The Future of Sustainability

This short preview introduces the Waves Gathering, taking place 11–13 September in Finland. Host Michael Hanf is joined by organizers Thomas Holm and Sara Lindeman to share what makes Waves unique, the themes of unlearning, collaboration, and finding new pathways, and why this gathering matters now.Learn more: www.wavesgathering.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can climate journalism cut through the noise, overcome climate fatigue, and help us make sense of a rapidly changing world?In this episode of The Future of Sustainability podcast, host Michael Hanf is joined by Graihagh Jackson, Senior Broadcast Journalist at the BBC and the voice behind The Climate Question, the BBC’s flagship programme on climate change.With a background in science communication and a passion for storytelling, Graihagh shares how she and her team bring complex climate topics to life. From covering electric mobility in Delhi to the emotional realities of child marriage in Bangladesh, The Climate Question blends rigorous reporting with human-centered narratives to make climate issues tangible, relevant, and accessible.Together, we explore: 🔹 The BBC’s commitment to informing rather than influencing 🔹 What works (and what doesn’t) when engaging audiences who are overwhelmed or disengaged 🔹 How storytelling, solutions, and surprise are key to connecting with listeners 🔹 The global diversity of questions and perspectives Graihagh receives from the show’s audience 🔹 The role of climate journalism in countering disinformation and holding institutions accountableGraihagh also shares standout episodes, including stories from Malawi, India, and Bangladesh, and explains how The Climate Question is creating space for constructive conversations in a world that too often feels divided.Whether you are a long-time listener of climate content or new to the space, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how trusted journalism can play a transformative role in the sustainability transition.🎧 Listen now to discover why The Climate Question has become a global reference point for climate storytelling done right. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Future of Sustainability, Michael is joined by Aino Försti-Smith, Head of Communications at Bayer Finland and Board Member at UN Women Finland, for a powerful conversation on the strategic importance of women’s health and reproductive rights in shaping more equitable, resilient societies.Drawing from her dual role in corporate leadership and global advocacy, Aino shares personal insights into what drives her commitment to advancing access to contraception and reproductive health services, especially for women and girls in low- and middle-income countries. She discusses Bayer’s century-long role in women’s health, its goal to reach 100 million women with access to modern contraceptives by 2030, and the deep community engagement required to create lasting impact.We explore:How Bayer’s purpose-driven approach aligns commercial success with global health equityThe transformational impact of contraception on education, economic opportunity, and gender equalityThe role of local partnerships, education, and destigmatization in driving true accessLessons from on-the-ground engagement in Kenya, Egypt, and IndiaWhy male involvement and cross-sector collaboration are essential for systemic changeWhat other companies can do to support women’s health through innovation, investment, and partnershipsThis episode is both a call to action and a reminder that behind every statistic is a human life. Aino’s perspective highlights the power of purpose-led communication, long-term commitment, and authentic partnerships to move the needle on one of the most pressing global challenges of our time.If you’re interested in sustainable development, social innovation, or purpose-driven business, this conversation will leave you inspired and informed.Listen now to discover how empowering women can transform entire communities and why the future of sustainability must be inclusive, intersectional, and deeply human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can capitalism become a force for good? In this episode, Fair Trade USA founder Paul Rice shares the story behind one of the most impactful ethical sourcing movements of our time and why every purchase we make can drive systemic change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Future of Sustainability, we explore how one of the world’s most iconic motorsport series is rewriting the rules of performance with sustainability at its core.Michael Hanf is joined by Marc de Jong, Head of Business Development at the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). With more than two decades of experience in motorsport and international business, Marc is helping to steer WRC through a transformative era where innovation, climate responsibility, and global fan engagement converge.From introducing 100% sustainable fuel and hybrid technologies to implementing biodiversity initiatives in Kenya and mobile health clinics in Mexico, WRC is proving that motorsports can be a testbed for sustainable innovation with real-world impact. Marc shares the thinking behind WRC’s five-pillar sustainability strategy, the lessons learned in deploying new technology across vastly different geographies, and why “beyond rally” logistics and infrastructure matter just as much as the action on the stages.We also dive into WRC’s role as a global communications platform and how the championship is using its reach to showcase new technologies like fossil-free plastics, connected mobility, and carbon-lite broadcasting infrastructure.Whether you're a rally fan, a sustainability leader, or someone curious about how traditional industries can drive meaningful change, this episode offers a compelling look at the fusion of speed, strategy, and sustainability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peppi Stünkel, creative, activist, and founder of I Was Born a Girl, shares how art and poetry can spark global conversations around gender equality and human rights. From grassroots work in Mexico to exhibitions at the UN, Peppi discusses how creative expression creates safe spaces for reflection, healing, and action. She also explains how her work with Team Creativity Finland is helping businesses unlock empathy and transformation through collaborative art. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alena (14) and Sophie (10) Saleem, the sister duo behind Glowie.fi, share how they built a privacy-first AI chatbot to support teens with everyday challenges, from mental wellness to relationships. In this episode, they talk about their road trip across Europe to learn AI, building a glass-box model without data tracking, and pitching at the World Economic Forum. A powerful story of youth-driven innovation, trust tech, and designing AI for good. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gary A. Bolles, Chair for the Future of Work at Singularity University, shares his insights on redesigning work, learning, and economic systems to be more human-centered, adaptive, and sustainable. He explores the mindset and skillset shifts needed in a world of exponential change, the role of technology as a learning enabler, and how inclusive capitalism and systems thinking can drive long-term impact. Learn how reimagining the future of work can unlock human potential and support a regenerative, purpose-driven society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heidi Hautala, former Vice President of the European Parliament, shares her personal and political journey in advancing sustainability, human rights, and responsible business conduct. From her early activism in Helsinki to shaping EU policy in Brussels, Heidi reflects on the evolution of the sustainability agenda, the growing role of business, and why transparency, justice, and citizen engagement are key to a sustainable future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Future of Sustainability podcast, where leaders, innovators and changemakers share how sustainability is reshaping business, society and everyday life. Hosted by Michael Hanf, each episode explores breakthrough ideas, bold strategies and inspiring stories from the front lines of change. Tune in to discover what’s next and how we can build a sustainable tomorrow together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.