Leading in a Climate Changed World

In this episode, Robin speaks to Dr Raj Thamotheram, founder and chair of Preventable Surprises, a London based 'think-do'​ tank that seeks to drive behaviour change within the investment sector.

The episode features an in-depth conversation about climate consciousness within the finance and investment sectors, showing the force behind sustainability shouldn’t just be about the energy industry.

Raj talks about how governmental policy and finance can be the levers to positive climate action but also why enough is not being done yet.

A large focus of the episode is leadership within the business world and how people do not have to be part of a senior management team or directorship to instigate positive change. They discuss which companies and industries are doing the right thing and offer some helpful advices for becoming a positive maverick in the workplace.

Raj and Robin discuss frankly about coping with the burden of the crisis and where we should be applying pressure to have the most impact.

Please get in touch if you have any feedback or can recommend anyone who may be willing to take part in our podcasts or online interviews.

The website is leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com - email [email protected]

We would also love to hear from you if you are doing anything which focuses on sustainable practice or a community cause dedicated to improving the environment or society. Give us a shout and we will try to give you a plug.

Welcome to the 12th episode of Leading in a Climate Changed World, from Olivier Mythodrama.

This episode, we talk to Managing Director of Weleda UK, Jayn Sterland.

Jayn talks about her career and how she found her purpose and switched from an industry with unsustainable practices.  She talks about moving away from the “corporate game” and how to step into a position of leadership with integrity and authenticity, without compromising your values.

Robin and Jayn discuss masculine and feminine leadership traits, and how they are lacking in the world of business.

Jayn uncovers how to come to terms with the fact that we are all part of a system and, using her experience within the fashion and beauty industry, demonstrates simple ways to begin your own, personal revolution .

The theme running throughout, is that of the importance of re-connection. Re-establishing ties with your childhood, your fundamental values and of course, with nature. Jayn talks about how she had to unlearn almost everything she had learnt on a practical level, in order to lead from a position of authenticity.

We would love to hear from you if you are running a business, which focuses on sustainable practice or a community cause dedicated to improving the environment or society in general.

Please visit leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com or email [email protected]

In this episode, we speak to respected environmentalist and broadcaster, Jonathon Porritt.

We jump straight in by asking who needs to do more and whether there are any countries or corporations taking climate change seriously enough.

Robin and Jonathan discuss governmental action around the world, and what happens when you are led by an authority that has interests in unethical practices.

They focus on the UK and what our country has done right, and what it needs to do to lead the fight for the future of the planet, as well as the current roadblocks in the way.

Tying in with the Fridays for Future and Global climate strikes, Jonathon discusses civic action and what society can do to enforce change, from small gestures to large-scale involvement.

In terms of business leadership, Robin and Jonathon talk about how companies are better informed but are still missing the mark. What they should aim to achieve how can government intervention can help along the way?

Please get in touch would like to suggest any podcast or website interviewees on [email protected]. We're now on Twitter and Facebook. A follow and retweet would be wonderful!

Enjoy the podcast...

Welcome to episode 10 of Leading in a Climate Changed World from Olivier Mythodrama

In this episode, we are lucky to be speaking to Dr Jem Bendell Professor of Sustainability Leadership and author of Deep Adaptation.

Jem starts by summarising climate science within his work in Deep Adaptation and corporate sustainability, in which he explains why different industries are in denial about what’s going on in the world today.

He introduces the 4 R’s needed to motivate change and encourage preparation for a new way of living.

Robin and Jem talk about leadership and discuss how to introduce conversations around climate change, particularly if you are catapulted into a new leadership position.

They discuss the importance of talking to the younger generation and getting the balance of hope and action right.

As a professor of leadership, Jem identifies where he sees direction and influence emerging and how grassroots leadership is beginning to embody the change needed to tackle the climate crisis, as well as recognising the importance of practices available to help leaders

Please don’t forget to rate our podcast and share with anyone and everyone. In case you weren’t aware, all podcasts so far, are accompanied by a video hosted on the Olivier Mythodrama YouTube channel (youtube.com/oliviermythodrama).

If you would like to suggest any interviews or would like to partner up for any projects or simply get a bit more information, please email [email protected]

Over to Robin and Jem…

In our 9th episode, it’s a huge privilege to introduce Joanna Macy. Joanna is an environmental activist, author, scholar of Buddhism, general systems theory, and deep ecology.

As Joanna turns 90 years old, with absolutely no intention of slowing down, Robin talks to her about her experiences with climate change over the decades and what has kept her motivation as strong as ever.

Joanna takes us on an inspirational journey, discussing leadership and how it has been represented in the context of environmental issues, and how she feels leaders must act to prevent climate disaster.

She talks about governmental and ecological systems and the reality faced by all of us. What we have to shed, before we move on into a brave new world.

Joanna discusses what has moved to her to action, over the years and what has been part of her own evolution.

We hope you enjoy this fascinating insight into one of the most respected voices in the movements for peace, justice, and ecology.

In our 8th instalment, Robin talks to Innovator and global brand change maker, Sara Vaughan.

