Responsible Futures

Responsible Futures

By Sam CandeBusiness
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Responsible Futures episodes

  • On a mission to help companies cut travel emissions with Philipp Von Lamezan of SQUAKE

    Tune in to this conversation with Philipp Von Lamezan, co-founder and CEO of SQUAKE, where we dive deep into the future of more sustainable travel. In this episode we discuss:
    🌍 Philipp's Journey: From industrial engineering to aviation, Philipp shares how his passion led him to tackle one of the biggest challenges of our time—decarbonising travel and logistics.
    💡 Transparency is Key: SQUAKE’s innovation lies in giving travel managers visibility into emissions at the point of booking, empowering them to make sustainable choices that impact long-term reductions.
    ♻️ Balancing Profitability with Sustainability: Philipp offers practical insights on how businesses can meet regulatory compliance and rising consumer demand for sustainability, while staying profitable. His approach? Internal carbon budgets and integrating sustainability into daily operations.
    ✈️ The Future of Travel: While zero-emission travel may still be decades away, Philipp explains the actionable steps we can take today.
    🔍 Greenwashing Risks: We discuss the importance of avoiding misleading sustainability claims and focusing on honest communication. As Philipp says, there are no "green flights," but there are always better choices.
    🌳 Carbon Offsetting Done Right: Philipp reveals SQUAKE's 56-point vetting process for carbon offset projects, ensuring their clients invest in high-quality, impactful solutions.
    Tune in to hear how businesses can make real progress toward decarbonising their travel operations.

    37 min
  • Corporate strategies to reduce plastic waste with Kayleigh Lee-Simion from CDP

    In this episode of Sustain Talks, we dive deep into the messy, often misunderstood world of packaging with Kayleigh Lee-Simion, the technical manager for plastics at CDP. Is glass really better than plastic? Does paper actually save the planet?

    Get ready to have your assumptions challenged as we explore the real environmental impact of the materials we use every day. Kayleigh doesn’t hold back as she exposes the harsh truths about packaging—how much of what we think is "recyclable" ends up in landfill, and why some so-called sustainable options might do more harm than good.

    With regulations tightening and consumer awareness on the rise, the stakes have never been higher. But don’t expect easy answers—Kayleigh digs into the complexities of circularity, recycling infrastructure, and the hidden costs of packaging choices.

    Whether you’re a business leader, a sustainability enthusiast, or just someone who wants to make better choices at the store, this conversation is a must-listen. It’s not just about reducing plastic; it’s about rethinking how we consume altogether.

    Tune in and find out why the best packaging might be the one you never throw away. This episode also offers a closer look at corporate sustainability strategies, cutting-edge policies, and what truly makes packaging sustainable.

    Kayleigh brings clarity to the confusion around packaging materials, from plastics to glass, and highlights why reusable options are leading the charge in sustainability.

    Don’t miss this episode for actionable insights into how businesses can reduce environmental impacts and why transparency and accountability are the keys to a greener future.

    55 min
  • "Running Towards Sustainability: How We Turned Our Passion Into Purpose"

    Join me in this episode as I chat with Mike Seaman, CEO of Racoon Media Group, and their sustainability partner, Charlie Cotton. Mike shares the inspiring journey of the National Running Show, which has grown to 42 staff and 17 exhibitions across the UK and US since its start in 2018.

    We discuss the importance of connecting passionate communities, combining work with purpose, and their commitment to responsible growth. Mike and Charlie dive into their sustainability journey, from realising the need to care for the planet to developing a meaningful strategy with transparency and accountability. They break down the challenge of carbon reduction into manageable parts, focusing on changing behaviours before resorting to carbon offsetting.

    We explore the hurdles they faced in data collection and measuring environmental impact, the success of initiatives to encourage sustainable travel, and the importance of a continuous improvement mindset.

    Mike emphasises the value of hiring experts, staying open to learning, and engaging the community to foster collective responsibility.If you're in the events industry, you'll find inspiration and actionable steps in this discussion.

    Tune in to learn more about making impactful changes in your own events!

