Sustainability Skill Set

Today’s guest is Dr. Mike Shriberg, a professor of practice and engagement at the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability, and the director of the University of Michigan Water Center. Mike has spent his career at the intersection of academia, advocacy, and leadership development working to prepare the next generation of sustainability professionals for the real-world challenges they will face.Mike’s work is grounded in a simple but powerful insight: sustainability leadership is modern leadership. Our field is constantly changing, uncertain, and complex, which means success depends less on memorizing content and more on developing the process skills that help us adapt, collaborate, and lead.In this episode, we dig into Mike’s research on how well higher education is preparing students for sustainability careers. We talk about the gap between theory and practice, why project-based and reflective learning are so critical, and how universities can better partner with organizations to give students meaningful, real-world experience.Mike also shares what he’s learned about how skills shift across a career, why the most successful professionals are self-reflective, and how to stand out in interviews by showing not just what you know, but how you think.If you’ve ever wondered what sustainability leadership really means, how to prepare yourself for a career in this dynamic field, or how higher education can evolve to meet the moment, this conversation is full of insight.

Today we’re joined by Emily King, Sustainability Specialist at Schreiber Foods.We discuss the fact that a sustainability job means constant variety and change, which can be both the best and worst part about it! And we reflected on the implications for who is best fit for this work.Emily described that her priority in sustainability leadership is creating a shared vision. Then she dove into strategies she uses to make sure everyone is on board and excited about making progress.Because she started her career in marketing, Emily uses her storytelling skills to win buy-in and move projects forward.We also covered how smarter data systems, including AI, can minimize the reporting grind so we can focus on real impact. This is one of her biggest efforts right now.And Emily described what she looks for in sustainability interviews, providing some great tips for those looking to get into the space.I really enjoyed her playful energy and spot-on analogies for the sustainability world. I think you will too.

Our guest for this episode is Carlos Villalpando, a technology leader, sustainability advocate, and enterprise architect who’s helping some of the world’s biggest companies make sense of their carbon data.Carlos is a Director at Salesforce, where he works on the Net Zero Cloud team guiding organizations on their path to credible climate action through better data, smarter systems, and long-term strategy.His journey into sustainability wasn’t planned. With a background in IT and customer success, Carlos spent years leading tech teams, mentoring architects, and building enterprise solutions across higher education and philanthropy. But after an internal realignment at Salesforce brought him into the Net Zero Cloud space, he discovered a new purpose.Carlos stayed—and he’s been learning, building, and advocating ever since. Not just for better sustainability software, but for better collaboration between sustainability and tech teams.In this episode, we explore what it means to be an enterprise architect in the world of sustainability, why Scope 3 emissions are such a beast to tackle, and how sustainability professionals can level up their data strategy to unlock real impact—not just reporting.Carlos also shares how his background in IT helps him bridge the gap between business goals and sustainability needs, and why the best sustainability work often starts with asking the right questions—not just taking orders.Whether you’re working in sustainability, data, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with insights on how to build smarter systems and stronger careers.

Today’s guest is Neil Yeoh, a sustainability leader, entrepreneur, and educator who's dedicated to accelerating climate solutions across industries.Neil is the founder and CEO of a sustainability consulting company called OnePointFive. He also started OnePointFive Academy, which is a hands-on training program helping people from all backgrounds break into impactful climate careers.But Neil didn’t start in this space. He actually began his career in oil and gas. He gradually became disillusioned and was looking for a change.He began volunteering for a non-profit in the evening and went on to earn a master’s degree in Environmental Management. Over time, he shifted his career towards climate work.Since then, he’s consulted for companies globally, published articles through Forbes and the World Economic Forum, and shared powerful insights on the skills needed to drive real sustainability progress.Through his OnePointFive Academy, Neil has helped hundreds of fellows learn technical skills like carbon accounting, lifecycle analysis, and decarbonization strategy. His approach is grounded in the belief that anyone, no matter where they come from or what field they’re in, can have a real positive impact through their work.This episode is full of insights on how to carve your own path in sustainability. Whether you’re looking to get into this work or already in a sustainability role, I think you’ll really enjoy it.

