The Ethical Futurists with James Taylor and Alison Burns

By: James Taylor and Alison Burns
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to The Ethical Futurists podcast, where award-winning experts, corporate advisors and keynote speakers James Taylor and Alison Burns delve into the world of sustainable innovation. Join us as James and Alison engage with leading thinkers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, environmentalists and scientists to uncover the latest ideas shaping a more ethical and sustainable future. From sustainability and innovation to future trends and ESG, our conversations span a wide array of topics including renewable energy, cleantech, climate tech, ethical investing, and much more. In each episode James Taylor and Alison Burns explore important issues such as climate change, circular economy, rewilding, net zero carbon goals, and the future of food and energy. Whether you're interested in lab-grown meat and alternative proteins, sustainable finance and impact investing, or climate-related risk and the environment, we've got you covered. About the Hosts: Alison Burns, LL.B Dip LP NP FRSA, is an award-winning performer and expert in business ethics and sustainability. With over 30 years of experience in engineering, entertainment, technology, and law, Alison is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations embrace ethical practices through her engaging keynote speeches. James Taylor, MBA FRSA, began his career managing high-profile rock stars and is now a renowned keynote speaker and leader in business creativity, innovation, and artificial intelligence. For over 20 years, he has been advising CEO’s, entrepreneurs, educators, governments, leaders, writers and rockstars on how to design innovative organizations, unlock creative potential and build a sustainable future. Tune in to The Ethical Futurists podcast for insightful discussions that inspire action towards a more sustainable and ethical future. https://www.theethicalfuturists.com/
    2024
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Business & Careers Economics Politics & Government
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Episodes
  • Muna Merghani of Hagar Group - Carbon Trading, Social Impact and Sustainability #011

    Muna Merghani of Hagar Group - Carbon Trading, Social Impact and Sustainability #011
    Aug 14 2024
    In this enlightening episode of The Ethical Futurists Podcast, hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns interview Muna Merghani, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in humanitarian aid, development management, and corporate sustainability. Muna discusses her journey from tech to social development, her role in establishing and leading the corporate sustainability and social impact department at Haggar Group, and her passion for mentoring new startups. They delve into the complexities of carbon trading, ESG legislation, and the importance of authentic sustainability practices in the private sector. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. Key Takeaways: The creation and implementation of the "complete returns" metric at Haggar Group.The challenges and benefits of carbon trading and how it relates to corporate sustainability.The importance of ESG legislation and the need for genuine implementation beyond just compliance.Muna’s perspective on developing context-specific sustainability policies.The critical role of training and education in fostering a deeper understanding of ESG. Quotes: "We need to make sustainability a cross-cutting issue embedded within companies." - Muna Merghani"It's not just about reporting; it's about understanding and implementing genuine sustainability practices." - Muna Merghani"Do no harm and live peacefully." - Muna Merghani Timestamps: [0:00] Introduction by James Taylor and Alison Burns Overview of the podcast’s focus on sustainability, ethics, and future trends. [1:46] Advertisement: MENA Speakers Information on booking sustainability and ESG speakers through MENA Speakers. [2:31] Guest Introduction: Muna Merghani Introduction of Muna Merghani, her background, and her roles at Haggar Group. [2:57] Current Focus and Recent Changes Muna discusses her recent move to Dubai and current focus on training youth in sustainability and ESG. [4:11] Journey into Sustainability Muna shares her transition from computer science to humanitarian aid and development, and eventually to corporate sustainability. [5:41] Top Accomplishments at Haggar Group Establishing the sustainability department, developing the "complete returns" metric, and engaging in carbon trading. [8:12] Understanding Carbon Trading Explanation of carbon credits, their implementation, and the impact on private enterprises. [11:13] ESG Legislation and Self-Governance Muna's insights on ESG legislation, self-governance, and the importance of genuine sustainability practices. [16:23] Importance of Training in ESG The need for training to move beyond compliance and ensure proper understanding and implementation of ESG. [17:08] Aha Moments in Sustainability Muna's experiences and realizations while developing sustainability policies and practices at Haggar Group. [18:44] Quickfire Round: Book Recommendation Muna recommends "Unbowed" by Wangari Maathai, highlighting the impact of one person's perseverance in tackling environmental issues. [20:21] Podcast and Influencer Recommendations Muna follows sustainability practitioners like Jehan Hyde and finds valuable content on LinkedIn. [21:14] Essential Tools and Resources Muna mentions LinkedIn as a key resource for staying updated on ESG and sustainability. [21:45] Vision for an Ethical and Sustainable Future Muna shares her hopes for a future with peace, justice, and freedom, led by ethical and responsible leaders. [22:55] How to Connect with Muna Muna primarily uses LinkedIn for professional connections and updates. Contact Information: LinkedIn: Muna Merghani Sponsors: MENA Speakers: mena-speakers.com Additional Links: Ethical Futurists Keynote Speaking: theethicalfuturists.com/speaking
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    25 mins
  • David Auriau of Postive Zero - Solar Power, Clean Mobility and Decarbonisation as a Service #010

