The Bright Blu Dot Podcast: Recent Episodes
Thomas
Welcome to the Bright Blu Dot podcast! Our aim is to showcase the rich diversity of people who contribute to creating more sustainable futures.
In the episode we're joined by Bright Blu Dot client Vicky Evans, head of sustainability at Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
Vicky shares insights from her experience of our work together: we partnered to envision, design, deliver and report on the first ever external stakeholder consultation on sustainability materiality undertaken by Cambridge.
Building on desk research and internal focus groups, 80 internal and external stakeholders including key clients, suppliers and interest groups gathered in person over two half-days dedicated to exploring material environmental and social sustainability issues.
Founded in 1534, Cambridge University Press & Assessment is a world leader in assessment, education, research, and academic publishing. In figures: £1bn turnover in 2022 - 2023 / 100 million learners worldwide / 6,500 employees / 80 offices worldwide / 85% of revenue outside the UK.
Vicky says: "This has far and away been the most successful piece of work that we've done to help build that sense of ‘being in it together’, and build the types of networks and contacts that we need to start having the influence that we want to have across our sector, across our supply chain and our partnerships.
*So, even though the exercise is a lot of work and can be quite daunting, the opportunity that we now have to pick up the phone and talk to a whole range of experts working in different fields across our supply chain, partnerships and networks has moved on light years since before the consultation.I would advise anybody who's thinking about what comes next for their strategy to get a really good sense of who they are working with, what are their ambitions, and how can we come together to achieve them collectively.*"
In this episode we hear from Margot Slattery, global group head of diversity and inclusion at ISS. Margot speaks to the importance of playing the 'long' game to achieve change, the fundamental importance of stakeholder relationships and conversations, her conviction that people represent the best opportunity for sustainability.
In this episode we join Catie Sheret, general counsel and company secretary at Cambridge University Press & Assessment to talk about her experience and achievements as executive sponsor for sustainability. We hear about the importance of 'just getting started', gaining confidence through peer networks and discovering new disciplines e.g. in GHG accounting - all geared towards alignment with the organisation's core mission of learning, research and education.
In this episode we join Kate Hilton, head of membership at Business in the Community (BITC), the UK's leading coalition of organisations committed to responsible business. Kate speaks of her journey from belly-fired job applicant to BITC in 2010 to the joy of seeing businesses join forces commercially and tackle resource scarcity through circularity.
Welcome to the Bright Blu Dot podcast! Our aim is to showcase the rich diversity of people who contribute to creating more sustainable futures.
In this edition, we feature John Friedman, the managing director for ESG and sustainability at Grant Thornton in the US and author of ‘Managing Sustainability, First Steps to First Class’.
Welcome to the Bright Blu Dot podcast! In this edition, we feature Shalaka Laxman, a finance professional who is passionate about sustainability and advancing gender equality. Working at two leading global financial institutions in London and New York, Shalaka’s experience includes developing sustainable financial products and solutions.
In this episode we join Master Mariner Andreas Slotte MBA, head of sustainability at the Port of Helsinki. Andreas speaks of the importance of materiality and impact assessment in his role, the importance of cooperation with stakeholders, and reflects on the ongoing nature of change and transformation.
In this podcast we catch up with Ediane Monteggia, a partner at 3B Impact with a wealth of experience in the corporate, third sector and public sectors, advising organisations in relation to their social and environmental performance.
Welcome to the Bright Blu Dot podcast! Our aim is to showcase the rich diversity of people who contribute to creating more sustainable futures.
In this podcast, we feature Tony Cooke, a Friend of Bright Blu Dot, who has over 25 years of executive and non-executive board experience across a variety of sectors, including education, the environment, government, and business. Tony is passionate about driving change and delivering transformation by fostering an entrepreneurial culture and creating shared value through multi-stakeholder partnerships in pursuit of business sustainability.
Welcome to the Bright Blu Dot **blog! Our aim is to showcase the rich diversity of people who contribute to creating more sustainable futures.
In this episode we feature Gwenn Lainé, a capacity development and civil society resilience expert who brings 17 years’ experience as an officer in the French Navy, NATO, the EU, and in support of government foreign policy. Gwenn has delivered projects in conflict areas such as Syria, Somalia and Yemen, enhancing community resilience through locally driven solutions.**
In this podcast we feature Dr. Emi Kiyota, Friend of Bright Blu Dot. Emi is an environmental gerontologist and the founder of Ibasho, a not-for-profit organisation that co-creates community spaces for elders, and is passionate about changing the way we view ageing and building resilient communities.
Welcome to the Bright Blu Dot blog! Our aim is to showcase the rich diversity of people who contribute to creating more sustainable futures.
In this article we featureTakunda Ushe who has excelled as a serial youth community leader and social entrepreneur, and is currently a business analyst and project manager at one of the world’s leading banks.
In this interview we feature Neil Barrett, a Friend of Bright Blu Dot, who brings 10 years of experience as global senior vice president for sustainable development in a multinational corporation. Neil is now an Australian regenerative farmer, edible plant overlooker, cowherd, swineherd and poulterer, dungaree wearer, farmer of purpose, Namoorook Farm custodian, dream curator and world citizen.
In this interview we feature Daphné Carthy, a Friend of Bright Blu Dot, who is passionate about helping organisations better understand and address their impact in terms of diversity, inclusion and sustainability practices. With a proven record of delivering innovative research programmes and strategic communication projects across academia and business, Daphné has successfully enhanced corporate brands and stakeholder trust.