Interviews with business leaders promoting sustainability and conscious leadership in a climate changed world.
Olivier Mythodrama Leadership Lab
Nick Ross has been a leadership trainer and personal development coach for over 20 years. Coming from a professional background in addictions therapy his work today includes delivery of extensive leadership development programs and executive coaching to global companies and senior leaders. As Director of A Different Drum, Nick brings his love of writing, poetry, storytelling and the wild to his work with executives and senior teams, to address and reflect on the place of soul at work and specifically the role of creative sanctuary in supporting healthy human well-being. He is also a coach and companion to many individual leaders going through periods of significant transition in their personal and professional lives. Nick has chosen to stop flying for work or pleasure in 2020 because of the climate emergency and with colleagues and partners is turning his attention towards finding ways to successfully engage businesses and organisations in constructive dialogue about the ecosystemic crisis. Nick has a longstanding interest in the exploration of human consciousness. He draws his inspiration from time spent learning from a variety of aboriginal cultures and influential mentors including Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Parker Palmer and Robert Monroe. Nick works closely today with leaders and elders of the Yawanawa tribe from the Amazon Rainforest in Western Brazil and hosts annual cultural visits by tribal representatives from the village of Yawarani to the UK When not working with leaders and organisations Nick is most likely to be found co-running a 2 acre market garden in Somerset with his long term partner Tia providing organic food and a learning resource within the local community. He is a member of the Deep Adaptation Forum founded by Jem Bendell and a member of Extinction Rebellion.
Dr Jude Currivan is a cosmologist, planetary healer, futurist, author and previously one of the most senior business women in the UK. She has journeyed to some eighty countries around the world, has experienced multidimensional realities since early childhood and worked with the wisdom keepers of many traditions. Jude integrates leading edge science, research into consciousness and universal wisdom teachings. As a member of the Evolutionary Leaders circle (www.evolutionaryleaders.net) this underpins her work in raising awareness and enabling transformational and emergent resolutions to our collective planetary issues. She holds a PhD in Archaeology from the University of Reading in the UK, researching ancient cosmologies and a Masters Degree in Physics from Oxford University specialising in cosmology and quantum physics. Author of six non-fiction books her most recent is the Nautilus award-winning The Cosmic Hologram. In 2017 she co-founded WholeWorld-View (www.wholeworld-view.org ) to communicate the new paradigm of unified reality and with the aim to empower the understanding, experiencing and embodying of unity awareness to serve conscious evolution.
Jonathan Gosling is emeritus professor of leadership at the University of Exeter, engaged with several initiatives around the world aiming to encourage responsible leadership. In the UK he is lead faculty with the Forward Institute, which aims to enhance the contribution of an 'enlightened elite’ in the nation’s most influential large organisations. He also supports teams in front-line health services across southern Africa as they find inventive ways to respond to emerging challenges - including those brought about by climate change. He was co-founder of the One Planet MBA and has researched how societies cope with imminent collapse.
** Please note, audio improves from 02:30 ** Welcome back to Leading in a Climate changed World, where, we return to our interviews from before the coronavirus lockdown. In this episode, we talk about the climate crisis with Ed Gillespie and discuss striking the right balance between hopefulness and hopelessness, and the best way to avoid overwhelming humanity into doing nothing. Robin asks about the people and organisations showing the courage that might inspire us at this time, and whether B-Corps and business round-tables are just window dressing or are genuinely inspiring sustainable change. Ed talks about his travels, and the communities he encountered, including tribes which have scarcely changed their way of life, for the last hundreds of years and reveals a number of initiatives, which might just help us onto the right path. If you haven't already, do listen to Ed's podcast with Jon Richardson and Mark Stevenson: https://jonandthefuturenauts.podbean.com/
In this episode, we speak to Dr Sally Uren - Chief Executive of Forum for the Future (https://www.forumforthefuture.org/). Robin and Sally discuss the work of Forum for the Future and the principal challenges they encounter, within the organisations that they work with. They discuss how we can use the coronavirus pandemic as a dress rehearsal to address the challenges of the climate crisis, including the processes we need to keep and the type of leadership required to successfully engage with each issue. They talk about structural inequality and how economic reform is where focus need to be made in order to make progress with long-term sustainable solutions. Enjoy the podcast!
