Sustainable Futures

What does it take to keep a sustainability strategy relevant after nearly two decades? In this episode, Jonathan Hall is joined by Karina O'Gorman, Head of ESG at M&S, to explore the evolution of the retailer's pioneering Plan A programme. They discuss the launch of Plan A 2030, why simplicity and employee engagement are critical for driving change, and how M&S is embedding sustainability into decision-making across the business. From circular fashion and regenerative agriculture to community impact, this conversation offers practical lessons on turning sustainability ambitions into action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Employee Resource Groups are often viewed as culture initiatives, but what if they're actually one of an organisation's most powerful drivers of talent development, innovation and business resilience?In this episode, host Leigh Kelly Andrews, Global Inclusion & Diversity Lead at Kantar, speaks with Tim Macavoy from Radius Networks about insights from the 2026 Global ERG Impact Report, the largest study of its kind. Together, they explore how organisations are evolving ERGs from employee communities into strategic business assets that strengthen leadership pipelines, improve employee wellbeing, accelerate innovation and help businesses navigate change.From tackling volunteer burnout and redefining executive sponsorship to leveraging employee insights to shape products, services and customer experiences, this conversation reveals why investing in people may be one of the most important sustainability decisions an organisation can make. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do so many brands invest in sustainability but struggle to communicate it? In this episode of Sustainable Futures, Jonathan Hall speaks with Maddy Cooper, Founder and CEO of Flourish, about the gap between sustainability action and marketing execution. Maddy shares her journey from marketing agency leader to climate entrepreneur, the challenges of building a business as a female founder, and how Flourish is helping brands navigate legal complexity, overcome greenhushing, and turn sustainability credentials into credible brand growth.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if mental health support was available the moment you needed it?Professor Jessica Schleider is challenging long-held assumptions about how care should be delivered, pioneering evidence-based single-session interventions designed to reach people quickly, affordably and at scale. In this episode, she joins Valeria Piaggio to discuss the future of mental health, why so many people are falling through the cracks, and how innovation can help build a more equitable system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As AI rapidly reshapes marketing and consumer experiences, how can brands innovate without compromising trust? In this episode of Sustainable Futures, Valeria Piaggio and Jonathan Hall explore the growing importance of responsible AI, drawing on initiatives such as the Inclusive AI Playbook developed through the Unstereotype Alliance and industry efforts to create more inclusive advertising. They discuss the risks of bias, the importance of ethical and environmentally responsible AI, and why marketers must think about what AI can do for people, not just efficiency or profit. The conversation also examines how leading organisations are approaching responsible marketing and why the brands best positioned for growth will be those that treat intelligence as both an opportunity and a responsibility, with people at the heart of every decision. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.