Reimagining Work From Within

In the latest episode in our series celebrating a decade of business at Within People, Jeff Melnyk reconnects with Meriem Bouamrane, an environmental economist and Senior Advisor for Nature-Based Solutions Partnerships at UNESCO. Together, they discuss her transformative work with UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Program and her personal journey as a leader in sustainability. From their shared experiences in the field to stories of resilience, connection, and shared purpose, Meriem shares powerful insights on vulnerability, the importance of community, and the value of leading with authenticity. Tune in to learn about the power of storytelling in environmental work, the evolution of sustainability, and Meriem's hopes for the next generation of leaders.

Fostering Global Sustainability Through Storytelling and Leadership

In this podcast episode, host Jeff interviews Meriam, an expert in environmental economics and a long-time advocate for the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program (MAB). They discuss their initial meeting in Sweden, collaborations around the world, and the transformational impact of the MAB program on promoting sustainable development. Meriam shares her career journey, starting from her field research in agroforestry in Indonesia, to her significant contributions within UNESCO. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling and communication in engaging stakeholders and highlights the evolving awareness and actions towards sustainability. The conversation also explores our 8 Essential qualities for 21 century leadership, the significance of vulnerability and authenticity, and the shift in global consciousness regarding environmental issues. Meriam reflects on her future aspirations, focusing on personal growth and continuing her commitment to sustainability through local actions like permaculture.

UNESCO, Man and Biosphere Program, sustainability leadership, biodiversity, environmental advocacy, ecosystem preservation, global community, storytelling, purpose-driven leadership, human connection, cross-cultural collaboration, hope, resilience, vulnerability, authenticity, empowerment, sustainability evolution, climate action, positive impact, legacy, shared purpose

• Insights on how vulnerability and authenticity shape impactful leadership
• The evolution of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program and its role in global sustainability
• How storytelling bridges scientific data with public engagement to drive environmental change
• Shifting narratives in sustainability to bring a broader audience into the conversation
• Leadership lessons on staying hopeful and resilient amid challenges
• Meriem’s reflections on cultivating purpose-driven connections within communities worldwide
• Inspiring future leaders to make positive contributions to the planet through shared values

• Vulnerability as Strength: Meriem emphasizes that showing vulnerability as a leader can build trust, foster connection, and encourage a culture of openness and authenticity.
• Storytelling as a Tool for Change: Meriem and Jeff reflect on the importance of translating scientific knowledge into relatable stories that engage and empower communities to take action on biodiversity and sustainability.
• Sustainability’s Expanding Reach: Over her career, Meriem has seen sustainability discussions move from scientists and activists to include business leaders, finance professionals, and a global audience—creating a wider commitment to environmental action.
• Creating Global Connection through Shared Values: The Man and Biosphere Program unites diverse ecosystems and cultures under a shared purpose of protecting the planet, showing that common values can bridge differences and foster collaboration.
• Hope and Positivity as Drivers of Action: Rather than focusing solely on the urgency of environmental crises, Meriem advocates for an approach that highlights positive solutions and models for change, inspiring a hopeful outlook.
• Embracing a Non-Hierarchical Leadership Approach: By stepping away from conventional power dynamics, Meriem has fostered a collaborative and respectful atmosphere, empowering communities to share their knowledge and experiences freely.
• A Vision for Lasting Change: Meriem believes that true leadership comes from empowering individuals to make choices that align with their values, contributing to a legacy of kindness, respect, and care for each other and the earth.

Meriem Bouamrane Bio:

Meriem Bouamrane is an environmental economist and Senior Advisor for Nature-Based Solutions Partnerships at UNESCO, where she focuses on developing cross-sectoral partnerships to advance climate action and biodiversity conservation. She manages relationships with key partners, including LVMH. Previously, she served as Chief of Section for research and policy on biodiversity within UNESCO's Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, as part of the MAB Programme, where she worked since 2001. She also coordinated the EuroMAB Network, the oldest and largest network in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, and led research and training programs on biodiversity access and use, participatory approaches, and collaboration, using biosphere reserves as research and demonstration sites. She has organized numerous workshops applying various participatory techniques and tools and was involved in research programs focused on socio-ecological system resilience. She served as UNESCO's focal point for IPBES and biodiversity and was a member of the International Association for the Study of the Commons (IASC).