Emma Kemp is Campaigns Manager at UK based climate charity Possible, working on positive and practical ways to tackle the climate crisis. Emma currently leads on their innovative and exciting Climate Perks initiative, giving employers the opportunity to empower their staff to opt for flight-free travel. find out more at https://www.wearepossible.org/
Nick joined the Grantham Research Institute in February 2018 as Professor in Practice for Sustainable Finance. Nick leads the sustainable finance research theme. The focus of his work is on how to mobilise finance for a just transition, the role of central banks and regulators in achieving sustainable development and how the financial system can support the restoration of nature. From 2014 to 2018, Nick was co-director of UN Environment’s Inquiry into a Sustainable Finance System. As part of this, Nick led country activities in Brazil, the EU, India, Italy and the UK, as well as thematic work focused on investors, insurance and green banking. Before joining UNEP, he was Head of the Climate Change Centre of Excellence at HSBC. Prior to HSBC, Nick was head of Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) funds at Henderson Global Investors. Nick has also worked at the International Institute for Environment and Development, the European Commission and the Business Council for Sustainable Development. Nick has a BA in History from Cambridge University and an MSc in International Relations from LSE.
Hi everyone! This is a short introduction from Richard Olivier, who introduces a new Podcast from Olivier Mythodrama - Archetypal Wisdom. Enjoy more leadership insights beginning with the Wisdom of Shakespeare, with special guest, Sir Mark Rylance. Find the Archetypal Wisdom series on our website https://www.oliviermythodrama.com/podcasts You can also find us on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whichever podcast channel you are using - plus we are on YouTube. Of course, Leading in a Climate Changed World will always be your favourite podcast series but this will come in a close second :) Enjoy!
In this episode, we speak to Anna Leidreiter, Director of Climate & Energy at the World Future Council. In the episode, Anna talks about how work in the World Future Council has been redirected during the pandemic, while she and Robin explore links between the challenges of the coronavirus outbreak and the climate crisis. What is the best protection for future situations, like those we are currently experiencing? In terms of leadership, they discuss whether governments are using the opportunity around the coronavirus to work towards a greener future? Can markets fix the system? And what role should political leaders take in response to market forces? Anna and Robin explain why a strong democratic system is necessary and discuss how we should work when we are presented with strategic leadership messages, such as the voices coming from the science community – highlighting the countries and cities displaying informed and inclusive decision making. Don’t forget to find us on twitter (@l_c_c_w) and Facebook (facebook.com/leadinginaclimatechangedworld).
