Radical Truth

In this episode, we speak with B. Lorraine Smith—advisor, writer, speaker, and corporate mischievist—who has spent nearly two decades helping global companies confront uncomfortable truths and chart more authentic paths toward sustainability.Lorraine holds a bold vision: an economy that works in service of life. It’s a vision that demands companies place their goals, disclosures, and strategies in alignment with the flourishing of people and planet—not just profit. Without that grounding, ESG metrics and corporate reports risk becoming distractions instead of drivers of real change.In “In Service of Life,” Lorraine shares why our connectedness and curiosity are our greatest assets, how companies can meaningfully reframe their purpose, and what it takes to design an economy that is not only possible—but deeply compelling.Beyond her professional work, Lorraine is also an ultra-distance runner, textile artist, and relentless believer that business can, and must, serve life itself.TBLI Radical Truth brings you the unfiltered voices reshaping business for a regenerative future.

In this episode, we’re joined by Thomas Crowther, ecologist at ETH Zurich, founder of the Crowther Lab and Restor, and one of the most influential scientific voices in global ecosystem restoration. As Chair of the Advisory Board of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and Chief Scientific Advisor to the UN’s Trillion Trees Campaign, Thomas is at the forefront of efforts to combat climate change through nature-based solutions.In “Restoring Earth,” we explore the latest science behind ecosystem regeneration, the potential and pitfalls of large-scale tree planting, and the critical role biodiversity plays in stabilizing our climate. Thomas also shares how open-source tools like Restor are connecting communities and investors worldwide to accelerate restoration at scale.

In this episode, we speak with Kavita Sinha, Director of the Private Sector Facility at the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the world’s largest dedicated climate finance institution. With decades of experience spanning clean energy, entrepreneurship, international development, and impact finance, Kavita is leading efforts to mobilize private capital at scale for climate solutions.In “Financing Survival,” we dive into how the GCF is channeling billions into transformative projects—helping developing nations adapt to climate risks, accelerate energy transitions, and build resilience. We’ll explore what it takes to align private sector incentives with public climate goals, and why capital flows to the Global South are key to solving the climate crisis.TBLI Radical Truth features the unfiltered voices of leaders working on the frontlines of impact and ESG—pushing finance beyond convention toward survival and sustainability.Let’s begin our conversation with Kavita Sinha of the Green Climate Fund.This is Radical Truth.Project Funding:https://www.greenclimate.fund/project/fp186https://www.greenclimate.fund/project/fp223https://www.greenclimate.fund/project/fp197https://www.greenclimate.fund/project/fp276

In this episode, we’re joined by Anthony Rose, co-founder and CEO of SeedLegals, the platform that has become the UK’s largest closer of startup funding rounds. Often called “the man who saved the BBC iPlayer”, Anthony has a track record of building technology that transforms industries. With SeedLegals, he’s now disrupting one of the most complex and outdated spaces of all: startup fundraising and legal processes.In “Beyond Lawyers and Term Sheets,” Anthony shares how technology is replacing expensive, slow, and opaque legal negotiations with a streamlined, transparent, and founder-friendly approach. We’ll explore how SeedLegals is democratizing access to capital, reducing friction for investors, and giving entrepreneurs the tools to focus on building businesses—not battling paperwork.

In this episode, we sit down with Eddy Travia, CEO of Coinsilium and one of the earliest pioneers in blockchain venture capital. Recognized as a top-3 “Most Influential Investor in Blockchain” by Rise in 2014, Eddy has spent over a decade at the forefront of digital assets, decentralized finance, and Web3 innovation.In “Introducing Web3: Broken Dreams Ahead or a New Paradigm?”, we explore the promises and pitfalls of the next internet revolution. Is Web3 destined to repeat the same extractive patterns of Web2—leaving broken dreams and failed ventures in its wake? Or can it truly deliver a new paradigm of decentralization, ownership, and inclusion?With his unique vantage point as an investor, advisor, and ecosystem builder, Eddy brings unfiltered insight into what’s real, what’s noise, and what’s next for Web3.

In this episode, we’re joined by John A. Simon, a seasoned investor, diplomat, and leader in sustainable development who has dedicated his career to bridging impact and financial performance.In “Maximizing Impact with Sustainable Returns,” John unpacks how investors can align capital with solutions that deliver both measurable social progress and strong financial outcomes. Drawing on his experience in private equity, international development, and public service, he shares practical insights on how to design investment strategies that create long-term value for people, planet, and portfolios alike.From mobilising private capital for development, to building impact-focused institutions, John brings decades of perspective on what it takes to make sustainability not just an aspiration—but a disciplined, investable reality.

