The Rhona Morrell Podcast

#Ep 92 This will be my last podcast for a little while, so thought I would end on a super positive high with the incredible Paul Goodenough, a true storyteller, narrator and positive genius. Paul brings together a new narrative around some of the common problems in today's society and with a huge dollop of humour. I LOVED recording this session with Paul and it really gave me the boost I needed, thank you Paul. Paul is an award-winning, purpose-driven storyteller and entrepreneur, working in the environmental, charity, peace-building and entertainment sectors. For over two decades, Goodenough has founded and led top-flight creative agencies. He launched his first digital agency, Aerian Studios, at the age of 18, enlisting older family and friends to pose as him at meetings, convinced potential clients would be put off by his youth.  Aerian Studios went on to become one of the most respected agencies in the UK, creating industry-leading campaigns, websites, products and mobile apps for the BBC, CNN, Warner Bros, Sky, Vodafone, BAFTA, the UK Government and many more. In 2011, Goodenough founded the production company GBK Hybrid with Star Wars producer Gary Kurtz and Iron Giant and Disney animator Richard Bazley. Goodenough was nominated for an Emmy in 2015 for his work as a producer on the 2015 multi-award-winning TV Movie Lost Treasure Hunt. In 2019, Goodenough co-founded Rewriting Earth (formerly Rewriting Extinction).  Now an independent charity, Rewriting Earth began as a 12-month cross-charity project raising money and awareness for the climate and biodiversity crisis, using the powerful storytelling medium of comics and videos.  Goodenough single-handedly forged collaborations between 300+ celebrities, comic artists and experts to create high-impact environmental stories that deliver clear information to mainstream audiences. Within 12 months, Rewriting Earth raised £1.54m for the different charities involved, helping to protect 662 species with important milestones, like helping the World Land Trust purchase and protect Guatemala’s Laguna Grande Reserve.  The project was recognised for reaching a wide, global audience, attaining over 150 million engagements with people not traditionally engaged in environmental issues.

The truth behind the rhetoric - in this episode we can get the chance to hear from others who have had the unfortunate experience of Stephen Fern. Thank you for your bravery in coming forward, I know the fear of association, fear of reputational risk and embarrassment was too great for so many others to speak out, which we all understand. As always please ensure you do your due diligence. You may want to check to see if you are connected to this man on LinkedIn. You can find out more about this individual on my LinkedIn posts and more importantly what you can't find online, are any accounts, any team, websites, or delivered projects.

I had the pleasure of being introduced to Anna earlier this year and knew I had to get Anna and Tarek on the show, in this episode we talk about funding, activism, supporting causes and elevating voices.   So, who are The Movements Trust: FISCAL SPONSORSHIP We provide unincorporated or non-charity movements access to our charitable status in order to qualify for funding and other services. RE-GRANTING We advocate for trust-based, and movement-friendly grant making and pilot grant making with movements to find a methodology that genuinely helps them NETWORKING MOVEMENTS We connect movements to each other and to sources of support to amplify their impact and get them to help they need to thrive Anna has worked throughout her career for social justice. She started out as a community organiser building community-led housing, food banks and welcome services for people seeking refuge in the UK, and on human rights education, political and community participation, including citizens’ assemblies and community-led inquiries. She moved into human rights advocacy, both in the UK and internationally, including as CEO of a global movement to end violence against children. She joined the Movements Trust in June 2022 and is committed to a movement-centred approach, to foster collaboration and remove the barriers to accessing funding, advice and infrastructure. Tarek works as Head of ESG at an investment bank and brings a wealth of experience in sustainable finance and corporate strategy at a senior management level from two investment banks. He has a passion for climate action as well as inclusion & diversity, and he also brings experience as a former Co-Chair of an EMEA-level gender equality network. Tarek is keen to explore how new audiences can learn from effective people-powered movements - he looks forward to partnering with innovative movements to create a positive impact.  

Fantastic talking with Jonathan about his extensive experience in manufacturing, supply chain, waste and all things recycling and social impact. Jonathan Wragg is the Global Sustainability Director at Prominate. He has extensive experience of with governments, blue chip corporations and household brands on packaging, recycling, environmental impact, and the supply chain. In 2023, Jonathan was ranked 12th in the Resource Magazine Hot 100 of the most influential professionals in waste, recycling, and sustainability. Over his career, Jonathan has gained a worldwide reputation for helping eliminate greenwashing, whilst also working alongside global brands to advise on what he sees as the lack of clear knowledge sharing between manufacturing and the waste and recycling industries.