Welcome back to the Leading in a Climate changed world podcast from Olivier Mythodrama. We have returned with a few episodes exploring leadership during the current covid-19 outbreak and the impact that it’s had on the climate crisis discussions. In our first episode back, we speak to Richard Olivier, Artistic Director of Olivier Mythodrama and Co-founder of Archetypes at Work™. We find out how Richard began his journey into archetypal psychology and its relevance to leadership and personal development. Richard introduces us to the ten archetypes that leaders need to develop within themselves to be able to take on the many and varied challenges that face us all in the world of business and outside in our lives. Particularly during the current situation we are all facing here in 2020. Robin and Richard discuss the climate crisis and what we need to do to leave the old story behind and build a new sustainable way of living. They discuss how the understanding of the archetypes might support us with the twin challenges of the climate crisis and to steer us through the pandemic, laying the foundations for the new trials we will face within a depleted and fractured economy. Richard talks about how to activate and rehearse into the archetypes we need to become more complete leaders and what we need to do to ensure we don’t return to the old structures which were harmful and unjustifiable. We invite you to watch the interview our YouTube channel to see the archetypes in action and resources for your own personal development will be made available on the front page of our website, leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com, including a self assessment and downloadable guide to the gifts of each archetype. We hope you enjoy this episode and we will release more interview that you know and love, as well as other related leadership development discussions. Once again, welcome back and don’t forget to share the podcast with anyone you think would enjoy them and you can get in touch with us on hello@leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com
Link to coaching for Key Workers here: https://www.oliviermythodrama.com/coaching Hello everybody, an update on the podcast. We have decided to put on hold all episodes, due to the coronavirus outbreak. While this isn’t a reason to stop discussions around the climate emergency and some would say this time is more important that any other, we are aware that as these sessions were recorded over the last few months, it didn’t feel right to not mention the virus in any capacity at all. We have spoken to our guests, who are happy with our decision and we hope to go ‘back to normal’ as soon as we can. In the meantime, we plan to release a few, relevant episodes under the title ‘The Wisdom of Shakespeare’ to share some of the profound teachings in plays such as the Tempest, Henry V and As You Like It – to help us navigate the unchartered waters we are in, in current times. We also wanted to highlight an offering that our organisation has put together. We are currently offering free coaching sessions to key workers and frontline staff. So if you or anyone you know work in health or social care, public services, public safety, education, retail, transport… anyone who is working on the frontline and is under an overwhelming amount of pressure due to the current situation, we can help. We are offering a 60-75 minute personal development coaching session, which uses archetypal psychology and performance techniques to help you become more resilient and adaptable in the crisis that we are all part of. There is no obligation or cost to take part, we just want to help whoever we can. Please go to https://www.oliviermythodrama.com/coaching to sign up. Thanks again for your support and listenership and we look forward to a time in the not too distant future, were we can resume our regular interviews with our amazing guests. All the best and stay safe. Simon & the LCCW team.
Welcome to Series 2 episode 5 of Leading in a Climate Changed World, a podcast from Olivier Mythodrama. In this episode, Robin talks to Co-Founder & Director of Ecological Defence Integrity ecocidelaw.com and the global campaign Stop Ecocide. Jojo explains Stop Ecocide and the campaign’s attempt to create a law to criminalise ecological damage. Corporations and governments lobby for laws to suit the way they operate but often this is at the detriment of the environment. She discusses the contribution of the great Polly Higgins, who embodied the purpose of the campaign and whose baton has passed onto Jojo and the Stop Ecocide team. They talk about countries who are engaging with the campaign and where leadership on a global scale, can come from. Is it only the countries that are under threat, who are taking ecocide seriously. Robin and Jojo discuss service and having a sense of place and purpose and how to become an integral part of the interconnectivity of the planet, as well as the attributes of leadership that are vital to help make sense of our world. Become an earth protector by visiting https://www.stopecocide.earth/ Get in touch with us on hello@leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com
Welcome to Series 2 episode 4 of Leading in a Climate Changed World, a podcast from Olivier Mythodrama. In this episode, we talk to modern mystic and spiritual teacher Thomas Hübl. Thomas and Robin discuss the causes of the climate emergency and the qualities of leadership that we need to address it, including a look at global social witnessing. They examine the balance of what seems to be urgent with the need to stay calm, spacious and innovative i.e. address the 'emergency' without panic.Thomas talks about Field Thinkers and adaptation and how these skills can be developed.As ever, please share the podcast with anyone you think might enjoy or be inspired by it. Any feedback or ideas, please get in touch with Simon on hello@leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com We hope you enjoy this in-depth discussion. Over to Robin and Thomas.