Martin Palmer is the Chief Executive of FaithInvest. Previously, he was the Secretary General of the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC), founded with HRH Prince Philip in 1995. ARC has closed and its legacy includes FaithInvest and WWF's International Beliefs and Values Programme.Martin is an international specialist on all major faiths and religious traditions & cultures. He is the author and editor of more than 20 books on religious and environmental topics.What you will learn: - How religions became strong defenders of the environment, from the World Wildlife Federation's early interest, through the Alliance of Religions and Conservation organisation, to the 'ZUG Guidelines', FaithInvest, and beyond - Encouraging signs of progress around the world: a Daoist approach in Hong Kong - What's next? How Faiths can do more: moving beyond 'Good Intentions' to new frontiers through faith-inspired social development agencies

In this episode, we’re joined by Matt Christensen, Global Head of Sustainable and Impact Investing at Allianz Global Investors, and a globally recognised leader in responsible investment strategy.In “Beyond the Checkbox,” Matt breaks down what it really means to integrate sustainability at the institutional level. Not just adding ESG screens or publishing glossy reports—but embedding sustainability into the core of investment processes, risk management, and long-term value creation.With decades of experience spanning policy, capital markets, and global fund management, Matt offers sharp insights into the evolving expectations facing asset managers, and the tools they need to move from intention to impact.Whether you're an institutional investor, an ESG professional, or simply someone who believes capital should serve people and planet, this conversation is packed with strategic guidance and hard truths.

Welcome to TBLI Radical Truth, where knowledge inspires and we spotlight the bold leaders transforming systems at the intersection of finance, equity, and impact.In this episode, we’re joined by Allison Sesso, President & CEO of Undue Medical Debt a groundbreaking nonprofit that has already erased over $10 billion in medical debt—and counting.In “Medical Debt Abolishment,” we explore how a seemingly intractable crisis—medical debt—is being tackled through an elegant, highly leveraged model. With 1 in 4 Americans burdened by medical debt and millions pushed toward bankruptcy, Allison and her team are proving that medical debt relief isn’t just charity—it’s a powerful form of economic and social intervention.Undue Medical Debt turns every $1 donated into $100 of debt relief, targeting individuals most in need. Backed by visionary philanthropists like MacKenzie Scott, their work not only reduces suffering but restores financial dignity across communities nationwide.TBLI Radical Truth brings you innovative thinkers reshaping the world of ESG and impact—from finance to health, from systems to solutions.Let’s begin our conversation with Allison Sesso of Undue Medical Debt

Because it’s something that most investors don’t know that they don’t know; but that often changes everything once you know about it.In this week's Radical Truth podcast, we are joined by Graham Boyd, the founder of Evolutesix, a venture studio and investor specializing in building ecosystems of future-fit businesses according to Evolutesix's ergodic investment strategy. The essence of investing, and business, is growing your capital. At the very least preserving it. And for impact investing, to have the biggest possible impact as well as preserving or growing your capital.You’re able to do the best job, reach the highest potential impact and capital growth, only if your strategy is based on how capital actually grows in a business, not on a convenient but flawed simplification.Despite the fact that almost all of the capital growth dynamics are in the “non-ergodic” class, investment theory makes the convenient simplification that capital always grows ergodically. It’s such a convenient simplification that very few people have ever heard the word, let alone recognised that different investment strategies are needed for the two classes of capital growth.This convenient simplification is a root cause of much that we wrestle with:-only one in 12 startups really succeeds,-only 5% of VC funds deliver more than 3X,-our extractive economy,-and causes impact, triple bottom line, regenerative, circular, and doughnut investments to often fall short of their potential.Investing according to the actual non-ergodic dynamics of capital growth is at the heart of the systemic changes we need for impact, regenerative, etc. investing to work; in fact, for any investing to work!This means using strategies that plug the leaks non-ergodic dynamics causes, taking you towards the ergodic limit.

In this special episode, we’re joined by Jonathan Maxwell, CEO and founder of Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL), one of the most experienced investors in energy efficiency and low-carbon solutions.In “How to Finance the Energy Transition,” Jonathan breaks down what it really takes to mobilize capital for the infrastructure of the future—from distributed energy to retrofits, from policy to pipelines. As we enter a decisive year for climate finance in 2025, Jonathan shares hard-won insights into what’s working, what isn’t, and where we go next.With over two decades of leadership in sustainable investment, he offers a grounded, data-driven view on how to turn energy efficiency into an investable, scalable, and urgent opportunity.

