By Simon Leich
Discussions with leaders with a clear mission of creating a healthier world in today’s most innovative startups across FoodTech, AgTech (Agritech), Synbio, Sustainability, Climate Tech, and Clean T
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The podcast currently has 105 episodes available.
LanzaJet, led by CEO Jimmy Samartzis, is pioneering the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from waste materials.
LanzaJet has developed an amazing technology that transforms ethanol from sources like municipal waste and agricultural residues into bio jet fuel, offering a greener alternative to fossil-based fuels. By avoiding the extraction of new carbon, LanzaJet’s approach recycles existing waste, making it a vital player in reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. ✈️
Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, LanzaJet built the world’s first commercial-scale alcohol-to-jet plant in Georgia and is now focused on scaling production to contribute 3 billion gallons of sustainable jet fuel annually in the U.S. by 2030. Their success relies heavily on partnerships and government support as they lead the charge toward a more sustainable future in aviation.
🎧 Join Jimmy and I on the Leaders on a Mission podcast where Jimmy answers key questions such as "how efficient is sustainable aviation fuel?" and "how do we make sustainable aviation fuel?"
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🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Subscribe and tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:00 Intro
01:23 Jimmy’s career path and early environmental focus
06:00 Industry collaboration on de-carbonization with the UN
08:44 LanzaJet’s innovative waste-to-fuel technology
15:42 The process of converting ethanol into fuel
18:56 Global partnerships and key milestones
22:59 The first alcohol to jet commercial scale SAF plant
26:20 Challenges of scaling SAF production
29:34 Building the team and expanding to full capacity
34:30 Scaling technology and reducing SAF costs
38:35 Future challenges for LanzaJet and the SAF industry
Useful links: 👇
LanzaJet’s website: https://www.lanzajet.com/
LanzaJet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lanzajet/
Jimmy Samartzis’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmysamartzis/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Aaron Rudberg of S2G Ventures shares his firm's unique approach to sustainable investing, focusing on positive environmental and social impact.
Aaron addresses the question "what is sustainable investment?" and explains how S2G invests in "tough tech" industries like energy and agriculture, providing patient capital and hands-on support to help these companies scale.
Discussing sustainability in VC, he also talks about the evolving sustainable investments landscape and its increased competition. Aaron emphasizes S2G's disciplined, relationship-driven approach to finding the right entrepreneurs and talent to partner with.
Tune in to discover how one leading sustainable venture firm is driving innovation and impact 👏
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00:00 Intro
01:45 Aaron’s approach to sustainable VC
05:08 Challenges of scaling mission-driven companies
08:55 S2G’s evolution and key partnerships
11:15 Market corrections and valuation trends
16:13 Addressing sustainability's capital gap
21:01 Why investors focus on market readiness
25:23 Fundraising and new sources of capital
28:00 S2G building ecosystems for growth
36:02 Hiring with purpose: S2G’s team culture
40:12 Purpose-driven careers for new generation
Useful links: 👇
S2G Ventures’s website: https://www.s2gventures.com/
S2G Ventures’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/s2g-ventures/
Aaron Rudberg’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-r-38250/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
In this episode, host Simon Leich chats to Greg about his carbon conversion company's pioneering work in CO2 capture and carbon conversion – turning it into valuable products like sustainable aviation fuel in partnership with @NASA.
Greg discusses @aircompanynyc 's innovative "artificial photosynthesis" technology that combines CO2 and hydrogen to create sustainable fuels, chemicals, and other materials.
🚀 Wondering "can carbon be used as fuel?" Heck yes! Their carbon conversion technology is better than any carbon capture and storage: they're building the technology for sustainable space travel amongst other projects. Hello to the future of space exploration!
Greg shares insights into how they're converting CO2 into fuel, the flexibility of their feedstock sources, the challenges of commercializing complex climate tech, and the importance of partnerships in scaling their cutting-edge carbon capture technology.
🎧 Dive into the future of sustainable aviation fuels now!
---
🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
00:42 Introduction to Greg Constantine
01:36 Greg’s journey to his current role
06:56 Air Company’s focus and innovation
09:40 Key milestones and commercialization
11:43 Sustainable aviation fuels and rockets
14:25 The basics of AIRMADE technology
17:46 CO2 capture technology
19:02 The biggest challenges in CO2 capture
20:42 Commercialization and goals
22:37 Partnerships and scale-up plans
24:54 NASA collaboration and Deep Space Food Challenge
29:59 Challenges of fundraising
32:43 Industry outlook and company’s position
35:35 Qualities of an Air Company employee
Useful links: 👇
Air Company’s website: https://www.aircompany.com/
Air Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theaircompany/
Greg Constantine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryconstantine/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Chad Mason, CEO of Advanced Ionics, shares how they're pioneering the efficient, cost-effective green hydrogen tech of the future.