Welcome to Series 2 Episode 3 of Leading in a Climate Changed World by Olivier Mythodrama. In this episode, it’s a real pleasure to speak to author, activist and spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion UK, Zion Lights. Zion provides an intense and passionate declaration for the need for immediate action. She talks about how government systems are failing us and how only grassroots action, citizens assemblies and a true democracy where everyone’s voice is heard, can help change the way we are living. Robin and Zion discuss the lack of true leadership in the corporate and political world, and define the key characteristics needed to drive us forward. We gain an insight into the leadership within Extinction Rebellion and how an open structure can benefit other organisations. We hope you enjoy this impassioned and critical discussion. You can find Zion via her website zionlights.co.uk and on twitter under the handle @ziontree Please continue to share the podcast and email hello@leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com with feedback, suggestions or recommendations for the podcast.
Welcome back to Series 2 of Leading in a Climate Changed World from Olivier Mythodrama. Episode 2 sees Robin speaks to entrepreneur and environmentalist, Paul Gilding. This interview could perhaps, be seen as a remedy to some of the messages of despair we have uncovered in previous podcasts, as Paul tells us it’s not too late to shift the way we live and work to avoid total catastrophe. They discuss the subject of political and corporate leadership and how patterns of change throughout history, are positive signs for our future, and what we can do to instigate this. Find out how World War 2 could be an optimistic framework for systemic change. As always, you can get in touch with us on email: hello@leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com We’d love to hear from you if you have any suggestions for the podcast or website. Look out for us on Twitter and Facebook, and please continue to spread the word!
Welcome you to Series 2 of Leading in a Climate Changed World, by Olivier Mythodrama. Leading in a climate Changed World, is about exploring the leadership that’s required to take on the of the climate crisis and how we engage with environmental and ecological challenges that we are facing, in increasing regularity. Importantly, this podcast isn’t necessarily aimed towards people already participating in this type of work and it’s not focused on ‘leaders’ in the traditional sense. We want to connect with people from all walks of life, in all positions of employment and experience, young to old. One of the messages that consistently came from series 1, was that you can make a difference whatever your situation. The objectives of the podcast are to identify qualities of leadership and recommended practices, and how can we develop leaders with these qualities. We take a look at where are we seeing progress, either in people, companies and organisations, even countries. We also look at what’s not working? What’s preventing movement in this important field? Whether it’s society, culture, politics.Whether it’s a message of hope or despair, we hope there will be inspiration and information to help you along the way. In our first episode of the series, we reintroduce Robin Alfred, our senior leadership programme director and interviewer extraordinaire. Robin speaks to Kosha Joubert who is CEO of the Global Ecovillage Network. They discuss vital qualities in leadership and how to reengage with practices, which can allow us to connect deeply with current circumstances. In addition, I want to introduce you to The Communities for Future Summit, an entirely free, online experience hosted by Kosha’s organisation, the Global Ecovillage Network. The Communities for Future Summit will take place from 1 to 10 February 2020, bringing leading-edge thinkers and leaders from around the globe engaging in concrete action for a just and regenerative future. Participation in Summit is completely free and the interviews can be accessed online. Please visit summit2020.ecovillage.org to sign up. I hope you enjoy this episode, we already have a number of big names and people from well-known organisations and movements lined up, so please follow or subscribe to the podcast. If you want to leave a review, that would be amazing and if you want to get in touch with me, please email hello@leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com Over to Robin and Kosha.
Welcome to our mini-episode, closing series 1 of Leading in a Climate Changed World from Olivier Mythodrama. Simon and Robin discuss the series so far, and the messages and insight from our guests. We will return on 20th January 2020 for our second season, where we have lots of amazing guests already lined up. Thank you so much to those who listen and watch the podcast and please continue to do so in the new year. Please keep the messages and suggestions coming in. https://leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com https://twitter.com/L_C_C_W https://www.facebook.com/leadinginaclimatechangedworld/ Have a wonderful festive period and we’ll see you in 2020.
