How do we shift from an obsession with economic growth to a focus on human and planetary wellbeing? On this episode of The Sustainability Journey, we speak with Lorenzo Fioramonti, former Italian Minister of Education and Academic Director at Nativa Campus.

Lorenzo introduces the concept of a wellbeing economy, where development is measured by its impact on quality of life, not consumption. Drawing from examples like New Zealand’s wellbeing budget, Lorenzo highlights the policies, education reforms, and business innovations needed to create a sustainable and just future.

With thought-provoking insights such as "We need to build an economy that improves quality of life within planetary boundaries," this episode offers a roadmap for change.

“Universities aren’t just about research; they’re about finding holistic solutions that include policy, science, and people"

In this episode of The Sustainability Journey, host Samuele Tini welcomes Dr, Valerie Thomas, the Anderson-Interface Chair of Natural Systems and Professor in the H. Milton School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech, to discuss transformative solutions for today’s environmental challenges. Valerie shares her fascinating career journey—from nuclear arms control to spearheading innovations in sustainability.

The conversation dives into:

• The slow but impactful energy transition in developed and emerging markets.
• The future of freight transportation, biofuels, and carbon capture technologies.
• Groundbreaking research on industrial efficiency in paper and semiconductor production.
• The crucial role of policies and scaling innovations for real-world impact.
• Practical advice for individuals to contribute to sustainability efforts.

Valerie’s expertise bridges academia and actionable solutions, providing valuable insights into balancing new technologies and systemic change. Join us for an engaging exploration of the science, policy, and practices driving a sustainable future.

Digital transformation is the key to building resilience against climate unpredictability.

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Horsten, Chief Growth Officer at AgUnity, to discuss how digital technologies are revolutionising smallholder farming and tackling the challenges of climate change, market access, and compliance with EU deforestation regulations.

Peter shares his inspiring sustainability journey and explains how AgUnity’s solutions are enhancing transparency and resilience in agricultural value chains. From leveraging GPS for deforestation-free compliance to empowering cooperatives through data-driven decisions, Peter illustrates how innovation can create a fairer, more sustainable world.

“Amid challenges, it is our commonalities, not our conflicts, that define us.” A message of hope for this Christmas season!

In this episode of The Sustainability Journey, we explore the profound connection between entrepreneurship and storytelling with Miles Spencer—author, mentor, and serial entrepreneur. Drawing from his experiences retracing the legendary path of Lawrence of Arabia, Miles shares a unique perspective on finding purpose in both business and storytelling.

Through tales from the Middle East, Miles reveals how shared cultural narratives can bridge divides and inspire new ways of thinking. “Storytelling is the currency of the future,” he explains, highlighting its crucial role in problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and making knowledge accessible in today’s AI-driven world.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Jacky Zhu, CEO of ORCAUBOAT, a trailblazer in autonomous technology. Jacky shares the incredible journey of developing cleaning robots that tackle both physical and chemical water pollution across lakes, rivers, and oceans.

From being the first Chinese robotics company to join the UN Global Partnership on Marine Litter to inspiring the next generation of young innovators, Jacky’s story showcases the power of technology in creating a sustainable future.

Tune in to hear about:

• The innovative use of AI and robotics in water conservation
• ORCAUBOAT’s global deployment and customer feedback
• The challenges and rewards of leading a sustainable tech company
• Advice for young entrepreneurs aiming to make an impact

In this enlightening episode of The Sustainability Journey, Elise Som, Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of Altos Planos, shares how she is revolutionising the spirits industry. From local production in Jalisco to supporting biodiversity and achieving B Corp certification, Elise explains how her team prioritises sustainability at every step of the process.

Key Takeaways:

• Why biodiversity credits are the future of sustainability.
• The role of women and local communities in creating a sustainable value chain.
• How B Corp certification opens doors and drives accountability.

💬 "Being B Corp certified is living proof that you are walking the talk." – Elise Som

I sat down with Carlos Álvarez Pereira, Secretary General of the Club of Rome, to explore the roots and evolution of the global sustainability movement.

From the groundbreaking Limits to Growth report to the latest insights on equity, well-being, and cultural transformation, Carlos shares a compelling narrative about humanity's challenges and opportunities in creating a sustainable future. Discover how systemic thinking, empowering people, and redefining business education can spark meaningful change.

“Human well-being for all is possible within planetary boundaries. The cornerstone for that is equity."

“It starts by connecting with others—by reconnecting with life, with humanity, and with nature. Change begins with mindset.”

"We must upgrade democracy, create citizens’ assemblies, and assert economic power to change the system"

In this episode we sit down with Dr. Gail Bradbrook, co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, to discuss her path from a coal miner's daughter to a leading activist challenging systemic structures. Gail shares her belief that "the current economic system is inherently anti-life" and calls for a deeper transformation: "We must upgrade democracy, create citizens’ assemblies, and assert economic power to change the system." Listen in as she describes her journey, the challenges of building alternative systems, and why civil disobedience is essential for climate action: "It is the duty of a thinking citizen to rebel against governments and corporations when life on Earth is at stake."