Leadership And The Environment

Nadya indulged me in taking this podcast in new directions after listeners said they'd like to hear more unscripted conversation for a more human conversation.Before starting recording, we talked about the difference between celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising and the 50th anniversary of walking on the moon. You'll hear that we spoke and got along swimmingly for a while.Then we began misunderstanding each other for about half the conversation, talking past each other. It wasn't my intent, but conversations like it happen all the time. Sometimes I'm in them, others I hear others get stuck in them.I don't know if you'll find it entertaining, tragic, or what. It was certainly frustrating in the moment, but Nadya and I were doing this not to annoy but to understand.By the end, we didn't wrap everything up, but I think we came out okay. Before posting I asked if she was okay with it and she responded with an enthusiastic yet.So by popular demand, you get to hear how conversations on the envi

Who doesn't love food? Vanessa also loves whole, fresh vegetables and fruit. If you haven't seen the movie The Game Changers, about athletes who love vegan food and still compete at the highest levels, well you don't need to because Vanessa is living it.Changing diet and changing environmental habits have a lot in common. Vanessa found the joy, community, and connections in food that I did, and she won a bodybuilding competition. We also talk about environmental action. Still fun.Vanessa and my second conversation might look long, but I suggest it's worth it. She's shares herself personally and openly, so I chose to let it go long.She shared what many people go through---the internal resistance and reasons not to act, for example, and who doesn't know about making excuses not to act? You'll also hear her say why to act on diet, so you can hear about habit change on both sides from the same person.Her openness helped me to where I think I'm opening up and speaking more naturally.Her challenge worked in some wa

The notes I read from for this episode:People don't want to do small things. They want to do things that matter.Stop telling people small things they can do except as part of everything. Find things that you care about, that you notice.And stop measuring against a global problem. Ask yourself if you care. Do you care when you see litter in your neighborhood, then pick itup. If you care, you'll get something out of it.If you care about sea level rise, do something big to act on it. For your values. Who cares if you aren't fixing the world's problems all by yourself. If you're improving your life, you'll enjoy doing it anyway.What does it do to you to know you're hurting others but still doing it anyway, no matter how much you can say doing different doesn't make a difference. What are you here for, to give up? To do what you think others shouldn't because they are too? Believe it or not, if you want to make a big, measurable difference, whatever you do will achieve it fastest and most effectively.In a world wh

You probably know the value of stories---though it's probably bigger than you think. You probably could improve your storytelling. Even if you're improving, I bet you're focusing on less-important parts of the craft.Paul Smith teaches storytelling, but as you'll hear, storytelling to lead people is different than just engaging or entertaining them. You'll hear tips and techniques to help you in every part of your life stories matter.Developing yourself as a storyteller to lead others is different than to engage. Not that there isn't great value in it, but if you want to lead, you'll learn from Paul how and where to focus. I say this as someone who has worked on parts that aren't as valuable as what he talks about.On the environment, Paul showed the pattern many do at first---they play down their knowledge and experience, but when they talk about it more, caring and passion emerge, as when he talked about China and LA.Then the more he talked about it, the more emerged.Paul Smith's page with links to his videos

Here are the notes I read from for this episodeI've said we don't have many role models. Well I found one. I was wrong. I'm going to tell you about a man I briefly mentioned in one of my episodes on Alan Weisman's book Countdown.He exposes the absolute self-pitying lie that what one person do doesn't matter. Also the lie that government has to act first, or corporations. On the contrary, the fastest, most effective way for them to act is for people to act first. Yes you, here and now can make a difference.This guy made enormous nation-size headway in the face of government lethargy and complacency on one of the most challenging issues. Most people won't even talk about population and most people enough to realize how it underlies every other environmental issue.Then most people can't stop their knee-jerk reactions to the same misconceptions. They associate it withChina's one child policyEugenicsForced sterilization and abortionsDespite most fears and misconceptions, this man made enormous progress. He's not t