Great to catch up and discuss different perspectives with Dr Judith Curry is the President and co-founder of the Climate Forecast Applications Network (CFAN).  She is Professor Emerita at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she served as Chair of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences for 13 years. Her expertise is in climate dynamics, extreme weather, and prediction/predictability. Curry is a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Geophysical Union.   Following an influential career in academic research and administration, Curry founded CFAN to translate cutting-edge weather and climate research into forecast products and services that support the management of weather and climate risk for public and private sector decision-makers.  Curry is a leading global thinker on climate change. She is frequently called upon to give U.S. Congressional testimony and serve as an expert witness on matters related to weather and climate. Her influential blog Climate Etc. addresses leading-edge and controversial topics about climate change and the science-policy interface. Her new book is Climate Uncertainty and Risk - Rethinking the climate change problem, the risks we are facing, and how we can respond.

BIO: Educated in architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, my professional path has been shaped by a deep commitment to environmental and social responsiveness. My focus extends to exploring and operationalizing the concept of planetary boundaries, with a keen interest in alternative hedonism and the principles of degrowth. In spearheading projects like the Reduction Roadmap, Living Places, and Urban Villages, my aim has been to transform theoretical ideas into practical, impactful solutions. These initiatives reflect my belief in creating work that is simple, emotionally engaging, and actionable

As you will know I recently travelled to Innsbruck, Austria to attend the Skinnovation 10-year Festival of Innovation of Skis. This event brings female founders, investors, start-ups, speakers and NOW podcasters to the slopes, in this stunning location and unique way to do business and networking. It was also a privilege to be able to be a speaker on the Sustainability Panel and loved seeing such a large audience. This is a special edition 1 Hour 13mins with 3 incredible guests. Firstly, Kim Wlach from Berg-Macher. We discuss transformational change and sustainability. Secondly, David Lowe, Co-Founder of Everdrop and all things packaging, challenges and the future of cleaning products. Last, but by no means least, the formidable Nadja King & Anna Breidt, Co-Founders of OYESS Beauty, talk about all things supply chain, past learnings and how to apply sustainability to the next generation of beauty products. Sadly we were only able to audio record, so I can't bring you the magic of the location and the slopes, BUT hoping that next year we will have video too, please enjoy

Amazing talking to Kieron on how he is approaching a smarter way for global consumption through technology. Kieron started Freer in 2019 out of a real-life need and realised that many others had the same requirement - to use products only when required rather than owning them and having them sit idle for 99% of the time. Whilst the idea germinated, was researched and brought to fruition, Kieron called upon his 20-year career in project and programme management to bring the skills required of discipline, determination and resilience to cut through many of the challenges along the way including COVID lockdowns (rather tricky to encourage people to go to each other’s houses in the middle of a killer pandemic), a dysfunctioning app delivered by an overseas 3rd party and a plethora of naysayers who said it’d never work. Kieron says his ability to persevere, keep focused and always be positive comes from his previous career as an engineer in the British Army. Kieron is trying to build Freer as a force for change in the way we consume everyday items and is convinced that by combining community action, connectivity and convenience we can use and consume items in a much smarter, economically and socially responsible way.

I finally get to catch up with Karen as we discuss the 1 BIllion Trees projection in Dubai, its impacts, and the project's future plans. Karen Bio: Climate change represents one of the greatest challenges of our era but with it comes unparalleled opportunities for innovation and growth. As CEO of The Storey Group and Board Member of several amazing start-ups, I have had the pleasure of steering and overseeing several projects that leverage innovative, sustainable technologies to combat climate change and drive economic development. We're not just adapting to change but driving it, transforming each challenge into an exciting venture. Together we can turn the tide on climate change while building a brighter future for the generations to come.

Delighted to welcome Florent to the show and be able to showcase the amazing work that PROTECT AND RESTORE NATURE: ACCION ANDINA do. Florent Kaiser, CEO of Global Forest Generation, is a passionate conservation entrepreneur on a mission to implement effective solutions to scale up the restoration and protection of the world's forest ecosystems. He is on the Advisory Board of the World Economic Forum's 1t.org Trillion Tree Campaign. As a member of the Board of the Global Partnership for Landscape Restoration, Florent represents GFG's work with catalytic on-the-ground implementers.

I had to get Keiron back on the show, his honest and no BS approach to what he is doing and achieving is what we need. I wanted to explore further the technology he has launched in the form of an app and how that is attacking the waste issue and empowering locals in Indonesia and across the globe. Bio As the Commissioner, and Director of Ocean Integrity at Ocean Integrity Group, I lead a global organization that aims to reduce ocean plastic pollution and create a positive social impact. We partner with the commercial fishing industry, local communities, and governments to implement our patented technology that collects and recycles plastic waste from the oceans while providing opportunities and empowerment for the economic indigenous people in developing countries.

