One Day in Transformation – Season 2, Episode 6

In this episode of One Day in Transformation, we welcome Aarti Gupta, a leader who bridges the gap between India and Germany, corporate strategy and start-up agility, and resilience and innovation. Aarti shaped the IT sustainability strategy at Allianz Technology, now leads an AI and Agentic AI innovation programme at Deutsche Bank, and founded Fiutran, a platform democratising tech knowledge. Her journey—from YouTube motorcycle repair videos to building global AI sustainability communities—reveals how transformation thrives when humanity and technology align.

We explore:

• Why human-centered innovation is more than a buzzword—it’s a systemic necessity.
• How Aarti reduced IT disaster recovery reporting times from 5 days to 1 hour at Allianz by redesigning processes, not just automating them.
• The cultural contrasts between Indian improvisation and German precision, and why combining both creates unstoppable resilience.
• Why 300-member AI sustainability communities succeed without budgets—and what corporates can learn from start-up decision-making.
• The uncomfortable truth about AI: It’s not about replacing humans but amplifying their potential.

Aarti also shares her "One Week of Transformation" challenge—a daily journaling practice to foster self-awareness and systemic change—and adds Coldplay’s "Fix You" to our podcast playlist as a reminder that acknowledging uncertainty is the first step toward clarity.

1. 00:00 – Introduction: Aarti’s hybrid career—corporate strategist, start-up founder, and YouTube mechanic.
2. 03:25 – Roots of Resilience: Growing up in an entrepreneurial family in India and the "figure it out" mindset.
3. 07:02 – Human-Centered Innovation: Why technology must serve people, not the other way around.
4. 14:16 – Cultural Synergy: Merging Indian agility with German structure for transformative impact.
5. 19:39 – Corporate vs. Start-Up Innovation: Decision-making clarity over speed.
6. 24:23 – AI at Deutsche Bank: Use cases where AI empowers, not replaces, employees.
7. 27:11 – Lessons from IT Disaster Recovery: Why resilience ≠ speed, and how behavioural design prevents failure.
8. 32:42 – Inclusion as Risk Mitigation: The business case for accessibility and diverse teams.
9. 35:55 – One Week of Transformation Challenge: Aarti’s journaling prompts for systemic self-reflection.
10. 39:05 – Hope in Action: The power of a solution-oriented mindset in uncertain times.

• Aarti Gupta: LinkedIn Profile
• Fiutran: Instagram
• Coldplay – "Fix You" (on our playlist)

• Human-centered innovation, AI ethics, Agentic AI, IT sustainability, disaster recovery strategies, corporate-startup collaboration, resilience in leadership, digital transformation, inclusive design, behavioural systems, twin transformation, Deutsche Bank innovation, Allianz Technology, Fiutran, AI communities, cultural agility, decision-making frameworks, emotional intelligence in tech, journaling for leaders.

In this episode of One Day in Transformation, Matthias Biehl, Senior Lead for Experience and Innovation Strategy at Kyndryl and founder of Pool Match, shares his journey from leading Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for 850 employees to launching a startup that fosters empathy through random human connections. Matthias discusses why diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are critical for corporate resilience, how empathy can be trained like a muscle, and why the most meaningful connections are often the ones we don’t plan. He also introduces Pool Match, a platform that connects people outside their usual networks to break down barriers and build understanding.

1. DEI as a Strategic Priority:
   • Why companies that prioritize inclusion navigate crises more effectively.
   • How empathy and emotional intelligence transform leadership, especially in challenging times.
   • The misconception that DEI is a "soft factor" and why it’s a competitive advantage.
2. Pool Match: Breaking Echo Chambers Through Randomness:
   • The origin of Pool Match: Scaling an internal belonging initiative to a public platform.
   • Why randomness—not algorithms—creates more authentic connections.
   • The vision: Sparking conversations that bridge divides in polarized societies.
3. Actionable Insights for Leaders:
   • How to hold leaders accountable when their commitment to allyship wavers.
   • A simple, practical challenge to build empathy in daily life.

