Straight Talking Sustainability

In this action-packed solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow delivers exactly what sustainability-conscious listeners have been asking for: five straightforward switches that make the biggest dent in your personal carbon footprint, complete with referral codes, money-off promotions, and practical bonus links worth £332 to remove every excuse for inaction. Top 5 Carbon‑Cutting Hacks 1. Switch Bank 💰🌍 One of the biggest instant switches you can make - though it’s rarely included in carbon footprint tools! £10k saved in a high‑street bank (e.g. HSBC, Barclays) = over 2 tonnes CO₂ The same amount with Nationwide or the Co‑operative Bank = less than 0.5 tonnes CO₂ Bonuses: Nationwide: £175 switch bonus Co‑op Bank: £100 switch bonus Resources: MotherTree’s Carbon Emissions Bank League Table (June 2023) Bank.Green – find ethical &amp; sustainable banks near you 2. Switch to Renewable Electricity ⚡🌱 One of the first and most impactful steps: Cuts dependence on imported fossil fuels Reduces carbon emissions Supports the transition to a greener grid 📊 In the UK, renewables in the national grid have grown from 14% to 41% in just one year . Resources: UN &amp; Carbon Brief: Five reasons why switching to renewables is smart economics Octopus referral link: £50 credit 3. Switch OFF or DOWN 🔌❄️ Small changes at home = big savings. Smart meters : save £50+ per year and give real‑time control over energy use Principle: If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it Insulation: pays for itself quickly once you start tracking usage Thermostat: set to 18°C (WHO guidance for healthy adults; slightly higher for very young/old) <span class="ql-ui"...

In this career-focused episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with Nick Valenzia, co-founder of Leafr (the world's largest marketplace for sustainability skills), to unpack the brutal realities facing sustainability professionals today: unclear career pathways, exhausting job searches, and the dangerous myth that passion alone will get you ahead. Nick reveals how Leafr was born from his own frustrating experience trying to freelance in sustainability after his master's degree, unable to find a single platform connecting independent consultants with companies needing short-term expertise. Despite launching with an "embarrassing website" (his words), the platform snowballed because it solved a real friction between supply and demand, now connecting over 2,000 vetted experts with hundreds of companies across three continents at approximately one third the cost of traditional consultancies. The conversation tackles the uncomfortable truth that "sustainability professional" isn't actually a meaningful job title. As Nick puts it: "What is a sustainability professional? I've yet to see a good definition. We all know what doctors do, but sustainability covers everything from carbon accounting to biodiversity to materials innovation to solar panels in space. There's not that much linking them apart from this higher mission to help the environment." Emma and Nick explore why this creates impossible confusion for people trying to build careers in the space, with no clear door to walk through and no obvious progression from five years' experience to ten years' experience (unlike law, medicine, or accounting where pathways are well established). The sector's rapid evolution means traditional markers like "ten years' experience" become meaningless when regulations like biodiversity net gain only launched last year. Drawing on Cal Newport's book "Be So Good They Can't Ignore You", Emma challenges the sustainability sector's obsession with passion over mastery. She argues that telling someone "it's great you're so passionate about this" is actually dangerous advice, both financially and professionally, because passion doesn't convince others of your expertise and won't help you get funded by CFOs who care about compliance risk and customer acquisition, not moral arguments about emissions. Nick provides the episode's most practical advice for career progression: "Get good at selling it and framing it in terms the rest of the company will understand. If you want to convince the CEO and CFO why your programme should be funded, just saying 'we need to cut our emissions' unfortunately isn't going to cut it. What cuts it is saying 'we risk being fined if we don't comply with this regulation' or 'we'll win X percent more customers because we know they want this.'" The episode systematically explores the skills gap from both sides of Leafr's marketplace: companies that don't know what they need (let alone how to scope projects, set budgets, or determine which regulations affect them) and professionals who can't find work despite thousands applying for the same roles. Nick explains how Leafr's AI tools help companies at that critical first stage, mapping out what potentially affects them and what they need to do, freeing up budget to shift from compliance investment to innovation and reduction investment. Emma and Nick dig into quality assurance in a sector flooded with new entrants, where AI might give someone a few years' head start in appearing competent without actual depth of experience. Nick reveals Leafr's four-step vetting process (written application, skill-level self-assessment with expert-level interviewing, referrals and case studies, behavioural and competency assessment, plus ongoing performance monitoring) that's led to zero unhappy clients to date despite hundreds of projects. The conversation addresses

In this game-changing solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow reveals the counterintuitive strategy that's transforming how organisations achieve climate action: forget trying to convince everyone and focus on activating just 25% of your workforce to create unstoppable momentum. Emma unpacks the frustrating paradox facing sustainability professionals everywhere: if 80% of UK adults care about climate change (DESNZ 2025) and 73% of businesses say they're prioritising net zero (Net Zero Business Census 2025), why does driving action feel so impossibly difficult? The answer lies in understanding tipping points, social norming, and the critical mass needed to shift organisational culture from apathy to action. Drawing on behavioural psychology research from the University of Pennsylvania, Emma explains how social change movements (from Me Too to Black Lives Matter) achieve transformation when approximately 25% of a community actively engages. This isn't about awareness or concern (that's your 80%), this is about people willing to bring sustainability into their work conversations, decisions, and daily actions without being asked. The episode challenges the exhausting approach most sustainability professionals are taking: picking off individuals one by one, hunting for ambassadors, playing the long game of incremental change. Instead, Emma advocates for strategic activation of your critical 25% (one in four people in any meeting room) who then naturally lead the remaining 75% through social norming and peer influence. Emma shares a powerful case study from the housing sector where training just 50 to 60 people (around 25% of a 200-person organisation) over five to six months created a complete cultural transformation. The shift wasn't about hitting carbon targets immediately but about transitioning people from "somebody else's target, I'll get on with my job" to "I'm behind this target, this is what I do to contribute, and I've got loads of ideas." The organisation moved from having virtually no one able to articulate their net zero strategy to ensuring every meeting with four or more people included at least one carbon-literate advocate who would naturally raise sustainability considerations. The episode systematically dismantles three persistent myths: that you need 100% buy-in to succeed, that targets automatically equal action (spoiler: there's a massive target-action gap), and that individual champions alone can create the momentum needed for transformation. Emma argues that whilst your 1% to 2% early adopters might be important sparks, they never achieve critical mass without a deliberate strategy to activate the broader 25%. Emma introduces the concept of the "messy middle" (the 60% to 80% of your organisation between the 10% to 20% who are already committed and the 10% to 20% you'll likely never convince). This messy middle is where your 25% lives, and Emma provides practical frameworks for identifying them through three strategic lenses: roles where climate action has the most impact (facilities, supply chain, commercial, finance), teams that interact with key stakeholders (marketing, sales, customer-facing roles), and individuals already showing quiet interest regardless of their position. The episode explores why the value-action gap persists despite high levels of concern, examining how busy professionals who genuinely care about climate change remain silent because they assume others don't care and fear looking like "the social pariah" who disrupts business as usual. Emma explains how this creates a vicious cycle where everyone waits for permission and social norming that never comes, resulting in organisations with strong ambition, brilliant strategies, and even budgets that still feel like they're dragging their people through sustainability rather than being driven by them. Drawing...

