The Sustainability Journey

“The gender gap in finance is still 300 years away from closing, but we can start by advocating for inclusive financial systems that leave no one behind"

In this insightful episode of The Sustainability Journey, we sit down with Yasmina Vucina, a changemaker in finance, sustainability, and gender inclusion. Yasmina discusses how the financial sector can shift from traditional extractive models to regenerative systems that restore  both the economy and the environment.

We explore key topics, including:

• UNA Initiative: Yasmina's groundbreaking project focused on closing the gender gap in finance by providing inclusive, innovative banking solutions for women facing barriers in traditional systems.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about reimagining finance, building inclusive banking systems, and Yasmina’s vision for a more equitable, regenerative financial future.

"If you bring the do good after the return, that's quite the differentiator."

Pyrpose, a sustainability-focused startup, is tackling the challenge of energy transition in Switzerland by democratizing access to financing for green infrastructure projects. Leveraging a crowdfunding-like platform, Pyrpose empowers climate-conscious investors to directly support local building retrofits and renewable energy installations, while also earning a return on their investment. This innovative approach challenges the notion that "doing good" must come at the expense of financial returns. By addressing the capital constraints faced by building owners, Pyrpose is driving measurable impact in carbon emissions reduction and community engagement. The startup's resilience in navigating different business models and its focus on additive capital have positioned it as a trailblazer in the sustainable finance space. As Switzerland grapples with an aging building infrastructure and high energy prices, Pyrpose's model offers a scalable solution that can be replicated globally, bridging the gap between environmental and financial objectives.

learn more at https://pyrpose.io/

"The best way of fighting a system that you want to get rid of is not fighting it but coming up with a better solution"

In this episode  the incredible career of Maurits Groen, a pioneering entrepreneur in sustainability. Maurits shares his lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship, from his early days recycling paper to founding transformative ventures like WakaWaka, Kipster, and many more. Discover how his innovative solutions are tackling global issues such as energy access, food waste, and climate change. Learn about the challenges and successes of embedding sustainability in business operations and hear his insights on creating a circular economy. This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, and visionary thinking in driving sustainable change.

Please note that the interviewee was an employee of Agritask at the time of this interview. He has since left the company. The opinions expressed in this interview are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company or any other entity.

In this insightful episode of The Sustainability Journey, host Samuele Tini engages in a compelling conversation with David Taylor, former Head of Sales and Business Development for Agritask in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. Delve into the intricate world of sustainable agriculture, data-driven value chains, and innovative practices that aim to enhance both environmental and social impacts. Discover how Agritask is pioneering in the field by helping businesses gain better visibility into farm-level activities and improve their sustainability metrics.

Key Highlights:

• The importance of data aggregation and remote sensing in modern agriculture.

Join us for an engaging discussion that sheds light on the crucial role of sustainability data in transforming agricultural practices and ensuring a greener future.

80% of people displaced by climate change are women. We must bring the voices of women leaders in all their diversity for a just and urgent climate action.

In this powerful episode of The Sustainability Journey, host Samuele Tini welcomes Mamta Borgoyary, Director of She Changes Climate, to discuss the intersection of gender justice and climate change. Mamta shares her extensive experience working at the grassroots level in India, advocating for women's rights and leading climate action movements. This episode highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and children and emphasizes the importance of incorporating women's voices in climate policies and actions.

Key Highlights:

• The unique challenges faced by women and children in the face of climate change.

Tune in to hear inspiring stories from the front lines of climate action and learn how gender justice is essential to achieving sustainable solutions for our planet.

Our mission is to create systemic change in the fashion industry by providing plant-based, zero-waste products

In this episode of "The Sustainability Journey," we explore the dynamic intersection of fashion and sustainability with Eric Liedtke, CEO and co-founder of Unless Collective. Eric shares his inspiring journey from leading sustainability initiatives at Adidas to pioneering regenerative fashion. Discover how Unless Collective is disrupting the fashion industry by creating products from plant-based materials that decompose naturally, aiming for zero waste and environmental regeneration. Eric discusses the challenges and opportunities in sustainable fashion, the importance of storytelling, and his ambitious vision for the future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainable innovation and transformative change in the fashion industry.

"The biggest problem we face is that the pollution and negative externalities of using fossil fuels are not internalized; they are socialized"

Join us for an enlightening episode of "The Sustainability Journey" as we sit down with Alicia Eastman, co-founder and former president of Intercontinental Energy. Alicia, a global expert in renewable energy, takes us through her fascinating sustainability journey, starting from her early experiences with environmental awareness to her groundbreaking work in hydrogen and ammonia as clean energy solutions. Discover the innovative strategies and policies driving the energy transition, the role of private-public partnerships, and the future of sustainable industries like shipping and steel. This episode is packed with insights on the challenges and opportunities within the energy sector, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainability.

"In Africa, businesses are born out of social necessity, making them inherently geared towards sustainability" 

In this episode we learn about green building, smart cities, and sustainable development with Tony Lee Luen Len , an influential sustainability expert from Mauritius. Tony shares his inspiring journey from a small village in Mauritius to becoming a leader in green building and sustainability consulting. Discover how Tony has been at the forefront of promoting green building practices, advocating for climate action, and leveraging technology for sustainable urban development. Learn about the innovative projects and initiatives Tony has led, including the development of a national net-zero roadmap and the greening of public sectors. This episode is packed with insights on operationalizing sustainability at local and global levels, making it essential listening for anyone passionate about sustainable development and climate action.

Indoor pollution is a silent killer; millions of lives are lost every year, but with the right solutions, we can change that narrative.

Meet Peter Scott, the visionary CEO and founder of Burn. In this episode, we explore the profound impact of Burn's work in transforming lives and saving forests across Africa through innovative clean cooking solutions.

Peter shares his journey, starting from a bold declaration at 14 to save the world, leading to a life dedicated to combating deforestation and indoor pollution. His commitment has resulted in Burn becoming the largest modern cookstove company in the world, producing over 250,000 stoves monthly and employing thousands across the continent.

Key points of discussion include:

• The Challenges and Innovations in Clean Cooking: Peter highlights the pressing challenges in the African energy sector and how Burn's range of wood, charcoal, LPG, and electric stoves are providing sustainable solutions.

"Communities are powerful because they help bring people together and find similarities... we start focusing more on what brings us together as human beings."

In this  episode of "The Sustainability Journey," host Samuele Tini sits down with Carlos Terol, the visionary founder of Good Ripple, a platform designed to connect changemakers across the globe. Carlos shares his journey from a capitalist mindset to becoming a passionate advocate for sustainability, sparked by a transformative trip to Western Sahara.

Discover how Good Ripple evolved from a simple idea into a thriving community of over 2,600 members from 97 countries, with an ambitious goal to connect 300 million changemakers by 2030. Carlos discusses the power of community, the importance of starting small, and the critical role technology plays in driving social change.

Highlights

• Carlos’s Eureka Moment: Carlos’s eyes were opened to the realities of social impact during a visit to Western Sahara, which led him to shift his career focus towards sustainability.