Welcome to our final interview of the first series of Leading in a Climate Changed World, from Olivier Mythodrama. We’re going to take a break over the Christmas period but don’t worry, we will be back in January with a host of interviewees already lined up for our second series. In our sixteenth episode, Robin speaks to Sandy Ibrahim, writer and author of ‘The Sovereign Woman’ (https://www.sandyibrahim.com/) They discuss the qualities needed of everyone today, as we define our leadership in order to enter an era that will need us to be strong and to make significant sacrifices. Sandy talks about the Myth of the goddess Inanna, who enters the underworld to find her sister, who must undertake a journey of self-realisation before being deemed guilty of hubris. She talks about how we can use this myth to realise how humanity must move forward. They talk about how we must connect to nature to understand the situation, where ‘being seen to be doing good’ isn’t enough and how we need to realise more feminine leadership, if we want to challenge the current status quo. For the final time in 2019, I’ll say over to Robin and Sandy. See you in the new year.
In this episode, we speak to Mac Macartney, international writer and speaker, seeking 'to inspire courageous action for a just, peaceful, and sustainable world'. Mac talks about his experience within the corporate world and how he brings his own brand of truth to the boardroom. Robin and Mac discuss what type of leadership is needed to break borders into a new way of thinking, even if this transition looks scary. What leaders must do to define themselves and their purpose and how to be brave enough to act into their understanding of what’s right and wrong. Mac discusses what’s missing from education and how societal norms are serving to dull the life-changing experiences that people often need to switch their story from doing bits one the edge, to being immersed in improving their way of working and living. Mac highlights the three questions that people must ask themselves, before embarking on a quest for authentic leadership. It would be great if you were able to rate and comment on the podcast, as all this interaction helps get the word out. All podcasts so far, are accompanied by a video hosted on the Olivier Mythodrama YouTube channel (youtube.com/oliviermythodrama). If there is anything or anyone you would like to see on the podcast or you just want to say hi, please please email hello@leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com
In this episode, we speak to author, activist and adventurer, Anna Hughes. Anna’s experience with campaign in sustainable travel, notably aviation, is the focus of much of the episode. She talks about her campaign to sign people up to a ‘Flight Free 2020;’ and the difficulties the campaign faces, to overcome the social norms surrounding air travel. Robin and Anna discuss ways to break the habit of unsustainable practices and how to ensure actions speak louder than words, by finding alternative measures to some of the harmful methods employed in the world of business. They talk about countries and individuals who are trying to find solutions to help minimise air travel and what needs to be done on a governmental and organisational level. UK listeners can find out more about Anna’s campaign by visiting flightfree.co.uk and we will put up some more info on the website, leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com Please get in touch with us if you have any feedback and enjoy the episode…
In this episode, Robin speaks to Dr Raj Thamotheram, founder and chair of Preventable Surprises, a London based 'think-do' tank that seeks to drive behaviour change within the investment sector. The episode features an in-depth conversation about climate consciousness within the finance and investment sectors, showing the force behind sustainability shouldn’t just be about the energy industry. Raj talks about how governmental policy and finance can be the levers to positive climate action but also why enough is not being done yet. A large focus of the episode is leadership within the business world and how people do not have to be part of a senior management team or directorship to instigate positive change. They discuss which companies and industries are doing the right thing and offer some helpful advices for becoming a positive maverick in the workplace. Raj and Robin discuss frankly about coping with the burden of the crisis and where we should be applying pressure to have the most impact. Please get in touch if you have any feedback or can recommend anyone who may be willing to take part in our podcasts or online interviews. The website is leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com - email hello@leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com We would also love to hear from you if you are doing anything which focuses on sustainable practice or a community cause dedicated to improving the environment or society. Give us a shout and we will try to give you a plug.