    40 min
  • The true cost of Olive Oil: Unveiling the Climate Connection with Citizens of Soil

    In this episode with Sarah Fulton Vachon from Citizens of Soil, Sarah delves into the fascinating world of olive oil as we discuss the rising pricing and why that's due to the climate crisis. Sara explains how Citizens of Soil sources directly from small batch producers who practice regenerative agriculture. Sarah's insights into the intricate connection between olive oil production and climate change are profound. She explains how unpredictable weather patterns, such as severe droughts and untimely rains, drastically affect olive yields, leading to skyrocketing prices.
    We also explore the incredible health benefits of extra virgin olive oil. Sarah sheds light on its rich polyphenol content, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to heart health, cancer prevention, and overall well-being.
    This conversation is packed with knowledge about sustainability, the challenges facing small farmers, and the realities of producing high-quality olive oil in a changing climate. Tune in to learn why the humble olive oil on your kitchen shelf is much more than just a cooking ingredient. It's a story of resilience, health, and sustainable farming.

    48 min
  • Breaking Barriers: Empowering Change Through Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with Hephzi Pemberton

    Welcome to Sustain Talks, where we delve into the heart of social impact and sustainability. In this episode, we sit down with Hephzi Pemberton, the visionary founder of Honordex, as she takes us on her remarkable journey from investment banking to entrepreneurship, driven by a passion for positive change.
    Hephzi shines a light on the transformative power of business in driving social impact, championing transparency and fairness through her ground breaking platform, Honordex. With a mission to rank companies on their social sustainability, she advocates for accountability and measurement as keys to progress.
    Throughout our conversation, Hephzi underscores the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, sharing both triumphs and challenges in this ongoing journey towards equality. From the imperative of leadership buy-in to the necessity of fostering an inclusive organisational culture, she leaves no stone unturned in her quest for a more just and equitable world.
    But our dialogue doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of systemic bias. Hephzi's candid accounts of racism and sexism in business underscore the urgent need for action and allyship. It's shocking what still goes on and we're reminded of the collective responsibility to confront and dismantle these barriers.
    Yet, amidst these challenges, there's hope. Hephzi's upcoming campaign for Pride serves as a beacon of empowerment and advocacy, highlighting the power of storytelling and community support in driving meaningful change. As we discuss strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion, from dedicated capital pools to personal resilience, it's clear that the path forward is paved with courage and compassion.
    I hope you find this as awakening as I did and take the much needed steps to create change and fight for diversity, equity and inclusion and bring it to the forefront.
    Sign the open letter - www.notwithmymoney.info - sign the open letter
    Check out Honordex - www.honordex.com
    Order The Diversity Playbook - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Diversity-Playbook-Transforming-Inclusion-Innovation/dp/173704031X

    48 min
  • Revolutionising Water Conservation: The Key to a Sustainable and Innovative Future

    This week on Sustain Talks, I'm thrilled to welcome Elly Perets, the visionary CEO of Asterra. My insatiable curiosity led me to Elly, especially after discovering his remarkable skill set, including Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, Space Technology, Sustainability, and Water Resource Management.
    Asterra's impact is nothing short of astounding, having saved over 368 billion gallons of water, 920,000 megawatt-hours of energy, and over 235,000 metric tons of carbon emissions. Elly takes us on a journey through Asterra's evolution since 2017, underscoring his profound influence on environmental sustainability.
    Our conversation delves into Elly's background and the driving forces behind his relentless pursuit of leveraging technology to address real-world challenges. He shares the genesis of Asterra and their pioneering use of radar-equipped satellites to detect underground water leaks—an innovation with far-reaching implications for water conservation and broader sustainability goals.
    Elly demystifies the science behind Asterra's groundbreaking technology, which offers a transformative opportunity for water utility companies, particularly in regions like the UK grappling with aging infrastructure and significant water loss.
    We explore the pivotal role of Earth observation satellites in comprehending and mitigating environmental threats, with Elly stressing the urgency of harnessing technology to safeguard our planet's resources amid escalating climate crises.
    Asterra's innovative approach to water conservation captivated me, and Elly's unwavering commitment to marrying technology with sustainability left me deeply inspired. Our dialogue concludes with a glimpse into Asterra's unwavering dedication to sustainability and their vision for a future where technology empowers individuals and organizations to champion environmental stewardship.
    I firmly believe that innovation and education are the keys to shaping a sustainable future, which is why platforms like Sustain Talks hold immense value in fostering knowledge exchange and driving positive change.