DESCRIPTION

In this special edition of the Reimagining Growth From Within podcast, we celebrate Within People’s 10th anniversary with a conversation featuring Tom Tapper, co-founder of the creative agency Nice and Serious. Tom shares candid insights on the journey of building a purpose-driven agency, balancing profit with impact, navigating challenges like imposter syndrome, and staying true to the agency’s core values over the last decade. This episode delves into leadership, creativity, and how to remain focused on making the world a better place through meaningful work.

SHOW NOTES

Tom Tapper from Nice and Serious, a creative agency focused on sustainability issues, reflects on his journey over the past 10 years alongside Within People co-founder Jeff Melnyk. 

Through the years Nice and Serious have shifted their focus from providing creative services to becoming creative problem solvers, working on broader challenges like brand strategy and campaigning for change. They also implemented a moral compass to guide their decision-making process and ensure alignment with their values. While they have turned down lucrative projects that didn't align with their ethics, they believe that staying true to their purpose will lead to long-term success and impact. 

Tom Tapper reflects on his experience as a leader and the challenges he has faced, including imposter syndrome and the pressure to follow patterns of growth of other agencies. He discusses how he has grown more comfortable with uncertainty and trusting his own instincts. Tom also shares his thoughts on Within’s 8 Qualities of Human-centered Leadership, highlighting Conviction as his strength and Patience as his biggest stretch. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and the need to balance ambition with staying true to the agency's values. 

Looking ahead, Tom envisions Nice and Serious evolving in response to the changing needs of clients and society, while maintaining its focus on sustainability.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• What it takes to grow a purpose-driven creative agency
• How to use decision making criteria to choose impactful work that matters to your creative team
• How to bring awareness to and manage imposter syndrome
• The qualities of leadership required to stay true to your values in challenging times
• Evolving and adapting your services as an agency to meet clients where they are at as you lead in a sector

KEYWORDS

Nice and Serious, creative agency, sustainability, film production, creative services, creative problem solvers, brand strategy, change, moral compass, decision-making, ethics, impact, imposter syndrome, leadership, conviction, patience, empathy, creativity, growth, sustainability

Join us for a special episode of "Reimagining Growth From Within" as we celebrate Within People's 10th birthday! Co-founders Jeff Melnyk and Laurie Bennett reflect on a decade of building a self-managed organization, sharing the highs, lows, and lessons learned.

From dreaming on a rooftop in Barcelona to running a purpose-driven company, they offer insights for founders and businesses on balancing growth and sustainability.

Tune in for a conversation full of wisdom and inspiration. Whether you're an entrepreneur, part of a growing company, or just curious about the evolving landscape of work, there's something here for you.

Learn more about Within People and the work we do here.

In this episode Jeff Melnyk and Carol Kondo share personal insights and a practical three-step process for addressing social justice issues in the workplace:

1. Listen: They stress the importance of creating a safe space for open dialogue and encourage leaders to genuinely listen to their employees' feelings and perspectives on social issues. This isn't just about hearing words—it's about fostering an environment where healthy debate and diverse viewpoints are welcomed and respected.

2. Show Support: Leaders need to show genuine allyship. This means taking actions that align with the company's core values and choosing which issues to support thoughtfully. Jeff and Carol remind us that it's okay not to tackle every issue—focus on those that truly resonate with your organization's mission and values.

3. Change Your Business: Finally, they advocate for making strategic changes that reflect your company's values and long-term goals. Jeff and Carol emphasize the importance of considering the broader impact of these changes, ensuring they lead to lasting, positive outcomes.

