Podcasts about green business

Solgaard founder Adrian Solgaard shares how crowdfunding, design, and sustainability shaped his global travel brand.For more on Solgaard and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

In this episode, we chat with Choni Fernández, Chief Sustainability Officer and Customer at PortAventura World, the first carbon-neutral theme park in the world, and now proudly B Corp certified.Choni isn't just ticking ESG boxes, she's leading a cultural shift in how attractions operate. From zero-emissions hotels to renewable energy and deep supply chain work, PortAventura is setting the global standard.In this episode, we dive into the real work behind the headlines. How do you build a sustainability culture that actually sticks? Can you lead without a big green team? And what does digital sustainability really mean?If you're serious about sustainability, or wondering where to start, this is the conversation you need to hear.Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your host is Paul Marden, with co host Andy Povey and roving reporter Claire Furnival.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Show references:  PortAventura World website: https://www.portaventuraworld.com/nosotros/trabaja-con-nosotrosChoni Fernández on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/choni-fern%C3%A1ndez-veciana/Choni Fernández is Customer, Sustainability and Communications Director at PortAventura World. With a background in Economics and over a decade at BASF, she joined PortAventura in 2007, where she has led Procurement, Logistics, and Sustainability. She spearheaded the company's sustainability strategy, achieving the milestone of B Corp Certification, and now leads the newly created Customer Department to drive a more customer-centric approach. Choni also serves as Catalonia Delegate at DIRSE and is Chair of the IAAPA EMEA Sustainability Committee. Plus, live from the IAAPA Expo Europe show floor, we catch up with:Jakob Wahl, President & CEO of IAAPAhttps://iaapa.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakob-wahl/Elliot Hall from Expression Capital Partners LLPhttps://expressioncapitalpartners.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-h-1b804a6a/Matt Barton, CEO / Co-Founder CurtainUp Ltd. & President of Themed Entertainment Association TEA https://www.curtainup.livehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-barton-99a8039/Melissa Oviedo, Chief Executive Officer, Themed Entertainment Association TEA https://www.teaconnect.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-oviedo-ruminot-90a63228/Kevin Murphy, Senior VP, Kraftwerk Living Technologieshttp://www.kraftwerk.athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-murphy-854439/Jacob Thompson, CX Director, Attractions.io https://attractions.iohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-thompson-icap-151271149/ Transcriptions:  Welcome, skip the queue, to Barcelona.Paul Marden: Welcome to Skip the Queue, the podcast about the world's best attractions and the amazing people that work in them. I'm your host, Paul Marden, and along with my co-host, Andy Povey, and roving reporter Claire Furnival, we're bringing you the latest news from IAAPA Expo Europe in Barcelona.Paul Marden: You join me today tired and just a little bit emotional at the airport after an amazing week at the show.Paul Marden: In this episode, we wrap up our time at IAAPA Expo Europe with a final look back at the show floor buzz. I catch up with Jakob Wahl, Chief Executive Officer of IAAPA, to get his reflections on an unforgettable week, from standout innovations to what's next for the global attractions industry. But first, Andy sits down with Choni Fernandez, Chief Sustainability Officer at PortAventura World, to explore what it really takes to become the first carbon neutral theme park on the planet and why sustainability must be at the heart of guest experience going forward.Andy Povey: So hello, everybody. I'm joined today by Choni Fernandez from PortAventura World. Choni is responsible for sustainability and guest experience and a number of other things, I believe, Choni. Hello and welcome to Skip the Queue. Hello. Choni Fernandez: Thank you very much for your invitation. Andy Povey: So, Choni, you guys at PortAventura World are really leading the industry and probably more than just our industry. In terms of sustainability, you were the first carbon neutral theme park in the world and in '24, the first theme park company to achieve a BCorp certification. Am I right?Choni Fernandez: Yes, you're right. It was, in fact, we are VCOPS since 2022. And yes, we were operational carbon neutral because we reduced our emissions during several years. And after that, we acquired some carbon credits to compensate the result of the balancing emissions. For scope one and two. Yes. So since then we are operational carbon neutral. That is not really an official name, but it's easy to explain what we are doing. Andy Povey: Okay. So what is the official name?Choni Fernandez: The official name, in fact, now that's interesting because it's a big discussion in the European community. We chat the terms we can use or not. In the new CCRG, that is going to change. Some words like green, sustainable, are probably forbidden, words that cannot be used any longer. And you need to speak properly about the impact of your activity without using these words that can lead to a type of greenwashing. And you need to be more clear about when you say, for instance, 'carbon neutral,' you need to say, 'we have reduced emissions, we compensate.' More explanation than just using one word that can be easily misunderstood.Andy Povey: Okay, yeah, yeah. That makes a lot of sense. Just buying carbon credits. You're actually doing something positive. Taking action. Like, is it Europe's largest solar farm?Choni Fernandez: It's the largest solar farm. That was one of the biggest at the source of Europe. And for sure, I guess, is still the biggest in Spain.Andy Povey: The biggest solar farm in Spain.Choni Fernandez: Sorry, in a holiday resort, yes. There are other very big solar plants that they produce energy for third parties, but they are not linked to a tourist industry.Andy Povey: No, that makes absolute sense. So you're generating your own power.Choni Fernandez: We generate 30%. The plant is not big enough and we have some restrictions of the government. So we cannot sell the surplus of energy we produce. So we could only make the plan as big as the low on consumption we have in a period of a year.Andy Povey: That makes absolute sense.Choni Fernandez: So that means that there are several months where we produce 100% energy we need. But then, obviously, in the peak of the season, we need extra energy. We buy from the net, but we always buy green energy from the net, too. Then 100% of the energy we consume is green energy, not coming from non-renewable.Andy Povey: It all becomes much more complicated as you dive into the detail, doesn't it?Choni Fernandez: Yes, yes, yes. Everything is much more complicated. And in Europe, yes, I would say even one step more complicated than the rest of the world because of all the regulations.Andy Povey: So what was it that inspired PortAventura World and how did you persuade PortAventura World to take sustainability so seriously?Choni Fernandez Okay, the history starts really with, I would say, a huge pain point, even when they were designing the park. And it was related to water. We are established in an area where we suffer from water scarcity many periods. So for those designers, they already designed the park with sustainability in mind. So they have created a complex system to recover all water rains in a big tank that is our Mediterranean lake.Andy Povey: Yeah, yeah, yeah.Choni Fernandez: So water was a treasure since the beginning. And they have also in a private-public investment. Take all the gray waters from the park, sending it to a water treatment plant several kilometres far away from the resort, and making the pipe bring the recycled water back to the resort for gardening. So PortAventura was using recycled water since 30 years ago. And that was really the starting point of sustainability at PortAventura. So we start with all the environmental impacts that the activity was going to have. And they created the park open doors in 1995. So in 1997, just two years after that, they have created the Green Team.Choni Fernandez: It's a team from different members of different departments who takes care of the environmental impacts and how they can reduce the use of water, energy and so on. And this team is still working nowadays and takes care of more complex things, certifications, but with the same, I would say, purpose, you know, that is to reduce the environmental impact of the resort, and now we start to regenerate different areas. So it's not producing impact, it's creating positive impact through regeneration.Choni Fernandez: And that was a starting point. But I like to repeat that sustainability has not fixed rules. So that is the story of Pota Aventura, because we are what we are. We are located where we are. But for instance, in the Global Sustainability Committee of IAAPA, SCARBRED was a member of that. And SCARBRED, the sustainability, had not begun for the water scarcity. They don't have this problem.Choni Fernandez: So sustainability there was more linked to the social sustainability, how to integrate communities in the project. So it really depends, again, in that moment, the momentum, you know, that we call. Where you are, who you are, what is your future footprint of your activity in your community and in the environment.Choni Fernandez: So we start with that. And year after year, we consolidate this beginning. So any new activity of PortAventura, it doesn't matter— new hotel, new park, convention centre has always followed the same philosophy that we started in 1997.Andy Povey: Very good.Choni Fernandez: Yes, because I think that this makes the project really coherent, consistent, and resilient. So it's something that we have not done from day to night, you know. It's something that we have. It's like a dish you have cooked in a low, low temperature, you know. Andy Povey: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Slow cooker. Choni Fernandez: Slow cook. That is. Sustainable PortAventura is slow cook. But at the end, you know, the dish is very good cooked and it's good.Andy Povey: Absolutely. And then, as the person responsible for customer experience within PortAventura World, before talking to you, I wouldn't necessarily have put... sustainability and customer experience together in the same group.Choni Fernandez: You're right because, okay, that is something that has changed also through years, you know, so sustainability was linked and happened at PortAventura. It was totally linked to the environmental part. But that is only one third of what sustainability means. Sustainability is also the social impact and obviously the governance.Choni Fernandez: We call also ESG. Okay, it has some difference because it has more financial meaning. But what is clear when you talk, when we talk about sustainability, we talk about the environmental impacts and the social impacts. And the social impacts are the impacts that your activity, our activity has on people. And when we talk about people, we talk about employees, we talk about our community that's surrounding us, we talk about shareholders, we talk about suppliers, and we talk about guests or visitors. And the activity of any company should have a positive impact on these people that are affected by the activity, that they are also called stakeholders.Choni Fernandez: So, and here is the reason why we try to improve every year the guest experience in order to improve this positive impact. And at the end of the day, because we are not NGOs. We strongly believe that a positive impact on the guest experience is going to be translated in future revenues, more attendance for our parks, and makes our resort more resilient because it's more profitable in the long term.Andy Povey: So this really is a sort of a wheel or a cycle. Choni Fernandez: You are right. You are right. You are right. So we really differentiate at PortAventura. I mean, sustainability is also a new angle to see your business. There is the financial angle. And then there is the angle— how your activity affects the difference they hold up. But that is clear that both need to go together. I mean, business and sustainability. In fact... One of the reasons to become a BCorp company is to evolve our mission and vision with a purpose that integrates sustainability in the business model. So it is much easier for us to talk to employees, to talk to suppliers, to talk to guests. About what is the reason why it exists and why it's important to have sustainability included in order, again, to make our business resilient through the past of the years.Andy Povey: So we have a lot of listeners around the world. What would be your advice to someone running a venue that doesn't have the advantage of starting with sustainability right at the heart and from where they started their business? How do you make a start on this?Choni Fernandez: That is a very interesting question. And the first I think any company needs to do is really to understand the stakeholders they are affecting too. Because just with this complete transparent and dialogue with the different stakeholders, you really can understand what is the impact you are producing on them. And from this result, then you know where are your main pain points, where you need to focus first on. Obviously, there are some general rules. Your impact on the environment, as I told you before, normally a new venue has, for sure, clients, or at least customer guests, employees, probably shareholders, and then in another level, suppliers, community, etc.Choni Fernandez: So, and depends what is the situation, you need to start with that. You need to prepare a good analysis because, if not, what could happen? Imagine that you focus a lot on the environmental part and you start with that because you have seen that PortAventura has started with