    David Auriau of Postive Zero - Solar Power, Clean Mobility and Decarbonisation as a Service #010
    Aug 7 2024
    In this episode of The Ethical Futurist podcast, hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns talk with David Auriau, CEO and co-founder of Positive Zero. The discussion explores the cutting-edge strategies and technologies Positive Zero employs to help industries, businesses, and communities achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions and operating costs. David shares insights on the company’s three verticals: distributed generation, energy efficiency, and clean mobility, and their innovative 'decarbonisation as a service' model. This episode delves into the importance of long-term sustainability roadmaps, the role of AI in energy management, and the transformative impact of renewable energy. Key Takeaways: Decarbonisation as a Service: How Positive Zero offers fully financed solutions with no upfront costs for clients. Three Vertical Approach: Distributed generation, energy efficiency, and clean mobility as core pillars of Positive Zero's strategy. Strategic Partnerships: The significance of the $400 million investment from Blackrock in supporting Positive Zero’s expansion and innovation. Solar and Cooling Solutions: The potential of solar applications and the innovative cooling as a service model to enhance energy efficiency. Sustainability Leadership: The importance of leadership and long-term vision in driving sustainability initiatives in the Middle East. Energy Efficiency Market: The challenges and opportunities in the energy efficiency market and the need for simpler, scalable solutions. Quotes: "We are experiencing an energy revolution that has the potential to improve our lives while having positive impacts on the environment, economy, and society." - David Auriau "Energy efficiency should be the biggest market, but it's not, because there are frictions in the system." - David Auriau "Our job is to take the complexity out of it, so people don't have to worry." - David Auriau Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction by James Taylor and Alison Burns 1:46 - Introduction of David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero 2:53 - Focus on decarbonisation and fully financed solutions 3:15 - Three verticals of Positive Zero’s business: distributed generation, energy efficiency, and clean mobility 4:53 - Decarbonisation as a service model and its benefits 6:05 - Top three accomplishments of Positive Zero under David Auriau’s leadership 8:07 - Expansion in renewable energy and $400 million investment from Blackrock 8:26 - Ideal clients for Positive Zero and their sustainability journey 11:59 - The importance of data and long-term perspective in sustainability 14:18 - Solar applications and the shift from fossil fuels 16:20 - Cooling as a service model and its potential 19:54 - Addressing the complexity of energy efficiency 22:12 - Challenges in ensuring speed and scale in the business 23:39 - Simplification as a key to growth 24:04 - Key takeaway: the energy revolution and its positive impacts 24:46 - Vision for an ethical and sustainable future 26:42 - How to connect with Positive Zero and David Auriau For more insights and to connect with David Auriau, visit Positive Zero on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. https://www.positivezero.com/ To explore more about The Ethical Futurists, visit theethicalfuturist.com. 4o
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    29 mins
  • Hande Akdede Erbay of IBM - Sustainability, AI, ESG Data and More #009

    Hande Akdede Erbay of IBM - Sustainability, AI, ESG Data and More #009
    Jul 31 2024

    In this episode of The Ethical Futurist podcast, hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns engage in an insightful conversation with Hande Akdede Erbay, the market leader for IBM Sustainability Software in the Middle East and Africa. With over 20 years of experience in the technology industry, Hande shares her expertise on sustainability, ESG, and the pivotal role of AI and data in driving sustainable initiatives. This episode covers the essential elements of building a sustainable future, IBM’s significant projects, and the personal journey that fuels Hande's passion for creating positive societal impact through technology.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Integrating AI into Sustainability: IBM’s use of AI to accelerate sustainability journeys and manage large-scale environmental data.

    2. IBM Sustainability Accelerator: A social impact program dedicated to enhancing nonprofit and government initiatives with advanced technologies.

    3. Skill Building for Sustainability: The importance of equipping individuals with green skills through platforms like IBM SkillBuild.

    4. Economic Impact of Sustainability: How sustainable practices can reduce costs, increase brand value, and attract investments.

    5. Customized Sustainability Roadmaps: The need for industry-specific strategies to address carbon emissions effectively.

    6. Holistic Approach to Sustainability: The critical role of comprehensive, data-driven strategies in achieving sustainability goals.

    Quotes:

    1. "Sustainability starts as an ethical discussion but quickly becomes an economic discussion." - Hande Akdede Erbay

    2. "Without data and AI, sustainability is not actionable, not trackable, not achievable." - Hande Akdede Erbay

    3. "I dream of a world that produces and consumes respectfully, ensuring no one is left behind." - Hande Akdede Erbay

    Timestamps:

    1. 0:00 - Introduction by James Taylor and Alison Burns

    2. 1:16 - Overview of topics covered in the podcast

    3. 3:03 - Hande Akdede Erbay’s introduction and background

    4. 3:14 - Current trends and importance of sustainability

    5. 4:08 - IBM’s accomplishments in sustainability

    6. 5:56 - Building a sustainability roadmap for organizations

    7. 8:10 - The role of IBM SkillBuild in developing green skills

    8. 10:33 - Multi-dimensional challenges in sustainability

    9. 11:56 - The hardest part of Hande’s job

    10. 13:52 - Personal sustainability journey and aha moments

    11. 15:39 - Recommended resources for sustainability

    12. 17:17 - Vision for an ethical and sustainable world

    13. 17:54 - How to connect with IBM and Hande Akdede Erbay

    For more details and to connect with Hande Akdede Erbay, visit IBM or follow her on LinkedIn. To explore more about The Ethical Futurists, visit theethicalfuturist.com.
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    20 mins

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