Modern Idealist

Modern Idealist

By Valerie Leung and Meryn WillettsBusinessCareers
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Modern Idealist episodes

  • EP 29: Crossing Borders: Work, Relationships, and Dating - Norway Edition

    Suggested: Listen on 1.2x! Welcome back to another exciting episode, where we delve into the raw and honest experiences of individuals living and working abroad. In this episode, we'll explore the international life in Norway, focusing on navigating relationships, work, and dating, and providing personal tips and insights on how to thrive abroad, particularly in Norway and the Nordic region. Join us as we uncover the joys and challenges of building a life as foreigners.


    51 min
  • EP 28: ESG to GSE for Greater Impact
    Rethinking Sustainable Finance with Rodolphe Bocquet
    In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Rodolphe Bocquet, a distinguished sustainable investment and policy expert, to delve into the world of sustainable finance. Rodolphe brings a vast array of knowledge and experience in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainable investments, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of finance and sustainability.
    Our discussion begins by introducing Rodolphe and exploring his extensive background in the field. We learn about his diverse expertise and the factors that fueled his passion for sustainable finance. From there, Rodolphe shares valuable insights and reflections on his career journey, including the challenges he encountered while advocating for sustainable practices within the financial industry and sustainability field.
    One of the key highlights of this episode is Rodolphe's proposition to reimagine the term "ESG." He argues that calling it "GSE" (Governance, Sustainability, and Environment) might be a more efficient way to achieve our hairy sustainability goals. We delve into the limitations of the existing terminology and the potential benefits of adopting this alternative order.
    As the conversation progresses, Rodolphe outlines his vision for the future of sustainable finance. We discuss the role of policymakers, businesses, and individuals in driving change and achieving sustainable development goals. Rodolphe also shares practical advice for aspiring professionals looking to make a difference in this field.
    Throughout the episode, we engage in a dynamic and insightful conversation that challenges our preconceptions about sustainable finance. Our reflections on the discussion underscore the importance of reevaluating our approaches and embracing a more comprehensive mindset in order to create a truly sustainable financial system.
    Tune in to learn from Rodolphe Bocquet's vast experience, and discover why the term "GSE" might be a game-changer. Join us as we explore the path towards a more sustainable and equitable financial future.
    42 min
  • EP 27: Unveiling Industrial Sustainability and Aluminum Challenges, Opportunities, and Fair Trade with Bjørn Kjetil Mauritzen

    Valerie meets up with Bjørn Kjetil Mauritzen, Head of Sustainability from Hydro, a Norwegian aluminum and renewable energy company. It is also one of the world’s largest aluminum company. We discuss the hot topics of industrial sustainability, holistic value chain approaches and innovations applied in the heavy industries towards sustainability. Aluminum production is deeply complex as it has heavy carbon emissions, it is extractive of raw material, and could create toxic chemicals in production that results in polluting local waters. On the other hand, it is known to be the greener metal compared to the other metals as it is largely recyclable, and has a big recyclable potential.  In addition, Bjørn shares his intriguing personal journey, tracing their transition from the world of crude oil trading to their current pivotal role in industrial sustainability.

    Through this enlightening episode, we gain invaluable insights into the strategic approach adopted by the Hydro company to navigate the intricate landscape of sustainability while maintaining profitability. Our guest unveils the very tangible challenges encountered along the way, with a particular focus on the intricate interplay between aluminum and key industries such as electric vehicle (EV) batteries, renewable energy, and the elusive realm of consumer behavior.

    With EVs revolutionizing the automotive sector, we unravel the vital relationship between aluminum production and the quest for sustainable battery technologies. Bjørn Kjetil offers a wealth of knowledge on the concerted efforts being made to ensure that aluminum production processes and supply chains align seamlessly with sustainable practices, mitigating the environmental impact associated with EV battery manufacturing.

    But our exploration does not stop there. We shed light on the profound significance of fair trade within the aluminum industry, as our guest emphasizes the critical need for inclusive practices that extend benefits to all stakeholders. The path to a greener and fairer aluminum industry is to prioritize the well-being of communities, workers, and marginalized groups.

    Join us in discussion as we peel back the layers of industrial sustainability challenges, delve into the innovative and value chain opportunities that lie within, and continue the progression towards a fairer trade for all stakeholders concerned.