Here are the notes I read from for this episode, along with the text of the speech:You might know I gave a series of talks at NYU that preceded this podcastOne of their themes was parallels between the US civil rights movement of the 50s and 60s and environmental action. Who would have expected it to succeed to the extent it did, however far we have to go?One attendee, a friend who is black, told me once I talked about it, as a friend he listened, but as he put it, as a black man listening to a white man, he disengaged. He advised me to drop the analogy or I'd lose more people than I'd gain.I took his advice but now disagree with it. However great the differences, the parallels are too great and if I lose people for how people view a white person discussing civil rights, one of us will have to learn and resolve the problem.Today being the day the US celebrates MLK's birthday, following my recent application of Henry V's St Crispin's Day speech to environment, I want you to consider a few parts of the I Have a

Here are the notes I read from for this episode:I recently recorded conversations with Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Eat to LiveRewatched The End of Dieting and a part captured meAbout stopping a habit, the stages one goes throughThough he talks about food and diet, the same stages and challenges appear in living by your environmental habits.He starts by talking about how when you start -- eating in his case or avoiding packaged food, not flying, etc if you act on the environment.He describes everything I went through, from feeling like I couldn't, like I made my way harder or worse, like others could do this, not meAll the way to how I came to love it, find the old ways disgustingWhat he talks about the joys, he's speaking from experience that anyone can have, of more of what you love at less cost, more convenience, and so on.He says taste buds change. They do. You will find packaged food disgusting and fresh fruit unbelievable.That change will happen in other areas. You'll see buying packaged food unpleasant, same with

The notes I read from for this episode:Service and giving back using Jason McCarthy GoRuck guy on Jocko.Friend, Dan Zehner, knows JasonTold me about his episode on Jocko Willink's podcastOne section resonated with me because it described what I feelHe speaks as a veteran and starts by describing owingJason says elsewhere in the conversation that military service isn't unique in providing these results. Other kinds of service do too.The sense of service and stewardship, and the depth and meaning of teamwork and community seem similar.I hear how most people describe the interaction with the environment, grasping to reusing disposable cups.They sound like they feel shameful and guilty, as if someone else and not their behavior, was causing the feelingsListen to Jason. Wouldn't you rather sound like him?Beyond feeling better about personal action, think of the potential to lead, to create that feeling based on effective results in othersImagine helping transform American and global culture, or your local communit

If you are thinking of doing something to act on the environment, go big. Instead of thinking the littlest thing you can do, think of the future and go big. What's the biggest thing you can do?Not for others. For what you think is right. For how the future will look back on us. For how we look back on slavery. Would you free your slaves if you were born into that system as a slave owner? How huge a change, but what else could you do? Don't you expect you'd feel good about it?What can you do on that scale here, affecting billions and all future generations? Think big.My experience suggests not flying for a year, endeavoring to buy no packaging. Don't turn on your air conditioner or heater all year. You get the idea. Not straws. Selling your car, as Dov Baron did. Not buy clothing for a year like Lorna Davis. Pledge never to eat animal products again like Tom Szaky.You get the idea. Not straws. I predict you will love the results and, however big your commitment, you will consider it small after you do it and w

This episode describes how I train corporate and institutional leaders in environmental leadership.Here are the notes I read from:Talking with more and more corporations lately, describing how I work with themPutting it here for easy referenceYou'll see among podcast guests many corporate and institutional peopleLorna Davis of Danone C-SuiteDominic Barton 3-time Global Managing Director of McKinseyBeth Comstock, former CMO of GE (when Fortune 5), on Board of NikeBob Langert, former Head of CSO at McDonaldsVincent Stanley, Director of Patagonia, where he's worked since 1973 and professor at Yale School of ManagementTensie Whelan, Director of NYU-Stern's Center for Sustainability and Business, former President of Rainforest AllianceCol. Everett Spain, West Point's Head of LeadershipCol. Mark Read, West Point's Head of Geologic EngineeringMarine Corp 3-star General Paul Van RiperMichael Werner, Google's Lead for Circular Economy, formerly similar role at AppleGave two talks in 2019 at Google, another at Citi and