    42 min
  • Breaking point: Overcoming the workplace mental health crisis with Lorri Haines, CEO of Shoorah

    This latest Sustain Talks episode is extremely personal for me as a host as I share the heart-wrenching story of losing my best friend to suicide due to workplace bullying and inadequate support systems, it sets the stage for a raw examination of the urgent need for cultural change and explores workplace mental health.
    Join me and Lori Haynes, CEO of Shoorah, a revolutionary mental health app aiming to dismantle stigma and foster supportive workplace environments. Join the candid discussion on prevention versus crisis management, drawing from personal experiences and professional insights.
    In this conversation we pull no punches, delving into the tragic consequences of neglecting employee well-being.
    Lori's journey, filled with struggles and triumphs, highlights holistic approaches to mental wellness, from therapy options to daily rituals. Learn how Shoorah's innovative features empower individuals to reclaim agency over their mental health journey.
    Beyond rhetoric, gain actionable strategies to foster resilience and fulfillment, challenging conventional notions of happiness and reframing discipline as a catalyst for purpose.
    Challenge the status quo with insights on the evolving role of HR departments and the imperative for data-driven, user-centric approaches to support employee well-being, especially in the context of remote work.
    Don't miss this clarion call for organisations to prioritise mental health, embrace empathy, and advocate for systemic change to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
    For more details about Shoorah go to https://shoorah.io/

    Or connect with Lorri here https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorri-haines-8a1336136/

    54 min
  • Unlocking agroforestry's potential for wilding, carbon removal and biodiversity net gain.

    This week's Sustain Talks features Archie Ruggles-Brise, an esteemed independent rural estate manager and environmental professional. With a captivating narrative, Archie will take you on a profound journey from his roots in the water industry to his current impactful role in managing his family estate in North Essex.
    In this engaging dialogue, Archie unveils the estate's transformative shift from conventional agriculture to the innovative realm of agroforestry, where the harmonious balance between nature and food production takes centre stage. Delving into the intricacies of agroforestry, Archie illuminates its myriad benefits, from promoting sustainability and biodiversity to revolutionising farming practices.
    But the discussion doesn't stop there. Archie delves into pressing issues like wilding, carbon removal, and biodiversity net gain, underscoring the urgency of managing woodlands and the potential for corporate investment in biodiversity offsets. Moreover, Archie paints a vivid picture of the estate's palpable allure, inviting people to experience first hand the nexus between environmental stewardship and public engagement.
    Central to the conversation is the critical examination of flood impact in the UK and the pivotal role of agroforestry in mitigating flood risk. Through insightful discourse, Archie elucidates how strategic land use, including vegetation and trees, can effectively slow water flow, offering a lifeline in flood-prone regions.
    Yet, amidst the challenges faced by farmers in embracing sustainable practices, Archie and and I advocate for comprehensive education and collaboration between stakeholders. Archie champions the prospect of corporate-farmer alliances, heralding a new era of nature conservation and sustainable agriculture.
    Archie extends an open invitation for collaboration, emphasising the paramount importance of tangible actions in safeguarding biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
    Don't miss out on this enlightening Sustain Talks episode that promises to inspire, educate, and ignite change.

