Leaders on a Mission – Details, episodes & analysis

Sky NRG is revolutionizing aviation with sustainable fuel to tackle climate change and decarbonize the skies.

In this episode, Philippe Lacamp, CEO of SkyNRG, delves into the challenges and opportunities of transforming the aviation industry through sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). 

He shares the incredible journey of SkyNRG, from its early efforts to create demand for SAF to its role in building a global infrastructure for cleaner aviation. Learn how waste oils, fats, and emerging technologies like power-to-liquid are powering green jet fuel and decreasing plane emissions.

All you need to know about Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) – Philippe breaks down the complexities of scaling SAF production, from navigating feedstock limitations to collaborating with governments and corporations on ambitious mandates and incentives. 

Hear about Sky NRG’s groundbreaking projects in the Netherlands, US, and Nordics, and how they are leading the charge in meeting global decarbonization targets.

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 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! 

Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? 

Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. 

Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.

Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. 

Tune in on…

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726

…to listen to the latest episodes!

00:35 Journey into sustainable aviation

02:58 Early efforts to promote SAF

04:26 Challenges in decarbonizing aviation emissions

06:48 Sky NRG’s role in SAF development.

09:10 What makes SAF different from fossil fuels

09:46 Feedstock use for SAF production

13:13 Alcohol-to-jet and power-to-liquid processes

15:16 Comparing SAF mandates in Europe and US

18:39 Cost challenges of sustainable aviation fuels

22:26 Scaling SAF production and infrastructure

23:46 Sky NRG’s new facilities and projects

27:35 Importance of partnerships in SAF industry

29:29 Scaling production as the biggest challenge

33:02 Sky NRG’s growth and talent recruitment

Useful links: 

SkyNRG’s website: https://skynrg.com/ 

SkyNRG’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skynrg/ 

Philippe Lacamp’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-lacamp-2087a11/ 

Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/ 

Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

Is nuclear energy a dinosaur from the past? Ed McGinnis talks about exciting new nuclear energy innovations that are leading the path for clean energy transition, as well as solving nuclear waste issues.

The CEO of Curio shares his unique journey from working in high-level government nuclear policy to leading Curio, a fascinating company transforming clean nuclear energy. 

He explains how Curio’s new recycling technology can drastically reduce nuclear waste and make the most of the energy from fuel. This innovation could help nuclear energy become a key player in the global clean energy transition. 

Ed also talks about the challenges of public opinion and regulations, and how Curio’s approach could change the future of clean nuclear power.

Ready to uncover if nuclear is the green energy of the future? Tune into the podcast to find out more!

--

 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! 

Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? 

Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. 

Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.

Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. 

Tune in on…

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726

…to listen to the latest episodes!

00:00 Introduction to Ed McGinnis & Curio

01:23 Ed's Career Highlights in Nuclear Energy

03:33 Transitioning from Government to CEO of Curio

09:53 Current State of Nuclear Energy in the U.S.

17:33 The Explanation of Nuclear Waste Problem

23:47 Curio’s Revolutionary Recycling Process

29:24 How Curio’s Technology Fits into the Nuclear Industry

35:33 Biggest Challenges Facing Nuclear Recycling

39:38 Impact of Scaling Nuclear Recycling on Clean Energy

44:32 Curio’s Vision for the Future of Nuclear Energy

Useful links: 

Curio LV’s website: https://curio.energy/ 

Curio LV’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/curiolv/ 

Edward McGinnis’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-mcginnis-05121813/ 

Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/

Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/ 

CEO Rory Brown explains how Airhive are using CO2 capture technology to reduce the carbon footprints of major brands like Coca-Cola.

The UK-based green tech company is revolutionizing the world of direct air capture. Airhive has developed a cutting-edge fluidized bed system that can efficiently removes CO2 from air on an industrial scale.
 
🥤But the story doesn't stop there. Airhive has forged a groundbreaking partnership with global beverage giant Coca-Cola, using its carbon capture technology to carbonate drinks. This innovative approach not only reduces the company's carbon footprint but also provides a sustainable, recycled source of the gas essential for their fizzy beverages.
 
