Jean Oelwang: Collaboration for Future Prosperity

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, Cristian Samper shares his journey from nature-obsessed childhood in Colombia to leading one of the most ambitious global environmental initiatives - Bezos Earth Fund. He discusses conservation wins, the urgency of climate action, biodiversity restoration, indigenous rights, sustainable protein, and how we can all contribute to planetary health.Cristian also highlights restoring biodiversity, transforming food systems, and empowering global environmental action in order to meet the 30x30 global challenge. Discover the critical importance of biodiversity, sustainable protein, the innovative strategies for environmental conservation, and the urgent actions needed to protect our planet. What is the role of philanthropy in driving change and how can each of us contribute to a healthier planet?  TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. Don't forget to subscribe and support us on Patreon!For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, Cristina Mittermeier, Founder of The International League of Conservation Photographers and Sea Legacy, shares her inspiring journey from marine biologist in Mexico to becoming one of the world’s most influential conservation photographers. She reflects on pivotal moments that shaped her path and the power of storytelling to engage the public on urgent environmental issues.Cristina opens up about capturing iconic images—from a polar bear in distress to her work alongside Indigenous communities—and highlights the urgent need to redefine prosperity and humanity’s relationship with nature. With a message grounded in hope and resilience, she encourages listeners to discover their own purpose in protecting the planet.How did a marine biologist become a world-class storyteller who coined the term conservation photography?  TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, Jean Oelwang, the Founding CEO of Virgin Unite and Planetary Guardians, highlights the importance of life transitions, cultural insights gained from diverse experiences, and the impact of partnerships in creating social change.  Jean shares her journey from telecom to founding Virgin Unite with Richard Branson, emphasizing the need for business practices centered around People and Planet. She also highlights lessons learned from Richard Branson, her boss and mentor, around leadership, risk-taking, and the importance of kindness, as well as the significance of building bridges across divides and forging successful partnerships. How can we forge deep connections and build partnerships for greater impact for People and Planet?  TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, Mindahi Bastida, a spiritual leader and scholar, and Founder and Convenor of The Earth Elders, explores indigenous wisdom, the purpose of life, the significance of ceremony, and the importance of environmental stewardship. Drawing from his upbringing, ancestral teachings, and the guiding principles of Indigenous philosophy,  Mindahi shares profound insights into our relationship with the universe. He reflects on the legacy of the Earth Summit, the ongoing work of planetary restoration, and the Prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor - calling for reunification of the Peoples. Emphasizing the deep interconnectedness of all life, he highlights the vital role of ancestral wisdom and Earth Elders in navigating today’s global challenges. Mindahi calls for a return to Earth Ethics—a way of being rooted in love, reciprocity, collective responsibility, etc.What lessons can the modern world draw from Indigenous cultures to restore harmony with nature??  TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, the legendary oceanographer and explorer,  Sylvia Earle, takes us on a journey through her remarkable life beneath the waves. A pioneer in marine exploration and the first female Chief Scientist of NOAA, she explains why ocean health is crucial to our shared future.Dedicated to protecting and restoring the ocean’s fragile ecosystem, Sylvia reveals her vision for protecting and restoring the ocean through her nonprofit, Mission Blue. She calls for collective action and reflects on humanity's capacity for both destruction and compassion, urging listeners to prioritize caring for the planet.How did Sylvia become the first woman to walk solo on the ocean floor and go on to become a trailblazing voice for the blue heart of our planet? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Founder of SOC Films, shares her journey from growing up in Pakistan to winning the Academy Awards (twice!). She discusses the powerful narratives she has captured in her films, including two Oscar-winning documentaries, “Saving Face” and “A Girl in the River”, and emphasizes the importance of empathy in storytelling, the challenges faced by women around the world, and her commitment to amplifying voices that inspire change. She also reflects on her recent work in Hollywood, the lessons she drew from working with Diane von Furstenberg in her latest biopic, as well as the significance of sharing diverse stories that resonate with global audiences.How did Sharmeen become the only female director to have won two Academy Awards by the age of 37? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, Barney Swan, Founder of ClimateForce, an explorer and a gifted keynote speaker, shares stories of planting trees with Dr. Jane Goodall, working with both modern and Indigenous wisdom keepers,  his approach to  mental health and wellbeing in navigating the “attention economy”.  In this conversation, Barney discusses the importance of self-realization and circular economy, honoring what has brought us this far, and how to find common ground on sustainability. He also explores the interconnectedness of biodiversity and the survival of human species, while emphasizing the need for commitment, humility, and humor in creating a safety net for the future. How do we navigate the attention economy and find common ground on sustainability?  TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, Elisabeth Stern, a cultural anthropologist, a peace and environmental activist, and a board member of Senior Women for Climate Protection Switzerland, recounts how the group prevailed through an eight-year legal battle to ultimately secure a landmark judgement against its own government for its inadequate climate policy. A passionate advocate for climate protection as a human right, Elisabeth emphasizes the leverage the financial sector has in addressing climate change by not funding fossil fuel related projects, while also sharing her vision of hope for the future.How did a group of Senior Swiss Women persevere through an eight-year legal battle and ultimately secure a historic victory against their own government? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, Prakash Govindan, founder and COO of Gradiant, takes us through his journey of building a global leader in advanced water and wastewater treatment. Committed to giving nature its water back and ensuring it for generations to come, he explores the vital role of water, the groundbreaking technologies Gradiant has developed, and their impact on addressing global water scarcity and pollution.A spiritual seeker and a bhakti yogi, Prakash also shares wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita, the holy Hindu scripture. How did Prakash built the first and only water tech unicorn out of his doctoral thesis? And what is his interpretation of life based on the Bhagavad Gita, the holy Hindu scripture? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

In this episode of The Founder Spirit, Trupti Jain, a social entrepreneur from India and co-founder of Naireeta Services, an organization at the forefront of climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, shares the value she placed on water at an early age growing up in harsh climate conditions.  She discusses the hardships women farmers in rural India faced and explains the invention of Bhungroo, a water management solution, and its impact on improving the lives of smallholder farmers. How did Trupti manage to bridge gender equity, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment to transform the lives of rural communities in India? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!