the point of care?” In this episode the conversation Paul is joined by Denise Octavia Smith, the founding Executive Director of the National Association of Community Health Workers, and Maria Lemus is the Executive Director of Visión y Compromiso. As a community health worker and health care administration professional, Denise designs and implements community-centred strategies to achieve equitable, diverse and inclusive partnerships, programmes and environments. In Maria's role at Visión y Compromiso she is helping to transform the role of “promotores” — Community Health Workers specifically focused on meeting the diverse needs of Latinx communities — into a widely accepted profession in the United States as they share the same languages, cultures, and experiences as many native-born and immigrant communities. Paul, Denise and Maria discuss how Community Health Workers may be a solution to the deep health inequities in the U.S. Community Health Workers and play a key role in connecting communities to healthcare in a trusted and culturally competent way, but they struggle to be recognized and integrated into health systems. This episode will explore how community-based care can change the trajectory of health for people of colour.

This year, The Conduit has partnered with the Johnson & Johnson Center for Health Worker Innovation to create a podcast series that explores the meaning of care in different communities around the world. From physicians to directors, community workers to advocates, we will be talking to individuals on the ground to discover answers to the question, “what is the point of care?”  In this episode Paul is joined by two inspiring women who play different roles within the organization mothers2mothers. Mothers2mothers employs women living with HIV as community health workers called Mentor Mothers. They work at health facilities and provide at-home care to deliver life-changing health services to women, children, adolescents and entire families across ten African countries. What started as just HIV care, mothers2mothers' services have expanded to include more integrated care for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. In many cases, these conditions are both more prevalent and more dangerous for people living with HIV, so this new approach allows mothers2mothers to continue their important HIV care while also expanding their model into new areas. Paul is first joined by Shombi Ellis. Shombi is both Country Director of mothers2mothers South Africa and Chief of Party for RISE II. Paul's second guest in today's episode is Millicent Magwa. After her own journey with HIV Millicent was motivated to join mothers2mothers two years ago. In her current role, Millicent goes door-to-door in her community, delivering care to prevent and treat HIV in adults and children, and provides additional services to identify and manage non-communicable diseases, which are a growing health issue for those living with HIV.

Welcome to The Conduit's podcast series, Service Please. This series will be focusing on ethical and sustainable hospitality, engaging with a diverse range of industry experts and a variety of individuals across different sectors, disciplines, roles and levels. From supply chains to sourcing, waste management to wellbeing and welfare – what problems need tackling and what does the future of hospitality look like? As part of our series The Conduit has teamed up with the brilliant Design Hotels on a series spotlighting some amazing individuals who have created incredible, responsible places to stay around the world. For 30 years Design Hotels has been at the forefront of a movement in travel, by curating a global collection of independent, design-driven hotels that function as social hubs and spaces for purposeful experiences, connection and curiosity. In this episode we are joined by Christiane Wassmann, the creator of the intimate Rastrello in Umbria, an eight-room hotel that embodies the organic sensibilities of the Italian countryside. Housed in a former palazzo, the hotel is set among gardens that feed the farm-to-table restaurant and olive groves that produce award-winning olive oil.

Welcome to The Conduit's podcast series, Service Please. This series will be focusing on ethical and sustainable hospitality, engaging with a diverse range of industry experts and a variety of individuals across different sectors, disciplines, roles and levels. From supply chains to sourcing, waste management to wellbeing and welfare – what problems need tackling and what does the future of hospitality look like? As part of our series The Conduit has teamed up with the brilliant Design Hotels on a series spotlighting some amazing individuals who have created incredible, responsible places to stay around the world. For 30 years Design Hotels has been at the forefront of a movement in travel, by curating a global collection of independent, design-driven hotels that function as social hubs and spaces for purposeful experiences, connection and curiosity. In this episode we are joined by Paul Salmon, Chairman of the beautiful Rockhouse Hotel in Negril, Jamaica, and the Rockhouse Foundation. Financed by donors, the hotel and Paul's other ventures, the Rockhouse Foundation has invested more than $7 million in building, renovating, and expanding 6 public schools in Negril since it was established in 2004.