Hear Rory's inspiring journey, from his background in conflict resolution to his passion for tackling climate change through the removal of carbon dioxide from atmosphere. Learn how his carbon capture company is scaling up its operations, exploring international markets, and navigating the challenges of building a pioneering carbon removal startup. 

This episode offers a captivating glimpse into the future of carbon removal technology and its potential to transform industries and combat global warming.

🎧 Make sure to catch this episode if you’re excited as we are about the development of direct air capture technology!

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🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! 

Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? 

Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. 

Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.

Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up, their journey and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. 

Tune in on…

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726

…to listen to the latest episodes!

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:34 Rory Brown’s career path
03:57 From conflict resolution to climate advocacy
07:13 Founding Airhive
09:40 Building a team of chemical engineers
11:55 Direct carbon capture technology
17:12 Innovation in CO2 capture technology
20:49 Carbon catcher development
23:20 Vision and key milestones
26:38 Scaling and international expansion
30:05 Carbon credits
31:59 Partnering with Coca-Cola
36:18 Innovation, investment, and leadership

Useful links: 👇
Airhive’s website: https://www.airhive.earth/
Airhive’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airhive/
Rory Brown’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-brown-621b975/

Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

In todays episode I am joined by Jim Flatt, CEO and Co-founder of Brightseed, a company with a revolutionary science and technology platform, enabling the discovery and commercialization of novel plant compounds that support health and nutrition.
Jim talks about the influence growing up in San Francisco and his early love of computer science. He talks about the importance and influence of his key mentors, who inspired him with power and promise of systems and synthetic biology. Jim outlines some of the key discoveries he  has  commercialized and the impact these discoveries have had within human health.  He touches upon why he co-founded Brightseed, and the global health issues he is hoping to solve. He explains about the relationship with his two cofounders, and gives insights into the qualities that underpin work and partnership. He speaks about the building of there artificial Intelligence discovery engine, and about the journey from discovery to commercialization, highlighting some of their work with key partners.  He speaks about his vision for the company, and his personal learning journey, as well as his preference for working within start-up environments.

In todays episode I am joined by serial entrepreneur Alan Hahn, CEO of Mycotechnology, an innovative food ingredients company leveraging the power of mushroom technology to bring about a new generation of sustainable, great tasting and healthy food ingredients.
Alan talks about his love of science and experimentation and how he was heavily influenced  by his father, who  was textile chemist. 
Alan reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, which involved building a series of successful companies which he led to exits across the technology  and communications industry. He draws some of the parallels to success through his journey.  Following a  diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and a significant lifestyle change, he explains how he came across the Mycotechnology, and what led him to join the organization. He speaks about the mission, vision, and plans for the company, outlining how the technology works, and how they are able to make great tasting and healthy products that offer new alternatives to consumers. He talks about the plans for the future, and offers 3 key snippets of advice to all entrepreneurs. 

In todays episode, I was joined by Pam Marrone, a thought leader in regenerative agriculture and a true entrepreneur having founded 2 pioneering technology companies, one leading to a successful exit and the other to an IPO.

We explore Pam’s early influences, and trace her love of agriculture back to experiences as a young girl helping her parents with organic gardening, and how even over the shelf pesticides caused unnecessary damage to local ecosystems . 

She reflects on the challenges of being a young female finding a job within agriculture, and how she landed her dream job, leading an insect biology group at Monsanto.  She speaks about passion for biological and microbial solutions, and how this category of solutions has evolved over the years, with advanced in sciences and consumer awareness. 

We  discuss her entrepreneurial drive  and the challenges of raising financing back in the 90’s and how she “dialled for dollars”  in a very different investment landscape. compared with today.  Pam speaks about the stigma and  challenges she has faced as a female CEO, and her work mentoring other female leaders. She reflects on leading the company she founded to an IPO, and in dealing with some of the challenges that came her way. 

In todays episode I was joined by Jon McIntyre, CEO of Motif Food Works, a venture backed ingredient innovation company dedicated to reshaping the landscape of food using cutting edge science and technology.

Jon talks about his early influences, his love of food, sport and science. We explore how he moved from the pharma world where he was working with specific metabolic disorders, into the world of health and nutrition, where he was   working with disruptive protein technologies in the  early 90’s.

