Consensus in Conversation

Paolo Carozza of The Oversight Board on Innovating with Integrity in an AI-Powered Future

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

How do we, as business leaders and innovators, govern emerging technology with a moral compass? In this powerful and deeply thoughtful episode, Conor Gaughan sits down with Paolo Carozza—legal scholar, human rights advocate, Notre Dame professor, and co-chair of the Oversight Board—to explore what responsibility looks like in a time of rapid AI transformation.

Together, they unpack:

The radical promise (and challenge) of the Oversight Board as a new model of tech governance
What AI means for labor, human dignity, and democracy
How to find consensus across cultures in the face of global complexity
Why we must develop new institutions for an interconnected world
And how we can each foster deeper dialogue to find hope in uncertain times

If you're a business leader, innovator, policymaker, or just a curious mind wondering how we build a better future with this fast-emerging technology, this episode is for you.

For more great interviews, follow Consensus in Conversation subscribe to ‪@ConsensusDigitalMedia‬ and follow us Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your favorite podcast platform.

Connect with Conor Gaughan on LinkedIn and Threads @ckgone

Connect with Paolo Carozza on Linkedin

Learn more about The Oversight Board at OversightBoard.com and follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

Consensus in Conversation is hosted and executive produced by Conor Gaughan. This episode was produced by Kate Tucker for Consensus Media.

If you liked this episode, please consider leaving a review, it helps us build consensus – and great conversations!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Media.

Kevin Doffing of Project Vanguard: Veterans Powering America’s Energy Dominance | Insights from CLEANPOWER 2025

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0400

This is the final episode in a special three part series live from the PowerCast stage at CLEANPOWER 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona where Consensus in Conversation host Conor Gaughan sat down with Kevin Doffing, Founder and CEO of Project Vanguard, to discuss how veterans are uniquely positioned to drive America's energy transition.

Former Army Infantry Officer turned clean energy advocate, Kevin Doffing shares how Project Vanguard is empowering veterans in the renewable energy sector through cutting edge careers, policy advocacy, and community leadership. Discover why veterans excel in clean energy roles, how they are shaping community perceptions, and why energy independence is so important for national security.

Join us for a compelling conversation with Kevin Doffing on:

How Project Vanguard is uniting veterans nationwide to power America’s clean energy workforce and strengthen energy security.
Why veterans are uniquely equipped for careers in renewable energy — and how their skills and mindset align with industry needs.
Practical ways veterans are building trust and community support for local clean energy projects across the country.
How renewable energy development can help reduce global conflict and reinforce national security.
What the clean energy industry and policymakers can do right now to better support veteran hiring, apprenticeships, and leadership opportunities.

Learn more at projectvanguard.com

Connect with Conor Gaughan on LinkedIn and Threads @ckgone

This is the third episode in a three-part series recorded live from CleanPower 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Don’t miss the first two episodes: Sandhya Ganapathy & Tristan Grimbert: Lessons from Innovators Leading the Energy Transition; and Miguel Prado & Frank Macchiarola: Strengthening the Grid for Tomorrow’s Energy Demands, both now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Consensus in Conversation is hosted and executive produced by Conor Gaughan. This episode was produced by Kate Tucker for Consensus Media in partnership with American Clean Power. Special thanks to our PowerCast production team: ACP’s Senior Manager of Powercasts – Hannah Papp, James Lamparter of Diamond Pro Audio, and Paul Pollard of SlideSpiel.

Gratitude as always to the team at Consensus Media including Greg Herrigel on research and Patrick Gallagher on strategy.

If you liked this episode, please consider leaving a review, it helps us build consensus, and great conversations!

Miguel Prado & Frank Macchiarola: Strengthening the Grid for Tomorrow’s Energy Demands | Insights from CLEANPOWER 2025

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 05:15:00 -0400

In this special episode of Consensus in Conversation live from the PowerCast stage at CLEANPOWER 2025, host Conor Gaughan talks with Miguel Prado, CEO of energyRe, and Frank Macchiarola, Chief Advocacy Officer at American Clean Power about the urgency of strengthening America's grid infrastructure to meet our growing energy demands.

Miguel and Frank discuss critical investments in renewable energy, from utility-scale solar and underground transmission to offshore wind, laying out the powerful economic and community benefits these projects bring. They also delve into current regulatory challenges, the need for policy stability, and how energy infrastructure projects can support energy independence and economic growth.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Miguel Prado and Frank Macchiarola on:

How major renewable energy trends like data centers, electrification, and clean industry are driving unprecedented demand for reliable power.
Why strengthening America’s aging grid is critical to unlocking more clean energy capacity and keeping energy affordable.
How utility-scale solar, offshore wind, and underground transmission projects deliver economic development and community benefits.
The biggest policy and regulatory hurdles facing renewable energy developers today — and why policy stability matters.
What communities, investors, and policymakers each need to do to ensure America’s energy independence and grid resilience.

Learn more at energyre.com and cleanpower.org

Find Frank Macchiarola and Miguel Prado on LinkedIn

Connect with Conor Gaughan on LinkedIn and Threads @ckgone

This is the second episode in a three-part series recorded live from CleanPower 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. If you liked this conversation, stay tuned for part three with Kevin Doffing, founder & CEO of Project Vanguard.

For more great interviews, follow Consensus in Conversation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Gratitude as always to the team at Consensus Media including Greg Herrigel on research and Patrick Gallagher on strategy.

If you liked this episode, please consider leaving a review, it helps us build consensus, and great conversations!

Sandhya Ganapathy & Tristan Grimbert: Lessons from Innovators Leading the Energy Transition | Insights from CLEANPOWER 2025

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

This episode kicks off a special three part series live from the PowerCast stage at CLEANPOWER 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona where host Conor Gaughan interviewed two of clean energy’s most influential leaders—Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDP Renewables North America, and Tristan Grimbert, President and CEO of EDF Power Solutions North America.

Join us for an insightful and fast-moving conversation that takes a high-level look at the future of sustainable energy including:

What it takes to scale clean energy solutions across diverse technologies and markets
The urgent need for grid modernization
The transformative potential of AI
The power in advanced storage solutions
Why responsible leadership is essential in driving the clean energy transition

To learn more visit:

EDP Renewables: edpr.com/north-america

EDF Power Solutions North America: edf-re.com

Connect with Conor Gaughan on LinkedIn and Threads @ckgone

This is the first episode in a three-part series recorded live from CleanPower 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. If you liked this conversation, stay tuned for part two with Miguel Prado, CEO of energyRe and Frank Macchiarola, Chief Advocacy Officer of American Clean Power.

For more great interviews, follow Consensus in Conversation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Gratitude as always to the team at Consensus Media including Greg Herrigel on research and Patrick Gallagher on strategy.

If you liked this episode, please consider leaving a review, it helps us build consensus, and great conversations!

CiC 2024 Year End Wrap Up: Impactful Storytelling

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 05:15:00 -0400

2024 brought us 38 new guests, 2,091 minutes of conversation, and an immeasurable wealth of new ideas and narratives about how to use business to make the world a better place. The challenges we face are great, but with every challenge comes opportunity, and it’s never been more important for impact businesses to tell a compelling, mission-centric story. Join Conor Gaughan as he revisits the best storytelling advice from this year’s expert guests, sharing key insights, analysis, and takeaways.

Whether it's harnessing your inner Luke Skywalker to wow investors and attract customers with analogies that will resonate, or learning the secret to explaining your incredible new technology in lay terms, this episode will definitely offer new angles and perspectives on crafting your business story.

Featured guests in order of appearance:

00:00 Conor introduces the CiC 2024 Year End Wrap Up
04:24 Keith Norman: Chief Sustainability Officer, Lyten
06:00 Jasmine Crowe-Houston: Founder & CEO, Goodr
08:09 Jay Kapoor: Co-Founder & General Partner, VSC Ventures
14:58 Nicolas Pinkowski: Co-Founder & CEO, Nitricity
17:17 Shivam Mallick Shah: Co-Founder & CEO, 1953 Tequila and Lindsey Davis Stover: Co-Founder & President, 1953 Tequila
20:27 Ben Christensen: Co-Founder & CEO, Cambium
24:34 Grant Quasha: Chairman & CEO, Eco Material Technologies
26:48 Peter Godart: Co-Founder & CEO, Found Energy
29:11 Zal Bilimoria: Co-Founder & Solo Capitalist, Refactor Capital
31:59 Pavle Jeremic: Founder & CEO, Aether Biomachines
35:39 Jay Kapoor: Co-Founder & General Partner, VSC Ventures
39:31 Karthik Balakrishnan: Co-Founder & President, ACTUAL
43:02 Lauren Dunford: Co-Founder & CEO, Guidewheel
46:52 Dr. Vince Romanin: Founder & CEO, Gradient
49:50 Conor Gaughan on the power of storytelling

A big thank you to all of our guests this year!

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone

Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Rinaldo Brutoco of World Business Academy on H2 Clipper, Energy Economics, and The Hydrogen Future

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:15:00 -0400

Rinaldo Brutoco has dedicated his life to harnessing the awesome potential of business to create positive change in the world. As a pioneer in impact entrepreneurship, Rinaldo has spent more than thirty years building successful businesses ahead of the curve, and today, his eyes are on the green hydrogen space as a potential game-changer for the future of clean energy.

In this second part of our two-part conversation with Rinaldo – the founding president of nonprofit think (and do!) tank the World Business Academy (WBA) and founder and CEO of green hydrogen transportation firm H2 Clipper (H2C) – we dive into the creation of the WBA, Rinaldo’s business case for the inevitability of a clean energy future, and how his H2 Clipper is reimagining a very old technology in a very new way to accelerate the green hydrogen revolution.

Listen to Rinaldo’s first episode if you haven’t already: Rinaldo Brutoco of World Business Academy on Consumer Law, Merchant Banks, and the Impact of Pay TV

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Rinaldo Brutoco on why hydrogen is here to stay
00:44 Conor Gaughan introduces Rinaldo, World Business Academy, and H2 Clipper
04:35 Incubating the WBA, building a governing body, creating true impact
10:29 Business as a steward, shifting the consciousness, combatting climate change
20:04 Launching H2 Clipper, green hydrogen, industries buying-in
32:28 Economic impact, tech innovation, regulating renewables
40:09 Finding motivation, the Optimist Daily, where to learn more
46:50 Leaving a legacy and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Zach Jones of C-Zero on Hydrogen 3.0, Decarbonizing Natural Gas, and The Innovation Economy

More on Rinaldo Brutoco, World Business Academy, and H2 Clipper:

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone

Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Rinaldo Brutoco of World Business Academy on Consumer Law, Merchant Banks, and the Impact of Pay TV

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:15:00 -0400

How can business solve humanity’s most significant challenges? Why is business the best vehicle to solve them? For the last 35 years, Rinaldo Brutoco has devoted himself to asking – and answering – these crucial questions. The founding president of nonprofit think (and do!) tank the World Business Academy (WBA) and founder and CEO of green hydrogen transportation firm H2 Clipper (H2C), Rinaldo is a trailblazer in both the theory and practice of sustainable business solutions.

Rinaldo graduated from Santa Clara University with degrees in economics and philosophy and later received a J.D. from UCLA School of Law in 1971. His career has had many remarkable turns – pioneer in consumer law, Inc. 500 CEO, author, lecturer, and co-founder of the world’s first paid cable TV company. Behind all these turns was an unshakeable conviction that business could – must – be a force for good, driving Rinaldo to found the WBA in 1987 to explore the role of business in addressing serious moral, environmental, and social issues around the world. The think tank has since been responsible for initiatives like the Optimist Daily newsletter, Safe Energy Project, Global Citizen’s Club, and the New Business Paradigms podcast.

As of 2011, Rinaldo has been practicing what he has preached with the launch of H2C, a firm pioneering a low cost, effective, end-to-end transport and distribution system for green hydrogen. Its revolutionary approach tackles the biggest obstacle to the widespread adoption of hydrogen while also producing a scalable, carbon-free alternative to fossil fuels that’s powered by Rinaldo’s patented generative AI manufacturing technology.

Hear Rinaldo talk about his unique path to clean energy visionary, the importance of teaching entrepreneurship as a noble profession, and why paid cable was a source of good for the world.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Rinaldo Brutoco on the rise of pay TV
00:49 Conor Gaughan introduces Rinaldo, WBA, and H2 Clipper
04:38 Entrepreneurial interests, UCLA law, Nader's Raiders
17:09 Businesses for good, meditation, third party perspectives
25:16 Launching paid cable, having a vision, pitching investors
34:55 Modern entertainment, generative A.I, merchant banking
46:53 Creating impact, shareholder motivation, finding inspiration
51:50 Where to learn more and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Ben Bressler of Natural Habitat Adventures on Nature, Travel, and Pursuing Your Passion

More on Rinaldo Brutoco, World Business Academy, and H2 Clipper:

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone

Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Steve Magami of Agrovision on Global Microclimates, Long-Term Success, and Billion Dollar Berries

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:15:00 -0400

Agrovision, a global leader in superfruits, is on a mission to make the healthiest snacks the most enjoyable, by utilizing a cutting edge blend of genetic research, freshness technology, and – most importantly – perfectly-suited agricultural locations to supply more consistent, nutritious, and incredible tasting berries year-round through their Fruitist label.

That “vision,” in Agrovision, comes in part from co-founder and executive chairman Steve Magami, who grew up in a health-conscious family surrounded by California’s citrus orchards. Steve graduated the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in biology and worked as a private equity investor at Lovell Minnick Partners, where a plan for a potential biofuel business took him on a trip to Peru that would change his trajectory forever.

The biofuel didn’t end up panning out, but Steve saw firsthand how advantageous Peru’s climate and infrastructure development plans were for agriculture, and co-founded Agrovision in 2012 as a vertically integrated produce operation to seize this unique opportunity. Agrovision, now one of Peru’s top exporters, employs over 15,000 field workers in Peru alone, more than half of whom are women, and has supported local communities with meaningful investments in education, transportation and healthcare infrastructure. Since its first commercial harvest in 2015, the firm has added thousands of acres of farmland in 8 countries around the globe, and now sells its high-quality berries to consumer markets across North America, Europe, and Asia. Today, Agrovision is one of America’s fastest growing companies, officially achieving a “Unicorn” valuation earlier this year – no small feat for an ag tech company!

Hear Steve talk about recognizing “perfect storms” of opportunity like the one he found in Peru, how businesses can be responsible partners in developing economies, and why redefining healthy snacking could impact the world for the better.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Steve Magami on his first aha moment
00:53 Conor Gaughan introduces Steve and Agrovision
05:08 California upbringing, venture capital, and clean tech
12:51 Peru, myth vs reality, and the origin of Agrovision
18:10 The business model, risk management, and microclimates
22:50 An outsider mentality, building trust, and transformative irrigation
28:37 Agrovision today, the superfruit industry, and raising capital
38:08 Sustainability, community programs, and finding optimism
44:41 Where to learn more and find Fruitist products near you
45:50 Conclusion and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Matt Ryan of Soli Organic on Indoor Organics, Carbon-free Fertilizer, and the Ag Tech Revolution

Brandon Welch of Mad Capital on Financing Farmers, Redefining Risk, and The Regenerative Revolution

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:15:00 -0400

Agriculture is poised for a regenerative revolution, and Mad Capital wants to finance it. Led by co-founder and CEO Brandon Welch, the firm provides customized, long-term financing for farmers transitioning to regenerative practices, bridging a gap that traditional banks have been hesitant to meet and accelerating the next generation of land stewardship and ecological restoration.

Prior to Mad Capital, Brandon studied Environmental Science at the University of Vermont. An avid outdoorsman, cyclist, and backcountry hiker, Brandon’s adventures, including a coast-to-coast bike ride from Massachusetts to Oregon, have taken him all over the country and instilled a deep appreciation for Americans’ connection to their land. After landing in Colorado in 2017, Brandon helped launch Mad Agriculture to provide resources and support for farmers interested in transitioning to regenerative agriculture, and later joined the organization as Director of Capital.

Brandon and Mad Executive Director Philip Taylor consistently heard regenerative farmers talk about how difficult it was to secure loans from traditional agricultural lenders, so the two co-founded Mad Capital to solve that problem. Since taking over as CEO of Mad Capital in 2022, Brandon has overseen the launch of the Perennial Fund II and is focused on making long-term impact at scale, deploying over $25 million to farmers on over 79,000 acres of land across 15 states.

Hear Brandon talk about developing a passion for outdoor adventures, his mission to create a regenerative revolution in agriculture, and why Mad Capital’s radical approach to financing is so impactful for farmers, the environment, and our future.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Brandon Welch on the benefits of regenerative agriculture
00:53 Conor Gaughan introduces Brandon and Mad Capital
05:18 Gateway to the outdoors, environmental studies, and economics
11:12 An impact-driven career, biking America, and traveling the country
23:03 Founding Mad Capital, carbon sequestration, and financing farmers
28:39 The regenerative revolution, the average process, and scaling strategically
35:45 Mad’s approach as a lender, raising capital, and structural innovation
45:01 Transforming food systems, benefiting the environment, and finding optimism
52:02 Where to learn more about Mad Capital and connect with Brandon
52:54 Conclusion and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Ron Hovsepian of Indigo Ag on Farming, Sustainability, and Technology

Dr. Bryan Staley of EREF on Managing Waste, Reducing Landfill Emissions, and The Science of Trash

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 05:15:00 -0400

Dr. Bryan Staley knows a thing or two about waste. In fact, the president and CEO of the Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF) is one of the world’s leading experts on sustainable waste management and landfill emissions, and he’s on a lifelong mission to help scientists, corporations, and individuals alike better understand the impact of what we throw away.