The Global Wind Energy Council and The Conduit have partnered this year to drive the conversation ahead of COP27 in Egypt. We'll look at the transversal issues facing those fighting to tackle climate change, and the topics that will be top of the agenda for world leaders in November. One of those key challenges will be ensuring a just transition; one that takes every region forward to a world powered by renewable energy, and one where everybody has left polluting fossil fuels behind. The partnership's final podcast reflects on the just energy transition intervention, the Youth intervention and what lies ahead at COP28. GWEC's Reshmi Ladwa is joined by Eduarda Zogbhi, Bilateral and Multilateral Development Officer at Rocky Mountain Institute, and Senior Advisor at Student Energy to discuss the just energy transition, the COP27 negotiations and outcomes and what is coming next in the conquest to achieve a just energy transition. Join us for one final time for a COP27 debrief! 

Welcome to The Conduit's podcast series on Humanising Investment. Inspired by Gillian Tett's book, Anthrovision, this series will focus on inspiring the next generation of investors to recognise the value of responsible investing. Hosted by Asha Lad, Chief Investment Officer at Conduit Capital, each episode will be talking to a leading responsible investor in the institutional responsible investing space, getting to grips with each of their stories, understanding what led towards a career in the space and how they feel we can begin to humanize the finance industry. In this episode, Asha is joined by Steve Oyer. Steve's career has had a successfully 40+ career in the institutional investing space with a unique focus working collaboratively to enable aligned family offices in the responsible investing space. Mr. Oyer's global investment experience includes structuring and funding direct private equity deals with significant family offices and institutional partners. *this podcast was recorded in the summer of 2022

Welcome to this ‘Do Something For Nothing' podcast takeover for The Conduit.  I am Joshua Coombes - hairdresser to the homeless and an amplifier of kindness. Join me and Conduit community member, Dr Ebony Escalona, as we interview some really interesting people who are doing things outside of the box to benefit their communities and our planet. In this episode we are joined by Cal Major. Cal reminds us how important our own personal connection to nature is in establishing our internal motivation to protect it. This is precisely what Seaful, her charity does. Cal is a vet, pro paddle boarder, conservationist and filmmaker. Listen to her share incredible tales of solo trips across white water seas to how children encountering our seas for the first time create changemaking experiences. 

Welcome to this ‘Do Something For Nothing' podcast takeover for The Conduit.  I am Joshua Coombes - hairdresser to the homeless and an amplifier of kindness. Join me and Conduit community member, Dr Ebony Escalona, as we interview some really interesting people who are doing things outside of the box to benefit their communities and our planet. In this episode we are joined by Richard Reynolds. Has your day ever been brightened by a Sunflower growing in an unlikely urban space? Well, guerilla gardening may have been the reason! In this episode TEDx speaker and author Richard Reynold shares with us the positive impact that gardening without borders can have on our local communities from social connection and mental health to biodiversity and beauty. 

Welcome to this ‘Do Something For Nothing' podcast takeover for The Conduit.  I am Joshua Coombes - hairdresser to the homeless and an amplifier of kindness. Join me and Conduit community member, Dr Ebony Escalona, as we interview some really interesting people who are doing things outside of the box to benefit their communities and our planet. Our guest on this episode is Regina Coker-Ogunsola. Do you really listen or just wait for your chance to speak? Regina reminds us of the incredible gift we all have within us - to truly listen to another without judgment or desire to fix.  A Hand To Guide was created after Regina's experienced abuse and homlessness. This one on one buddy system starts by just listening to that individual human living in desperate times and works alongside charities and information groups, to provide a personalised  steer  to a better life. This is a timeless do something for nothing act which empowers victims and aims to abolish suicide and homelessness.

