Greiner Talks

Who is telling the truth? How the media shape our society

At the European Forum Alpbach, Alexander Berth, host of Greiner Talks, talked to Nic Newman from the Reuters Institute of Journalism about communication and sustainability, the radically changing media landscape and the role of trust.

Nic Newman is a Senior Research Fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, where he is the lead author of the annual “Digital News Report”. He conducts research on media and technology trends, trust, payment models for news, social media and the impact of artificial intelligence. 

In the interview with Greiner Talks, he shares his impressions of the European Forum Alpbach and delves deeper into the topics that shape journalism and media use today. We are currently living in a time in which social media and algorithmic filter bubbles are increasingly influencing the way we consume information. 

Algorithms are often designed to reinforce existing opinions, making it more difficult to access diverse perspectives. Filter bubbles, the phenomenon whereby we are only shown content that confirms our existing opinions, is real, but not as all-encompassing as is often assumed. This is because there are also algorithms that aim to introduce us to new content. Trust is becoming a crucial factor in the credibility of the media, partly due to technological developments in the field of artificial intelligence. 

One of the central topics was the perception of negative news. Nic Newman explained that many people feel that reporting is too negative, but also pointed out the importance of solution journalism. There are many positive things that are worthy of reporting, whether in climate change or technology. 

During the discussion, Nic Newman also emphasized the great importance of independent journalism for our society. Without it, there can be no informed and functioning democracy. 

“We need independent journalism to hold companies and politicians accountable.” – Nic Newman, Senior Research Fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford 

Despite the difficulties, Newman remains optimistic that journalism can continue to consolidate its role in society. He believes it is particularly important to better understand the audience: “What I have learned is to listen much more and talk less.” 

What do human rights have to do with business? A lot! In the new Greiner Talks episode, Harpreet Kaur, a human rights expert, discusses with Alexander Berth why companies have such an important role to play in this area and why a rethink is needed.

Harpreet Kaur has been working in the field of human rights for over 15 years and is a business and human rights specialist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In the interview, she emphasizes the increasing responsibility of companies not only to serve their shareholders, but also to bring about positive social change. We need to ask ourselves how companies can exert a positive influence beyond their legal obligations. Harpreet Kaur is convinced that every decision should be scrutinized from a human rights perspective. This means that companies should take responsibility for the impact of their decisions from the factory floor to the boardroom.

“It's not just about compliance policies or checklists, but about looking at every decision through the lens of human dignity.” - Harpreet Kaur, Business and Human Rights Specialist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 

The global challenges faced by companies operating in different cultural and legal contexts are also discussed. Kaur recommends using a global framework, but acting locally at the same time.

Overall, Harpreet Kaur's message is clear: companies play a crucial role in upholding human rights. By taking responsibility, they can not only avoid harm but also actively do good.

In the most recent episode of Greiner Talks, Alexander Berth interviews Andreas Rasche, Professor at Copenhagen Business School, about corporate sustainability and business ethics. A talk about the importance of values within organizations and a pragmatic approach towards sustainability. 

Rasche’s research focuses on corporate sustainability, strategic management and policy making in the light of global challenges. For more than 20 years, he has been analyzing sustainability regulations, voluntary sustainability initiatives, and the paradoxes inherent in sustainability. When asked what constitutes a responsible and sustainable business, Rasche highlights authenticity and the importance of living organizational values. 

“A responsible business is a business that is authentic and that takes its value seriously. Responsibility and sustainability have a lot to do with our value space and that we really need to live these values.”

Addressing the feasibility of achieving sustainability, Rasche advocates for a pragmatic approach, focusing on so-called "weak" sustainability, which accepts some unavoidable emissions and waste while striving for significant overall improvements. He also stresses that good governance is crucial for addressing environmental and social issues effectively: "Without good governance, we cannot really tackle these environmental and social problems."

In conclusion, Rasche advises companies to prioritize their values, which will guide them in implementing sustainability and navigating challenges. “At the very end of the day, it's a values question. It's about what we as an organization believe in and what we believe the purpose of this organization is - and whether we really stand up for this purpose and are willing to deliver.”