We explore his opinion on modern day innovation cycles, and the importance of delivering new product concepts into the hands of the customer quickly. We speak about his love of taking innovative technologies and finding addressable markets for them. Jon talks about the difference between working for large and small companies, how his curiosity to keep learning is something has helped him adapt to new environments, positions and challenges. He speaks about his mission and vision for Motif Foodworks, and about creating the holy grail of great tasting plant based foods that can truly compete on taste and texture with their meat counterparts. 

In todays episode I was joined by Philippe Lavielle, Chairman and CEO of
Fermentalg, a French based biotechnology company creating innovative
ingredients and solutions for the health and nutrition industry.

Philippe discusses how he came across opportunities within industrial
biotechnology in the late 80’s, and how this led to him forming and leading a
Joint Venture, utilising novel technologies to improve the sustainability of the
pulp and paper industry. Philippe talks about joining Genencor, in its early
stages, and his role in creating the culture and impacting on the success of a
high growth biotech company over the following 20 years.  Philippe talks about
his excitement and drive in the mission to revolutionize industries, and the
opportunities he has had to commercialize novel technologies for a healthier
world across the industrial biotechnology space.

Philippe talks about transitioning into a venture backed CEO position, and the
differences and challenges of leading a venture backed business in the San
Francisco bay area. He speaks about his transition back to France, and the
opportunities to lead Fermentalg, evolving the company from a research
foundry to an organization focused on commercializing products across the
nutritional lipids space. He talks about the growth and near term plans to
commercialize alternative protein products, as well as their C02 carbon
capture technology and it’s implications for reducing pollution in busy city
centres.

He reflects on leading Fermentalg on a mission to improve both health and
wellness, with regret that his generation has not done more to combat climate
change.

In todays episode I was joined by Patrice Selles, CEO of Biotalys, an innovative
Biotech based out of Ghent, Belgium, developing sustainable novel crop
protection solutions that are better for the planet.

Patrice talks about his early passion for science, and the reasons why he
moved from drug discovery to more industrial applications, and how he was
seduced by the opportunity for innovation and impact within the agricultural
industry at Syngenta. He speaks about how he broadened out his interest and
experience, with a career shaping move to Boston, that gave him much
broader exposure to the challenges and solutions within agriculture, working in
the VC world and establishing Syngenta’s corporate venturing group. He
speaks about the risks, him and his 8 months pregnant wife took moving to
Boston in 2008 at the time of the global financial crisis.

He reflects on the impact development  programmes that he was part of at
Syngenta, that honed his love of collaboration, and allowed him to extend his
network across the agricultural ecosystem. He speaks about the move from
Syngenta to Biotalys; embracing the risk and challenge of leading a company
driven by a really exciting mission to improving the tools for farmers, impacting
right across the food chain.

He speaks about the vision, mission for Biotalys’, and the alternative
sustainable solutions and products it is commercializing. He outlines the
hurdles and challenges that are in front of the company, and the challenges in
moving from a start up to a revenue generating organization, as well as  the
progress to date on their first bio fungicide product. He talks openly about the
challenges he didn’t expect as a first time CEO, and about how the support of
the board has been critical in helping him make this transition successfully.

In todays episode I was joined by Jordi Ferre, CEO of Agrofresh, a US publicly listed mission driven organization deploying cutting edge technology to reduce food waste by extending shelf life for the most common fruits and vegetables we consume. 

Jordi talks about the challenges and unexpected positives of the recent lockdown and how this has enabled him to spend more time with his family, and look to a more balanced future related to international business travel.

Jordi speaks of the great influence his father had on his life and career, how his Catalan upbringing taught him to be respectful of different cultures. He reflects on how going to international school broadened his view of the world and allowed him to flourish living and working in different countries and cultures over the course of his career. 

Jordi talks through his earlier career, and explains his motivations for moving from the CPG world into the B2B ingredients industry, and the levels of complexity within the B2B world. He outlines how important it is for him to connect with a mission and purpose, and outlines the challenges in global food waste and the technologies and solutions that Agrofresh look to solve. Jordi talks about a CEO’s need to build a new culture, following the spin out of Agrofresh, and about the challenges of being a CEO of a publicly listed company.