that.Choni Fernandez: But then that is not your problem because you are in an area where your resources are really well controlled or your resort has very good standards, very efficient, because it has done with high technology, but you have an employee problem.Choni Fernandez: You have problems perhaps to attract employees, to retain the talent, or really to make them happy working with you. Then you have to start the sustainability for not the most important topic in your company. So the most important is to understand what the stakeholders need from you and then to prepare. And it's also very interesting, I think, to start, you know, things small.Choni Fernandez: Making small projects that can be consolidated and embedded into the company. Because what is really important in a company is that each department, each area of the company, maintenance, procurement, human resources, marketing, and each of the departments really is doing the part of sustainability they need to, because it is impossible that one person on every team produces all the sustainability that the whole company needs to do.Choni Fernandez: So if sustainability is really not embedded in the activity of each Japan, it's really impossible to be a successful company in terms of sustainability. You know what I mean?Andy Povey: I know exactly what you mean. That rule is so true for so many things, isn't it? You could replace the word sustainability with guest experience or ride safety. Choni Fernandez: Yes, it's the same. Andy Povey: Any number of different things.Choni Fernandez: I always explain when people say, 'but you have done a lot, Choni.' I say, 'no, no, no, no, no.' Choni has not done a lot.Choni Fernandez: Many people are doing a lot, you know. And sustainability managers or directors normally are orchestra directors. But each one needs to play its own instrument so we have a nice music, you know. If not, it does not work at all, you know, like in orchestra. So we need the maintenance guy, really. or the energy manager to really take care of that. And human resources really to prepare inclusivity, et cetera, policies linked to employees. And marketing, doing really an ethic marketing to guests. So, and that is how everyone is really doing a part of the peak and sustainability of the company.Andy Povey: That sounds very familiar and I'm sure for our guests will ring true in many different areas. It's interesting you talk about really understanding where you are. What it is you're doing. We've done some work here in the UK on the sustainability of websites. So by not printing a park map, you obviously save resources, you save paper. But if you put that on a really inefficient webpage, then you're just consuming someone else's electricity. It doesn't make you any more sustainable.Choni Fernandez: And one thing I would like to tell you is that one of the big steps for us was when our investors make the management very clear that investors of the private funds that own PortAventura were asking for sustainable investments. So that was also a way, really, to receive more money from the investors to the owners. And that is very important because when the financial markets really recognise that sustainability is a plus for an investment, then, you know, things change. Things happen. And we had two moments in this company, in my opinion, for us, for sustainability managers, that make this big change in our mindset. Choni Fernandez: One is the world of our shareholders. And that was really a big, big step forward. Because we realised then, 'oh my God, we are sustainable. We can be sustainable. Our sustainability is a lever really to receive more funds to our business.'Choni Fernandez: And the second one was when we have two different businesses, really a B2C— final customer— and a B2E— travel agencies, companies who do their conventions in our convention, et cetera, et cetera. Once upon a time, a company came to PortAventura asking for a quotation for a big convention, European size, very big one.Choni Fernandez: And before receiving the quotation, they asked, 'Please, can you send us your sustainability report?' Because we would like to see if that's the venue where we want to go. Now, everything changed.Andy Povey: Absolutely.Choni Fernandez: Because at first time, sustainability was bringing business to the company. It was not a nice to have, something that we need to have. It was really part of the business. And that changed the history of the, I would say, the sustainability journey of this company when we have both shareholders' commitment and really request to continue on that. And on the other side, we were recognised for our sustainability activity in a business case.Andy Povey: It's very interesting when you get push or pull from both sides. Choni Fernandez: You're right. Then you realise that there is no other way to do that, you know, so you need pushing, pushing.Andy Povey: You're doing a lot of work about education, work, and working with schools, and having to engage them in your journey.Choni Fernandez: That's again the same case, you know. So in our guest segmentation, school groups are one of them. And it is a very important group for us and I guess for other operators too. As we receive many schoolers. But, you know, the teachers, not students, they thought that the trip to PortAventura was really 100% entertainment. And schools were looking for something more cultural, educational.Choni Fernandez: So then, at that moment, we prepare some workshops at the beginning of the day before the park opens. If the park opens at 10, we can deliver a sustainability workshop from 9 to 10. For instance, talking to kids about biodiversity, about waste management, how to produce green energy. So in the solar plant, we don't have only solar panels. We also have some instruments, some elements to explain children how to produce green energy with movement, with wind, with sun, with solar energy. And they can experiment with their hands. With this element, how to produce this green energy. And they understand very well because that is part of the curriculum that they have to study at school. But now they can put it in practice in a different way, in a way... that our industry delivers very well, that is entertainment, you know?Andy Povey: Yes, yeah, yeah.Choni Fernandez: And that is driving more schools to visit us. So again, there is another link with sustainability, more business, more attendance, more revenues.Andy Povey: We're back on the cycle.Choni Fernandez: Yeah, again, the cycle. We close the loop, you know.Andy Povey: Absolutely. Choni, is there something you'd like to leave as a sort of parting message or a final thought to everybody that's listening to the podcast? A single sentence about how they can emulate your success.Choni Fernandez: No, I think that, okay, sometimes in life, you know, for sustainability managers, I mean, and now in the world, perhaps you feel like Talmon, you know, coming up to the river.Andy Povey: Yeah, yeah, yeah.Choni Fernandez: In a difficult situation, but it doesn't matter. So the evidence is so strong that, if you really can close the loop, as we have been talking, if you can really demonstrate and we can close the gap. Between the sustainability impacts and the financial impacts, then sustainability is part of your business. I think that should be the goal— to really don't have sustainability as something nice to have additional to the business. Avoid that at all.Choni Fernandez: Sustainability is part of the business and makes the business more resilient and more profitable in the long term.Andy Povey: Lovely. That's a great message to leave us with. Paul Marden: Now let's hear some of the buzz from the show floor.Claire Furnival: So day three of IAAPA and I've just bumped into Matt Barton. Matt Barton: Hello. Claire Furnival: Matt, you wear many hats.Matt Barton: My day job is I'm the founder and CEO of Curtain Up. I'm also the owner of 7th Sense, a company that makes media servers and pixel management systems. But I'm also the president of the Themed Entertainment Association, better known as the TEA.Claire Furnival: Crumbs, the busy man. I hear you had a party last night. Matt Barton: We did. Yeah, we had a very successful mixer. We have a great relationship with IAAPA and we have a mixer at all of IAAPA's events around the globe. And we bring our members together, usually on the second or third night of the event.Claire Furnival: Anything announced last night at the party?Matt Barton: Yeah, so we announced our next SAIT conference, and SAIT stands for Storytelling, Architecture, Technology equals Experience. So it's a thought leadership conference where we talk about trends in the industry, best practices to follow, that kind of thing. We've just finished our SAIT Asia event just three weeks ago now, and that was in New Zealand this year. And we just last announced that we're going to be in Dubai next year. Again, building on that great relationship we have with IAAPA, we're actually doing it almost like a pre-conference event. So it's tied in with IAAPA Middle East, which is going to be in Abu Dhabi. We're going to be the week before. So people can then come to SAIT, enjoy SAIT with us, and then go straight down to Abu Dhabi for the IAAPA conference.Claire Furnival: What activities is it that the TEA do? What do you offer your members?Matt Barton: So a whole range of things. And what I'm going to do now is introduce our CEO, Melissa. Melissa Oviedo.Claire Furnival: Great to meet you, Melissa. So what is it that TEA offers its members?Melissa  Oviedo: We are really the connection community. The connection community for the design, the makers, the builders, the creators. Everybody who delivers world-class experiences around the world, that's really who we are and what we represent. That can be from theme parks to museums to cultural to location-based entertainment. Claire Furnival: So I understand that the TEA does an annual benchmark report. Melissa  Oviedo: Yeah, we've just rebranded this. This is the TEA Theme Experience Index. This is the 19th year that we're doing this benchmark study. Yeah, it's really exciting for us. And what this is, is this is the annual attendance report that tracks attendance data from around the globe for the top theme parks, water parks, and museums globally. It really looks at trends, so we can understand where are the guests going, where are they spending their time, how are the parks, especially as they're coming new on the market, how do they influence those trends? And we're actually going to be launching this on October 22nd.Claire Furnival: So a couple of questions spring to mind on that one. So first of all, can anybody access the report?Melissa  Oviedo: Yeah, sure can. It's a completely free resource. You can go online. If you're not a member, we just ask for you to fill out a quick form so we know who's downloading the report. And you will have full access to all of the data, and we will have actual books to hand out at IAAPA in Orlando in November.Claire Furnival: The sector's very, very, very lucky to have this piece of research. So can you give us any snippets as to what we might see in the report?Melissa  Oviedo: I think you'll see that the theme parks are really consistent. The big players are still the big players with Disney and Universal really driving the... main attendance data. And then China, with Chimalong Park, really still holding rank at number one water park in the world. We're seeing the attendance coming back in a fierce way in China.Melissa  Oviedo: Outlook is positive. Overall, though, you'll be able to find in the report a lot of the trends that we're seeing. A lot of what we're not only anticipating in 2025, but in the future as well, with all of the developments that are happening. So, really exciting, this year's report. Claire Furnival: And what about 2026? What does that bring the TEA? Melissa  Oviedo: Momentum is high, right? The community continues to look at how they diversify as an organisation or as a business. Theme parks is our core, but we're so much more than just that. So I think you're going to see. More people doing really cool and immersive things in new places. I think the definition of themed entertainment gets broadened and further defined. I think that you're going to see more activity and more collaboration because collaboration is really when the magic happens. And you're going to start to see that even more robustly in 2026 and beyond. Claire Furnival: Sounds exciting. So last thought from you, Matt.Matt Barton: Yeah, I just wanted to touch on a couple of things we've got left in 2025 before we look to 2026. So I mentioned SAIT earlier. We also have our SAIT conference in North America coming up. So that's in October. at Knott's Berry Farm, and that ties in with when we're launching the Global Experience Index. And then in November, we've got our mixer, our international mixer, combined with the IAAPA conference in Orlando. And so on the Tuesday night of IAAPA, we have our international mixer at the Isle of Berk attraction at Epic Universe. We've got the whole land, we've got dinner and drinks, and it's going to be a good one, so make sure you get your tickets in.Claire Furnival: One not to miss. Well, it's fabulous to catch up with both you, Matt, and you, Melissa. So thank you very much for your time.Matt Barton: Thank you.Melissa  Oviedo:  Thank you so much, Claire.Andy Povey: So we're on day three, and I'm sitting here with Elliot Hall, who's one of the founding partners behind Expression Capital Partners. Elliot, hello. Elliot Hall: Hi, Andy. Good to see you. Andy Povey: For our listeners at home, can you just tell me what Expression Capital Partners do and treat me like an idiot because I really don't understand the world of investment banking and all that kind of stuff.Elliot Hall: Okay, so Expression Capital Partners is the advisory firm to Entertainment Investments 1LP. Which is specialising in the entertainment industry. Andy Povey: Interesting. So I understand you're doing some work with Hasbro and in particular things like Monopoly.Elliot Hall: Yes, yes, yes, absolutely. So we're looking to open