For many of us, waste is one of the most immediate climate-adjacent issues, and one of the few that we can significantly influence as individuals. Installing solar panels or buying an EV may not be possible for everyone, but all of us have to take out the trash, and little contributions like knowing what can and can’t be recycled or thinking more carefully about what goes in our trash can add up to a big difference. And when individuals, companies, or even entire industries run into questions and concerns about how to best manage their waste, EREF is working hard to provide the answers.

The non-profit sits at the intersection of science, business, and scholarship, advancing the circular economy and sustainable resource management through unbiased scientific research and education. Having begun as an EREF scholar himself, for the past 13 years Dr. Bryan Staley has led the foundation as it shapes our understanding of the science behind crucial issues like PFAs (aka forever chemicals), landfill methane capture, and even AI-powered recycling robots to help better manage waste and build a more sustainable world.

Hear Bryan share how growing up on a farm taught him the importance of long-term planning, the complexities of how waste breaks down, and why EREF’s independent science is a critical tool for anyone committed to understanding and reducing their environmental impact.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Bryan Staley on measuring landfill emissions
00:49 Conor Gaughan introduces Bryan and EREF
05:53 Farming roots, patient planning, and academic trajectory
11:06 Waste management, EREF, and eye-opening research programs
18:04 Landfill emissions, turning methane into energy, and microbiology
24:58 The origin of EREF, expanding the mission, and achieving circulatory
30:04 Core principles, balancing interests, and the science of waste disposal
38:41 Food waste, composting, and the challenge of circular textiles
44:07 Innovations to watch and best practices for individual waste management
51:37 Finding motivation, defeating defeatism, and remaining optimistic
55:21 Where to learn more
56:13 End credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Matt Rogers of Mill Industries on Food Waste, Impactful Product Design, and Innovation.

Lauren Dunford of Guidewheel on Data-Driven Efficiency, Sustainable Factories, and Finding Champions

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 05:15:00 -0400

Data is one of the most critical, and underused, tools for combating climate change – the more information we have about our impact, the better decisions we can make towards managing it. Lauren Dunford, co-founder of revolutionary startup Guidewheel, is on a mission to place that tool in the hands of manufacturers, offering a unique, data-driven system for monitoring factory operations, reducing energy costs, and improving efficiency.

CEO Lauren launched the startup in 2018 with co-founder and current CTO Weston McBride, leading Guidewheel’s development of its core product, the FactoryOps platform, a system they describe as “Fitbit for Factories.” With funding from major ESG players like Breakthrough Energy Ventures and the Decarbonization Partners fund, and brand name customers like Coca-Cola FEMSA and Igloo, Guidewheel’s cutting-edge approach to sustainable manufacturing operations is turning heads across the industry.

Lauren received a degree in Sustainability in Global Environment and Health at Stanford, where she also co-founded the Stanford Green Fund and ran the Students for a Sustainable Stanford program. After completing a Fulbright scholarship studying supply chain in India, Lauren worked her way up to chief of staff at the B-Corp Revolution Foods, where she saw firsthand just how impactful data could be for operational efficiency and sustainability, developing the idea for what would soon become Guidewheel.

Hear Lauren discuss her passion for studying environmental impact, why better data can help industries cut costs and bolster sustainability, and how the practical approach of picking low-hanging fruit could make a significant impact in the long run.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Lauren Dunford on adding sustainability into existing workflows
00:52 Conor Gaughan introduces Lauren and Guidewheel
04:28 Bay Area background, impact driven entrepreneurship, and Stanford
13:12 Fulbright Scholarship, Revolution Foods, and supply chain logistics
18:06 The lightbulb moment, business school, and launching Guidewheel
26:00 The potential market, manufacturing inefficiencies, and hidden economies
34:46 Adoption from big brands, pitching to investors, and implementing AI
44:27 Aligning profit and purpose, the future of data, and defeating defeatism
50:49 Exciting climate innovations and leaving a legacy
53:30 Where to learn more and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Anne Coghlan of Scope3 on the Philosophy of Math, Decarbonized Media, and the Future of Digital Ads

Benjamin Stabler of Heart Aerospace on Hybrid Planes, Regional Aviation, and Democratizing Flight

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 05:15:00 -0400

In the more than a century since humans first took to the skies with powered flight, still only about 20% of the world’s population has actually flown on an airplane. But that demand is on the rise, and air travel’s CO2 emissions are set to triple by 2050. So Benjamin Stabler and Heart Aerospace have a groundbreaking solution: decarbonize and democratize flight for all.

Ben, who joined Heart as CTO earlier this year, has been leading technical work on the ES-30, an innovative, battery-electric hybrid regional aircraft. Heart Aerospace is building a system of decarbonized, short-haul aircrafts that are cheaper to operate and more energy-efficient than traditional air travel. Founded in 2019, the startup has raised over $140 million to date developing and scaling its revolutionary technology, which is not only more sustainable, but, given its significant reduction in direct operating costs per trip, potentially more profitable too, allowing for the development and revitalization of regional air travel networks that help create a more connected world.

Prior to leading technical development for Heart’s newly established North American operations, Ben received an M.S. in electrical engineering from Stanford University, led software and hardware teams for the SpaceX Crew Dragon program, and co-founded Parallel Systems, an automated, battery-electric freight rail vehicle startup.

Hear Ben talk about his lifelong love for aviation, how the ES-30 actually works, and why electrified, short-distance flights could change the future of aviation as we know it.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Benjamin Stabler on decarbonizing short distance flights
00:49 Conor Gaughan introduces Ben and Heart Aerospace
05:28 Passion for airplanes, Stanford engineering, and SpaceX
16:07 Origin of Heart Aerospace, joining as CTO, and electric aviation
26:39 Hybrid electric regional aircraft, efficiency, and the U.S. markets
30:17 Decarbonizing flight and democratizing air travel
38:11 Rising aviation demand, the long-term horizon, and exciting climate tech
45:43 Remaining optimistic and where to learn more
49:48 End credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Forrest North and Jason Marks of TELO Trucks on EVs, Mini Pickups, and Autonomous Tech

More on Ben Stabler and Heart Aerospace:

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone

Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson on Her New Book: What If We Get It Right? Visions Of Climate Futures

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 05:15:00 -0400

Marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and teacher Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is in love with climate solutions, and her new book, What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures, offers a refreshing, inspiring look at what our best possible climate future could look like through contributions and conversations with leading voices in art, poetry, economics and science.

Ayana studied environmental science and public policy at Harvard University, where she also forged a lifelong friendship with host Conor Gaughan. She later received a Ph.D. in marine biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography before co-founding Urban Ocean Lab, a non-profit think tank for the future of coastal cities that she still leads today. Ayana, the Roux Distinguished Scholar at Bowdoin College, has co-edited the bestselling climate anthology All We Can Save, co-founded The All We Can Save Project, and even co-created and co-hosted the How to Save a Planet podcast.

More recently, she has co-authored a roadmap for integrating the ocean into climate-related policy called the Blue New Deal, developed U.S. federal ocean policy at the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and served on the board of directors for both Patagonia and GreenWave. Honestly, listing all of her climate-focused initiatives, policies, and accomplishments would take an entire podcast itself.

Hear Ayana talk about falling in love with the ocean, the secret importance of being good at attending cocktail parties, and how she’s merging science, policy, culture, and social justice to envision our best possible climate future.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson on visions of climate futures.
00:53 Conor Gaughan introduces Ayana
03:57 Early interests, Harvard University, and passion for the ocean
14:32 Designing a fishing device, Caribbean conservation, and How To Save a Planet
24:16 Founding Urban Ocean Lab and the core ideas of What If We Get It Right?
34:21 Problems and possibilities, reimagining infrastructure, and actionable climate policy
45:24 Climate tech unicorns, looking for local solutions, and being an optimistic realist
51:47 Conclusion and where to learn more
52:52 End credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Allison Wolff of Vibrant Planet on Beneficial Fire, Sustainable Software, and Nature-Based Climate Solutions

More on Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, What If We Get It Right?, and Urban Ocean Lab:

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone

Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Zal Bilimoria of Refactor Capital on Seed-Stage Venture, Investing in Founders, and Being a Solo GP

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 05:15:00 -0400

Knowing whether or not to invest in a startup isn’t easy – it’s a skill that makes VCs like Zal Bilimoria extremely valuable. And Zal, the co-founder and solo GP of seed-stage VC firm Refactor Capital, is leveraging his knowledge to build a portfolio of human and planetary health-focused startups merging profits, sustainability, and technology.

Zal honed his skills and eye for the market working for tech industry giants like Microsoft and Google through pivotal moments in their history, and even created a new role for himself at Netflix, pioneering their dedicated mobile platform, before turning his hand to investing at a16z. It was there that he recognized his passion for health, biotech, and other impact-oriented industries, and in 2016, Zal struck out on his own to launch Refactor Capital. The firm has since invested in over 100 companies – four of which have gone on to reach unicorn status – and recently finished raising its fourth $50M fund.

Hear Zal share key insights from his time at tech and VC behemoths, the importance of believing in founders over ideas, and which startups and technologies could literally change the world for the better.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Zal Bilimoria on super responsiveness
00:44 Conor Gaughan introduces Zal and Refactor Capital
07:03 Early passion for computers, UPenn, and Microsoft
11:36 Google, head of mobile at Netflix, and product management
18:05 Biotech and health, angel investing, and shifting investment strategy
21:49 Launching Refactor Capital, being a solo GP, and hard tech
28:47 Getting deals done, communication, and managing portfolios
36:20 Aligning profit and impact, exciting tech, and sci-fi vs science reality
42:53 Climate tech and human health, urgency, and Checkerspot
47:42 Aether Biomachines, founder dinners, and entrepreneurship
52:15 Leaving a legacy and defeating defeatism
56:01 Conclusion and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Pavle Jeremic of Aether Biomachines on Rearranging Atoms, Scaling Deep Tech, and Defeating Scarcity

More on Refactor Capital and Zal Bilimoria:

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone

Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Matt Ryan of Soli Organic on Indoor Organics, Carbon-free Fertilizer, and the Ag Tech Revolution

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 05:15:00 -0400

Soli Organic grows approximately 120,000,000 units of fresh herbs and greens every year, making it the number one grower of fresh, organic, culinary herbs in the U.S. That’s an impressive agriculture story on its own, but Soli has an even more amazing twist – they grow it all indoors! Led by CEO Matt Ryan, former head of brand management at Disney and chief marketing officer at Starbucks, the company is taking the indoor agriculture sector by storm (or rather, soil) with its commercial-grade organic growing systems and sustainable soil-based technology.

Founded over 30 years ago as Shenandoah Growers, the Virginia-based company has grown under Matt’s leadership to serve over 20,000 retail locations across the country while developing an integrated platform of farms, production, and logistics facilities. As the only controlled-environment producer to use soil-based technology, Soli is still growing rapidly, even launching a 140,000-square-foot soil-based vertical farm in Texas earlier this year.

Hear Matt Ryan share his business wisdom from game-changers like Disney and Starbucks, the revolutionary potential of precision fertilizers for indoor, soil-based growing, and how Soli is working to make flavorful, nutritious, and affordable organic produce available to all.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Matt Ryan on indoor organic technology
00:46 Conor Gaughan introduces Matt and Soli Organic
05:30 Harvard studies, history, and passion for business
09:47 Working at Disney and marketing at Starbucks
13:57 Joining Soli’s board, becoming CEO, and its origin
17:30 The elevator pitch, soil tech, and precision organic fertilizer
24:10 Defining organic, sustainability in farming, and climate tech
29:57 Raising capital, critical storytelling, and the triple bottom line
36:03 Community engagement and leaving a legacy
38:20 Where to learn more
39:23 Conclusion and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Nicolas Pinkowski of Nitricity on Lightning-Powered Fertilizer and the Decarbonized Future Of Food

Ben Christensen of Cambium on Solving Wood Waste, Building For Scale, and Running Ultra Marathons

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 05:15:00 -0400

60 billion board feet of wood products are used in the U.S. every year, a majority produced by fresh logging and shipped from across the globe, while simultaneously, millions of tons of local wood waste ends up in landfills off-gassing carbon as it rots. But that inefficiency could rapidly change thanks to Cambium and its CEO and co-founder, Ben Christensen, who are revolutionizing lumber supply chains with their Carbon Smart Wood™ and Traece operating system.

Cambium reclaims fallen or removed trees that would typically end up in landfills and turns them into a locally sourced, carbon negative material that could potentially cut global carbon emissions by 4%. The firm is also using new technology to better track the trees during the supply chain process, increasing transparency, traceability, and sustainability. Cambium is also just getting started, partnering with mega brands like Microsoft and Patagonia in recent years and continuing to develop their clean technology and expand their markets.

Ben Christensen is an accomplished ultra marathon runner, so it’s probably fitting that the company he runs is built with long-haul sustainability and scalability in mind. Surrounded by forests and the outdoors as a child, Ben went to Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies to pursue his passion, and it was there that the idea for Cambium first took root. Not long after, Ben and his co-founder, Theo Hooker, a childhood friend and fellow ultra marathon runner, were racing to transform waste wood into valuable building materials.

Hear Ben share how his love for the outdoors turned into a revolutionary sustainable materials startup, why wood waste is such a massive problem (and also a potential market), and what carbon smart wood means for the future of lumber, supply chains, and our planet.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Ben Christensen on wood waste
00:51 Conor Gaughan introduces Ben and Cambium
06:34 Early passion for wood, a childhood co-founder, and ultra running
16:37 Yale’s Forestry Program, natural climate solutions, and carbon sinks
22:42 Launching Cambium, wood’s waste issue, and carbon smart materials
29:09 The potential market, building with scalability in mind, and evaluating impact
35:33 Brand partnerships, remaining unique, and aligning purpose with profits
44:37 Innovations to watch, the blue carbon space, and staying optimistic
49:20 Leaving a legacy and where to learn more
51:57 End credits

If you liked this, listen next to our episode with Jasmine Crowe-Houston of Goodr on Being A Voice For Hunger And Why Food Waste Is All About Logistics.

Zach Jones of C-Zero on Hydrogen 3.0, Decarbonizing Natural Gas, and The Innovation Economy

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 05:15:00 -0400

C-Zero and Zach Jones, its co-founder and CEO, are using innovative thermocatalysis technology to convert natural gas into zero-emission hydrogen, offering the tantalizing potential to decarbonize major industries while scaling the fuel of the future.

Hydrogen is one of the most promising sources of clean energy in existence, and a key component in alternative fuels capable of decarbonizing hard-to-electrify industries like heavy shipping. But there’s a catch: the current processes used to extract hydrogen from hydrocarbons like natural gas create a rather unsustainable byproduct – carbon dioxide.

Hard-tech firm C-Zero has the answer: a revolutionary method to convert natural gas into hydrogen and a solid carbon byproduct instead, which could have industry, or even world-changing, implications. And Zach, a biomedical engineer, multi-time founder, and venture capital investor with a lifelong passion for hydrogen, is perfectly positioned to take this technology to the next level, having spent his entire career in and around the innovation economy.

Hear Zach share how his interest in hydrogen led him to the idea that would become C-Zero, why “turquoise hydrogen” is the secret to Hydrogen 3.0, and why thermocatalysis could decarbonize the future of energy.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Zach Jones on turquoise hydrogen
00:54 Conor Gaughan introduces Zach and C-Zero
06:05 Ranch life, interest in chemistry, and Duke University
10:39 Entrepreneurial bug, business school, and investing career
18:17 The hydrogen thesis, origin of C-Zero, and the TAM
25:42 Turquoise hydrogen, transport, and public private partnerships
34:32 Pitching investors, global markets, and the long-term horizon
44:19 Fighting climate change, future scale, and exciting innovations
50:16 Staying positive and leaving a legacy
52:29 Where to learn more
53:09 End credits

If you liked this, listen next to our episode with Dr. Seonghoon Woo of Amogy on Materials Science, Decarbonized Transport, and Alternative Fuels

Ben Goodwin of OLIPOP on Reimagining Soda, The Science of Gut Health, and Creative Formulation

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 09:26:06 -0400

A favorite soda can be a huge part of people’s identity – roughly half of the American population drinks at least one soda on a daily basis – which is why OLIPOP is completely reimagining the soda industry with its healthier, prebiotic, low sugar alternative that tastes as good – if not better – than its traditional counterparts.

Ben Goodwin has spent his entire career building the beverage industry and business skills needed to conjure great tasting flavors from great-for-you ingredients. Ben is not only OLIPOP’s co-founder, CEO, and formulator, but also a huge reason why the innovative B Corp Certified startup’s bright-colored cans are already in stores across the country.

At just 20 years old, he helped ferment (launch) a kombucha company, later founded and worked as lead formulator for kefir-based probiotic soda brand Obi, and then launched OLIPOP in 2017 with co-founder David Lester.

Hear Ben share OLIPOP’s “15-year overnight success story,” the science behind the benefits of prebiotics vs probiotics, and his lifelong quest to disrupt the soda behemoths with a sustainable, healthy alternative – which IS still a soda!

Episode Highlights

00:00 Ben Goodwin on creating functional soda

00:54 Conor Gaughan introduces Ben and OLIPOP

04:42 Rough upbringing, passion for health, and dropping out of college

11:23 Founder mythologies, key habits, and first beverage formulation

17:57 Learning to tinker, microbiology, and building a first beverage brand

25:51 What is OLIPOP, the 3rd wave of soda, and making healthy taste good

32:13 First 4 flavors, scaling to stores nationwide, and the science of microbiomes

44:40 B Corp Certification, doing good and doing well, and defining positive impact

52:52 Where to learn more (and find the closest store with OLIPOPs near you!

53:41 End credits

If you liked this, listen next to our episode with Joey Zwillinger of Allbirds

Barclay Rogers of Graphyte on Durable Carbon Removal, Climate Science, and Biomass Solutions

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 09:00:20 -0400

The world currently removes less than .0001% of the carbon required to meet the IPCC’s 2050 goal – so there’s A LOT of work to be done – which is what makes Graphyte’s ready-to-go solution all the more valuable.

