In this episode of The Ethical Futurist podcast, hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns engage in an insightful conversation with Hande Akdede Erbay, the market leader for IBM Sustainability Software in the Middle East and Africa. With over 20 years of experience in the technology industry, Hande shares her expertise on sustainability, ESG, and the pivotal role of AI and data in driving sustainable initiatives. This episode covers the essential elements of building a sustainable future, IBM’s significant projects, and the personal journey that fuels Hande's passion for creating positive societal impact through technology.

Key Takeaways:

1. Integrating AI into Sustainability: IBM’s use of AI to accelerate sustainability journeys and manage large-scale environmental data.

2. IBM Sustainability Accelerator: A social impact program dedicated to enhancing nonprofit and government initiatives with advanced technologies.

3. Skill Building for Sustainability: The importance of equipping individuals with green skills through platforms like IBM SkillBuild.

4. Economic Impact of Sustainability: How sustainable practices can reduce costs, increase brand value, and attract investments.

5. Customized Sustainability Roadmaps: The need for industry-specific strategies to address carbon emissions effectively.

6. Holistic Approach to Sustainability: The critical role of comprehensive, data-driven strategies in achieving sustainability goals.

Quotes:

1. "Sustainability starts as an ethical discussion but quickly becomes an economic discussion." - Hande Akdede Erbay

2. "Without data and AI, sustainability is not actionable, not trackable, not achievable." - Hande Akdede Erbay

3. "I dream of a world that produces and consumes respectfully, ensuring no one is left behind." - Hande Akdede Erbay

Timestamps:

1. 0:00 - Introduction by James Taylor and Alison Burns

2. 1:16 - Overview of topics covered in the podcast

3. 3:03 - Hande Akdede Erbay’s introduction and background

4. 3:14 - Current trends and importance of sustainability

5. 4:08 - IBM’s accomplishments in sustainability

6. 5:56 - Building a sustainability roadmap for organizations

7. 8:10 - The role of IBM SkillBuild in developing green skills

8. 10:33 - Multi-dimensional challenges in sustainability

9. 11:56 - The hardest part of Hande’s job

10. 13:52 - Personal sustainability journey and aha moments

11. 15:39 - Recommended resources for sustainability

12. 17:17 - Vision for an ethical and sustainable world

13. 17:54 - How to connect with IBM and Hande Akdede Erbay

For more details and to connect with Hande Akdede Erbay, visit IBM or follow her on LinkedIn. To explore more about The Ethical Futurists, visit theethicalfuturist.com.

In this episode of The Ethical Futurists podcast, hosts James Taylor and Alison Burns engage in a compelling conversation with Daniel Gribbin, the sustainability and climate growth lead at Deloitte Middle East. Daniel shares his extensive experience in ESG advisory, touching on key aspects of sustainability, regulatory requirements, and practical strategies for businesses to adopt. He highlights the advancements and challenges in the MENA region and discusses his career milestones, offering listeners valuable insights into the future of sustainable business practices. Episode links and transcript at https://www.theethicalfuturists.com/

Key Takeaways:

1. Regional Sustainability Progress: The MENA region is rapidly catching up with global standards in sustainability, driven by increasing corporate and governmental initiatives.

2. Corporate Strategy: The importance of integrating sustainability into core business strategies, from executive decisions to operational practices.

3. Regulatory Environment: Overview of current and upcoming regulatory requirements in the Middle East, and their implications for businesses.

4. Behavioral Change: The critical role of behavioral change in achieving sustainable goals within organizations.

5. Innovative Solutions: Introduction to Deloitte’s digital tools, like the Green Light solution, that help companies manage and reduce their carbon footprint.

Memorable Quotes:

1. "The biggest challenges we've often faced is the mismatch in expectations and levels of awareness." - Daniel Gribbin

2. "For companies, it's really important to think strategically about sustainability and link it with their corporate strategic position." - Daniel Gribbin

3. "Our role as consultants is to make ourselves obsolete by embedding sustainability into the DNA of organizations." - Daniel Gribbin

Timestamps:

1. 0:00 - Introduction by James Taylor and Alison Burns

2. 0:41 - Overview of podcast topics

3. 1:46 - Introduction of Daniel Gribbin

4. 2:55 - Daniel Gribbin discusses current focus and activities

5. 4:14 - Top three career accomplishments

6. 8:14 - Regulatory requirements in the Middle East

7. 12:57 - Implementing sustainability programs in companies

8. 15:27 - Disclosure requirements in the region

9. 17:19 - Hardest part of the job and regional differences

10. 17:28 - Key aha moment in Daniel’s sustainability journey

11. 19:05 - Book recommendations and favorite podcasts

12. 20:04 - The meaning of sustainability and future vision

13. 23:14 - Final thoughts and where to find more information

For more information about booking James Taylor and Alison Burns for your next event, visit The Ethical Futurists Speaking Page. https://www.theethicalfuturists.com/speaking

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