In this episode, we talk to Brett Jenks, who leads Rare, a global organization empowering communities to protect and manage natural resources sustainably. As CEO, he has driven initiatives like Fish Forever—the world’s largest coastal fishery recovery effort—and has blended behavioral science with community-led conservation, expanding the organization’s reach to over 60 countries to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable agriculture. He has also extended this work into the for-profit sector with The Meloy Fund. Additionally, he is a Catto Fellow, Braddock Scholar, McNulty Prize laureate, and trustee of the Grantham Trust. His commitment to our planet has earned him global recognition, including the Rose-Walters Prize for Environmental Activism.

During this episode, we explore Rare’s innovative approach to conservation, including how behavioral science and community-led efforts are transforming global environmental action. We discuss lessons from partnerships, the role of impact investing, and the potential of tech innovations like the EverForest game. Plus, we uncover practical steps listeners can take to support conservation and examine the decisions that have shaped Rare’s impact under his leadership.

180: 1% for the Planet: Pioneering Global Environmental Solutions with Kate Williams

Ever Forrest Game

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“People change when they see other people change.”

In this episode, we talk to Wendy Jedlička. She has a strong background in design, manufacturing, and business. As a Lifetime Certified Packaging Professional and certified Sustainability Associate, she brings a wealth of expertise in sustainable design and business strategies. She is the president of a packaging design firm that specializes in creating sustainable solutions, and she’s played a key role in coordinating the o2 International Network for Sustainable Design in the US. Beyond her work in the field, she also develops curriculum and teaches courses on sustainable design, marketing, and business. An internationally recognized speaker and prolific writer, she’s contributed to leading design publications and authored chapters in well-known books, bringing cutting-edge insights to professionals worldwide.

During this episode we talked about our guest’s journey into sustainable packaging, exploring what first inspired her, how packaging has evolved, and the latest materials and technologies shaping its future. She dispels common misconceptions about sustainable packaging, shares the biggest challenges businesses face in adopting sustainable practices, and discusses her efforts to weave sustainability into education. We also talk about her books, Packaging Sustainability and Sustainable Graphic Design, and hear her advice for anyone wanting to make a meaningful impact.

Links from the episodes:

Course 77 video

Nanobag

Where can people find Wendy?

LinkedIn

MCAD

O2 Upper Midwest

KEY TAKE AWAY

"Products and packaging needs to be a team and currently they are not treated that way."

In this episode, we talk to Maddie Hamann, a remarkable individual with a journey that spans diverse fields. She began with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, followed by a Ph.D. in Oceanography, and went on to manage large-scale projects, ranging from research campaigns to art installations. Eventually, she made the bold move to start a sustainable bread company.

Her passion for healing humanity’s relationship with our planet led her to realize that her skills in organizing and executing impactful projects could make a greater difference than research alone. Now, as Co-Founder and Director of Marketing at PACHA, she promotes regenerative agriculture through healthy eating.

During this episode, we talked about what inspired Maddie’s career shift, the origins of PACHA, and why buckwheat was chosen for its environmental benefits. We also discussed her vision for PACHA’s future—all with a focus on supporting Mama Earth.

Links from the episodes:

Kiss the ground documentary

Invest in Pacha

Where can people find Maddie and Pacha?

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LinkedIn - Maddie

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“I wanted to be part of the solution.”