Season 7: Pioneering Sustainable Solutions for a Circular Future

In this episode, we reflect on all the fascinating conversations we’ve had in Season 7. We have spoken to a range of consultants, experts, trainers and advisors who help others transition to circular economy practices. We express our gratitude for the diverse and inspiring guests who have shared their insights and experiences in this field, and pull out our favourite themes from the whole season.

In this, final episode of Season 7 we have a fascinating conversation with Dr.Lynn Wilson, an expert in circular fashion and sustainable design and CEO at Circular Design Synergy (Circular DS). Dr. Lynn talks about the importance of shifting from linear models to circular ones, emphasising that true sustainability lies not just in materials but also in the entire lifecycle of products and explains the role of policy advocacy in promoting circular supply chains and the importance of evidence-based approaches in driving policy change, staggering environmental impact of textile waste and the need for policy measures that incentivize sustainable practices.

In episode 15 we engage in a captivating discussion with Nellie Cohen, the Director of Circular Business Models at Anthesis Group, a leading global sustainability advisory firm and certified B Corp. Nellie talks about the shift in circularity over the past decade, from merely suggesting the idea to now acknowledging that circular models are happening and businesses need to decide how to engage with them. She also explains the evolutionary moment of synergy between operational providers and technology providers within the Circular Economy.

In episode 14 our hosts engage in a very insightful conversation with Cécile van Oppen, who is the Co-Founder of Copper8, a consultancy that helps build the circular economy. The conversation explores the shift from circularity as a niche topic to a mainstream strategic focus, as well as the emergence of post-growth strategies and the questioning of traditional growth models. Cécile talks about Copper8's unique business model emphasising their intentional focus on selected projects aligned with their vision and their investment in research for societal transition.

In this episode we interview incredible guests Christian van Maaren, founder and CEO of the Excess Materials Exchange and Anne Rademaker, an independent adviser and consultant in the Circular Economy space. We continue the theme of zooming out to gain a higher perspective on the transition to a Circular Economy. Christian and Anne discuss the passion and personal motivation driving individuals in this field, emphasising the importance of collaboration and collective action. 

In this episode we interview Iain McKechnie, the Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Advanced Services Group within Aston Business School. The discussion centres around the concepts of Servitization and Advanced Services and their connection to the Circular Economy. Iain describes Servitization as a transformation process where businesses move away from solely selling products to offering products and services that involve leveraging the knowledge and value within a business to help customers achieve success.

Episode 11 features an outstanding interview with Ivonne Bojoh, the COO and Digital Director of the Circle Economy Foundation in Amsterdam. The Foundation's mission is to double global circularity to approximately 17% by 2032 to combat climate breakdown. Ivonne joined Circle Economy and developed a digital strategy to scale their impact, leveraging technology to create platforms and tools for nations, cities, and businesses to adopt circular practices. 

In episode 10, our hosts interview Fleur Ruckley, a Circular Economy and Resource Management Consultant. Fleur currently works at Topolytics on their analytics platform that uses data analytics, mapping and machine learning to make waste and resource management more transparent, more efficient and more effective commercially and environmentally.

In episode 9 our host engages in a captivating conversation with Vivian Shi, a Senior Managing Consultant at Oakdene Hollins, a UK-based circular economy consultancy specialising in sustainable practices. The consultancy, despite being a small team, works with a wide array of private and public clients and sectors and have recently expanded their work to collaborate with trade associations, supporting entire sectors in aligning with sustainability agendas, implementing circularity and achieving net zero emissions.

In episode 8, our hosts engage in an insightful conversation with Debbie Ward, the Director of Cirklo Consult. Debbie's expertise in circular economy training, education, and advisory services, as well as her passion for sustainability, make her an inspiring guest.We explore the challenges and possibilities within the circular economy, guided by Debbie's extensive knowledge and unique perspectives.