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Greiner Talks is our podcast about transformation. Alexander Berth speaks to experts from around the world to learn about their perspectives on the future of our economy and society.

Katharina Moser is a speaker, moderator, and part of the Inner Development Goals Foundation – and beyond that a passionate advocate for authentic human connections. In our Greiner Talks episode, she shares her insights on emotions, transformation and collaboration.

The Inner Development Goals are a global initiative aimed at fostering essential skills and capacities for tackling humanity's most pressing issues. Rooted in the belief that inner development is integral to creating a more sustainable future, the initiative provides a framework comprising 23 skills across five dimensions: being, thinking, relating, collaborating, and acting. 

In their conversation, Katharina and Alexander delve into the profound impact of inner growth on personal and collective endeavors, shedding light on the Inner Development Goals initiative and its significance in addressing global challenges. It is important to embrace both rational and emotional aspects of human nature. Modern society tends to overlook the profound influence of emotions on behavior and decision-making.

The core belief of the inner development goals is - that through developing these skills - we will be able to create a different type of outcome, a more sustainable future, and better solutions for our challenges. – Katharina Moser

In closing, Katharina Moser offers a powerful message to the world: "Listen to yourself. Be present with yourself." Her words resonate with the essence of inner development, urging individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and introspection.

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Our podcast series Greiner Talks is all about transformation. Alexander Berth talks to experts from across the world about the prospects and opportunities offered by a sustainable economy and society. 

In our rapidly evolving world, the ability to adapt to new circumstances and environments is essential. But what does change do to our human brain? How are organizations impacted by change? And how can we effectively navigate these challenges?  

In this episode of Greiner Talks, Alexander Berth speaks to Pieter Kruger, a Clinical Psychologist specializing in mental well-being and performance under stress. Kruger, known for his work with elite sports teams and corporate leaders, shares insights into dealing with change while maintaining performance – both at an individual as well as an organizational level.  

Kruger describes the human brain's resistance to change due to its evolutionary design for survival, emphasizing the stress and anxiety caused by uncertainty in today's volatile environment. Practical advice is offered on managing stress, such as diary management, taking breaks from technology, physical movement, and the importance of hydration and diet. Kruger also touches on the importance of discipline and planning to overcome obstacles to personal well-being.

“The more opportunity you create for people to be heard, the more you communicate top down, the better your organization will be when you come to any form of change.” - Pieter Kruger, Clinical Psychologist, Cognacity

At the organizational level, Kruger advises leaders to acknowledge the emotional aspects of change, emphasizing clear communication and inclusion to mitigate resistance. He underscores the importance of providing resources and control to employees to reduce workplace stress.

Greiner Talks is our podcast focusing on sustainability and transformation. Alexander Berth regularly talks to experts from across the world about the prospects and opportunities offered by a sustainable economy and society.

As a professor at the Technical University of Dresden and the founding director of the Center Synergy of Systems, Brockmann shares insights into his journey through the realms of complex systems, bridging the gap between diverse scientific disciplines. But what is complexity? Dirk Brockmann defines complex systems as phenomena that transcend traditional scientific fields, such as pandemics or climate change. He introduces complexity science as a field without borders, connecting social sciences, life sciences, economics, and ecology to analyze phenomena from a holistic viewpoint.

According to him, sustainability or climate crisis are the study of human behavior and behavioral changes. The question is: Why have we known about the problems for so long, but are not solving them? 

"Climate change and sustainability require a fundamental restructuring of society. The only way people are willing to do something radically different is when they're either scared or when there's a promise at the end. " – Dirk Brockmann

He emphasizes the need to address human behavior and perceptions to bring about change. “When we say 1.5°C degrees, we know - as scientists - that's horrible. But it doesn't sound that way, the number doesn't communicate the consequences. So we need to think about what it means. Can you translate that into something people feel, something they can relate to? 

Of course, we cannot only talk about negative consequences, we also have to paint a picture of how great it might be if we tackle the climate crisis. The good thing about us humans, so Brockmann, is that “we can make decisions that are against our intuition, against our gut feeling, but wise and anticipating the future”.

