Ilian Mihov, renowned economist and former Dean of INSEAD, joins Rajeev to explore the economic and geopolitical factors that drive business. Drawing from his extensive research on economic growth, the middle-income trap, and the global decline of democracy, Ilian provides a nuanced understanding of the factors shaping our current world.

They discuss the role of key institutions - rule of law, corruption control, and political stability - in fostering sustainable economic growth. Ilian highlights the "Great Wall" that middle-income countries face and the urgent need for institutional reforms, drawing intriguing parallels to the ways successful businesses build and rely on cultures to overcome their own barriers.

The global landscape has already shifted in 2025. Rajeev and Ilian discuss the rise of non-democratic states and its implications for both economics and politics. They also explore the complex relationship between democracy, economic systems, and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of long-term, values-driven steward leadership for both governments and organisations.

Tune in to learn about the interconnectedness of economics, politics, and sustainability, as well as the vital role of collaboration, innovation, and institutional partnerships in shaping the future.

Recorded live during Climate Week in New York City, Rajeev Peshawaria welcomes Chavalit Frederick Tsao, Chairman of TPC Group, a maritime and logistics powerhouse, to discuss the role of stewardship, commitment and philosophy in his family's business. Frederick shares insights on using business as a force for good in addressing existential challenges like climate change, socioeconomic inequality, and corporate responsibility. His philosophy, termed quantum leadership, highlights the importance of consciousness, interdependence, and love in creating a sustainable, flourishing future. He reflects on his family’s long-standing commitment to doing well by doing good, proving that profit and purpose can coexist.

Drawing from his experience leading a 150-year-old family business, Frederick emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking, systemic interventions, and human-centric values in building a thriving, ethical business. He also explores how love, compassion, and collaboration are key drivers for business longevity, and why CEOs and business leaders must take responsibility for shaping a better world.

Join us for a conversation that challenges the status quo and demonstrates how businesses can thrive by embracing stewardship and holistic, human-first approaches to leadership.

The fight against climate change has strong implications for economic inequality and social injustice.

In this episode of Sustainable Sustainability, hosts Teymoor Nabili and Rajeev Peshawaria explore this complex intersection with Nick Robbins, a leading expert in sustainable finance and Professor in Practice at the Just Transition Finance Lab at the London School of Economics (LSE).

Nick unpacks the concept of the Just Transition—a framework that ensures the journey to a net-zero world prioritises not just environmental outcomes but also fairness and inclusivity. From reshaping financial systems to embedding equity into ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles, the conversation reveals how finance can be a transformative tool for communities and workers most affected by the green transition.

This episode offers a powerful roadmap for policymakers, businesses, and investors seeking to balance climate action with social justice. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability or just curious about the future of finance, you won’t want to miss this compelling discussion about building a greener, fairer world.

Mathilda D'Silva, CEO & Founder of Ocean Purpose Project, would like to solve the plastic problem through circularity not recycling.

With Asia being responsible for 80% of the world’s oceanic plastic waste, Mathilda believes we need to take ownership and create a solution that doesn’t just combat the problem but ends it.

Ocean Purpose Project has successfully prototyped technology that turns contaminated and non-recyclable plastics into hydrogen fuel, promoting circularity and lowering our reliance on fossil fuels. This unique modular technology turns plastic waste from communities into their own supplementary fuel, helping to scale the solution wherever plastic is generated. For example, plastic waste generated by a vessel at sea could fuel its journey home. Her organisation also creates bio-fertilisers and uses seaweed and mussels to absorb chemicals at sea.

Mathilda, Rajeev and Teymoor candidly discuss the plastic landscape, faux solutions and the drawbacks to this undertaking.

The technical and collaborative efforts required to fuel this ambitious initiative are significant, requiring multimillion-dollar investment and 15+ partners ranging from manufacturers, researchers and academics. Mathilda’s personal connection to the issue, and her determination to create sustainable, circular solutions, shines through as she calls for support in building infrastructure and securing funding to scale this transformative project.

Tune in to learn how innovation, collaboration, and a profit-driven circular economy can turn ocean pollution into a powerful resource for the future.

This project won the Steward Leadership 25 2024 award, which recognises financially viable solutions for the environment and society.

Ed van Dyne, Founder & CEO of Plastic 2 Green, a serial entrepreneur, innovator, and engineer wants to solve the world’s plastic problem. His team is pioneering novel technology that converts discarded plastic into ammonia—one of the most efficient ways to use hydrogen energy.

