Kruger describes the human brain's resistance to change due to its evolutionary design for survival, emphasizing the stress and anxiety caused by uncertainty in today's volatile environment. Practical advice is offered on managing stress, such as diary management, taking breaks from technology, physical movement, and the importance of hydration and diet. Kruger also touches on the importance of discipline and planning to overcome obstacles to personal well-being.“The more opportunity you create for people to be heard, the more you communicate top down, the better your organization will be when you come to any form of change.” -Pieter Kruger, Clinical Psychologist, CognacityAt the organizational level, Kruger advises leaders to acknowledge the emotional aspects of change, emphasizing clear communication and inclusion to mitigate resistance. He underscores the importance of providing resources and control to employees to reduce workplace stress.Greiner Talks is our podcast focusing on sustainability and transformation. Alexander Berth regularly talks to experts from across the world about the prospects and opportunities offered by a sustainable economy and society.

As a professor at the Technical University of Dresden and the founding director of the Center Synergy of Systems, Brockmann shares insights into his journey through the realms of complex systems, bridging the gap between diverse scientific disciplines. But what is complexity? Dirk Brockmann defines complex systems as phenomena that transcend traditional scientific fields, such as pandemics or climate change. He introduces complexity science as a field without borders, connecting social sciences, life sciences, economics, and ecology to analyze phenomena from a holistic viewpoint.According to him, sustainability or climate crisis are the study of human behavior and behavioral changes. The question is: Why have we known about the problems for so long, but are not solving them? "Climate change and sustainability require a fundamental restructuring of society. The only way people are willing to do something radically different is when they're either scared or when there's a promise at the end. " – Dirk BrockmannHe emphasizes the need to address human behavior and perceptions to bring about change. “When we say 1.5°C degrees, we know - as scientists - that's horrible. But it doesn't sound that way, the number doesn't communicate the consequences. So we need to think about what it means. Can you translate that into something people feel, something they can relate to? Of course, we cannot only talk about negative consequences, we also have to paint a picture of how great it might be if we tackle the climate crisis. The good thing about us humans, so Brockmann, is that “we can make decisions that are against our intuition, against our gut feeling, but wise and anticipating the future”.Greiner Talks is our podcast focusing on sustainability and transformation. Alexander Berth regularly talks to experts from across the world about the prospects and opportunities offered by a sustainable economy and society.

The World Bank is a multinational development bank based in the US capital Washington, DC. It is here that McClain-Nhlapo is responsible for various projects in the field of inclusion. Her task is to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the World Bank Group. “Seeing the direct impact of your work and on our investments can be extremely gratifying.” Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, Global Disability Advisor at the World BankShe was born in South Africa during the apartheid era and lived in various countries as a child. Her parents' marriage was forbidden in South Africa because fer father is a white US-American and her mother a black South-African. Even as a child, it was clear to Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo that she wanted to do her bit to make the world a better place in the future. A serious car accident as a young adult led to her living her life in a wheelchair, which only intensified her quest for justice.In the interview, McClain-Nhlapo emphasizes the importance of viewing disability as a spectrum of visible and invisible forms. Globally, 15 to 18 % of the world's population lives with disabilities - a conservative estimate due to underreporting and stigmatization. Due to natural disasters and conflicts, this number will continue to increase in the future. She also emphasizes that disabilities and poverty go hand in hand.But what can people without disabilities do to help? Even though a lot has happened in recent years, we still have a long way to go. It is important to recognize the following: Inclusion of people with disabilities and diversity in general is something that concerns us all. According to Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, being an ally, showing empathy and respect and not making assumptions are important steps that we should all take. Her final appeal is: "Leave no one behind."

Elena Doms is concerned for the environment and emphasizes the critical impact of climate change on the Arctic. There are many examples of drastic weather shifts that affect daily life: from disruptions in transportation due to changing ice patterns to unusual heat in summer impacting the region's boreal rainforests. The Arctic is warming up four times faster than the rest of the planet, but it's connected with the rest of the planet. Looking at the concept of the tipping points in climate science, many of those tipping points are located in the Arctic or next to the Arctic region. A tipping point is a point where a small change can cause a big, sometimes unstoppable, effect.Transitioning from her corporate role at Mastercard, Elena made a profound change and co-founded the startup Earth Plus. The startup's focus is on utilizing nature's power to restore polluted lands affected by forever chemicals and other contaminants. Forever chemicals are in our phones, in our laptops, in our cameras, sometimes in waterproof jackets, in paint, or in furniture. They surround us because they have very useful properties, but they are also toxic and stick around in nature and in our bodies. Earth Plus employs specialized plants to absorb pollutants, which are then harvested and processed into bio-based materials, contributing to the circular economy.Elena Doms emphasizes the urgency for positive action in sustainability, encouraging young professionals to follow their passion and engage actively in the field: “Be proactive and listen to your heart. If that's really what you want to do, do it now.”At the end of the interview, Elena leaves a powerful message to the world: "Positive action, now." Learn more about her story and her startup in this episode! 