Greiner Talks is our podcast focusing on sustainability and transformation. Alexander Berth regularly talks to experts from across the world about the prospects and opportunities offered by a sustainable economy and society.

The World Bank is a multinational development bank based in the US capital Washington, DC. It is here that McClain-Nhlapo is responsible for various projects in the field of inclusion. Her task is to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the World Bank Group. 

“Seeing the direct impact of your work and on our investments can be extremely gratifying.” Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, Global Disability Advisor at the World Bank

She was born in South Africa during the apartheid era and lived in various countries as a child. Her parents' marriage was forbidden in South Africa because fer father is a white US-American and her mother a black South-African. Even as a child, it was clear to Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo that she wanted to do her bit to make the world a better place in the future. A serious car accident as a young adult led to her living her life in a wheelchair, which only intensified her quest for justice.

In the interview, McClain-Nhlapo emphasizes the importance of viewing disability as a spectrum of visible and invisible forms. Globally, 15 to 18 % of the world's population lives with disabilities - a conservative estimate due to underreporting and stigmatization. Due to natural disasters and conflicts, this number will continue to increase in the future. She also emphasizes that disabilities and poverty go hand in hand.

But what can people without disabilities do to help? Even though a lot has happened in recent years, we still have a long way to go. It is important to recognize the following: Inclusion of people with disabilities and diversity in general is something that concerns us all. According to Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, being an ally, showing empathy and respect and not making assumptions are important steps that we should all take. Her final appeal is: "Leave no one behind."

Elena Doms is concerned for the environment and emphasizes the critical impact of climate change on the Arctic. There are many examples of drastic weather shifts that affect daily life: from disruptions in transportation due to changing ice patterns to unusual heat in summer impacting the region's boreal rainforests. 

The Arctic is warming up four times faster than the rest of the planet, but it's connected with the rest of the planet. Looking at the concept of the tipping points in climate science, many of those tipping points are located in the Arctic or next to the Arctic region. A tipping point is a point where a small change can cause a big, sometimes unstoppable, effect.

Transitioning from her corporate role at Mastercard, Elena made a profound change and co-founded the startup Earth Plus. The startup's focus is on utilizing nature's power to restore polluted lands affected by forever chemicals and other contaminants. Forever chemicals are in our phones, in our laptops, in our cameras, sometimes in waterproof jackets, in paint, or in furniture. They surround us because they have very useful properties, but they are also toxic and stick around in nature and in our bodies. Earth Plus employs specialized plants to absorb pollutants, which are then harvested and processed into bio-based materials, contributing to the circular economy.

Elena Doms emphasizes the urgency for positive action in sustainability, encouraging young professionals to follow their passion and engage actively in the field: “Be proactive and listen to your heart. If that's really what you want to do, do it now.”

At the end of the interview, Elena leaves a powerful message to the world: "Positive action, now." Learn more about her story and her startup in this episode! 

Franz Essl is a professor at the University of Vienna and a member of the Austrian Biodiversity Council. He stresses that biodiversity loss affects not only iconic species but also the unnoticed creatures that play essential roles in our ecosystem. Acknowledging the alarming rate of species extinction, Essl urges the importance of action at every level. He also highlights the biodiversity crisis's interconnectedness with climate change. 

Essl underlines the role of corporations in driving change to preserve biodiversity. Corporate policies should be aligned with science-based targets and companies should join alliances that advocate for effective policies. Addressing the ongoing protests for climate action, he offers understanding, recognizing the urgency of the message they convey.

Gernot Wagner was born in Austria and has lived in the USA for many years. He has been teaching and researching at Columbia Business School since 2022, before which he was at New York University and Harvard University. As a thought leader and advocate for sustainability, Wagner notes that addressing the climate crisis is not just a moral imperative but also an economic opportunity. It is crucial to price negative environmental impacts and to transition to clean energy. 

Wagner also highlights the symbiotic relationship between urban environments and nature. He emphasizes how dense city living can make room for the preservation of natural spaces, stressing that urban areas and nature are mutually dependent. This perspective challenges the notion that city life and nature must be at odds and underscores the importance of smart urban planning in fostering sustainability.