Learn more in our latest blog and about Within People the work we do here.

In this episode, Jeff chats with Debbie Goodman, the founder of Jackhammer. Together, they explore her unique journey as a trailblazer in the executive search industry while also pursuing her passion for dance.

Debbie opens up about the challenges of maintaining an international company culture and shares personal insights on the importance of personal fulfilment in achieving professional success. 

This episode is packed with lessons on adaptability, leadership, and the art of seizing opportunities to enrich both personal and professional life.

Learn all about Within People and the work we do here.

Learn more about Debbie and her podcast Revolutionising Leadership here. 

Get in touch with Jack Hammer here.

In this episode of "Reimagining Work from Within," host Bev Attfield welcomes Tim Rietsma to discuss his mission with Invisible Condition, a nonprofit aimed at destigmatizing and bringing visibility to often overlooked conditions in professional settings.

Drawing from his personal experience with Crohn's disease, Tim shares insights on building inclusive workplaces and designing employee experiences that support everyone.

Together, Bev and Tim explore the challenges individuals face when navigating the workplace with invisible conditions, the power of sharing personal stories, and the importance of creating psychologically safe environments.

For more insights on culture, leadership and employee experience, visit withinpeople.com.

Learn all about Tim and the work he's doing with Invisible Condition here.

Read the full Accenture report on the imperative of inclusion here.

In this episode, Nikki and Laurie are joined by James Lowry, and Joff Sharpe in a lively discussion on the evolving landscape of flexible workspaces. Together, they explore the complexities of modern work environments, touching on remote work, employee experience, and the challenges faced by organizations in adapting to new ways of working.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and perspectives from industry experts on the forefront of reimagining workspaces for the future. Don't miss out on this engaging and informative conversation!

For more episodes and insights on culture, leadership, and employee experience, visit withinpeople.com.

Learn more about James Lowery and Essensys here.

Learn more about Joff Sharpe here.

Stay connected with us for more thought-provoking discussions on the changing dynamics of work and leadership. Subscribe to Reimagining Work From Within for the latest updates and episodes.

Join Jeff Melnyk and Carol Kondo in this special bonus episode as they gaze into the future, predicting what's in store for workplaces in 2024.

From the impact of layoffs and AI to the importance of human connection, Jeff and Carol reflect on 2023 and discuss the challenges and opportunities leaders may face in the coming year.

Tune in for their predictions and practical advice on navigating the evolving landscape of work in 2024.

Learn more about Within People and the work we do.

In our first episode of 2024, Nikki de Vet is joined by Torchbox CEO, James Leavesley to explore their unique shift towards an employee ownership model. James shares his journey to becoming CEO and the thoughtful approach Torchbox took to avoid a traditional corporate buy-out, instead creating an environment where employees have a stake in the game.

Together they thoughtfully uncover the complexities involved in nurturing a company's culture during transformation. Get an inside look at what it takes to strategically shift your purpose, vision and values; and unlock the power of an engaged team.

Learn more about Within People and the work we do here.

Learn more about Torchbox here.

In this episode of 'Reimagining Work From Within,' Jeff Melnyk sits down with Amy VanHaren, the founder and force behind Pumpspotting, a digital platform dedicated to supporting parents in their child-feeding journey.

Listen in as Amy opens up about the challenges she faced as a working parent, which fueled her determination to launch a startup that combines technology with the power of community to help guide and unite parents across the globe.

This episode is a deep dive into the importance of intuition in business, the significance of incorporating self-care and mental health into leadership, and how redefining success can transform the future of work.

Tune in to gain invaluable insights, feel empowered as a professional, and learn how Amy's innovative approach is reshaping workplace culture to be more flexible, family-friendly, and intuitively guided.

Learn more about Within people at withinpeople.com

Learn more about Amy and Pumpspotting at pumpspotting.com