Welcome to the 12th episode of Leading in a Climate Changed World, from Olivier Mythodrama. This episode, we talk to Managing Director of Weleda UK, Jayn Sterland. Jayn talks about her career and how she found her purpose and switched from an industry with unsustainable practices. She talks about moving away from the “corporate game” and how to step into a position of leadership with integrity and authenticity, without compromising your values. Robin and Jayn discuss masculine and feminine leadership traits, and how they are lacking in the world of business. Jayn uncovers how to come to terms with the fact that we are all part of a system and, using her experience within the fashion and beauty industry, demonstrates simple ways to begin your own, personal revolution . The theme running throughout, is that of the importance of re-connection. Re-establishing ties with your childhood, your fundamental values and of course, with nature. Jayn talks about how she had to unlearn almost everything she had learnt on a practical level, in order to lead from a position of authenticity. We would love to hear from you if you are running a business, which focuses on sustainable practice or a community cause dedicated to improving the environment or society in general. Please visit leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com or email hello@leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com
In this episode, we speak to respected environmentalist and broadcaster, Jonathon Porritt. We jump straight in by asking who needs to do more and whether there are any countries or corporations taking climate change seriously enough. Robin and Jonathan discuss governmental action around the world, and what happens when you are led by an authority that has interests in unethical practices. They focus on the UK and what our country has done right, and what it needs to do to lead the fight for the future of the planet, as well as the current roadblocks in the way. Tying in with the Fridays for Future and Global climate strikes, Jonathon discusses civic action and what society can do to enforce change, from small gestures to large-scale involvement. In terms of business leadership, Robin and Jonathon talk about how companies are better informed but are still missing the mark. What they should aim to achieve how can government intervention can help along the way? Please get in touch would like to suggest any podcast or website interviewees on hello@leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com. We're now on Twitter and Facebook. A follow and retweet would be wonderful! Enjoy the podcast...
Welcome to episode 10 of Leading in a Climate Changed World from Olivier Mythodrama In this episode, we are lucky to be speaking to Dr Jem Bendell Professor of Sustainability Leadership and author of Deep Adaptation. Jem starts by summarising climate science within his work in Deep Adaptation and corporate sustainability, in which he explains why different industries are in denial about what’s going on in the world today. He introduces the 4 R’s needed to motivate change and encourage preparation for a new way of living. Robin and Jem talk about leadership and discuss how to introduce conversations around climate change, particularly if you are catapulted into a new leadership position. They discuss the importance of talking to the younger generation and getting the balance of hope and action right. As a professor of leadership, Jem identifies where he sees direction and influence emerging and how grassroots leadership is beginning to embody the change needed to tackle the climate crisis, as well as recognising the importance of practices available to help leaders Please don’t forget to rate our podcast and share with anyone and everyone. In case you weren’t aware, all podcasts so far, are accompanied by a video hosted on the Olivier Mythodrama YouTube channel (youtube.com/oliviermythodrama). If you would like to suggest any interviews or would like to partner up for any projects or simply get a bit more information, please email hello@leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com Over to Robin and Jem…
In our 9th episode, it’s a huge privilege to introduce Joanna Macy. Joanna is an environmental activist, author, scholar of Buddhism, general systems theory, and deep ecology. As Joanna turns 90 years old, with absolutely no intention of slowing down, Robin talks to her about her experiences with climate change over the decades and what has kept her motivation as strong as ever. Joanna takes us on an inspirational journey, discussing leadership and how it has been represented in the context of environmental issues, and how she feels leaders must act to prevent climate disaster. She talks about governmental and ecological systems and the reality faced by all of us. What we have to shed, before we move on into a brave new world. Joanna discusses what has moved to her to action, over the years and what has been part of her own evolution. We hope you enjoy this fascinating insight into one of the most respected voices in the movements for peace, justice, and ecology.
