Through this series, we speak with Sustainability Ambassadors about the work they are doing as corporate executives, government leaders, non-profit professionals, academics, or entrepreneurs to solve the environmental, social, and economic challenges faced.
Episodes are grounded in experience, with our goal to engage and inspire viewers to take the “next steps” on their own sustainability journey
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Through this series, we speak with Sustainability Ambassadors about the work they are doing as corporate executives, government leaders, non-profit professionals, academics, or entrepreneurs to solve the environmental, social, and economic challenges faced.
Episodes are grounded in experience, with our goal to engage and inspire viewers to take the “next steps” on their own sustainability journey
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we dive into the concept of degrowth with John Mulrow, founder of the Degrowth Institute and adjunct professor at Purdue University, as a way to answer the question "What if sustainability isn't enough?"
A question many sustainability professionals have begin to reflect on as they seek to better understand true impact of their work—and question whether efficiency gains and carbon reductions are enough— at the same time the topic of degrowth is emerging as a conversation about what the wider goals should be.
John unpacks what degrowth really means—beyond the buzzword—and why it's essential for achieving ecological sustainability and social justice. We explore the shortcomings of traditional sustainability frameworks, the role of economic savings in fueling further consumption, and how professionals and organizations can begin to challenge the growth paradigm in their own work.
With thoughtful insights into equity, historical responsibility, and systems thinking, this episode pushes us to reimagine prosperity in a world of limits.
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In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, Rich Brubaker speaks with Bob Inglis, former U.S. Congressman and founder of republicEn.org, about the growing opportunity for conservative leadership in the fight against climate change.
The conversation explores the cultural and linguistic barriers that have historically kept conservatives from engaging with the climate movement—and how those are beginning to shift.
Bob shares his personal journey, explains how conservatives view climate risk and solutions, and outlines why pricing mechanisms and free enterprise are central to a conservative climate strategy.
Throughout the episode, Bob challenges both sides to overcome outdated narratives and come together around pragmatic, economically sound climate action.
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In this episode, Nicole Martens, Head of Impact Advisory at a South Africa–based think tank and consultancy, reflects on the current state of sustainability and the need to return to first principles.
She shares her career journey in sustainability and finance, her perspective on the recent recalibration in the field, and the risks of commitments built on assumptions.
Nicole discusses sector-specific challenges, the balance between local and global approaches, the role of finance in shaping outcomes, and the importance of credibility, accountability, and evidence-based strategies.
She also offers guidance for professionals on how to navigate the pullback with pragmatism and purpose.
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In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, I sit down with Ralph Thurm, founder of a|head Ahead and co-founder of r3.0, to explore a pressing question:
Has the sustainability movement lost its way?
Drawing on decades of experience—from Siemens and Deloitte to his leadership role at GRI—Ralph delivers an unflinching critique of the current state of sustainability.
Through our conversation, he questions whether sustainability, as it's practiced today, even exists, and together we unpack what went wrong—from flawed assumptions and missed opportunities to the industry's failure to deliver systemic transformation—and what needs to happen now to reclaim the original purpose of the movement.
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In this episode, Rich speaks with Dr. Tauni Lanier, a pioneer in sustainable finance, about her 30-year journey bridging environmental issues with the world of investment and risk.
From her early days in investment banking during the Asian debt crisis to launching the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, Tauni reflects on how the language, structures, and professional expectations in sustainability have shifted across generations.
She discusses the growing complexity of data, the emergence of uninsurable risks, the role of regulation, and the pendulum swing between generalists and specialists.
The conversation offers a candid look at the current environment, the risks of dilution and defensiveness, and thoughtful advice for those working—or entering—the sustainability field today.
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In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, I speak with Harco Leertouwer, a leading recruiter of sustainability executives, abdout the The Future of Sustainability Careers.
It is a conversation that begins speaking to the current state of hiring, and the implications of the recent pullback in sustainability roles, and from there we speak to what it means for teams, budgets, and opportunities across industries.
From there, we explore how the career paths of Chief Sustainability Officers and other professionals are evolving, why conviction and pragmatism are now critical to success, and the skills that define leaders who can both inspire with vision and deliver impact in challenging times.
