Power of Benchmarks to Accelerate Corporate Action

In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, we speak with Eriel Deranger of Indigenous Climate Action about why protecting Indigenous rights and lands must be central to any real climate solution.Through this discussion we unpack the tension between urgency and intention in climate action, why “inclusion” often becomes assimilation, and what it takes to build climate solutions that are equitable, durable, and grounded in real community power.This conversation is a call to look back in order to move forward—so we don’t rebuild the future using the same systems that created today’s crises. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burcin Ikiz, Neuro Climate Working Group Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, I sit down with Professor Mark Miller of the University of Edinburgh to explore how climate change and pollution impact the heart — and what really happens inside the body when we’re exposed to environmental stress. From air pollution to rising temperatures, we unpack how a warming world is placing measurable strain on the cardiovascular system.For decades, we’ve known polluted air damages the lungs. But Mark’s research shows something deeper and more systemic: even short-term exposure to diesel exhaust can stiffen blood vessels, elevate blood pressure, and disrupt heart rhythms — effects that resemble years of accumulated cardiovascular stress. As climate change increases heatwaves and alters pollution patterns, these stressors don’t act alone. They interact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we speak with Gerbrand Haverkamp, Executive Director and co-founder of the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA), about what benchmarking is for—and of the power benchmarks have to accelerate corporate action. Gerbrand explains why WBA was founded in the wake of the SDGs, how WBA translates evolving standards into comparable measures of performance, and how change happens through a mix of learning, pressure, and ultimately norm-setting. The conversation closes with a grounded message to sustainability leaders: focus on what actually reduces emissions, restores nature, and improves lives—because that’s what will stand the test of time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we speak with Heather Navarro about her work at the Midwest Climate Collaboration to support a spectrum of stakeholders making climate progress in the Midwest.Through our discussion, we explore why the Midwest may be one of the most consequential regions in the world for climate progress — and why the most effective work happening there often doesn’t look like “climate action” at all.Along the way, you’ll hear practical lessons from the intersection of advocacy, governance, and implementation — including why solutions break down without the people who have to live with them, enforce them, and maintain them. 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. 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.