Advanced Ionics play a leading role in the transition to a sustainable energy future with hydrogen green energy. In this episode, Chad discusses his personal journey, from growing up on a family farm to developing a passion for green hydrogen systems.
🌊 He explains how Advanced Ionics is innovating in the electrolysis space, designing a unique technology that utilizes steam to produce hydrogen energy more efficiently and cost-effectively than traditional methods.
Chad highlights Advanced Ionics’s focus on providing hydrogen renewable energy for applications like ammonia, green steel, and sustainable aviation fuel. He shares the challenges of scaling green hydrogen production and building strategic partnerships to drive the adoption of their hydrogen power.
Captured your interest?
🎧 Tune in to learn the truth about hydrogen and hear more about Advanced Ionics' mission to decarbonize heavy industry.
---
🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
---
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:27 Chad’s career journey to CEO
04:40 Founding Advanced Ionics
07:24 Initial challenges of his journey
09:09 Finding the right business partner
10:27 Limitations of traditional electrolysis technologies
12:18 The unique technology of Advanced Ionics
15:01 The company's focus on industrial applications
18:44 Development of green ammonia and green steel
20:16 Advanced Ionics business model
22:41 Hopes and dreams for the next 10 years
25:33 Fundraising and company growth
31:03 Partnerships and building credibility
33:50 Hiring process and qualities of a good employee
37:52 Personal challenges and time management
Useful links: 👇
Advanced Ionics’s website: https://advanced-ionics.com/
Advanced Ionics’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-ionics/
Chad Mason’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadwmason/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/"
CEO Rory Brown explains how Airhive are using CO2 capture technology to reduce the carbon footprints of major brands like Coca-Cola.
The UK-based green tech company is revolutionizing the world of direct air capture. Airhive has developed a cutting-edge fluidized bed system that can efficiently removes CO2 from air on an industrial scale.
🥤But the story doesn't stop there. Airhive has forged a groundbreaking partnership with global beverage giant Coca-Cola, using its carbon capture technology to carbonate drinks. This innovative approach not only reduces the company's carbon footprint but also provides a sustainable, recycled source of the gas essential for their fizzy beverages.
Hear Rory's inspiring journey, from his background in conflict resolution to his passion for tackling climate change through the removal of carbon dioxide from atmosphere. Learn how his carbon capture company is scaling up its operations, exploring international markets, and navigating the challenges of building a pioneering carbon removal startup.
This episode offers a captivating glimpse into the future of carbon removal technology and its potential to transform industries and combat global warming.
🎧 Make sure to catch this episode if you’re excited as we are about the development of direct air capture technology!
--
🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up, their journey and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:34 Rory Brown’s career path
03:57 From conflict resolution to climate advocacy
07:13 Founding Airhive
09:40 Building a team of chemical engineers
11:55 Direct carbon capture technology
17:12 Innovation in CO2 capture technology
20:49 Carbon catcher development
23:20 Vision and key milestones
26:38 Scaling and international expansion
30:05 Carbon credits
31:59 Partnering with Coca-Cola
36:18 Innovation, investment, and leadership
Useful links: 👇
Airhive’s website: https://www.airhive.earth/
Airhive’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airhive/
Rory Brown’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-brown-621b975/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
CEO Rory Brown explains how Airhive are using CO2 capture technology to reduce the carbon footprints of major brands like Coca-Cola.
The UK-based green tech company is revolutionizing the world of direct air capture. Airhive has developed a cutting-edge fluidized bed system that can efficiently removes CO2 from air on an industrial scale.
But the story doesn't stop there. Airhive has forged a groundbreaking partnership with global beverage giant Coca-Cola, using its carbon capture technology to carbonate drinks. This innovative approach not only reduces the company's carbon footprint but also provides a sustainable, recycled source of the gas essential for their fizzy beverages.
Hear Rory's inspiring journey, from his background in conflict resolution to his passion for tackling climate change through the removal of carbon dioxide from atmosphere. Learn how his carbon capture company is scaling up its operations, exploring international markets, and navigating the challenges of building a pioneering carbon removal startup.
This episode offers a captivating glimpse into the future of carbon removal technology and its potential to transform industries and combat global warming.
Make sure to catch this episode if you’re excited as we are about the development of direct air capture technology!
--
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up, their journey and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:34 Rory Brown’s career path
03:57 From conflict resolution to climate advocacy
07:13 Founding Airhive
09:40 Building a team of chemical engineers
11:55 Direct carbon capture technology
17:12 Innovation in CO2 capture technology
20:49 Carbon catcher development
23:20 Vision and key milestones
26:38 Scaling and international expansion
30:05 Carbon credits
31:59 Partnering with Coca-Cola
36:18 Innovation, investment, and leadership
Useful links:
Airhive’s website: https://www.airhive.earth/
Airhive’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airhive/
Rory Brown’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-brown-621b975/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Robert Fryers’ company, Spotta, are shaking up the pest control world with some seriously cutting-edge tech. In this episode, I chat with him about their not-so-secret methods of eco friendly insect control.