Welcome to TBLI Radical Truth, the podcast that exposes the myths of mainstream finance and explores bold alternatives for a more inclusive, sustainable economy.In this episode, we’re joined by Jackie Logan, SVP of Revenue and Community Development at Honeycomb Credit—a groundbreaking platform putting the power of lending back into local hands.In “Democratizing Capital,” we explore how Honeycomb is transforming small business finance by allowing everyday people—not just banks or VCs—to invest directly in the local businesses they love. It’s a new model of community-powered lending that builds wealth from the bottom up, not the top down.Jackie brings decades of experience in financial services and a deep passion for inclusive economic development. From Pittsburgh to Main Streets across America, she’s helping create a financial system rooted in trust, transparency, and shared prosperity.TBLI Radical Truth brings you unfiltered voices from the frontlines of financial innovation and impact.Let’s get into the conversation with Jackie Logan of Honeycomb Credit.

In this episode, we welcome Chris Smaje—farmer, social scientist, and author of the provocative book Saying No to a Farm-Free Future. At a time when Silicon Valley dreams of lab-grown meat and vertical farms, Chris makes the case for something radically grounded: real farming, real soil, and real relationships with the land.In “Farming vs. Fiction,” we unpack why the push to eliminate farming in favor of tech-driven food systems is not only ecologically naive but socially dangerous. Chris argues that dismantling farming severs us from nature, community, and democratic control over food.With a background in sociology, decades of hands-on farming experience, and a fierce critique of techno-utopianism, Chris Smaje delivers a timely reminder: the future of food must be rooted, not fabricated.

Unpacking the tech and logistics behind equitable nutrition access.Today, we’re joined by Ady Beitler, co-founder and CEO of Nilus, a pioneering social enterprise tackling one of the great injustices of our time: the high cost of being poor.In this powerful episode, “Beating the Food Desert: How Nilus Makes Healthy Food Affordable in Favelase,” we explore how Nilus is using technology to dismantle inefficient supply chains and give low-income communities access to food and goods at fair prices. By harnessing disintermediation, food rescue, and community group buying, Nilus is rewriting the economics of scarcity, with dignity and scale.Ady brings a sharp lens to the intersection of logistics, impact, and innovation, backed by a background in finance, years of field experience, and an unshakable belief that systemic inequality can be solved with practical tools and bold ideas.TBLI Radical Truth features unfiltered conversations with leaders who challenge the status quo and bring sustainable solutions to life.Let’s begin our conversation with Ady Beitler of Nilus.This is Radical Truth.

In this episode of TBLI Radical Truth, we speak with Professor Robert Earhart, Program Director of the Master of Science in International Management at the American University of Paris, and one of the rare MBA students who pursued his purpose without compromise. From ethical dilemmas in sustainability consulting to the power of storytelling in business education, Robert shares insights from decades of experience in academia, research, and advisory work. This conversation explores how purpose, integrity, and innovative teaching can shape the next generation of responsible leaders.3 Things You’ll Learn:Why purpose-driven leadership is essential—and how staying true to your values can shape a lifelong career in sustainability and education.How storytelling and film can enhance business pedagogy and inspire deeper learning in management and ethics.The hidden ethical tensions in CSR and sustainability consulting, and how to navigate them with integrity.

The world faces seismic shifts in how people work, learn, and connect. Youth, who represent majorities in many countries, are at the forefront of this change. Youth unemployment, disconnection, and isolation threaten our collective future, yet the 1.8 billion young people globally are an untapped resource eager to tackle entrenched problems—though few have access to tools, mentors, and resources.For over 30 years, Dr. Eric Dawson has led efforts at the intersection of youth culture, social innovation, and brands, authoring influential research on human development and youth-led social innovation globally. He is CEO of RIVET, the first consumer-facing social impact brand leveraging Gen Z's consumer power to fund youth-led innovations through micro-financing, aiming to invest in over a million initiatives by 2035.Dr. Dawson holds multiple degrees from Harvard, including a specialized B.A., an M.Ed. in human development psychology, and an M.Div. in pastoral care. He earned a doctorate in Leadership and Innovation from NYU, researching founder transitions.A fellow of Ashoka, Echoing Green, Aspen, and Pop!Tech, Dr. Dawson has advised President Clinton, lectured at institutions like Harvard, MIT, USC, and Stanford, and spoken at forums such as the World Economic Forum and Aspen Ideas Festival. His bestselling book, "Putting Peace First: Seven Commitments to Change the World," was published by Penguin Random House.What will you learn in this podcast: The unique role young people play in driving social innovationInnovative models of financing impactWays in which we can all contribute to a growing global movement of young change makers