In this inspiring and deeply personal episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , host Emma Burlow sits down with Ben Luger , Marketing Project Specialist at Ecosurety, to explore how volunteering can be the secret weapon for engaging people in climate action whilst simultaneously improving mental health and building stronger communities. Ben's journey from delivering carbon literacy training to establishing a thriving community tree nursery in just 12 months demonstrates how individual action, when channelled through community organising, creates exponential impact without the overwhelming time and energy drain that most people fear. Ben traces his volunteering journey back to an unexpected source: delivering carbon literacy training for the packaging sector. Whilst training others about the causes and impacts of the climate crisis, he found himself experiencing increasing climate anxiety despite making personal lifestyle changes (not flying, barely using a car, cutting meat consumption, sustainable banking). The deep dive into climate science that carbon literacy demands created an "itching urge" to do more, which reached a tipping point at the Blue Earth Summit in 2024. After two days of talks, panels, and workshops, Ben felt simultaneously enlightened and frustrated by what he describes as an "echo chamber of the same people coming together to talk about it." The breakthrough came during a session called Reasons To Be Cheerful featuring inspiring community activists including Speech Debelle (who launched Black Fish to connect Black communities with fishing and nature) and No Ven (who transformed a community garden whilst escaping years of abuse). Two days after that talk, Ben was writing emails to launch his own community tree nursery project. What makes Ben's story particularly powerful for sustainability professionals experiencing burnout is how he found an existing community organisation (Rooted Chippenham) rather than starting from scratch. By approaching an established Community Interest Company with an existing volunteer base of 30 people, polytunnel, and governance structure, Ben could piggyback on infrastructure whilst contributing his marketing and communications skills. The group launched a crowd funder with match funding and hit their initial target within 24 hours, ultimately raising nearly three times their goal (£4,300) by the campaign's end. The conversation explores why volunteering works where other engagement approaches fail. Ben describes discovering an "extended family" of like-minded people on his doorstep who share the same worries, anxieties, and motivations. This social connection creates energy rather than draining it, transforming what could feel like another burden into something people actively look forward to. Emma relates her own volunteering experiences (parkrun, local library, helplines) and reflects on how people outside the volunteering world consistently underestimate the benefits whilst overestimating the time commitment. Ben candidly discusses how volunteering has become his antidote to climate and biodiversity crises, particularly during a difficult year when grief from his father's death resurfaced a decade later. His GP prescribed nature, which led Ben to recognise how local nature-based projects offer something uniquely cleansing and energising. Now running both the tree nursery (growing around 1,000 trees annually for free distribution to local residents) and community bat walks, Ben describes feeling "unburdened" compared to the anxiety that previously consumed him. For workplace applications, Ben explains that whilst Ecosurety offers three volunteering days annually (with corporate sponsorship for his projects), only about one third of employees across organisations typically use these days. The challenge is not lack of...

In this landmark anniversary episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , host Emma Burlow celebrates one year of the podcast by revisiting the most impactful moments from five extraordinary guests who have shared their hard-earned wisdom over the past 12 months. After nearly 30 years in the sustainability sector, Emma knows that we simply do not have time to keep knowledge locked away, which is why she launched this podcast to democratise sustainability expertise and make connections across industries, backgrounds, and experience levels. This bumper compilation episode features powerful excerpts from conversations with industry leaders, changemakers, and thought leaders who are actively transforming how we approach climate action, carbon literacy, sustainable living, and systemic change. From heavy industry decarbonisation to personal behaviour change, from ambitious climate action to managing eco-anxiety, these voices represent the breadth and depth of sustainability challenges and solutions. Nicola Jones, Market Business Development Manager at Tata Steel UK, shares insights from the frontlines of industrial transformation, revealing how a £1.25 billion investment in electric arc furnace technology will deliver an immediate 90% carbon reduction when it comes online in 2027. Her perspective dismantles the myth that heavy industry resists climate action, demonstrating instead how customer Scope 3 emissions requirements are driving rapid change. Nicola explains why companies that fail to decarbonise will lose customers within five to ten years, making sustainability not just ethical but essential for business survival. Briony Pete, Director at The Circular Life, explores the critical importance of mindset in sustainability work, tackling imposter syndrome, overwhelm, and the burnout that sustainability professionals frequently experience. She introduces practical frameworks for understanding where people are on their sustainability journey (from closed to leadership-ready) and emphasises the power of meeting people where they are rather than expecting everyone to jump to expert level immediately. Her insights about moving from judgement to curiosity offer a roadmap for more effective sustainability communication. Andy Middleton, Co-Founder of Do Good Faster, brings a provocative perspective on ambition and long-term thinking. Drawing on his experience taking 200,000 people safely through potentially dangerous outdoor adventures, he argues that we are facing a "big volume class five rapid" as a species, yet most people have not even looked at the river or understand the terminology. He challenges the notion of being "realistic" by arguing that true realism means preparing for the threats and opportunities ahead with appropriate urgency and scale. Jen Gale, Author of The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide, offers candid reflections on managing climate anxiety whilst doing advocacy work, the power of reaching mainstream audiences rather than preaching to the converted, and why influence often creates unseen ripples that advocates may never witness. Her work with schools, veterinary practices, and the Sustainable(ish) community demonstrates how embedding sustainability conversations in trusted community institutions can create exponential impact. Phil Korbel, co-founder of the Carbon Literacy Project , explains how carbon literacy training has become one of the most powerful tools for closing the gap between net zero targets and actual action. With examples ranging from AutoTrader (a FTSE 100 company driven by employee demand) to the British Plastics Federation, Phil demonstrates that carbon literacy works across all sectors by giving people the emotional engagement and practical agency to act on climate knowledge they may already possess intellectually. Throughout...

In this practical and reassuring episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , host Emma Burlow reconnects with long-time colleague Kirsteen Harrison from Not Sustainable to tackle the carbon reporting challenges facing what they call "the missing middle" (companies with 250 to 1,000 employees). These businesses face intense supply chain pressure to report emissions but often lack the dedicated sustainability teams and resources of larger corporations, creating a perfect storm of fear, confusion, and questionnaire paralysis. Kirsteen brings over 20 years of experience working with SMEs and medium-sized businesses on waste, energy, compliance, and carbon reporting. She reveals a troubling pattern: companies receiving generic carbon reporting requests from larger clients that ask the wrong questions, demand inappropriate data, or require commitments to frameworks (like the Science Based Targets initiative) that were not designed for their size or sector. The result is fear-driven inaction, with some companies ignoring requests for years until contracts face risk. The conversation exposes uncomfortable truths about carbon reporting as potentially a "dark art" where data manipulation remains possible despite verification standards like ISO 14064. Kirsteen challenges the assumption that companies always need perfectly accurate data, arguing that the purpose of reporting determines the required precision. For hotspot analysis and strategy development, understanding key levers matters more than decimal-point accuracy. For legal disclosures and verified reports, precision becomes critical. Yet many companies waste years and thousands of pounds chasing accuracy they do not actually need. Emma shares a revealing case study of a call centre company that ignored carbon reporting requests for three years because the FD could not see the relevance (they operated in leased offices with minimal reportable emissions beyond business travel and employee commuting). This illustrates how supply chain questionnaires often fail to account for business model variations, creating disproportionate burdens on companies with naturally low operational emissions. Kirsteen offers a radically different approach: instead of panicking or ignoring requests, engage directly with the client, asking for the data. Her experience shows that sustainability managers at large corporations are desperate for supplier engagement and will welcome conversations about reasonable timelines, appropriate metrics, and phased implementation plans. One client she worked with turned a compliance headache into a strategic partnership by proactively sharing their supplier engagement strategy and requesting feedback from their multinational client. The episode tackles practical barriers, including spend-based conversion factors (a particular dark art within carbon accounting), the challenge of standardised reporting platforms like CDP and EcoVadis (comprehensive but resource-intensive for smaller companies), and the maturity journey from discomfort and fear through compliance to proud leadership. Kirsteen emphasises that we are building an entire carbon accounting and sustainability disclosure system in years rather than the decades or centuries it took to develop financial and legal systems, so imperfections and gaps are inevitable. Toward the end, Kirsteen highlights an invaluable new resource from the We Mean Business Coalition: a report cherry-picking best practice examples from 70 sustainability reports by companies under 1,000 employees. This goldmine shows how smaller businesses can innovatively report what is relevant to them without being constrained by frameworks designed for multinationals, using their agility and flexibility as competitive advantages. In this carbon reporting and supply chain sustainability episode, you'll...

