ImpacTalks #11 with Simon Rauscher

What if climate change, inequality, and social instability are not separate crises, but symptoms of the same broken system?In this episode of ImpacTalks, We speak with Sam de Muijnck, economist and co-author of Economy Studies, about rethinking economics for a sustainable future.We discuss:📊 Beyond GDP🌍 Sustainability & economic systems💡 Well-being economy⚡ Leadership in uncertainty🚀 Building a better futureAn insightful conversation on how economic thinking shapes our world and why it may need to change.

How can leaders create meaningful sustainability transformation in a world shaped by complexity, uncertainty, and competing priorities?In Episode 17 of ImpacTalks, we are joined by Christian Kozina-Voit, author of Klimaschutz mit System, sustainability scientist, and systems change expert.In this conversation, we explore:🔹 Why sustainability is fundamentally a systems challenge🔹 The gap between sustainability commitments and implementation🔹 Leadership in times of uncertainty and transformation🔹 ESG, measurement, and creating real impact🔹 The role of cities, businesses, and citizens in shaping sustainable futures🔹 What gives hope in the face of today's environmental challengesChristian shares practical insights and thoughtful reflections on how we can move beyond isolated actions and work toward lasting systemic change.Host: Shiva AhmadiProducer: Hülya Afathttps://oikosconsulting.org/

In this episode, we speak with Michael Yang, who is working at the intersection of circular economy, education, and organisational design.We talk about what actually happens when change is attempted inside real systems, why so many strategies fail in practice, and why the key to transformation may lie less in processes and more in human intelligence.A grounded and honest conversation on leadership, pressure, and creating real impact where it matters.Host: Shiva AhmadiProducer: Hülya AfatFollow oikos Consulting on social media to keep informed on what's new! https://linktr.ee/oikosconsulting

In this conversation with Katharina Schätz, we explore the powerful intersection of inner clarity and sustainable transformation — from leadership mindset to real-world impact.We talk about what truly drives change in organizations, how leaders can navigate complexity and resistance, and why sustainable transformation starts from within.If you’re working in sustainability, leading change, or simply asking yourself how to create more meaningful impact — this episode is for you.

What does it take to make research more open, inclusive, and impactful for society?In this conversation, we explore with Dr. Johanna HavemannDr Johanna Havemann how Open Science can drive sustainable change in research and empower scientists worldwide how Open Science can drive sustainable change in research and empower scientists around the world. From strengthening research visibility to building equitable knowledge ecosystems, this episode highlights why openness and collaboration are essential for the future of science.We also discuss inspiring initiatives like AfricArXiv and the work of Access 2 Perspectives, which are helping reshape how knowledge is shared globally.

In Episode #13 of ImpacTalks, we welcome Laura Payer, Founder of The Ambassador Factory, to discuss how organizations can build authentic and credible employer brands.The conversation explores why effective employer branding must start internally, with employees who genuinely represent the company’s values. Laura also shares insights on how sustainability initiatives gain credibility when employees actively embody them, and why many companies still misunderstand the expectations and motivations of Gen Z in the workplace.Finally, the episode highlights an essential communication principle: authenticity matters more than volume. Companies that focus on real stories and engaged people are far more likely to build trust and long-term reputation.Listen now and discover how employees can become a company’s most powerful ambassadors.Host: Shiva AhmadiProducer: Hülya Afatoikos Consulting 2026

Managing sustainability or managing our vision for the future?Celine joined us to discuss her career and her vision for ESG management. We talked about what's driving trends in the sustainability field and how important soft skills are for managing the sustainability of businesses. It is a good node to re-think our mindset and expectations around sustainability and green business practices.

As we conclude our year with the eleventh session, we discussed Simon's AI-powered sustainability reporting platform AITARK. He shared his learnings throughout the process of building his startup, as well as how AI can be useful for both business applications and green innovation.

For Episode #10 of ImpacTalks, we welcome sustainability expert Johanna Wagner to explore how emerging trends are reshaping the future of impactful work. Together, we dive into what it means to redefine impact careers, strengthen sustainability in hospitality, and design green finance that truly works. We also examine how education systems can become more future-ready and why green skills are rapidly rising across industries. With Johanna’s deep expertise and our shared commitment to empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration for anyone driving meaningful change.

Community, Action, and Impactful Work: How is Gen Z dealing with Climate Anxiety?Sophia Perez shared her journey into the world of sustainability and impact-driven work with us. We discussed the importance of mental health in relation to environmental stressors, the need for meaningful work, and the role of community in fostering change. Sophia emphasized the significance of reconnecting with nature, diversity in the workplace, and the necessity of rethinking corporate values to align with the common good. The conversation also touched on the challenges faced by the younger generation in today's economic climate and the impact of social media on mental health. Ultimately, the discussion highlighted the importance of taking action and finding happiness through community engagement and personal growth.