Unlocking Nature's Wealth: Investing in Sustainable Forests for Biodiversity, Carbon Storage, and Financial Growth. Explore the crucial link between biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and sustainable livelihoods. Learn how strategic investments can mitigate risks for investors and contribute to a resilient, nature-positive future.David Brand founded New Forests in 2005. He is Executive Chair of New Forests’ Board of Directors and the Chair of the company’s Investment Committees. David has over 40 years’ of experience in forestry investment, forest management, science, and public policy. David is dedicated to innovative, responsible investment strategies in the forest sector and associated assets.Previously, David was responsible for investment programs that integrated forest management with emerging environmental market opportunities at Hancock Natural Resources Group (HNRG). Prior to joining HNRG, David was the Executive General Manager of State Forests of NSW where he led pioneering transactions in the commercial development of environmental markets. From 1985-1995, David worked with the Canadian Forest Service as a scientist, director of scientific programs, and ultimately as national Director-General of Science and Sustainable Development. David has a Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from the University of Toronto in Canada.New Forests's Ambition Become the World's Leading Manager of Nature-Based Solutions.What will you learn?- Can Biodiversity restoration offset climate risk?- Does Forest and Biodiversity provide a financial return?- Why is most money going into climate tech and not nature-based solutions?

Today I’m joined by Professor Simon Michaux, Associate Professor of Geometallurgy at the Geological Survey of Finland, in the Circular Economy Solutions Unit. With a background in physics, geology, and a PhD in mining engineering from the University of Queensland, Simon brings decades of experience—from 18 years in the Australian mining sector, to academic work in Belgium on circular economy and industrial recycling, and now leading research at GTK in Finland.Simon’s focus is on rethinking how we manage the industrial system as we face two major challenges: the scarcity of critical minerals and the global shift away from fossil fuels. He’s developing a comprehensive framework to connect energy, minerals, and industrial development—arguing that many of our current transition strategies simply don’t hold up to logistical reality.In this conversation, we’ll explore the hard questions around the energy transition—from fossil fuels to renewables and electric vehicles—and the material constraints that come with it. What’s standing in the way? What would a more practical path forward look like?What you’ll learn:How much material would a full energy transition actually require?Is 100% renewables even possible at scale?And can we realistically phase out fossil fuels without a major industrial rethink?

Olinga Taeed is Director of the Centre for Citizenship, Enterprise and Governance, the world’s leading not-for-profit think tank on the Movement of Value with over 220,000 members, and is Expert Advisor and Council Member of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce’s ‘Blockchain E-Commerce Committee’. He was the world’s first blockchain professor at Birmingham City University, and is Chief Editor of Frontiers in Blockchains (Switzerland), a peer review academic journal with 400+ editors. He is Chair of Arbor Verification Tech (ESG – Ho Chi Minh), MiMeta.Life (Metaverse), Bureau of Media Data and Ideology (Media – New York), and AizaWorld (Gaming – Hanoi); most recently he was appointed Chair of AITEA (AI - Beijing) populated by staff from tech giants Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent. He has spoken at The Vatican which attributed him with the “God Metric – the fastest adopted social impact metric in the world”, and is Advisor to Wildcat Petroleum Plc, a London Stock Market listed company.What will you learn:Expanding ESG Impact Investing Beyond Carbon FootprintThe Role of AI in Identifying Impact OpportunitiesQuantifying the Impact of ESG Investing with A

Jim Rutt is a technologist, thinker, and host of The Jim Rutt Show podcast, where he explores deep ideas at the intersection of science, technology, and society. He is the Executive Producer of the film An Initiation to Game~B and a leading voice in the Game B movement—a vision for a post-Game A world that prioritizes sustainability, human flourishing, and collaborative evolution.Jim is a co-founder and Past President of the MIT Free Speech Alliance, and the creator of the popular mobile strategy game Network Wars. He served as Chairman of the Santa Fe Institute and continues his affiliation as a Research Fellow, focusing on consciousness and evolutionary artificial intelligence. He also sits on the advisory boards of the Krasnow Institute and Virginia Tech’s Fralin Life Sciences Institute.Professionally, Jim has held key leadership roles across the information technology landscape. He was CEO of Network Solutions, which managed the .com, .net, and .org domains before its acquisition by Verisign in 2000, and the first CTO of Thomson Reuters. He chaired Analog Design Automation until its acquisition by Synopsys in 2004 and has been deeply involved in multiple pioneering companies, including THE SOURCE, First Call, Wall Street on Demand, and MarketSwitch.A lifelong innovator and systems thinker, Jim also co-founded the Staunton Makerspace and served as Executive Producer of the award-winning film Zombiewood. He holds a B.S. in Management from MIT and serves on the Visiting Committee for MIT’s Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences.About Game B:Game B is a conceptual framework for a new kind of civilization—one that moves beyond short-term gains, systemic exploitation, and hyper-individualism. It envisions a cooperative, adaptive, and regenerative future, where societal systems are built to support the thriving of the many—not just the elite few.What Will You Learn?Rethink the Current System: Identify its flaws, blind spots, and unsustainability.Imagine a Thriving Future: Explore models designed for collective well-being and long-term resilience.Build Practical Strategies: Understand how to transition from "here" to "there"—and your role in that journey.