• 00:30 – Matthias’ personal journey: From ERG member to DEI leader.
• 05:52 – Why DEI is a competitive edge, not just a moral obligation.
• 09:51 – The biggest misconceptions about empathy in leadership.
• 13:04 – "Allyship has no memory": Navigating performative vs. authentic support.
• 17:55 – Introducing Pool Match: Random connections for empathy and growth.
• 25:34 – How Pool Match ensures meaningful conversations.
• 32:57 – Matthias’ song recommendation: Reliquia by Rosalía.
• 37:28 – One Week in Transformation Challenge: Spark conversations with strangers.
• 40:42 – The one thing Matthias would change about corporate transformation.

• Matthias Biehl:
  • LinkedIn Profile
  • Kyndryl
• Pool Match:
  • Website (Launching January 2026)
• Mentioned in the Episode:
  • Reliquia – Matthias’ song recommendation.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
• Empathy in leadership
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
• Random networking
• Corporate transformation
• Emotional intelligence
• Pool Match
• Kyndryl
• Rosalía Lux
• Unplanned connections
• Allyship in business

Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, share it with a leader who needs to hear it. Try Matthias’ challenge! Spark a conversation with someone outside your usual circle and let us know how it goes.

In this episode of One Day in Transformation, we welcome Belinda "Bee" Murray, founder of Bee Formless and a pioneer in soulful, high-flow conscious leadership. With over 25 years of experience in advertising and communications—including scaling a $20M business and leading 150 employees—Belinda experienced firsthand the unsustainability of the "hustle and grind" culture. After recovering from severe burnout, she developed the Formless™ Methodology, a science-backed approach combining flow science, neuroscience, and subtractive psychology to help leaders and organizations transition from survival-driven growth to antifragile, high-performance ecosystems.

Belinda shares her journey from burnout to inside-out transformation, explaining why traditional productivity metrics often fail to address the root causes of disengagement and exhaustion. She introduces her four-step cycle—Learn, Unlearn, Relearn, Active Recovery—and provides practical tools for leaders to cultivate presence, creativity, and resilience in their teams. We also discuss the global challenge of burnout, the role of AI and digital overload in exacerbating stress, and how organizations can redesign work cultures to prioritize human energy and purpose alongside profitability.

This conversation is a must-listen for C-level executives, HR leaders, and transformation drivers who recognize that sustainable success requires more than spreadsheets and KPIs—it demands a fundamental shift in how we lead, work, and measure impact.

Guest: Belinda "Bee" Murray

• Founder, Bee Formless (beeformless.com)
• LinkedIn: Belinda "Bee" Murray

Hosts: Rainer Karcher

• CEO & Founder, Heartprint GmbH (heartprint.eu)
• LinkedIn: Rainer Karcher

Anthea Wagner

• Twin Transformation Specialist, Heartprint GmbH (heartprint.eu)
• LinkedIn: Anthea Wagner

Resources Mentioned:

• Bee Formless Methodology Video: YouTube
• Song Pick: "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding – Belinda’s anthem for presence and patience in 2026.

Listen Now: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode of One Day in Transformation, we welcome Daniel Scholz, co-founder of Footprint Intelligence, a Munich-based platform that automates ESG reporting for companies struggling with CSRD compliance, data chaos, and manual spreadsheets. With a background in sustainability and AI innovation at BMW, Daniel shares how Footprint Intelligence turns compliance into a competitive advantage—reducing reporting time from weeks to days and cutting costs by 50–70%.

Key Takeaways:

1. The ESG Automation Revolution: Daniel explains why 90% of companies still use Excel for sustainability data—and how Footprint Intelligence’s AI-driven platform eliminates manual errors while ensuring regulatory alignment with CSRD, EU Taxonomy, and GRI standards. "The problem isn’t the regulations—it’s the tools," he argues. "We built a system that turns data into actionable insights, not just another PDF."
2. From BMW to Startup: Scaling Sustainability: Drawing from his experience at BMW, where he led sustainability reporting and AI projects, Daniel reveals how corporate strategies translate into startup agility. His advice for companies drowning in ESG spreadsheets? "Start with what you already have. Most companies sit on a goldmine of unused data."
3. Twin Transformation in Practice: Footprint Intelligence doesn’t just automate reporting—it bridges the gap between digital tools and sustainability goals. Daniel’s team uses machine learning to identify trends, risks, and optimization opportunities in real-time. "We’re not just making compliance easier. We’re making it strategic."
4. The Future of ESG Tech: With 40,000+ EU companies facing CSRD deadlines in 2026, Daniel predicts a shift: "Companies that treat ESG as a cost center will lose. Those that use data to drive decisions will win." His platform’s white-label solutions let enterprises embed sustainability reporting into their own systems—without vendor lock-in.
5. One Week of Transformation Challenge: Daniel’s tip for listeners? "Pick one ESG metric you’re already tracking—like energy use or waste—and automate its collection this week. You’ll save hours and spot opportunities you missed."