    29 min
  • B-Corp Chronicles: Ticket Tailor's journey towards purpose-driven success

    It's B-Corp month so what better time than to get into a conversation with Ticket Tailor, CEO, Jonny White who shares an extraordinary tale of transformation! Join us as we embark on the captivating journey of Ticket Tailor, an online ticketing platform that started from humble beginnings in 2010 and evolved into a socially conscious B Corporation, serving hundreds of thousands of event organisers.
    Discover how Ticket Tailor's founder, drawing upon a background in freelance web development, nurtured the seed of an idea into a thriving platform catering to the needs of event organisers, marking the first step in their remarkable journey.
    Follow the founder's courageous decision to align Ticket Tailor with B Corp principles, challenging conventional growth paradigms in pursuit of a business model that prioritises societal impact alongside financial success.
    Experience the highs and lows of Ticket Tailor's quest for B Corp certification, from resource constraints to navigating criteria designed for larger corporations, culminating in the adoption of essential policies and practices vital for sustainable growth.
    Witness the transformative effects of B Corp certification on Ticket Tailor's culture and operations, fostering transparency, accountability, and a sense of community that resonates with like-minded partners and customers alike.
    Explore Ticket Tailor's innovative sustainability projects, such as "Penny for the Planet" and "Earth Invest," showcasing a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and meaningful action beyond mere rhetoric.
    and uncover the power of storytelling in conveying Ticket Tailor's values and inspiring employee engagement, complemented by robust metrics and tools used to measure social and environmental performance.
    Join us on this remarkable journey as Ticket Tailor redefines the narrative of purpose-driven business, offering invaluable insights into blending profit with purpose in today's ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or an aspiring changemaker, this podcast promises inspiration and actionable wisdom for creating a better world through business.

    51 min
  • A deep dive into Openreach's multifaceted sustainability approach

    I'm joined by Abby Chicken Head of Sustainability at Openreach and Board trustee of Surrey Wildlife Trust. In this conversation Abby delves deep into Openreach's multifaceted sustainability approach, highlighting its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and integrating renewable energy sources. One significant initiative discussed is the ambitious goal of transitioning the entire van fleet to zero emissions by 2031, recognising the substantial impact of diesel emissions in the UK. This mission aligns with broader science-based targets and a comprehensive carbon reduction plan inherited from the BT Group.
    Moreover, Openreach's sustainability strategy is structured around three main pillars: carbon reduction, circular economy, and nature conservation. This holistic approach underscores their dedication to mitigating environmental impact while ensuring alignment with overarching business objectives, where efficiency and sustainability are recognised as interlinked goals.
    Noteworthy achievements and milestones include significant progress in transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), with a target set for all vehicles to be zero emissions by 2030. Currently, they are close to reaching 4,000 EVs out of a fleet totalling approximately 28,000 vehicles. Openreach has garnered recognition for these efforts, participating in initiatives such as piloting the TNFD (Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures), joining environmental management organisations, and contributing to climate sustainability working groups.
    Renewable energy integration emerges as a vital aspect of their sustainability endeavors. Openreach actively sources renewables through power purchase agreements and utilises Renewable Energy Certificates (ROCs) to offset emissions from sources beyond their direct control. Additionally, they explore renewable energy generation possibilities, such as solar installations, wherever feasible.
    Extending their commitment beyond internal operations, Openreach engages with suppliers to implement carbon clauses in contracts and collaborates with subcontractors to reduce their carbon footprint. They also collaborate with industry groups to disseminate guidelines and support smaller suppliers in embracing sustainable practices.
    Expanding the conversation, the issue of electronic waste (e-waste) surfaces, prompting discussions on the broader sectoral challenges it poses. While acknowledging that e-waste isn't a significant part of their waste output, participants address interventions such as reusing components, bioleaching circuitry, and incentivising the return of old electronics. Community engagement efforts are also emphasized, including partnerships with organizations like Homestart, UNICEF, and wildlife trusts, aiming to enhance communication and inspire employee involvement in sustainability efforts both at work and in their personal lives.
    The dialogue concludes with an emphasis on the importance of sharing information to foster greater awareness and involvement in sustainability efforts. We highlight the need for collaboration, innovation, and collective action to address sustainability challenges effectively within the company and the broader industry context.

    44 min

About Responsible Futures

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These talks focus on sustainability and social responsibility. The interviews introduce a range of topics from calculating your carbon footprint, choosing the right charity to understanding ESG,…