In this episode, I had a fantastic conversation with Mike Hower, a sustainability communication leader who has spent his career helping companies craft narratives around their social and environmental performance. From Senior Editor at Greenbiz, to Communication Strategist at Edelman, Mike has experience working on sustainability communications as a journalist, within companies, and as a consultant. He recently started his own company, Hower Impact, to continue this work as a fractional executive and leadership coach. Mike also holds regular sustainability career advice “connection sections”. So, he had plenty of relevant thoughts to share during our conversation related to what he’s seen and heard about the challenges sustainability professionals face. Personally, I am inspired by Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit. I learned a lot and I enjoyed his candor. I think you will too.

In this episode, I was honored to speak with career coach, Andy Nelson. In his past, Andy was involved with scaling multiple start-ups and worked in management consulting. He now focuses on helping mid-career professionals transition into the climate, sustainability, and social impact space. Andy has mentored hundreds of people through career changes. He understands the major challenges they face and provides them with essential tools and tactics to be successful. In our conversation, Andy and I uncovered so many actionable strategies for those who want to work on sustainability. Most notably, we covered three of the most common hurdles Andy sees, related to identifying your transferable skills, understanding the sustainability jobs landscape, and developing a clear and confident mindset. Even if you already work on sustainability, I’m confident you’ll take away new perspectives that will help you advance your career. Please enjoy this conversation, with Andy Nelson.

In this episode of the Sustainability Skill Set podcast, I sat down with Stephanie Udler who is a leader at the intersection of public policy and corporate sustainability. After taking her first job fielding calls in a senator’s office, Stephanie spent much of her career supporting the U.S. government’s earliest sustainability programs before transitioning into corporate work. In our conversation, Stephanie describes her current role as a Fractional Sustainability Executive, the tremendous value they inject into organizations, and the relevance of this type of role in today's business landscape. Stephanie also shares instrumental advice for anyone interested in building a career focused on sustainability and the public policy, underscoring the importance of networking, exploring niches, and making savvy career moves.

In the latest episode of the Sustainability Skill Set podcast, I sit down with Shea Jameel, Senior Director of Sustainability at Marsh McLennan, to discuss her impressive career journey and the skills she uses to succeed. Shea shares insights on building meaningful relationships, making the business case for sustainability, and driving change within organizations. Throughout the episode, Shea highlights the importance of strong relationships when implementing sustainability initiatives, regardless of industry. She emphasizes the need for effective communication, project management skills, and the ability to adapt to change. Shea also offers valuable advice on preparing for sustainability interviews, including the importance of storytelling and demonstrating concrete examples of skills and experiences. We wrap up the episode by weighing the benefits of having either a focused or broad approach to sustainability careers. She encourages individuals to follow their passions and interests while also considering the industry landscape and personal flexibility. If you're interested in a career in sustainability or want to enhance your skills in the field, don't miss this enlightening episode with Shea Jameel on the Sustainability Skill Set podcast. Tune in now to gain valuable insights and actionable advice!

In this episode of the Sustainability Skill Set podcast, host Louis DeMaso sits down with Michael Jung, the Executive Director of the ICF Climate Center. During the conversation, Michael provides valuable insights into the groundbreaking work of the ICF Climate Center, including their recent report on "super" solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. He emphasizes the importance of these solutions, combined with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), in helping the country reach its net-zero goals by 2050. Some key takeaways from this episode are: In order to achieve the U.S. net-zero goals by 2050, several key strategies need to be implemented. These include increasing the adoption of electric vehicles, focusing on energy-efficient buildings, transitioning power generation to cleaner energy sources, and exploring the utilization of "green molecules" like hydrogen and renewable natural gas. Asking good questions is a powerful tool for driving progress and sparking innovation. By leveraging the potential of questioning, individuals and organizations can challenge the status quo, foster transparency, and promote sustainability throughout supply chains. "Showing up" with curiosity, a willingness to volunteer, and a focus on building genuine relationships are crucial elements in accelerating one's career in the sustainability field. Actively seeking opportunities, embracing learning in unexpected places, and nurturing authentic connections can lead to personal growth, support, and new opportunities. Tune in to this episode to gain actionable insights and inspiring stories that can further your career and make a positive impact in the field of sustainability.

