In this episode, we talk to Jim Massey. He is the best-selling author of Trust in Action and the soon-to-be-released Risk in Action. He’s also the founder of Eastward, a company rethinking how organizations see and act on risk. A former Chief Sustainability Officer at AstraZeneca and Zai Lab, Jim has spent his career helping leaders turn trust, ethics, and innovation into impact.

During this episode Jim shares how he’s advised boards, led bold ESG agendas, and built simple models that cut through the noise so leaders can act. Outside of work, he’s a traveller, a dad, and co-author of the Amazon #1 bestseller GeoKids. Jim’s all about turning big talk into bold action.

[00:00]- Introduction to Sustainability and Business Ethics

[03:05]- The Journey into Sustainability

[06:11]- Trust and Human Behavior in ESG

[09:14]- Navigating Certifications and Transparency

[12:07]- Focusing on Sustainable Development Goals

[17:57]- Innovation as a Catalyst for Change

[24:43]- Navigating the Land of Next: AI and Innovation

[31:43]- The Path to Net Zero: Understanding Emissions

[36:10]- Transformational Leadership: Bridging the Gap

[41:09]- Risk, Trust, and Fear: A New Framework for Action

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• Businesses must move beyond box ticking to create real impact.
• Trust and ethics are essential for sustainable business practices.
• Transparency is more valuable than certifications in building trust.
• Focusing on specific Sustainable Development Goals can drive meaningful change.
• Innovation should be viewed as a catalyst for sustainable practices.
• Human behavior plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of ESG initiatives.
• Risk should be seen as an opportunity for growth and change.
• Companies need to address core issues rather than just the fringe parts.
• The journey to sustainability often requires a shift in mindset.
• Building trust involves doing what you say you will do. AI is advancing faster than regulations can keep up.
• Participation in AI contributes to its advancement.
• Risk should be seen as an invitation to innovate.
• Companies often have outdated policies on AI.
• The fear of job loss due to AI is prevalent.
• Transformational leadership is essential for change.
• Focus on scope one and two emissions for net zero.
• Transparency in corporate goals is crucial.
• Action is necessary to address climate change.
• Understanding and addressing fear can lead to progress.

In this episode, we talk to Etelle Higonnet. She is the Founder & Director of Coffee Watch. A graduate of Yale Law School, she's an attorney and environmental and human rights activist. She previously worked at Mighty Earth, National Wildlife Federation, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, as well as two war crimes courts.

She was knighted as a Chevalier de l'ordre national du Mérite in her home country of France for her pioneering efforts to curb deforestation in high-risk commodities with an emphasis on cocoa, rubber, palm oil, cattle, and soy industries. She has worked in over 30 countries, is widely published, speaks 9 languages, and is now dedicated to trying to end deforestation and slavery in the global coffee industry

[00:00] -Introduction to Etelle Higonnet

[02:52] -The Birth of Coffee Watch

[04:22] -The Dark Side of Coffee Production

[08:27] -Child Labor in Coffee Farming

[15:04] -Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

[18:52] -The Role of Law in Corporate Accountability

[23:56] -Greenwashing and Consumer Power

[34:37] -Impact of Coffee Watch and Future Goals

[47:18] - Final Thoughts and Call to Action

How Your Coffee Can Make A Difference with RAW Coffee

Coffee Watch

Etelle Higonnet

• Etelle's journey into human rights began in Guatemala as a teenager.
• Coffee Watch aims to combat human rights and environmental abuses in the coffee industry.
• Most coffee consumed globally is linked to child labor and deforestation.
• Parents of child laborers want their children in school but face economic obstacles.
• Living income for farmers can eliminate child labor and poverty in coffee production.
• Certifications often do not guarantee a living wage for farmers.
• Consumer demand can drive companies to adopt better practices.
• Greenwashing is prevalent in the coffee industry, making it hard to identify ethical products.
• Law enforcement is crucial for addressing illegal practices in the coffee industry.
• The future of coffee production can be sustainable with consumer awareness and action.

In this episode, we talk to Sam Baker. He shares his journey from studying chemistry and pyrotechnics to founding Wriggle Brew, a company focused on creating sustainable fertilizers using earthworms. He discusses the environmental challenges posed by synthetic fertilizers, the importance of soil health in combating climate change, and the role of decomposers in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Sam also highlights the challenges faced in developing their product and the significance of perseverance in scientific research. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of sustainability and the responsibility we all have to protect our planet.

[00:00]- The Journey Begins: From Pyrotechnics to Sustainability

[04:36]- Wriggle Brew: Revolutionizing Fertilizers with Earthworms

[06:41]- Soil Health: The Connection to Climate Change

[09:56]- The Impact of Synthetic Fertilizers on Soil and Ecosystems

[20:13]- The Science of Earthworms: Nature's Decomposers

[24:55]- Overcoming Challenges: The Trials of Wriggle Brew

[29:57]- Scaling Up: The Future of Wriggle Brew and Sustainable Practices

[36:57]- Final 5

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• Sam's journey began with a passion for chemistry and pyrotechnics.
• Environmental challenges led Sam to focus on sustainable solutions.
• Wriggle Brew uses earthworms to create organic fertilizers.
• Synthetic fertilizers harm soil health and ecosystems.
• Healthy soil is crucial for combating climate change.
• Earthworms play a vital role in nutrient recycling.
• The use of nitrogen fertilizers creates a feedback loop of soil depletion.
• Science often involves trial and error in research.
• Sustainability requires collective effort and responsibility.
• The future of our planet depends on our actions today.

In next months episode we are are looking at some sustainability certifications. What it means and that to whatch out for.