Will Pearson: Building a Positive Vision for the Future | Where The Ocean Meets

Episode Summary

We haven't had a positive vision of the future since Star Trek in the 1960s. In this episode, I sit down with Will Pearson, co-founder of Ocean Bottle, to design a roadmap for what comes next. From reshaping capitalism to putting the ocean at the center of our economy, we explore how to build systems where businesses give more than they take and planetary healing becomes profitable.

Guest

Will Pearson - Co-Founder of Ocean Bottle, Forbes 30 Under 30, B-Corp advocate

Ocean Bottle has collected over 22 million kg of ocean-bound plastic while building an 8-figure revenue business. Will is also the founder of B+, an initiative bringing together the world's most ambitious companies on climate and nature.

Key Topics

Reshaping Capitalism: Start, Stop, Keep

• Why businesses that heal the planet should be profitable
• The B+ initiative: connecting regenerative startups with global corporations
• Moving from businesses that reduce harm to businesses that create positive impact

Ocean-Centered Future

• Putting ocean health at the center of economic planning
• Marine protected areas and biodiversity restoration
• Why we need sharks back in the Mediterranean
  

Plastic Economy Transformation

• Design problems: 400-year materials for week-long products
• Breaking plastic's dependence on oil industry byproducts
• Building collection infrastructure that provides income opportunities

Media and Culture Change

• Why constructive optimism beats fear-based messaging
• Making scientists and ocean researchers the new cultural heroes
• The need for platforms that celebrate positive solutions

Memorable Quotes

"We need to flip the question - instead of asking why environmental companies should be allowed to profit, we should ask why companies destroying the planet are allowed to make money."

"Businesses need to give more than what they take. We're getting to a point where companies reduce negative externalities to zero and actually drive positive impact."

"Without a doubt, if we can protect the ocean and allow it to regenerate itself, it will be our biggest ally against climate change and the biodiversity crisis."

Resources Mentioned

• B+ Initiative - Community of ambitious climate and nature companies
• Atmos & Earthrise Studios - Instagram channels for sustainability stories
• "Ocean" by David Attenborough - Book recommendation
• "Blue Mind" - Book on human connection to water
• CleanHub - My company partnering with Ocean Bottle on collection

Connect with Will

• Ocean Bottle: oceanbottle.co
• LinkedIn: Will Pearson

Connect with Me

• CleanHub: cleanhub.com
• LinkedIn: Joel Tasche

This episode is part of Where The Ocean Meets, exploring the intersection of business, sustainability, and ocean conservation. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.