Links:

• Heartprint GmbH: www.heartprint.eu
• Footprint Intelligence: www.footprint-intelligence.com
• Daniel Scholz (LinkedIn): LinkedIn Profile
• Rainer Karcher (LinkedIn): LinkedIn Profile
• Anthea (LinkedIn): LinkedIn Profile

Listen to the Episode:

• Apple Podcasts: Link
• Spotify: Link
• YouTube: Link

What if sustainable transformation started with a 7 AM boxing session and local AI experiments? In this episode, Angelo Fienga—a 28-year veteran in AI, IoT, and circular economy—shares his unconventional yet practical approach to merging technology and sustainability. From optimizing Tanzanian coffee farms with IoT to reimagining Rome’s water fountains as smart grids, Angelo proves that real change begins with measurable data, local solutions, and Italian ingenuity.

1. AI as a Tool, Not Magic: "AI is a fast, dumb calculator—it needs humans to ask the right questions." Learn how IoT + AI reduced water waste by 30% in Tanzania, and why "human-in-the-loop" systems are critical.
2. Italy’s Local Solutions vs. Global Hype: While Germany debates free water fountains, Italy has had them for centuries. Angelo explains how local traditions (like Rome’s nasoni) + tech (IoT, edge AI) create resilient hybrid solutions.
3. Angelo’s "One Week Challenge":
   • Physical: Start your day with boxing/jogging to clear mental clutter.
   • Tech: Experiment with local AI models (e.g., LM Studio)—"Test AI privately with your own data to understand its limits."
4. Circular Economy in Action: From recycling exhaust oil (his father’s legacy) to repurposing old PCs, Angelo shows how waste is a design flaw: "If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it."
5. Policy Wish for the EU: "Tie revenue sharing to long-term impact. Fund projects that save resources AND make money—twice."

Try Angelo’s tips this week:

1. Swap your morning scroll for 10 minutes of boxing/jogging.
2. Run a local AI model (e.g., LM Studio)—"Ask it to analyze your CV or a personal project."

Share your results with #OneDayChallenge!

• Local AI Tools: LM Studio | Mistral AI
• Italy’s Water Traditions: Rome’s Nasoni Fountains

🔗 Apple Podcasts 🔗 Spotify 🔗 YouTube

New episodes every Monday at 8 AM CET. #SustainableTech #AIforGood #CircularEconomy

What’s YOUR radical sustainability tip? Share it with #OneDayTransformation! Rate us 5⭐ to help others discover unconventional changemakers like Angelo.

More about Angelo:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelofienga/

More about us:

www.heartprint.eu

What if sustainability was less about guilt and more about training for the Olympics? In this episode, Stefan Brechling Larsen—Global Sustainability Leader at Lenovo—shares his playbook for turning IT sustainability into a competitive edge. From Danish bottle-recycling culture to Lenovo’s CO2 Offset Service, Stefan reveals why sustainability isn’t a cost—it’s an investment with measurable ROI. His mantra? "Train like an athlete, measure like a scientist, and win like a champion."

1. The "Olympics of Sustainability" Mindset: "If you don’t train, you won’t win." Stefan compares sustainability to the Olympics: preparation, rules, and persistence matter. Unlike sports, "in sustainability, participating IS winning—because every step counts."
2. Why IT Hardware = The New Plastic Bottle: "We recycle bottles but toss IT hardware—responsible for 2-4% of global emissions." Stefan’s 3-pillar framework (cost, carbon savings, implementation) shows how Lenovo’s CO2 Offset Service makes sustainability tangible and profitable.
3. From Denmark to Global IT: Danish culture taught Stefan that sustainability starts small (e.g., household recycling). Now, he scales this mindset globally: "If a 4-year-old Lenovo device works, why buy new?" Refurbished hardware, leasing models, and circular design are his tools.
4. AI + Sustainability: The Perfect Team: "AI alone won’t save us—but AI + human expertise can." Stefan’s team uses AI to predict carbon footprints before purchases, proving tech can measure AND reduce impact.