monopoly-themed hotels and casinos around the world. Andy Povey: Wow. Elliot Hall: Along with many of the different types of brands, as we're rather across their 1000 plus brands. Andy Povey: I understand there's also some sporting connections. Tell us a little bit about, tell us what you can. Elliot Hall: Yeah, so what we can. We are working with some brands that have relationships and contracts for the IP for UEFA, FIFA and the FA. Yeah, so some really exciting products there and businesses. And we are in a position to be able to sign licenses and lease agreements and so on. And we're looking at bringing all of those brands together, either in the same cluster of IP attractions or within one building under one roof. Andy Povey: So, Elliot, you guys really are the people that are bringing the magic together. The IP, the operators, and then working out how someone funds it all.Elliot Hall: Yes, absolutely, yes. Andy Povey: Fantastic.Claire Furnival: So I'm here talking to Kevin Murphy from Kraftwerk Living Technologies. How are you finding the show this year and what do you see the trends for 2026 for you, Kraftwerk or also the industry?Kevin Murphy: I think in many respects, the trend at the moment is survival, which isn't being negative, but the world is a different place from how it was pre-COVID. The industry, though, is very, very alive. There's a lot happening out there. It's good to see the show for full. We actually tried to get a booth this year and couldn't. Everything had sold out. It's busy. People are wandering around with a very positive vein. But there's no doubt that there's— world tensions and there's problems with investment— and it does affect the industry and you know we're not immune from that. Kevin Murphy: But what's been good about this show is that a lot of the partners and Clients that we're working with are starting to announce their new projects. You have to bear in mind, for us, we do high technology behind the scenes in parks and museums and science centres. We can be working on them for many, many years. So we've had projects that have been brewing and they're just starting to get announced now. So what I'm seeing is, although there's concern about the industry, there is a slightly more positive vein coming through. I think the economy is improving out there, investors are starting to come out, and you can make money out of our industry.Claire Furnival: So what in particular have you got going on in 2026? Anything you can talk about and share with us?Kevin Murphy: Well, we're very, very pleased it's been announced, so I can talk about it. Plopsaland, which is a park in Belgium, are working with Mac. And I'm delighted to see that they've just announced, earlier than we expected, we're still working behind the scenes, but they've now announced their new flying theatre. Which will be ready and prepared at the end of 2026 for the 2027 opening.Claire Furnival: Congratulations, that's really, really exciting news.Kevin Murphy: Sadly, a lot of the other projects, I still can't say too, too much, because they may not have announced.Claire Furnival: Yeah, the dreaded NDAs.Claire Furnival: Just bumped into Jacob from Attractions. io. How's the show been for you?Jacob   Thompson: Great. This is my second time at IAAPA in Barcelona. It's been even better than the first time. So the weather's held out. Great conversations, great company. So overall, a success.Claire Furnival: And a little birdie has told me that you have a new feature coming out.Jacob   Thompson: That is true. So, yeah, we have launched a new product this month called GX Pulse. And the idea is it's enabling operators to make sense of all the noise of guest reviews and sentiment by breaking... reviews down from TripAdvisor, Google reviews, their own internal platforms to make sense and map that across a guest journey, specifically for attractions. So it's able to understand sentiment across things like queue management, your attractions, your food and beverage, give you scores and benchmark you against other venues. But most importantly, give you actionable insights to make improvements to the guest experience.Claire Furnival: Brilliant use of data there. Really, really, really good. So is this product now launched?Jacob  Thompson: Yes, yes it is. So we've been demoing it across some attractions at the trade show floor this week and it's had some really positive feedback. This product is completely separate from our core app platform and experience. So even if you don't have a mobile app and don't need a mobile app, this can be valuable for anybody that is looking to understand the sentiment and experience of their guests across their attractions.Claire Furnival: Fabulous. Guest will be seeing you in IAAPA Orlando.Jacob   Thompson: Yes, and I heard there's going to be a great party hosted by Skip the Queue.Claire Furnival: I'm not sure we'll be hosting a party, but we'll certainly be partying.Jacob   Thompson: Well, I'll be there to join you nonetheless.Paul Marden: So we're here for the final day of IAAPA Expo Europe. I've had a whale of a time and I'm sat here with Jakob Wahl, who amazingly, considering three days into this fantastic expo, is still looking fresh and bright. Jakob, please introduce yourself for our listeners who may not know you.Jakob  Wahl: I'm president and CEO of IAAPA, the Global Association for the Attractions Industry. I've done that now for two and a half years, but in total I've been with IAPA for, I think, nearly 15 years.Paul Marden: Wow, so man and boy almost.Jakob  Wahl: Yeah, you know, and I always say the kid in the candy store— I love doing what we do and bringing people together.Paul Marden: How could you not? So this is my first IAAPA. It has been fantastic and stood on the show floor. I think it was yesterday. I was on my own, done so many interviews. I've been bouncing around, but I just had a few minutes by myself and just stood in the middle of it all. Totally is like being a kid in a candy store, the Willy Wonka moment isn't it? Of what this place is like, because it is so fantastic.Jakob  Wahl:  It is and the most wonderful thing about it is, you know, we as an association, we create a framework, but it is actually all of you, our members, who fill it with life. Because everybody comes together. It's just a massive class reunion. People know each other. And the best thing about it is they're all willing to help and support each other. So obviously, the trade show floor is one component, but we have all those networking sessions, the education sessions, safety corners, we have places where people can exchange, depending on what they work in or where they work, and everybody comes together to share. That is so wonderful, because it's not only family-owned parks, small parks, big parks, but it's also the big private equity corporate players. They're all here to really benefit from this platform, and that fills me with pride.Paul Marden: Good. So, as the week draws to a close, what's been the real highlights for you?Jakob  Wahl: How much time do I have? First of all, the people. It's always the people. It's, you know, for me, it's my team coming together from all around the world, putting this together. And then it's... the people coming and creating those education sessions, creating those moments together, sharing their knowledge. That is just wonderful. There's not one specific moment like that, but it happens all the time. Jakob  Wahl: And then one of the highlights for me is always, always, always the opening reception. That is our Tuesday night event, which took place at Tibidabo, this classic historic amusement park on top of Barcelona. We were a little bit concerned Monday. Will it rain? Will it not rain? So we had to rent tents to make sure that everybody will stay dry. And what happens if you're intense? Obviously, it doesn't rain. Jakob  Wahl: There was an expensive insurance, but it turned out to be exactly that evening. And we have been to Barcelona three times now. We have been to the Tibidabo three times and I think I can be pretty sure that when we go back to Barcelona in three years, we will also go again to Tibidabo because, you know, it's just this evening filled with magic and good people.Paul Marden: Excellent. You've had some time wandering the show floors, I'm sure, talking to suppliers, getting a feel for what's happening in the industry. What have you heard from the show floor that you think is going to influence the sector over the year ahead?Jakob  Wahl: I would have loved to ask you that question, actually. What is your impression?Paul Marden: Oh, the blending of tech with real life I find really interesting. We all want to take our kids to attractions because we want to pull them away from their screens. But there's got to be a hook, I think. And in many cases, there are rides or there are amusements of some form that is a skillful blending of that tech with an in-life, in-real-life experience that I think is the hook to get the kids in. But then we're still wrenching them away from the screens. They're doing something for real with family.Jakob  Wahl: Yeah, I think technology enhances the experience. It doesn't replace the experience. I think that is something which is very clear on the show floor, that there are different ways of how you can combine existing attractions with new technology. And we sometimes call it fusion attractions, where you bring several elements into play with each other. And I think that is very important. What we have seen also is an increase in what I would call smart technology. How can you use technology... to improve the guest flow, to make it even smoother. We all want to have a smooth process. It should be easy on the phone. All those things, besides the classic coasters and water slides and inflatables, that is, I think, some area which has really grown on our trade show floor over the past years.Paul Marden: Yeah, absolutely. If you can smooth that process from the moment that they hit the website all the way through, getting them to the experience and then back out the other side and encouraging them to want to return again is really important, isn't it?Jakob  Wahl: And the same is for operations and maintenance, the front of house for the customer, but also the back of house. And we learned some fascinating things. We talked in our leadership breakfast with the CEO of a large park group, and he said, 'There are tools that can now predict 93% of the attendance of every day.' And that is just fascinating because that helps operational planning, that helps food and beverage planning, that helps all those aspects in running a park successfully or running an attraction successfully.Paul Marden: Absolutely. So, as we come to the end of IAAPA Expo Europe, there are many US listeners, I'm sure, also quite a few Brits as well, anticipating IAAPA Expo Orlando in November. Have you got any insider tips or things that we can look forward to in Orlando? Jakob  Wahl: I can say it will be epic. There's quite a significant theme park which opened this year, Epic Universe, which is just down the road from the convention centre.Jakob  Wahl: And we actually have not only... Mark Woodbury is speaking in our keynote in our leadership breakfast. But we also have privatised the park on Thursday evening for the IAAPA Celebrates for four hours. So it is Epic Universe, just for IAAPA members, which will be amazing. I've had the luck to visit the park several times. And I can only tell you, you know, you should be there. The evening before the show opens on Monday, IAAPA has the Legends event, the honorary evening for the Hall of Fame. And this year we're actually inducting five inductees. Among them is Dolly Parton. So if you have ever wanted to meet Dolly Parton. Paul Marden: The real Dolly Parton. Wow.Jakob  Wahl: Yeah, Dolly Parton is getting into the IAAPA Hall of Fame, besides some other really fantastic candidates or inductees. And she will be there to receive that accolade. And as you said, you have many British listeners. Next year, IAAPA Expo Europe is in London.Paul Marden: Now, I'd quite like to do an edit for my family that might be listening, because that did sound quite epic. And we need to be absolutely clear that there's lots of hard work to be done in Orlando, as well as enjoying ourselves at Epic and seeing Dolly Parton.Jakob  Wahl: Yeah, I'm pretty sure we need to Skip the Queue on site for a podcast from Orlando.Paul Marden: Oh, there we go. There we go. I think we should end it there. Jakob, it has been delightful to meet you. I've really enjoyed it. I'm so grateful for being invited to come to IAAPA this year. Bring the podcast here. I've had so much fun. I've learned so much. It's been wonderful. Thank you.Jakob  Wahl: Oh, we love what you do. Thank you, you know, for making the attractions industry present in the digital space. And we are all great listeners of your podcast. So thank you for what you do for us.Paul Marden: Wow, what a week. A massive thank you to IAAPA for hosting us in Barcelona. It was an incredible few days of connection, innovation, and inspiration. We've absolutely loved being part of it. And who knows, maybe we'll see you again sooner than you think. If you liked today's episode, please like us or leave a comment on your podcast platform. It really does help people to find us. And lastly, thank you to all of the team that made these daily episodes and today's wrap-up session. A possibility without the team it could not have been possible to have done this— thank you to Emily and Sami at Plaster, Steve at Folland Co. Wenayn, Claire, and Andy back at Skip the Queue HQ. It has been a delight to be with you and I look forward to seeing you again next week. The 2025 Visitor Attraction Website Survey is now LIVE! Dive into groundbreaking benchmarks for the industryGain a better understanding of how to achieve the highest conversion ratesExplore the "why" behind visitor attraction site performanceLearn the impact of website optimisation and visitor engagement on conversion ratesUncover key steps to enhance user experience for greater conversionsTake the Rubber Cheese Visitor Attraction Website Survey Report