Barclay Rogers, a former environmental lawyer, mechanical engineer, and multi-time founder, is bringing his unique set of experiences and leadership skills to making scalable, affordable CO2 removal an immediate reality with his new startup, Graphyte.

Rather than rely on energy-intensive and still-developing technology like Direct Air Capture, Barclay and his team realized that they could use nature’s own hyper-efficient carbon capture process – photosynthesis – to leverage natural resources in their revolutionary Carbon Casting process, a first-of-its-kind technique that traps carbon in easy to store bricks forged from the biomass waste generated by farms, logging camps, and paper mills.

With their world-leading carbon removal operations already underway at their Pine Bluff, Arkansas facility, Graphyte is able to offer durable carbon removal that's scalable, affordable, and, maybe most importantly, ready right now.

Hear Barclay Rogers talk about Graphyte’s origin story, the importance of scalability for climate solutions, and why his native Arkansas is the perfect home for biomass-based carbon removal.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Barclay Rogers on carbon removal in the heartland

00:32 Conor Gaughan introduces Barclay Rogers and Graphyte

04:37 Arkansas roots, natural resources, and mechanical engineering

09:36 Environmental law, government, and pivot to entrepreneurship

19:20 Startup career, the carbon industry, and the potential of biomass

25:25 The origin of Graphtye, durable carbon removal, and scalability

33:43 Innovation curves, public policy factors, and the value of carbon

40:24 Breakthrough Ventures, climate change, and growing a community

46:11 Leaving a legacy and finding motivation

47:43 Where to learn more and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Dr. Vince Romanin of Gradient on Heat Pumps, Zero-Carbon Infrastructure, and the Triple Bottom Line

Tom Neyhart of PosiGen on Energy Resilience, Rebuilding Communities, and Affordable Solar For All

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 09:03:55 -0400

Tom Neyhart founded PosiGen in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to help the families and communities most impacted by the disaster rebuild their homes, save money, and boost energy resilience through solar power. He not only succeeded, but created an entirely new market by providing affordable solar and energy efficiency to low and middle income families.

Tom, who moved from CEO to Executive Chairman of the Board last year, pioneered a new era of solar development years ahead of other firms, positioning B Corp Certified PosiGen as a key leader in the industry. An inspirational leader, successful businessman, and serial entrepreneur, he held leadership roles in construction and retail before starting PosiGen in 2011. Tom grew the innovative company as CEO over the next twelve years, expanding from Louisiana to other states, skyrocketing its revenue, and receiving numerous recognitions, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Blue Ribbon Award and Department of Defense’s Patriot Award.

Hear Tom Neyhart talk about how a desire to help others led him to revolutionize solar power as we know it, what makes PosiGen’s unique model so affordable, and why prioritizing impact benefits people, the planet, and profits.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Tom Neyhart on rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina

00:48 Conor Gaughan introduces Tom and PosiGen3

05:25 Louisiana roots, serial entrepreneurship, and teamwork

14:44 Hurricane Katrina, helping others, and the origin of PosiGen

23:19 Selling solar savings, PosiGen’s unique model, and building trust

29:50 Pitching investors, B Corp status, and maximizing impact

39:59 The future of renewable services, public policy, and scaling solar

46:38 What’s next for PosiGen, exciting innovations, and leaving a legacy

50:19 Where to learn more and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Michael Chanin of Cherry Street Energy on Scaling Solar, Utilities, and Market Competition

Jasmine Crowe-Houston of Goodr on Being A Voice For Hunger And Why Food Waste Is All About Logistics

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:11:03 -0400

Goodr has a simple but powerful mission: feed more and waste less. The sustainable waste management firm’s founder and CEO, Jasmine Crowe-Houston, believes that hunger in America is not a scarcity issue– it’s a problem of logistics. Which is actually good news, because that’s an issue technology can solve!

By leveraging detailed inventory management, predictive analytics and advanced supply chain logistics, Goodr is helping businesses reduce waste, cut carbon emissions and harness tax credits, all while supporting sustainable hunger solutions across the nation.

Jasmine is an award-winning business leader, TED speaker, and author, who began her entrepreneurship journey spotlighting black celebrity philanthropy, nonprofits, and other charitable causes on BlackCelebrityGiving.com. After moving to Atlanta in 2013, she began hosting free pop up restaurants every Sunday out of her own pocket, offering soul food meals to people experiencing homelessness. When a video of Jasmine at one of these events went viral in 2016, she was inspired to learn more about food donations and soon discovered the shocking scale of America’s food waste problem.

Realizing that a truly sustainable hunger solution couldn’t rely on donations alone, Jasmine launched Goodr in 2017 to offer businesses a win-win way to save money and build food security in their communities, and she has since grown her local startup into a B Corp Certified company serving a national network.

Hear Jasmine talk about turning her Sunday passion into a thriving company, why Goodr takes a holistic approach to waste management, and how technology can help create a hunger-free future.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Jasmine Crowe-Houston on sustainable solutions to hunger

00:52 Conor Gaughan introduces Jasmine and Goodr

04:15 Early life, the importance of storytelling, and giving a Ted Talk

08:48 Entrepreneurship, blackcelebritygiving.com, and sports for good

15:45 Feeding the hungry in Atlanta, going viral, and launching Goodr

20:39 The logistics of hunger, win-win solutions to food waste, and growth

30:47 Covid, pivoting to hunger relief, and scaling a national network

38:09 Impact report, the Goodr Foundation, and grocery store program

43:40 Finding inspiration

45:10 Where to learn more and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Jamila Norman of Patchwork City Farms on Urban Farming, Food Advocacy, and Good Food

More on Goodr and Jasmine Crowe-Houston:

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone

Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Rich Sorkin of Jupiter Intelligence on Climate Risk, Tech Readiness, and Anticipating the Future

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 09:04:41 -0400

With climate change causing unprecedented extreme weather, fluctuating temperatures, and rising sea levels, only one thing is certain: the future isn’t going to look like the past. And yet, all of our risk analysis models are based on past data from historical patterns that no longer hold true. How can businesses make intelligent decisions on building for that future while protecting themselves from tomorrow’s risks? That’s the question that motivated Rich Sorkin to found Jupiter Intelligence, a climate risk analytics firm with a mission to help organizations build resilience and mitigate the effects of the changing climate.

As co-founder, CEO, and chairman of Jupiter, Rich has combined his wealth of entrepreneurial experience and expertise in emerging technology to successfully scale the company since its launch in 2018, leveraging cutting-edge science, real-time data, and advanced modeling to achieve next-level climate risk insights and analytics.

Rich earned an economics degree from Yale before attending Stanford’s Graduate Business School in 1986. Whether researching under a Nobel Laureate, cutting his teeth at Apple, or leading game-changing technology to market at firms like Creative Labs, Zip2, and Kaggle, Rich is ever at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Hear Rich share why a change in perspective led him to launch Jupiter Intelligence, what the current assumptions about climate risk are missing, and how the startup is leveraging generative AI and real science to enhance risk analysis for the future.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Rich Sorkin on the impact of climate change

00:49 Conor Gaughan introduces Rich and Jupiter Intelligence

06:30 Early interests and work for a future Nobel Prize winner at Yale

10:55 Emerging tech, mapping trends, and career in Silicon Valley

17:41 Entrepreneurial lessons, Zeus, and the origin of Jupiter Intel

22:50 What Jupiter solves, climate infrastructure, and risk management

31:08 Misconceptions, driving change with data, and generative AI

40:46 Aligning profit with purpose, innovations to watch, and leaving a legacy

49:24 Where to learn more and conclusion

50:06 End credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Max Evans of ClimateAi on Dorm Room Entrepreneurship and AI-Based Climate Solutions

Alfred Johnson of Crux on Building A Clean Energy Tax Credit Marketplace

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 08:21:43 -0400

Alfred Johnson returns to the pod to give us the update on tax credit transferability and clean energy markets, just over a year after launching Crux Climate. As co-founder and CEO of Crux, Alfred has the startup’s revolutionary management software poised to capitalize on a multi-billion (if not trillion) dollar opportunity in clean energy tax credits.

After graduating Stanford in 2008, Alfred worked for the U.S. Treasury Department, BlackRock, and Clara Lending before co-founding his first software company, Mobilize, in 2016 with Allen Kramer. That startup was acquired in 2020, but it wouldn't be the last venture for Alfred and Allen.

In 2023, the two launched Crux Climate, a software startup developing online solutions to allow organizations to buy and sell tax credits for clean energy. Since its launch, clean energy tax credits have skyrocketed, with the Inflation Reduction Act and other government regulations incentivizing clean energy.

Hear Alfred talk about what’s changed in this monumental first year, the massive implications of transferability for the private and public sectors, and why Crux is uniquely positioned to define the clean energy tax credit market as we know it.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Alfred Johnson on energy’s $3 trillion market

00:52 Conor Gaughan introduces Alfred and Crux Climate

01:46 Alfred’s work in software, finance, and government leading to Crux

05:01 Attempting to summit Mount Marcus Baker, AK’s 3rd highest peak

07:13 What Crux Climate solves, transferability, and the tax credit market

14:36 Marketplace growth, predicting scale, and providing business value

25:10 Domestic energy’s evolution, private vs public sectors, and competition

32:25 The future of clean energy, surprising takeaways, and what’s next for Crux

40:09 Optimism, exciting industry innovations, and advice for a younger self

46:07 Where to learn more and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Peter Godart of Found Energy on Aluminum Fuel, NASA, and Engineering Impact at Scale

Kristy Caylor of Trashie on Full Circle Fashion, Rewarding Recycling, and Being a Painkiller

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 09:02:23 -0400

85% of used clothing ends up in landfills, but textile recycling and rewards platform Trashie is out to save our castaway garments from becoming mountains of waste. Launched only a few months ago, Trashie is taking the fashion industry by storm with its instantly recognizable Take Back Bag and viral closet cleanup videos, and the mind behind this magic is Trashie founder and CEO, Kristy Caylor.

Kristy earned a BS in Industrial Engineering and her MBA from USC’s Marshall School of Business before entering the fashion industry, where she worked for iconic brands like Banana Republic, Gap, and Band of Outsiders. She co-founded her own fashion brand, Maiyet, in 2010, and eight years later, co-founded For Days, the original closed-loop clothing company.

As CEO of For Days, Kristy oversees strategy, marketing, technology, product design, and growth (just to name a few), successfully growing the brand globally while earning various awards for its mission-driven work. But Kristy recognized that more could be done to reduce the amount of used clothing that went to waste, so she launched Trashie.

Trashie sells its Take Back Bags to customers, who fill them up with unwanted clothing, accessories, and shoes, and mail them back to the brand in exchange for TrashieCash, which customers can use to purchase real world items and rewards, thanks to Trashie’s impressive partnership network.

Hear Kristy share how she employs a systems engineering approach to business, what she learned working at top fashion brands versus building her own, and why Trashie’s approach to upcycling is a win-win for everyone.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Kristy Caylor on the textile waste problem

00:42 Conor Gaughan introduces Kristy and Trashie

03:48 Undergrad STEM, first startup, and entrepreneurship

07:51 Business school, the fashion industry, and professional evolution

16:28 Co-founding For Days, its business model, and clothing waste

26:20 Trashie’s origin, the Take Back Bag, and incentivizing circularity

36:12 Sustainability in fashion, industry innovations, and changing behavior

42:28 What’s next for Trashie and finding optimism

46:25 Where to learn more and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Catherine Roggero-Lovisi of Modern Meadow

Dr. BJ Johnson of ClearFlame on Evolutionary Tech, Decarbonizing Diesel, and Building the Next Tesla

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 09:06:34 -0400

Dr. BJ Johnson knows that if you want to make the biggest climate impact in the least amount of time, you start by improving upon an existing technology. And he’s doing exactly that as the co-founder and CEO of ClearFlame, a startup modifying diesel engines to run on decarbonized liquid fuels.

Before co-launching ClearFlame, BJ studied mechanical engineering and energy systems at Stanford University, earning three (3!) degrees: undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral. He was also a world-class athlete, competing for the US National Swim Team at the World Championships in 2013 and 2014, the same time he was working on his Ph.D, which would ultimately lead him to the idea that would become ClearFlame.

That idea might be simple in its approach, but it could make a game-changing impact for both the planet and business alike. By modifying existing diesel engines, ClearFlame’s technology can cut carbon emissions in half for heavy-duty transportation fleets, without requiring charging infrastructure or engine replacements. With many clean fuels already cheaper than diesel, it can simultaneously provide major bottom line savings too.

Hear BJ share how he balanced world-class athletics and doctoral work, the critical importance of ‘bridge technologies’ to making an immediate impact, and why ClearFlame’s accelerated path towards cheaper, sustainable diesel engines is poised to make them the Tesla of heavy duty transportation.

Episode Highlights

00:00 BJ Johnson on ClearFlame as the Tesla of heavy duty

00:48 Conor Gaughan introduces BJ and ClearFlame

4:04 Studying energy at Stanford, Silicon Valley, and athletics

15:28 The idea for ClearFlame, combustion tech, and liquid fuels

23:28 Carbon negative solutions, the first sale, and scaling growth

30:20 Total addressable market, tech unicorns, and doing good and well

38:10 Diversifying entrepreneurship, exciting innovations, and finding optimism

42:47 Wrap up and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Dr. Seonghoon Woo of Amogy on Materials Science, Decarbonized Transport, and Alternative Fuels

Watch this short video to see how ClearFlame’s technology works: youtube.com/watch?v=WDvGDFqFtHo

Father’s Day Special: Lessons for Business and Life from Coach Mike (aka my dad)

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 08:51:07 -0400

Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 16, and we’re celebrating in our own, special way… today’s episode features Mike Gaughan: missile launch officer, successful businessman, sports coach, and, most importantly, Conor’s dad!

Hear the stories that Conor grew up on, including Mike’s time from paperboy to the Air Force Academy and beyond, the three phone phone calls you should make every day, and what it takes to be a true leader in business, and in life.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Mike Gaughan on why teamwork matters

00:50 Conor Gaughan introduces his dad

02:09 Childhood aspirations, athletics, and military background

12:38 Axioms for life, working as a paperboy, and farming

20:45 Air Force Academy, business lessons, and memorable stories

27:38 Civilian life, the bookmobile, and climbing the corporate ladder

38:29 Building connection, solving problems, and finding optimism

43:35 Leaving a legacy and final words of wisdom

45:55 End credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to our episode with Greg Putnam of Little Belt Cattle Co.

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone

Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Anne Coghlan of Scope3 on the Philosophy of Math, Decarbonized Media, and the Future of Digital Ads

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 09:07:47 -0400

Internet ads – you probably see hundreds, maybe thousands a day without thinking about them. But it turns out the process for serving those ads involves a highly complex digital supply chain that generates 7.2 million tons of carbon emissions annually. That’s why ad-tech veteran Anne Coghlan is on a mission to decarbonize media and advertising with Scope3.

A lifelong lover of logic and problem-solving, Anne earned her Master’s at University College London in the Philosophy of Mathematics, later joining digital advertising company AppNexus in 2015. There she met future Scope3 co-founder Brian O’Kelley and helped to develop many of the technologies that underpin digital ad delivery today.

When Anne left the ad industry to join supply chain tech company Waybridge, she began to notice that a lack of consideration for sustainability and energy consumption existed across both industries.

So, in 2021, she reunited with O’Kelley and other AppNexus alumni to found Scope3, a public benefit corporation aiming to decarbonize advertising and media by better measuring the carbon emitted from digital display and video ads. In 2023, Anne made AdAge’s 40 under 40 list and secured the #2 most influential person in performance media on PMW’s Power 100 List, but the COO of Scope3 is just getting started.

Hear Anne Coghlan share how her love for math ultimately led to co-founding a startup, why online ads only scratch the surface of Scope3’s potential use cases, and what the future holds for decarbonized digital media.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Anne Coghlan on decarbonizing digital supply chains

00:53 Conor Gaughan introduces Anne Coghlan and Scope3

05:08 The beauty of math, interest in music, and academic pursuits

16:10 Studies to consulting, joining AppNexus, and Waybridge

21:27 Launching Scope3, how it works, and the media industry’s footprint

34:14 Problem solving with math, maximizing impact, and open sourcing tech

45:01 What’s next, remaining optimistic, and the future of sustainable ads

49:39 Where to learn more

51:32 End credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Allison Wolff of Vibrant Planet on Beneficial Fire, Sustainable Software, and Nature-Based Climate Solutions

A Quick Note from Conor Gaughan

Thu, 30 May 2024 15:32:10 -0400

Just popping into the feed for a quick hello from Consensus in Conversation host, Conor Gaughan, to update you on the coming weeks.

We’ve been hard at work with some great shows planned for this summer, including a few special episodes that may look and sound a little different than our regular programming. We think you’ll really enjoy them.

So, no episode for today, but we’ll be back in June with some great new conversations. See you next week!

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone

Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

If you’re enjoying the show please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Rewind: Alfred Johnson of Crux on Creating a Clean Energy Tax Credit Marketplace

Thu, 23 May 2024 09:00:43 -0400

Just over one year ago, the IRS published its final rules and guidance on the transferability of clean energy tax credits. Not only did transferability solve a major flaw in the Inflation Reduction Act’s plan to support clean energy infrastructure development, but, as many founders correctly foresaw, it was about to create an entirely new financial market.

This week, we’re re-releasing our conversation with one of those visionary founders: Alfred Johnson, CEO and Co-Founder of Crux Climate, after a great live conversation we had with Alfred at American Clean Power Association’s 2024 CLEANPOWER expo, which we plan to bring to the pod later this year.

Crux is a software startup revolutionizing clean energy tax credit management, and Alfred is well-suited to break down clean energy tax incentives, share founders' lessons, and talk about the rapidly growing clean energy market, which is expected to receive $3 trillion in investments over the next decade.