Try Stefan’s tip this week:

• Block 30 minutes daily for exercise (run, yoga, or a walk).
• Audit your IT hardware: "Do you need new devices, or can refurbished ones work?" Share your results with #OneDayChallenge!

• Lenovo’s CO2 Offset Service: Lenovo Sustainability
• Danish Recycling Culture: Denmark’s Circular Economy

🔗 Apple Podcasts 🔗 Spotify 🔗 YouTube

New episodes every Monday at 8 AM CET. #SustainableIT #CircularEconomy #GreenLeadership

What’s YOUR sustainability "training plan"? Share it with #OneDayTransformation! Rate us 5⭐ to help others discover how small steps + smart tech = big impact.

• Italy’s smart water grids |

Keywords

Transformation, Podcast, Jahresrückblick, Erkenntnisse, Gemeinschaft, Gäste, 2026

Summary

In dieser letzten Folge von 'One Day in Transformation' reflektieren Anthea und Rainer über das vergangene Jahr, die Entstehung des Podcasts und die Highlights der Staffel. Sie teilen persönliche Erkenntnisse, besondere Gäste und die Bedeutung von Transformation als Gemeinschaftsaufgabe. Zudem geben sie einen Ausblick auf die kommende Staffel 2026, die internationaler und offener gestaltet wird.

Takeaways

Der Podcast entstand aus der Idee, Transformation verständlicher zu machen.

Transformation ist nicht nur ein Projekt, sondern eine Haltung.

Die Vielfalt der Gäste bringt unterschiedliche Perspektiven in die Diskussion.

Gemeinschaft ist entscheidend für den Transformationsprozess.

Positive Energie ist wichtig, um Veränderungen zu bewirken.

Jede Folge hatte ihre eigenen Highlights und Erkenntnisse.

Überraschungen in den Gesprächen fördern das Lernen.

Die Playlist des Podcasts spiegelt die Vielfalt der Themen wider.

Transformationsthemen sind oft auch persönliche Herausforderungen.

Der Ausblick auf 2026 verspricht spannende neue Formate und internationale Gäste.

Titles

Ein Rückblick auf Transformation 2025

Die Entstehungsgeschichte unseres Podcasts

Sound bites

"Was ist 2025 hängen geblieben?"

"Transformation ist was Gutes."

"Wir sehen uns in der Zukunft."

Chapters

00:00 Jahresrückblick und Podcast-Entstehung

07:15 Highlights und Erkenntnisse aus der Staffel

14:42 Transformation als Gemeinschaftsaufgabe

20:26 Überraschungen und besondere Gäste

33:45 Ausblick auf 2026 und neue Formate

Mehr zu Heartprint: www.heartprint.eu
Mehr zu Anthea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthea-wagner/
Mehr zu Rainer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rainerkarcher/

Unsere One Day in Transformation Playlist: https://music.apple.com/de/playlist/one-day-in-transformation-staffel-1/pl.u-EGqCGVPGMM

Keywords

Aurelius Lee, Wissenschaftskommunikation, Academy A, KI, agile Methoden, Bildung, Nachwuchsförderung, Technologie, Innovation, Heavy Metal

Summary

In dieser Episode spricht Rainer mit Aurelius Lee über seine vielfältigen Tätigkeiten als Softwareentwickler, Musiker und Wissenschaftskommunikator. Aurelius teilt seine Erfahrungen bei der Gründung von Academy A, einer Plattform, die Wissen zugänglich macht, und diskutiert die Bedeutung von Neugier und Mut in der Bildung. Zudem beleuchten sie die Chancen und Risiken von KI in der öffentlichen Verwaltung und ziehen Parallelen zwischen Musik und agiler Transformation. Aurelius betont die Wichtigkeit der Förderung von Nachwuchstalenten und gibt Einblicke in seine Vision für die Zukunft der Wissenschaft und Technologie.

Takeaways

Wissen ist das wichtigste Werkzeug, um die Welt zu verbessern.

Wissenschaft sollte für alle zugänglich und unterhaltsam sein.

Neugier und Mut sind entscheidend für den Erfolg.

Die Verbindung von Technologie und Kreativität ist essenziell.

KI kann ethisch und nachhaltig eingesetzt werden.

Die Förderung von Nachwuchstalenten ist ein Herzensthema.