In our new podcast series, Next Stop: Green Business, we go on the road to meet the Danish companies proving that green business is good business. From headquarters to production sites, we hear directly from the people turning climate ambitions into a competitive edge. Globally, there's never been more emphasis on the industrial sector's role in driving down emissions and resource consumption. Many Danish companies are turning the challenge of creating green value chains into an opportunity for environmental, social and economic value creation, making the case for seeing the green transition of value chains not as a cost, but as a competitive advantage.Learn more and explore real-world cases at stateofgreen.com.

Terracycle is proving that almost anything can be recycled, from cigarette butts to ocean plastics, transforming how the world thinks about waste. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin speaks with Tom Szaky, the founder and CEO of TerraCycle, to explore how his company is creating global recycling programs that redefine sustainability and consumer responsibility. TerraCycle has become a leader in connecting corporations and individuals to solutions that keep waste out of landfills and oceans. This conversation dives into the economics of recycling, why certain materials are left behind, how microplastics can be repurposed, and what it takes to shift both corporate and consumer behavior. By the end, you'll see why recycling is not just about sorting bins but about reimagining the value of our waste. Terracycle Website: https://www.terracycle.com/ Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube  

Paul Murphy Chief executive of ClimeAction works with all types of companies to get their emissions down be that a dairy farm or a microchip manufacturer. ClimeAction is only 4 years old but already has offices on both sides of the Atlantic. Paul is our Green Business person of the month with Repak.

Bank of Ireland recently launched its new Sustainable Business Coach online platform, a free digital tool designed to help SMEs identify their ESG priorities. Along with Green Business loans, this is one of a plethora of sustainability resources emerging from the Bank. Colette Shirley, director of Sustainability at Bank of Ireland talks about the development of the Coach and why it is vital to support businesses on their sustainability journey.Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.

For years, marketers have been helping to shape how consumers think and feel about products that are driving the linear economy. However in this episode of the Circular Economy Show, we explore how they can harness their skills to unlock the opportunities that the circular economy provides. We're joined by experts Deb Caldow, Global Marketing Director at Diageo, and Rachel O'Reilly, Global Research Lead at Accenture Song. Their experiences provide an insight into how we can turn ideas into impactful actions that deliver both economic growth and environmental benefits.Join us to find out:How marketers are leveraging storytelling to inspire interest in circular productsWhy they should engage closely supply teams to ensure innovations align with market demandThe importance of internal buy-in and a willingness to experiment when scaling circular solutionsLearn more:Read the ‘The marketing playbook for a circular economy'.Check out episode 176,' Driving demand for circular economy: What marketers need to know' to hear more about the playbook with Kantar and Swapfiets.Make sure you're subscribed to the Circular Economy Show to find out about our future episodes on the playbook.

Dans cet épisode de C'est qui la Boss ?, Laure Favre, co-fondatrice de la marque Spring, raconte comment elle a révolutionné le rayon lessive avec un projet à impact – sans bullshit ni greenwashing.Après avoir bossé dans les mastodontes de la lessive, elle a décidé de faire les choses autrement : formule clean, packaging repensé, et distribution en abonnement. Résultat : une marque engagée, rentable et ambitieuse.Au programme : entrepreneuriat à impact, charge mentale, changement de cap, leadership au féminin et vrais conseils pour se lancer – même quand on n'a pas coché toutes les cases.Une conversation cash, inspirante et concrète avec une boss qui n'a pas peur de mouiller le maillot.Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

The circular economy is one of the most powerful tools we have to tackle the climate crisis—but you wouldn't know it from the carbon accounts.In this episode, we're joined by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's João Murilo Silva Merico, who explains how current accounting frameworks—like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol—often fail to recognise or reward the emissions benefits of circular practices such as reuse, remanufacturing, and sharing models.You'll hear:Why emissions reductions from circularity don't show up where they shouldReal-world examples of how this distorts decision-makingWhat needs to change at a policy and reporting levelWhat businesses can do right now to align climate strategies with circular actionDownload the paper to find out more.  

