Summary In this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, Tod Gimbel speaks with Dr. Willy LeGrand about the intersection of sustainability and the hospitality industry. They explore the vast scope of tourism, the responsibilities of travelers, and the changing attitudes towards sustainable practices. The conversation delves into the motivations behind adopting sustainable practices in hospitality, the role of technology and AI in enhancing travel experiences, and the importance of education in fostering responsible tourism. Dr. LeGrand emphasizes the need for a collective effort to ensure that tourism benefits both the environment and local communities.

Key takeaways:

• Sustainability in hospitality is about taking responsibility for our actions.
• The hospitality industry encompasses a wide range of sectors beyond just hotels.
• Tourism can have significant environmental and social impacts.
• Travelers today are more informed and expect sustainable practices.
• Education is crucial for fostering responsible tourism behaviors.
• Sustainability often intersects with risk management in hospitality.
• Technology can drive positive change in the hospitality sector.
• AI has the potential to enhance travel experiences and promote sustainability.
• The hospitality industry must adapt to changing consumer expectations.
• Collective action is necessary for the future of sustainable tourism.

• Exploring Sustainability in Hospitality
• The Impact of Tourism on the Environment

• "We need education on being good tourists."
• "Sustainability is about risk management."
• "We need to harmonize human ingenuity and AI."

Summary

In this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, host Tod Gimbel interviews Daniel Huard, a mechanical engineer and sustainability expert. They discuss Daniel's holistic approach to building efficiency, emphasizing the importance of restorative and regenerative design principles. Daniel shares insights on how improving the environment can enhance productivity and well-being in workspaces. The conversation also touches on the significance of education in sustainability practices and the need for a positive return on investment in green projects. In this conversation, Daniel Huard discusses the importance of communication in sustainability, the complexities of supply chains, and the evolution of green building practices. He emphasizes the need for awareness and collaboration in addressing environmental challenges, particularly in waste diversion and carbon emissions. The discussion highlights the significant impact of green building on operational costs and the importance of lifecycle assessment in sustainable practices. Huard also shares insights on the future of building design and the necessity of thinking beyond traditional silos to create a more sustainable future.takeaways

• Daniel Huard is known as the godfather of sustainability.
• A holistic approach is essential for effective building efficiency.
• Improving building environments can significantly enhance productivity.
• Restorative and regenerative design principles are key to sustainability.
• Balancing technology and traditional methods can optimize sustainability efforts.
• Facilitation and collaboration are crucial in green projects.
• Education plays a vital role in successful sustainability initiatives.
• A positive ROI is necessary for sustainable practices to be adopted.
• The majority of costs in facilities are related to the people who occupy them.
• Sustainability efforts can lead to both environmental benefits and financial gains. Communication is key in promoting sustainability.
• Understanding supply chains is crucial for sustainability efforts.
• Awareness leads to better practices in sustainability.
• Lifecycle assessment helps in waste diversion.
• Green building practices have evolved significantly over the years.
• Carbon emissions from buildings are a major concern.
• Effective building design can reduce operational costs.
• Collaboration is essential for addressing environmental challenges.
• Education programs enhance user engagement in sustainability.
• Building for impact is vital for future generations.

In this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, host Tod Gimbel speaks with Laura Francois, an impact strategist and co-founder of the Spaceship Academy. They discuss the concept of impact as a neutral term, the importance of awe in driving climate action, and the need for systems thinking in addressing complex issues in the garment industry. Laura introduces the idea of 'systems feeling' and emphasizes the role of emotions in corporate sustainability. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating a VUCA world and the importance of cultural change within organizations. They conclude with recommendations for inspiring reads and a discussion on optimism versus pessimism in the face of global challenges.takeaways

• Impact is a neutral word that can have both positive and negative connotations.
• Awe can be a powerful motivator for change in climate action.
• Systems thinking is essential for understanding complex issues in any industry.
• Feeling is a crucial component in driving sustainability efforts.
• Every individual is part of a larger system, and small changes can create significant impacts.
• Pessimism about the future is a luxury we cannot afford.
• Curiosity is the key to fostering innovation and self-directed learning.
• Cultural change within organizations is necessary for effective sustainability practices.
• We must acknowledge the emotional aspects of our work to engage others effectively.
• The importance of slowing down to truly understand the systems we are part of.

• Exploring Impact: The Neutrality of Change
• Harnessing Awe for Climate Action

• "Impact is a neutral word."
• "Systems thinking is a muscle."
• "You are part of the system."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Laura Francois and Her Journey

01:46New Chapter

03:47The Role of Awe in Impact Strategy

10:33 Systems Thinking and Feeling in Sustainability

16:12 The Importance of Awe in Action and Change

21:51 From Awe to Curiosity: A Framework for Change

23:00Bridging the Sustainability Spectrum

24:18 Navigating VUCA: The New Business Landscape

27:05 Hospicing Modernity: Embracing Change with Care

28:59 Empowering CSOs: Leading Cultural Change

31:36 The Ripple Effect: Small Changes, Big Impact

34:32 Emergence Over Prescription: Finding New Paths

38:25 Optimism vs. Pessimism: The Ethical Dilemma

In this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, host Todd Gimble speaks with Valerian Favel, co-founder of the Spaceship Academy, about his journey from impact investing in Southeast Asia to focusing on environmental entrepreneurship. They discuss the evolution of the Spaceship Academy, the importance of corporate sustainability, and the integration of AI into education for sustainability. Val shares insights on the need for companies to rethink their business models in light of environmental challenges and expresses optimism for the future through collective action.

Key takeaways:

In this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, host Tod Gimble speaks with Sruthi Viswanathan, co-founder and CTO of Spaceship AI. They discuss Sruthi's journey from computer science to AI, her focus on human-centered design, and the development of innovative solutions for mental health and sustainability. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration with domain experts and the creation of the Planetary Boundaries Rover, which aims to educate engineers on sustainable practices. Sruthi emphasizes the need for ethical AI and the role of technology in scaling sustainability education.takeaways

In this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, Tod Gimble shares his journey from a corporate career to becoming a leader in sustainability. He discusses the evolution of sustainability in business, the importance of education, and the role of corporations in addressing global issues. Tod emphasizes the need for a network of experts and the impact of regulatory pressures on corporate responsibility. He also reflects on the optimism he finds in the growing commitment to sustainability and offers advice for young people looking to enter the field.takeaways

In the inaugural episode of the Future Shapers podcast, hosts Tod Gimble and Craig Vezina discuss their backgrounds, the mission of the Spaceship Academy, and the importance of sustainability and the need for personal connections in sustainability efforts.

The podcast aims to inspire and educate on sustainability.