Reflecting on a 30 Year Career in Sustainability

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.

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

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

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