Franz Essl is a professor at the University of Vienna and a member of the Austrian Biodiversity Council. He stresses that biodiversity loss affects not only iconic species but also the unnoticed creatures that play essential roles in our ecosystem. Acknowledging the alarming rate of species extinction, Essl urges the importance of action at every level. He also highlights the biodiversity crisis's interconnectedness with climate change. Essl underlines the role of corporations in driving change to preserve biodiversity. Corporate policies should be aligned with science-based targets and companies should join alliances that advocate for effective policies. Addressing the ongoing protests for climate action, he offers understanding, recognizing the urgency of the message they convey.

Gernot Wagner was born in Austria and has lived in the USA for many years. He has been teaching and researching at Columbia Business School since 2022, before which he was at New York University and Harvard University. As a thought leader and advocate for sustainability, Wagner notes that addressing the climate crisis is not just a moral imperative but also an economic opportunity. It is crucial to price negative environmental impacts and to transition to clean energy. Wagner also highlights the symbiotic relationship between urban environments and nature. He emphasizes how dense city living can make room for the preservation of natural spaces, stressing that urban areas and nature are mutually dependent. This perspective challenges the notion that city life and nature must be at odds and underscores the importance of smart urban planning in fostering sustainability.

Tensie Whelan is the Director of the Stern Center for Sustainable Business at New Your University and was the President of the Rainforest Alliance for many years. At NYU, she and her team developed the Return on Sustainability Investment (ROSI) Methodology. Whelan is working at the nexus of the private sector, nonprofits and academia because that's where she feels she can make the most impact.In her research, Whelan noticed that when making decisions, companies are often not looking at the cost of inaction: What happens if you don't make that sustainable investment from a financial perspective. The results of their studies speak a clear language: sustainability also pays off financially. With her research, she is helping companies to be able to embrace sustainability as an important element of better management. 

Marianne Schulze is a lawyer with a focus on social sustainability. She has worked internationally on more than 20 resolutions for the UN General Assembly as well as the UN Security Council. In the extensive field of human rights, she specialized in mental health.Human rights give us guidance on how to make sure that each and every one of us is safe. One of the challenges, says Schulze, is that not only are human rights seen as something that has very little to do with us, that it's also that we have this attitude that we’ve already done that.

Christina von Messling is Head of Europe and a senior strategic foresight consultant at the Future Today Institute in New York City. She specializes in climate, entertainment and Europe, and starts each workday with thorough research. In doing so, she keeps an eye out for developments that haven't yet hit the mainstream. Does her job leave room for optimism? "Absolutely. We are very optimistic. We're optimistic realists." Most people want to see positive change, so as a futurologist, she points to plausible futures that inspire. Even though catastrophic scenarios have their place as well. 

MATR offers an all-in-one mattress solution for hotels based on the principles of the circular economy. Because “It's time we make the world more circular”. Michaela Stephen founded the company together with Verena Judmayer - and was able to build on the support of Greiner Innoventures, Greiner's innovation hub.

„A true environmental hero“ - that's how our host Alexander Berth announces the agronomist and winner of the Alternative Nobel Prize (Right Livelihood Award) Tony Rinaudo in the interview. Rinaudo is also known as "The Forest Maker" and gives exciting insights into his love of forests, their great importance for the climate and his work on reforestation.With the reforestation technique "Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration" (FMNR), which he developed, parts of the Sahel could be successfully revegetated. However, he sees the local communities and farmers as the real heroes of his work. Listen in now and learn more about Tony Rinaudo's life!

One thing is clear: companies must take responsibility for those emissions they cause and ensure that their negative impact is reduced. Many companies that are actually competitors are already joining forces in initiatives to learn from each other. Because: "There is no way out of this crisis if we don't work together."Lubomila Jordanova is considered one of the most influential founders in the European green tech landscape. Her startup Plan A, which she founded with Nathan Bonnisseau, has spent the last few years developing a CO2 reduction tool that allows companies to automatically calculate their emissions. According to Jordanova, technology is only useful if it is used at scale and if we understand it. Most importantly, we need to agree on a psychological level that we want to walk the Net Zero path together - as a society and as a business. Listen in now to learn more!

In Greiner Talks, charismatic scientist John Warner argues that chemists in the 21st century must drastically adapt their working methods. For him, it is particularly important to change the way chemistry is taught. We need to adapt to the challenges of today. Listen in and find out more!

Greiner Talks host Alexander Berth met Jean Todt on the sidelines of the Green Peak Festival in Vienna to talk about safe mobility, about the relation between Formula 1 and sustainability and about the learnings he can share from his career.

In this special episode of Greiner Talks, Alexander Berth travelled to Sharm El-Sheikh and met up with activists, climate scientists, politicians, civil society representatives and companies to share their perspectives. How can we all improve on climate action and after all, can we still save our planet? Listen in and get a feeling of what it is like to be inside the Conference of the Parties.Learn more at sustainability.greiner.com. Credit 0:57-1:28: UN Climate Change

How to change? How to create a sustainable future? Greiner Talks is a podcast about sustainability and transformation.Listen in and get inspired!