Welcome to this ‘Do Something For Nothing' podcast takeover for The Conduit.  I am Joshua Coombes - hairdresser to the homeless and an amplifier of kindness. Join me and Conduit community member, Dr Ebony Escalona, as we interview some really interesting people who are doing things outside of the box to benefit their communities and our planet. Our guest on this episode is Phil Heckles. Just an ordinary dad and estate agent from Worthing. Or not…  Phil Heckles - Aka Hercule Van Wolfwinkle gave us all a laugh over the Covid lockdown with his ‘rubbish' pet portraits. But behind the hilariously captioned artwork is a powerful conduit in raising awareness and funds for homeless charities Turning Tides and StreetVet. This social media sensation was crowned the 2022 Justgiving Creative Fundraiser of the Year. In this episode, we explore how artistic humour really can do a lot not just something for nothing.

The Global Wind Energy Council and The Conduit have partnered this year to drive the conversation ahead of COP27 in Egypt. We'll look at the transversal issues facing those fighting to tackle climate change, and the topics that will be top of the agenda for world leaders in November. One of those key challenges will be ensuring a just transition; one that takes every region forward to a world powered by renewable energy, and one where everybody has left polluting fossil fuels behind.  The partnership's penultimate podcast looks at the just energy transition through the lens of Africa including the position on gas in the energy transition, the unexploited wind potential in the region and the rise of the JETP.   GWEC's Reshmi Ladwa is joined by Wangari Muchiri, Director of Africa Wind Power also at GWEC to discuss their lived Africa COP experience. The conversation addresses the narrative associated with gas and the deployment of renewables in Africa. As the continent develops and industrialises we discuss the positive impacts that the acceleration of renewables can have on nations. Ensuring a just energy transition in the form of national frameworks can further lessen the burden faced by the most impacted stakeholders in the energy transition. Join us as we discuss live from week one of COP!

Welcome to The Conduit's podcast series on Humanising Investment. Inspired by Gillian Tett's book, Anthrovision, this series will focus on inspiring the next generation of investors to recognise the value of responsible investing.  Hosted by Asha Lad, Chief Investment Officer at Conduit Capital, each episode will be talking to a leading responsible investor in the institutional responsible investing space, getting to grips with each of their stories, understanding what led towards a career in the space and how they feel we can begin to humanize the finance industry.  In this episode, Asha is joined by Sir Ronald Cohen. Sir Ronald Cohen founded and led international private equity firm Apax Partners before, at 60, deciding to dedicate himself to the Impact Revolution.  Sir Ronald is passionate about advancing impact - and the idea that companies need to be held to higher standards of seeking to do well (for their shareholders) and good (for the world). He is the chairman of the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG); the author of Impact: Reshaping Capitalism to Drive Real Change, a World Street Journal bestseller, and considered to be one of the founders of the global venture capital industry.

Paul's guest in this episode is Caroline Casey. Caroline is the businesswoman and activist behind The Valuable 500, the world's largest CEO collective and business move for disability inclusion. Caroline launched the movement at the World Economic Forum's Davos Summit in 2019 and since then has signed up 500 multinational organisations with a combined revenue of over $8 trillion, employing 20 million people worldwide to radically transform the business system. The membership includes 36 of the FTSE 100 companies, 46 of the Fortune 500 and 28 of the Nikkei. Recently appointed President of the IAPB, Caroline also sits on several diversity and inclusion boards, including L'Oréal and Sky. She has also received an honorary doctorate as well as multiple awards and accolades for her work as a disability activist.

Welcome to The Conduit's podcast series, Service Please. This series will be focusing on ethical and sustainable hospitality, engaging with a diverse range of industry experts and a variety of individuals across different sectors, disciplines, roles and levels. From supply chains to sourcing, waste management to wellbeing and welfare – what problems need tackling and what does the future of hospitality look like? In this episode, we are joined by Ellie Besley-Gould.  Ellie leads ‘purpose' at Hawksmoor, which includes the strategic planning and delivery of sustainability. In 2021 they became the world's first carbon neutral steak restaurant group, and have a commitment to ensuring sourcing the best produce they can get hold of. Hawksmoor has set the group an ambitious net zero target of 2030 and has already moved the whole UK company to green energy. Ellie is passionate about the impact businesses can have on achieving global sustainability goals and has been blown away by how much progress is already being seen in the hospitality sector. Prior to working at Hawksmoor, Ellie led climate change at various NGOs for over a decade and continues to chair the board at addiction charity Foundation for Change. With her own company, The Greenish, Ellie also consults with a wide range of hospitality businesses supporting them to become greener. 