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In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we explore how great government partnerships become a true force multiplier for impact with Ratna Viswanathan, CEO of Reach to Teach.
Drawing on her 30+-wide years of work across government and development positions, Ratna shares with us her insights into the benefits of embedding inside state education departments, co-designing with officials and teachers, and leveraging existing machinery, is the best path to impacting millions.
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In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we speak with Preity Gurung, a passionate young processional who found her purpose through a career in sustainable development.
As a Program Officer at the Center for Indigenous Peoples’ Research and Development (CIPRED), Preity shares her journey from intern to field leader, working to preserve the knowledge, culture, and customary practices of indigenous communities facing the mounting pressures of climate change, displacement, and marginalization.
Through our conversation, we spoke about the need for communities to have self-determined development, how traditional knowledge systems contribute to climate resilience, and her reflections on the value of working directly with communities to influence policy and create lasting impact.
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In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we speak with Diana Njeru, Project Director at BBC Media Action, about her work equipping local journalists across Africa to tell community-centered stories of climate change.
Diana shares how her team partners with rural media stations — often lacking resources, infrastructure, and formal training — to build storytelling capacity that can save lives and inspire action. From early warning systems for floods and droughts to stories that challenge traditional norms, Diana’s work shows how powerful local media can be in both daily decision-making and long-term climate resilience. Tune in to learn how she and her team are turning media into a tool for transformation.
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In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, I speak with Philipp Meister, Global Fashion and Sporting Goods Chemical Lead at Quantis, about the need for sustainability leaders to begin rebuilding the business case for sustainability.
With over 16 years in the sporting goods industry at companies like Nike and Adidas, Philipp brings deep insight into how sustainability roles are evolving inside organizations—and how today’s Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) must adapt to shifting business and geopolitical realities.
Through our conversation, we explore how leaders can maintain momentum in the face of headwinds, why data-driven business cases are reshaping sustainability strategy, and what’s required to turn internal coalitions into engines of real change.
Whether you're an experienced CSO or just entering the field, this conversation is a valuable look at how to lead during uncertain times—and how to translate sustainability into resilience and business value.
Link to research: https://quantis.com/insights/how-csos-can-lead-the-climate-comeback/
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In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we’re joined by Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, who speaks about their recent work to create a new model for environmental philanthropy.
A bold new initiative for the organization, the Planet Impact Fund, introduces a new philanthropic tool that blends investment and grantmaking to amplify their impact.
Kate walks us through the fund’s origin, structure, and vision, and explains how this new model creates space for broader participation—from individuals to companies—while remaining rooted in their core belief in the power of philanthropy. We also discuss the mindset shift this required, how nonprofits might explore similar innovations, and what it means to build systems that move beyond incrementalism.
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In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we speak with Bernadette Victorio, Program Lead for Fair Finance Asia, to explore how raising the bar for transparency and accountability across the region’s banking sector.
Bernadette outlines the network’s three-tier strategy—capacity-building at the national level, coordinated advocacy at the regional level, and alignment with global standards—to ensure capital respects both people and planet.
Together, we unpack the legacy of the 2008 financial crisis, the emergence of “just transition” as a guiding principle, and the practical challenges of engaging regulators, multilateral banks, and local communities.
If you want a clear view of what sustainable finance must look like in Asia—and what it takes to get there—this conversation delivers a grounded, policy-focused roadmap.
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In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we speak with Blair Glencorse, founder and co-CEO of the Accountability Lab, about their research to measure the impact of USAID's closure.
With over 800 NGOs surveyed, their research seeks to understand the immediate and long-term impacts, and in this conversation, Blair shares what the data reveals about financial vulnerability, sector-wide reliance on aid, the structural weaknesses exposed by this shift, and the urgent need for resilience and adaptation across civil society.
Click here for the full report: https://www.globalaidfreeze.com/
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In this episode, we speak with Veronica Lee, who shares insights of USAID's mission, impact, and closure.
A 15 year veteran of the organization, Victoria discusses her path into international development, the critical role USAID plays in global soft power and development assistance, and the detailed processes behind the agency's operations.
