Episodes

  • Balancing Doom and Hope
    Jun 28 2025

    This is the third episode of the series: Unpacking Climate Change: The Science, the Myths, and the Urgency of Action.

    With guest Thomas Schueneman of Global Warming is Real. Listen to Tom here, and sign up for his newsletter here.

    Thus far, we have covered the original scientific research reports and how they were co-opted to initiate the trend towards the misinformation and false narratives we see today. We’ve also examined how the mixed messaging and confusing communications have successfully numbed the average consumer and business leader. And today, we jump into equally provocative topics.

    The Key Highlights are --

    -The Chicken Little Effect: Why Clarity Matters

    -The Human Response: Doom, Denial, and Everything In Between

    -Electric Vehicles: Not the Silver Bullet

    -The Recycling Conundrum: Progress and Pitfalls

    -Consumerism and the Great Acceleration

    -Overwhelm and Adaptation: The Modern Dilemma

    -Actionable Advice: Small Steps, Big Impact

    -Collective Commitment for a Sustainable Future

    Have you rated yourself on your Stewardship capabilities? Take the Stewardship Quiz today!

    The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Is Our Greatest Challenge Understanding Climate Change?
    Jun 21 2025

    This is the second episode of the series: Unpacking Climate Change: The Science, the Myths, and the Urgency of Action.

    With guest Thomas Schueneman of Global Warming is Real. Listen to Tom here, and sign up for his newsletter here.

    You are very likely no stranger to the buzzwords “climate change,” “sustainability,” and “corporate responsibility.” But let’s be honest—between quarterly reports, board meetings, and the daily grind, it’s easy to relegate climate change to the “someday” pile. In the latest episode we tackle the real, often uncomfortable truths about climate change, and—more importantly—how clarity and collaboration can help us all move from confusion to action.

    Key Highlights --

    -Facing the Unexpected: The Insurance Metaphor

    -Tip 1: Embrace Clarity—Admit What You Don’t Know

    -Tip 2: Communicate with Context—Make Climate Change Relatable

    -Tip 3: Shift the Narrative—From Doom to Tangible Impact

    -Tip 4: Think in Timescales—Patience and Perspective

    -Tip 5: Collaborate for the Greater Good—Beyond Individual Action

    Have you rated yourself on your Stewardship capabilities? Take the Stewardship Quiz today!

    The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Climate Change is No Joke—Let’s Laugh at Our Ignorance!
    Jun 14 2025

    This is the first episode of the new series: Unpacking Climate Change: The Science, the Myths, and the Urgency of Action. With guest Thomas Schueneman of Global Warming is Real. Listen to Tom here, and sign up for his newsletter here.

    Climate change is no longer a distant threat or a topic reserved for scientists and activists. It’s a business reality, a leadership challenge, and—let’s be honest—a bit of a headache for anyone who likes their summers mild and their supply chains predictable. We break down the complexities of climate change, debunk persistent myths, and offer actionable insights for business leaders and executives.

    Whether you’re a CEO, a sustainability officer, or simply a leader who wants to future-proof your organization, this series is a clear-eyed look at what climate change means for you—and what you can do about it.

    In this episode we cover the following highlights --

    -Recognizing the Warning Signs: Why Ignoring Climate Change is Not an Option
    -Understanding the Science: Anthropogenic vs. Natural Climate Change
    -The History of Climate Science: Lessons from the Past
    -The Misinformation Playbook: How Doubt Was Manufactured
    -Actionable Steps for Business Leaders
    -Conclusion: Leading with Clarity and Courage

    Have you rated yourself on your Stewardship capabilities? Take the Stewardship Quiz today!

    The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Research, Responsibility, and Results: Effective Sustainability in Business
    Jun 7 2025

    Finishing the series about Responsible Sourcing with a twist. It is aimed squarely at those organizations without deep pockets for an army of consultants or MBA employees.

    With guest Chris Van Bergen, an expert in social impact and sustainability. Chris, who serves as an adjunct professor at NYU's Stern School of Business, is the CFO and COO of Nest, a nonprofit organization, AND AND the author behind the book Certifiable: How Businesses Operationalize Responsible Sourcing.

    The episode covers the following highlights:

    -Balancing Business Operations and Sustainability Initiatives

    -The Importance of a Solid Business Plan

    -Research and Data-Driven Decision Making

    -Technological Advancements Enhancing Transparency

    -Supplier Collaboration

    -Circular Economy and Sustainable Production Techniques

    -Corporate Finance and Sustainability

    We need a multifaceted approach to implement sustainability in business effectively. By balancing operational needs with sustainability goals, leveraging technology for transparency, and encouraging informed consumer choices, businesses can navigate the complexities of the modern market while contributing positively to society and the environment. And best of all, it doesn't need to costs a fortune.