In this powerful and practical solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , host Emma Burlow tackles the most frustrating challenge facing corporate sustainability teams today: the target action gap. Companies have set ambitious net-zero targets, invested heavily in reporting and data collection, yet most employees remain disengaged and the sustainability team feels isolated, pushing a rock uphill alone. Drawing from her experience training over 1,500 people across major organisations, including BT, B&amp;Q, Silent Night, Kenwood, and Openreach, Emma reveals why traditional sustainability engagement approaches (lunchtime webinars, team days, or brief e-learning modules) fail to create lasting change. The problem is not that employees do not care; they simply have never been given permission, confidence, or the minimum knowledge needed to act. Emma identifies the critical question every sustainability leader should ask their frontline staff: "On a scale of one to five, how confident do you feel talking about our net zero targets to customers or suppliers?" The typical response is ones and twos, revealing a confidence crisis that prevents progress regardless of how brilliant the strategy document looks. When employees run in the opposite direction from sustainability questions, the entire burden falls back on a handful of sustainability professionals trying to move targets forward in companies of thousands. The episode shares a compelling case study of a consumer products company with a 2040 net zero target struggling with staff disengagement and isolated sustainability teams unable to demonstrate progress. After implementing focused carbon literacy training, a senior commercial team member independently added a carbon stage gate to their business case process (worth millions of pounds in impact). Even more significantly, the sustainability leader overheard corridor conversations about carbon reduction weeks later, proving the training had created foot soldiers doing the work without prompting. Emma challenges the assumption that you need 100% (or even 50%) of your workforce engaged in sustainability. Instead, she focuses on identifying where the rub is: What is the one thing that will drive people to act? Is it customer pressure, supplier requirements, competitive threats, or regulatory mandates? Once you identify the pinch point and the critical roles (sales, procurement, marketing, operations), you can focus training on the minimum knowledge needed to move that specific rock downhill. The episode concludes with a practical 10-minute task: Ask three people in critical business roles how confident they feel discussing your net zero targets externally. Their responses (typically ones, twos, or fence-sitting threes) will reveal your exact gap. Emma argues that moving people from ones and twos to fours and fives creates the holy grail of sustainability implementation: employees taking action independently, building capacity across the business, and having conversations without the sustainability team present. This episode is essential listening for sustainability professionals experiencing burnout from trying to single-handedly transform their organisations, those struggling to demonstrate progress against targets, and leaders who recognise that their current engagement approach is not working but do not know what to try next. In this corporate sustainability implementation and training episode, you'll discover: Why net zero targets often create tumbleweed across organizations despite enormous reporting efforts The three common gaps preventing sustainability action (value, knowledge, and target gaps) How carbon literacy training creates foot soldiers who independently drive change across businesses The critical confidence question that reveals your...

In this insightful and practical episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , host Emma Burlow sits down with Julia Vol , an independent sustainability consultant who helps organisations move beyond sustainability theatre to genuine impact. With experience spanning corporate roles at major companies like Sainsbury's and Decathlon, plus expertise in sustainable packaging and circular economy, Julia brings a refreshingly honest perspective on what actually works in corporate sustainability. Julia opens the conversation by addressing a problem many sustainability professionals recognise but rarely discuss openly: the endless cycle of strategy documents, materiality assessments, and stakeholder engagement that never quite translates into meaningful action. She challenges the notion that more analysis leads to better outcomes, arguing that many organisations become stuck in "analysis paralysis" rather than making the difficult decisions required for transformation. The discussion explores why sustainability professionals often feel like they're spinning their wheels despite working incredibly hard. Julia identifies three critical barriers: a lack of genuine senior leadership buy-in (beyond public statements), insufficient resources allocated to implementing strategies, and the tendency to treat sustainability as a compliance exercise rather than a business transformation imperative. Emma and Julia dive deep into the thorny issue of greenwashing, examining how well-intentioned companies can slide into misleading communications when marketing departments get ahead of actual progress. Julia shares practical advice for sustainability professionals caught between the pressure to show results and the reality of slow systemic change, emphasising the importance of honest, transparent communication about both achievements and ongoing challenges. The conversation shifts to practical frameworks for getting unstuck, including Julia's approach to identifying quick wins that build momentum while simultaneously working on longer-term structural changes. She emphasises the critical importance of cross-functional collaboration, explaining why sustainability cannot succeed when siloed in one department but must be embedded across operations, procurement, product development, and finance. Julia offers candid insights about working with different organisational cultures, from fast-moving retailers to engineering-focused manufacturing companies. She explains how to tailor sustainability approaches to match company DNA rather than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions that inevitably fail. The discussion includes specific examples of successful interventions, from packaging reduction projects to circular business model pilots. In this corporate sustainability and implementation strategy episode, you'll discover: Why many sustainability strategies fail to translate into actual business transformation The three critical barriers preventing sustainability professionals from making real progress How to identify and prioritise quick wins that build momentum for longer-term change Practical approaches to securing genuine (not performative) senior leadership engagement Why cross-functional embedding matters more than departmental sustainability teams How to navigate the greenwashing trap while still communicating progress authentically Strategies for tailoring sustainability approaches to different organizational cultures The importance of honest communication about challenges alongside celebrating wins Key Corporate Sustainability Strategy Insights: (04:00) The strategy trap: "I see so many organisations that have beautiful sustainability strategies, really comprehensive materiality assessments,...