She candidly addresses the recent events surrounding USAID's closure, reflecting on the immediate and long-term impacts on global communities and partners.
Victoria also opens up about her personal experience navigating this significant transition in her professional life.
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In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, I sit down with Jaime de Bourbon de Parme, Climate Envoy for the Netherlands to speak about the work of a climate envoy
We explore the critical role of climate diplomacy in today’s shifting geopolitical landscape—from translating science into action to brokering climate finance and empowering local solutions.
Jaime shares how he navigates resistance, builds global coalitions, and why he believes everyone can contribute to the climate agenda—regardless of background.
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In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we speaks with Pritha Hariram, iPAC Director for Water Infrastructure and Climate Adaptation at Ramboll, about the complex challenges and opportunities surrounding global water resilience and climate smart cities.
Drawing on her 23 years of experience across nonprofit, multilateral, corporate, and consulting sectors, Pritha highlights the urgency of the water crisis, the importance of financing and stakeholder collaboration, and the essential role that empathy and on-the-ground experience play in delivering sustainable, impactful solutions.
She also offers valuable advice to young professionals entering the water space, emphasizing curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to learn continuously.
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In this episode, we speak with Madhu Marasini, Secretary at Nepal’s National Planning Commission, about his work to support Nepal's path to economic and climate security.
Through our conversation, Madhu explains how, as one of the world's most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Nepal seeks to integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate change policies, and international partnerships into its planning and budgeting processes.
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In this episode, we speak with Martina Igini, Editor-in-Chief of Earth.org, about her journey into a career in climate journalism, the unique volunteer-based model at Earth.org, and the challenges of covering climate and environmental news.
Martina sheds light on how she coordinates a global network of more than 400 contributors, balances editorial quality and content variety, and navigates fundraising in an era where journalism itself faces financial hurdles.
She also offers practical tips for aspiring environmental journalists, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, networking, and staying hopeful amidst the complexity of climate reporting.
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In this episode of The Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we speaks with Sanushka Mudlair, Director of the Red Cross Red Crescent Global Migration Lab, about the work they are doing to better align policies and programs to support safer pathways for migrants.
As part of our conversation, we speak about the complexities of global migration, the importance of understanding migrants’ lived experiences, and the ways in which humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross can better align programs and policies.
Sanushka shares insights on how qualitative data collection reveals deeper human stories behind migration statistics, underscores the need for humanitarian neutrality amid politicized migration debates, and illustrates how climate change acts as a multiplier of existing inequalities.
She also reflects on her own journey—from childhood experiences shaped by social justice movements to her current work leading cutting-edge research in one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks.
Finally, she offers practical career advice for students and aspiring professionals looking to enter her space, emphasizing relationship-building, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from the people and communities directly affected.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Opening & Introduction
01:22 – The Scale & Nature of Global Migration
03:49 – Climate Change & Systemic Gaps
08:01 – Inside the Global Migration Lab
12:26 – Research Methodology & Field Engagement
16:07 – Sanushka’s Personal Journey & Career Path
19:54 – Field vs. Policy Realities
24:27 – Being a “Scrappy Startup” in a Large Institution
29:00 – Advice for Aspiring Professionals
About Sanushka
Sanushka Mudaliar has over 20 years of experience in working in Australia, China, Singapore and the U.K on policy advocacy, research and global program management related to migration.
Sanushka has worked for Oxfam Australia, the Association for Women's Rights in Development and the Lien Centre for Social Innovation at Singapore Management University, and as a specialist consultant on labour migration and human rights advising United Nations bodies (ILO, IOM, UN Women), and regional intergovernmental bodies (African Union, ASEAN) amongst others.
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In this episode, we speak with Christine Goulay, a sustainable innovation expert, about her recent report on next-generation materials and sustainable fashion.
It is a report, and conversation, that brings to light some of the key challenges of scaling sustainable solutions and provides practical advice for how innovators can learn to pitch better, corporates can learn to better align with innovators, and through new models of collaboration, scale can be achieved.
If you’ve ever wondered how new materials move from idea to mainstream—or how to champion sustainability inside a brand—this episode is packed with practical tips and real-world lessons.
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