Nothing like getting together and really calling things as they are, this episode was a breath of fresh air as we talked about some uncomfortable truths. As the Commissioner, Director of Ocean Integrity at Ocean Integrity Group, I lead a global organization that aims to reduce ocean plastic pollution and create positive social impact. We partner with the commercial fishing industry, local communities and governments to implement our patented technology that collects and recycles plastic waste from the oceans while providing economic opportunities and empowerment for the indigenous people in developing countries. Before joining Ocean Integrity Group in May 2023, I founded and led Oceans Integrity, a company that shares the same vision and mission. Under my leadership, Oceans Integrity won multiple awards, secured a large contract with a major fishing corporation, and expanded its operations to four continents. I am also a speaker and mentor, sharing my expertise and insights on sustainability, innovation, and social entrepreneurship with various audiences and platforms. I have a high school diploma from Dungarvan CBS, where I developed my core competencies in new business development, process improvement, and social networking. I am passionate about ocean conservation and making a difference in the world.

I'm finishing out 2023 with the amazing Christain Schmitz, we talk about passion, impact, collaboration and The Earthshot Prize, from an official nominator perspective. Founder at PDIE Group | Official Earthshot Prize Nominator | Investor | CEO at Aventa - Smart Marketing & Lifestyle | CMO at DCX - Rice Exchange and Fertilizer Exchange I started my career in the agrochemicals divisions of Bayer and BASF becoming a rice crop expert. While holding numerous global and local management positions my work on high-level development projects brought me to almost every rice-producing country in the world. Visiting local farmer communities and research facilities in developing and developed countries gave me a thorough image of all facets of rice production. After ten years in the agrochemicals business, I became marketing director for Henkel and Japan country manager for the German furniture brand hülsta. Since 2009, I have been managing my boutique consulting firm Aventa providing services for international and Japanese corporations. I also took part in a social media venture called Quchy and invested in two startups by myself. At the moment, I represent the World Innovations Forum/Society3 in Japan. This organization aims to build a global innovation ecosystem to help entrepreneurs and corporate intrapreneurs succeed in bringing their ideas to market. I am fascinated by the new possibilities of blockchain and joint Rice Exchange as CMO and Head of Asia. This company will create a global trade platform for rice and will bring more transparency, efficiency and liquidity to the 450 bn USD global rice market. 

In this episode, I talk with Marco, about the vital importance of gathering and collaborating on data, across various metrics for the SDG's. We look at his successes and frustrations in building NOAH. and some honest discussions about our sector. Marco Bio: As the Chief Executive Officer of NOAH Conference, I have over 14 years of experience in bringing technology and financial markets together to develop the natural capital sector. I lead a team of passionate professionals who organize and host Europe's premier event for digital growth and sustainability companies and investors.With a background in banking, entrepreneurship, and private equity, I have a strong track record of advising and facilitating mergers and acquisitions, capital raisings, and exits for some of the most innovative and impactful firms in the digital space. I leverage my skills in new business development, deal sourcing, and negotiation to create value and opportunities for the NOAH community. My mission is to foster a vibrant and diverse ecosystem that supports the growth and transformation of the digital economy.

This Ep was inspired by Jack Sim and a mutual meeting of the minds for getting sh!t done, Laura Korculanin focussed on water and sanitation in the developing world and here we talk about some of the factors, studies and things we can do to help. BIO:Laura Korčulanin is a pioneer design anthropologist, environmental advocate and water expert. Her long-year passion for water and systemic changes culminates in her founding of the project Give a Shit, a regenerative innovation agency focusing on integrated water solutions and ecological sanitation. She has over 15 years of international experience (Europe, Mexico, New York) as a consultant for impact innovation and sustainability to governments, industry, businesses, and NGOs. From 2016 on she worked as an invited professor at IADE-UE and has created sustainability programs and courses as a visiting professor at John Jay College NYC, Ironhack and Ibero Americana, CDMX. Laura has paved the way for the establishment of business anthropology and holistic design practice in Europe as part of the direction board of Applied Anthropology Network (AAN) and curator of I’MPULSE sessions; Design by Nature. She was a co-founder of Frequency Village, a regenerative community intentional space in the Azores, Portugal, and head of regeneration for the newly established Spatial Innovation Network - SPINN

I’ve been following Jack for a while now, and his vision, determination, storytelling, and compassion really blew me away, so I’m delighted to share this episode with Jack Sim AKA Mr Toilet Man #legend Globally known as Mr Toilet, Jack Sim is a Serial Entrepreneur with 16 businesses turned Serial Social Entrepreneur with 8 social businesses. He retired at age 40 to devote his full time to changing the world. The first step in that journey was that he founded the Restroom Association of Singapore in 1998 and World Toilet Organisation in 2001. He also created UN World Toilet Day 19 Nov. His experiences range from Mass Resource Mobilization Movements, Market Ecosystem Building, Media Communication, and Motivational speaking to Teaching at Singularity University, and Adjunct Associate Professor at NUS and Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. His next steps are to mobilize, align, and facilitate global stakeholders towards transforming 4 billion low-income demography into a massively efficient marketplace.

