Hey there! In this episode of Roots of Sustainable Impact, I had the pleasure of speaking with Eric Magers — an educator, entrepreneur, and environmental champion who’s been on a mission to connect STEM education with real-world sustainability solutions. We dive deep into how he’s doing just that through his two organizations: Seaside Sustainability and the National STEM Honor Society.

 Eric shared how he got his start (including a sweet Earth Day story involving his mom!), and how his path led him from teaching to founding organizations that are now shaping sustainability education across the U.S. and beyond.

 We talk about why STEM is the most effective way to integrate sustainability into schools, how students are naturally gravitating toward solving environmental problems, and what it really takes to prepare the next generation for the world they’re inheriting — especially with fast-moving tech like AI in the mix.

 He also drops some major insights on:

• Why critical thinking is the skill of the future
• How his internship program is building real-world changemakers
• What organizations can do today to better engage with students in the climate and clean tech space

 It’s a conversation full of insight, optimism, and tangible action — and one that reminds us how education and innovation go hand in hand when we talk about building a better future.

Thanks for tuning in, and as always, I’d love to hear what resonates with you!

Connect with Eric:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-magers/

www.seasidesustainability.org

https://www.nstem.org/

Eric's bio

Eric Magers is an award-winning educator and experiential education trainer with over 30 years of experience engaging youth in STEM and sustainability. He’s passionate about inspiring others through project-based learning and fostering responsible action in schools and communities. When we create environments in our schools and communities that promote and value responsible action, youth are encouraged to become leaders in this work. 

Eric is the founder and director of Seaside Sustainability and the National STEM Honor Society, both dedicated to embedding sustainability and STEM education worldwide. He developed the nationally recognized Green Scholars curriculum and has been honored by the White House and nominated as Science Educator of the Year. 

He holds two Master’s degrees in education, along with certifications in project-based learning and sustainable innovation. A New England native born the year of the first Earth Day, Eric grew up with a deep appreciation for nature and now encourages others to “never underestimate your power; be an informed consumer; think globally and act locally.”

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Thank you for listening to this episode of Roots of Sustainable Impact!

Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review—it helps others who are passionate about creating positive change find the podcast and benefit from these conversations.

Visit www.walkingtree.green for more resources, and follow me on LinkedIn to stay connected.

© 2024 Walking Tree. All rights reserved.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow industrial engineer, Rob Carr, to dive into a concept that’s more important than ever: Relevant Leadership.

 Rob has spent his career helping overwhelmed executives navigate change, and through his work, he’s developed a powerful framework for staying attuned to the evolving needs of organizations, employees, and the world around us.

Here’s what we explore in this episode:

✅ What is Relevant Leadership? And why does it matter now more than ever?

✅ The balance between leadership and personal identity – how being a steward of your role can shift the way you lead.

✅ How leaders can foster engagement and alignment to drive meaningful impact in their organizations.

✅ Making tough choices in times of change – the secret to avoiding burnout while staying focused on long-term success.

✅ How to know if you’re falling out of relevance and what to do about it.

One of my biggest takeaways? We are not just leaders – we are stewards of our roles. The title we hold may change, but our ability to lead with purpose and clarity determines the kind of impact we leave behind.

Resources & Connect with Rob Carr:

🔹 LinkedIn: Rob Carr

🔹 Website: Ayngis Consulting

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Thank you for listening to this episode of Roots of Sustainable Impact!

Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review—it helps others who are passionate about creating positive change find the podcast and benefit from these conversations.

Visit www.walkingtree.green for more resources, and follow me on LinkedIn to stay connected.

© 2024 Walking Tree. All rights reserved.

Hey there, it's Eloisa!  Welcome back to Roots of Sustainable Impact.  

This episode is packed with energy, insight, and community-driven innovation. I had the pleasure of chatting with Leroy Brown from Opportunity Hub (OHUB) in New Orleans.

We dive deep into why community is a superpower and how building an ecosystem with culture at its core creates a real, lasting impact. Leroy shares how OHUB supports Black and Brown founders, incubating over 100 businesses and funding multiple projects—all while staying deeply connected to the local culture.

We also explore:

✅ How collaboration fuels innovation—connecting artists, storytellers, and tech founders to drive climate solutions.

✅ The power of circularity—how New Orleans bars are competing in “Bar Wars” to recycle glass bottles into sand, which then becomes art and construction material.

✅ Making sustainability fun—integrating eco-friendly practices into events like Super Bowl parties and Mardi Gras.

✅ Breaking down silos—a step-by-step approach to building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Oh, and we couldn’t help but talk football—because it was Super Bowl season! 🏈 (Spoiler: We both have a soft spot for the Eagles.)

Leroy’s passion for community, sustainability, and economic empowerment is contagious. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a community builder, or just looking for inspiration, this episode has something for you!

So grab a coffee (or a recycled glass bottle beer 🍻) and tune in!

🎧 Listen now and learn how to build impact—one connection at a time.

Connect with Leroy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leroy-brown-2b21bb34/

Links and Resources:

• OHub  https://opportunityhub.co/
• OHub Podcast  https://ohub.piksel.plus/
• OHUB Climate Tech Bootcamp https://opportunityhub.typeform.com/cohort3

Leroy's bio:

Leroy Brown is a proud Louisiana native and graduate of Tulane University. Hailing from Longwood, a small town just outside of Shreveport, he embodies a unique blend of small-town values and big-city aspirations. Over the years, Leroy has cultivated a diverse career in sales, navigating various industries including pharmaceuticals, media, and construction. Currently, he is Opportunity Hub’s (OHUB) Ecosystem Development Lead.

Leroy's professional ethos revolves around the power of connection. He views the entire community as a dynamic ecosystem that adapts and thrives. He excels at building alliances and fostering collaboration, firmly believing that intentional networking is essential for project success. He is passionately committed to the economic development of Louisiana. He is also committed to empowering individuals and businesses, inspiring them to engage, believe, and move forward with their dreams.

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Thank you for listening to this episode of Roots of Sustainable Impact!

Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review—it helps others who are passionate about creating positive change find the podcast and benefit from these conversations.

Visit www.walkingtree.green for more resources, and follow me on LinkedIn to stay connected.

© 2024 Walking Tree. All rights reserved.

In this episode, we’re diving into an issue that’s often overlooked but has a massive impact—sustainability in healthcare.

I’m joined by Dr. Cassandra Thiel, an assistant professor at NYU Langone Health and founder of Clinically Sustainable Consulting. Cassie brings a fascinating perspective to this conversation, blending her background in engineering with her research on the environmental footprint of healthcare systems. We get into the nitty-gritty of why hospitals generate so much waste, what’s driving those inefficiencies, and—most importantly—how we can change that.

What We Cover in This Episode:

🌿 The environmental impact of healthcare: Why are hospitals so wasteful?

💰 The financial and operational benefits of sustainable healthcare practices

♻️ How life cycle assessments (LCAs) can help hospitals make data-driven sustainability decisions

🏥 Breaking through the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset in healthcare

🔬 The role of manufacturers in creating more sustainable medical devices and supplies

💡 Practical steps healthcare leaders and clinicians can take to reduce waste and emissions

One of the biggest takeaways? Sustainability in healthcare isn’t just about being “green.”  It’s about efficiency, cost savings, patient safety, and resilience—especially in a world where supply chain disruptions can put lives at risk.

Cassie shares incredible insights from her work, including how hospitals can move beyond greenwashing, the surprising resistance to change in the industry, and why we need to rethink our approach to disposable medical supplies.

If you’re in healthcare, sustainability, or just curious about the intersection of the two, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

🎧 Listen now, and let’s reimagine a healthcare system that’s healthier for both people and the planet.

📌 Links & Resources:

🔗 Connect with Dr. Cassie Thiel: LinkedIn Profile 

🔗 Learn more about Cassie’s work: Clinically Sustainable

🔗 Check out iSustain for sustainable ophthalmology practices: EyeSustain.org

🔗 Explore healthcare sustainability research: Healthcare LCA

🔗 Listen in to Cassie's podcast:  So Climatic

💬 Let’s keep the conversation going! What’s one thing that stood out to you in this episode?  Drop me a message—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Thank you for listening to this episode of Roots of Sustainable Impact!

Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review—it helps others who are passionate about creating positive change find the podcast and benefit from these conversations.

Visit www.walkingtree.green for more resources, and follow me on LinkedIn to stay connected.

© 2024 Walking Tree. All rights reserved.

Hey everyone, welcome back to Roots of Sustainable Impact. Today’s episode is a little different. I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the changes happening in the U.S. right now. With a new administration comes shifts in policies—some of which directly impact the work we do in sustainability and social equity.

I know that for many of us, these changes can feel discouraging. It’s easy to feel anxious or even powerless. But I want to remind you: you are doing important work. The impact you and your team are making matters. Take a moment to acknowledge that, and give yourself grace.

At the same time, we still have control over our actions—both personally and within our organizations. We can continue leading with intentionality, making choices that align with our values, and ensuring that our businesses operate in ways that are just, sustainable, and community-centered.

So in this episode, I encourage you to reflect:
✅ How are we designing our businesses and operations with intention?
✅ How can we minimize harm and maximize positive impact?
✅ How do we support our employees, vendors, and communities—especially in challenging times?

Even if we’re not directly involved in policy-making or advocacy, we are making a difference. Every decision, every system we design, every effort to build a more sustainable and equitable world—it all counts.

So, thank you. Thank you for the work you’re doing, for staying committed to impact, and for holding onto hope. We can create change, and we’re in this together.

Let’s keep moving forward. 💚

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Thank you for listening to this episode of Roots of Sustainable Impact!

Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review—it helps others who are passionate about creating positive change find the podcast and benefit from these conversations.

Visit www.walkingtree.green for more resources, and follow me on LinkedIn to stay connected.

© 2024 Walking Tree. All rights reserved.

Hi friends, Eloisa here!

 In today’s episode of Roots of Sustainable Impact, we’re tackling a topic that’s both exciting and challenging: scaling without chaos. Growth is thrilling, especially when your demand is skyrocketing, but let’s be honest—it can quickly spiral into chaos if your foundation isn’t solid.

In this episode, I share:

• Why growth often feels chaotic and what to do about it.
• The essential role of mission, vision, and values in scaling sustainably.
• How to identify your “non-negotiables” to build a strong foundation for growth.

 Plus, I’ll give you two actionable steps to start bringing clarity into your organization today.

Scaling doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or chaotic—it can be intentional and impactful. Tune in to learn how to set your business up for sustainable success.

I’ll see you next week!

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Thank you for listening to this episode of Roots of Sustainable Impact!

Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review—it helps others who are passionate about creating positive change find the podcast and benefit from these conversations.

Visit www.walkingtree.green for more resources, and follow me on LinkedIn to stay connected.

© 2024 Walking Tree. All rights reserved.

Welcome back to another episode of Roots of Sustainable Impact. Today, I had the joy of speaking with Latane Brackett, someone whose dedication to inclusive innovation is truly inspiring.

 In this episode, we explore the power of partnerships—what they mean, how to evaluate them, and why they’re crucial for creating a pipeline of success in the innovation ecosystem. Latane shares his guiding principles of treating people well, building relational equity, and fostering intentional collaborations.

We dive into actionable strategies for small businesses and startups to partner with larger, more established organizations. Plus, he offers fantastic advice on positioning yourself for grants and programs, leveraging certifications, and even turning a “not now” into an incredible opportunity.

 And as always, Latane’s stories will inspire you—whether it’s about resilience, learning from rejections, or simply saying “how might we?” to spark creativity and solutions.

Join us as we unpack these valuable insights, and don’t forget to stay tuned till the end when Latane shares his advice for 2025 and the three people he’d love to meet. Spoiler alert: It’s an inspiring mix of family legacy, historical impact, and entrepreneurial genius.

Connect with Latane:

• Latane’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latanebrackett/

Links and Resources:

• SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research)  https://www.sbir.gov/
• DOE (Department of Energy)  https://www.energy.gov/
• NSF (National Science Foundation)   https://www.nsf.gov/
• NIH (National Institutes of Health)   https://www.nih.gov/
• Jackson State University  https://www.jsums.edu/

Latane's bio:

Latane E. Brackett, III, Hon NAI– BIO

Latane Brackett is a dynamic leader in inclusive innovation, technology commercialization, and partnership development. With over 30 years of experience in consumer packaged goods, he has built performance-driven cultures and developed future leaders.

As a nationally recognized mentor and Executive Coach, Latane empowers deep tech co-founders through programs like DOE I-Corps, NIH Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, and NSF I-Corps, helping them navigate commercialization and strengthen their leadership. He is passionate about broadening participation for underrepresented communities, including HBCUs, MSIs, and HSIs.

Previously, Latane was Principal Manager of Innovation Programs at the National GEM Consortium, collaborating with the National Innovation Network to support GEM Fellows in commercializing deep-tech research.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering from Norfolk State University, where he was part of the inaugural DNIMAS Scholars Cohort, and an MBA from Texas A&M Commerce. He currently serves as the Innovation Program Manager at Jackson State University.

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Thank you for listening to this episode of Roots of Sustainable Impact!

Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review—it helps others who are passionate about creating positive change find the podcast and benefit from these conversations.

Visit www.walkingtree.green for more resources, and follow me on LinkedIn to stay connected.

© 2024 Walking Tree. All rights reserved.

Hello!  In this episode of Roots of Sustainable Impact, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rebecca Lehman, the Senior Manager of Social Impact and ESG at DroneDeploy.  We took a deep dive into the fascinating world of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) programs.

Rebecca shared how ESG serves as a framework to manage risk while driving purpose-driven growth. She explained how her team prioritizes stakeholders, balances scaling with impact, and selects meaningful metrics to measure success. Whether you're in a startup or a larger organization, Rebecca’s insights provide practical guidance for starting, refining, or scaling your ESG journey.

We also discussed:

• Engaging Stakeholders: From investors to employees and communities, Rebecca shared strategies to ensure meaningful conversations and collaborations.
• Key Metrics and Storytelling: Defining what to measure and how to communicate impact effectively to build trust and alignment.
• Pledge 1% Initiative: A look at how companies can incorporate volunteering and giving into their culture—even with limited resources.
• Practical First Steps: Rebecca recommended starting with risk and materiality assessments to identify areas of focus and engage leadership from the outset.

Rebecca also highlighted tools and frameworks, such as ESG-specific VC tools, GRI standards, and SASB materiality maps, that can help companies navigate their ESG efforts.

If you’re looking to launch or strengthen an ESG program, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.

Connect with Rebecca:

Rebecca's LinkedIn Profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-lehman/

Links and Resources:

DroneDeploy: https://www.dronedeploy.com/

Millie: https://www.milliegiving.com/

ESG VC:   https://www.esgvc.co.uk/

SASB Materiality Maps:  https://sasb.ifrs.org/standards/materiality-map/

GRI Standards:  https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/

Energize Capital:  https://www.energizecap.com/

Send us a text

Thank you for listening to this episode of Roots of Sustainable Impact!

Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review—it helps others who are passionate about creating positive change find the podcast and benefit from these conversations.

Visit www.walkingtree.green for more resources, and follow me on LinkedIn to stay connected.

© 2024 Walking Tree. All rights reserved.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend Eric Girard, founder of Girard Training Solutions and author of Lead Like a Pro.  Eric has dedicated his career to helping new managers transition from individual contributors to effective leaders who can inspire and guide their teams.