    Have you rated yourself on your Stewardship capabilities? Take the Stewardship Quiz today!

    The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Going Green Without Going Broke: Can Sustainability Be Fun?
    May 31 2025

    Continuing the series about Responsible Sourcing with a twist. It is aimed squarely at those organizations without deep pockets for an army of consultants or MBA employees.

    With guest Chris Van Bergen, an expert in social impact and sustainability. Chris, who serves as an adjunct professor at NYU's Stern School of Business, is the CFO and COO of Nest, a nonprofit organization, AND the author behind the book Certifiable: How Businesses Operationalize Responsible Sourcing.

    The episode covers the following highlights:

    -Reframing the Challenge

    -Break Down the Problem: Divide the sustainability challenge into smaller, more manageable tasks.

    -Focus on High-Impact Areas: Prioritize initiatives

    -Internal Dynamics and Team Collaboration

    -The Role of Leadership

    -Build a Supportive Culture

    -Embrace The Snowball Effect of Success

    -Balancing Business Operations with Sustainability Goals

    Have you rated yourself on your Stewardship capabilities? Take the Stewardship Quiz today!

    The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • From Cost to Care: Transforming Supply Chains to Sustainability
    May 24 2025

    This begins a series about Responsible Sourcing with a twist. It is aimed squarely at those organizations without deep pockets for an army of consultants or MBA employees.

    With guest Chris Van Bergen, an expert in social impact and sustainability. Chris, who serves as an adjunct professor at NYU's Stern School of Business, is the CFO and COO of Nest, a nonprofit organization, AND the author behind the book Certifiable: How Businesses Operationalize Responsible Sourcing.

    In this first episode, the conversation delves into the intricate relationship between business, sustainability, and social impact. Chris Van Bergen's insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities within the supply chain, emphasizing the need for transparency, consumer awareness, and a collective effort to create a more equitable and sustainable future. By adopting responsible practices and fostering collaboration, brands can not only enhance their reputation and attract investors but also contribute to a more resilient and ethical global economy.

    Actionable Steps for Business Leaders:

    1. Evaluate Your Supply Chain: Conduct a thorough assessment of your supply chain to identify areas for improvement in transparency and ethical practices.
    2. Develop a Business Case for Sustainability: Align your sustainability initiatives with your financial objectives to ensure long-term success.
    3. Engage with Consumers: Foster trust and loyalty by communicating authentically about your brand's practices and values.
    4. Collaborate with Partners: Seek partnerships with nonprofits and other organizations to enhance your impact and navigate the complexities of responsible sourcing.

    Have you rated yourself on your Stewardship capabilities? Take the Stewardship Quiz today!

    The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • Making Sustainability Stick: Practical Steps for Organizational Change
    May 17 2025

    This episode, the third and final installment in the series "Barriers to Change and Changing the Barriers," is a treasure trove of actionable insights for business leaders and executives looking to foster meaningful change in their organizations. With Dutch change expert Jurriaan Kamer, here are some of the highlights covered

    -The Role of Facilitation in Organizational Change

    -Creating an Environment for Open Conversations

    -The Role of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)

    -Examples of Successful Change Programs

    -The Long-Term Benefits of Sustainability Initiatives

    -Sustainability as an Innovation Driver

    You can find Jurriaan Kamer at his website and on LinkedIn and you can buy his book Unblock on Amazon.

    Have you rated yourself on your Stewardship capabilities? Take the Stewardship Quiz today!

    The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Breaking Down Barriers: Fostering a Culture of Sustainability in Business
    May 10 2025

    This episode, part of the series "Barriers to Change and Changing the Barriers," focuses on the significant roadblocks that companies with revenues between $5 million and $500 million face when trying to shift their employees' mindsets towards sustainability. The discussion covers cultural transformation, self-managed teams, and the critical role of change management skills in sustainability initiatives. With Dutch change expert Jurriaan Kamer, here are some of the key points covered

    -Understanding the Challenge

    -The Concept of Self-Managed Teams

    -Steps to Foster a Collaborative Mindset

    -Pay Structures in Self-Directed Teams

    -The Fragility of Self-Directed Systems

    -The Role of Change Management in Sustainability

    By embracing some of these insights and strategies, business leaders and executives can more effectively navigate the challenges of cultural transformation and drive their organizations towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.

    You can find Jurriaan Kamer at his website and on LinkedIn and you can buy his book Unblock on Amazon.

    Have you rated yourself on your Stewardship capabilities? Take the Stewardship Quiz today!

    The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins