Toads and Butterflies

Sung-Hyui Park extract of balance and power

Snippet of Olivia Sibony's interview with Sung-Hyui Park describing how to go about addressing power imbalances in a way that is specific and meaningful. 

Simon Lewis: the unexpected joys of taking a risk

In this episode, I interview Simon Lewis, Corporate Partner at the law firm Barbners, in Manchester. As chair of Brabners' sustainability and environmental group, Simon is an advocate for the role of the legal sector in sustainability. 
In our conversation, we explore how his desire to go beyond simple charitable giving and carbon offsetting, led to a multitude of co-benefits:
Within the law firm
For their clients, 
And for the wider social and environmental ecosystem all around them 
Before long, the measure of their success was far beyond carbon. His curiosity and courage to try something different, has led to a deep mindset shift which continues to have ripples beyond what they could have ever imagined. 
I hope this conversation inspires you to embrace your curiosity and take action in an unexpected place. 
You can find out more here about the collaboration with Kingsdale Farm 
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Brought to you by Olivia Sibony at Impact Amplified. 
At Impact Amplified, we support you and your team to apply a sustainability lens in the context of your business. The focus is on understanding the context you operate in, and then honing on a tangible action you can take. By collaborating with us, you will know what next step you can take, and how to go about putting that into practice, both through individual and through collective action. 
You will see that the little things we do in business can unlock a big impact. Our goal is to inspire you to see the power you hold, to effect change. 
You can see our programmes here and you can contact Olivia directly liv@impactamplified.co.uk to find out more. 
With special thanks to Gareth Jones, mix engineer, to Marie Jessel, producer, to Raj Samuel, creative director, and to Shane Ivers for the music.

3H Soundbites: Sarah Aird Mash - A future where AI and Human Creativity Flourish in simbiosis

In this mini soundbite series,  Sarah Aird Mash shares her vision of a future where  AI and Human Creativity Flourish in simbiosis. 
We use the Three Horizons framework to explore a hopeful future and what we can do to work towards it. 

Manon Obarowski: The collaborative and pragmatic approach to systems change

In this episode, I interview Manon Obarowski, a programme manager specialising in multi-stakeholder projects. She shares insights from a twin-city partnership between Strasbourg in France and Kampala in Uganda, tackling youth employment, social inclusion, conservation, and urban planning. 
Collaboration lies at the heart of Manon’s work. Here we explore how a collaboration evolved, its challenges, and the tools that helped align diverse stakeholders, to ensure the outcomes were far greater than the reach of any stakeholder working in silos.
I hope this conversation inspires you to lean into the grey and embrace complexity, to create change far beyond what you imagined possible.
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Brought to you by Olivia Sibony at Impact Amplified. 
At Impact Amplified, we support you and your team to apply a sustainability lens in the context of your business. The focus is on understanding the context you operate in, and then honing on a tangible action you can take. By collaborating with us, you will know what next step you can take, and how to go about putting that into practice, both through individual and through collective action. 
You will see that the little things we do in business can unlock a big impact. Our goal is to inspire you to see the power you hold, to effect change. 
You can see our programmes here and you can contact Olivia directly liv@impactamplified.co.uk to find out more. 
With special thanks to Gareth Jones, mix engineer, to Marie Jessel, producer, to Raj Samuel, creative director, and to Shane Ivers for the music.

Ben Tolhurst: A How-to guide to Climate Action

In this episode, I speak with Ben Tolhurst. Ben is the Director of Business Declares, a not for profit that raises awareness and supports businesses to learn, collaborate and take action in tackling the climate and ecological crisis we are facing, also referred to as the Climate Emergency. 
Ben shares his Climate Epiphany, as a catalyst for him to leave his corporate job and become an Activist, convener and champion for better business. 
Ben invites us into his big vision for the future, alongside practical steps people in business can take to get there. 
What does a thriving business look like in a more connected, compassionate, resilient world? 
What does it look like to Raise the Bar through an ecological and social business lens? 
He points us to places we in business can speak out for maximum impact, and the networks and tools available to us to drive meaningful change. 
I hope this inspires you to start the discussion around the long-term purpose of your business and how to empower everyone in your organisation to collectively move towards it.        
 
References:
References:
Business Declares
Patrick Andrews (and listen to episode #7 where I interview him)
Kate Raworth
Faith in Nature: Nature on the Board
Climate Action Network employee toolkit
Climate Psychology Alliance
Uncomfortable Conversations
Climate Cafe
Jem Bendell: Breaking Together
Hospicing modernity
Jason Hickel: Less is more     
 
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Brought to you by Olivia Sibony at Impact Amplified. 
At Impact Amplified, we run short programmes that focus on what actions you or your team can take in the context of your business. The focus is on understanding the context you operate in, and then honing on a tangible action you can take. By the end of our sessions, you will know what next step you can take, and how to go about putting that into practice, both through individual and through collective action. 
You will see that the little things we do in business can unlock a big impact. Our goal is to inspire you to see the power you hold, to effect change. 
You can see our programmes here and you can contact Olivia directly liv@impactamplified.co.uk to find out more. 
With special thanks to Gareth Jones, mix engineer, to Marie Jessel, producer, to Raj Samuel, creative director, and to Shane Ivers for the music.
                                         

Amrit Chandan: The Tragic Gap and Data-driven philosophy

In the ninth episode of our series I speak with Amrit Chandan, serial entrepreneur who sold his clean-tech smart and safe battery company to focus on building organisations that support founders to embed their purpose into their lifestyle.
Be prepared for a shift in gear, as we hear about a scientist’s perspective, moving from his background with a degree in hydro fuel technology and chemical engineering’s perspective, to a journey of necessary reflection and  introspection.
His mission is to enable purpose-driven founders to keep going further and longer, so they can thrive in all aspects of life, rather than risking burnout from being out of sync with the values they preach at work. 
Amrit shares how the understanding of the “Tragic Gap” - and the need to bridge it - first drove him to embed sustainability into his work. And how he went on to live his next AHA moment, which triggered him to switch away from his successful clean battery business and focus on reconnecting himself - and other leaders - with a sustainable journey that starts from within. 
We explore what it means to have an identity beyond the outside label of work, how to truly find and live your values, and how a data-driven approach to philosophy is key to unlocking greater understanding and purpose. 
Amrit’s journey is one of great success - which he explores on a number of different levels - coupled with humility, curiosity and courage. I hope this inspires you to find the strength to take a step back and look deep inside, as the starting point to building a better, stronger, more impactful journey with a legacy that will last for many future generations. 
 
References:
Ithaca framework 
And the summary of Homer’s Ithaca which inspired Amrit’s framework  
Remarkable - e-pen or livescribe pen 

Mike Jones: Carbon Accounting made easy and the intersection of humanity and numbers

In the eighth  episode of our series I speak with Mike Jones, from 5D Net Zero. They use Carbon Accounting as the starting point for SMEs sustainability journey. 
Mike has already had an action-packed, purpose-filled career with huge drive, insights and impact, despite being early on in his journey.
 
In our conversation, he shares how he uses tools to direct language and people move towards a bigger purpose. 
 
He also shows why doing nothing is not an option. Talks us through the intersection of humanity and numbers and shares his key tips on taking action, with some easy wins that have high impact 
I hope this inspires you to move the dial in your sustainability journey at work, no matter what stage you’re at.
References:
Doughnut Economics
UN Sustainable Development Goals “SDGs”
Environmental, Social, Governance, “ESG”
Dear Alice - Solar Punk 
SME Climate Hub
Carbon Literacy
Zero Hour Campaign 
Zero Carbon Guildford 
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Brought to you by Olivia Sibony at Impact Amplified. 
At Impact Amplified, we run short programmes that focus on what actions you or your team can take in the context of your business. The focus is on understanding the context you operate in, and then honing on a tangible action you can take. By the end of our sessions, you will know what next step you can take, and how to go about putting that into practice, both through individual and through collective action. 
You will see that the little things we do in business can unlock a big impact. Our goal is to inspire you to see the power you hold, to effect change. 
You can see our programmes here and you can contact Olivia directly liv@impactamplified.co.uk to find out more. 
With special thanks to Gareth Jones, mix engineer, to Marie Jessel, producer, to Raj Samuel, creative director, and to Shane Ivers for the music.

Patrick Andrews: Governance models that promote People, Planet and Profit

In the seventh episode of our series I speak with Patrick Andrews, the Barefoot Lawyer who uses his expertise to reimagine organisations and their governance. 
Patrick left his traditional corporate lawyer role to focus on his mission. He uses company Law to focus on models of ownership, governance and leadership that promote justice, community and responsibility. 
Patrick shares the story of his AHA moment that led him to 
ask the most heretic, unaskable question at work 
And to then set out to use the law to reimagine the purpose of business
In a world where the status quo of a business is growth at all costs, how does one go about actually shifting our way of working in a way that is good for people and planet, alongside the financial health of the company? 
I don’t often get excited speaking to lawyers, but Patrick is a real exception: 
He combines his technical knowledge, modern science and philosophy to change the structure of a business in a practical way
He shares examples of innovative models and tools that motivate employees and broader stakeholders to all contribute to the long term success of the company in the context of our fast changing world. 
While we need to make a profit and ensure we can continue to thrive as company, he also highlights tools that shift power dynamics, enabling business to serve a greater purpose, beyond the bottom line
I hope this inspires you to start the discussion around the long-term purpose of your business and how to empower everyone in your organisation to collectively move towards it. 
 
References:
Riverford: Founders Wishes
Paris Earth Law Center
Library of Things: Purpose, Values and Mission Lock
 
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Brought to you by Olivia Sibony at Impact Amplified. 
At Impact Amplified, we run short programmes that focus on what actions you or your team can take in the context of your business. The focus is on understanding the context you operate in, and then honing on a tangible action you can take. By the end of our sessions, you will know what next step you can take, and how to go about putting that into practice, both through individual and through collective action. 
You will see that the little things we do in business can unlock a big impact. Our goal is to inspire you to see the power you hold, to effect change. 
You can see our programmes here and you can contact Olivia directly liv@impactamplified.co.uk to find out more. 
With special thanks to Gareth Jones, mix engineer, to Marie Jessel, producer, to Raj Samuel, creative director, and to Shane Ivers for the music.

Anjali Ramachandran: How Values-driven storytelling can change the world

In the sixth episode of our series I speak with Anjali Ramchandran, director of Storythings and an expert in the art of storytelling in a way that is clear, ethical and impactful. 
We recorded this episode just as the Race Riots in the UK were kicking off in August 2024, and as a person of colour, Anjali shared her perspective and experience of this difficult environment. 
At a time when the growing complexities of the world can be confusing, Anjali’s conversation shed a light on some fascinating topics such as: 
How do you get people’s attention and bring joy in a way that is appropriate, in the context of the world we are operating in. How do you find the balance between sensitivity to the current, sensitive context and elevating people to inspire them for a better vision of the world. 
What does a version of “winning” look like that is better than a numbers game? 
How do you bring genuine empathy and authenticity to the stories you tell 
What can we each do in the face of injustice 
The delicate art of embracing nuance and complexity in storytelling, while simplifying  the message to make it relatable 
I was particularly moved by this conversation which was heartfelt and yet also full of practical tips that give hope for a brighter world. I hope you find some inspiration for how you too could learn to tell a story that can change the narrative of how we operate in this complex world. 
Here is a link to some of the references Anjali mentioned in the episode:
Filterworld by Kyle Chayka
The Traitors TV series
ADP Rethink Quarterly is the quarterly magazine Storythings produces for ADP about payroll from around the world, which ties into their annual conference ReThink for payroll professionals from around the world. It's a human look at pay and money, and why payroll is so important for people in every corner of the world
Get Together: How to build community with your people, by Bailey Richardson, Kevin Huynh and Kai Elder Sotto
Ada's List merged with Tech Ladies a couple of years ago, and women/non-binary people in tech are very welcome to join Tech Ladies!
Stoyrthings' values are in our Code of Ethics document here
LinkedIn profile of Jinal Shah, CMO and GM, US of Zip.co
Phoenixed podcast by Storythings for the Global Payroll Association
The book about stakeholder interviews was Just Enough Research by Erica Hall 
Storythings Ethical Decision Making Framework helps us decide how and if we engage with clients
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Brought to you by Olivia Sibony at Impact Amplified. 
At Impact Amplified, we run short programmes that focus on what actions you or your team can take in the context of your business. The focus is on understanding the context you operate in, and then honing on a tangible action you can take. By the end of our sessions, you will know what next step you can take, and how to go about putting that into practice, both through individual and through collective action. 
You will see that the little things we do in business can unlock a big impact. Our goal is to inspire you to see the power you hold, to effect change. 
You can see our signature programme here and you can contact Olivia directly liv@impactamplified.co.uk to find out more. 
With special thanks to Gareth Jones, mix engineer, to Marie Jessel, producer, to Raj Samuel, creative director, and to Shane Ivers for the music. 

Carolina Riofrio: Small steps for big impact and how big challenges can provide a space for optimism

In the fifth episode of our series I speak with Carolina Riofrio, a Human Resources manager who has worked in a range of industries, from automotive to banking to education, and now focusing on the software industry. 
Her passion for good leadership comes across in everything she does - from the way she empowers leaders to help their teams thrive and bring their best and full selves to work, to being a driving force in supporting her organisation on the journey to becoming a B Corp. 
For those of you new to the term, a B Corp is an accreditation which demonstrates the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. 
Carolina recently became Carbon Literacy accredited through our Impact Amplified programme, as she felt compelled to take more action to tackle Climate Change through the lens of her work. A gradual realisation that while we hear about Climate Change through our children’s education, government and big industry, action is still too slow, so the best way to accelerate the change is if we all chip in. 
Carolina shares her perspective on how she, as a Human Resources manager, can effect significant change without having to retrain or invest significant amounts of money. I hope you find some inspiration for how you too could take action to tackle Climate Change in the context of your work, no matter where you are on that journey. 
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Brought to you by Olivia Sibony at Impact Amplified. 
At Impact Amplified, we run short programmes that focus on what actions you or your team can take in the context of your business. The focus is on understanding the context you operate in, and then honing on a tangible action you can take. By the end of our sessions, you will know what next step you can take, and how to go about putting that into practice, both through individual and through collective action. 
You will see that the little things we do in business can unlock a big impact. Our goal is to inspire you to see the power you hold, to effect change. 
You can see our signature programme here and you can contact Olivia directly liv@impactamplified.co.uk to find out more. 
With special thanks to Gareth Jones, mix engineer, to Marie Jessel, producer, to Raj Samuel, creative director, and to Shane Ivers for the music.