We explored so many valuable insights about leadership, including:

• The crucial mindset shift for new managers: Moving from being a doer to becoming a leader who achieves results through others.
• The art of delegation: Why it’s essential to let go and how it can even involve a bit of grieving.
• SMART and stretch goals: How to set meaningful, achievable goals that align with company priorities and motivate your team.
• The importance of feedback and coaching: Eric shares his favorite models, like GROW and SBI, to elevate team performance.
• Building stronger relationships with DISC: A tool to understand different working styles and how to collaborate effectively.

Eric also shared some personal stories, including a powerful scuba diving metaphor for management that you don’t want to miss. His ability to connect everyday experiences to leadership lessons is truly inspiring!

For organizations in the climate-critical space or any mission-driven sector, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you develop managers who can thrive in complex, fast-changing environments.

Links and Resources:

• Eric’s Website: Girard Training Solutions
• Eric’s Book: Lead Like a Pro on Amazon
• Eric’s Podcast: Management Development Unlocked

Eric's bio:
Eric Girard has over 30 years of experience helping improve the performance of managers and employees. He specializes in the development of new managers, focusing on their successful transition to their new role and on their team management skills. He has a high-energy and engaging facilitation style.

Eric is a passionate, lifelong learner. He is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer pursuing the rating of IDC Staff Instructor. When not designing or delivering training, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and twin 15-year-old daughters.

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Thank you for listening to this episode of Roots of Sustainable Impact!

Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review—it helps others who are passionate about creating positive change find the podcast and benefit from these conversations.

Visit www.walkingtree.green for more resources, and follow me on LinkedIn to stay connected.

© 2024 Walking Tree. All rights reserved.

In this episode of Roots of Sustainable Impact, I am joined by Dr. Michelle Miller-Groves, founder and president of More Than Marketing.  Michelle is a social change agent who uses marketing to amplify the voices of clean energy organizations and diaspora women-led enterprises.

During our conversation, we dive deep into stakeholder engagement and discuss:

• The importance of both internal and external stakeholders—and why your employees are your first-tier brand ambassadors.
• How to balance conflicting stakeholder priorities and needs.
• The role of intentional communication and storytelling in building trust.
• Practical tips for tailoring your message to different audiences, from funders to the general public.
• Key metrics for measuring the success of stakeholder engagement initiatives.

Michelle also shares her insights on how emerging organizations can build meaningful relationships with their stakeholders by aligning their mission with the greater good.

This conversation is packed with actionable advice for anyone leading or supporting impact-driven organizations.

Connect with Michelle:
Visit morethanmkt.com for more about her work and resources.
LinkedIn: Michelle Miller-Groves profile

Bio for Dr. Michelle Miller-Groves:
Dr. Michelle Miller Groves is the Founder and President of More Than Marketing (MTM), an integrated marketing firm tailored to the clean energy sector, in addition to servicing businesses, nonprofits and community-based organizations with Diaspora women in key decision-making roles. Dr. Miller Groves is a former Executive Director for the Center of Computing and Interdisciplinary Technology at Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, and Assistant Professor in Communications and Program Director for Marketing at Fisher College. 

Dr. Miller Groves taught marketing and communications for over 14 years and included entrepreneurship in 2013 with Social Good Marketing, her first consultancy. She provided integrated marketing services to small businesses and non-profits via college interns. During this time, she collaborated as a media and social media relations consultant for Kelley Chunn & Associates. Prior to teaching, Miller Groves worked in digital marketing and advertising for CSN Stores, presently known as Wayfair. 

Dr. Miller Groves earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Advertising from Suffolk University, Master of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations also from Suffolk University, and her Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University. She lives in Boston with her husband and three children. 

Send us a text

Thank you for listening to this episode of Roots of Sustainable Impact!

Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review—it helps others who are passionate about creating positive change find the podcast and benefit from these conversations.

Visit www.walkingtree.green for more resources, and follow me on LinkedIn to stay connected.

© 2024 Walking Tree. All rights reserved.