Paul's guest in this episode is Tzeporah Berman. Tzeporah has been designing environmental campaigns and working on environmental policy in Canada and beyond for over thirty years. She is currently the International Program Director at Stand.earth and the Chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. She is the Co-founder of the Global Gas & Oil Network, the former co-director of Greenpeace International's Global Climate and Energy Program, and the co-founder of ForestEthics (now Stand.earth). Tzeporah was one of the creators and lead negotiators of the Great Bear Rainforest agreement and the Canadian Boreal Forest Initiative. Her work has contributed to the protection of over 40 million hectares of old growth forests. In 2021, she was arrested for blockading the logging of thousand-year-old trees in Fairy Creek on Vancouver Island and she gave a widely-viewed TED Talk presenting the case for a global treaty to phase out fossil fuels. In this episode Paul and Tzeporah discuss how a Fossil Fuel Treaty could work and what a Fossil Fuel Exit Strategy might look like. 

Paul's guest in this episode is Isabel Hilton. Isabel is a London-based international journalist and broadcaster. She studied at the Beijing Foreign Language and Culture University and at Fudan University in Shanghai before taking up a career in written and broadcast journalism, working for The Sunday Times, The Independent, The Guardian, and the New Yorker. In 1992 she became a presenter of the BBC's flagship news program, “The World Tonight,” then BBC Radio Three's cultural program “Night Waves.” Isabel is the author of several books and is founder and senior advisor of chinadialogue.net, a non-profit, fully bilingual online publication based in London, Beijing, and Delhi that focuses on the environment and climate change. Hilton holds two honorary doctorates and was awarded the OBE for her work in raising environmental awareness in China. In this episode Paul and Isabel discuss the current relationship between China and the US, China's climate change policies and what we might be able to expect from COP27. 

The Global Wind Energy Council and The Conduit have partnered this year to drive the conversation ahead of COP27 in Egypt. We'll look at the transversal issues facing those fighting to tackle climate change, and the topics that will be top of the agenda for world leaders in November. One of those key challenges will be ensuring a just transition; one that takes every region forward to a world powered by renewable energy, and one where everybody has left polluting fossil fuels behind.  The partnership's fourth podcast looks at energy security, energy justice and net zero - a solutions based approach.  GWEC's Reshmi Ladwa is joined by Miguel Viana, Head of IR and Sustainability at EDP and EDPR to discuss this topic using a solutions based approach. The conversation addresses the recent geopolitical conflicts as a result of the invasion of Ukraine and rising energy prices.  There is a window of opportunity for the renewables industry to provide a solution to these challenges. Join us as we take a solutions based approach to see how renewables can be a three stop solution to reaching net zero, energy security and energy justice.

Welcome to The Conduit's podcast series on Humanising Investment. Inspired by Gillian Tett's book, Anthrovision, this series will focus on inspiring the next generation of investors to recognise the value of responsible investing.  Hosted by Asha Lad, Chief Investment Officer at Conduit Capital, each episode will be talking to a leading responsible investor in the institutional responsible investing space, getting to grips with each of their stories, understanding what led towards a career in the space and how they feel we can begin to humanize the finance industry.  In this episode, Asha is joined by Gillian Tett. Gillian serves as the chair of the editorial board and editor-at-large, US of the Financial Times. She writes weekly columns, covering a range of economic, financial, political and social issues. She is also the co-founder of FT Moral Money, a twice weekly newsletter that tracks the ESG revolution in business and finance which has since grown to be a staple FT product. Her most recent book, Anthro-Vision, A New Way to See Life and Business has received multiple awards, including The Times and Financial Times Book of the Year. 