Sekarang, konsumen nggak cuma lihat harga, tapi juga peduli asal barang, bahan, dan dampaknya ke bumi. Untuk para pebisnis, ini bukan tren sementara ini perubahan gaya hidup yang semakin kuat.Dr. Sandy Wahyudi bahas lengkap soal pentingnya green business buat masa depan bisnis kamu.

Miranda Evans, the Deputy Director of the Community and Economic Development Department for the City of Riverside the 12th largest city in California joins Enterprise … Read more The post A Sustainable Hub of Innovation & Green Business Opportunities appeared first on Top Entrepreneurs Podcast | Enterprise Podcast Network.

In this powerhouse episode of BizNinja Entrepreneur Radio, host Tyler Jorgenson welcomes legendary actor, environmental advocate, and accidental entrepreneur Ed Begley Jr. to the show. While many know him from films and television, Ed's decades-long commitment to clean living and sustainability might surprise you. From riding his bike to the Oscars to bottling eco-friendly cleaning products in his garage, Ed proves that walking the green talk can be both impactful and entertaining.Ed takes us on a time-traveling journey through his early adoption of electric cars, his adventures with faulty toner cartridges and primitive solar systems, and the birth of his eco-business, Begley's Earth Responsible Products. His stories are equal parts hilarious and humbling—from delivering products himself in his electric car to learning the hard way about doing too much, too fast. He shares how he learned to value not just environmental resources, but his own time and energy as a resource, too.With wisdom drawn from smoggy childhoods, big-screen sets, and homegrown sustainability hacks, Ed dishes out heartfelt advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. His approach to advocacy is refreshingly relatable: lead by example, stay authentic, and do what you can—without burning out. Whether you're launching a brand or just trying to live cleaner, Ed's message is clear: live simply so that others can simply live.TakeawaysStart Small, Stay Consistent: Ed's clean-living journey began in 1970 with vinegar and baking soda. Sometimes the simplest steps lead to lifelong impact.You Can't Make Gasoline on Your Roof: But you can make solar power—and Ed's been powering his life and car this way for decades.Walk the Talk, Quietly: Ed didn't shout about his values—he just biked to the Oscars and let the media catch on. Authenticity speaks louder than megaphones.From Garage to Costco: His product line started in his garage (with help from his daughters!) and is now sold nationwide. Proof that green businesses can scale.You're a Resource Too: Entrepreneurs must protect their own time and energy like any precious environmental resource.Lead with Common Ground: Don't want to debate climate change? Focus on clean air, energy savings, and local impact. Change doesn't always need a label.

Find out about the critical role that the circular economy can play in the shift to renewable energy, pairing the EU's decarbonisation agenda with economic competitiveness and material security.In this episode, host Seb hears from Ke Wang from the World Resources Institute (WRI) about:Why the circular economy is important in the energy transitionHow this is fundamentally driven by economics and competitivenessExamples of what it looks like in practiceIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy.Learn more:Read Ke's paper More Than Ore: The Pivotal Role Recycled Copper Can Play in the Energy TransitionWant to find out how this topic applies in regions outside of Europe? Read the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's recent publication on the circular economy as a triple play opportunity for China.

Anne Butterly is March's Repak Business Person of the Month.Anne is the brain behind EasyDry, a strong disposable paper towel business that you're sure to see in most hairdressers across the country.In the process, those same hairdressers have saved an estimated 4 litres of water for every towel no longer washed.

In this episode of That Entrepreneur Show, we sit down with James Strayer, co-founder of Rubber Surfaces, to explore how he's turning recycled tires into innovative, non-slip surfaces for homes and businesses.

What does it take to bridge the gap between environmental concerns and commercial priorities? In this episode of Game Changers and Transition Makers, Lorraine Johnston speaks with Roger McKerlie, a seasoned sales and marketing entrepreneur and founder of EBN, a movement uniting 1,800 businesses to prepare for a lower-carbon, nature-positive future. Roger explains how the EBN helps businesses—from mid-size to larger SMEs—navigate the complex demands of sustainability. He shares his insights on why the environmental agenda has shifted from being a tactical issue to a strategic boardroom priority, with CFOs increasingly focused on ESG impacts and opportunities. Roger also discusses the importance of storytelling to inspire action, emphasising that “small changes by businesses collectively move the dial” on the climate crisis. From promoting second-hand fashion to rethinking corporate purpose, Roger highlights actionable steps for business leaders at any stage of their sustainability journey. Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send me a messageIn this episode, I'm joined by Kristin Naragon, Chief Strategy Officer at Akeneo, to explore how businesses can strategically merge digital transformation with sustainability. As regulations tighten and consumer demand for transparency grows, companies are under increasing pressure to adapt. Kristin breaks down how effective product information management (PIM) can not only streamline operations but also support compliance with emerging sustainability standards.We dive into:Why sustainability is no longer optional, with 90% of S&P 500 companies now publishing CSR reports compared to just 20% a decade ago.The upcoming EU Digital Product Passport and how it will require detailed product data, from material sourcing to carbon footprints, for every product sold in the EU.How BIC (the pen company) transformed its digital catalogue, elevating sustainable products (just 10% of its range) to drive a staggering 60% of revenue.The critical role of integrating sustainability initiatives with digital strategies to avoid duplicating efforts and to drive measurable business growth.Kristin also shares practical steps for getting started—bringing key stakeholders together, leveraging technology to manage complex data, and embedding sustainability into product information.If you're navigating the challenges of compliance, digital transformation, or sustainability, this episode offers actionable insights to future-proof your supply chain.

Send me a messageIn this episode, I sit down with Kenny McGee, CEO and founder of Component Sense, to explore how his company is driving sustainability in the electronics industry. Kenny shares the story behind Component Sense's origins—born out of a pressing need to manage surplus electronic components—and how it has grown into a leader in redistributing excess inventory.We dig into some hard truths about waste in the electronics supply chain. Did you know that millions of brand-new components are scrapped every year simply because they're surplus to requirements? Kenny explains how Component Sense prevents this waste by redistributing unused, traceable parts to businesses that need them, ensuring valuable resources don't end up in landfills.From navigating financial crises and COVID-19 to tackling Brexit's logistical headaches, Kenny's journey highlights the challenges of running a purpose-driven business. He also discusses how his team has developed innovative tools, such as their InPlant system, to integrate seamlessly into clients' supply chains, making redistribution both easy and profitable.We also touch on broader industry challenges, including the rise of counterfeit components, the regulatory gaps around circularity, and the urgent need for global, not just local, sustainability efforts. Kenny makes a compelling case for prioritising reuse over waste, urging businesses to take responsibility for their environmental impact.Towards the end, we explore the fascinating role legacy components play in keeping vital industrial machinery alive, a topic that underscores the value of thinking long-term in our throwaway culture.If you've ever wondered how we can align sustainability with business value in the electronics industry, this episode will give you practiElevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain' podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

At the end of this month in Busan, Korea, INC-5 will take place. For the fifth and final time, the United Nations international negotiating committee will reunite to create a legally binding global treaty that ends plastic pollution.In this episode, Marta Longhurst, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Global Treaty Manager, tells us what opportunities a well designed treaty could unlock to tackle the world's plastic waste crisis.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy. 

The circular economy can be a powerful climate mitigation strategy. But what about the other side of the climate action coin? In this episode, we explore the connection between circular economy activities and climate adaptation outcomes.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy.

Send me a messageIn this episode, which is generously sponsored by Component Sense, I sit down with Joanne Flinn, Chair of the ESG Institute, to unpack what it really means to push sustainability forward in business, far beyond the usual carbon targets. Joanne shares her personal journey to becoming an advocate for sustainable transformation, influenced by her father's work in agricultural economics and her early exposure to global sustainability issues.We dig into the critical work the ESG Institute is doing to guide companies on their ESG journeys, especially around complex challenges like value chain sustainability and the need for clarity in multi-stakeholder decision-making. Joanne explains the Institute's “Sustainability Readiness Profiles,” a practical tool to help companies identify their ESG maturity and shape their approach accordingly – whether they're observers, pledgers, compliers, or transformers.We also discuss the mindset shifts needed to make sustainability integral to business strategies: moving from short-term gains to long-term resilience and embracing multi-dimensional goals beyond simple profit metrics. Joanne even makes an unexpected (but spot-on) connection between ESG in business and the evolving safety standards in rugby.Tune in to learn why approaching sustainability as a “game of lifting standards” can drive real change, and what steps leaders can take now to create a thriving, resilient future.Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain' podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Rumi.aiAll-in-one meeting tool with real-time transcription & searchable Meeting Memory™Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Is the circular economy just another form of sustainability? In this premiere episode of the Circular Curious season, Emma Elobeid and Lou Waldegrave explore the key overlaps and core differences between sustainability and the circular economy and discuss some of the common pitfalls in conflating these two vital yet distinct practices. Would you like to learn more about the key ideas that form the circular economy? Head to our website for more information.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy. 