A Stanford grad, Alfred Johnson worked for the U.S. Treasury Department and BlackRock before launching his first software company with co-founder Allen Kramer. That company was acquired in 2020, leaving Alfred and Allen ready for their next adventure. And, in 2023, they launched Crux Climate to develop online solutions for organizations to buy and sell clean energy tax credits, helping ensure that capital goes to the impactful startups that need it to scale, and that credits go to those that can actually use them.

Hear Alfred Johnson talk about the founding idea for Crux, how to find an ideal co-founder, and why he thinks tax credit transferability is one of the most influential government policy choices ever made.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Conor introduces ACP CLEANPOWER 2024, Alfred, and Crux

03:04 D.C. upbringing, Stanford, and the intersection of private and public sectors

12:27 The startup bug and launching Crux Climate

18:03 Crux’s core business, finding buyers and sellers, and building scale

26:16 The tax credit marketplace, a new asset class, and the near-term future

32:02 ESG, aligning purpose with profits, and creating sustainable impact

38:51 Advice for young entrepreneurs, leaving a legacy, and finding motivation

45:57 Where to learn more and end credits

If you liked this episode, stay tuned for next week’s live follow-up with Alfred, and in the meantime, listen next to Jonathan Goldberg of Carbon Direct

More on Alfred Johnson and Crux Climate:

cruxclimate.com

linkedin.com/company/cruxclimate

linkedin.com/in/alfredjohnson01

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone

Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Dr. Vince Romanin of Gradient on Heat Pumps, Zero-Carbon Infrastructure, and the Triple Bottom Line

Thu, 16 May 2024 09:05:49 -0400

HVAC is one of the most important quality of life utilities that we never think about– at least, until it stops working. It’s also energy inefficient and expensive, responsible for almost 20% of global GHG emissions, with decades-old infrastructure way behind the design innovation curve.

But Dr. Vince Romanin has a solution: reimagine HVAC as we know it by combining personal heating and cooling in one, easy-to-install electrified heat pump that reduces emissions by 95% – the Gradient system.

After earning his M.S. and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and heat transfer from Berkeley, Vince worked as a development engineer at otherlab. It was there that he recognized the world-changing potential of innovative HVAC to decarbonize infrastructure while improving lives, and in 2021 he co-founded Gradient with the goal of building a better air source heat pump.

Hear why CEO Vince Romanin took to engineering at such a young age, what it takes to launch a clean tech startup, and how Gradient’s technology could change the world.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Dr. Vince Romanin on making HVAC exciting and cutting emissions

00:54 Conor Gaughan introduces Vince Romanin and Gradient

04:51 Early influences, model rockets, and engineering at Dayton

08:59 GE internship, thermodynamics at Berkeley, and climate change

15:22 Joining otherlab and recognizing the potential in HVAC

19:05 Launching Gradient and the two problems it solves

25:48 Fundraising, product prototyping, and a unique user experience

30:44 Why use heat pumps, decarbonizing infrastructure, and the TAM

38:41 Workforce development, sustainability, and creating impact

44:11 Interesting climate breakthroughs to watch

48:58 Where to learn more and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Matt Rogers of Mill Industries on Food Waste, Impactful Product Design, and Innovation OR Manik Suri of GlacierGrid on Transformative Tech, Automating Energy Use, and Cold Chain 2.0

Pavle Jeremic of Aether Biomachines on Rearranging Atoms, Scaling Deep Tech, and Defeating Scarcity

Thu, 09 May 2024 09:02:02 -0400

Pavle Jeremic wants to end resource scarcity by literally rearranging atoms. Inspired to build a better, more abundant future after witnessing violent conflict in his parents’ native Yugoslavia, Pavle launched Aether Biomachines in 2017 at just 21 years old. Since then, he’s successfully led the protein engineering startup to the cutting edge of nanotechnology, working to solve our planet’s resource scarcity problem.

Today, Pavle and Aether are combining protein synthesis, machine learning, and nanoscale engineering to rearrange atomic structures, enabling everything from impact-free resource extraction to self-healing materials.

Hear why at such a young age, Pavle became obsessed with building a future of abundance, what it takes to scale a true deep tech startup, and how Aether Biomachines is turning science fiction into reality.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Pavle on using machine learning models to rearrange atoms

00:38 Conor Gaughan introduces Pavle Jeremic and Aether Biomachines

04:23 Protein engineering, growing up around scarcity, and interest in science

07:36 Synthetic biology, UC Santa Cruz, and genetic engineering projects

16:16 Origin of Aether Biomachines, its long-term view, and its product categories

26:10 Storytelling in science, what industry Aether sees itself in, and defining “machine”

33:12 Deep tech, scarcity vs abundance, core pillars for scaling impact

41:22 Current problems, future solutions, and balancing the two

46:37 Exciting climate innovations to watch

52:04 Where to learn more and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Peter Godart of Found Energy on Aluminum Fuel, NASA, and Engineering Impact at Scale

Josh Domingues of Flashfood on the Athlete Mentality, Superpowered Data, and Making Food Affordable

Thu, 02 May 2024 09:06:34 -0400

Food waste is a $25 billion problem for American supermarkets, but Josh Domingues has an app for that.

Josh is the founder and executive chairman of Flashfood, a simple but elegant application that directly connects consumers with local grocery stores to buy food nearing expiration at a huge discount. This approach is a win-win-win for all parties: grocers get paid for food they would throw out, customers get a massive discount, and less food waste ends up in pollutive landfills.

Josh spent his early career in finance and management, but a complaint from his sister, a chef, about how much food is thrown away after events set him on a new path to turn trash into treasure.

Hear how Josh turned a simple idea into a game-changing startup, why the grocery industry is moving towards sustainable innovation, and what’s next on Flashfood’s plate.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Josh on the moment he realized Flashfood would work

00:52 Conor Gaughan introduces Josh Domingues and Flashfood

05:09 Growing up in Toronto, hockey, and entrepreneurial influences

12:02 Career in finance, management consulting, and path to founding

15:38 How a catering event led to the launch of Flashfood

23:05 Entering the marketplace, building a product, and pitching the idea

31:12 How FlashFood works today for consumers and businesses

37:48 Breaking into the industry and US vs Canadian grocers

41:57 Prioritizing sustainability, food security, and positive impact

48:46 Finding optimism

51:15 Where to learn more and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Nick Whitman of Divert on Food Waste, Renewable Energy, and Impact Technology

Lindsey Davis Stover & Shivam Mallick Shah of 1953 Tequila on Elevating Women & Exceptional Tequila

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:02:28 -0400

Two founders of 1953 Tequila, Lindsey Davis Stover and Shivam Mallick Shah, join Conor for a special in-person conversation to share how their ultra-premium, additive-free tequila is prioritizing sustainability, elevating women in the spirits industry, and also offering an awesome drinking experience.

Lindsey, Shivam, and the rest of the 1953 founding team met through Congressional campaigns for Virginia’s 10th district, and the idea for a women-led, luxury tequila company followed soon after. True to their mission, the founders secured a deal to source from an agave farmer who was passing his farm on to his daughters. Named after the year women in Mexico gained the right to vote, 1953 Tequila has shaken up the male-dominated spirits industry from day one, and it was recently named the Best Additive-Free Tequila by Men’s Journal.

As you’ll hear, Shivam Mallick Shah and Lindsey Davis Stover have big dreams for tequila and beyond.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Lindsey on pitching her crazy idea for a tequila company

00:48 Conor Gaughan introduces Lindsey, Shivam, and 1953 Tequila

02:00 Bureaucratic backgrounds and running for Congress

13:00 The idea to launch, women in spirits, and meeting agave farmers

20:32 Branding, the origin of the name, and making it additive free

28:10 Building in a new industry, getting to market, and finding distribution

33:09 Challenges as a women-led brand in a male-dominated industry

36:37 Social impact opportunity, sustainability, and doing good

41:35 Building for the future, remaining optimistic, and sources of inspiration

48:28 Where to learn more… or find a bottle!

50:00 Outro and end credits

The book Lindsey mentioned: What Do You Do With An Idea? by Kobi Yamada

Shivam meant to mention she is reading: Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens by her husband, Rajiv Shah.

If you liked this episode, listen next to John Little of Smooth Ambler Spirits Co. on Craft Distilling, Sustainable Growth, and Disrupting the Bourbon Industry

More on 1953 Tequila, Lindsey, and Shivam:

1953tequila.com and instagram.com/1953tequila

linkedin.com/in/lindsey-davis-stover-1b65707

linkedin.com/in/shivam-mallick-shah-54a953135

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone

Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

As Conor mentioned in the show, we're taking a break for his birthday and we'll be back the first week of May with more great conversations!

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Manik Suri of GlacierGrid on Transformative Tech, Automating Energy Use, and Cold Chain 2.0

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 09:01:11 -0400

Manik Suri is implementing smart technology into cooling, ushering in the era of Cold Chain 2.0. Before founding GlacierGrid in 2020, Manik finished top of his class at Harvard, went to Cambridge for a masters in international relations, returned to Harvard for a law degree, co-founded the Governance Lab, with stops at storied institutions like DE Shaw and the White House Economic Council along the way.

Cooling technology has lagged behind other industries in the clean energy transition, but GlacierGrid’s all-in-one management platform is using smart technology to bridge that gap and build a more sustainable, advanced, and efficient cold chain.

Hear Manik share how he’s pursuing dual passions for entrepreneurship and positive impact, why cooling technology is vital for the modern world, and how smart technology can decarbonize an entire industry.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Manik Suri on the planet’s cooling crisis

00:57 Conor Gaughan introduces Manik and GlacierGrid

07:00 Academic upbringing, Harvard, and international internships

16:03 Law school, The White House, and path to entrepreneurship

23:25 GlacierGrid’s rebrand, the hidden economy, and the cold chain

33:34 Pitching investors, aligning profits with impact, and future scale

40:09 Exciting innovations, long-term thinking, and staying positive

48:07 Where to learn more

49:03 Conclusion and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Nick Whitman of Divert on Food Waste, Renewable Energy, and Impact Technology

Karthik Balakrishnan of ACTUAL on SimCity for Capital Plans and the Sustainability Execution Gap

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 09:03:13 -0400

Stanford rocket scientist and fintech entrepreneur Karthik Balakrishnan is integrating high-tech infrastructure modeling with video game interface design to create a software platform that allows businesses to virtually test their plans for maximum sustainability and bottom-line impact.

In 2018, Karthik co-founded software startup ACTUAL based on a unique premise: what if you could plug your business idea into a science-backed simulation that operates like a computer game? The software platform allows users to choose a sustainability strategy, map out its various permutations, and compare those simulation results, enabling businesses to explore the full range of possibilities for their capital and implement the most impactful without real-world risks.

Hear ACTUAL president and co-founder Karthik Balakrishnan talk about how SimCity influenced their approach, combining user interface with data visualization, and why gamifying decision making is so important for the future.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Karthik Balakrishnan on making specialist knowledge more accessible

00:53 Conor Gaughan introduces Karthik and ACTUAL

05:45 Growing up on the coasts and aerospace engineering at Stanford

10:45 Rocket science, entrepreneurial spirit, and the generalist mindset

17:43 Fintech, founding Coin, and risk-taking versus reliability

27:24 Angel investing, the Pioneer Fund, and an impact-based framework

32:55 The origin of ACTUAL, the elevator pitch, and de-risking innovation

42:49 Real world variables and misconceptions about sustainable software

49:15 Exciting innovations, defeating defeatism, and staying positive

53:40 Where to learn more and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Peter Godart of Found Energy on Aluminum Fuel, NASA, and Engineering Impact at Scale

More on ACTUAL and Karthik Balakrishnan:

actualhq.com

linkedin.com/company/actualhq

linkedin.com/in/kbalakri

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone

Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Special from CLIMB by VSC: When Technology Transcends Screens with Sunil Nagaraj

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 09:02:35 -0400

This week, we’re proud to share a special episode of the CLIMB by VSC podcast with Jay Kapoor, featuring his interview with Sunil Nagaraj. CLIMB is a weekly podcast where Jay and VSC Ventures co-founder Vijay Chattha speak with leading investors, founders, and industry experts about lessons and perspectives on company-building in the world of climate tech and climate adaptation.

From CLIMB by VSC:

We're honored to host Sunil Nagaraj, a visionary investor in the intersection of deep tech and climate innovation, and founding partner of Ubiquity Ventures. Nagaraj's unique perspective on "software beyond the screen" and his commitment to supporting early-stage, tech-driven startups are at the forefront of our discussion. We dive into the essence of nurturing technologies with disciplined financing and the strategic scaling of startups to mitigate climate change.

Our conversation spans a variety of topics, from the complexities of venture capital in the climate tech space to the pivotal role of startups in driving substantial change. Sunil shares insights on the importance of focusing on high-impact areas and the potential pitfalls in the startup ecosystem, particularly emphasizing the significance of avoiding the "moonshot culture" that often hinders the progress of deep tech ventures.

About VSC Ventures:

VSC Ventures is an early-stage venture capital fund led by Jay Kapoor and Vijay Chattha where we invest in early-stage startups and support our founders with hands-on PR, storytelling, and go-to-market work with help from our award-winning PR agency VSC.

Links discussed in this episode:

Moonshot Culture is Strangling Deeptech article: https://www.ubqt.vc/p/moonshot-culture-is-strangling-deeptech

Ubiquity University: https://university.ubiquity.vc/

Episode Highlights

00:00 Conor Gaughan introduces CLIMB by VSC

02:42 Trailer

03:17 Introduction

04:01 What defines a startup as truly 'Nerdy and Early'?"

07:11 What’s the first question investors make?

11:30 How do investors navigate unfamiliar markets?

16:17 The pros and cons of a singular investment strategy

21:49 How do 'crazy' ideas become genius investments

26:45 The 'Don't Repeat Yourself' mantra in Venture Capital

29:35 The cost of keeping secrets in Venture Capital

31:57 How trust accelerates organizational velocity

39:30 Should investors be more involved in early stage startups?

42:47 How can startups become better companies

47:19 The dangers of Moonshot Culture in Deep Tech

52:39 What's the one thing your startup should focus on?

55:07 Can technology truly turn the tide against climate change?

We’ll be back next week with a brand new episode of Consensus in Conversation. In the meantime, make sure to follow the CLIMB by VSC podcast for more great perspectives on company-building.

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone

Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Frank Heidinger of HALEVAI on Marine Conservation, Electric Boats, and the Power of Marginal Gains

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 09:11:10 -0400

Frank Heidinger believes that lots of small improvements over time can create a huge impact, and he’s using that concept to electrify the recreational boating industry, responsible for 1% of global carbon emissions.

Frank is the founder and CEO of HALEVAI, a cutting-edge company making high-performance, fully electric recreational boats that will reduce the industry’s environmental footprint, shorten supply chains, and bring more manufacturing jobs to the U.S. A hospitality industry veteran and lifelong ocean advocate, Frank shares how prioritizing customer experience, committing to incremental improvement, and embracing a “We Will” vision of the future can truly make all the difference.

Hear Frank talk about the idea that led him to launch HALEVAI, combining materials sciences, design, and engineering to build boats, and the exciting future for (water-based) electric vehicles.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Frank Heidinger on energy, hospitality, and the natural environment

00:39 Conor Gaughan introduces Frank and HALEVAI

04:10 Brooklyn beginnings, creating experiences, and sustainable hospitality in the Maldives

13:58 The idea for electric boats, initial obstacles, and developing a design

20:30 The recreational boating market and marginal improvements

29:10 Pitching to investors, the spirit of innovation, and creating impact

36:30 Sustainability in luxury, open sourcing, and prioritizing customers

41:22 Frank’s vision for a sustainable future and where to learn more

45:43 Wrap up and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Ben Bressler of Natural Habitat Adventures on Nature, Travel, and Pursuing Your Passion

Jay Kapoor of VSC Ventures on Climate Automation, Hidden Economies, and Sustainable Investing

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 09:01:37 -0400

Jay Kapoor believes there is massive opportunity in climate automation and that identifying hidden economies is key to building a more sustainable future. Jay is co-founder and general partner at VSC Ventures, a storytelling-focused VC firm investing in early stage climate tech and automation startups.

In part two of our conversation with Jay, we dive into the nitty gritty: Jay shares how hidden economies inform his investing thesis, why automation is key to our climate tech transition, how early startups are already tapping into this opportunity, and what a sustainable future could really look like.

If you missed last week’s episode, listen first to Jay Kapoor of VSC Ventures on Finding Purpose, Startup Storytelling, and the Founder with 1000 Faces.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Jay Kapoor on investing in climate automation

00:58 Conor Gaughan introduces Jay Kapoor and VSC Ventures

02:57 Looking for hidden economies as an investor

10:22 Using analogies to boost storytelling

15:03 The huge potential in climate automation

31:34 Exciting innovations in the tech industry

37:47 VSC’s portfolio companies

46:51 Envisioning a sustainable future with nuclear energy

50:04 Where to learn more

51:35 Conclusion and end credits

Jay Kapoor of VSC Ventures on Finding Purpose, Startup Storytelling, and the Founder with 1000 Faces

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 10:08:26 -0400

Jay Kapoor is combining venture capital and storytelling to help visionary founders achieve maximum impact. Jay noticed that while it was easier than ever to start a business, that made it harder than ever for individual companies to get noticed. How could founders get the world to see their unique vision for a better future? The answer was simple, but not easy – tell a compelling story. So, he and co-founder Vijay Chattha created VSC Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage climate tech and automation startups, using the power of storytelling to help them stand out.

Hear Jay talk about the importance of curiosity and empathy, what the NFL’s international games can teach us about growing a brand, and why every good business starts with a really good story.