Ed shares his vision of a zero carbon, zero smokestack process that breaks down mixed plastic waste and presents a sustainable alternative to traditional ammonia production, which heavily relies on fossil fuels.

Partnerships with governmental bodies, like the Department of Energy, USA, have enabled an ambitious plan of establishing three production plants in the next five years.

Ed, Rajeev and Teymoor explore the challenges and strengths of his business model: sourcing plastic waste, the impact of low-cost plastic production on our planet, and the importance of collaboration with organizations in the plastic supply chain. While market readiness for these emerging sustainable fuel alternatives is growing, competition from fossil fuel remains fierce – the world needs sustainability innovators more than ever.

Join us for an enlightening conversation about the future of renewable energy, the potential of green ammonia, and how the unique innovation of Plastic 2 Green will play a vital role in tackling the plastic crisis.

Jeremy Schwartz, Chair of Kantar's Sustainable Transformation Practice and former leader at The Body Shop, Sainsbury's, and Pandora, explores the role businesses play in shaping society and tackling pressing challenges beyond mere profit-making. They must have a responsibility to a wider group of stakeholders.

From lessons learned across industries, hear why Jeremy believes that the climate crisis can only be effectively addressed through innovation in the private sector, while regulation and governments lag behind. He discusses the common pitfalls of compliance and regulation, urging companies to see sustainability as a competitive advantage rather than a checkbox. Sustainability will emerge as the biggest growth engine if you seize the opportunity.

Jeremy and Rajeev discuss the importance of a more supportive culture in business. Assuming positive intent and embracing incremental progress will foster a collaborative environment to incubate new ideas. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and inspires businesses to lead the charge toward a sustainable future.

Bhargav Sri Prakash, Founder & CEO, FriendsLearn, is redefining healthcare with a revolutionary “digital vaccine” project. A culmination of 12 years of scientific research and global collaboration with multiple universities, his team at Carnegie Mellon University has developed and patented a cutting-edge technology poised to transform how we think about disease prevention.

Bhargav and Rajeev discuss how AI and neuro-cognitive training mechanisms can stimulate the body’s immune system through non-invasive methods, mapping and influencing brain-gut pathways to promote overall health. The efficacy, safety and deployment of this patented technology make it stand apart from traditional methods.

This episode also tackles the ethical and financial considerations necessary to ensure the integrity of this innovative approach. Whether you're an individual concerned about health, a family looking for solutions, or a policymaker thinking about economic implications, this conversation will offer valuable insights into the future of healthcare. Bhargav is not just aiming for profit, but striving to make a lasting impact on health and wellness for future generations.

In this episode, Ho Kwon Ping, Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings, delves into what it means to be an exceptional leader. Emphasising that genuine leadership stems from authenticity, critical thinking, and the courage to challenge established norms, Ho shares career and personal leadership lessons that have one thing in common - the unconventional.

He explores the implications of short-term thinking rooted in capitalism, heightened by the influence of private equity. He argues that sustainability requires a fundamental shift in investor and institutional priorities. Ho makes a bold statement - we cannot rely solely on enlightened CEOs. Collective action, education, investor activism and grassroots efforts are needed to bring about systemic change.

Hannah Jones, CEO of Earthshot Prize, discusses a global platform for innovation and visionary leadership. “The job of innovators, the people at the front pushing the boundaries, is to make something the new normal; to make it boring; make it the everyday.” 

In many ways, Earthshot Prize is the exemplar of “Sustainable Sustainability." The initiative is dedicated to one purpose: to uncover innovations with the potential to make a huge difference and help them achieve their goals. Earthshot Prize is not a typical foundation - it does not simply give out money. A key component of the process is scaling, and making sure that the funded project has an opportunity to succeed sustainably. The new business model should not be built on just profit and loss, but profit, loss AND impact. 

In this episode, we hear about projects that were selected, funded, and the general qualities identified in winners. Successful organisations not only make an impact in their niche but engage with the broader challenges of climate and consider the implications on a wider group of stakeholders.

Prior to Earthshot Prize, Hannah was Nike's Chief Sustainability Officer. She discusses how the processes and mindset that underpin Earthshot are different from those at Nike.

Join us in this episode as we delve into Robert Swan’s firsthand experiences from the frontlines of climate change. Renowned for being the first person to walk to both the North and South Poles, Robert Swan witnessed the disappearing ice masses. These places are speaking to us, pleading for us to listen and act, he tells us.

In this episode, we'll uncover the profound impact of climate change on our planet's most vulnerable ecosystems and what we can do to make a difference before it's too late. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and empowered to take meaningful steps towards a sustainable future