Eco Insiders

EP 9 - From Niche to Necessity: Transforming Businesses with Sustainability and Cross-Functional Leadership

For Episode 9 of Eco-Insiders, we had an insightful chat with Elisabeth van Ebbenhorst Tengbergen [https://nl.linkedin.com/in/elisabeth-van-ebbenhorst-tengbergen], a Partner at KIENBAUM [https://www.kienbaum.com/impressum/#datenschutzerklaerungen]. Elisabeth, an experienced executive search partner, shared her valuable insights on the sustainability maturity curve at corporations and emphasized the need for sustainability to move beyond compliance to impact every aspect of a business. It should become a strategic, long-term executive and board-level issue. Elisabeth highlighted the importance of having the right talent to drive change, defining roles, and determining what kind of talent to bring into the organization – from pioneers to those with transferable skills and generalists to specialists. It was an interesting conversation, especially when many of us in the Northern Hemisphere are experiencing record-breaking heat waves this summer. The cultural journey and the transformative process for organizations are key discussion topics.   Episode Breakdown: •  [00:00:00] Introduction of the episode and the guest •  [00:01:05] Understanding the systems •  [00:04:55] Maturity difference between B2B and B2C industries •  [00:05:57] ESG is not sustainability, and compliance is not being a sustainable business •  [00:09:20] Sustainability Maturity Curve •  [00:13:51] How has digitalization affected organizations? •  [00:16:26] Main qualities for sustainability leaders companies look for •  [00:19:14] Getting the right data and what to do with it •  [00:20:52] Governance and strategy •  [00:22:17] The knowledge gap in organizations •  [00:26:25] Having the right people and thriving in the organization •  [00:29:22] The culture journey and the transformative process •  [00:31:32] Elisabeth’s advice for mid-career professionals   Connect with Elisabeth Tengbergen: •  LinkedIn: Elisabeth van Ebbenhorst Tengbergen [https://nl.linkedin.com/in/elisabeth-van-ebbenhorst-tengbergen]   Follow or Reach Out to the Show Hosts: James Loudon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesloudon/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesloudon/] Richard Zeng: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-weizhe-zeng-4baba1130/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-weizhe-zeng-4baba1130/] Website: EcoInsiders Podcasts [https://ecoinsights.com/podcasts] YouTube: EcoInsiders [https://www.youtube.com/@ecoinsiders] Email: team@ecoinsights.com [team@ecoinsights.com]   Liked this conversation? Feel free to give us a five-star review on your podcast platform of choice and share the episode with someone who cares about making profitable business sustainable and sustainable business profitable. Ready to make your business greener? We’ve got three ways to help: workshops, innovation, and research. Whether you’re seeking fresh ideas, strategic guidance, or deep insights, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our hosts to learn more. EcoInsiders is produced by Asia Growth Partners (AGP): Asia Growth Partners [https://asiagrowthpartners.com/]

EP 8 - Woven Together: Multi-Stakeholder Efforts to Make the Cotton Industry Sustainable

In this episode, we sit down with Alia Malik, Chief Development Officer of the Better Cotton Initiative. Alia shares her journey from her upbringing and career beginnings to her role in shaping Better Cotton's mission. She discusses her approach to team building and accountability and the importance of people-centered evolution in organizations.  We also explore the role of technology, including AI and blockchain, in managing data complexity for traceability. Alia provides insights into the business ecosystems and technology providers working with Better Cotton Initiative and the fit between technologies and real-world challenges.  Finally, Alia outlines Better Cotton's sustainability targets and offers valuable advice for new graduates and mid-career professionals entering the field of sustainability. Don't miss this insightful conversation! Key Discussion Points: ●      Development and Evolution of Traceability Systems ●      Role of Technology in Sustainability ●      Better Cotton's Goals and Initiative   Episode Breakdown: [00:00:00] Introduction of the episode and the guest [00:01:00] Alia’s upbringing and career beginnings [00:03:00] Approach to team building and accountability [00:04:42] Importance of people-centered evolution in organizations [00:06:23] Better Cotton and its mission [00:09:20] Process of building a tracking and tracing system at Better Cotton [00:11:22] Mass Balance System at Better Cotton [00:13:00] Importance of accuracy in the traceability system [00:15:25] Initial resistance from stakeholders, including Better Cotton itself [00:16:00] Shift in legislative environment and pressure from retailers and brands [00:25:38] Auditing and material testing [00:27:00] Technology's role in solving data complexity in traceability, including AI and blockchain [00:30:49] Business ecosystems and technology providers working with Better Cotton Initiative [00:31:05] Fit between technologies and real-world challenges, and the limitations of startup technologies [00:32:26] Insights on the evolution of processes and technology adaptation within BCI [00:37:00] BCI's targets for 2030, including reducing GHG and pesticide use [00:40:41] Advice for new graduates and mid-career professionals entering the field of sustainability   Connect with Alia Malik: LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/aliamalik [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/aliamalik] Better Cotton Website: https://bettercotton.org/ [https://bettercotton.org/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettercottonorg/ [https://www.instagram.com/bettercottonorg/]   Reach Out to the Show Hosts: James Loudon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesloudon/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesloudon/] Richard Zeng: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-weizhe-zeng-4baba1130/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-weizhe-zeng-4baba1130/] Website: https://ecoinsights.com/podcasts [https://ecoinsights.com/podcasts] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ecoinsiders [https://www.youtube.com/@ecoinsiders] Email: team@ecoinsights.com [team@ecoinsights.com]   Liked this conversation? Feel free to give us a five-star review on your podcaster of choice and share the episode with someone who cares about making profitable business sustainable and sustainable business profitable.  Ready to make your business greener? We've got three ways to help: workshops, innovation, and research. Whether you're seeking fresh ideas, strategic guidance, or deep insights, we're here to help. Get in touch with our host to learn more.  EcoInsiders is produced by Asia Growth Partners (AGP): https://asiagrowthpartners.com/ [https://asiagrowthpartners.com/]

