What if one of the most successful consumer products of the last 25 years could be reinvented to reduce waste, support farming communities, and still compete at scale?

In this episode of the SI-MBA Podcast, hosts Elise Nam and Max Spradlin, students in the Sustainable Innovation MBA (SI-MBA) program at the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business, sit down with Kevin Hartley, founder & CEO of Cambio Roasters and former executive at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Keurig Green Mountain.

Kevin shares the entrepreneurial journey behind Cambio Roasters, a coffee company on a mission to transform the single-serve coffee industry through the world's first infinitely recyclable aluminum coffee pod compatible with Keurig brewers. He discusses the challenges of commercializing sustainable innovation, the realities of scaling a purpose-driven business, and why sustainability must be integrated into a company's core strategy rather than treated as an add-on. 

The conversation explores Cambio's commitment to the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit, including its partnership with Food 4 Farmers, its pledge to donate 20% of profits to support coffee farming families, and its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of single-use coffee pods. Kevin also offers candid advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on balancing mission and profitability, building successful startups, and creating products that can compete in the marketplace while generating meaningful social and environmental impact. 

From a Conversation Recorded October 2025

From a conversation recorded April 2025, hosts Apryl McCoy '25 and Haley Stevens '25, students in the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business Sustainable Innovation MBA (SI-MBA) program, sit down with Roma McCaig, Board Member for B Lab and Once Upon a Farm, for a wide-ranging conversation about sustainability, responsible sourcing, stakeholder-driven business, and transformational leadership. 

Roma shares her career journey from communications and advertising to strategy, operations, and corporate sustainability leadership at organizations including Campbell Soup Company, Clif Bar, and REI Co-op. She discusses how earning an MBA helped her bridge storytelling and analytics, and why embedding sustainability into business strategy—not treating it as a side initiative—is critical for long-term success. 

The conversation explores REI’s cooperative model, responsible sourcing programs, inclusive product design, climate and supply chain accountability, and the growing role of businesses in expanding access to the outdoors. Roma also reflects on her work with the B Corp movement, the importance of values-driven leadership, and why she believes the next generation of business leaders will define the future of sustainable business. 

Listen for practical insights from a leader helping shape the future of business impact for anyone considering an MBA, pursuing a career in sustainability, or interested in how organizations can align profit with purpose.

What happens when biomedical engineers step into the world of business? In this episode of the Sustainable Innovation MBA (SI-MBA) Podcast from the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business, students Cole Drozdek and William Wright share how they’re transforming analytical STEM backgrounds into purpose-driven business leadership. From navigating the transition into an MBA without prior business experience to building new skills in marketing analytics, strategy, and systems thinking, they unpack how SIMBA helps students “bridge the gap” between technical expertise and real-world impact.

Cole and William also dive into hands-on practicum projects with companies like OnLogic and PTC, where they’re embedding sustainability into product design, operations, and decision-making. Along the way, they highlight the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, Vermont’s close-knit innovation ecosystem, and the unique value of a one-year MBA focused on social and environmental impact. If you’re curious about careers at the intersection of engineering, sustainability, and business—or considering a next step after STEM—this episode offers an inside look at how UVM’s SIMBA program prepares students to think bigger, ask better questions, and lead meaningful change.

From a Conversation recorded April 2026

Hosts Harrison Holmes and Elise Nam sit down with Jim Osgood—board member of 1% for the Planet and former CEO of Turtle Fur—to explore what it takes to lead purpose-driven organizations at scale.

Jim shares how a problem-first mindset and systems thinking can guide smarter product development, why companies must integrate sustainability into core decision-making and metrics, and how leaders can align profit, impact, and innovation without compromise. He also breaks down the importance of building trust-based cultures, referencing The Speed of Trust, and explains why having one unified set of goals is key to making sustainability stick.

You’ll also hear a powerful case study on regenerative agriculture through his investment in Nice Rice, showing how businesses can deliver better products, stronger farmer livelihoods, and measurable environmental gains.