Welcome to The Conduit's podcast series, Service Please. This series will be focusing on ethical and sustainable hospitality, engaging with a diverse range of industry experts and a variety of individuals across different sectors, disciplines, roles and levels. From supply chains to sourcing, waste management to wellbeing and welfare – what problems need tackling and what does the future of hospitality look like? In this episode, we are joined by Robin Sheppard. Robin has been an hotelier for over 40 years, winning multiple awards and significant recognition for his work in the industry.  In 2000 Robin co-founded Bespoke Hotels which has grown into the UK's largest independent hotel group with over 200 properties. He has already won the Hotel Catey and then the Oxford Brookes award for Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry and most recently he won the AA Lifetime Achievement Award to the Industry. He is also the Government's Hospitality Sector Champion for Disabled People. Despite all of these accolades, Robin's greatest achievement has been to fight back from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a completely paralysing illness. His slow recovery inspired him to launch the Blue Badge Access Awards to encourage better design and empathy from architects, interior designers and hospitality professionals alike. Quick Fire Round: What does hospitality mean to you? It means anticipation and preparing for any guest's arrival to be made to feel special, recognised, valued and cherished.  Desert Island Dish My death row dish would be a picnic in the hope that we might be able to have it outside and I could run away… But probably a delicious spaghetti Bolognese, I love Italian cooking. I'm told by Heston Blumenthal that by putting a little star anise into your Bolognese makes all of the difference.  Favourite season Spring, I love spring, flowers come into bloom, there's a sense of hope. Newsagent confectionary of choice I'm very fond of Picnics… I did go through a terrible period of Jaffa Cake addiction, but I did get that under control. Favourite restaurant Bibendum, for the beauty of the light and the stained glass.  The Hilton, Park Lane, for the views across London. Dins by Santi Toura, Majorca, for his incredible food.  Three words to describe the future of hospitality Expanding, levelling, joyful. 

Welcome to UpStarts, a podcast series by The Conduit where we will focus on the stories of a diverse range of impact entrepreneurs, spanning industries, interests and influence. UpStarts will get to the heart of the journey of an impact entrepreneur, looking into how they built their companies, what problems they are trying to fix, their impact so far and their hopes for the future. What can we learn and action from their experience?   In this episode, Paul van Zyl, co-founder of The Conduit, is joined by Tom Adams, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of 60 Decibels. Tom has held various leadership roles across the public, private and charitable sectors. Immediately before 60 Decibels Tom was the Chief Impact Officer at Acumen, and prior to that worked in Ethiopia and Nigeria for the Department for International Development. Tom has also worked for the Foreign Office, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and Credit Suisse. 60 Decibels is a Conduit Connect company, find out more about them on their website https://60decibels.com. 

Welcome to The Conduit's podcast series, Service Please. This series will be focusing on ethical and sustainable hospitality, engaging with a diverse range of industry experts and a variety of individuals across different sectors, disciplines, roles and levels. From supply chains to sourcing, waste management to wellbeing and welfare – what problems need tackling and what does the future of hospitality look like? In this episode we are joined by Chantelle Nicholson. Chantelle is a multi-award winning chef, owner of Apricity Restaurant in Mayfair and former chef-owner of now-closed and much-loved Covent Garden restaurant Tredwells, which under Chantelle's leadership was the recipient of a green Michelin star in 2021 for its commitment to sustainability. 

Welcome to UpStarts, a podcast series by The Conduit where we will focus on the stories of a diverse range of impact entrepreneurs, spanning industries, interests and influence. UpStarts will get to the heart of the journey of an impact entrepreneur, looking into how they built their companies, what problems they are trying to fix, their impact so far and their hopes for the future. What can we learn and action from their experience?   In this episode, Paul van Zyl, co-founder of The Conduit, is joined by Emma Shaw. Emma is the Co-Founder of Library of Things – a circular economy start-up tackling wasteful consumerism. Emma is an environmentalist and entrepreneur, having started her first business at school, she went onto study Natural Sciences at university in Cambridge and has been working in government and social innovation for the last 10 years. She received the coveted Women in Innovation Award from Innovate UK last year for her work on innovative funding for impact businesses.

