Better Than We Found It

Welcome to season 3, episode 11 of Better Than We Found It, the go-to podcast for sustainable leadership and purpose-driven business practices.

Today, we’re joined by Edward Vaughan Dixon, Head of Sustainability for Private Markets at Aviva Investors. Ed’s career journey is nothing short of remarkable - starting in construction and carpentry before progressing to a leadership role in sustainability at one of the world’s most prominent financial institutions.  

In this episode, we delve into how Ed has methodically shaped his career, focusing not just on technical expertise but also on developing essential leadership and soft skills, including completing an MBA. We also explore his vision for the future of sustainability in financial services and share practical advice for anyone navigating their own career in this field.  

If you’re looking for insights on sustainability, leadership, or career growth, this episode is packed with value!

Welcome to season 3 episode 10 of Better Than We Found It, the go-to podcast for sustainable leadership and purpose-driven business practices.

Today, we’re excited to welcome Rawaa Ammar, a pioneer in sustainable textiles and fashion. Originally from Lebanon and now based in Brussels, Rawaa is working to revolutionise an industry rooted in traditional practices by integrating circular technology and innovative business models.  

With a background that spans academia, including PhD research, and a commercial career with Baxter, Rawaa has brought her expertise to Resortecs, where she’s driving meaningful change in the fashion sector. In this episode, we explore her transition from academia to the business world, the groundbreaking technology at Resortecs that’s reducing carbon emissions and boosting sustainability, and what it will take to transform the textile industry as a whole.  

If you’re curious about innovation in fashion or the future of sustainable textiles, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

Welcome to season 3 episode 9 of Better Than We Found It, the go-to podcast for sustainable leadership and purpose-driven business practices.

We’re thrilled to welcome Anand Punja to today’s episode. As Anand Punja, Chief Engagement and Partnerships Officer at Forest Stewardship Council, Anand has dedicated over a decade to advancing sustainable forest management. His work spans the intricate intersections of markets, ecosystems, community engagement, social dynamics, and business finance.  

In our conversation, we explore Anand’s fascinating career journey, including his transition from the NGO sector to corporate consultancy and back to his roots in forestry and sustainability. We also discuss the bold decision he made to take a career break as a full-time parent, and how that shaped his path moving forward.  

If you’re interested in sustainability, career pivots, or balancing personal and professional priorities, this episode has something for you.

Welcome to season 3 episode 8 of Better Than We Found It, the go-to podcast for sustainable leadership and purpose-driven business practices.

On today’s show, I’m excited to welcome Alexis Haass, a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of business and climate action. From her impactful work at Adidas, where she led sustainability efforts, to her role as the first Chief Sustainability Officer at Arcadis, Alexis has consistently been at the forefront of driving meaningful change. Now, she focuses on advising private equity portfolio companies and advancing green transition solutions through the Women Climate Leaders Network at the European Investment Bank.  

In this episode, we explore Alexis’ career journey, what inspired her passion for sustainability, and her vision for the future of sustainable business. We discuss the role of innovation in shaping consumer demand and, most importantly, why linking sustainability with growth and strategy is key to driving performance.  

If these topics resonate with you, stay tuned!

Welcome to season 3 episode 7 of Better Than We Found It, the go-to podcast for sustainable leadership and purpose-driven business practices.

Today, we’re delighted to welcome Andrew Griffiths, Director of Policy & Corporate Development at PlanetMark, a leading sustainability certification body. Andrew has had a fascinating career journey, building a wealth of experience that ultimately led him to his role at PlanetMark.

In this episode, we discuss how Andrew has strategically developed his personal brand to enhance his career, the collaborations and partnerships he’s fostered, and his vision for the future of the sustainability profession. Along the way, he shares valuable tips, insights, and a few entertaining stories that are sure to inspire.

There’s a lot to take away from this conversation, so dive right in!

We’re thrilled to be joined today by Elena Doms, CEO of Earth Plus. For those who aren’t LinkedIn regulars, Elena created the popular ‘What’s New in Sustainability in One Minute’ series, which became a sensation in the sustainability world. Since then, she’s co-founded Earth Plus, an organisation focused on transforming soil health, regenerative agriculture, and circular economy technology.

In our conversation, we explore Elena's career journey from corporate roles at Mastercard to becoming a sustainability entrepreneur, as well as the unique perspective she gained from growing up in the Arctic and its influence on her connection to nature and sustainability.

It’s a fascinating chat, and definitely not one to miss!

Connecting the Dots by Dr Christian Busch, Link here to buy it from a B Corp Used Book Shop

Welcome to season 3 episode 5 of Better Than We Found It, the go-to podcast for sustainable leadership and purpose-driven business practices.

This week, we’re excited to be joined by James Alexander, Chief Executive Officer at UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF). 

James has had an impressive career, leading efforts to channel capital into sustainable finance and shaping policies with politicians to strengthen regulation and enforcement. He’s also worked closely with city governments to implement transformative sustainability initiatives and address climate change.

In this episode, we explore his journey from student politics to becoming a leader in sustainable finance, as well as his vision for the future of the industry. 

If you’re interested in how finance can drive sustainability and want to hear James' story, this episode is for you.

Welcome to season 3 episode 4 of Better Than We Found It, the go-to podcast for sustainable leadership and purpose-driven business practices.

Today, we’re excited to be joined by the "Circular Economy Queen of Sweden," Elin Bergman, Circular Impact Officer (Vice Chair) of Cradlenet and Co-founder & Managing Partner of Nordic Circular Hotspot. 

Elin is a well-known advocate for the circular economy, recognised as a LinkedIn Top Green Voice, with a growing audience who follow her insights and thought leadership.

In this episode, we explore the core principles of the circular economy and why it’s crucial for the future. We also delve into Elin’s career, which has been anything but linear, and hear about the personal adventures she’s experienced along the way.

If you’re keen to learn from someone who’s not only leading the conversation on circular economy but also has an inspiring life story, this episode is for you!

You can purchase a copy of Cradle to Cradle here - https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/405817/cradle-to-cradle-by-michael-braungart-and-william-mcdonough/9780099535478

Welcome to season 3 episode 3 of Better Than We Found It, the go-to podcast for sustainable leadership and purpose-driven business practices.

This week, we’re excited to be joined by Adam Read, MBE, Chief Sustainability & External Affairs Officer at Suez UK, and a true leader in the waste management and innovation space. 

With over 20 years of experience across waste management, circular economy, government policy, and corporate strategy, Adam has witnessed the industry’s transformation firsthand. In this episode, we dive into his journey, from his childhood ambition to his role today, shaping the future of sustainability from both corporate and government perspectives.

We discuss how to craft compelling stories to convey sustainability messages, explore innovative solutions in waste management, and touch on the green skills essential for the future.

If you're curious about any of these topics, this episode is not one to miss. 

Welcome to season 3 episode 2 of Better Than We Found It, the go-to podcast for sustainable leadership and purpose-driven business practices.

This week, we are delighted to be joined by Julia Kessler, CEO and co-founder of Nix & Kix, the healthy, alcohol-free drinks brand known for its signature zing - a spicy shot of cayenne pepper!

In this episode, we explore Julia's journey from a career in corporate IT and technology to creating Nix & Kix and dive into how sustainability is woven into every aspect of the brand, from their B Corp certification to their engagement with supply chains and retailers. Julia also shares valuable lessons from her transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, and how she developed her own successful business.

Don’t miss an episode with a zing!