Recalibrating Sustainability: Returning to First Principles

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Throughout the episode, Bob challenges both sides to overcome outdated narratives and come together around pragmatic, economically sound climate action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.