In our 8th instalment, Robin talks to Innovator and global brand change maker, Sara Vaughan. With Sara’s background and influence within some of the world’s biggest companies, the two delve into what it takes for corporations to undertake a transformation which allows their brand to become synonymous with sustainability, from supply chain to workforce satisfaction. What impact do we have as leaders and how do you consciously define your company’s ethical purpose, if the corporate responsibility is to the shareholders. As well as the usual look at the characteristics of leadership in a world focused on climate action, we look at how exactly we can engineer the epiphanies needed to kick-start meaningful change. There are many companies that are beginning to embrace sustainable business and Sara highlights how companies can learn from well-intentioned initiatives, that don’t go to plan. They discuss female leaders who have inspired and impacted the business environment, and how leaders can amplify the forces which support the transition to better working practices. Robin and Sara discuss the impact of money and how we lever the economic model towards sustainability, as well as the role of social media and marketing, in the charge for good. Find more of our podcasts on leadinginaclimatecangedworld.com or our parent site oliviermythodrama.com – or search for Olivier Mythodrama, wherever you get your podcasts. Over to Robin and Sara.
This episode sees Robin talk to Sir Michael Barber Educationist and founder and chairman of Delivery Associates, an advisory firm focussed on working with governments and other organisations to help them deliver improved outcomes for citizens. The focus of this discussion is very much based on leadership from governments around the issue of climate change, starting with the question about why it has taken so long to them to begin to take it seriously. Robin and Michael focus on influential leadership and discuss what the key levers are to help governments deliver on the promises they have made. They also talk about the role of civil disobedience and the role it can play, when you look at the effect, historically. Is this the type of renegade leadership we should be encouraging? Do governments see the roles of Extinction Rebellion and Greta Thunberg as irritations or motivations? They discuss the qualities of leaders that we need to balance a sense of urgency, with the space and innovation to create solutions. They also consider how best to embody hope, rather than despair. Find more of our podcasts on leadinginaclimatecangedworld.com or our parent site oliviermythodrama.com – or search for Olivier Mythodrama, wherever you get your podcasts.
This incredible episode, sees Robin talk to Dr Scilla Elworthy, peace builder and founder of the oxford research group. Robin and Scilla discuss leadership around the subject of climate change and emerging examples of leadership from companies such as the CDP and individuals like Al Gore. They talk about the need for increased action and how important the school strikes have been to bring exposure to the topic. They talk about conscious misinformation and how there are seeds of doubt sewn around studies and what we purport to know. How do we separate what is true and are there are subversive attempts to distract people from legitimate causes? Scilla talks about different industries shaping the future of sustainable business and how investment companies are moving money into positive commercial enterprises. She talks about being involved in the initiation of the Elders with Peter Gabriel, Richard Branson and Nelson Mandela. This organisation brings together a group of eminent leaders to offer a collective influence to support the shared interest of humanitarian subjects, like climate change, healthcare and global equality. Scilla describes how leaders don’t have to be good orators and how the presence and integrity of Greta Thunberg is reminiscent of Mandela. Robin and Scilla discuss the ‘job description’ of a leader who can have a positive impact on a deeper level, within their organisation and beyond. Before we go onto hear from Scilla and Robin, just a quick plug for our new website leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com, where all our podcasts can be found. We intend to build on this space and have a lot more in store for the future. If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please email hello@leadinginaclimatechangedworld or leave a comment on the website. Finally, please don’t forget to subscribe and share the podcast with everyone you know. We still have some amazing names lined up for future episodes and a lot more to come. Enjoy the podcast, over to Robin and Scilla.
