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.

In this episode of The Ethical Futurists podcast, hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns engage in a compelling conversation with Daniel Gribbin, the sustainability and climate growth lead at Deloitte Middle East. Daniel shares his extensive experience in ESG advisory, touching on key aspects of sustainability, regulatory requirements, and practical strategies for businesses to adopt. He highlights the advancements and challenges in the MENA region and discusses his career milestones, offering listeners valuable insights into the future of sustainable business practices. Episode links and transcript at https://www.theethicalfuturists.com/

Key Takeaways:

1. Regional Sustainability Progress: The MENA region is rapidly catching up with global standards in sustainability, driven by increasing corporate and governmental initiatives.

2. Corporate Strategy: The importance of integrating sustainability into core business strategies, from executive decisions to operational practices.

3. Regulatory Environment: Overview of current and upcoming regulatory requirements in the Middle East, and their implications for businesses.

4. Behavioral Change: The critical role of behavioral change in achieving sustainable goals within organizations.

5. Innovative Solutions: Introduction to Deloitte’s digital tools, like the Green Light solution, that help companies manage and reduce their carbon footprint.

Memorable Quotes:

1. "The biggest challenges we've often faced is the mismatch in expectations and levels of awareness." - Daniel Gribbin

2. "For companies, it's really important to think strategically about sustainability and link it with their corporate strategic position." - Daniel Gribbin

3. "Our role as consultants is to make ourselves obsolete by embedding sustainability into the DNA of organizations." - Daniel Gribbin

Timestamps:

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

2. 0:41 - Overview of podcast topics

3. 1:46 - Introduction of Daniel Gribbin

4. 2:55 - Daniel Gribbin discusses current focus and activities

5. 4:14 - Top three career accomplishments

6. 8:14 - Regulatory requirements in the Middle East

7. 12:57 - Implementing sustainability programs in companies

8. 15:27 - Disclosure requirements in the region

9. 17:19 - Hardest part of the job and regional differences

10. 17:28 - Key aha moment in Daniel’s sustainability journey

11. 19:05 - Book recommendations and favorite podcasts

12. 20:04 - The meaning of sustainability and future vision

13. 23:14 - Final thoughts and where to find more information

For more information about booking James Taylor and Alison Burns for your next event, visit The Ethical Futurists Speaking Page. https://www.theethicalfuturists.com/speaking

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In this episode of The Ethical Futurists podcast, hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns welcome Hassan Habib, a pioneering futurist and investment advisor with expertise in artificial intelligence and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. Hassan shares his insights on the future of sustainability, the impact of ESG investments, and the evolving landscape of renewable energy and clean technology. Listen in to discover how industries are adapting to new sustainability standards and what this means for the future of ethical investing and environmental stewardship.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Evolution of Sustainability:

2. Post-pandemic shifts in priorities towards ESG and sustainability.

3. The importance of sustainable infrastructure in enabling widespread adoption of EVs (Electric Vehicles).

4. Understanding ESG Investments:

5. Distinctions between responsible investing, sustainable investing, and impact investing.

6. Data suggesting ESG investments offer lower risk and comparable returns to non-ESG investments.

7. Challenges and Misconceptions:

8. Addressing common misconceptions about ESG investments and their returns.

9. The necessity of standardized reporting for ESG metrics.

10. Practical Steps Towards Sustainability:

11. The role of infrastructure and convenience in promoting sustainable choices.

12. The significance of consumer awareness and informed decision-making in driving industry change.

Quotes:

1. "Sustainability begins with mindset and should be seen as a culture rather than a product you can enter or exit." - Hassan Habib

2. "Money can be a medium of exchange, but it can also be a medium of change." - Hassan Habib

3. "Awareness in a lot of people changes choices, and that's where we can bring a great difference." - Hassan Habib

Timestamps:

1. 0:00 - 1:16: Introduction to the Ethical Futurists podcast.

2. 1:16 - 2:43: Introduction of Hassan Habib and his role in ESG and AI.

3. 2:43 - 4:42: Discussion on post-pandemic shifts in sustainability priorities.

4. 4:42 - 7:07: Insights into the infrastructure of EV charging stations in the UAE.

5. 7:07 - 9:54: Challenges of EV adoption in apartment living versus villas.

6. 9:54 - 13:25: Explanation of responsible, sustainable, and impact investing.

7. 13:25 - 16:35: Shifts in investment trends post-pandemic and their implications.

8. 16:35 - 19:55: Standardization and reporting challenges in ESG investments.

9. 19:55 - 24:45: Addressing misconceptions and the role of consumer awareness.

10. 24:45 - 27:57: Quickfire questions - recommended books and resources on sustainability.

11. 27:57 - 28:42: Where to find more information about Hassan Habib.

12. 28:42 - End: Conclusion and call to action for listeners.

In this insightful episode of The Ethical Futurists Podcast, hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns engage with Bryanne Tait, Global Senior Director of Sustainability at Jumeirah. They explore the challenges and strategies of integrating sustainability into luxury hospitality, covering topics like net zero goals, sustainable food and beverage practices, water scarcity, and the importance of customer education. Bryanne shares her journey from the energy sector to hospitality and provides a fresh perspective on how luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. Full episode and resources at https://link.chtbl.com/tef

Key Takeaways:

• The ambitious net zero goals set by Dubai Holding and the strategies Jumeirah is employing to achieve them by 2050.
• The importance of eliminating single-use plastics and promoting sustainable food and beverage practices in the hospitality industry.
• How customer demand is shifting towards more plant-based options and the role of innovation in meeting these needs.
• Insights into how luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive and how they can complement each other.
• The significance of guest experiences in driving sustainable practices and the role of customer education in this process.