I understand why historical reasons lead us to look to scientists, journalists, educators, and legislators for leadership, but they don't know how to lead. They may excel at their crafts, but sharing research however accurate, or stirring controversy, spreading facts and figures, and chasing votes rarely inspire people to change their behavior.I've long looked to Mandela, King, and Gandhi as role models. I'm increasingly looking at leaders who inspire people to act against challenges when they would otherwise feel hopeless, futile, defeated, and complacent.Henry V's speech to the outnumbered British in Agincourt, as Shakespeare recounted, stands the test of time. Now that the science is overwhelming---look at nearly any beach in the world to see we're losing to plastic as just one example---we need motivation and inspiration to act more than more science.I draw on Henry V's sentiment and apply it to our situation. Here's the text:KING HENRY VWhat's he that wishes so?My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin:

Ruth Bader Ginsburg knows about lifting weights and exercising because she does it. No amount of reading, watching TED videos, debating, or analysis can match experience.People who only read, research, and academically learn about performance-based activities don't know what they're talking about.Any parents out there? I don't have kids. Am I qualified to advise you on how to raise your kids? I bet you learned more in the first ten seconds of parenthood than I have in decades of life.People who have only learned academically about the environment don't know what they're talking about. Sadly, their ignorance of what causes our environmental problems doesn't stop them from advising people. That ignorant group includes everyone who hasn't acted significantly---that is, nearly all Americans. Likely nearly everyone alive.Anyone regular exerciser will tell you the benefits beyond what a book can. Ginsburg doesn't exercise because if she doesn't people will die. She does it because it improves her life, contributing

Vanessa's original post said sheWanted to be a better advocate for veganism: so I trained 1.5 years and won the UPENN body building competition.When asked why, she wroteFor the animals, for health, for the environment.Never thought I would have the amazing privilege to be educated at an Ivy League school like University of Pennsylvania, but being there I had to use the opportunity to showcase the possibilities of a plant based diet: and how you can thrive with this lifestyle!My peers will go on to be doctors, lawyers, politicians, ceos, and I wanted them to see me on stage winning this as a vegan.My classmates come to the show with signs that said #plantprotein because that is what I always hashtag on my Venn Hering Instagram I also wrote my masters thesis on plant based diets and the link between toxic masculinity and meat consumption. It was selected by a panel of academics as the best in the class!Progress is happening and I wanted to be a part of the movement :)So I asked her about these things,

I've read and thought about animals going extinct. My friend and guest Lorna Davis in her TED talk talks about her love for rhinos and passion to save them.I reviewed Poached by Rachel Nuwer and I've spoken to her about poaching. I see poaching as horrific and hope it ends.But I read about how we lose wildlife. Some poaching, but even if we ended it, another greater force will keep destroying them until we deliberately act on it globally.Threat to wildlife is a little poachers, but mainly farms.History seems to treat civilization as pitting peaceful agrarian parts of humanity against violent fighting ones. But our rules and hierarchies grow more and threaten more.War and violence aren't separate from agriculture. Agriculture has led to growth and systems of ownership, rights, and organizing people to keep growing in number and using land, water, and resources.Our armies serve our expansion, creating war when we expand into other people's territory. Our colonies expand into new territories. We junk them too.Pe

1: The villain. People think nature, government, or corporations. It's beliefs2: The solution. People think technology, market, innovation. It's changing beliefs. 3: Reduce, reuse, recycle. People act as if recycling helps. It only helps as part of reduce, which means not growth4: How solving feels. People think chore, deprivation, sacrifice. It's being a part of something greater, simplifying life, applying what Victor Frankl said. Community.5: How to lead. People think it's facts, figures, doom, gloom, blame. It's identifying what individual cares about and connecting that passion to action, starting where they are. If you want faster, it's as fast as possible, many will surprise.6: I thought people deeply wanted to try. People want leadership, to follow. They say only 10% necessary to change, then society flips.7: Morality and ethics. Everyone is doing what they consider best and right. May not know but ignorance isn't evil. What would you do as head of Exxon? Call someone evil who thinks they are doing be