In this passionate and fact-packed solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow tackles one of the most common conversation stoppers in climate action discussions: "There's no point in us doing anything because we're only 2% of global emissions. What about China?" This excuse appears everywhere, from boardrooms to living rooms, and Emma has had enough of watching it derail progress. Drawing on historical data, trade realities, and competitive intelligence, Emma delivers eight comprehensive counter-arguments that sustainability professionals can keep in their back pockets for when this excuse inevitably surfaces. Rather than getting angry or defensive, she provides fact-based responses that acknowledge complexity while refusing to accept inaction. The episode starts with historical accountability, reminding listeners that the UK led the Industrial Revolution and was the world's largest coal producer in 1922. Climate change is a legacy issue; the warming we experience today stems from emissions released in the early 1900s. Carbon dioxide lingers in the atmosphere for up to 100 years, meaning cumulative emissions from the UK, EU, and US created the foundation of our current crisis. Emma then addresses the trade reality that many overlook: a huge chunk of China's emissions come from manufacturing products consumed in the West. Our phones, furniture, and building materials embed Chinese carbon in our shopping baskets. You cannot complain about China's emissions while simultaneously buying the products that create them. The conversation shifts to competitiveness, where Emma reveals an uncomfortable truth: while the UK debates and makes excuses, China is dominating the clean tech race in solar panels, electric vehicles, and battery storage. They have reached peak coal and are already transitioning. The question becomes whether the UK wants to lead this industrial revolution or be left behind buying technology from others. Through the lens of the Paris Agreement, Emma demonstrates mathematical reality: over 160 of the 195 signatory countries emit less than 2% of global CO2. If they all used the "we're too small to matter" excuse, there would be no point to international climate agreements. Every fraction of a percent adds up, which is precisely why collective action matters. Emma encourages listeners to choose arguments based on their audience. For innovative and ambitious business leaders, lean into the leadership and competitiveness angles. For those concerned about national interests, emphasise energy security and domestic benefits like cleaner air, warmer homes, and reduced reliance on imported gas. For values-driven conversations, acknowledge the moral responsibility to vulnerable nations that are already experiencing severe climate impacts. The episode serves as an essential toolkit for sustainability professionals tired of watching productive conversations get derailed by deflection to China. Emma provides the facts, the framing, and the confidence to keep climate action discussions moving forward rather than grinding to a halt. In this climate action and business competitiveness episode, you'll discover: Why the UK's historical role as the world's largest coal producer (1922) creates climate accountability today How trade emissions embed Chinese carbon footprints in Western consumption patterns The competitive advantage China is building through renewable energy and clean tech dominance Why over 160 Paris Agreement countries emit less than 2% of global emissions each How the "we're too small" excuse would mathematically destroy international climate cooperation The domestic benefits of climate action including energy security and reduced import dependence Strategic framing techniques for different audiences (leadership vs. innovation vs. values) Why China has already...

In this ground-breaking episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , host Emma Burlow sits down with Silja Chouquet , former pharmaceutical executive turned social entrepreneur and founder of Match for Impact. With extensive experience weaving between corporate leadership roles and startup ventures, Silja has identified a critical gap in the sustainability and social innovation landscape: highly skilled senior executives wanting purpose-driven careers have nowhere to go, while impact startups desperately need their expertise but cannot afford them. Silja's journey from pharmaceutical strategy consulting to creating her own social enterprise (Marikoi, which brought patient experts into pharma boardrooms) gives her unique insight into both worlds. She witnessed firsthand how the pharmaceutical industry successfully embedded patient advocacy into every role, moving it from a siloed department to an essential part of corporate culture. Now she's applying that same transformation model to sustainability and social impact. Match for Impact addresses the "bore out" and burnout epidemic affecting senior corporate talent by creating 90-day fractional pro bono placements with social ventures and impact startups. This isn't mentorship or charity work; it's a two-way leadership exchange where executives gain hands-on experience with sustainable business models while startups access senior strategic guidance, networks, and credibility they could never afford to hire. The conversation explores the structural barriers preventing corporate leaders from transitioning into impact roles, including the "Mother Teresa" assumption that purpose work requires salary sacrifice and the "overqualified but inexperienced" paradox that keeps talented people trapped in corporate squares. Silja argues that business transformation cannot happen through isolated sustainability departments; it requires leadership that has carried the bag and experienced systems change on the ground. Through partnerships with Day One (Europe's largest MedTech accelerator) and Catalyst Now (the world's biggest network of social innovators with 6,000 members), Match for Impact is building a movement to make systems change leadership experience mandatory for corporate advancement. Just as pharmaceutical companies once required sales experience before headquarters roles, Silja envisions a future where impact experience becomes essential for business leadership. The episode tackles uncomfortable truths about innovation funding, including how unicorn-chasing mentality wastes valuable solutions that could be profitable and impactful in different markets. Silja challenges the scarcity mindset that forces startups to compete rather than collaborate, arguing we need every available solution working together to address global challenges, not just one magical answer. In this corporate sustainability and social innovation episode, you'll discover: Why senior executives are experiencing "bore out" alongside burnout in restructuring organizations How 90-day fractional placements create two-way value for both corporates and startups The "carry the bag" principle that made pharmaceutical patient advocacy successful and how it applies to sustainability Why unicorn funding models are partially responsible for innovation system failures How MedTech solutions developed for US markets miss profit opportunities in low and middle income countries The portfolio career model that allows executives to maintain income while building impact experience Why impact cannot remain siloed in sustainability departments but must infuse every business role How corporate experience in launching products and building commercial models accelerates startup success Key Social Innovation and Leadership...

In this practical and empowering final episode of the 52 Simple Sustainability Hacks series, host Emma Burlow delivers the last actionable tips (numbers 40 to 52) that prove sustainable living doesn't have to cost money or consume your life. Recording in beautiful autumn while resisting the urge to tidy her garden, Emma wraps up this comprehensive series with hard-hitting advice that ranges from decluttering your "drawer of doom" to moving your pension out of fossil fuels. This episode tackles the sustainability actions that many people overlook but have an outsized impact. Emma challenges listeners to confront the 1.6 million tonnes of e-waste the UK generates annually, with only 20% going through proper recycling channels. She reveals that the average UK household hoards about 25 electronic devices containing precious metals like gold, palladium, and silver that should be recovered, not stockpiled. The conversation shifts to indoor air quality, exposing how our obsession with fragranced cleaning products creates pollution levels two to five times worse than outdoor air. Emma advocates for a chemical detox, starting with eliminating products labelled with the vague term "fragrance" (usually a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals with hazard warnings). From practical tips about buying products in bulk to reduce packaging waste to supporting local environmental action groups, Emma demonstrates how small habit changes create meaningful impact. She tackles the often-avoided topic of reducing meat consumption with realistic approaches like the "half and half" method (mixing mince with plant-based alternatives) and emphasizes that if you do eat meat, eliminating meat waste becomes non-negotiable. The episode culminates with hack number 52, which Emma deliberately saved for last because of its massive impact. In this sustainable living and practical action episode, you'll discover: Why 1.6 million tonnes of UK e-waste contains recoverable gold, palladium, and silver sitting in drawers How indoor air pollution from cleaning products can be five times worse than outdoor air The "half and half" method for reducing meat consumption without family rebellion Why leaving your garden messy in autumn is the best thing you can do for wildlife How buying products in bulk saves money while reducing packaging waste dramatically Why moving your pension has 100 times more climate impact than most personal actions The hidden energy savings of steel-canned food versus refrigerated alternatives How vintage shopping through platforms like Vinted can save hundreds of pounds annually Key Practical Sustainability Moments: (02:29) The e-waste crisis: "About 20% of all electric devices in the UK are hoarded or just stored up... 1.6 million tonnes of it ends up as waste every year... only about 20% of it actually goes through the proper channels." (04:54) Indoor air pollution reality: "The air pollution inside can often be two to five times as polluted as outside... just avoid things with fragrance in, you know the term fragrance which is usually just a cocktail of chemicals." (07:18) The meat waste hierarchy: "If you're going to eat those things, absolutely go for it, but just be really specific and careful and you cannot waste those items. They are very, very precious." (08:24) Reuse over recycling: "I want you to try to make this mental shift between recycling and reuse... Sustainability does not have to be expensive. This is one of my big mantras." (12:00) Community action matters: "Bristol Climate and Nature Partnerships Community Climate and Nature Project... has just been awarded 1.75 million pounds... They are a partnership of 17 community...