In this episode of the Sustainability Skill Set podcast, host Louis DeMaso sits down with Rachel Lawton, a freelance copywriter who helps climate-conscious companies tell their stories. Rachel shares her insights on the importance of messaging in sustainability, the transferable skills she utilizes in her work, and the power of simplifying complex ideas. She also discusses her journey into freelance writing and offers advice for aspiring climate writers. Tune in to this engaging conversation to gain valuable tips for effective communication in the sustainability sector and to learn how you can make a difference through your writing. Listen to this episode to discover: The difference between being a writer and being a messenger in sustainability How transferable skills can be leveraged in content creation Strategies for simplifying sustainability jargon and making it more digestible Rachel's personal journey into freelance writing for climate-conscious companies Advice for those looking to pursue a career in climate writing or freelancing If you're passionate about sustainability and want to learn how to effectively communicate your message, this episode is for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights from Rachel Lawton and take your sustainability career to the next level.

Do you aspire to make a positive impact on the environment and society through your career? If so, you won't want to miss the latest episode of the Sustainability Skill Set podcast. In this interview, Louis DeMaso sits down with Anmol Vanamali, an accomplished leader in the field of climate and energy policy, international finance, and sustainable infrastructure. Anmol has held multiple director-level positions in global non-profit organizations, such as the Center for Clean Air Policy and Winrock International. Currently, he is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University's Master of Science in Foreign Service program. Anmol brings a unique skill set to the conversation, with expertise in green finance and impact investments. He offers valuable insights into the most crucial sustainability issues of our time, including the challenges of achieving sustainable development goals and how we can make progress in both the private and non-profit sectors. During the interview, Anmol shares his experience and discusses his career path, offering advice to those interested in pursuing a career in sustainability. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right company and manager to work with, charting out a clear plan of focus, and developing a deep understanding of the interrelationships between climate and various parts of the economy or the socioeconomic structures that surround us. Anmol also talks about the role of top-down leadership in driving change and the importance of stakeholder management in addition to shareholder management. He shares his optimism about the future of sustainable development, noting the growing recognition of the urgency of these issues and the increasing opportunities for young professionals to make an impact. Don't miss this chance to learn from Anmol's expertise and gain insights into the career paths available in sustainability. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this interview provides valuable advice and inspiration for anyone seeking to make a difference in the world. Listen now to the Sustainability Skill Set podcast and get ready to be inspired! In this episode, we cover: [00:01:56] How did Anmol wind up working in jobs at the intersection of public policy, sustainable finance, and climate change? [00:10:19] What is impact investing and how can you start working in the field? [00:23:32] Anmol's favorite framework for bringing businesses together to conserve resources. [00:25:59] How new schools of thought are creating 'the wild west of management theory'. [00:29:18] Where to start if you are young, passionate, and want to have an impact. [00:40:03] The three most important steps for us to take to accelerate our transition to a more sustainable world.

In this episode of the Sustainability Skill Set podcast, host Louis DeMaso speaks with Danielle Norwitz, an account executive at Resource Energy, who shares her experience in energy management and data analytics. She provides a unique perspective on the role of sustainability in the commercial real estate industry, discussing how her team offers services like sustainability benchmarking, ESG reporting, materiality assessments, and metric reporting to cities and states to help clients achieve their sustainability goals and meet regulatory requirements. Danielle also provides valuable career advice for anyone interested in sustainability, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and finding mentors to succeed in any job. She offers tips on how to make sustainability a more significant part of your current role or shift into a sustainability-focused position. The conversation also touched on topics such as the importance of collecting and analyzing energy data, the benefits of having a broad range of experiences across different functions within a company, and how sustainability can be applied to almost any industry. Whether you're interested in learning about energy management, sustainability services, or career development, this episode is filled with useful insights.