Paul's guest on this episode is Wendy Kopp. Wendy is the CEO and Co-founder of Teach For All, a global network of independent organizations in 60 countries across every region of the world that are working to develop collective leadership to ensure all children have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Prior to launching Teach For All in 2007, Wendy founded and led Teach For America – which has proven to be an unparalleled source of long-term leadership for expanding opportunity in the United States. She led the development of Teach For All to be responsive to the initiative of social entrepreneurs around the world who were determined to adapt this approach in their own countries. Wendy has been recognized with numerous awards including the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship and the Schwab Foundation's Outstanding Social Entrepreneur Award.

The Global Wind Energy Council and The Conduit have partnered this year to drive the conversation ahead of COP27 in Egypt. We'll look at the transversal issues facing those fighting to tackle climate change, and the topics that will be top of the agenda for world leaders in November. One of those key challenges will be ensuring a just transition; one that takes every region forward to a world powered by renewable energy, and one where everybody has left polluting fossil fuels behind. The partnership's third podcast looks at Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and how this acts as a barrier to specific groups of people and minorities to joining the green economy. GWEC's Reshmi Ladwa is joined by Amisha Patel, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Mainstream Renewable Power to discuss this topic from a more personal viewpoint. The conversations looks at some of the real life issues that people face in entering or even maintaining a career in the energy and renewables industry, and how these can be accounted for by a lack of diversity, equity and inclusion.   

On this episode Paul talks to Simon Alexander Ong. Simon is a personal development entrepreneur, coach and public speaker. His clients are from all walks of life but they share one trait; they all believe that the greatest investment you can make is in yourself. His work has seen him invited onto Sky News and BBC Radio London to be interviewed, while Barclays UK featured him in a nationwide campaign asking him questions on how families could embrace better lifestyle habits.

A few hours after Boris Johnson's resignation as Prime Minister, The Conduit welcomed to the stage the former Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt. Jeremy is Chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee and the author of a new manifesto for renewing the NHS, learning from mistakes  and preventing avoidable deaths. Its called Zero and its out now. Jeremy joined Hannah McInnes live at The Conduit to tell us more about this book and his experience as Secretary of State for Health.  The event was held in partnership with the How To Academy, London's home of big thinking. 

The Global Wind Energy Council and The Conduit have partnered this year to drive the conversation ahead of COP27 in Egypt. We'll look at the transversal issues facing those fighting to tackle climate change, and the topics that which will be top of the agenda for world leaders in November. One of those key challenges will be ensuring a just transition; one that takes every region forward to a world powered by renewable energy, and one where everybody has left polluting fossil fuels behind. The partnership's second podcast looks at a topic lots of people wrestle with, but not everyone fully recognises. We're talking about climate anxiety and its effects on society. GWEC's Reshmi Ladwa is joined by Sacha Wright, Research and Curriculum coordinator at the Force of Nature, to delve into this emerging area of discussion which picks apart attitudes and starts to unravel how climate anxieties affect people and play out into wider society.

The Global Wind Energy Council and The Conduit Club have partnered this year to drive the conversation ahead of COP27 in Egypt. We'll look at the transversal issues facing those fighting to tackle climate change, and the topics that which will be top of the agenda for world leaders in November. One of those key challenges will be ensuring a just transition; one that takes every region forward to a world powered by renewable energy, and one where everybody has left polluting fossil fuels behind. The partnership's first podcast looks at one of the threats to the transition: The rise of misinformation. We spoke to the panel of the recent GWEC/Conduit Club event on the subject, about why this problem is spiking, and what organisations are doing about it (or not doing about it, as is often the case).  GWEC's Reshmi Ladwa and Ben Backwell are joined by Jennie King, who is Head of Civic Action and Education at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, and Mai Rosner, who is a campaigner at Global Witness, looking at the Digital Threats to Democracy. 

On this episode Paul talks to Jennie King, Head of Civic Action and Education at the Institute of Strategic Dialogue, leading their efforts to translate research into frontline programming and response. Jennie provides regular briefings for UK government departments and regulators on approaches to media literacy, as well as overseeing the ISD's growing portfolio on Climate Mis and Disinformation, supporting a worldwide coalition  identifying and analysing counter related harms. This is a fascinating and timely conversation delving deep into the murky world of Mis and Disinformation and its impact on making positive forward momentum against climate change.