In this inspiring episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , host Emma Burlow sits down with Nicola Jones , a 26-year veteran of the steel industry and a sustainability professional at Tata Steel UK. From starting as a business apprentice in 1999 when the company was British Steel, to now spearheading sustainability initiatives during one of the industry's most dramatic transformations, Nicola offers unique insights into how heavy industry is actually leading the charge on decarbonization. Nicola reveals the staggering scale of Tata Steel UK's £1.25 billion investment in electric arc furnace technology, which will deliver an immediate 90% reduction in carbon emissions when it comes online at the end of 2027. Unlike other industries that can make incremental changes, steel's transition represents a dramatic overnight transformation that will secure over 5,000 jobs while positioning the UK as a leader in low-carbon steel production. The conversation dismantles common misconceptions about heavy industry's resistance to climate action, revealing how customer demand for Scope 3 emissions reductions is driving rapid change. With Tata Group committing to net zero by 2045 (five years ahead of the UK's 2050 target), Nicola demonstrates how global companies are moving faster than national policies. From a packaging perspective, Nicola shares compelling insights about steel's circular advantages, including 86% recycling rates in the UK, permanent material properties that allow endless recycling without degradation, and lifecycle benefits that extend from six-week packaging cycles to decades for construction applications. She addresses the challenge of weight-based regulations while highlighting steel's competitive advantages in recyclability infrastructure and global end markets. The episode also explores the evolution of women in heavy industry, from Nicola's early experiences as a novelty on the shop floor (complete with crane sirens announcing her arrival) to today's focus on properly fitting PPE and attracting diverse talent to drive the industry's sustainable future. This conversation provides essential context for sustainability professionals working with industrial clients, procurement teams evaluating packaging materials, and anyone seeking evidence that the net zero transition is not a future aspiration but a current reality in critical industries. In this steel industry and sustainable packaging episode, you'll discover: How the steel industry's 90% carbon reduction will happen overnight, not gradually like other sectors Why Tata Steel UK's £1.25 billion investment secures 5,000 jobs while driving decarbonization The competitive advantages steel maintains through 86% recycling rates and permanent material properties How electric arc furnace technology will use predominantly UK scrap steel, creating true circularity Why steel packaging offers energy savings through ambient storage versus refrigerated alternatives The hidden technical complexity behind simple food cans and their role as the original ready meals How customer Scope 3 emissions targets are driving faster industrial transformation than regulation Career opportunities in sustainability within traditional heavy industries Key Industrial Transformation Insights: (05:00) The dramatic transformation: "Unlike other industries that can make small steps every year... with the steel industry, it's actually quite dramatic... when we switch on the electric arc furnaces, the emissions reduction will be immediate and that step change will happen overnight." (05:40) The scale of change: "There's a 90% reduction... It is huge. It is huge... there aren't that many steel industries in the UK. And one of the...

In this ground-breaking episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , host Emma Burlow sits down with Catherine Conway , the visionary founder of the UK's first modern zero-waste store and current CEO of Go Unpackaged. With over 20 years of experience pioneering reusable packaging solutions, Catherine has evolved from running a small unpackaged shop to leading industry-transforming research that could save the UK £136 million annually in packaging waste costs. Catherine started Unpackaged in 2006, long before sustainability became mainstream, creating the template for what we now know as zero waste retail. Today, she leads Go Unpackaged alongside business partners Helen and Rob, working directly with major retailers like Aldi and Ocado to develop scalable reuse systems that challenge the fundamental assumptions of our throwaway economy. This episode dives deep into the complex world of packaging policy, revealing why we're still putting billions of single-use items on the market despite decades of environmental awareness. Catherine breaks down the structural forces that have prevented large-scale change, from misaligned financial incentives to business models built on selling units as fast as possible (Fast Moving Consumer Goods literally has "fast" and "consumer" in the name). The conversation centres around Catherine's ground-breaking infrastructure modelling work for DEFRA's Circular Economy Task Force, which analysed what it would take to achieve 30% reuse in UK grocery retail. Using their sophisticated end-to-end supply chain modelling tool, UnPack Analytics, they discovered that four reuse scenarios actually run cheaper than single-use systems, with online delivery returns being the most cost-effective option. Catherine reveals the game-changing impact of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, which create a 94% reduction in packaging taxes for reusable items compared to single-use alternatives. This policy framework finally aligns financial incentives with environmental benefits, making the business case for reuse undeniable. Through candid discussion of the Refill Coalition project (funded by Innovate UK), Catherine shares hard-won insights about what actually works in reusable packaging systems, why collaboration beats competition, and how the logistics industry holds keys to optimizing circular solutions that most sustainability professionals never consider. In this circular economy and plastic packaging episode, you'll discover: Why 20 years of sustainability awareness haven't solved our packaging problem and what's finally changing The four reuse scenarios that cost less than single-use packaging systems (with evidence to prove it) How Extended Producer Responsibility regulations create 94% cost savings for reusable packaging Why online delivery returns are more cost-effective than in-store collection for reuse systems The hidden costs of single-use packaging that have been socialized to taxpayers for decades How proper supply chain modeling reveals 95% reductions in carbon emissions and material use Why successful pilots often fail to scale and what's needed to move beyond "more pilots than Heathrow" The 13,000 new jobs that could be created through a 30% reuse transition in the UK Key Circular Economy and Packaging Insights: (03:25) The hard reality check: "I'm going to say I don't think we're winning yet and that's quite a thing to say having done it for 20 years... we are still putting billions of items of single use packaging on the market every year." (05:09) The consensus myth: "I think for many years, we didn't have a consensus that packaging is a problem. I think across a lot of global brands and retailers, maybe we also don't have a consensus that...

In this tactical and transformative solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , host Emma Burlow delivers a game-changing challenge that could revolutionize how you approach sustainability conversations at work. If you've ever felt like you're on the back foot when discussing environmental initiatives, constantly defending your position with facts and evidence, this episode offers a radically different approach. Emma identifies the five "red flag words" that instantly change the tone of any business conversation, bringing unwanted baggage and triggering defensive responses from colleagues. These words (sustainability, net zero, climate, circularity, and biodiversity) often cause listeners to mentally check out, shut down discussions, or adopt a "let's humour them" attitude that kills productive dialogue. The episode provides specific word-swapping strategies for different departments. When talking to commercial teams about climate risks, use words like "cost," "planning," "contingency," and "resilience." For sales and procurement discussions, focus on "customer pressure" and "tendering requirements." With operations teams, return to proven concepts like "lean," "process improvements," and "efficiency." This isn't about hiding your environmental agenda; it's about making sustainability relevant by connecting it directly to existing business pain points and speaking the language your audience already understands and values. In this communication strategy episode, you'll discover: The five red flag words that instantly derail sustainability conversations in business settings Why defending sustainability with more facts and evidence actually makes resistance stronger How to identify and speak each department's native business language for maximum impact The "Trojan mouse" approach to achieving environmental outcomes without triggering resistance Specific word substitutions for commercial, sales, procurement, and operations teams Why making sustainability "relevant" is more powerful than making it "important" How to transform from being seen as "the ESG person" to becoming a valuable problem-solver Key Communication Strategy Moments: (01:41) The red flag revelation: "So sustainability, net zero, climate, circularity, and biodiversity. So we're going to call them our red flag words. So it's like when you say one of those words, you've suddenly changed the tone of the conversation, right? You've brought with you a bit of baggage." (02:22) The three defensive reactions: "That perception, in my experience, can go a couple of ways. It can go, oh, let's just humour her and get out of here as quick as possible. It can go, let's shut this down because we haven't got time for this. Or it can go, oh, not this again." (04:45) Speaking their language: "So you're going to need to talk about risk, cost, planning, contingency, and resilience... So switch out your words... Because remember we talk about listening first to their language and then playing their language back." (06:35) Stop pushing: "Let's stop pushing sustainability. We don't have to push it. It is there anyway. If you're having to push it, it sort of shows, doesn't it?" (07:00) The Trojan mouse concept: "You are having a conversation on their level using their language. You're not pushing or convincing or defending sustainability or trying to prove it or trying to justify it." Connect with Emma Website Email <a...