With Sara’s background and influence within some of the world’s biggest companies, the two delve into what it takes for corporations to undertake a transformation which allows their brand to become synonymous with sustainability, from supply chain to workforce satisfaction.

What impact do we have as leaders and how do you consciously define your company’s ethical purpose, if the corporate responsibility is to the shareholders.

As well as the usual look at the characteristics of leadership in a world focused on climate action, we look at how exactly we can engineer the epiphanies needed to kick-start meaningful change.

There are many companies that are beginning to embrace sustainable business and Sara highlights how companies can learn from well-intentioned initiatives, that don’t go to plan.

They discuss female leaders who have inspired and impacted the business environment, and how leaders can amplify the forces which support the transition to better working practices.

Robin and Sara discuss the impact of money and how we lever the economic model towards sustainability, as well as the role of social media and marketing, in the charge for good.

Find more of our podcasts on leadinginaclimatecangedworld.com or our parent site oliviermythodrama.com – or search for Olivier Mythodrama, wherever you get your podcasts.

Over to Robin and Sara.

This episode sees Robin talk to Sir Michael Barber Educationist and founder and chairman of Delivery Associates, an advisory firm focussed on working with governments and other organisations to help them deliver improved outcomes for citizens.

The focus of this discussion is very much based on leadership from governments around the issue of climate change, starting with the question about why it has taken so long to them to begin to take it seriously.

Robin and Michael focus on influential leadership and discuss what the key levers are to help governments deliver on the promises they have made.

They also talk about the role of civil disobedience and the role it can play, when you look at the effect, historically. Is this the type of renegade leadership we should be encouraging? Do governments see the roles of Extinction Rebellion and Greta Thunberg as irritations or motivations?

They discuss the qualities of leaders that we need to balance a sense of urgency, with the space and innovation to create solutions.

They also consider how best to embody hope, rather than despair.

Find more of our podcasts on leadinginaclimatecangedworld.com or our parent site oliviermythodrama.com – or search for Olivier Mythodrama, wherever you get your podcasts.

This incredible episode, sees Robin talk to Dr Scilla Elworthy, peace builder and founder of the oxford research group.

Robin and Scilla discuss leadership around the subject of climate change and emerging examples of leadership from companies such as the CDP and individuals like Al Gore. They talk about the need for increased action and how important the school strikes have been to bring exposure to the topic.

They talk about conscious misinformation and how there are seeds of doubt sewn around studies and what we purport to know. How do we separate what is true and are there are subversive attempts to distract people from legitimate causes?

Scilla talks about different industries shaping the future of sustainable business and how investment companies are moving money into positive commercial enterprises.

She talks about being involved in the initiation of the Elders  with Peter Gabriel, Richard Branson and Nelson Mandela. This organisation brings together a group of eminent leaders to offer a collective influence to support the shared interest of humanitarian subjects, like climate change, healthcare and global equality.

Scilla describes how leaders don’t have to be good orators and how the presence and integrity of Greta Thunberg is reminiscent of Mandela.

Robin and Scilla discuss the ‘job description’ of a leader who can have a positive impact on a deeper level, within their organisation and beyond.

Before we go onto hear from Scilla and Robin, just a quick plug for our new website leadinginaclimatechangedworld.com, where all our podcasts can be found. We intend to build on this space and have a lot more in store for the future.

If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please email hello@leadinginaclimatechangedworld or leave a comment on the website.

Finally, please don’t forget to subscribe and share the podcast with everyone you know. We still have some amazing names lined up for future episodes and a lot more to come.

Enjoy the podcast, over to Robin and Scilla.

Our fifth episode sees Robin speak to Rob Hopkins, environmentalist, activist, author, and founder of the Transition Network, a movement of communities coming together to re-imagine and rebuild our world.

This episode sees Robin and Rob talk about the need for imagination and creative thinking in the corporate world. How we need to move away from the 1980s platitudes of “Business as usual” and Thatcher’s famous quote, “there is no alternative”.

They discuss the different styles of leadership we need to develop and how facing opposition should be embraced.

Let’s hear from Robin and Rob

Straight from the Climate Change and Consciousness Conference, Robin talks to Christiana Figueres, former Executive Secretary to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and convenor of Mission 2020 a shared global campaign to accelerate climate change action and reduce greenhouse emissions to protect the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Christiana spent 35 years as a senior international diplomat and was a significant figure in brokering the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Robin and Christiana talk about international leadership and the implication of the US pulling out of the Paris Agreement in 2020. Is this really the disaster it’s made out to be?

They discuss how top-down and grass roots leadership can combine to make an impact on important topics, like climate change.

They talk about the role that international government plays in working towards a carbon neutral planet.

If it can’t be the sole responsibility of the government, then who else must take action and what can we do as individuals?

A key discussion point includes, how leaders of businesses and communities can influence global corporates and their commercial decisions.

Over to Robin and Christiana…

Music by Kevin MacLeod. Available under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/.... Download link: https://incompetech.com/music/royalty