    Correction of the New York's tax free bagel: https://www.npr.org/2023/04/19/1170715220/tax-free-bagel-loophole-sandwich-tax

    48 min
  • EP 26: Calling Out Our Own Hypocrisy
    Meryn and Valerie reunite on air after a brief hiatus caused by Meryn's loss of voice due to illness. While Valerie has been traversing the states, from New York to North Carolina, Meryn has been holding it down in Oslo, Norway. Join us as we catch up on our respective journeys and dive deep into discussions surrounding work-life setups and the complexities of privilege and materialism. We contemplate the privileges we enjoy and the material setups they possess, including the finer things in life, financial stability, luxury, wealth, careers, salaries, and overall well-being. Honesty being the core principle of our podcast, Meryn and Valerie question our own actions and aspirations, delving into the paradoxical nature of striving for success within a discriminatory and capitalistic system.
    One intriguing topic emerges during the conversation is the rising trend of building passive income, particularly through real estate ownership, among middle-income individuals. We explore the ethical dilemmas and conflicting implications associated with this growing phenomenon, challenging its impact on society and personal values.
    Additionally, Valerie drops an exciting career update and talks about feeding her latest insights into updating her theory of change.
    Tune in and let us know what you think!
    Resources mentioned on the show : -Instagram skits: Shabazsays (https://instagram.com/shabazsays?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==)
    44 min
  • EP 25: Corporate Activism, Climate Anxiety and the Expansion of Human Consciousness with Verel Rodrigues

    In this episode of the Modern Idealist Podcast, we sit down with Verel Rodrigues, a climate activist, engineer and environmental campaigner to hear his perspectives on corporate activism.

    We discuss the need for social momentum vs technology because, as Verel rightly says, while the technology is already available, we're still missing the political will to affect change.
    Verel discusses how can climate-conscious companies build momentum and that we needn't look further than the oil and gas industry for strategies they've used to gain political favour.
    For Verel, campaigning with Greenpeace and Extinction Rebellion was a way for him to deal with climate anxiety, however, he sheds light on the many ways people can be activists without taking to the streets. He destigmatizes what activism truly is to give us a fresh perspective on how to use it in the workplace.
    The conversation then turns towards the expansion of human consciousness and the concepts of time, drawing parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of how fast we can make things happen when the will is there.
    We hope that you're both enlightened by Verel's insights and that you take with you some concrete ways to build momentum in your organisation, regardless of your role.


    How to find Verel: 

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verelrodrigues/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/verelrodrigues

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verelrodrigues/


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    ✅  Instagram: ModernIdealistPodcast

    ✅ Linkedin: Modern Idealist Podcast


    CONNECT  WITH  US! Tell us what you enjoyed and what you want to hear more of!

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    Books and resources that were mentioned on the show:

    The Good Ancestor by Roman Krznaric

    The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

    For 3 Pathways for Civilization graph, go to our Instagram @ModernIdealistPodcast




    1 hr
  • EP 24: Interlinkages of Sustainability, Linkedin Posers, and 30's Single Life Dilemmas
    Back with some life updates and sustainability and social responsibility rants. Valerie talks about the complexity and interlinkages of sustainability and social challenges and pushes companies to do more. Both are fed up with Linkedin Posers, and ideaprenuers. Warning to our male audience, we go straight into the dilemmas of a single woman in her 30's, and Meryn challenges the existing social construct.
    *SUBSCRIBE  TO  US!* 
    ✅ @Modern Idealist on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast
    ✅  Instagram: ModernIdealistPodcast
    ✅ Linkedin: Modern Idealist Podcast 
    *CONNECT  WITH  US!* 
    Tell us what you enjoyed and what you want to hear more of!
    ✨ Email: [email protected]
    ✨ SHARE WITH A FRIEND
    53 min
  • EP 23: Influencing Workplace Diversity with Data and Storytelling with Vikram Shetty

    In this episode, we focus on content for DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) specialists and professionals, and our guest Vikram walks us through a 5-day outreach sprint that he has come up with. Vikram has an impressive background working with major international organization bodies for responsible (sustainability and social) businesses, including the UN PRI, Textile Exchange, Finance UNEP Initiative, Access to Nutrition Index, SustainAbility and many others. He shares his insights on why organizations are increasingly interested in improving their DEI practices and the opportunities he sees in using data and storytelling to help DEI professionals.

    Vikram designed the 5-day outreach sprint specifically to assist DEI professionals who are often limited in capacity or in need of some outreach tips. The technique uses a simple data collection-to-data storytelling approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches, to create connections with new clients. We discuss the importance of growing the DEI market and the need for more companies to work on improving DEI practices in a measurable way.

