In this episode of Innovation Brief, we sit down with Léonie Weerakoon, human ecologist, designer, conservationist, investor, and Managing Director of Kinetik Ventures, to explore how nature-centric innovation is reshaping the future of business, policy, and community.

Leonie shares her journey across cultures and industries, revealing how treating nature as a collaborator (not just a resource) can open up new opportunities, drive regenerative economies, and build resilience in the face of climate change. We discuss the vital role of indigenous knowledge, the unique strengths of island and biocritical regions, and why authentic, systems-based approaches are key to global impact.

Discover how Leonie and Kinetik are bridging science, culture, and economics to create ventures that thrive alongside ecosystems—and why the next wave of innovation will be rooted in both ecological wisdom and bold, inclusive thinking.

Learn more about Kinetic: https://www.kinetikvc.com/ 

 
Connect with Léonie Weerakoon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonieweerakoon/

 
Join the Future of Living Systems Summit at NY Climate Week (September 24, 2025): https://www.futureoflivingsystems.org/

The Innovation Brief podcast features conversations with innovation leaders exploring the ideas, challenges, and breakthroughs that are defining our future.

New episodes every two weeks.

To learn more about the Innovation Brief visit https://www.innovationbrief.co