In this episode of the Sustainability Skill Set podcast, host Louis DeMaso speaks with Ryan Spies, a passionate executive leader with over a decade of experience building sustainability, decarbonization, and ESG strategies within Fortune 500 companies. Ryan shares insights on how companies can reduce greenhouse gases, what makes a successful sustainability program, and how to integrate sustainability into every aspect of a company. Ryan emphasizes the importance of understanding where a company can have influence and measuring data to put estimates on data that is not available. He also discusses his own career path and how he got to where he is today. Ryan describes how sustainability jobs often evolve over time, requiring an entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and flexibility. He recommends that job candidates demonstrate these characteristics and a passion for sustainability topics, which can be more important than specific skill sets or experiences, especially for entry-level positions. Aspiring sustainability professionals will learn a lot from Ryan's experience and practical advice, making this episode a must-listen. Tune in to discover how you can make a difference in your own company and beyond.

Join me for an exciting conversation with Megan Saunders, the Director of ESG at Kayne Anderson Real Estate, as she shares her insights and best practices on how to advance environmental, social, and governance (ESG) in real estate. With 15 years of experience in sustainability strategy and implementation, Megan has a deep understanding of what it takes to make a building green, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and balance people, planet, and profit. Megan talks about how she sets ESG strategy for the entire real estate firm, collaborates with partners, and leads a team in implementing measures to make their real estate assets and organization more sustainable. She also shares her thoughts on the importance of effective communication and collaboration skills for sustainability professionals to succeed in their work. Don't miss out on this opportunity to peek behind the scenes of Megan’s impactful work and learn how to advance ESG in real estate.

In this episode, Louis DeMaso speaks with Alex Nichols-Vinueza, Program Manager at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), about his role on their Food Loss and Waste team. Listeners can expect to learn about WWF's approach to reducing food loss and waste, the benefits and drawbacks of working for a non-governmental organization (NGO), and the importance of collaboration in sustainability efforts. They will also gain insights into Alex's professional journey and how his experiences prepared him for working in sustainability. Read more about this episode on the Sustainability Skill Set website.

In this episode, Louis DeMaso interviews Daniel Wolf, a Policy Manager at The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE). They discuss Daniel's work advocating for policies that accelerate the United States’ transition to renewable energy, including clean energy taxes and legislation for transmission lines. Daniel shares his personal journey into advocacy, skills that are important for success in his field, and emerging trends in renewable energy technology. Listen to this episode to learn how advocating for renewable energy policy can make a tangible impact in advancing sustainability and how you can enter this exciting field. Read more about this episode on the Sustainability Skill Set website.

In this podcast episode, Louis DeMaso talks with Molly Laverty, the Director of ESG for Del Monte Foods, about her journey from working directly with coffee suppliers to managing a multinational sustainability program. They discuss the sustainability challenges faced by the food industry, including measuring scope three emissions accurately, and how Molly works cross-functionally with departments like transportation, agriculture, and packaging to achieve Del Monte's sustainability goals. They also touch on the importance of collaboration, building consensus, data and analytics, supply chain management, and public speaking in sustainability careers. Molly shares her tips for preparing for public speaking engagements, the skills she's currently working on developing, and what success looks like in her role. This engaging conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainability, corporate responsibility, and the food industry. Read more about this episode on the Sustainability Skill Set website.

Join Sustainability Consultant and Host Louis DeMaso as he talks with Kealy Herman, Global Technical Director of Net Zero Strategy at Arcadis, in this episode of the Sustainability Skill Set podcast. Kealy has had an impressive career in sustainability, and now she's sharing her knowledge and experience, discussing the key activities that sustainability professionals perform in their jobs and companies, and how to integrate sustainability into the way we do business and run organizations. Kealy also compares sustainability careers in consulting versus those within companies, highlighting the differences in specialization, company politics, and collaboration with internal partners. Listen to this episode to learn more about the skills required to work in sustainability and how you can make an impact in this fast-moving industry. Read more about this episode on the Sustainability Skill Set website.