Recorded January 2026

In this episode of the SI‑MBA Podcast, hosts Claire Saunders and Joanne Peacock sit down with Scott Tew, VP, & Global Head & of Sustainability Strategy at Trane Technologies, to explore how innovation in heating, cooling, and smart building systems is reshaping the future of sustainability.

Scott shares how Trane is leading the charge through its ambitious Gigaton Challenge, aiming to reduce 1 billion metric tons of carbon emissions by 2030, and why electrification, energy‑efficient equipment, and next‑generation refrigerants are critical to achieving it. The conversation also dives into how AI-powered technologies and digital twins are enabling buildings to self-diagnose, optimize performance, and dramatically cut energy use.

If you’re interested in climate innovation, AI in infrastructure, or how business can drive large-scale environmental change, this episode offers a compelling look at what’s possible—and what’s next.

Recorded March 2026

Isabel Buenaga Levis and Cameron Gouldsit down with Emily Vogt (Class of 2019)—Director of Venture Development at CU Boulder and Board Associate for the UVM Grossman School of Business. Emily shares her winding career path from the outdoor industry to impact investing, angel networks, and ultimately deep tech venture development in the university ecosystem.

Emily reflects on her SI MBA experience, the power of a values aligned cohort, and how extracurricular opportunities like the Total Impact Portfolio Challenge shaped her career in early stage finance. She breaks down the differences between angel investing and traditional venture capital, explains the realities of seed stage funding, and highlights the importance of decentralizing capital to empower underrepresented founders.

Now working at CU Boulder’s Venture Partners, Emily supports researchers and PhD innovators as they translate breakthrough technologies into real world impact. She discusses the unique challenges of deep tech commercialization, the role of federal funding, and why pairing business acumen with scientific expertise is essential for building the future.

Recorded Fall 2023

What does sustainability really mean—and how can business be a force for good in the face of climate change, social challenges, and personal adversity?

In this episode of the SIMBA Podcast, host Ben Chiappinelli sits down with Caroline Rooney, a member of the Sustainable Innovation MBA (SIMBA) Class of 2026 at the University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business, and Brooks Sherman, a SI-MBA alumnus from the Class of 2025. Together, they explore what it means to pursue an MBA rooted in environmental, social, and community impact.

Caroline shares her journey from an environmental health background to business school, including how her passion for supporting women in the trades, fashion, and social innovation led her to SI-MBA. The conversation goes deep into defining sustainability beyond the environment—touching on emotional resilience, grief, community, and personal sustainability.

Recorded January 2026

In this episode, we sit down with Alyssa Stankiewicz, a Sustainable Innovation MBA alum who made an unexpected leap from linguistics to a career in finance at Morningstar. Alyssa shares her journey of overcoming intimidation, embracing authentic networking, and discovering the power of capital markets to drive positive change. We talk about her experience in the Total Impact Portfolio Challenge, the mentors who shaped her path, and her vision for sustainable business. Tune in for insights on building confidence, creating impact, and finding common ground in business. Hosted by Apryl McCoy and Brooke Weatherup. From a conversation recorded May 2025

In this episode, we sit down with Riley Nelson, Head of Sustainability at NASCAR Impact, to explore how one of America’s most iconic sports is accelerating toward a greener future. Riley shares her journey from a Sustainable Innovation MBA student to a sustainability leader in motorsports, and how NASCAR is embedding environmental responsibility with initiatives that build from the ground up by engaging with every employee and high concept engineering projects like an electric racecar. Riley discusses the big and small wins that are transforming NASCAR’s approach to sustainability. Tune in for insights on collaboration, innovation, and the power of sports as a platform for change. Hosted by Matt Deeble and Justin Sharp

Recorded March 2025

In this episode of The SIMBA Podcast, Brooks Sherman and Heida Helgadottir sit down with Matt Dunne, founder and executive director of the Center on Rural Innovation. With a career spanning Vermont politics, Google, and national public service, Matt shares how his diverse experiences shaped his mission to close the rural opportunity gap. From launching broadband initiatives to pioneering Google's community affairs program, Matt offers a compelling look at how rural communities can thrive in the digital age. He discusses the power of public policy, the importance of local leadership, and how AI and remote work are reshaping the future of rural economies.

Recorded March 2025