For Episode 40 of the Bao Podcast, we welcome Noor Huitema-Hellemans, co-founder of Copper8, a consultancy helping organizations rethink value, governance, and collaboration.Based in Amsterdam, Copper8 challenges businesses to move beyond short-term profit and focus on long-term impact. Their work bridges research and practice, supporting clients in sectors like construction, finance, and manufacturing to drive systemic change.In this episode, we explore what it takes to lead a purpose-driven company, how to align financial and environmental value, and why true transformation starts with asking the right questions.
Copper8 (https://www.copper8.com/)
LinkedIn Noor Huitema-Hellemans (https://www.linkedin.com/in/noorhuitemahelleman/)
Ellen MacArthur Foundation (https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/)
Planetary Boundaries Documentary on Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/)
CSRD - Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (https://finance.ec.europa.eu/capital-markets-union-and-financial-markets/company-reporting-and-auditing/company-reporting/corporate-sustainability-reporting_en)
Mahatma Gandhi (https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi)
Time stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:55 Noor’s motivation for systemic change
4:30 From traditional consultancy to founding Copper8
8:50 Choosing impact over growth: the 15-person team limit
13:00 Bridging research and practice to accelerate change
26:20 Circularity beyond materials: financial and environmental value
34:10 The role of legislation and market awareness
38:15 Who should reach out to Copper8?
43:50 Outro