EP 7 - The Power of Small: How Tiny Habits Lead to Big Sustainability Wins

In our latest Eco Insiders conversation, Richard and James discuss adopting sustainable habits individually with Boris Koenig, a certified "tiny habits" coach. Boris details the transformative power of small actions and habits in our daily lives. Moreover, we discuss the psychology behind habit formation, insights for fostering behaviour change, and some strategies for implementing sustainable living.   Boris Koenig is an experienced entrepreneur and consultant, leveraging over 20 years of global expertise in marketing and IT to drive positive behaviour changes through evidence-based scientific methods. As the Managing Director at BOSOO GmbH, Boris focuses on fostering corporate culture, enabling eco-friendly behaviours, and instilling healthy employee habits. He is a Tiny Habits® Coach, a Certified Digital Consultant, and a Miro Hero, committed to making success visible through small, manageable steps. Boris's career spans significant roles in IT and marketing, including a tenure as a startup entrepreneur and leadership positions at Pipelife International, showcasing a blend of strategic vision and practical execution in driving digital transformation and customer engagement.   Key Discussion Points: * Identifying the tiny habits * Designing effective programs for positive change * Overcoming challenges and adopting new positive tiny habits   Episode Breakdown: [00:00] Introduction to Boris Koenig and the Episode [03:55] Challenges of Sustainability at Corporate Level [06:17] The Focus of Tiny Habit Training [13:12] Corporate habits impact and strategies for practical training [16:33] Social, Governance, and Environmental Impacts [18:35] Training programs for sustainable habit [23:22] Reducing mobile phone usage temptation [35:41] Leadership role modelling the desired behaviours   Connect with Boris Koenig: Website: https://www.bosoo.at/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boriskoenig/   Reach Out to the Show Hosts: Website: https://ecoinsights.com/podcasts Email: team@ecoinsights.com   Resource referred in the Show: Sinus Milieus https://www.sinus-institut.de/en/sinus-milieus

EP 6 - Transforming Tourism: Insights on Responsible Hospitality

In this episode of Eco Insiders, we go on a learning journey inside the world of sustainable tourism with expert Sarah Habsburg [https://www.sarahhabsburg.com/]. Boasting over two decades of experience, Sarah is a fervent advocate for responsible tourism, aiming to transform industry perspectives and practices. From her early travel inspirations across the Latin American continent and her journey to towards becoming a responsible tourism expert, she shares invaluable insights into making small and medium-sized hospitality businesses future-resilient.  Learn with us as Sarah outlines the critical role of education in combating over-tourism and the importance of customizing sustainability strategies to fit each unique business case.   Key Discussion Points: * Initiatives for sustainable tourism * Defining values and purpose in the hospitality sector *   The synergy between education, marketing, and sustainability   Episode Breakdown:   [00:00] Introduction to Sarah Habsburg and the Episode [03:55] Exploring Tourism, Climate Change, and Sustainability in Chile [06:17] Discovering Sarah’s Moment of Inspiration [09:33] Navigating Sustainability within the Hospitality Industry [15:08] Educating Small Business on Sustainable Practices [19:55] Marketing Sustainability and Stabilizing Business Costs [24:21] The Importance of Business Values and Purpose [30:15] Enhancing Customer Experience through Sustainability [35:21] A Case Study   Recommended Resources   Sustainable Properties Referenced in the Show ·       Magda Hotel, Vienna: https://magdas-hotel.at/en/vienna-city ·       Crystal Creek Meadows, Australia: https://www.crystalcreekmeadows.com.au/ [https://www.crystalcreekmeadows.com.au/]   Corporate sustainability reporting in the EU: https://finance.ec.europa.eu/capital-markets-union-and-financial-markets/company-reporting-and-auditing/company-reporting/corporate-sustainability-reporting_en [https://finance.ec.europa.eu/capital-markets-union-and-financial-markets/company-reporting-and-auditing/company-reporting/corporate-sustainability-reporting_en]   EU Green Claims Directive:  https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_BRI(2023)753958 [https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_BRI(2023)753958]   Sustainability Dissonance: https://www.phocuswright.com/Travel-Research/Consumer-Trends/Sustainability-Dissonance-What-Travelers-Say-vs-What-They-Do-and-What-to-Do-About-It [https://www.phocuswright.com/Travel-Research/Consumer-Trends/Sustainability-Dissonance-What-Travelers-Say-vs-What-They-Do-and-What-to-Do-About-It]   Critical Questions in Sustainability and Hospitality: https://www.routledge.com/Critical-Questions-in-Sustainability-and-Hospitality/Legrand-Kuokkanen-Day/p/book/9781032111025 [https://www.routledge.com/Critical-Questions-in-Sustainability-and-Hospitality/Legrand-Kuokkanen-Day/p/book/9781032111025]   How to Create Sustainable Hospitality: https://mygreenbutler.com/sustainable-hospitality-book/ [https://mygreenbutler.com/sustainable-hospitality-book/]   Connect with Sarah Habsburg: Website: https://www.sarahhabsburg.com/ [https://www.sarahhabsburg.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahhabsburg/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahhabsburg/]   Reach Out to the Show Hosts: Website: https://ecoinsights.com/podcasts [https://ecoinsights.com/podcasts] Email: team@ecoinsights.com [team@ecoinsights.com]   Liked this conversation? Feel free to give us a five-star review on your podcaster of choice and share the episode with someone who cares about making profitable business sustainable or sustainable business profitable.

EP5 - Pedal to the Metal: How a Marketplace Accelerates Circularity

In our fifth episode, we had the pleasure of welcoming Rafael Suchan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-suchan/], the co-founder of METYCLE [https://metycle.com/]. This innovative company is revolutionizing the scrap metal industry by providing a platform connecting buyers and sellers worldwide, making recycling more efficient. METYCLE is driving the global shift towards a circular economy in secondary metals through its efforts.   We learned that secondary metals are essential in reducing CO2 emissions by up to 95% compared to primary metal production. Rafael shared his insights into the critical role of digitalization in making the metal recycling industry work circularly. He highlighted the steps needed to create a more efficient, reliable, and transparent global marketplace.   Key Discussion Themes: * How digitalization underpins circular practices in revolutionizing this sector. * The evolution of the business model towards becoming managed marketplace. * How using recycled metals as raw materials is crucial for sustainable metal production. Timestamped Outline: [01:33] – the business model pivot and the varying lifetimes of metals. [06:13] – the CO2 reduction impact of using recycled metals. [00:11:32] - market dynamics and future trends. [00:16:49] - early adopters of the marketplace model: critical factors for success. [00:25:43] - how the business case and circular proposition intersect. [00:31:54] - regulatory perspectives in the global metal recycling market. [00:37:06] - business growth and KPIs. [00:40:23] - advice for companies and the convergence of sustainability and digitalization.   Referenced in the show: https://www.iea.org/reports/steel-and-aluminium https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/euric_metal_recycling_factsheet.pdf Steel emissions and reduction potential from recycling: https://www.weforum.org/publications/net-zero-industry-tracker-2023/in-full/steel-industry-net-zero-tracker/#steel-industry-net-zero-tracker https://www.iea.org/energy-system/industry/steel Aluminum emissions and reduction potential from recycling https://www.weforum.org/publications/net-zero-industry-tracker-2023/in-full/aluminium-industry-net-zero-tracker/#aluminium-industry-net-zero-tracker https://www.iea.org/energy-system/industry/aluminium   Book recommendations Junkyard Planet: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/17286721 The World for Sale: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/52199304   Connect with Rafael Suchan on: https://metycle.com/   For commercial inquiries or podcast guest ideas: podcast@ecoinsights.com   Follow the show on: www.ecoinsiders.org