As you’ll hear, we had so much fun talking with Jay, we convinced him to do a second episode, so stick around for part two next week.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Jay Kapoor on the importance of asking “Why now?” in storytelling

00:52 Conor Gaughan introduces Jay Kapoor and VSC Ventures

06:37 Multicultural background and perspective on sustainability

23:23 Finance, NFL Europe, and marketing funnels

31:31 The idea for VSC Ventures and crafting a good pitch

44:53 Optimism, return on investment, and defining impact

54:03 What’s next – part two of our conversation

56:38 End credits

JC Riveiro and Liya Sharif of Cercle on Women’s Healthcare, AI in Medicine, and The Power of Data

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:01:37 -0400

The data gap in women’s healthcare is a big problem. Four out of every five women in America with female-specific medical conditions will go undiagnosed and 70% of medical residency training programs exclude fertility from their core curriculums.

Tech wizard and veteran entrepreneur Juan Carlos (JC) Riveiro, and business and marketing expert Liya Sharif co-founded Cercle in 2021 to address this very gap. The tech startup uses AI machine learning to generate smarter, more equitable women’s health data, giving doctors the information they need to make decisions specific to each of their patients.

Hear how CEO JC, and board member Liya are using their technological and entrepreneurial expertise to give doctors direct access to better data, improve fertility outcomes with individualized treatment plans, and revolutionize the future of healthcare for all.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Liya on the exclusion of women in medical studies
00:42 Conor Gaughan introduces Liya Sharif and JC Riveiro of Cercle
04:30 Backgrounds, college degrees, and careers leading to Cercle
16:12 JC and Liya's idea for Cercle
27:12 Medicine 3.0, systemic inequity in healthcare, and women's health
32:49 Finding investors, caring for customers, and the future of health
40:06 Where to learn more
41:42 End credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Allison Wolff of Vibrant Planet on Beneficial Fire, Sustainable Software, and Nature-Based Climate Solutions

More on Cercle, Liya Sharif, and JC Riveiro:

Here’s the link to the McKinsey study on the women’s medical data gap referenced by both Conor and Liya during the episode: “Closing the data gaps in women’s health.”

Here’s the link to Hannah Ritchie’s book, which Conor mentions in his intro: Not the End of the World.

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and instagram.com/ckgone

Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Caron Proschan of Simply on Taking the Big Leap, Bootstrap Brand Building, and Natural Gum

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 10:02:26 -0400

Caron Proschan, founder and CEO of Simply, believes that simple ideas can change the world, and she’s out to prove it with… chewing gum.

One fateful day Caron reached for a piece of gum and realized it was made of plastic. When she looked for natural options, there were none. So she took her Harvard Business degree and launched Simply, a food startup focused on healthy natural gum and snacks. From cooking up gum in her kitchen and selling it to her local Whole Foods, to challenging billion-dollar brands, Caron is a small business - big industry success story.

Hear Caron share Simply’s unusual beginnings, the secret power of tree sap, and why simple doesn’t mean easy, on this episode of Consensus in Conversation.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Caron realizes there is plastic in traditional chewing gum

00:44 Conor Gaughan introduces Caron Proschan of Simply

03:52 Background, Harvard Business School, and early entrepreneurship

08:14 Simply’s start, bootstrapping a brand, and finding a market

18:52 Scaling up, raising capital slowly, and sustainability in natural food

27:10 Building trust, social impact, and pursuing your passion

34:38 What’s next and where to learn more

36:57 End credits

Hear the episode Conor mentioned, Andrew Gibbs-Dabney of LIVSN on Recovery, Sustainable Design, and Intentional Outerwear

Watch the Made In America episode Conor references in the introduction, Can Regenerative Farming Revive the Earth and Feed the World on YouTube.com/consensusdigitalmedia

Nicolas Pinkowski of Nitricity on Lightning-Powered Fertilizer and the Decarbonized Future Of Food

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 10:01:35 -0400

50% of the global food supply relies on nitrogen fertilizer, which emits tons of greenhouse gasses. But startup Nitricity is making electrified climate-smart fertilizer by literally capturing lightning in reactors. Co-founder and CEO Nicolas Pinkowski joins the podcast to share the startup’s remarkable origin story from a make-shift lab in a Stanford backyard, to a full-fledged company revolutionizing agriculture and the future of our food supply.

Hear how Nico went from engineer to entrepreneur, testing ideas on lemon trees and destroying a few toasters in the process, on Consensus in Conversation streaming now wherever you listen to podcasts.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Nicolas Pinkowski destroys a toaster in the name of science
00:51 Conor Gaughan introduces Nico Pinkowski and Nitricity
03:49 Growing up, Stanford engineering, and Silicon Valley
13:00 Nitricity’s origin, capturing lightning to decarbonize fertilizer
26:26 Pitching and scaling decarbonized nitrogen fertilizer
35:03 Working with farmers, potential impact, and future growth
44:06 What’s next and where to learn more
45:33 End credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Matt Rogers of Mill Industries on Food Waste, Impactful Product Design, and Innovation

More on Nitricity and Nicolas Pinkowski:

nitricity.co
linkedin.com/company/nitricity
linkedin.com/in/nicolaspinkowski
https://ifdc.org/ (the International Fertilizer Development Center)

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and instagram.com/ckgone

Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Allison Wolff of Vibrant Planet on Beneficial Fire, Sustainable Software, and Nature-Based Climate Solutions

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 10:00:24 -0400

Allison Wolff co-founded Vibrant Planet with one goal in mind: to positively disrupt land management. An ESG trailblazer, Allison has decades of experience crafting positive impact strategies for huge disruptors like eBay, Google, and Facebook. Now, as CEO of Vibrant Planet, she’s combining that expertise with the power of machine learning to revolutionize land stewardship.

Hear how Allison and her team at Vibrant Planet are restoring ecosystems with a balance of beneficial fire, sustainable software, and indigenous wisdom too.

Episode Highlights

00:00 - 00:50 Allison Wollf on land stewardship with beneficial fire
00:51 - 03:49 Conor Caughan introduces Allison Wolff and Vibrant Planet
03:50 - 11:26 Background, business and sociology degrees, work at Netflix
11:27 - 24:59 Impact-based global platforms at eBay, Google, and Facebook
25:00 - 36:54 Vibrant Planet’s origin, beneficial fire, and nature-based climate solutions
36:55 - 42:55 Using data to scale impact, sustainable policy, and Public Benefit Corporations
42:56 - 52:40 Staying optimistic, women-led leadership, and combining ancient techniques with AI
52:41 - 54:45 Where to learn more and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Tim Sheehy of Bridger Aerospace on Aerial Firefighting, the Military Mindset, and Entrepreneurship

More on Allison Wolff and Vibrant Planet:

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and instagram.com/ckgone

Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review – your feedback makes a difference.

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Keith Norman of Lyten on 3D Graphene, ESG 2.0, and the Future of Batteries

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 10:01:51 -0400

Lyten first created 3D Graphene by accident in 2015, but, thanks to its world-changing potential, it now has them poised to revolutionize the material science industry.

Keith Norman, Lyten’s Chief Sustainability Officer, joins the podcast to share his journey across both sides of the energy industry and explain why graphene’s properties are so groundbreaking for EVs, battery technology, and even high-grade sensors.

Episode Highlights

00:00 - 00:57 Keith Norman on solving clean energy challenges in the real world
00:58 - 03:11 Conor Gaughan introduces Keith Norman and Lyten Inc.
03:12 - 07:17 Background, early influences, and college engineering
07:18 - 17:05 ExxonMobil, working in Africa, and pivoting to a new career
17:06 - 24:18 Amazon Web Services, supply vs demand, and clean tech
24:19 - 33:37 Airbnb encounter leads to Lyten, the elevator pitch, and graphene
33:38 - 38:29 Why 3D Graphene is revolutionary for battery and EV tech
38:30 - 47:20 Building for the long-term, sustainability, and ESG 2.0
47:21 - 49:49 Leaving a legacy and where to learn more
49:50 - 52:04 Conclusion and end credits

If you liked this episode, listen next to Forrest North and Jason Marks of TELO Trucks on EVs, Mini Pickups, and Autonomous Tech.

Max Evans of ClimateAi on Dorm Room Entrepreneurship and AI-Based Climate Solutions

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 10:00:52 -0400

Artificial intelligence is booming, and Max Evans is ready for it. “Discovering machine learning was my very first moment of witnessing magic.” That discovery led him to co-found ClimateAi straight out of his dorm room at Stanford with his roommate, Himanshu Gupta, in 2017.

Today, the startup operates in 50 countries, using AI-enhanced forecasting to climate-proof global supply chains.

Listen as Max shares his path from student to startup founder, unleashing the powerful potential of AI-based climate solutions.

Episode timestamps:

00:00 - 01:10 Max Evans on learning about artificial intelligence at Stanford University.
01:11 - 03:44 Conor Gaughan introduces Max Evans of ClimateAi.
03:45 - 06:49 Growing up, early influences, and school at Harvard.
06:50 - 11:43 Machine learning, the family business, and launching a few startups.
11:44 - 14:51 MBA at Stanford, environmental engineering, and artificial intelligence.
14:52 - 20:27 The genesis of ClimateAi and its initial projects.
20:28 - 24:35 The elevator pitch, climate intelligence, and how ClimateAi actually works
24:36 - 33:02 AI’s potential, the reality around climate change, and being a voice in the industry.
33:03 - 39:54 Aligning purpose and profits, ClimateAi projects, and innovations to keep an eye on.
39:55 - 41:59 Motivation, finding solutions together, and staying optimistic.
42:00 - 43:54 How to learn more and closing credits.

If you liked this episode, listen next to Ron Hovsepian of Indigo Ag on Farming, Sustainability, and Technology.

Grant Quasha of Eco Material Technologies on Green Cement and The Business of Building

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 10:00:56 -0400

Grant Quasha is betting big on green cement. "People don't realize how big the cement and concrete businesses are. [...] It's the number one commodity in the world other than water."

The chairman and CEO of Eco Material Technologies views the $350+ billion cement industry as a giant potential market for sustainable construction. After years of investment banking in commodities and materials, Grant moved from investing in other businesses to building his own, with major impact.

Listen as Grant Quasha shares loads of insight from selling sustainability plans to envisioning the massive role the materials sector could play in building a decarbonized future.

Episode timestamps:

00:00 - 00:56 Grant Quasha on the twofold potential of sustainable concrete.
00:57 - 02:39 Conor Gaughan introduces Grant Quasha of Eco Material Technologies.
02:40 - 06:18 Early career, materials and commodities, and the learning curve.
06:19 - 13:30 Business school, international shipping, and building businesses.
13:31 - 19:14 Green cement in Texas and concrete vs cement.
19:15 - 26:16 How Eco Material Technologies creates impact.
26:17 - 33:14 Capturing lightning in a bottle, potential growth, and pitching investors.
33:15 - 39:33 Capital markets and aligning doing good with doing well.
39:34 - 44:46 Public policy, climate legislation, and institutional support.
44:47 - 49:10 Upcoming innovations, leaving a legacy, and setting priorities.
49:11 - 50:57 How to learn more and closing credits.

If you liked this episode, listen next to Chris Anderson of Vantem Global on Building Sustainable, Affordable Energy Efficient Homes At Scale.

More on Grant Quasha and Eco Material Technologies:

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and instagram.com/ckgone

Have questions, feedback, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review – it really helps us out!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Peter Godart of Found Energy on Aluminum Fuel, NASA, and Engineering Impact at Scale

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 10:01:54 -0400

Peter Godart could have been a jazz musician, but instead pursued his other passion: engineering.

After garnering a few degrees at MIT and working on space tech at NASA, Peter set his sights on yet another passion: saving the climate. In 2022, he launched Found Energy, a startup decarbonizing transport with aluminum.

As Peter says, “When you work for NASA and one of your daily tasks is, you know, let's figure out how to catch a one meter sphere orbiting Mars at Mach 2… These problems that we have on Earth feel not that difficult by comparison… We could totally do this.”

Join us to hear how Peter brought space-sized innovation back down to Earth.

Episode timestamps:

00:00 - 00:52 Peter Godart on solving problems for NASA in space and on the Earth.
00:53 - 03:02 Conor Gaughan introduces Peter Godart of Found Energy.
03:03 - 06:41 Growing up, interest in music, and engineering at MIT.
06:42 - 15:10 Robotics, internships, NASA, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
15:11 - 22:20 The origin of Found Energy and using aluminum for energy storage.
22:21 - 25:26 Use cases, decarbonizing difficult industries, and hydrogen hubs.
25:27 - 31:30 Balancing roles, how engineering influences management, and lessons learned.
31:31 - 37:42 Sustainability, what’s at stake, the clean energy transition, and policy.
37:43 - 43:21 Humanitarian programs, motivations, and exciting new innovations.
43:22 - 45:40 How to learn more about Found Energy.
45:41 - 46:23 Closing credits.

If you liked this episode, listen to Seonghoon Woo of Amogy on Materials Science, Decarbonized Transport, and Alternative Fuels and Jay Bellows of KORE Power on Renewable Energy, Storage, and Basketball Wisdom.

CiC 2023 Year End Wrap Up

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 09:19:07 -0400

2023 has brought us 35 new guests and more than 2,000 minutes of conversations– join Conor Gaughan as he shares his insights, takeaways, and analysis on a few of our favorite moments from the year.

Whether it’s breaking down sustainable business blueprints, finding motivation during difficult times, or imagining an entirely new industry, this episode has you covered!

Featuring

01:20 - 04:10 Catherine Roggero-Lovisi: CEO, Modern Meadow
04:11 - 07:30 Rick Fox: Co-founder and CEO, Partanna
07:31 - 11:24 Roger McClendon: Executive Director, Green Sports Alliance
11:25 - 13:20 Tim Sheehy: Founder and CEO, Bridger Aerospace
13:21 - 15:50 Greg Putnam: Co-founder and President, Little Belt Cattle Co.
15:51 - 20:12 Andrew Gibbs-Dabney: Founder and CEO, LIVSN
20:13 - 24:59 Ben Bressler: Founder and President, Natural Habitat
25:00 - 27:48 Jenny Du: Co-founder and SVP, Operations, Apeel Sciences
27:49 - 30:17 Joey Zwillinger: Co-founder and CEO, Allbirds
30:18 - 33:43 Matt Rogers: Co-founder and CEO, Mill Industries
33:44 - 36:46 Chris Wood: President and CEO, Trout Unlimited
36:47 - 42:54 Tina May: VP, Rural Services and Chief of Staff to the CEO, Land O’Lakes
42:55 - 45:52 Michael Chanin: CEO, Cherry Street Energy
45:53 - 47:54 Paul Snyder: Executive Vice President, Stewardship, Tillamook County Creamery Association

A big thank you to all of our guests this year, including Erik Oberholtzer, Nick Whitman, Ron Hovsepian, Seonghoon Woo, D’Wayne Edwards, Rick Fox, Matt Rogers, Ben Bressler, Jeff Siewicki, Michael Chanin, Jamila Norman, Forrest North and Jason Marks, Jay Bellows, Damon Barron, Catherine Roggero-Lovisi, Alfred Johnson, Chris Clark, Jenny Du, Chris Wood, Paul Snyder, Margo Walsh, Joey Zwillinger, Mark Danzenbaker and Peter Corsell, Jeff Simmons, Jean-Louis Warnholz, Cisco DeVries, Andrew Gibbs-Dabney, Chris Anderson, Jill Brosig, Greg Putnam, John Little, Tina May, Roger McClendon, Tim Sheehy, and Steve McHugh.

Have questions, feedback, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com

Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review – it really helps further our reach!

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Erik Oberholtzer of Cohere on Founding Tender Greens, Food for Good, and Creating Fast Casual

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 10:01:12 -0400

This week’s guest is long-time chef Erik Oberholtzer, co-founder of Tender Greens, a revolutionary “fast casual” food brand. Now, as managing partner at Cohere, he helps other founders scale food brands making a positive impact.

But before finding success as a chef, entrepreneur, and author, Erik was at Temple University working towards an undergrad psychology degree. In need of money, he took a concierge job at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia.

The position required someone well-informed on the city’s culinary scene – the best restaurants, bars, cocktail lounges – so Erik immersed himself in that world.The experience ignited a newfound passion for food, and soon Erik was off to culinary school and much, much more.

Join us to hear how Erik found himself on a mission to democratize food.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Erik on the early days of starting a business.

00:53 Introducing Erik Obertholtzer and Tender Greens

02:58 Growing up, developing a passion for food, and culinary school

08:40 Early culinary career, the food scene, and entering the restaurant industry

16:47 Career leading up to founding Tender Greens and the origin story

25:25 Fun startup stories, hardships, and scaling the business

29:57 Leaving Tender Greens, consulting, and Erik’s work at Cohere

37:55 Aligning purpose with profits and the democratization of food

42:50 Conclusion and end credits

To learn more about Cohere, visit https://www.coherestudio.co/

Follow Erik Oberholtzer on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-oberholtzer-930a934/

Have a great idea or a guest in mind for a future conversation? Connect with Conor Gaughan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

If you liked the show, please give us a follow and leave a review, it makes a big difference.

Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Nick Whitman of Divert on Food Waste, Renewable Energy, and Impact Technology

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 10:00:07 -0400

Today’s guest is Nick Whitman, co-founder and COO of Divert Inc.

In 2007, Nick and co-founder Ryan Begin launched Divert with a simple, bold mission in mind: eliminate food waste. Since then, the firm has processed over 2.3 billion pounds of food waste, donated more than 10 million meals to the food insecure, and continues to develop new, innovative technologies.

Nick has spent 16 years successfully scaling Divert to new heights, creating a first-of-its-kind food waste converter, designing and building a processing facility for Kroger, and revolutionizing food waste logistics.

As you’ll hear, Nick is a treasure trove of business knowledge for aspiring founders, and just an all around fun guy to talk with – listen in on your favorite podcast platform.