In this deeply personal and transformative episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , host Emma Burlow sits down with Tamsin Acheson , a life coach and leadership development expert, to tackle one of the most uncomfortable questions facing experienced professionals: Why is it so hard to claim our expertise, even after decades in our field? Emma opens up about her own struggles with the dreaded elevator pitch and self-promotion, sharing the visceral discomfort she feels when trying to articulate her value after 30 years in sustainability. What starts as a conversation about professional presentation quickly evolves into a fascinating exploration of how we define expertise in the modern world. Tamsin brings her unique perspective as someone who works with mid-life high achievers navigating career transitions and helps leaders balance people, planet, and profit in their organizations. Through their candid dialogue, she reveals how our outdated notions of expertise (rooted in academic credentials and institutional validation) are holding us back in a world where applied knowledge and lived experience now carry more weight than ever. This episode challenges the fundamental assumptions about what makes someone an expert, exploring how the digital age has shifted the definition from external validation to practical application. Emma and Tamsin dive deep into the psychological barriers that prevent accomplished professionals from stepping into their authority, from childhood conditioning to the fear of appearing arrogant. In this professional development and mindset episode, you'll discover: Why the traditional academic model of expertise is becoming obsolete in the modern economy How to differentiate between real expertise and borrowed authority in an AI-augmented world The three psychological barriers that prevent experts from claiming their authority confidently Why the "fake it till you make it" culture makes genuine experts more hesitant to self-promote How childhood conditioning around modesty creates professional limitations decades later The difference between expertise (inward-facing knowledge) and authority (outward-facing credibility) Practical strategies for reframing self-promotion as service to others Key Professional Development Moments: (06:55) The elevator pitch trap: "Are you sure that's what an elevator pitch is for? Are we really supposed to get our entire experience, life history, and the worth we can create for other people into an elevator pitch that is less than 60 seconds?" (11:03) Old world thinking vs. new reality: "The traditional old world thinking in terms of the word expert... being that more academic model or that more guild or trade skill mastery... I was brought up with the model that an expert is externally validated." (15:44) The modern expert redefined: "The modern view of an expert is... essentially an expert is now the person who knows most in a room of people who know less... it's applied over the theoretical, which is what you just said." (27:23) Reframing expertise as service: "Who loses out when you don't allow yourself to be seen as the expert that you are? So what are you subtracting from the world?... Maybe we need to look at claiming expertise, not as an act of self-promotion, but as an act of service." (32:51) The wisdom paradox: "The more you know, the more you see the gaps in your knowledge... you move beyond black and white thinking, and you start to see all of the gray areas. Now, how can I position myself as an expert if I haven't got the answers to the gray areas? Well, you're an expert because you can see the gray areas." (41:27) The AI leveling field: "Everyone's...

In this thought-provoking solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , host Emma Burlow returns from her travels to Oslo, Norway, with some uncomfortable truths about sustainability assumptions that might just change how you view the climate conversation forever. Fresh from a four-day trip to one of the world's most sustainable cities, Emma peels back the glossy green exterior of Norway's environmental success story to reveal a startling foundation: oil money. With 100% renewable electricity, the world's highest per capita EV fleet, and pristine public infrastructure, Norway appears to be the ultimate sustainability success story...until you dig into the $1.8 trillion sovereign wealth fund largely built on fossil fuel extraction. This episode challenges two dangerous assumptions that are paralysing sustainability progress: That you need wealth to be sustainable, and That some countries are inherently "good" while others are "bad." Through candid observations and historical context, Emma dismantles the myths that prevent real action and offers a refreshing perspective on moving forward without the burden of comparison. Drawing parallels between Norway's oil wealth and the UK's coal-powered industrial revolution, this episode reveals why judgmental thinking about sustainability credentials (whether for countries or companies) creates barriers rather than solutions. In this sustainability reality-check episode, you'll discover: Why Norway's green credentials are built on the same fossil fuel foundation critics condemn in other nations How wealth-based sustainability assumptions create false barriers for businesses and countries The historical context that reveals all developed nations built their prosperity on fossil fuels Why comparing yourself to sustainability "icons" prevents progress rather than inspiring it How to start meaningful climate action from your current position without waiting for perfect conditions The danger of perpetuating "good country/bad country" narratives in climate discussions Key Challenging Sustainability Moments: (01:43) Emma observes Oslo's impressive infrastructure: "For every road, there is a pedestrian crossing... pretty much every car you see is an EV." (02:23) The wealth-sustainability assumption: "One of them is that you can only really be sustainable if you're wealthy... so it's always low down your list of priorities until you're absolutely sloshing around with money." (05:33) The oil revelation: "So it turns out...Norway found loads of oil and gas, oil predominantly...in the sixties. That's where the money came from." (06:26) The uncomfortable truth: "Norway is held up as a sustainable country... But the way they've reached that point, the evolution that they've been on, has been at the expense, arguably, of the climate." (08:30) Historical context: "Our wealth in the UK was based on coal... in 1922, the UK was the world's largest coal exporter and producer. That's only a hundred years ago." (10:25) The action imperative: "If you have recognized climate change in your organization as a crisis or an emergency, is it better to spend five years talking about why you can't do it because you're not Norway... Or would it be better just to say, we recognize we've got a crisis?" (12:30) The hypocrisy challenge: "To criticize those countries who are now doing exactly that... The economic need is exactly the same. The economic desire is the same. To criticize those countries or indeed companies I think is just naïve." Connect with Emma <a href="https://lighthouse-sustainability.co.uk/" rel="noopener...

In this transformative episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , host Emma Burlow interviews Virginia Cinquemani , a sustainability communication expert, coach, and author who specialises in helping sustainability leaders engage audiences and communicate their message powerfully. Virginia brings a unique background combining architecture, sustainable building expertise, and coaching to help sustainability professionals overcome the barriers that prevent sustainability from becoming mainstream. As the author of "The Good Communicator: How to Make Sustainability Irresistible," she works with sustainability leaders who know what needs to be done but struggle to convince and engage their audiences. This enlightening conversation explores the evolution of sustainability from compliance-focused technical work to the current communication age, where success depends on mindset shifts, relationship building, and strategic engagement rather than just technical expertise. Virginia shares her proven methodology for transforming sustainability from a "nice-to-have" into something irresistible by understanding audience needs and wants, building trust-based relationships, and moving away from the confrontational "eco-warrior" mindset that often creates resistance. In this sustainability communication podcast episode, you'll discover: How to shift from being a "professional rememberer" to truly understanding client problems and needs Why sustainability leaders must reset their nervous systems and manage their energy before engaging others The power of seeing audiences as co-creators rather than opponents in sustainability initiatives Strategic approaches to building relationships with decision-makers before formal presentations How to make sustainability "irresistible" by connecting it to real business needs and personal values Essential mindset shifts that prevent burnout while maintaining impact in sustainability roles Why asking "How can I help you?" is more powerful than prescriptive sustainability solutions Key Sustainability Communication Highlights: (08:28) "Health and safety wasn't a thing really, right? A few decades ago... And now people do it. And there is no question... That's what I want sustainability to become, the norm. And then when it's not done sustainably, people go and say, oh my God, that this is shameful." (14:19) "It's the simple question, right? What are your problems? I'm going to sell you the solution that addressed your problems. I'm not going to sell you, you know, if you want oranges, I'm not going to sell you fish because that's not what you want right now." (18:31) "The first meeting when you... shouldn't speak. You should just shut up, ask the question and close your mouth because the first meetings are always to find out about your audience." (24:36) "We take all of the sustainability work as fighters, you know, we are the eco warriors. But it's very consuming, isn't it?... There is a lot of fighting language in the way, but unfortunately language is very important." (33:29) "How can I help you? Which is a fundamental question... Because we come across as sustainability professionals sometimes as you need to do this, we are like the preachers. Well, actually, when we say, look, I know that you have your... monetary targets... How can I help you with the work that I do to reach your targets?" (38:53) "You need to be curious. Just think about them, not as a land to be conquered, but as a... an exploration... try and help them to get where they want to get, because they will be more inclined to listen to you if you do that." Connect with Virginia <a...