I recorded our second conversation the day after the September 20, 2019 climate marches. Hunter is more than well-connected.I wanted to hear and bring you the perspective of someone who has been at this longer and knew more people. Wait until you hear her share all the people she knew there, as well as her perspective of seeing a different generation pick up what no one has for so long.From our last conversation you heard me struggle with what I thought I heard of her saying things can work out, so rest easy. The more I've listened to Hunter's message, the more I hear she's not saying things will effortlessly work out, which I feared at first, but that it will take work to make things work out.We resolve that issue. It's toward the end, so enjoy. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Before we spoke, Seth implied he didn't do as much on his challenge as I expected so I expected a short conversation.I think it's important for listeners to hear that even people who win Nobel Prizes taking on global thermonuclear war have a hard time taking on new habits, even ones they want, like reducing their waste.I'm not claiming changing habits with environmental consequences are easy, though I believe nearly everyone will find doing so, when acting on internal values, rewarding. I think they'll be glad they did. But few will find starting trivial.So if you've identified a value you haven't acted on but want to---environmental or otherwise---I hope you forgive yourself if starting is hard. Or if keeping it up is hard. You're still in league with greats. Experience tells me you'll prefer trying to not trying, however hard it seems. Same with trying again if it doesn't stick. Sometimes you have to try the same thing again, others to learn, revise, and try in a new way.Seth and I ended up having a wonderf

My notes I read from for this post:Yesterday I posted my interview on a site that strongly supports Donald Trump. I do not. Yet I described it as one of my favorite interviews. What gives?The conversation prompted thoughts on environment and politics. Read my post on the conversation and listen to the conversation for context. For more context, the guy who hosted, Rob, his profile says "Vote Red To Save America!" on Twitter, where he describes himself as "The Conservative Black Cowboy." In videos, he wears a Make America Great Again hat. Doing these things openly in New York City may only mean you're looking for a response, but I think it also means genuine, strong feelings.I read that he genuinely and authentically wanted to know about me, my history, and my actions -- not to attack or criticize but because he saw in me something he hadn't before but that he liked. His site criticized others as dupes for scientists looking to save their money among other what I would call attacks on climate activists, but he

Here are the notes I read from for this episode:Ways I was wrongI usually start my story about acting more sustainably with my personal challenge to buy no packaged food for a week. In my second TEDx talk I describe how that challenge emerged from stopping eating meat, then hydrogenated oil, corn syrup, and foods where fiber had been removed, which was my proxy for overly processed food.I talk about my love for the beauty of nature, which I describe when people ask me what I ask guests, "What I think about when I think about the environment."But I hadn't shared some longstanding thoughts that didn't fit the narrative.Not that I hid them, I had just grown out of them.I rewatched a movie called The Doctor, starring William Hurt, about a doctor who remained so aloof from his patients that, however brilliant, charming, and funny, his bedside manner made being his patient miserableThe movie recounts how his sickness leads to seeing the lack of caring and vulnerability in the hospital systemAs my tears streamed dow

This episode brings you a trainer who has reached top levels of leadership and teaching leadership break down how to learn.How to learn to learn. Let that sink in.To me this episode felt like a master class by a practitioner and educator.Note his precision in language. At first I found it pedantic, but then realized it's not annoying, it's liberating. When you speak English, you don't sometimes switch letters around in words. So why switch concepts in higher level communication?He lives by his values. Protecting our environment will require billions of people living by new values.Larry lives by his and is driven to help others follow. Whether you want to live as simply as Larry does is not the relevant question.Do you want to live by your values as he does by his? Because you can.Keep in mind, he's happy, accomplished, and it sounds like his family is as close and full of love as they come. They ahve little stuff but live in abundance. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.