Wissenschaftskommunikation muss Begeisterung wecken.

Die Bühnenerfahrung hilft, Energie und Dynamik zu vermitteln.

Agile Methoden sind in vielen Unternehmen angekommen.

Bildung ist ein Schlüssel zur Verbesserung der Gesellschaft.

Titles

Aurelius Lee: Der Rocker der Wissenschaftskommunikation

Wissen rockt: Aurelius Lee im Gespräch

Sound bites

"Wissen ist das wichtigste Werkzeug."

"Seid neugierig und mutig!"

"Neugier ist der Kern des Erfolgs."

Chapters

00:00 Einführung in Aurelius' Welt

02:48 Der kreative Alltag eines Multitalents

06:00 Musikgeschmack und Einflüsse

08:54 Die Gründung von Academy A

11:53 Wissenschaftskommunikation und Begeisterung für Technik

14:57 Ethik und Verantwortung in der KI-Nutzung

18:10 Agilität in traditionellen Strukturen

19:04 Bildungsförderung und Wissenstransfer

24:26 Chancen und Risiken von KI in der öffentlichen Verwaltung

28:13 Einfluss der Bühnenerfahrung auf Führung und Transformation

32:53 Neugier als Schlüssel zum Erfolg

36:36 Hoffnung durch den Nachwuchs und Innovation

Mehr zu Aurelius: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurelius-lie/

Mehr zu accso: https://accso.de/

Unsere One Day in Transformation- Playlist: https://music.apple.com/de/playlist/one-day-in-transformation-staffel-1/pl.u-EGqCGVPGMM

Was passiert, wenn eine erfahrene Nachhaltigkeitsberaterin zur Geschäftsführerin wird – und zeigt, dass Führung heute mehr Haltung als Hierarchie braucht?

In dieser inspirierenden Folge spricht Hannah Witting mit Anthea und Rainer über Mut, Verantwortung und den Spagat zwischen Familie, Geschäftsführung und Engagement im Klimarat München.

Hannah erzählt, warum Nachhaltigkeit nur dann wirkt, wenn sie ganz oben beginnt, weshalb Geduld zur wichtigsten Führungsqualität geworden ist – und wieso sie im Zweifel immer den mutigeren Weg wählt.

💡 Themen dieser Folge:

• Nachhaltigkeit als Haltung, nicht als Trend

• Mutige Entscheidungen in Führung und Familie

• Strategische Transformation mit Herz und Verstand

• Wie Zukunftsfähigkeit im Alltag gelebt wird

Zitat:

„Wenn du zwei Wege zur Wahl hast – entscheide dich für den mutigeren.“

#Führung #Nachhaltigkeit #Zukunftsfähigkeit #Transformation #Leadership #Heartprint

Tanja Reilly ist Gründerin des Ability Hub und eine der klarsten Stimmen für Zukunftsfähigkeit jenseits von Buzzwords. Nach Jahren bei EcoVadis macht sie heute mit ihrer Wissensplattform ESG, CSRD, LkSG und CSDDD endlich zugänglich – für Einkauf, Lieferkette und Management. Ihr Credo: „Wissen ist Wirkung.“ Und: Regulatorik ist kein Bremsklotz, sondern ein Beschleuniger, wenn wir sie richtig verstehen.

Wir sprechen über Mut zur Gründung, über das Übersetzen von Gesetzestexten in gelebte Praxis und darüber, warum Nachhaltigkeit eine Haltungsfrage ist. Tanja zeigt, wie Wissen demokratisiert, Zusammenarbeit gestärkt und Teams befähigt werden – vom ersten Quick-Win im Einkauf bis zur Twin Transformation im Kerngeschäft. Und wir lernen, warum Pausen Produktivität sind und der Kaffee im Garten zwischen Hund, Hühnern und Laufenten Perspektive schenkt.

Quote to go: „Nicht: Was muss ich heute tun? Sondern: Was will ich heute möglich machen?“

Jetzt reinhören, mitdenken und Zukunft gestalten.

Mehr zu Tanja auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanja-reilly/

Mehr zum Ability- Hub:

https://www.ability-hub.com/de/

Die "One Day in Transformation Playlist":
https://music.apple.com/de/playlist/one-day-in-transformation-staffel-1/pl.u-EGqCGVPGMM

Kontakt zu Anthea und Rainer: [email protected]