Send us a textJoin Curveball on this episode of Living the Dream as he delves into the world of sustainability and climate change with seasoned professional, Lee Stewart. With over 20 years of experience, Lee has worked across various countries and industries, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the table. He's an author, climate change reality mentor, and speaker, trained by Al Gore himself.Lee shares his journey, from working with startups to billion-dollar multinationals, and now running his own consulting business, ESG Strategy. Discover what it means to be a sustainability professional, the diverse skills required, and the impact of sustainability on businesses. Lee also discusses his book, "How to Build Sustainability into Your Business Strategy," offering practical tips and insights for integrating sustainability into business operations.Learn about Lee's work with major companies like Fujitsu, his role in reducing environmental impacts, and his innovative projects aimed at tackling climate change. He also touches on the importance of mandatory financial-related climate change disclosures and how they benefit investors and businesses alike.Lee's dedication extends to pro bono work, helping the Kingdom of Tonga develop waste strategies and climate resilience plans. Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with practical advice and inspiring stories from a true sustainability expert.00:00:00 " Welcome to the Living the Dream podcast with Curveball. Today we're talking about sustainability and climate changewww.leestewart.com.auWant to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600

Send us a textDiscover how a childhood passion for plants led Matthieu Mehuys from a family farm to a thriving landscape design business. In this episode, learn how you too can turn your love for gardening into a profitable venture while making a positive environmental impact! #GardeningBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SustainableLiving #LandscapeDesign #RegenerativeFarming #SmallBusinessTips #BusinessGrowth #GreenBusiness #PassionToProfit #BizHelpForYou #MatthieuMehuys Support the showResources: https://affordablebookkeepingandpayroll.com/resource-opt-in Become a supported of the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1522381/support

In this episode of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Circular Economy Show, we'll explore the critical relationship between a healthy economy and a thriving natural environment. With biodiversity declining at unprecedented rates, we will delve into the Foundation's latest report, "Building Prosperity: Unlocking the Potential for a Nature Positive Circular Economy for Europe." We'll be joined by Julia Okatz, a director at Systemiq, who led the analysis for the report, and Joss Bleriot, the Foundation's Executive Lead for Policy and Institutions. Together, we will explore the report's key findings, illustrating how cities and built environments can contribute to a circular economy that benefits both nature and people. Discover how innovative nature-enhancing strategies can transform urban spaces, reduce material consumption, and regenerate nature, all while creating economic opportunities. Do you want to know more about the Building Prosperity report? Head to our Building Prosperity page to learn more. Head to our website to read the transcript for this episode. Want to watch this episode? Find it on YouTubeIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, or leave us a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy. 

It's not the big things you do; it's the small things. Help your business reduce its environmental footprint, enhance its reputation, and attract socially conscious consumers. Books mentioned in this episode: Green to Gold: How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value, and Build Competitive Advantage by Daniel C. Esty and Andrew Winston Making Sustainability Work: Best Practices in Managing and Measuring Corporate Social, Environmental, and Economic Impacts by Marc J. Epstein and Adriana Rejc Buhovac

In a world filled with unpredictability, how do we equip students with the tools they need to make decisions? Our guest, Roger Spitz, shares his insights on the role of strategic foresight and how embracing complexity and uncertainty can revolutionize education, empowering students and educators to thrive in an ever-changing world.IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:The unpredictability and nonlinear nature of the world and how traditional education is inadequate for teaching students how to adapt and thrive in this worldThe importance of understanding the unpredictability of the world and the need to move beyond traditional, predictable models of thinkingThe role of education in fostering critical thinking, challenging assumptions, and embracing uncertainty to empower individuals with agency and adaptability.RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Connect with Roger on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTubePurchase Roger's latest book: "Disrupt With Impact: Achieve Business Success in an Unpredictable World"Learn more about the Disruptive Futures Institute, a Think Tank based in San Francisco offering education, research, and thought leadership on adapting to our increasingly complex and uncertain world.Visit www.techistential.ai to learn more about the global foresight practice Get your copy of Rebel Educator: Create Classrooms Where Impact and Imagination MeetLearn more about Rebel Educator, explore our professional development opportunities for educators and students, and check out our project library.Visit us at UP Academy to learn more about our personalized and inclusive learning environment.Connect with Tanya and UP Academy on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram and learn more about her journey here.Guest Bio:Roger Spitz (B.Sc. Econ, M.Sc., FCA, APF) is an international bestselling author, President of Techistential (Climate & Foresight Strategy), and Chair of the Disruptive Futures Institute in San Francisco. Currently writing his fifth book, Spitz has given hundreds of keynotes globally, frequently contributes across leading media, and guest lectured at many of the world's most prestigious academic institutions.Spitz has two decades leading investment banking and venture capital businesses. He advises CEOs, founders, boards, and shareholders on their most critical decisions, evaluating their organizations' strategy under uncertainty, and anticipating disruptions ahead. Spitz sits on several boards, AI & Ethics councils, Sustainability committees, VC funds & Academic institutions worldwide.A world-leading authority on foresight, sustainability, and transformative change, Spitz develops and teaches Strategic Foresight & System Innovation programs, and has written the influential book collection “The Definitive Guide to Thriving on Disruption”, which became an instant classic. Spitz lectures and publishes extensively on anticipatory leadership, change, uncertainty and decision-making in complex environments, with bestselling books in Future Studies, Green Business, Sustainable Economic Development, Business Education, Strategic Management & Forecasting.Spitz's renowned strategic foresight practice, advises boards, leadership teams and investors on sustainable value creation. He developed the Disruptive Futures Institute and DFI Sustainability & Climate Academy into preeminent global education centers helping organizations build capacity for futures intelligence, resiliency and system innovation. Spitz is an industry-recognized expert, writer, speaker and investor in AI, he chairs the Techistential Center for Human & Artificial Intelligence, and is known for coining the term "Techistentialism".As former Global Head of Technology M&A with BNP Paribas, Spitz advised on over 50 transactions with deal value of $25bn. He launched the bank's US M&A practice in San Francisco and built its European Technology & Digital Investment Banking franchises in London & Paris.Bilingual English & French, Spitz lived in 10 different cities across three continents.Spitz has written five books. He is the bestselling author of the acclaimed four-volume series “The Definitive Guide to Thriving on Disruption” and “Disrupt With Impact: Achieve Business Success in an Unpredictable World”.Enjoying the show? Leave us a rating and review and help more people find us!bit.ly/RebelEducatorApplePodcastsWe'd love it if you could take a few minutes to fill out this survey to let us know how we can bring you the best possible content: forms.gle/JcKHf9DHTZnYUmQr6 Interested in being on the Rebel Educator podcast? Fill out this form and we'll reach out to you if we think you'd be a great fit for an upcoming episode. https://forms.gle/CZJXLQDdevPh22ZN7Want to learn more about opening your own UP Academy? Check out the Rebel Educator Accelerator:www.rebeleducator.com/courses/the-acceleratorMORE ABOUT THE REBEL EDUCATOR PODCAST:In each episode of the Rebel Educator podcast, I deconstruct world-class educators, students, and thought leaders in education to extract the tactics, tools, and routines that you can use as teachers and parents. Join me as we discuss how to shift the classroom, the learning environment, the mindset, and the pedagogy, to resist tradition, reignite wonder, and re-imagine the future of education.This podcast is dedicated to all of the educators who work thankless hours to make our next generation the best it can be.  It was designed to begin conversations on how we can redesign education for the future of work and the success of our students.  It is meant for teachers, students, administrators, homeschoolers and anyone who interacts with and teaches youth.  We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student...

At the heart of the circular economy is the need to retain the value of goods and materials, so that we can slow down the use of the Earth's resources. Selling performance instead of products could be a way to achieve this. In this season's finale, we'll discuss this and other insights from Walter Stahel, author of The Performance Economy. Join us as we discuss how retaining the value of goods and materials can transform industries, boost job creation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We'll explore the idea of sustainable taxation, and learn why selling performance, not products, could be the future.If you like this episode, please leave us a review, or leave us a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy.

Today we're joined by Dan Archbold, owner of Archbold Landscaping down in Decatur IN! Listen in as Dan shares his inspiring lawn care business journey, including his recent growth where he expanded into multiple crews. Lawntrepreneur Academy LIVE 2024   Purchase The Whole Ball of Wax (use code LAL2024 to receive $250 off and one free ticket to LAL 2024)   Get Brian's Free Newsletter   https://www.lawntrepreneuracademy.com/   LINK Membership   Brian's Lawn Maintenance On YouTube     Brian's Lawn Maintenance On Instagram     Register for EQUIP 2024 (Save 50% with code Brian)     Ballard-Inc.com (Brians10)     KUJO (Brians10)     Equipment Defender (Brians10)     https://gpstrackit.com/brianlm/     www.brandedbullinc.com Mention Brian and get $100 off a new website.     www.CycleCPA.com mention code: Brian to save $200.     www.PostcardMania.com/Brian     Zero to $100K!: The Complete Guide on How to Start a Successful Lawn Care Company     https://golmn.com/ (Use Code: BRIAN)     https://www.exmark.com/    https://www.instagram.com/STABILBRAND/   https://www.yardbook.com/    

In today's episode, we're placing nature in the centre of the conversation. Joined by Sean Quinn, Director of Regenerative Design at HOK, we're exploring the role of regenerative design in creating infrastructures that are in harmony with our communities and the planet.Notes: In today's episode, we're placing nature in the centre of the conversation. Joined by Sean Quinn, Director of Regenerative Design at HOK, we're exploring the role of regenerative design in creating infrastructures that are in harmony with our communities and the planet and the importance of building technologies that restore natural systems instead of overpowering them. But we're not stopping there, join us as we discover an exciting case study that uses regenerative design. Do you want to know more about Building Prosperity, the Foundation's report mentioned in this episode? Head to our Building Prosperity page to learn more. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, or leave us a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy.