Delighted to bring this sponsored episode with Robin Edwards and greenIT, to talk about social and environmental impact through technology and some great hints on how you can join in too. Robin Edwards is on a mission to foster positive social and environmental impact through the application of technology! From a young age, Robin developed a profound appreciation for the natural world and the imperative of its preservation. Growing up in the scenic Himalayan foothills, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, he was deeply influenced to value and protect the environment. In 2017, Robin established greneIT, blending his veneration for nature with two decades of experience in systems development and IT expertise. His vision for greneIT was to create a more user-friendly IT landscape while championing environmentally sustainable and ethical business practices. Today, Robin collaborates with conscious individuals and entrepreneurs who share his concerns for the planet, working together to make a positive social and environmental impact through their technological endeavors.

Delighted to welcome back Dinis to the podcast, this time we talk about all things technology and the future of Humanity. Dinis Guarda was born in Portugal. He earned his BA in Languages and Literature from the Universidade de Lisboa between 1992 and 1997 and achieved a Master's in New Media from London South Bank University in 2011. Dinis has lived in Sweden and worked in Denmark prior to moving definitely to London. Dinis started his professional career back in Portugal in 1997 as the Founder Member of the cultural organization Número – Arte e Cultura and created the arts and fashion magazine NumeroMagazine between Lisbon and Paris with Didier Fiuza Faustino. From then on he has held multiple positions in his professional career including Curator and Project Manager for the Portuguese Presidency of Republic in 2006 and 2007. He also has multiple ventures including fashionabc.org- a social impact blockchain fashion directory platform, techabc.org a 4IR – digital transformation blockchain, AI, and Fintech fund. openbusinesscouncil.org- the business B2B wiki directory and search engine – a new financial blockchain AI empowerment platform and fintech marketplace. Dinis has been recognized as a leading global blockchain personality in social media by data analytics report by RightRelevance search engine platform Blockchain (Aug 1 – Sep 20): Twitter Analysis, using the following methodology ‘topical influence’ or Tribes by measuring the quality of network connections within the context of a ‘topic’ and ‘engagement influence’ or Flocks by measuring quality and quantity of engagements (RTs, mentions, replies), reach of tweets etc. within the context of an event or trend. This report highlights his digital presence as the number one personality in the world during the time of the study. Dinis Guarda is listed in various global fintech, blockchain, AI, and social media industry top lists as an influencer in position top 5/10/20 within global first 100 rankings as well as being highlighted in some of the lists as Cointelegraph’s Top People In Blockchain, Rise Global’s The Artificial Intelligence Power 100 and he is ranked or listed as one of the most influential people in Blockchain in the world by Right Relevance and as “30 Most Influential People in the Blockchain Space” by Crypto Compare.

Following on from Ep 71 when we discussed how the West Green Policies are impacting Africa, Hugo and I started to explore the geopolitical issues with the energy transition, please enjoy this ep and the discussion. Hügo Krüger is a YouTube podcaster, writer, and civil nuclear engineer who has worked on a variety of energy-related infrastructure projects ranging from Nuclear Power, LNG, and Renewable Technologies. He holds a Master’s in Nuclear Civil Engineering from École Spéciale des Travaux Publics, du bâtiment et de l’industrie, Paris and a bachelor’s from the University of Pretoria.

I had just finished reading Post Growth when I saw Jef's LinkedIn post and article and I wanted to chat about it, this episode looks at what degrowth, or as Jef puts it 𝐈𝐬 "𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡" 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲? Jef Teugels is a Planet and People-First Solutions Designer driven by his desire to assist business leaders with an intention and positively contribute to today's dynamic global environment. He is convinced that businesses, from corporations to micro-companies, can create a new era of environmental responsibility and social advancement. His innovative sustainability approach is driven by his understanding of both theory and practice. He currently acts as sustainability adviser to ‘rpc’ - a BMW Group and H&Z joint venture. Furthermore, he is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cumbria and teaches classes at the Krakow School of Business of the Krakow University of Economics.