    Through this conversation, DEI professionals will learn valuable outreach techniques and insights that can help them create meaningful conversations within organizations. Join us as we explore the world of DEI and discover new ways to promote inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.


    5-DAY OUTREACH SPRINT: https://73bit.com/DataDrivenDEI

    Free Prototype Scorecard Checklist: ⁠https://73bit.com/spcc⁠

    Vikram's podcast, Sustainability Scores: bitly.com/73bitOnSpotify

    How to find Vikram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikramshettyc/ or [email protected]


    *SUBSCRIBE  TO  US!*

    ✅ @Modern Idealist on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast
    ✅  Instagram: ModernIdealistPodcast
    ✅ Linkedin: Modern Idealist Podcast
    *CONNECT  WITH  US!*
    Tell us what you enjoyed and what you want to hear more of!
    ✨ SHARE WITH A FRIEND


    Sources that were mentioned on the show:

    https://www.fastcompany.com/90829346/collaboration-is-vital-for-innovation

    https://www.inc.com/justin-bariso/after-years-of-research-google-discovered-secret-weapon-to-building-a-great-team-its-a-lesson-in-emotional-intelligence.html



    49 min
  • EP 22: Can Companies Really Care? How Corporates Can Take Responsibility on DEI with Laura Smith
    Laura Smith is an American based in Helsinki and is an organizational researcher and founder of VALIDEI, a research agency specializing in the assessments of organizational inclusion, equity, and social responsibility.
    The incoming DEI Leader at Wolt and the former Head of DEI at Bolt, Laura specializes in developing strategies and evolving organizational practices, policies, and supports to be responsible to and impactful for stakeholders across global organizations.
    Laura values being practical and impactful, so in this talk, we’ll not only walk through the concepts of organizational responsibility and applied empathy, we’ll discuss real examples, actual metrics, and concrete action points you can take to integrate responsibility & empathy into your organization and better support your stakeholders.
    **How to reach Laura Smith***
    For research-informed perspectives on DEI and responsible organizational development, follow Laura on LinkedIn at (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraelizabethsmith/) or to book me for a 1:1 chat at calendly.com/validei.
    Organizations interested in learning how to better serve and support their stakeholders are welcome to visit www.validei.com for research opportunities.
    *SUBSCRIBE  TO  US!*
    ✅ @Modern Idealist on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast
    ✅  Instagram: ModernIdealistPodcast
    ✅ Linkedin: Modern Idealist Podcast
    *CONNECT  WITH  US!*
    Tell us what you enjoyed and what you want to hear more about!
    ✨ SHARE WITH A FRIEND
    55 min
  • Ep 21: The Untold Story of Sustainability Consulting with Georgia Elliott-Smith
    We had the pleasure of hosting our dynamic guest speaker, Georgia Elliott-Smith, Element Four's Managing Director. In this episode, we explore the hidden narrative of sustainability consulting and the importance of disruptive practices that enact meaningful and systemic change.
    Georgia shares how she got into this space and sheds light on the lucrative salaries and perks offered by big business to sustainability consultants. She touches on the critical role of corporate activism in holding profit-driven corporations accountable and discusses the importance of calling out greenwashing.
    We delve deeper into challenging the status quo and paving the way for a new model of sustainability management that prioritises the planet's well-being over business interests. We discuss the need for dedicated planet-serving roles that disrupt the norm and lead us to a brighter, more sustainable future.
    57 min
  • EP 20: Modern Idealists Take on LinkedIn’s Bold Prediction for 2023

    This episode is part 2 of our last episode. In the second part, we're going macro, we’re also going to give our thoughts and reflections on some of the big bold predictions for 2023. Specifically, we will be referring to a list that Linkedin published at the end of 2022 called, Big Ideas 2023, 23 bold predictions of the year ahead.  This was recorded in January 2023, and there are 20 predictions on there, and we’ll take the first 5 in today’s episode.

    Linkedin Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/big-ideas-2023-23-bold-predictions-year-ahead-linkedin-news-europe/?trackingId=zWQuC9iQSSCiugVgU5ZSpw%3D%3D 

    54 min

About Modern Idealist

From the publisher's feed

Join us on a journey of discovery as we delve into the experiences of career-driven professionals striving to make an impact in today's fast-paced professional world. Hosted by Valerie Leung and Meryn Zumbo Willetts, we share personal stories and explore topics such as impact in the workplace, trade-offs in doing good, life conundrums, work-life balance, entrepreneurship, and riding the larger social and climate impact movement. Hear from like-minded individuals who share a passion for creating change and join the conversation.