The Firestarter Podcast

Welcome to The Firestarter Podcast—people, ideas and conversations that move us forward. It’s your host Willa Kammerer’s business and passion to make the world a better place through storytelling, which is why we’re here today. We’ll talk to mission-driven entrepreneurs, philanthropists, investors, thought leaders, and experts on the front lines of the world’s most pressing issues about designing and thriving careers of impact.  

In this episode, Willa is joined by Steve Bradley, Vice President of Cleantech Strategy and Investments at Cox Enterprises. The business is focused on tackling sustainability challenges to drive profitability, topline growth, and diversification. It does this through investing in solutions to transform agriculture, energy, and waste to sustainably meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. Steve’s role is to cultivate positive environmental change within the company. Listen as they talk about Steve’s leadership in sustainability, the evolution of his role over time, and how sustainability benefits both business and the environment. 

The episode begins with Steve sharing more about the structure of the company Cleantech. He first defines Cleantech as having the goal of resource efficiency, resiliency, and adaptation. Steve shares how he originally started out his career on the path of mechanical engineering, and slowly began to have a desire to address environmental changes. When Cox began to focus more on sustainability, he then began to work in the field of tackling environmental challenges and helping the company grow its sustainability. 

Willa then moves on to ask Steve about some of the company’s current sustainability goals. One of the biggest goals this company has for the future is to become waste neutral by 2024 and carbon water neutral by 2034. The end goal of these strategies is to help Cox eliminate its footprint on the environment. He also talks about some of the challenges he has faced in tackling sustainability issues, the biggest of these being figuring out where to start. The amount of environmental issues that need to be tackled can feel overwhelming at times, and Steve encourages listeners to take it one choice and one step at a time, and that this steady approach can make an impact. 

A big part of what Steve does is connecting profitability with sustainability, and Willa asks Steve to speak about this. In his work at Cleantech, Steve has the goal of proving that businesses can do good things for the planet while also bringing profit to the company. Thinking sustainably allows you to build a better company in the long run, and Steve shares how it has boosted some of the company’s greatest returns. Businesses have a lot of power and responsibility to address environmental issues, and Steve encourages businesses to take the lead and inspire others to do the same. 

Next, Steve dives into his own passion for helping the environment and how it’s the driving force behind what he does. He shares how thinking about future generations and the effects of our choices on them and the environment they live in is what inspires him in his work. Rather than leaving future generations with environmental problems, he wants to leave them a healthy natural environment with resources. Additionally, he goes on to encourage young people to follow their own passions through daring to be curious, take risks, and find jobs that suit their passion and calling. 

With all the changes brought by the pandemic, Willa asks Steve to share how it impacted Cleantech. The results of the pandemic brought lots of accelerated change due to the hyper-focus and time for reflection. He shares how this time of reflection helped the company improve, but not without lots of time and effort. Additionally, he describes two of the newest projects he is most excited for: investments in sustainable agriculture and working with Nexus, a chemical recycler of plastics. Both of these will allow Cleantech to continue moving toward their sustainability goals and growing their resilience and adaptation.

The episode concludes with Steve expressing his hopes on a personal level for the planet. We all have the ability and choice to do better, and it is our job to own this and embrace rational thinking to solve these environmental issues. Steve shares how he encourages this belief in his workplace by engaging his employees in the sustainability process and helping them realize that no matter how small the change, it can still make a lasting impact on the environment.

Timestamps:

0:01 – Host Willa Kammerer introduces the podcast

0:45 – Willa introduces today’s guest, Steve Bradley

2:30 – Steve joins the conversation and shares about the structure of the company Cleantech

4:58 – Steve tells his journey to working at Cleantech

13:17 – Some of Cleantech’s sustainability goals and strategies 

17:39 – Different challenges Steve has faced in tackling sustainability issues 

21:28 – Willa asks Steve to share about the connection between profitability and sustainability

26:00 – The responsibility of businesses in addressing environmental issues

29:40 – Steve dives into expressing the passion that drives him in what he does

31:36 – Steve gives advice on how to be passionate in what you do

33:47 – Steve talks about important mindsets that have helped him be successful

38:47 – The changes the pandemic has brought to Cleantech 

42:52 – Steve talks about some of the current projects he is most excited about

49:49 – What are his hopes on a personal level for the planet?

54:00 – Final reflections on sustainability

Links:

Learn more about Cleantech at their website

Connect with Cleantech and Steve Bradley on LinkedIn

Learn more about FirestarterIX. 

