What happens when you reach the apex of your career, yet the opportunities aren’t there? How do you navigate ageism, reinvention, and resilience in a world that values subject matter experts over subject matter guides?In this conversation, Jodi Smits Anderson discusses her journey in sustainability, emphasizing the importance of redefining expertise, systems thinking, and the impact of ageism in the workplace. She shares insights on community engagement, the role of regenerative practices, and the need for mentorship and mutual growth. Jodi highlights the significance of focusing on natural systems and the future of sustainability, advocating for a holistic approach that prioritizes both people and the planet.✨ Key Takeaways:🔹 Thriving Through Uncertainty — How to pivot, persist, and push forward despite very real ageism and shifting career landscapes..🔹 Being a Subject Matter Guide — Why adaptability matters more than being an "expert" in today's evolving world.🔹 Tuning Out the Noise – Strategies to stay focused, resilient, and mission-driven when self-doubt creeps in.

In this episode of Net Podsitive, Richard Garrett speaks with Antonio Holguin about the importance of making sustainability accessible and relatable, particularly through storytelling. Antonio shares his personal journey, including his advocacy work and the creation of his children's book, 'The Adventures of the Arroyo Amigos.' They discuss the significance of community initiatives like the Texas Materials Initiative, the power of storytelling in advocacy, and the importance of maintaining optimism in the face of challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for inclusivity in sustainability discussions and the impact of mentorship and personal growth.

Takeaways

• Sustainability must be made accessible and compelling
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for advocacy
• Personal experiences shape our commitment to sustainability
• Community initiatives can drive significant change
• Imposter syndrome is common among advocates
• Meeting people where they are is crucial for effective communication
• The conversation around sustainability is growing and becoming more inclusive
• Children's literature can play a role in sustainability education
• Celebrating small victories helps maintain optimism
• Big changes often start with small, incremental steps

Chapters

00:00 Transforming Eco-Anxiety into Action

01:54 The Journey to Sustainability Advocacy

08:43 Building the Texas Materials Initiative

13:12 The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy

20:41 Creating a Family Legacy through Storytelling

21:13 Bridging Sustainability and Storytelling

23:39 Cultivating Optimism in Advocacy

26:56 The Journey of Advocacy

28:29 Community Engagement and Inclusion

32:07 Hope for Future Generations

34:05 Mentorship and Personal Growth

37:14 Nature as a Source of Inspiration

38:01 The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy

Keywords

#sustainability #storytelling #eco-anxiety #advocacy #communityimpact #optimism #childrensbooks #materialtransparency #personaljourney