Robert takes us on his journey from the medical devices field to becoming a leader in pest control solutions, tackling a $400 billion problem head-on!
He shares how his insect control company’s AI-powered sensors are delivering smart, eco-friendly pest solutions—from alerting hotels about bed bugs to bug solutions for forests.
Tune in to hear Robert’s take on the challenges, the growth of Spotta, and his forward-thinking vision for the future of pest control solutions and services.
This episode is packed with insights for anyone curious about how technology and sustainability are changing professional pest control, insect monitoring, and humane rodent control.
So, if you’re looking for a smart, environmentally-friendly solution to those pesky bugs, this one's for you!
Tune in to find out more!
--
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up, their journey and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:41 The career path of Robert Fryers, CEO of Spotta
05:48 Insect monitoring technology for agriculture and eco insect control
07:11 The company’s innovation in the pest control technology
10:23 Using technology to control bedbug infestations in hotels
14:40 Using technology to control insect infestation in challenging environments
17:13 Precise targeting of pests, reducing chemicals, and lowering costs
22:09 The importance of actionable change
25:17 Scaling and visions and goals for the future
28:45 Business growth and investment strategies
31:09 The best business model from an investor viewpoint
36:05 The biggest challenges and future plans
Useful links:
Spotta’s website: https://www.spotta.co/
Spotta’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spottacambridge/
Robert Fryers’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-fryers/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up, their journey and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:32 Peter’s career development, failure, and personal growth
08:58 TemperPack and its sustainable packaging solutions
14:48 What drew Peter to TemperPack?
16:48 Plastic displacement and cold chain engineering
21:24 The environmental impact of Styrofoam
24:09 The importance of learning for a CEO
26:59 Peter’s experience in the renewable energy industry
33:22 Running a mission-driven company with sustainability at its core
38:05 Company's innovative culture and values
Useful links:
TemperPack’s website: https://www.temperpack.com/
TemperPack’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/temperpack/
Peter Wells’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petergwells/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/
Harshal Chokhawala, the CEO of ZymoChem, breaks down their exciting solutions to microplastics. In this episode, we explore ZymoChem’s groundbreaking efforts to decarbonize the production of everyday materials, providing real solutions to microplastics in the ocean, our bodies and the earth.
🧪 Harshal takes us on his journey from a young chemist fascinated by the magic of chemistry to a pioneer in using enzymes and microbes as nature’s own catalysts. He shares how ZymoChem is crafting bio-based, biodegradable innovations designed to replace harmful materials like superabsorbent polymers, offering a promising alternative that can significantly reduce microplastic pollution and even help in ending microplastics altogether.
You'll be inspired by Harshal's passion for entrepreneurship, his strategic insights on scaling a startup, and his dedication to fostering a strong, mission-driven company culture.
🎧 This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of sustainable materials and the visionary leaders who are creating effective solutions for microplastic pollution.
--
🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up, their journey and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
YouTube: / @leadersonamissionnet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubd...
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
…to listen to the latest episodes!
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:40 Harshal Chokhawala education and career journey
06:40 How ZymoChem is ending fossil fuels
09:56 Developing biodegradable diapers
12:25 What to understand before investing
16:06 Entrepreneurship challenges and learnings
25:11 Commercializing the product and bringing it to the market
30:22 How carbon-saving technology scales businesses
32:08 Decarburization in the chemical industry
37:09 Building a strong c
Imagine turning everyday trash into a sustainable alternative to plastic. In this episode, I sit down with Albert Douer, CEO of UBQ Materials, to explore how his company is revolutionizing waste management and tackling the global plastic crisis. Albert shares the journey behind UBQ’s innovative approach, from overcoming skepticism to building trust in new technologies. Learn how UBQ is transforming household waste into valuable materials, creating a ripple effect that could reshape industries worldwide. Join us for a deep dive into the future of sustainable solutions and the challenges of pioneering new technologies.
Tune in to discover how UBQ is making the world a greener place, one ton of waste at a time.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:00 Albert Douer’s journey in addressing plastic waste
05:36 Transforming polystyrene foam into school supplies
07:44 UBQ Materials: Recycling 100% of black bag waste
13:07 Revolutionary recycling technology
17:03 The UBQ Matrix: How it works
21:24 UBQ’s plastic alternatives in various industries
26:31 Scaling sustainable tech: Challenges and lessons
32:30 New Holland facility processing 110,000 tons of waste
33:59 The value of strong partnerships and investors
38:08 Educating potential customers on UBQ’s impact
42:18 Economic competitiveness and growth potential
The podcast currently has 105 episodes available.
13,031 Listeners