Episode Highlights

(0:00) Nick Whitman on recycling

(1:00) Conor introduces Nick and Divert

(3:15) Growing up, business school, and energy

(8:16) Origin story of Divert

(13:42) Food waste and anaerobic digestion

(15:49) Logistics and early growth

(19:29) Divert’s technology

(22:21) Stakeholders and policy

(24:09) Getting the first yes and building momentum

(26:49) Aligning profit with purpose

(31:28) Sustainability and natural gas

(34:54) Advice for future founders and growth mindset

(38:06) Finding optimism

(41:12) Conclusion and end credits

For more on Nick Whitman and Divert, visit divertinc.com

Connect with Conor Gaughan on LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the episode. You can follow, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube, or wherever you listen.

Consensus in Conversation is a weekly podcast from Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Ron Hovsepian of Indigo Ag on Farming, Sustainability, and Technology

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 10:01:09 -0400

This week’s guest is Ron Hovsepian, president, CEO, and board member of Indigo Ag. Founded in 2013, the company uses nature-based and digital technology to optimize agricultural supply chains, increase farmer profits, and reduce environmental emissions.

Ron spent his first 16 years after college at IBM, where he worked his way up the corporate ladder. He later served as president and CEO of Novell Inc. and Intralinks Inc. He also joined the Board of Directors for ANSYS in 2012, which he still serves on today.

After serving on its board for a year, Ron began his current role at Indigo Ag in 2020. Since then, he’s used his valuable leadership and technology experience to develop new ways to help farmers and the natural environment they rely on.

Ron brings an expert knowledge of leadership and technology to the conversation, and you won’t want to miss his insights on the future of agriculture, technology, and sustainability. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

More:

Visit https://www.indigoag.com/ to learn more about Indigo Ag.
Connect with host Conor Gaughan on LinkedIn to stay up to date on all things CiC.

Time Stamps:

(0:00) Ron Hovsepian on carbon removal
(0:51) Conor Gaughan introduces Ron and Indigo Ag
(3:02) Growing up in Boston, school, and career overview
(7:28) Staying ahead of the curve and pattern recognition
(11:41) Origin story of Indigo Ag and what they do
(19:04) Technology, agriculture, and farmers
(28:16) Water, waste, and soil
(30:51) Carbon capture and merging profit with purpose
(35:22) Building agricultural resilience
(37:21) Growth and the future of Indigo Ag
(39:26) Community, policymakers, and partnerships
(43:19) Wisdom, tractors, and what’s next
(49:42) Finding motivation and optimism
(53:08) Conclusion and end credits

Extra Resources:

Company Website → https://www.indigoag.com/

Company Social → https://www.linkedin.com/company/indigoag/

Guest Social → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronhovsepian/

Conor Social → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

Dr. Seonghoon Woo of Amogy on Materials Science, Decarbonized Transport, and Alternative Fuels

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 10:00:21 -0400

This week’s guest is Dr. Seonghoon Woo, the chairman, co-founder, and CEO of Amogy, a tech startup using ammonia as a clean energy fuel source.

Woo, an MIT doctoral graduate with an expertise in materials science, worked as a staff researcher at the Korean Institute of Science and Technology and at IBM, but he was always an entrepreneur at heart. During his studies, he witnessed the promising potential of ammonia as an energy source, and in 2020 , he launched Amogy Inc. with three MIT peers.

To date, the startup has raised hundreds of millions in seed funding with Dr. Woo at the forefront, leading Amogy’s mission to decarbonize (and revolutionize) the transportation industry.

If you’re a fan of science that seems like fiction (but actually isn’t!); if you love entrepreneurship, taking risks, or a classic startup success story, listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

More:

Check out https://amogy.co/ to learn about Amogy and their latest innovations.
Connect with host Conor Gaughan on LinkedIn to stay up to date on all things CiC.

Episode Highlights

(0:00) - Seonghoon Woo on entrepreneurship
(1:01) - Conor Gaughan introduces Dr. Woo and Amogy Inc.
(2:26) - Growing up, military service, science education
(6:14) - IBM, semiconductors, and energy
(8:07) - Amogy, ammonia, and the current landscape
(13:12) - Average customers and early investors
(15:08) - Balancing science, technology, and business
(16:51) - Business lessons from the early days
(19:56) - Current growth, common misconceptions, and educating consumers
(23:20) - Sustainability at Amogy and the wider energy sector
(30:05) - Milestones, programs, and technological innovations
(32:52) - Optimism and different perspectives on sustainability
(37:26) - Conclusion
(38:17) - End credits

Extra Resources:

Company Website → https://amogy.co/
Company Social → https://www.linkedin.com/company/amogy/
Guest Social → https://www.linkedin.com/in/seonghoon-woo/
Conor Social → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

Dr. D’Wayne Edwards of Pensole Lewis College on Sneaker Design, Educating Others, and Innovation

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 10:01:21 -0400

Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, Founder and President of the Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design, joins this week’s Consensus in Conversation.

Edwards is a legendary footwear designer. He rose to prominence in early sneakerhead culture as the head designer for Nike’s Jordan brand, where he designed over 500 styles for Michael Jordan, Tupac, the Notorious B.I.G., Dr. Dre, multiple Olympians, and countless other sports stars.

In 2010, Edwards began a path mentoring and educating other aspiring designers, creating Pensole Footwear Design Academy, a first of its type in the nation. Later, Edwards reopened the Lewis College of Business, a formerly defunct HBCU in Detroit, Michigan, founding the Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design in 2021.

Today, Edwards is working on new and exciting ways to advance footwear design and education. The school recently announced JEMS by Pensole, the nation’s first Black-owned footwear factory. Dr. D’Wayne Edwards is an icon in the footwear industry, and even if you aren’t a sneakerhead, you’ve definitely seen his designs on famous musicians, athletes, or celebrities.

For an inspiring conversation covering sneakers, self-taught schooling, business, launching a college(!), and so much more, listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

Rick Fox of Partanna on Sustainable Construction and Creating Winning Teams

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 09:00:56 -0400

Today’s episode features Rick Fox, co-founder and current CEO of Partanna Global, an innovative company developing carbon-negative concrete.

Rick, a three-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, actor, and entrepreneur, launched Partanna in 2021 with co-founder and renowned L.A. architect Sam Marshall. Their idea was simple, if not audacious: make the traditional concrete-making process, a major source of global carbon emissions, “green.”

And that initial idea has yielded promising results. Rick, who is originally from the Bahamas, spoke to us from inside Partanna’s newly unveiled model home concept in Nassau.

He joins the pod to talk about building a winning team, his journey leading up to Partanna, what the future looks like, and his impromptu call with the Bahamian Governor. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

More on the episode:

Check out Partanna’s new model home concept at https://homes.partanna.com/gallery
Learn more about what Partanna and Rick Fox are up to at https://www.partanna.com/

Episode Time Stamps:

(0:00) - Rick’s cold open
(1:20) - Intro on Rick Fox and Partanna
(3:20) - Background and the Bahamas
(10:09) - The origin story of Partanna
(14:19) - Carbon-negative concrete and its impact
(18:40) - Early moments and team effort
(21:47) - VCs, markets, and first mover status
(24:55) - Customers, sustainability, and durability
(27:35) - Impact and doing good
(30:36) - Carbon credits
(32:56) - NBA career and lessons from Lakers
(35:22) - Acting, entertainment, and the business world
(37:22) - Optimism and motivation
(39:10) - Best advice from a coach
(40:42) - Conclusion and end credits

Matt Rogers of Mill Industries on Food Waste, Impactful Product Design, and Innovation

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 08:31:00 -0400

Matt Rogers, co-founder and CEO of Mill Industries, joins today’s episode.

Mill’s mission is to reduce food waste and its related carbon emissions by offering customers the chicest waste bin ever made. This brilliantly designed, high tech product decomposes and dehydrates food scraps before turning them into animal feed. Mill then picks up those food scraps and distributes the feed to local farms and others.

It’s a unique and innovative product, but that’s nothing new for Matt Rogers. He started his early career at Apple, designing and building groundbreaking products like the iPod and iPhone. Then, in 2010, Matt co-founded Nest Labs Inc, reinventing the home with the first smart thermostat. By 2014, Nest was acquired by Google.

When co-founder Harry Tannenbaum reached out to Matt with a new product idea for reducing food waste during the pandemic, Matt was hooked. Mill Industries was launched a few months later, and now it’s already turning heads and garnering interest for its innovative concept.

Matt gives takeaways from his early days at Apple, shares valuable insights as the founder of Nest, and talks through the origin story of Mill Industries. Whether you’re a future founder, current business leader, or just someone looking to create the next big thing, you’ll leave this episode inspired and informed.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

More:

Head over to https://www.mill.com/ to learn more about Mill Industries and its innovative food waste bin.
Follow CiC host Conor Gaughan on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and more.

Episode Timestamps:

(0:03) - Matt’s cold open

(0:50) - Intro on Matt Rogers and Mill Industries

(2:43) - Background and childhood

(5:05) - Engineering education

(8:03) - Working at Apple Inc.

(15:08) - Founding and scaling Nest

(21:20) - Origin of Mill Industries

(23:43) - Mill’s product and innovative approach

(34:18) - Growth and behavior change

(40:27) - Aligning profit with purpose

(42:57) - Decarbonizing the economy

(46:23) - Finding motivation, optimism

(48:32) - Conclusion and end credits

Ben Bressler of Natural Habitat Adventures on Nature, Travel, and Pursuing Your Passion

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 08:31:52 -0400

Ben Bressler, founder and president of Natural Habitat Adventures (NHA), joins the podcast.

Ben had the epiphany for what would become NHA as a teacher during a ski trip. Soonafter, he launched the responsible nature travel company in 1985 with a core idea: create life-enhancing travel experiences by taking people to some of the world’s most remote places– while also getting as close as possible to the wildlife.

Fueled by a passion for travel, nature, and the outdoors, Ben and Natural Habitat Adventures are still finding new ways to enhance their adventures and impact on the environment 38 years later. NHA, the conservation travel partner of the World Wildlife Fund, was the first 100% carbon-neutral travel company. But who better to tell the full story than Ben himself?

Whether it’s a close-up encounter with polar bears, talking about the restorative power of nature, or how to launch and lead a company for almost 4 decades (and still going), this episode has something for everyone. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

More:

Visit www.NatHab.com to learn more about Natural Habitat Adventures.

Follow CiC host Conor Gaughan on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and more.

Episode Timestamps:

(0:03) - Ben’s cold open

(0:52) - Intro on Ben Bressler and Natural Habitat Adventures

(2:54) - Background, passion for nature, and college

(8:11) - Early career, teaching, and the epiphany for a travel company

(11:01) - Origin and early days of Natural Habitat

(19:16) - First big sale and International Fund for Animal Welfare

(25:18) - Memorable moments and what Nat Hab is up to today

(29:56) - Reflecting on the experience of nature and travel

(35:41) - Economic benefits, biodiversity, and community

(40:30) - Sustainability-based initiatives

(43:03) - The future, new trips, and leaving a legacy

(46:51) - Where to learn more about Natural Habitat Adventures

(47:54) - Conclusion

(48:40) - End credits

Jeff Siewicki of Vital Mission Farm and RegenerativeSuccess.com on Farming, Profitability, and Coaching Others

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 08:19:04 -0400

Jeff Siewicki, founder of Vital Mission Farms and RegenerativeSuccess.com, joins this week’s podcast.

Jeff started his career as a pharmacist, but his passion for regenerative farming led him to leave his corporate job and found Vital Mission Farm in 2017. His main goal? Use innovative, climate-friendly regenerative agriculture techniques to grow healthy food for others.

After finding success and scaling the farm, Jeff decided to share all the lessons he had learned with others and launched RegenerativeSuccess.com in 2021. The online community offers consulting, educational materials, and advice to farmers and farmers-to-be on how to start and scale a profitable regenerative farm.

Jeff dives into all the details behind his journey, from leaving the pharmacy world and starting his own farm to launching a platform that helps others with theirs. His desire to help others (and the Earth) is contagious, and one can learn a lot from his unique journey. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

For more on Jeff Siewicki and Regenerative Success, check out https://regenerativesuccess.com/ and/or Jeff's LinkedIn page, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsiewicki/

Stay up to date with current and future Consensus in Conversation episodes and content by connecting with Conor on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

Episode timestamps:

0:04: Jeff’s cold open on farming

0:52: Intro on Jeff Siewicki, Vital Mission Farm, and Regenerative Success

2:43 Background, early career path, medicine

9:19: Getting into farming, Vital Mission Farm

13:09: Memorable moments, sustainability, healthy foods

18:19: Advice on finding success

20:31: Regenerative agriculture, climate change

28:26: Finding and building resiliency

34:18: Optimism, entrepreneurship

39:17: Motivation, key takeaways

40:54: Conclusion and end credits

Green Sports Day: Roger McClendon of Green Sports Alliance

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 07:43:53 -0400

Today, Oct. 6th, is the 8th annual Green Sports Day, so it only felt right to rerun our episode with Roger McClendon, executive director of the Green Sports Alliance (GSA).

After all, Roger and the GSA are an instrumental part in promoting Green Sports Day – where the global sports community works together to encourage sustainable action, raise environmental awareness, and celebrate the positive impact sports can have – across the globe. Learn more about #GreenSportsDay, at greensportsalliance.org/greensportsday/

Roger is well equipped to talk about sustainability and sports: he finished as the second all-time scorer for the University of Cincinnati men’s basketball’s team, behind only Oscar Robertson, became Yum! Brands’ first-ever Chief Sustainability Officer, and now leads the Green Sports Alliance, a national non-profit organization promoting sustainability and health in sports.

Roger’s talent and leadership has taken him from hardwood courts to boardrooms, leaving behind a trail of success and positive impact. And it’s no different at the Green Sports Alliance, which continues to scale and find new ways to make a positive impact for communities nationwide.

Even if you’ve listened before, it’s worth another one– Roger brings a wealth of wisdom to the table. Happy Green Sports Day!

Time Stamps!

0:00: Cold open ||

0:34: Intro on Green Sports Day, Roger, and GSA ||

2:30 Background and basketball ||

6:53: Early career and Yum! Brands ||

13:35 Roger’s “F squared C squared” approach ||

16:48: Green Sports Alliance ||

19:02: The origin of GSA ||

21:22: Stakeholders: sports leagues and more ||

25:24: Sports, community, and collaboration ||

27:08: The power of fan participation ||

30:35: Motivation, the future, and what’s next ||

31:52: Roger on Green Sports Day ||

32:26: Final, inspirational words ||

33:14: End Credits ||

More Resources:

Connect with Conor Gaughan on LinkedIn (@ckgone). See you next week!

Michael Chanin of Cherry Street Energy on Scaling Solar, Utilities, and Market Competition

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 09:03:29 -0400

Today’s episode features Michael Chanin, founder and CEO of Cherry Street Energy, a Georgia company powering cities, businesses, and more with renewable energy.

Like me, Michael spent his early career in finance. He was an analyst and associate at Goldman Sachs, prior to stints at a few other financial institutions. When Georgia passed an industry-altering law around solar power in 2015, he saw a massive opportunity and launched Cherry Street Energy. In the following years, Cherry Street has emerged as one of the nation’s leading solar energy firms, helping people and businesses of all kinds transition to cleaner energy.

Michael Chanin adds interesting insights on the future of solar power, shares how the company has scaled so successfully, and offers a unique perspective on competition in the energy industry.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

Timestamps

0:01: Cold Open with Michael Chanin ||

0:52: Intro on Michael, Cherry Street Energy ||

3:20: Background, Growing Up ||

4:11: School, Education ||

6:25: Finance Career ||

9:49: Origin of Cherry Street ||

14:30: Taking The Leap ||

15:47: Customer Adoption ||

21:01: Utilities, Stakeholders ||

24:09: Energy Growth, Trends ||

26:23: Doing Good, Favorite Projects ||

31:07: Growing Cherry Street ||

34:16: Workforce Development ||

39:11: Motivation, Inspiration ||

43:22: Outro, How To Learn More ||

44:01: End Credits ||

More from the episode:

Check out the latest from Cherry Street at www.CherryStreetEnergy.com
Connect with Conor Gaughan, our host, on LinkedIn (@ckgone)

Jamila Norman of Patchwork City Farms on Urban Farming, Food Advocacy, and Good Food

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 09:01:50 -0400

Today’s episode features Jamila Norman, owner and founder of Patchwork City Farms, star of the urban farming show Homegrown, and, most importantly, a farmer at heart.

Jamila, also called Farmer J, started Patchwork City Farms (PCF) in 2010 after recognizing a need for more locally available, accessible produce and food in the Atlanta area. Jamila has led PCF with one approach in mind: grow sustainable produce in the city, for the city, and educate others while doing it. Her passion for urban farming and food advocacy led to Homegrown, a show on the Magnolia Network where Jamila helps families turn their outdoor spaces into functional farms while sharing the benefits of growing one's own food.

Jamila is all about helping others, and she's quite good at it. But she's also a successful founder, farmer, and food advocate. If you're seeking answers on how to inspire others, help your community, grow a business, or just need some inspiration, this episode is a must listen.

Timestamps:

0:01: Cold Open with Jamila Norman ||

0:42: Intro on Jamila, Patchwork City Farms ||

2:31: Background ||

4:37: Environmental Influences ||

6:12: School, Early Career ||

11:23: Urban Farming, Growth ||

18:46: Stories, Lessons Learned ||

23:29: Farmers, Markets ||

27:05: What’s Next at Patchwork ||

29:48: Homegrown, Magnolia ||

34:27: Doing Good For Others ||

38:29: Motivation, Inspiration ||

42:09: End Credits ||

More from the episode:

Follow Jamila on Instagram @patchworkcityfarms or check their link tree.
Connect with Conor on LinkedIn.
You can stream seasons 1-3 of Homegrown on Discovery+ and Max.