In this episode Paul is joined by Juliet Kinsman who has been a journalist and broadcaster for more than 25 years, working in travel for two decades. Juliet was the founding editor of Mr & Mrs Smith, most recently the first-ever Sustainability Editor for Condé Nast Traveller, and is author of ‘The Green Edit: Travel, Easy Tips for the Eco-Friendly Traveller'. Her non-profit consultancy, BOUTECO, works with award-winning brands to help them stand for something and stand out for it through their storytelling. Juliet gives us her insights into sustainable travel, what we should be thinking about when it comes to planning trips, and her top tips on how to travel better.  Show Notes: The Green Edit: Travel: Easy tips for the eco-friendly traveller Juliet's book on all things sustainable in travel. Intrepid  The world's largest adventure travel company, headquartered in Australia, was the first in the sector to achieve B Corp status.  Sawday's The first accommodation platform in the UK to achieve B Corp accreditation, Bristol-based Sawday's group (which includes glamping directory Canopy & Stars), was founded on principles of social and environmental responsibility. Sheroes Hangout, Agra and Lucknow A cafe set up by a journalist to support victims of acid attacks.   Brownies & Downies, Cape Town WEEVA Future software for hotels to actively measure their true impact. SWAC at the Brando The Brando in French Polynesia, a paradise resort that came up with its own seawater-cooled air-con invention (SWAC), which is powered by the sun's rays and coconut oil. 

In this episode Conduit Co-Founder Paul Van Zyl is joined by Jean Oelwang, founding CEO of Virgin Unite. Jean has had a remarkable career, working with some of the world's greatest changemakers. She discusses with Paul how she was able to draw on her unique experience to write her new book, Partnering. Centred on the idea that great partnerships are vital to meaningful lives and successful organisations. This really is a wonderful conversation between peers, a dynamic interaction between two extraordinary people sharing pivotal moments in their lives. You can get a copy of Partnering here.

This episode sees Conduit Co-Founder Paul Van Zyl joined live at The Conduit by Alannah Weston, Chairman of Selfridges Group, a position that she has held since 2019. Alannah's consistent mission in her role has been to empower talented people to deliver an innovative customer experience within a sustainable and ethical framework. This incredibly eye-opening conversation gave a glimpse into the workings of a company striving for a systems change, steered by a vision of purpose from Alannah.

Ukraine's most famous novelist took to the stage at The Conduit to discuss his new book, Grey Bees - a dramatization of the conflict raging in his country through the lens of a mild-mannered beekeeper. The conversation was led by Kelly Falconer, founder of the Asia Literary Agency, and touched on the crisis in Ukraine. Andrey shared his signature humour, imagination and sensitivity with the audience, allowing a genuine and thoughtful discussion to emerge. Presented in collaboration with Frontline Online.

In this episode Paul talks to Tom McGillycuddy. Tom has 10 years of investment management experience, starting his career at Barclays before moving to Wellington Management where he was part of the founding team of their $2B Global Impact Fund. He is a CFA Charterholder and the Co-Founder of ‘the investment platform of the future', CIRCA5000.  Tom tells Paul about his journey to founding CIRCA5000, how the platform works and what it takes to start up a successful business. CIRCA5000 is a Conduit Connect company, find out more about them on their website www.circa5000.com

When Canadian ecologist Suzanne Simard discovered how trees communicate through fungal networks her finding were dismissed and ridiculed. But today she is world renowned for transforming our understanding of the lives of forests. She was the inspiration for one of the protagonists in Richard Powers magnificent novel, ‘The Overstory'… and Amy Adams is set to play her in a forthcoming movie of her life. Suzanne has just published a memoir called ‘Finding the Mother Tree' and on a recent trip to the UK she joined author and traveller Sophy Roberts to tell her story live at The Conduit. The event was held in partnership with the How To Academy, London's home of big thinking. 