Timestamps

• [0:00] Introduction by James Taylor and Alison Burns Overview of the podcast’s focus on sustainability and ethics.
• [1:46] Advertisement: MENA Speakers Information on booking sustainability and ESG speakers through MENA Speakers.
• [2:31] Guest Introduction: Bryanne Tait Introduction of Bryanne Tait, her role at Jumeirah, and her background in sustainability and energy.
• [2:38] Current Focus and Net Zero Goals Bryanne discusses the key focus areas in Jumeirah’s sustainability efforts, including net zero goals and the challenges involved.
• [4:28] Journey to Jumeirah and Background in Energy Bryanne shares her career journey from the energy sector to hospitality and how her diverse experiences contribute to her current role.
• [6:38] Insights from the Inside: Complexities of Hospitality Operations Bryanne highlights the complexities behind the scenes in the hospitality industry, including supply chain management and sustainable sourcing.
• [9:04] Shift Towards Plant-Based Options Discussion on the growing demand for plant-based options and how Jumeirah is adapting to this trend.
• [11:35] Bridging Luxury and Sustainability Exploring how luxury and sustainability can coexist and the shifting demographics demanding sustainable luxury experiences.
• [13:43] The Role of Guest Experience The importance of guest experiences in promoting sustainability and maintaining luxury standards.
• [15:41] Subtle Changes in Luxury Practices Examples of how Jumeirah integrates sustainability into luxury, such as eliminating plastic bottles and using refillable water bottles.
• [17:59] The Importance of Upholding Luxury Standards Ensuring that sustainability efforts do not compromise the luxury guest experience.
• [18:48] Addressing Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions Discussion on the importance of tracking and reducing emissions across all scopes and the role of client accountability.
• [20:53] Book Recommendation: "No Logo" by Naomi Klein Bryanne recommends "No Logo" for its eye-opening insights into consumerism and corporate responsibility.
• [22:06] Netflix Show Recommendation: "Eating Our Way to Extinction" Bryanne suggests watching "Eating Our Way to Extinction" for its impactful message on food systems and sustainability.
• [22:48] Vision for an Ethical and Sustainable Future Bryanne shares her hopes for a future where sustainability is embedded in everyday decision-making and purchasing power.
• [25:28] How to Learn More About Jumeirah and Connect with Bryanne Information on where to find more about Jumeirah’s sustainability efforts and how to connect with Bryanne on LinkedIn.

LINKS:

Jumeirah Website: www.Jumeirah.com

Sponsors: MENA Speakers: www.mena-speakers.com

Additional Links: Ethical Futurists Keynote Speaking: www.theethicalfuturists.com/speaking

In this episode, James and Alison interview Edward Hamod, CEO and founder of Switch Foods. They discuss the innovations in plant-based meat alternatives, the challenges of launching a food tech startup, and the importance of sustainability in the food industry. Edward shares insights on the company's journey, the reception of their products in the market, and the future of plant-based foods.

Full transcript and links: https://theethicalfuturists.com/edward-hamod

Timestamps:

[0:00] Introduction by James Taylor and Alison Burns Introduction to the podcast and its focus on sustainability and ethics.

[0:41] Podcast Overview Topics covered include renewable energy, clean tech, ethical investing, food systems, and more.

[1:47] Advertisement: MENA Speakers Information on booking sustainability and ESG speakers through MENA Speakers.

[2:30] Guest Introduction: Edward Hamod James introduces Edward Hamod, CEO and founder of Switch Foods, highlighting his background and the mission of Switch Foods.

[2:58] Edward Hamod's Current Focus Edward discusses the launch of Switch Foods in various markets and the development of new plant-based products.

[4:24] Top Accomplishments of Switch Foods Edward credits the team's efforts in innovating plant-based foods tailored to Middle Eastern tastes and ensuring a clean label product.

[6:57] Convincing Stakeholders to Switch to Plant-Based Edward explains the different propositions for airlines, restaurants, and hotel groups to adopt plant-based options, focusing on sustainability and local sourcing.

[12:16] Collaboration with Al Safadi Restaurant Discussion on the successful integration of Switch Foods products into Al Safadi's menu and the positive reception from customers.

[14:31] Changing the Narrative Around Meat Consumption Edward talks about the challenges of changing long-established beliefs about meat and the importance of education and government policies.

[18:38] Key Aha Moments in Switch Foods' Journey Edward shares insights on the continuous learning and innovation process within Switch Foods.

[20:55] Quickfire Round: Book Recommendation Edward recommends "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan for insights into food consumption and sustainability.

[21:52] Quickfire Round: Podcast/Film Recommendation Edward recommends "The Changemakers" on Netflix for its coverage of plant-based diets.

[22:13] Vision for an Ethical and Sustainable Future Edward emphasizes the importance of mindful food choices and projecting personal values through diet.

[25:03] How to Learn More About Switch Foods Information on visiting the Switch Foods website and following them on social media for updates.

[26:08] Outro and Call to Action James and Alison thank Edward for his insights and encourage listeners to subscribe and leave a review.

Switch Foods Website: Switchfoods.com

Ethical Futurists Keynote Speaking: theethicalfuturists.com/speaking

Full transcript at https://theethicalfuturists.com/edward-hamod