Connect with Willa on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Keywords:

Strategy, Cox, enterprise, environment, business, sustainability, sustainable, challenges, solutions, transform, agriculture, energy, waste, environmental, change, Cleantech, resource, efficiency, resiliency, adaptation, goals, neutral, waste, carbon, water, eliminate, footprint, impact, profitability, profit, returns, generations, resources, passions, curious, risks, job, pandemic, work, reflection, projects, recycler, planet

Welcome to The Firestarter Podcast—people, ideas and conversations that move us forward. It’s your host Willa Kammerer’s business and passion to make the world a better place through storytelling, which is why we’re here today. We’ll talk to mission-driven entrepreneurs, philanthropists, investors, thought leaders, and experts on the front lines of the world’s most pressing issues about designing and thriving careers of impact.  

In this episode, Willa is joined by guest Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, a nonprofit organization that connects dollars with doers. Kate has also previously served as a board member for both the National Outdoor Leadership School and Shelburne Farms. Listen as Kate and Willa talk about the impact of 1% for the Planet, the importance of growing philanthropic giving in the environment, and what energizes and engages Kate in her work. 

Kate begins by sharing her story of becoming the CEO of 1% for the Planet. From a young age, she had a passion for the environment which led her to working in the field of nonprofits for the environment. Her work in this field gave her the skills and experience needed to become Director of Partnerships at 1% for the Planet, and later, the organization’s CEO. 1% for the Planet is a global network of members committed to giving one percent of their sales and revenue back to the environment. The team at 1% for the Planet supports these businesses through connecting them with environmental nonprofits and advising on strategic giving. Kate shares how one percent may not seem like a lot at first, but every dollar adds up and demonstrates the power of committing to giving back. 

Next, Willa asks Kate to talk about her perspective on philanthropic giving to environmental causes.

First, she expresses her desire to see an increase in this area of giving. 1% for the Planet aims to do this by helping businesses see that they can make an impact on the environment through their giving. It has become a steppingstone for businesses, helping connect them to giving opportunities. She also points out how government, businesses, and nonprofits all need to work together for this end goal to be accomplished.

Kate goes on to share about her own calling to work on behalf of the environment, and encourages others with similar a passion to do the same. There are so many ways to put this passion to work, especially in helping businesses embed an environmental ethos into their operations. One approach is engaging the larger community of a business, sharing ways to give back to the environment and promoting a mindset of giving. Through this, businesses can begin to see that success lies in what you are able to give rather than get. 

1% for the Planet has grown exponentially over the years, and Kate shares how much of this recent growth has been international, as well as an increase in both the number and variety of business members, and an expansion of staff. She also points out how the pandemic helped them grow specifically through the way it opened people’s eyes to the fact that global change can happen suddenly and the importance of not waiting to help the environment when you can make a difference in the present. Additionally, she shares some of the changes they are working toward, such as growing awareness of and emphasis on giving to environmental justice. 

Moving on to a new topic, Willa asks Kate about what drives her to do what she does. Kate points out how she is fueled by her passion and purpose more than her paycheck. This is what helps her through the hard parts of her job and gives meaning to what she does. She uses this to then encourage others to find meaning in what they do in two ways: first, by asking yourself what motivates you. Second, by asking yourself what unique skills you have that can be used to better the environment. When these two are joined together, it brings about purpose and fulfillment in what you do. 

Lastly, Kate shares some of the mindsets and philosophies that have carried her through hard times. Having a mindset of growth has been one of the most influential tools for her. This kind of mindset has helped her both realize that growth never stops as well as continually seek out ways to grow. She also shares about how her relationship with others across the network has given her purpose and inspiration. The episode ends with Kate expressing her hopes and excitement for the future and upcoming changes for 1% for the Planet, all aimed at the path of growth and giving. 

Timestamps:

0:01 – Host  Willa Kammerer introduces the podcast.

0:46 – Willa introduces today’s guest, Kate Williams

2:10 – Kate joins the conversation and shares her journey to becoming CEO of 1% for the Planet

3:50 – Kate shares about the 1% for the Planet model and its collective impact

8:45 – Willa asks Kate to share about her views on the philanthropic giving to the environment 

16:15 – Kate shares her awakening to wanting to work on behalf of the environment

18:30 – What is the upside for businesses that embed this commitment to help the environment

21:30 – The growth and impact of 1% for the Planet over the years

28:10 – Kate shares about the different issues that 1% for the Planet has addressed

30:00 – What role does storytelling play in communicating with others

33:30 – Kate expresses her motivation and purpose behind her work 

40:25 – Different mindsets and philosophies that have carried Kate through the tough times

44:20 – Different perspectives Kate has gained through her years at 1% for the Planet and her hopes for the future

46:50 – Kate shares some new additions to the organization aimed and growth and giving

Links:

Learn more about 1% for the Planet and how to join or donate at their website

Connect with 1% for the Planet on LinkedIn

Learn more about FirestarterIX

Connect with Willa on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn

Keywords:

Business, passion, storytelling, democratic, model, philanthropist, philanthropy, investors, leaders, nonprofit, organization, board, member, CEO, planet, environment, global, network, members, international, strategic, giving, processes, give, connecting, opportunities, passion, embed, change, awareness, environmental, justice, purpose, motivates, motivation, skills, mindset, philosophies, grow, growth

Welcome to The Firestarter Podcast—people, ideas and conversations that move us forward. It’s your host Willa Kammerer’s business and passion to make the world a better place through storytelling, which is why we’re here today. We’ll talk to mission-driven entrepreneurs, philanthropists, investors, thought leaders, and experts on the front lines of the world’s most pressing issues about designing and thriving careers of impact.

Our guest today is Dr. John D. Trybus, a Social Strategist on a mission to help impact organizations and embrace the blur between sectors, functions, departments and human strengths for good. John leads and manages Georgetown University’s Center for Social Impact Communications. His career journey has spanned multiple sectors in pursuit of making an impact, serving as Personal Advisor to Dr. Jane Goodall and Strategist at the British Embassy in Washington D.C. Within WE Communications, he advised clients such as Tiffany & Co, L'Oreal, Microsoft and more on social responsibility. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Professor of Social Impact and Nonprofit Management at Georgetown University and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago.

To begin, John takes us back to his childhood in Oak Park, Illinois, which he considers ‘the Hollywood of the midwest’. He describes it as a progressive community, welcoming to all different backgrounds. John believes storytelling is his true calling, though his skills developed over time. He believes himself to be the perfect combination of his mother, a teacher and his father, working for a nonprofit. To John, storytelling is the link to what it means to be human.  

John recalls his experience working with Jane Goodall, a person who really walks the talk and represents the story she tells. It was the opportunity of a lifetime for John and set the path for his future. Then, he discusses the blur between different sectors in the impact space. While being involved with a nonprofit is a great catalyst for change, there are so many other routes as well. John stresses that it’s okay to take a different path than the one you originally set out on, to which he is proof of. 

Amongst his students, John has observed that social values are often embedded in who they are. There is beneficial added pressure for corporations to hold themselves and advocate for these similar values. A unique aspect of storytelling is its ability to, at once, make space for how we're different and how we’re similar as humans. John offers advice for mission-driven entrepreneurs and businesses interested in communicating their own stories. He urges organizations to create ecosystems of stories within themselves. Even as technology advances, there is no replacement for true human connection.

Willa then asks John to share the mindsets and philosophies which have propelled him through life. First, he always makes an effort to have fun and savor the lighthearted moments to prevent burnouts. Additionally, he has found listening to others to be the most important thing he can do. Finally, he has experimented with working in many different contexts within the impact sector and urges listeners not to be afraid to make mistakes. In fact, many times adversities can only make you stronger in the long run. 

In closing, John offers advice for anyone listening who is searching for meaning within their own work. First, he urges you to take advantage of various opportunities, as there are endless ways to make an impact. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire and make mistakes. Think about what you’re passionate about and what specific areas you have hope for. Be encouraged to not only tell your own story, but listen to other people’s as well.

Timestamps:

0:01 - Host Willa Kammerer introduces the podcast.

0:46 - Willa introduces today’s guest, John Trybus.

2:25 - John joins the conversation.

4:00 - John discusses his background.

6:25 - How storytelling and impact came together for John.

10:15 - John’s experience working for Jane Goodall.

13:09 - The blur between different departments and sectors.

16:35 - The future of change among entrepreneurship and corporations.

24:20 - How can mission-driven businesses communicate their own stories?

28:44 - Current trends in the storytelling space.

32:20 - Discussing the Pearson-Marr Archetype Indicator.

36:50 - Philosophies which have stuck with John over the years.

41:40 - Advice for someone seeking to engage with meaningful work.

52:00 - Closing words.

Links:

Learn more about FirestarterIX.

Connect with Willa on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Learn more about Georgetown University’s Center for Social Impact Communication.

Subscribe to the podcast, find show notes and the video of today’s show here. 

Keywords:

Social impact, social change, responsibility, nonprofit, impact, social responsibility, storytelling, professionalism, purpose, communications, georgetown university, professor, community, oak park, illinois, academia, diversity, buzzwords, teachers, connection, jane goodall, change, stories, intersection, corporations, government, privilege, social values, corporate responsibility, marketing, Pearson-Marr Archetype Indicator

The Firestarter Podcast, with Willa Kammerer, is about people, ideas, and conversations that move us forward. We’ll talk to mission-driven entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and investors; thought leaders, researchers, and experts on the front lines of the world’s most pressing issues about designing and thriving in careers of impact.