In this episode Paul talks to Regan Ralph, the founding president and CEO of the Fund for Global Human Rights. Prior to launching the Fund, Regan was vice president for health and reproductive rights at the National Women's Law Center in Washington, DC, where she led advocacy, policy, and educational strategies to promote the quality and availability of health care for American women. From 1992 to 2001, Regan helped build and direct the Women's Rights division of Human Rights Watch, where she developed campaigns to ensure the prosecution of sexual violence in conflict as a war crime, to secure recognition of gender-based persecution as grounds for asylum, and to promote women's rights in countries including Russia, Egypt, Turkey, South Africa, Pakistan, and Mexico. Paul and Regan take a deep dive into the state of Human Rights in the world today, how Regan sees it moving forward and what work she is doing to create change at the grassroots level. Visit the website of the Fund for Global Human Rights to find out more about their work. 

In this episode Paul has a conversation with Melinda Janki, an international lawyer with over 30 years of experience. Beginning her legal career in the City of London, Melinda has advised international financial institutions, governments and multinational corporations including oil companies. She has also spent much of her time focusing on human rights cases and is currently challenging dangerous deep water petroleum production in offshore Guyana. Paul and Melinda talk about the challenges that Melinda faces taking on such huge corporations, the effects that offshore drilling will have on Guyana and how we can support her work. To find out more about Melinda's work, please visit her website.  To sign the moratorium to pause oil and gas operations, please go here. 

In this episode Paul chats to Atieno Odhiambo, the director of the Legal Empowerment Fund (LEF), a programme of the Fund for Global Human Rights. A lawyer by training, Odhiambo's experience ranges from working for the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Kenya, to representing marginalized populations in both the US and Kenya.  During this conversation, Paul and Atieno discuss what the 'justice gap' really means and how the work of the Legal Empowerment Fund is striving to close it. 

In this episode Paul van Zyl is joined by Dr Kyle Grant, Founder of Oxwash – the world's first future-proof, and clinically clean washing service, whose goal it is to eradicate the impact of washing on the world's ecosystems and prove that a closed-loop and safe washing process is possible. Let's talk laundry! OxWash is a Conduit Connect company and was the first investment made by the Conduit EIS Impact Fund.

Alex Tamlyn, a Partner at DLA Piper, and Lindsay Hooper, Executive Director of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership join Paul van Zyl, co-founder of The Conduit. Alex is Head of DLA Piper's EMEA Capital Markets practice, and is Co-Chair of the firm's Boardroom Advisory Services practice, which is designed to support the lifecycle of boardroom needs.  Lindsay leads CISL's Education team, supporting organisations and leaders around the world to align commercial performance with the delivery of positive outcomes for society. She is a member of the Institute's Executive Board and, alongside Earth on Board, leads CISL's work to inform and engage Board Directors. This episode is produced in collaboration with DLA Piper, and recorded at The Conduit Studio at COP26, as part of a series exploring the role of the law in responding to climate change. 

How can we ensure that small nations are fairly represented in climate negotiations? In this episode of Fast & Fair: The Climate Transition podcast, Paul van Zyl is joined by Nino Tandilashvili, the Deputy Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, along with Jesse Medlong, an Associate at DLA Piper, the only law firm representing a country at COP26. They discuss the importance of prioritising fairness and equity in climate discussions, and the impact of DLA Piper's advocacy for Georgia at COP. This episode is produced in collaboration with DLA Piper, and recorded at The Conduit Studio at COP26, as part of a series exploring the role of the law in responding to climate change.

Daphne Frias is an unapologetically Latina youth activist who is proud to be a voice for the disabled community. She was appointed as the New York State director for March For Our Lives and is also part of the Generation Climate Initiative. Daphne speaks with Paul van Zyl about her own route to becoming a young elected official who's bringing climate to the top of the political agenda in the US. They also talk about urban planning and environmental racism, and her personal experience of COP26 through an inclusion lens.

Gary White is the CEO of Water.org, a non-profit that helps people gain access to safe water and sanitation. He also leads WaterEquity, an asset management firm deploying capital towards the global water and climate crisis. He speaks with Paul van Zyl about ‘creating the financial plumbing' to allow global capital markets to respond to individuals' needs, he explains why poorly managed infrastructure is a climate problem, and proposes solutions to tackling the problem whilst looking at good examples from around the world, including India.