Reboot Business

Nora Bateson: Living Systems, Warm Data & the Ecology of Communication

In this episode, Julien Devaureix speaks with Nora Bateson, filmmaker, writer, and president of theInternational Bateson Institute [https://batesoninstitute.org/]. Together they explore how to navigate today’s complex world through systems thinking, relational approaches, and Nora’s concept of warm data. Drawing from her book Combining, Nora shares why solutions can’t be isolated, how identity and intergenerational living shape our future, and why cultivating an ecology of communication is key to creating authentic hope and thriving life. Episode timestamps 00:00 Introduction & Nora’s background; perceiving interdependencies in living systems 04:14 The “meadow” metaphor and the relational nature of complexity 16:59 Problems of reductionism in education and society 34:25 Excerpts from Combining: the idea of combining vs. combined 43:26 Rethinking problems and solutions; cultivating an ecology of communication 54:02 Double binds, transcontextual issues, and aiming for possibility & vitality 01:00:50 Warm data and the lost art of intergenerational living 01:06::06 False hope vs. real hope; culture and unexpected change 01:10:05 The role of art, weirdness, and creativity in shaping the future 01:15:23 Closing poem Mama Now: reflections on parenting, integrity, and uncertainty Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

Steffen Müller - Sustainability by Design: Rethinking Tech and AI for Impact

In this episode, Julien speaks with Steffen Müller, head of Salesforce's Sustainability & Transformation Advisory team, about how companies can align technology, data, and AI with their ecological goals. From carbon accounting to AI’s environmental impact, they explore how sustainability is becoming a core business strategy—not just a compliance issue. Episode timestamps 00:00 Introduction – The shifting context for business and Stefan Müller’s journey 02:50 Why some companies are backpedaling on sustainability—and why others are not 05:30 Corporate ecological transition: Where are we really? 07:30 Finance and nature: Understanding the $7 trillion gap 09:20 Geopolitical contrasts: US, EU, and China in the sustainability race 12:30 Beyond carbon: Measuring waste, water, and biodiversity impact 15:00 Tackling Scope 3: From spend-based data to real supplier metrics 18:15 Ensuring data integrity: Verification, auditability, and trust 22:00 AI’s footprint: The hidden environmental cost of artificial intelligence 27:30 Designing sustainable AI: Small models, smart principles, and market influence 32:00 AI for good: Empowering farmers, NGOs, and regenerative practices 34:20 The rise of the “sustainability technologist” and evolving team structures 36:40 From dashboards to decisions: Embedding sustainability in business systems 40:10 Case study: Manufacturing, CRM integration, and incentivizing low-impact choices 44:30 Regenerative business: Tech as a tool—if used with intent 47:50 The reboot button: Rethinking the concept of “we” 51:30 Closing thoughts and a call for integrity-driven transformation Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

Alexandra Palt: From Corporate Sustainability Officer to WWF President - Navigating the Limits of Change

In this episode, Julien speaks with Alexandra Palt, recently appointed President of WWF France. Alexandra shares her unique journey from human rights lawyer to Chief Sustainability Officer at L'Oreal, where she drove ambitious transformation, to leading France's largest environmental NGO. The conversation explores the challenges of driving sustainability from within large corporations, the structural hurdles faced when profit and sustainability collide, insights from her experience navigating the "sustainability hype" and backlash, and her research on ethical leadership and the virtues necessary for leaders today. Alexandra also discusses the role of NGOs like WWF, the importance of local action and cooperation, and identifies the awareness of sustainable value chains as an underrated solution for businesses. This episode offers a profound look at navigating complex environmental and social challenges and redefining impact. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

Otto Scharmer - Systems Thinking: Addressing Global Divides and Collective Action

"Reboot Business" podcast host Julian Devaureix interviews Otto Scharmer, a senior lecturer at MIT and creator of Theory U, about navigating the current radical transformation of the business world due to social, energy, and environmental demands. Scharmer discusses systems thinking as a way to understand interconnected global crises like ecological damage, socioeconomic inequality, and mental health issues, emphasizing that these are symptoms of deeper disconnects. He introduces Theory U as a framework and set of tools for achieving organizational and societal change by shifting consciousness and enabling systems to see and sense themselves more fully. The conversation highlights the power of attention as crucial for individuals and leaders to intentionally shape the future and move from reactive patterns to co-creative action, advocating for personal awareness practices, deep listening in small groups, and aligning work with purpose to foster widespread change starting at the individual level. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

Paul Hawken - Interconnected Futures - Fixing Business by Fixing Our Thinking

In this episode, Julien is sitting down with Paul Hawken—visionary thinker, entrepreneur, author and founder of Project Drawdown. A leading, pioneering voice in the regeneration movement, Paul challenges the way we approach climate, biodiversity, and corporate responsibility. Not only doing less harm is not enough—businesses must actively do good. But to truly transform, we need more than new solutions; we need a fundamental, ontological shift in how we see the world and our role within it. His latest book, Carbon: The Book of Life, reminds us that all life-supporting systems are deeply interconnected. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on rethinking business, reimagining our relationship with the planet, and moving beyond sustainability toward true regeneration. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.