Forrest North and Jason Marks of TELO Trucks on EVs, Mini Pickups, and Autonomous Tech

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 09:02:03 -0400

Today’s guests are TELO Trucks founders Forrest North and Jason Marks. The founders offer expert insights into the current (and future) EV landscape and share how TELO’s compact electric trucks maximize efficiency with a revolutionary design.

Jason, TELO’s CEO, is a former collegiate pole vaulter who spent his early career at National Instruments developing systems tests for U.S. automakers as Chief Business Development Manager. Forrest, the company’s CTO, worked on the early Tesla team before founding electric motor startup Mission Motors. He later founded and sold Plugshare, the number one EV charging app, before launching TELO with Jason in 2022.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform. After all, we’re talking about mini electric pickup trucks!!

Episode Timestamps:

00:32 Intro on TELO, Guests ||

02:22 Forrest’s Background, Bio ||

08:57 Jason’s Background, Bio ||

14:41 Maurice Olley’s Influence ||

15:47 Origin Story of TELO Trucks ||

19:47 What Makes TELO Unique ||

26:52 The Electric Vehicle Industry ||

32:01 Doing Good and Sustainability ||

36:28 The Future, Conclusion ||

37:05 End Credits ||

Episode Resources / Links:

More on TELO Trucks → https://telotrucks.com/

Jason on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmurraymarks/

Forrest on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/forrestnorth/

Conor on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

Jay Bellows of KORE Power on Renewable Energy, Storage, and Basketball Wisdom

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 09:02:18 -0400

Today’s guest is Jay Bellows, President of KORE Power, a vertically-integrated energy storage company focusing on grid reliability and renewable energy sources.

Jay previously led Northern Reliability, a leader in distributed energy storage, as CEO and President from 2013-2022. After merging NRI with KORE Power and taking the reins, Jay now oversees an impressive list of innovations, technological advances, and market success. He shares his thoughts on the transition to renewable energy, explains why storing energy is so vital, and offers valuable insights into how he has aligned profit with purpose.

Speaking of energy, Jay brings a lot of it to the conversation. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

Episode Timestamps:

00:31 Intro on Jay and KORE Power //

02:14 Background and Growing Up //

03:32 What Jay Does At KORE //

07:05 Energy Industry Growth //

11:28 Northern Reliability (NRI) //

12:24 Nomad Power Project //

16:50 KORE Initiatives and Programs //

21:20 Domestic Energy Production and Storage //

25:10 Growth at KORE Power //

30:09 Basketball and Coaching //

33:11 Optimism and Motivation //

37:32 End Credits //

More from the episode:

Company Website → https://korepower.com/

Company Social → https://www.linkedin.com/company/korepower/

Guest Social → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-bellows-0b89453/

Conor Social → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

Damon Barron: Carolina Urban Lumber

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 09:06:53 -0400

This week’s guest is Damon Barron, founder and president of Carolina Urban Lumber, a timber company that turns wood waste heading for landfills into high quality furniture.

Trees absorb a lot of carbon, but if those trees are cut down and go unused, wasted sitting in landfills, they degrade, end up in landfills, and release that same carbon back into the atmosphere, harming the environment. By diverting those carbon-filled, ‘wasted’ trees away from landfills and turning them into furniture, Damon’s company saves (literal) tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year.

Carolina Urban Lumber’s core mission is rooted in sustainability, and it’s no accident. Damon, an industry veteran, started the business after seeing how wood waste ends up in landfills. They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure… let’s find out!

More from the episode:

Check out Carolina Urban Lumber online → https://carolinaurbanlumber.com/
Connect with Damon on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-barron-63532aa9/
Connect with our host, Conor, on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

Time Stamps!

0:00:04 Cold Open
0:00:41 Introduction, Background
0:04:34 First Job, Wood Industry
0:07:38 Career Before to Modern Meadow
0:11:00 Origin of Carolina Urban Lumber
0:18:28 The Problem and Solution
0:23:53 Sustainability
0:30:14 Legacy, Future Impact
0:32:51 End Credits

Catherine Roggero-Lovisi: Modern Meadow

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:04:51 -0400

This week’s guest is Catherine Roggero-Lovisi, CEO of the bio-design technology company Modern Meadow. Founded in 2011, these researchers and scientists are using nature-inspired proteins to develop sustainable materials and products for fashion, beauty, and other industries, like biomaterial alternatives to leather!

After leadership roles at L’Oréal, Christian Louboutin, and Revlon Inc, Catherine joined Modern Meadow as President and COO in 2021. She became CEO in 2022, and she’s using her global consumer goods expertise to push the company to new heights.

Catherine brings a refreshing perspective to the conversation. If you’re interested in valuable takeaways from her leadership roles at prior beauty companies, how Modern Meadow is innovating the biofabrication industry, how to align purpose and profits, or what the future of material science holds, you’ll get all of that and more. Listen now on all major podcast platforms!

More from the episode:

Modern Meadow on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-meadow/ ||

Catherine on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-roggero-lovisi-1a38a543/ ||

Conor on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/ ||

Episode time stamps:

00:00:04 Cold Open

00:00:52 Introduction

00:02:34 Background and Early Influences

00:07:38 Career Before to Modern Meadow

00:14:56 Modern Meadow

00:25:58 Sustainability and Science

00:36:52 An Industry-Wide View

00:42:40 Aligning Profit and Purpose

00:45:30 What’s Next?

00:51:24 End Credits

Alfred Johnson: Crux Climate

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 09:09:29 -0400

Alfred Johnson, CEO and Co-Founder of Crux Climate, a software startup revolutionizing clean energy tax credit management, is this week’s guest. Alfred is well-suited to break down clean energy tax incentives, share founders' lessons, and talk about the rapidly growing clean energy market, which is expected to receive $3 billion in investments over the next decade.

Alfred is a Stanford grad who worked for the U.S. Treasury Department and BlackRock before launching his first software company with co-founder Allen Kramer. That company was acquired in 2020, leaving Alfred and Allen ready for their next adventure. And, in 2023, they launched Crux Climate. The software startup is developing online solutions that let organizations buy and sell tax credits for clean energy, a business that is likely to boom following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Alfred and Crux Climate are in the midst of a new and ever-growing industry. Whether it’s hearing about how he came up with the idea for Crux, what the next few years of regulation might hold, or how to find a co-founder that you stick with for more than one company, you’ll want to tune in! Listen now on all major podcast platforms.

More from the episode:

Crux Website → https://www.cruxclimate.com/

Crux on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/cruxclimate/

Alfred on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredjohnson01/

Conor on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

Time Stamps!

1:10 Introduction

2:56 Background and Early Career

14:18 Crux Climate

26:00 New Asset Class

34:27 ESG, Profits, and Sustainability

40:07 Legacy and Future

45:53 Conclusion and End Credits

Chris Clark: Georgia Chamber of Commerce

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 09:05:11 -0400

Named one of The Peach State’s most influential leaders, Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, joins us to talk clean manufacturing, the CEO Imperative, and The Georgia Way, for the first ever live recording of Consensus in Conversation, at our recent event: Southern Surge: Next Generation Manufacturing Summit.

Next-gen clean energy manufacturing is already driving powerful economic growth in Georgia and throughout the South, while also delivering positive impacts for the planet. With a commitment to building the American workforce and strengthening local communities, business environments that prioritize people, planet, and profit are gaining a competitive advantage in attracting the most innovative companies and their transformational investments.

Chris preaches the opportunity, and imperative, for corporate leaders to be servant-hearted and to build purpose-driven organizations. Beyond the power of businesses to make the world a better place, this approach also attracts the best young talent, whose contributions are essential for long-term growth. Yet again, corporate stewardship and profits coincide.

Chris has a long and distinguished career in public service, including serving as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Economic Development. His new book - The CEO Imperative: Faith Based Service in a Toxic World - challenges the status quo in business leadership narratives by illustrating the values that executives can and should adopt to help address society's biggest problems. Additionally, his TEDx encourages the corporate community to be servant-hearted– leading with character, purpose, and love– with broader ambitions to create a better world for future generations.

After you listen to the podcast, buy Chris’ book here and watch his TED Talk.

More from the episode:

Georgia Chamber on LinkedIn

Chris on LinkedIn

Conor on LinkedIn

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 A Special Live Edition of Consensus in Conversation

01:28 Introducing Chris Clark

02:28 Servant-Hearted Leadership

07:34 The Georgia Way and Attracting Clean Manufacturing Investments

13:40 Georgia's History of Conscious Capitalism

15:40 The Three Pillars of the New Georgia Economy: A Future-Focused Strategy

17:32 Inspiring a Youthful Workforce

30:35 End Credits

Our conversation took place on stage at Southern Surge: Next Generation Manufacturing Summit, bringing together political leaders, industry executives, economic development officials, and local stakeholders to discuss the recent announcements of new production facilities for electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and microchips. And, it wouldn’t have been possible without our partnership with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, as well as event support from American Clean Power, Bipartisan Policy Center, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, and Electric Drive Transportation Association. For more information, check out www.southern-surge.com.

Jenny Du: Apeel Sciences

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 09:00:12 -0400

Jenny Du just wants to make sure we all eat our veggies. This PhD, entrepreneur, innovator and scientist is this week’s Consensus in Conversation guest!

She is the co-founder and SVP of Operations at Apeel Sciences, a food innovation company that’s raised more than $700M in funding to date with its simple yet revolutionary idea: put a protective layer, or peel, around produce to keep them fresher, longer.

Jenny shares her unique path to entrepreneurship, the origin story of Apeel, how they’re helping curb food waste, and what they’re working on today; all while breaking down the complex science at its core (in a digestible manner).

More from the episode:

Apeel Website

Apeel on LinkedIn

Jenny Du on LinkedIn

Conor Gaughan on LinkedIn

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 How Material Science is Giving Produce a New Life

00:52 Introducing Jenny Du

11:50 Entrepreneurs, Founders, and Imposter Syndrome

15:55 Starting a Company to End Food Waste

19:02 Deconstructing Tomatoes to Unlock a Solution

22:06 How the Supply Chain Ends in Food Waste

34:48 Next Up - Nature-Based Innovations

40:38 End Credits

Chris Wood: Trout Unlimited

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 09:01:43 -0400

President and CEO of Trout Unlimited (TU), Chris Wood loves a good outdoor adventure. A longtime conservationist and angler, his dedication to the natural world is inspiring, whether he’s talking environmental policy, Aldo Leopold, Trout Unlimited, or… fishing.

Trout Unlimited is a nonprofit working to protect salmon and trout while keeping America’s fisheries and freshwater rivers healthy. With over 300,000 members, TU is upending traditional conceptions of conservation by including everyone in their restorative efforts, supporting thousands of coldwater conservation projects across the country.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

More from Chris and Trout Unlimited: Trout Unlimited Website | Trout Unlimited on LinkedIn | Chris Wood on LinkedIn

Follow Conor and Consensus Digital Media on LinkedIn to stay up to date.

Episode Timestamps:

0:04 Public Lands in America

0:52 Intro & Background

7:36 Bureau of Land Management

17:04 Trout Unlimited

33:54 Conservation, Nature

39:36 Optimism & The Future

41:42 End Credits

Paul Snyder: Tillamook County Creamery Association

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 09:04:47 -0400

We’re joined by Paul Snyder, Executive VP of Stewardship at Tillamook County Creamery, the 112-year-old farmer-owned dairy co-op and iconic Oregonian brand.

Tillamook Creamery attracts over 1 million visitors a year, and even if you’ve never been to Oregon, you’ve definitely seen their ice cream and other products in grocery stores across the country. Paul started in the hospitality industry and worked his way to Tillamook, where he’s leading sustainability-driven partnerships and aligning impact with profits.

Listen now wherever you listen to podcasts!

More from the episode:

Company Website → https://www.tillamook.com/

Company Social → https://www.linkedin.com/company/tillamook-county-creamery-association/

Guest Social → https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsnyder/

Conor Social → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone

Time Stamps:

0:43 Introduction

8:20 Joining Tillamook

19:06 Farmers, Rural America

23:06 Co-Operative Models

27:49 Doing Good and Doing Well

39:02 ESG

45:18 Conclusion

Margo Walsh: MaineWorks

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 11:52:56 -0400

Margo Walsh, CEO and Founder of MaineWorks, a B Corp that helps former felons recover from addiction and reenter the labor force, joins today’s episode.

Margo herself is in long-term recovery from substance abuse disorder, and her honesty, commitment to reinvigorating the lives of others, and passion to do good is inspiring. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

More from the episode:

MaineWorks → https://www.maineworks.us/
MaineWorks on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/maineworks/
Margo on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/margowalsh/
Conor on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone

Time Stamps:

0:00 Cold Open ||

1:01 Intro, Background ||

4:56 Early Career ||

7:31 Substance Abuse Disorder ||

18:09 MaineWorks ||

31:03 Maine Recovery Fund ||

36:09 B-Corp, Motivation ||

42:46 Conclusion ||

Joey Zwillinger: Allbirds

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 09:04:07 -0400

You’ve probably heard – or seen a pair – of Allbirds, the eco-friendly shoe brand disrupting the fashion and footwear industries. Joey Zwillinger, CEO and co-founder of this certified B Corp, joins the pod to talk about the company’s origin, discuss how he aligns purpose and profits, and share his insights on the future of fashion, footwear, and sustainability.

Joey’s story starts in California, ventures through banking and VC, and, after a chance encounter with co-founder Tim Brown, leads to the launch of Allbirds: listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

More from the episode:

Allbirds Website → https://www.allbirds.com/ |
Allbirds on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/allbirds/ |
Joey on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jzwillinger/ |
Conor on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone |

Episode Time Stamps:

0:00 Cold Open |

0:53 Introduction |

2:00 Background, College |

7:43 Early Career |

12:24 Capital Markets |

16:59 Allbirds |

26:14 Purpose, Sustainability |

39:44 Conclusion |

40:40 End Credits |

Mark Danzenbaker and Peter Corsell: GridPoint

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 09:02:38 -0400

Mark Danzenbaker, CEO of GridPoint, and Peter Corsell, Founder and Chairman of GridPoint, are energy industry experts. The clean technology company helps businesses, buildings, and energy grids optimize energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints and improving grid resilience.

Peter, a former member of the CIA, founded the company at only 25 years old in 2003, building it from the ground up. Mark joined GridPoint in 2009, and has successfully scaled the firm since becoming CEO in 2016. The two bring a fresh, unique perspective to the energy industry, entrepreneurship, and the future. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

More from the episode:

Company Website → https://www.gridpoint.com/

Company Social → https://www.linkedin.com/company/gridpoint/

Mark’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanzenbaker/

Peter doesn’t have one. We promise we didn’t skip him!

Conor’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

Time Stamps!

0:00 Cold Open

0:49 Introduction / Backgrounds

7:00 Founding GridPoint

11:37 Mark Joins Peter

16:20 What GridPoint Does

21:13 The Energy Grid

25:42 Sustainability

32:48 Motivation, Optimism

37:09 Conclusion

Jeff Simmons: Elanco

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 09:01:10 -0400

Jeff Simmons, President and CEO of Elanco Animal Health, brings more than 30 years of industry experience to the table. He’s worked his way up to the top of Elanco’s leadership, where he leads their innovative approach to animal health and food security for all.

This conversation focuses on Elanco’s mission, food security, animal health, and Jeff’s pursuit to align purpose with profits. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

More from the episode:

Elanco's Website → https://www.elanco.com/en-us

Elanco's LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/elanco/

Jeff's LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsimmons2050/

Conor's LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

Episode Time Stamps:

0:00 Cold Open

1:39 Introduction / Background

7:54 Joining Elanco

13:09 Visiting Brazil

16:30 Elanco’s Mission

22:49 Farmers, Animal Health

32:53 Motivation, Legacy

38:17 Conclusion

Jean-Louis Warnholz: Future

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 09:01:56 -0400

Jean-Louis Warnholz, Co-Founder and CEO of Future, has years of experience in and around emerging markets. His time spent researching economics at Oxford, work for global economic institutions and the U.S. government, and leadership role at BlackIvy Group led him to launch Future in 2021. Future incentivizes users to lower their carbon footprints.

Their core product is the Future Card, a debit card offering cashback rewards to users for low carbon purchases, like public transit. Jean-Louis brings a unique perspective to emerging markets, aligning purpose and profits, and betting on the future. Listen now on all podcasting platforms!

More from the episode:

Future Website → https://www.future.green/

Future LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefuturecard/

Jean-Louis Warnholz → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-louis-warnholz/

Conor Gaughan → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

Episode Time Stamps!

0:00 Cold Open

2:10 Introduction

3:56 Pivot to Purpose

6:50 Future

11:10 Cutting Carbon

17:08 Circular Economy

21:26 Other Industries

26:45 Purpose and Profit

32:11 Motivation, Inspiration

35:19 Conclusion

Cisco DeVries: OhmConnect

Thu, 25 May 2023 09:02:19 -0400

Cisco DeVries is all about energy. Before jolting OhmConnect to new heights as CEO, Cisco designed a clean energy product called Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) and later launched Renew Financial, a startup based on the PACE product. With natural disasters and grid problems on the rise, there’s no one better to explain what it all means and how companies are building a more resilient, eco-friendly grid for all.

Cisco brings over 20 years of energy industry experience to the table. Join the conversation now: from in-depth breakdowns of the electrical grid to Cisco’s optimistic energy, it’s worth the listen!

More from the episode:

Website → https://www.ohmconnect.com/

Company LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/ohmconnect/

Cisco’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/cisco-devries-9a89363/

Conor’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

Time Stamps!