Are Cradle to Cradle and the Circular Economy essentially the same thing? In this episode off our Origins season, we'll explore the key differences and similarities between the two system change solutions.Join us as we sit down with Katja Hansen, Circular Economy & Cradle to Cradle expert, to explore nuances between the two systems, their relationship with the sustainability movement and how this might have been co-opted by companies to mean “business as usual”. Have a look at the butterfly diagram mentioned in this episode!If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, or leave us a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy.

Where did the concept of the circular economy come from? In our new season “Origins: The ideas shaping the circular economy”, we dig into the different ideas that have inspired the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's concept of a circular economy.In this season premier, we'll learn more about biomimicry, the practice of looking to nature for solutions to human problems. Join us as we discuss the origins and broader implications of biomimicry with Stefano Semprini, Co-director at Biomimicry, and delve into its practical applications with Chad Wasilenkoff, CEO of Helicoid Industries Inc.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, or leave us a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy.

How can a company as large as Microsoft help to regenerate nature? In this episode, we discuss how the organisation is designing its rapidly-growing number of data centres to become sanctuaries of biodiversity with Kaitlin Chuzi, Microsoft's Director of Biomimicry and Advanced Ecosystems, and Alessandra Pistoia, Microsoft's Circular Economy Lead. We'll hear how data centres, often seen as energy-intensive infrastructures, are being leveraged to rejuvenate natural ecosystems. We'll also learn how excess heat from data centres is being repurposed to support agricultural activities and renewable energy projects, and how data centres can play a pivotal role in environmental monitoring and restoration projects. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, or leave us a comment on Spotify or YouTube. Your support helps us to spread the word about the circular economy.

This week we are joined by Lucy and her inspiring story of founding Bare Kind. Bare Kind is a Bamboo sock company that save endangered animals.In this episode, we delve into key topics, including:- How Lucy Started & Grew Bare Kind.- Learn practical tips and strategies for running a sustainable and environmentally friendly business.- Understand the importance of Unique Selling Propositions and how they influence customer buying decisions.- Get an inside look at the processes and efforts that go into creating and maintaining a strong brand identity.- Explore the methods Bare Kind used to identify and connect with their ideal customers.- Gain insights into effective negotiation techniques that can help your business thrive.Whether you're passionate about sustainability, looking to start your own business, or seeking to improve your existing brand, tune in and learn how to make your business both successful and kind to the planet!Bare Kind: https://barekind.co.uk/Reach out to the Spec team here: https://spec.digital/expertise/seo-services/Key takeaways:0:00 Introduction8:24 How Lucy Started & Grew Bare Kind13:45 How Do You Have a Green Business?21:13 USPs & Buying Decisions27:14 Building The Behind The Scenes Of A Brand34:09 How Bare Kind Understood Who Their Target Customers Are44:15 The Power of NegotiationWebsite: https://winningwithshopify.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@winningwithshopifyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/winning_with_shopify/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@winningwithshopifySupport the Show.

Introduction to Adam Bastock:  Adam Bastock has made sustainability a core part of his life and work. He believes that sustainability is not just about being ethical or environmentally friendly, but also about ensuring financial stability for small businesses. His mission is to help businesses not just survive, but thrive for the next 5, 10, or 15 years by addressing immediate pressures and setting up long-term strategies for sustainable growth. Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings:  Growing up in Rugby, a quiet town in the Midlands, Adam's upbringing was stable and laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors. He has two older sisters who provided a window into adulthood. Unlike them, Adam chose a different path, pursuing a flexible Open University degree while working part-time at Sainsbury's. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged in his late teens when he launched an Etsy store selling handmade cufflinks and laser-cut jewelry. Moving to Brighton and Professional Growth:  In 2010, Adam moved to Brighton to be with his boyfriend. The vibrant and diverse community there broadened his horizons. In 2014, he took a leap of faith by quitting his job at Sainsbury's to work for a small business in Brighton, where he gained invaluable experience in web development and e-commerce. Building Expertise in Digital Marketing:  Adam's journey continued with roles at an industrial shelving company and an art gallery, where he honed his skills in Google advertising, SEO, and e-commerce platforms. By the time he went freelance, Adam had a comprehensive skill set to offer small businesses practical, actionable advice in digital marketing. Networking and Community Engagement:  Networking played a crucial role in Adam's freelance success. Active co-working spaces in Brighton provided ample opportunities to connect with potential clients. One of his biggest clients resulted from a casual conversation over coffee. Advocating for Sustainability:  Adam's passion for sustainability extends beyond business. He emphasises the interconnectedness of our actions and their environmental impact. He highlights the often-overlooked origins of everyday products and stresses the importance of making informed, eco-friendly choices.   Conclusion and Vision for the Future: Adam's journey towards sustainability is ongoing and multifaceted. He aims to inspire others to see the value of sustainable practices, emphasising that sustainability is not just an environmental necessity but a viable and profitable business strategy. Together, we can create a sustainable future that benefits everyone. Join us in this insightful episode as Adam Bastock shares his story, experiences, and vision for a sustainable future. Don't miss it! Resources: https://thebetterbusiness.network/ https://small99.co.uk/  

Send me a messageWelcome to another episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast! I'm Tom Raftery, and in today's show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Katie Martin from Avetta. Katie delves into the critical topic of managing scope 3 emissions, highlighting the complexities businesses face in this emerging area.Katie explains how Avetta helps companies identify high-risk suppliers and streamline data collection, making it easier to transition from estimated to direct emissions data. We discuss the importance of proactive supplier engagement to drive both sustainability and efficiency, ultimately reducing costs and enhancing resilience.We also explore the challenges SMBs face and how they can leverage technology to meet new demands without overwhelming their resources. Katie shares insights into future trends, including the potential for emissions caps and the increasing importance of managing methane emissions (yes, including cow farts!).Join us for practical steps to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape, turn sustainability into a competitive advantage, and have a bit of fun while doing it. Don't miss the key takeaways on driving value through effective supply chain management and preparing for a more sustainable future.Check out the video version of this episode on YouTubeElevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain' podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.All Business. No Boundaries.Welcome to All Business. No Boundaries, a collection of supply chain stories by DHL...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.Podcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Alvaro Aguilar And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Digital Supply Chain episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Circular economy business models have been around for a long time, but we're not seeing the promised gold rush of new product-as-a-service models taking over the marketplace - even where the economic and environmental rationale appears super clear.In today's episode of the Circular Economy Show, we explore the subject of scaling product-as-services with Mats Linder and Marta Bergfors from Stena Circular Consulting. The pair discuss the consultancy's report on the challenges of scaling PaaS with solutions for businesses to take up the product-as-service opportunity.For more information about Stena's research on how to scale product-as-service, make sure to read the report mentioned in this episode here.

Embark on an enlightening journey with Neil Krovats, the mastermind behind Clearline Technologies, as we unveil the secrets of his entrepreneurial metamorphosis. Discover how this visionary ventured beyond the family business to sculpt an eco-friendly empire from recycled tire rubber, crafting pipe supports that redefine industry standards and environmental stewardship. Neil's narrative is a homage to the ingenious potential that lies in fusing persistence with out-of-the-box thinking, providing a blueprint for success that both green-thumbs and business aficionados can admire.Our conversation digs into the rich tapestry of cognitive styles that shape the landscape of business innovation. You'll learn about the 'middler' personality—individuals who straddle the line between structured and dynamic thinking—and how this trait can be a superpower for juggling myriad ideas. Explore the challenges random thinkers face in our sequentially-driven world and the ways they can harness their unique perspective to craft solutions that escape the conventional mind. Neil and I reflect on the synergies and struggles intrinsic to diverse thought processes and how they fuel the engine of entrepreneurial progress.Wrapping up, we traverse the evolution of environmental consciousness, from its infancy as a fringe movement to its current status as a global imperative. Drawing parallels to this shift, we examine the entrepreneur's path from outlier to innovator. We delve into the power of embracing individuality and the critical importance of cognitive diversity in driving change. Sharing anecdotes and personal reflections, we underscore the significance of innovative minds in sculpting the future, making this episode an essential listen for anyone passionate about creativity, the environment, or the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship. Contact Thad - VictoriousVeteranProject@Gmail.comThanks for listening!