Our fifth episode sees Robin speak to Rob Hopkins, environmentalist, activist, author, and founder of the Transition Network, a movement of communities coming together to re-imagine and rebuild our world. This episode sees Robin and Rob talk about the need for imagination and creative thinking in the corporate world. How we need to move away from the 1980s platitudes of “Business as usual” and Thatcher’s famous quote, “there is no alternative”. They discuss the different styles of leadership we need to develop and how facing opposition should be embraced. Let’s hear from Robin and Rob
Straight from the Climate Change and Consciousness Conference, Robin talks to Christiana Figueres, former Executive Secretary to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and convenor of Mission 2020 a shared global campaign to accelerate climate change action and reduce greenhouse emissions to protect the world’s most vulnerable communities. Christiana spent 35 years as a senior international diplomat and was a significant figure in brokering the 2015 Paris Agreement. Robin and Christiana talk about international leadership and the implication of the US pulling out of the Paris Agreement in 2020. Is this really the disaster it’s made out to be? They discuss how top-down and grass roots leadership can combine to make an impact on important topics, like climate change. They talk about the role that international government plays in working towards a carbon neutral planet. If it can’t be the sole responsibility of the government, then who else must take action and what can we do as individuals? A key discussion point includes, how leaders of businesses and communities can influence global corporates and their commercial decisions. Over to Robin and Christiana… Music by Kevin MacLeod. Available under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/.... Download link: https://incompetech.com/music/royalty
In our third podcast, we talk to Paul Dickinson, founder of the CDP formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure project. The episode begins by discussing where we are with Climate change and whether it’s too late to act. Is there genuinely a time limit to work towards and if so, how do we progress with a sense of urgency, while at the same time, allowing us space to innovate. Robin asks who holds the power to make a difference and the significance of the corporation as a political unit. While it’s undeniable that there are organisations with more resource than many countries, are there still limits on what they can do based on their position within different industries? How do these organisations find a way to do things ethically, when profit has always been the primary objective. Is there such thing as shareholder activism and how could this have a significant effect on deliverables for these corporates? They examine leadership and present examples of great leaders within existing organisations while questioning how people can be brave in different industries. They ask how leaders act when they come up against companies and individuals holding back from doing the right thing for the sake of convenience and profit. Robin and Paul discuss the role of marketing and present examples of where companies have been clever with developing business cases that work for consumers and the planet. Leadership is a key theme throughout, with a focus on inspiration and moving people to change their habits to be conscious of the environment. How do leaders motivate society to revolutionize global thought and discussion? And why the younger generation is vital in this movement, drawing inspiration from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Greta Thunberg. Let’s hand over to Robin and Paul
In our second podcast, Senior Associate Robin Alfred talks to co-founder of the socio-political movement, Extinction Rebellion - Dr Gail Bradbrook. The episode explores leadership in a time of environmental crisis and with an intense need for social change. We move away from the boardroom and explore the ways in which to build a network committed to campaign and reform. Gail discusses attributes needed as a woman leader, building a system and working community. They discuss how simply propagating solutions, is not enough to resolve a corrupt economic system and what’s needed to bring about change within a failing structure. Change is a big topic throughout the episode, where Robin and Gail discuss the process for instigating a forceful uprising through systemic engagement. They discuss Extinction Rebellion’s role in leading social change and how the demand for revolution, lies with the people. Important leadership topics include the importance of defining your organisation or network’s vision and purpose, and what needs to be done to get people to follow you. Plus, what needs to be sacrificed and identifying and dealing with sacrifices you will have to make as an advocate to your principles. How can we face the possibility of human extinction in our children’s lifetime? Is it possible to be hopeful within the face of ecological collapse? Let’s hear from Robin and Gail.
In our first podcast, Robin interviews Andrew White, Associate Dean for Executive Education at Oxford Said Business School. Andrew acts as a consultant to a number of global organisations and has co-authored a review of how information technology will create intelligent infrastructure systems over the next few decades for the UK Government's Department of Trade and Industry. Our first podcast explores many aspects of the climate change debate and how it will affect industry around the world. Robin and Andrew discuss the economics of sustainable technologies and different business climate change initiatives. They explore the characteristics of leadership within organisations who are future proofing against climate change and ask how companies can help vision the future of sustainability. Other topics include how leaders can be brave and help define their organisation’s purpose by developing systems for the future and bringing people together for action. Is knowledge of climate change enough? Are leaders moving fast enough? Where does the catalyst start? Find out more at oliviermythodrama.com