0:00 Introduction

2:10 Background

5:16 Entrepreneurship, PACE

9:35 Renew Financial

13:29 OhmConnect

19:33 Electric Grid

28:26 Purpose and Profit

37:32 Optimism, Motivation

41:36 Conclusion

Andrew Gibbs-Dabney: LIVSN

Thu, 18 May 2023 09:07:30 -0400

Andrew Gibbs-Dabney, Founder and CEO of LIVSN, a sustainable outdoor clothing brand, joins this week’s episode. Before his success launching LIVSN, Andrew struggled with addiction, which led to his incarceration. On his long road to recovery, he set his life back on track and eventually launched LIVSN, which raised over $100K through a Kickstarter campaign.

Andrew’s powerful story spans recovery and rehab, launching a startup, and building a sustainable brand that aligns purpose and profits. We will all gain something from this podcast, whether it’s a motivational framework, a business blueprint, or just some good ol’ inspiration.

More from the episode:

Website → https://www.livsndesigns.com/

Company Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/livsndesigns/

Andrew’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-gibbs-dabney-40415399/

Conor’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

Time Stamps!

0:00 Intro

2:14 Addiction and Recovery

12:35 Taking the Hard Route

15:24 LIVSN

21:48 Kickstarter

28:30 Sustainability

37:08 Transparency

41:21 Legacy and Motivation

44:09 Conclusion

Chris Anderson: Vantem Global

Thu, 11 May 2023 09:03:55 -0400

Chris Anderson, CEO of Vantem Global, is on a mission to build sustainable, affordable energy efficient homes at scale. Vantem’s 3 million square feet of prefabricated dwelling units reduce construction costs, delivery times, and energy use. Before Vantem, Chris was the founder and CEO of Simex, a sustainably harvested timber company. If there’s anyone that knows the ins and outs of sustainable construction, it’s this guy.

Chris brings a unique perspective, passion, and expertise on sustainable construction, entrepreneurship, and creating true impact to mitigate climate change.

More from the episode:

Website → https://vantem.com/

Company LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/vantem/

Chris Anderson’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-anderson-769744a3/

Conor’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

Time Stamps!

0:00 Intro

1:39 Background

4:43 First Company: Simex

8:23 Vantem Global

15:28 Green Premium

19:16 The Future

22:47 Sustainability

25:13 Motivation, Inspiration

29:56 Conclusion

Jill Brosig: Harrison Street

Thu, 04 May 2023 09:06:27 -0400

Jill Brosig is a physicist turned Managing Director, Chief Impact & ESG Officer at Harrison Street. And, she has done it all, from researching inertial confinement fusion and earning her masters in engineering and now helping to pioneer new asset classes at Harrison Street.

Jill brings a science-first approach to the investment firm, which focuses exclusively on alternative real assets. But for Jill, portfolio theory means measuring, managing, and reporting for the big picture including the risks and returns that come from resiliency and climate risk mitigation.

We’re thrilled to talk to Jill about ESG (environmental, social, governance), the climate, real estate, and real impact. Don’t forget to like or review on your favorite podcasting platform, and thanks for listening!

More from the episode:

Website → https://www.harrisonst.com/

Impact Page → https://www.harrisonst.com/impact/

Company LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/harrison-street/

Jill Brosig → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-brosig-8a39a71a6/

Conor’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

Time Stamps!

0:00 Intro

2:07 Early Career, Physics

3:29 Transition to Finance

6:47 Harrison Street Overview

11:24 ESG and Sustainability

20:39 Health in Real Estate

24:19 More on ESG

30:06 Inspiration and Motivation

33:07 Outro

Greg Putnam: Little Belt Cattle Co.

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 09:02:35 -0400

After serving as a U.S. Navy SEAL for almost a decade, Greg Putnam co-founded Little Belt Cattle Co. (LBCC), a first generation Montana cattle ranch, in 2020.

Greg started the company with almost no ranching experience, but he has successfully grown the local beef business to new heights, even in an industry not known for newcomers. Greg stands out for his mission-driven leadership style, commitment to regenerative ranching practices and veterans, and ability to instill purpose into everything he does.

We’re honored to talk with Greg about his service, successful transition to entrepreneurship, and the future of sustainable ranching. This is an episode you don’t want to miss, so click play and enjoy!

More from the episode:

Website → https://littlebeltcattleco.com/

Merch Store → https://littlebeltcattleco.com/shop

DTC Beef Sales (Spring 2023) → https://littlebeltcattleco.com/beef

Greg Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-putnam-a5758b209/

Follow Conor on LinkedIn for any and all things CiC → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

Episode highlights:

0:00 Intro

01:38 Background, Military Service

04:51 Little Belt Cattle Co.

13:41 Cattle Business

19:35 Sustainable Ranching

23:33 Agricultural Misconceptions

25:43 Optimism and the Future

30:55 Outro

John Little: Smooth Ambler Spirits Co.

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 08:32:45 -0400

When Smooth Ambler opened in 2009, few envisioned the craft whiskey distillery would grow so big so fast.

John Little, co-founder and whiskey maker, started the company with his father-in-law. The two had no experience with distilling, but their enthusiasm to learn, commitment to transparent labeling, and community-driven ethos has brought them success and industry-wide respect. Despite the fact that many high priced bourbons and whiskeys are older than the company itself, Smooth Ambler is a shining example of a company aligning profits and impact to achieve sustainable growth.

Pour yourself a nice glass, sit back, and hit play to hear the fascinating story behind John Little and Smooth Ambler.

More on Smooth Ambler:

Website → https://smoothambler.com/

FaceBook → https://www.facebook.com/SmoothAmbler

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/smoothambler/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/SmoothAmbler

John Little’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-little-b003698/

Episode Highlights:

0:00 Intro

01:41 Background

04:17 Whiskey

10:57 Smooth Ambler Spirits Co.

25:34 Transparency

28:07 Optimism and the Future

36:04 Conclusion

Follow our host Conor on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date!

Tina May: Land O' Lakes

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 08:40:28 -0400

Land O’ Lakes is known for butter: they make 300 million POUNDS annually! But equally as important: their commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Tina May, VP, Rural Services and Chief of Staff to the CEO, joins us to talk agriculture, broadband, rural services, and so much more. From her start as a grain merchandiser, to her work at the USDA, to Land O’ Lakes, where she leads the development of the American Connection Corp and countless other sustainability initiatives, Tina has proven the power of doing good and doing well.

Food and agriculture is something we all share, whether we’re planting the seeds or just eating them. So grab some food, hit play, and listen to our conversation on Tina’s impressive career, how agriculture policies like The Farm Bill can impact Americans, the work of Land O’ Lakes, and the future of food.

More on Tina and Land O’ Lakes:

Tina May on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-may-086331a5/

Land O’ Lakes → https://www.landolakes.com/

American Connection Corps → https://www.americanconnectioncorps.org/

Time Stamps!

00:00 Intro

01:57 Early Career

06:39 USDA, Farm Bill

11:23 Land O’ Lakes

14:31 American Connection Corps

20:34 Fellowships, Sustainability

28:10 Looking Forward

32:59 Conclusion

Follow our host Conor on LinkedIn to stay up to date → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/

Roger McClendon: Green Sports Alliance

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 09:05:31 -0400

Roger McClendon is always near the top: he finished as the second all-time scorer for the University of Cincinnati men’s basketball’s team, behind only Oscar Robertson, became Yum! Brands’ first-ever Chief Sustainability Officer, and now leads the Green Sports Alliance, a national organization promoting sustainability in sports.

Roger’s talent and leadership has taken him from hardwood courts to boardrooms, leaving behind a trail of success and positive impact. Our conversation bridges his career path, the power of sports, the need for sustainability, and so much more.

If you’re itching for some basketball between March Madness and the NBA Playoffs, look no further: it’s live on all major podcasting platforms. Listen now!

More on the Green Sports Alliance and Roger:

Episode Highlights:

0:00: Background and Basketball

5:55: Early Career and Yum! Brands

11:11: Sustainability

15:49: Green Sports Alliance

24:26: Sports and Community

29:37: The Future

Follow our host Conor on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date!

Tim Sheehy: Bridger Aerospace, Ascent Vision Technologies

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 09:05:07 -0400

Navy SEALs and successful entrepreneurs share at least one thing: both are hard work!

Meet Tim Sheehy, a former US Navy SEAL officer turned successful entrepreneur. Tim is Founder and CEO of Bridger Aerospace, an aerial firefighting company. He previously founded and sold Ascent Vision Technologies (AVT), a data and surveillance-driven defense and aerospace company. If anyone has found a way to make challenging work look easy, it might just be Tim.

The episode’s live, so click play and listen on all major podcasting platforms.

More on Tim Sheehy:

Time Stamps:

0:00: Background and Military Career

5:55: Bridger Aerospace

11:35: Ascent Vision Technologies (AVT)

15:00 Key Business Themes

21:48 Sustainability and Conservation

25:05 Looking Forward

Follow our host, Conor Gaughan, on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date!

Chef Steve McHugh: Cured at Pearl, Luminaire, Landrace at the Thompson Hotel

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 07:30:07 -0400

Imagine a restaurant that changes its menu twice a day, every week. Why? To reduce food waste and support local farmers.

Enter Chef Steve McHugh: a record six-time finalist for Best Chef in Texas. We talk about his time at the CIA (no, not that one), learning cooking skills, rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina, and overcoming non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Oh, and, launching restaurants while growing a community in San Antonio too.

If you’re hungry, grab a snack, sit back, and hit play!

More Chef Steve

Check out his Instagram @chefstevemchugh
Landrace at the Thompson Hotel
Cured at Pearl
Luminaire (opened last month!)

Time Stamps!

0:00: Background

8:30: Culinary Path

13:50: Food, Community, and Resilience

22:28: New Projects

25:25: Inspiration for the Future

Follow our host Conor on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date!

Vailia and Russell From: Desparada Wines, Herman Story Wines

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 10:03:52 -0400

I'm joined by Vailia and Russell From, two friends and winemakers pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the wine industry, while staying focused on sustainability and being good stewards of the lands they cultivate.

Vailia has worked in all things wine– from the restaurant floor to sales to importing to harvesting, and now she’s running her very own Desparada, a vineyard rooted in spirit and elegance. Russell is a wine creative– whether it’s a wine that stays in contact with the grape skins for the duration of harvesting or the Tomboy, his only white wine offering that’s described as “a white for red wine lovers– he’s constantly pushing creative boundaries at Herman Story Wines, which he owns and operates.

Join our conversation on winemaking, organic agriculture, stewardship of the land, sustainability, and taking the path less traveled. All you have to do is sit back, uncork (or unscrew, no judgements) some wine, and hit play.

For more information on Herman Story Wines: https://www.hermanstorywines.com/

Want more details on Desparada? Visit: https://www.desparada.com/

Juliana Garaizar: Greentown Labs

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 10:05:17 -0400

We're joined by Juliana Garaizar, an angel investor working as the head of innovation for Greentown Labs, the largest climate tech incubator in North America. Juliana has lived across the globe, and now she’s now in Houston– working on the intersection of climate tech, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

We discuss entrepreneurship, supporting climate-positive startups, advocating for inclusivity in the workspace - particularly in finance - how to create maximum impact with minimal environmental harm, and the best place to vacation (just kidding…I didn’t get around to that question) – so sit back, hit play, and join this episode of Consensus in Conversation!

For more information on Greentown Labs, check out their website: https://greentownlabs.com/

Charles Dimmler and Matt Sterbenz: Checkerspot, WNDR Alpine

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 10:05:07 -0400

Today we welcome Charles Dimmler, CEO and co-founder of Checkerspot, and Matt Sterbenz, GM of Wintersports. Checkerspot is a high performance materials company proving that you don’t have to choose between sustainability and performance. Founded in 2016, the company is pioneering a planet-first approach to product creation and innovating the outdoor industry through biotechnology and sustainability. WNDR Alpine, Checkerspot’s consumer-facing backcountry skis are made from algae, and the first of its kind. Charles’ expertise in biotechnology and Matt’s professional skiing background provide great insights into the future of industry on this episode of Consensus in Conversation.

Since our recording, Checkerspot released an amazing new product: The Pollinator™ Kit. It gives individuals, small businesses, and big corporations the ability to create new products and designs with some of Checkerspots’ sustainable materials like polyurethane, which is derived from algae oil.

To get your own pair of WNDR Alpine skis, check out: https://wndr-alpine.com/collections/shop

For more details on The Pollinator™ Kit: https://www.pollinatorkit.com/ And check out their partnerships with different innovators: https://checkerspot.com/innovators/

Lew Moorman: Soilworks Natural Capital, Scaleworks Venture Capital

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:10:56 -0400

This week’s guest is Lew Moorman, co-founder of Scaleworks, a venture capital firm, and Soilworks Natural Capital, an investment fund. Lew grew up in Texas Hill Country, home to some of America’s best ranchland, and although he started his career in consulting, he found his passion in venture capital, helping small software companies flourish.

Now, he has turned his sights towards one of America’s oldest (and largest industries) – agriculture – where he is helping to lead the regenerative agriculture sector to new heights while championing the idea that smart livestock ranching and natural climate solutions are one in the same.

Whether it’s about innovation in the agriculture sector or how maximizing profits incentivizes sustainability, you’ll want to hear what Lew has to say on this episode of Consensus in Conversation.

Brent Harris: Meta

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 09:15:19 -0400

This week’s guest is Brent Harris. He’s the VP of Governance at Meta, where he has played an integral role in the organization’s approach towards governance, including the creation and development of the Oversight Board. He is currently helping the company and broader industry to envision and build a Metaverse with empathy, accessibility, and sustainability at its core. Brent’s career has stretched from nonprofits to public service and the private sector.

This diverse background makes him well-suited to help lead one of the most powerful companies in the world as they work on some of their toughest challenges, ultimately figuring out the power and potential of the Metaverse as a force for good in the world.

You won’t want to miss our fascinating conversation on governance, the Metaverse, empathy, and Meta’s place in this ever-changing world of technology.

Michael Blaugrund: New York Stock Exchange

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 09:05:40 -0400

We welcome Michael Blaugrund, Chief Operating Officer at the New York Stock Exchange, to talk about Natural Asset Companies (NACs), ESG, the capital market landscape, and the NYSE’s role in it all. Nature and the related ecosystem services are worth an estimated $100-$150 trillion a year, revealing a massive opportunity for nature in the business world. NACs aim to unlock that value as they support and protect our natural resources.

Find out what this all means for the future of business, the markets, and our country on this episode of CiC.

Jonathan Goldberg: Carbon Direct

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 09:30:07 -0400

We’re joined by Jonathan Goldberg, founder and CEO of Carbon Direct, a company at the forefront of scaling carbon management and the negative emission industry. Jonathan’s diverse career, from trading at Goldman Sachs to founding a commodity hedge fund to becoming a partner at Glencore, gives him a unique perspective on the future of energy, particularly at this moment in history as we transition to the clean economy.

As America’s big businesses work to lower emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, companies like Carbon Direct are playing a massive role in this increasingly net neutral world. Listen to the conversation to get the fully story!

Brian and Ken Grossman: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 09:30:27 -0400

Ken Grossman started homebrewing as a teenager in the 70’s. Fifty years later, he’s a legend in craft brewing. The founder of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company has built one of America’s most successful craft beer companies while building a legacy of doing good for the world alongside doing great in business. We sit down with Ken Grossman and his son, Brian Grossman, to learn more about your favorite brewer’s favorite brewers!

Sierra Nevada holds industry respect, is pushing the boundaries of sustainable brewing, and shows no signs of slowing down– join the conversation and hear the inspiring story of a beer that brews a better world.

Danny Seiden: Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 09:23:15 -0400

We're talking to Danny Seiden, President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an organization that represents businesses and CEOs across the state. He's held a storybook career that started in Disney World, led to law school, and eventually public service, where he worked as a trusted adviser to Arizona's governor, Doug Doucey.

Today, he's truly a CEO of CEOs helping lead a state and private sector in innovation around sustainability and, most notably, the critical issue of water conservation. Danny has a unique perspective watching Arizona businesses make a big positive impact on the state's biggest issues. All of these companies are seeing a big impact on their own bottom line.

Want to learn more? Join our conversation!

Luke Holden and Ben Conniff: Luke's Lobster

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 09:59:59 -0400

Today, I’m talking with the entrepreneurs behind Luke's Lobster – a family-owned Maine seafood business, founded by third-generation lobsterman Luke Holden and business partner Ben Conniff.

What began as a tiny lobster roll shack in New York City now includes locations in ten US states, Japan, and Singapore, a seafood purchasing and production business, and products in grocery stores across the United States.

Throughout their incredible growth, Luke and Ben’s commitment to sustainability and putting stakeholders above profits has earned them customers, accolades and a B Corp certification. As the environmental and coastal fishing communities work towards a more sustainable vision for the future of lobstering, Luke’s Lobster is certain to be a key voice working to find consensus to the conversation.

Nona Yehia and Caroline Croft Estay: Vertical Harvest

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 09:00:47 -0400

Today we're talking with Nona Yehia and Caroline Croft Estay. These two, along with co-founder Penny McBride, built Vertical Harvest, a vertical farm that helps address food security, sustainability, and workforce development in what some may consider an unlikely place: Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

From designing a three story greenhouse, which looks a little bit like glass shipping containers stacked on top of one another, filled with rows and rows of floating greens, to turning community skeptics into their biggest champions and challenging traditional expectations and limitations on the disabled community. They found just the right way to change the world by building a great business.

Coming Soon: Consensus in Conversation

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 18:28:59 -0400

Welcome to Consensus in Conversation, a new podcast hosted by Conor Gaughan where we talk to innovators and entrepreneurs who have built great businesses and careers that do well while doing good.

A rich life is so much more than a unicorn start-up going public. The true unicorns are those living fulfilling lives doing what they love AND making it to their kid’s games. This podcast is an opportunity to talk to inspiring leaders, job creators, innovators, and problem solvers – people across the country who are making the world a better place and more sustainable place, while successfully making good money.

Join the conversation.