Ever struggled with a sneeze attack after spritzing your kitchen cleaner? Or worried about the footprints your home maintenance leaves on the planet? Then this is the episode you've been waiting for. Join us as we recount our own skirmishes with chemical sensitivities and share the genesis behind our commitment to an eco-conscious cleaning ethos. We're not just sprucing up spaces; we're redefining the cleaning industry with our unique approach, offering premium services to those who hold organic and natural living close to their hearts. And for those of you with a green-thumb vision for a business, we've got a trove of insights on how to plant your roots in the eco-friendly market, straight from the trials and triumphs within the plumbing sector.We peel back the label on greenwashing, exposing how some companies masquerade as Mother Nature's allies while their products tell a different story. I get candid about my Cozy Bliss line, where I've poured my heart into sourcing top-tier organic ingredients, regardless of the price tag. This is more than a trend; it's about safeguarding our clients' health, ensuring their furry companions are not just sniffing around safe zones. Our chat navigates the transition to natural cleaners, the re-education it demands, and the undeniable economic perks of concentrated solutions. Stay tuned for a sneak peek into case studies that promise to unveil the true grit of natural cleaners, all the while leveraging the power of social media to turn the tide in favor of green practices. Join us, and let's clean up the conversation together.To view the course Starting A Cleaning Business Club, click this link: https://klean-freaks-university.newzenler.com/courses/starting-a-house-cleaning-businessThe Influence Factor by The Influencer Marketing FactoryTop 1% Podcast About Influencer Marketing, Creator Economy, Social Commerce and more.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyPÜREvergreen.com Kimberly Gonzales e/info@purevergreen.comKleanFreaksUnversity.com Shannon Miller e/cleaningbusinesslife@gmail.com Join my FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583362158497744YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIjMz_-9YyiFvNVIgb61iYg

We talk with Ashay Bhave, founder of Thaely, who as a middle-schooler dreamt of becoming a sneaker designer. His journey begins at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, where disenchanted within the first year, he returned back to Dubai to pursue a degree in business at Amity University. As a designer Ashay wanted to solve problems - the problem of plastic grocery bag waste - we consume 3 trillion of them annually. After some near fires in his kitchen, he developed a product Thaely Tex. Thaely is made with 100% recycled raw materials. Each sneaker uses ThaelyTex that's made using 10 upcycled waste plastic bags. ThaelyTex is made in collaboration with TrioTap Technologies in Gurugram, India. The waste plastic bags are collected from housing complexes, offices, and stores in and around Gurugram, India. The lining is made with rPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate is a fabric made from recycling waste PET Plastic Bottles) using 12 Recycled waste plastic bottles. With their partnership with The Shoe Laundry, the sneakers are either refurbished or recycled. Each pair is also packaged in a reusable rPET. Every component of the shoe and its process is looked into great detail to achieve Thaely's sustainability goals. Come along and learn more in this episode.https://thaely.com/https://www.mindfulbusinessespodcast.com/

Welcome back to The Circular Economy Show! In our new season premiere, we're diving into the crucial intersection of climate change and the circular economy. Join us as we sit down with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Climate Lead, Miranda Schnitger, to find out how the circular economy can help meet climate targets, why it needed to be noted in the official COP28 negotiation outcomes text, and why it's important to stay optimistic while facing huge challenges. For more information about the role of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation at COP28, go to The circular economy at COP section on our website.

We talk to Saiful Islam, Managing Director of Bengal Muslin, that has identified the DNA from the fossilized plants to revive and grow the plant again. He talks to us about the challenges that Bengal Muslin faced to find, train and motivate the traditional generational spinners - who still had the collective memory of the fabric to weave 400 count Dhaka muslin. Listen to this passionate Saiful Islam only on Mindful Businesses. Saiful's picture was taken through muslin for the cover for this episode.  http://bengalmuslin.com/https://www.instagram.com/bengalmuslin/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/drik.nethttps://www.mindfulbusinessespodcast.com/  

Imagine embarking on a journey from the halls of academia to the bustling streets of sustainable entrepreneurship. That's the story of Simon Schillebeeckx, our latest guest on the podcast. Simon, originally a scholar with deep Belgian roots, now stands at the forefront of Singapore's green business scene as the founder of Handprint, a for-profit venture born out of his non-profit initiatives. He takes us through an enlightening narrative of his transition, discussing the resilience required to morph his side hustle into a significant tool for environmental conservation. His ambitions and the eye-opening experiences in Myanmar that led to the establishment of the Global Mangrove Trust showcase the profound impact that one individual's dedication can have on our planet.As we chat with Simon, his dual life as a professor and an entrepreneur unfolds, revealing the fascinating weave of sustainability and digitization in business models. He brings forth a treasure trove of insights from his academic journey, highlighting the critical role of credibility and credentials, especially in Asian markets. Simon also delves into how Handprint is pioneering the integration of technology with ecological initiatives, providing businesses with innovative solutions for environmental and social governance. It's a compelling look at how data and sustainability intersect, offering hope and practical pathways for companies to create and measure impactful change.Closing our discussion, Simon challenges the prevailing narrative of climate responsibility, advocating for a shift from the guilt associated with carbon footprints to the proactive development of 'handprints.' Through his work, he encourages businesses and individuals to embrace the positive actions they can undertake, such as tree-planting initiatives that resonate with company milestones and community engagement. He invites our listeners to explore Handprint's approach to sustainability - an approach that promises not only a greener future but also serves as an intriguing investment opportunity. Simon's story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit in driving sustainable change, and this episode is a call to action for all who wish to leave a positive mark on the world.As you're inspired to embark on your side hustle journey after listening to this episode, you might wonder where to start or how to make your vision a reality.  With a team of experienced marketing professionals and a track record of helping clients achieve their dreams, we are ready to assist you in reaching your goals. To find out more, visit www.reversedout.com.Support the showSubscribe to Side Hustle City and join our Community on Facebook

Steiny & Guru listen to Steve Kerr's comments about Draymond Green and how disconnected the Warriors feel from their "heartbeat." 

In today's episode of the Climate Confident podcast, chatting with Caroline Chalmer, CEO of Finematter, a platform transforming the jewellery industry.Caroline brings a unique perspective to the table, sharing her journey from the fashion world to championing sustainability in jewellery. Finematter isn't just a brand; it's a mission to revolutionise how we perceive and interact with jewellery. With their circular economy model, they're setting a new standard – focusing on made-to-order pieces, repairs, remodelling, and importantly, recycling.We explore the challenges of making an industry known for its lavishness more sustainable. Caroline's insights on circularity - reducing production waste, repairing to extend product life, and recycling existing materials - are a blueprint for other industries.One of the most striking points was the significant CO2 emissions from gold mining, underscoring the importance of recycling in reducing environmental impact. Caroline's discussion on the tangible and emotional value of jewellery, and how recycling can be a meaningful process rather than a transactional one, was particularly thought-provoking.We also touched on how Finematter is changing perceptions about recycling gold, traditionally viewed as a desperate measure. Caroline highlights how their model allows customers to repurpose their assets, retaining emotional value while contributing to a more sustainable practice.Lastly, Caroline's vision for the future is inspiring. With plans to expand globally and make circularity in jewellery commonplace, she's paving the way for a more sustainable and conscious consumer world.DOn't forget to check ut the video version on YouTube, and remember to stay Climate Confident!Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Hal Good Jerry Sweeney Christophe Kottelat Andreas Werner Richard Delevan Anton Chupilko Devaang Bhatt Stephen Carroll William Brent Marcel Roquette Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna JuniperThanks for listening, and remember, stay healthy, sta...

Growing a Green Business in Arizona E38 In this episode of the Arizona Good Business Podcast, host Thomas Barr, Vice President of Business Development at Local First Arizona, welcomes two distinguished guests, John Mittman, CEO of Obodo Energy Partners, and Kyler Colin, Operations Director at Phoenix Water Solutions. John Mittman, with a background in mechanical […]

In this episode, Doug sits down with lifelong sustainability leader George Bandy—Chief Sustainability Officer for Darling Fibers. George has spent decades championing environmental justice and climate action for the likes of the US Green Build Council, Interface, and Amazon.In this in-depth and candid conversation, George reflects on formative moments such as sitting on his grandmother's porch as a child learning about nature's wisdom and spearheading sustainability initiatives at major corporations. He unpacks complex issues with nuance and care and examines the sustainability field's evolution, its growing pains, and the work still required for true equity. No one company can drive the change needed—it's too late for that. George stresses that collaboration and shared goals across leading green building groups is the only way to see the impact needed. This interview is full of humble optimism from George. He believes in sustainability's power to reveal our shared humanity and reconnect us to nature's rhythms. There is great joy when diverse people unite around a common purpose to create sustainable solutions.Learn more about George Bandy.Learn more about George's role at Darling Fibers.Follow Doug on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Doug's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.

John Pajak discusses how involvement in community events, local partnerships, and charity work can boost brand recognition and profitability. Comments and Questions are welcome.  Send to ProfitswithPajak@gmail.com Episode Links: Save 50% on your Equip Expo 2023 Tickets! Want to go deep into your numbers to maximize your profits?  Sign up for the Budgets, Breakevens, and Bottom Lines™ Workshop at www.JohnPajak.com Yardbook Training Workshops can streamline your business and make you more money. Click to sign up now. Show Sponsors: Simplify your business and be more profitable.  Please visit www.Yardbook.com Click here to upgrade your Yardbook account to a Premium Plan and get 30 days FREE with promo code PAJAK

Paul Shahriari is a visionary and a do-er – It's a powerful combination.  Today, he shares the mission and vision behind the company he cofounded Ecomedes. You'll hear his inspiring story behind what set him down this path of sustainability - if you've ever had a college professor you loved, you'll appreciate Paul's story.  Paul and the Ecomedes tribe are determined to make more informed choices easier for designers and consumers and they are already succeeding. This is a fun conversation, it was really cool to learn about his business and I enjoyed Paul's energy.Click here to get your FREE copy of the Imagine a Place journalFollow Imagine a Place on LinkedInConnect with Doug Shapiro on LinkedIn

The Green Business Bureau is the trusted authority in green business. Our sustainability framework, EcoAssessment™ and EcoPlanner™ online tools enable businesses to understand, prioritize, implement and certify green initiatives and sustainable business practices. We talk with Thomas Permatteo, CEO of the Green Business Bureau. For he is responsible for the direction and growth of the company. He has been a leader in the Green business community for over 15 years and is passionate about bringing practical sustainability solutions to the business world. He is also Co-Founder of IzzitGreen Business Rewards. Prior to embarking on his sustainability solution endeavors, Tom spent over twenty five years in the technology industry in sales and management and is an advisor to several technology start up companies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.