In this reflective solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , host Emma Burlow shares powerful insights from her holiday experiences that reveal how climate change and sustainability conversations are happening everywhere; we just need to know how to recognise and join them. Fresh from a transformative trip to Costa Rica, Emma challenges the common belief that sustainability professionals are fighting an uphill battle to get people to care about climate change. Emma's experiences on holiday demonstrate that climate conversations are simmering just below the surface in everyday interactions with business owners, lodge operators, and even weather-delayed flights. This thought-provoking episode explores why sustainability feels like such a challenge when climate impacts are omnipresent in our daily lives. Emma reveals how the perception that we're "challengers" fighting against indifferent audiences is actually counterproductive and plays into the hands of those who don't want climate action. Emma introduces a new approach to sustainability engagement: instead of being the "challenger" who brings up difficult topics, become the curious connector who meets people where they are and discovers what they already care about. Emma shares practical strategies for finding the sustainability connections that already exist in people's lives without using trigger words or creating confrontation. In this sustainability engagement podcast episode, you'll discover: Real-world evidence that climate change conversations are happening naturally across different sectors and situations Why the "challenger" mindset in sustainability communication is exhausting and counterproductive How to avoid trigger words like "climate change" while still having meaningful environmental conversations The power of curiosity over confrontation when engaging people on sustainability topics Why asking "what do you care about?" opens doors that technical sustainability arguments can't How to recognise that people already care about climate impacts, they just might not call it that Practical strategies for joining existing sustainability conversations rather than starting battles Key Sustainability Engagement Highlights: (04:51) Emma shares multiple examples from Costa Rica where locals, unprompted, brought up climate impacts on their businesses and operations (07:13) "The chap who runs the business said that the season had been cut short by changes in the rainy season... And he said, It's because of climate change. The climate is really affecting our business. Those were his words." (11:22) "We have created a challenge... We're the challengers. We are fighting climate change... And I don't think that's actually true. I think it's absolute nonsense... It plays into the hands of those people who don't want us to act on this." (13:48) "It is not one size fits all... they might have more clout, they might have more influence, they might have more drive, they might have more time, they might have anything frankly that we need to solve this." (15:12) "Ask people what they care about... What are they involved in? Outside of work? What's their holiday like?... And you will immediately get to something within one layer that relies on a stable climate and a healthy society." (16:43) "Avoid terms like climate or global warming in case, just in case, they're a trigger... You might talk about changing weather, like, how extreme and how unusual. You might talk about the intensity of storms. People care about this stuff." (17:38) "Being kind first and being curious is the whole thing about meeting people where they are. You have to...

In this empowering episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , host Emma Burlow interviews Sharon Oranekwu , an award-winning ESG consultant and sustainability leadership expert, for the third instalment of the "Speak Up Woman" series. Sharon specializes in ESG reporting, CSRD compliance, corporate sustainability strategy, and environmental governance, helping companies across Europe navigate complex sustainability regulations and reporting requirements. This in-depth conversation covers women in sustainability careers, ESG implementation strategies, and sustainable business practices. Sharon shares her proven problem-solving methodology for corporate environmental challenges and explains why women leaders are driving innovation in the ESG and corporate sustainability space. The discussion explores sustainability career development, climate action in business, and how female leadership brings strategic thinking and data-driven approaches to environmental governance and corporate responsibility. In this sustainability leadership podcast episode, you'll discover: Essential problem-solving strategies for ESG professionals and sustainability consultants How to build confidence and competence in corporate sustainability and environmental careers Female leadership approaches that drive successful ESG implementation and climate action Why ESG frameworks align with business values despite political resistance to sustainability initiatives Data-driven strategies for presenting environmental governance solutions to corporate boards Preventing sustainability professional burnout while maintaining environmental impact The evolution from CSR to ESG to future sustainability frameworks and corporate responsibility models Key Sustainability and ESG Highlights: (05:45) "I got here by problem-solving. That's the biggest, most important thing to me... Every business that starts, they're essentially saying, hey, there's a problem out there and we think we can give it a go." (08:44) "A massive part of my confidence comes from competence... Competence is the ability to keep going and keep asking questions. That's how you know you're competent when you haven't let the space beat you." (29:21) "I show up to the boardroom with data. That's what I show up with... Because as much as our field is known for passion, we're also known for data." (34:45) "If someone was to change the branding let them so long as we still do the work... Call it whatever you want. We're going to keep doing the work because the work matters." (42:16) The "calm down, woman!" Pub incident that inspired Emma's "Speak Up Woman" sustainability leadership series Connect with Sharon Sharon's LinkedIn Sharon's Email Emboldened Corp N' Femme Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow - LinkedIn Book an enquiry call with Emma <a href="https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/20min" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In this thought-provoking episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , host Emma Burlow sits down with climate comedian Stuart Goldsmith to explore the unexpected intersection of humour and environmental action. Stuart, who has been performing comedy for 20 years and moved into climate comedy four years ago, shares his unique journey from traditional stand-up to addressing the climate crisis on stage, including performing at venues like the Apollo and major sustainability conferences. This conversation reveals how comedy can serve as a powerful tool for corporate sustainability engagement and behavioural change. The discussion delves deep into the psychology of climate communication, exploring why traditional data-driven approaches often fail to inspire action and how humour can break through resistance and create meaningful connections. They explore the concept of "winning the argument" versus genuine dialogue, the importance of addressing your own vulnerabilities upfront, and how comedy can serve as a "zip file" for complex climate information. In this episode, you'll discover: How comedy serves as a "zip file" for complex climate information that audiences can unzip and own Why naming your vulnerabilities upfront disarms audience resistance and creates a connection The class dynamics that have made climate action feel exclusive, and how to break them down Stuart's "win the argument" approach to overcoming presentation anxiety and memory challenges Why helping climate professionals is as valuable as trying to solve the crisis yourself How to identify and address the "unspoken things" that everyone's thinking but afraid to say The power of strategic self-deprecation in climate communication Highlights: 09:18 – "I want to write a brilliant joke about the collapse of the AMOC so that more people know and understand it. So I have this confluence of reasons that really excite me about wanting to learn more and romp around in it and write more." 13:04 – "When you go to the pub and you chat to your mate about why Christopher Nolan's Inception is the best film in the world, for example, you haven't prepped an argument beforehand. You just passionately feel some things and know some things." 21:47 – "I don't have to solve the climate crisis. I can help people who are trying to solve the climate crisis. And that counts." 28:58 – "It's not my job to convince you, there's no cult and this isn't a recruitment drive." 45:35 – "Work out what is the unspoken thing. What's the thing that you're scared to say in the room that you'd only say to a sustainability professional friend and work out how to say that." Connect with Stuart www.stuartgoldsmith.com Stuart Goldsmith (@stuartgoldsmithcomedy) • Instagram photos and videos Stuart Goldsmith - YouTube Connect with Emma Website Email Emma Burlow - LinkedIn Book an enquiry call with Emma <a...

In this empowering solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , host Emma Burlow tackles a challenge familiar to many sustainability professionals: feeling stuck. Drawing on years of experience, Emma offers a compassionate but practical framework for getting unstuck, starting with self-awareness, small wins, and intentional discomfort . This is not about fixing everything overnight. It’s about building momentum, one micro-step at a time, and creating a safe space to reflect, be honest, and act, even when the big picture feels too heavy. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I doing enough?” or “Where do I even begin?” , this episode is your invitation to stop spiraling and start experimenting, with courage, clarity, and community. In this episode, you'll discover: Why starting small is the most powerful way to get unstuck How internal blockers, not lack of knowledge, keep us frozen The trap of perfectionism and the fear of judgment A simple, 3-step personal framework to move forward Why micro discomfort leads to macro change Highlights: 02:00 – Why the sustainability community needs self-reflection more than judgment 05:00 – “Start with micro wins.” Emma breaks down her 3-part unsticking method 08:00 – Reframe fear: Can’t vs. won’t vs. don’t want to 11:00 – You don’t need a big idea, just a small move 13:00 – Emma: “Get out of your comfort zone in a micro way.” Mia Mottley PM Barbados - Gordian Knot Speech: Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados at the Opening of the #COP26 World Leaders Summit Liz Gadd LinkedIn Post Connect with Emma: Website Email Emma Burlow - LinkedIn Book an enquiry call with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/20min

In this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , Emma sits down with Gareth Kane, sustainability author and creator of the “Green Jujitsu” engagement model, for a wide-ranging conversation that challenges long-held assumptions about how we drive environmental action inside organizations. From the pitfalls of PowerPoint preaching to the psychology behind real behaviour change, Gareth shares decades of insight into what actually works when trying to get colleagues, clients, and even sceptics on board. Rather than pushing harder, Green Jujitsu is about aligning with what motivates your audience, even if it means stepping far outside your own communication comfort zone. Emma and Gareth cover a lot of ground in this rich, fast-paced interview, including: Why the classic "green team" model often fails The growing influence of psychology in climate work Why data doesn’t always persuade, and what to use instead How internal blockers aren’t always villains; sometimes, they’re mirrors This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to spark sustainable change in complex environments, especially those feeling stuck, burned out, or unheard. As Gareth reminds us: it’s not about what you know, it’s about what they believe. Highlights: 01:46 — What is Green Jujitsu? 06:33 — Stop selling sustainability like a moral crusade 13:18 — Why PowerPoint doesn't work (and what does) 20:04 — The silent art of listening and waiting 27:51 — Engagement is shifting: from compliance to emotion 35:10 — Employee motivation is now a sustainability driver 39:08 — The ultimate takeaway: humility over expertise Connect with Gareth: Gareth Kane | LinkedIn Books by Gareth Sustainability Resources - Terra Infirma Net Zero Business Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/655cb69d415230001259567c Connect with Emma: Website Email Emma Burlow - LinkedIn Book an enquiry call with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/20min

In this powerful solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability , Emma delves into the profound difference between passion and commitment in the world of sustainability. We've all been called "passionate" about our work, but is that enough? Emma makes a compelling case that true, lasting impact comes not from fleeting enthusiasm, but from deep, unwavering commitment , especially when the outcomes are unknown. Inspired by Solitaire Townsend’s recent reflections and personal conversations with leaders like Phil Korbel of the Carbon Literacy Project, Emma explores: Why being called "passionate" can feel reductive The emotional weight of working in sustainability without certainty What true commitment looks like and how it liberates you The “sea of apathy” and how to bridge the gap between interest and action Practical questions to ask yourself: Am I committed? What’s stopping me? Whether you're new to the field or years into your sustainability journey, this episode is a call to check in, dig deep, and claim your place in the movement—not just as a participant, but as someone fully committed . Highlights: 01:14 Are you committed? 05:12 Commitment over passion is a weight off your shoulders 08:01 The outcome is uncertain, the worth is in the doing 10:14 Get off the fence Solitaire Townsend It's All Going To Be Ok - by Solitaire Townsend Dr Navjot Sawney Dr Navjot Sawhney | LinkedIn Connect with Emma: Website Email Emma Burlow - LinkedIn Book an enquiry call with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/20min

In this energising and honest conversation, Emma and Carbon Literacy Project co-founder Phil Korbel dive into what truly makes carbon literacy impactful. Spoiler: it’s not just about what you know, it’s about how you apply it, talk about it, and make it real in your organisation. From training Nobel-adjacent scientists in Antarctica to working with major corporations facing internal resistance, Emma and Phil share practical insights, surprising lessons, and powerful encouragement for anyone looking to move climate action from the margins to the mainstream. Whether you're a seasoned sustainability professional or just carbon-curious, this episode is a masterclass in meeting people where they are, and bringing them with you. Here are the highlights: 0:00 Introduction to Phil and his Journey 06:00 The Birth of the Carbon Literacy Project 11:59 Challenges in sustainability Training 17:50 Balancing Climate Awareness with Mental Health 23:00 Empowering Others Through Peer Training 25:00 Curiosity and Learning in Climate Change 28:00 Building a Community of Trainers 29:00 Scaling Carbon Literacy Training 33:00 The Role of Governance in Sustainability Projects 36:00 Overcoming Resistance to Carbon Literacy 40:00 Trends and Future Directions in Carbon Literacy Connect with Carbon Literacy Project &amp; Phil: Website Phil Korbel - LinkedIn Connect with Emma: Website Email Emma Burlow - LinkedIn Book an enquiry call with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/20min Book Carbon Literacy Training for yourself or colleagues Upcoming Courses | Lighthouse Sustainability

This week I’m sharing part of our summer series - 12 simple sustainability tips (numbers 27–38) that are easy to action even when you’re in holiday mode. From switching your search engine to Ecosia, to skipping the lawnmower, there are plenty of small changes that make a big difference. We’re covering everything from flea treatments and sunscreen to eco-friendly ways to host a party and travel during summer. I also touch on why the “eco” setting on your washing machine isn’t just good - it’s legally required to be the most efficient. Have a listen and let me know which one you’re going to try first. The full list and links are in the show notes - happy summer greening! Here are the highlights: Saving Water: Basic Tips and Workplace Practices (3:29) Reducing Pesticide Use (8:23) Marine Conservation (10:29) Reducing Travel Impact (15:54) Reducing Food Waste (17:50) Carbon Literacy (21:46) Defosseling Homes (25:01) Connect with Emma: Website Email Emma Burlow - LinkedIn Book an enquiry call with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/20min Book Carbon Literacy Training for yourself or colleagues Upcoming Courses | Lighthouse Sustainability Download the free 52 Simple Sustainability Hacks e-book: https://lighthouse-sustainability.co.uk/52-simple-sustainability-hacks-a-free-ebook/