Winnie Cheche is a climate activist and an eco-blogger from Kenya. She is using social media to advocate for sustainable living and wildlife conservation. Greiner Talks host Alexander Berth met the climate advocate in Nairobi to discuss activism, plastic pollution and global inequalities. While walking through Arboretum park, Winnie tells us about how she tries to make people fall in love with our planet, why an informed society makes better decisions and why saving our environment should become a habit for each and everyone. Listen in!“𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 – 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀!" – 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙚, 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧

From human rights abuses to ecosystem destruction: Greiner Talks host Alexander Berth talks to the former top politician and UN diplomat Anders Wijkman about the war in Ukraine, the value of democracy, and the future of our planet. For Greiner, as an international company with factories in Russia and Ukraine, the terrible war on the European continent has many direct implications. Anders Wijkman has made an enormous impact on politics and our environment in his life and career. He has been a long-term member of the European Parliament, a member of the Swedish Parliament, and at the peak of his career, he served as Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations. He is the Honorary President of the Club of Rome, an author and an opinion leader. In books such as Bankrupting Nature and Come On!, Anders Wijkman addresses the future of our planet and sustainable economic systems. Listen in and learn more!“I think every effort should be made to make peace – because every day there is more destruction, there is more killing. And I think we have not done enough!” – Anders Wijkman, Honorary President Club of Rome

Wanjira Mathai is Vice President and Regional Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute. The Kenyan environmental activist has been fighting passionately for social and environmental change at international level for over 20 years. Her mother, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai, initiated the famous Green Belt Movement. It's no surprise that Wanjira Mathai sets out clear demands: We need to do everything we can to eliminate poverty. That is the only way to achieve fair and sustainable development. Greiner Talks host Alexander Berth met Wanjira Mathai on the fringes of the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi to discuss global inequality and the major challenges of the climate crisis. Listen now and find out more!

Plastics crisis, loss of biodiversity, climate change. For Robert Marc Lehmann, one thing is clear: our house is on fire. The time to act is now! The adventurer and environmental activist explains why our planet is worth fighting for, how the extinction of species affects him personally, and what we can all do to make our world a better place. Robert Marc Lehmann studied zoology, marine biology and forensic medicine. Today he is active as an ambassador for nature, adventurer and photographer. For his work, he has received numerous awards such as National Geographic Photographer of the Year. With his organization Mission Erde he tries to protect habitats and raise awareness for treating nature with respect.Learn more on Robert Marc Lehmann’s Website and his Youtube-Channel Mission Earth.

Mental and physical health cannot be taken for granted – the pandemic has taught us that. We are more familiar with rules and regulations than ever before. Emma Currie, our guest in the latest episode of Greiner Talks, is proof that health and safety doesn’t have to be a dry subject. In her performances, actress Emma Currie combines the topic of occupational health and safety with a whole range of emotions. She has made it her mission to bring more of a human element to the structured world of major companies.Born in the UK, Emma Currie is the founder of the company “Acting Up”. In this podcast episode, she speaks about her acting performances, which tell a personal story using unconventional methods. After all, workplace health and safety is seen as trivial only until something happens: an accident can change a person’s life in just a few seconds. Emma Currie explains how important it is for us to maintain a human touch and talk to each other. This is precisely how she helps her audience connect with unwieldy corporate topics. Listen in!

In this episode of Greiner Talks we welcome John Paul Rollert, who teaches behavioral science at Harvard University and The University of Chicago. John Paul's research focuses on the ethics of leadership, and the application of empathy to law, business, and politics – and regularly sees him in the most important publications of our time. The renowned scientist shows how our complex economic system goes hand in hand with moral values.In our podcast, the former political advisor to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign explains how empathy is the key to solving societal problems, why leadership is a human-focused art that requires patience, and what all of that has to do with his former life on an apple farm in rural Michigan. Listen in!

Energy, food, mobility – these three areas are responsible for a large part of our global CO2 emissions. They are therefore a perfect starting point for reducing our personal footprint, because in the long term, we must respect the planetary boundaries in order to sustain our livelihoods. Our guest in the latest episode of Greiner Talks shows how we can achieve this transformation with creativity and persistency. Dale Vince is the founder and CEO of Ecotricity, one of the most important providers of renewable energy in the UK. His dream of a life without fossil fuels began with just a single wind turbine. Today, his company supplies almost 200,000 customers with green electricity and gas. Besides his passion for green energy, he is a true football fan at heart and Chairman of Forest Green Rovers. Over the last decade, Dale has managed to turn the “Rovers” into the “world's greenest football club”. He has proven that football clubs can not only be carbon neutral but also contribute to societal change.Sometimes you have to take extraordinary paths to achieve great goals. Listen in and let Dale Vince's story inspire you!

Setting clear goals and measuring them transparently – that's what sustainability is all about. But how to objectively assess impact on people and the environment? Where does a company's responsibility begin, and where does it end? There is no doubt that sustainability ratings are indispensable in times of global supply chains. They create transparency and make it easier to compare the sustainability performance of companies. In this episode of Greiner Talks, we talk to Pierre-Francois Thaler, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of EcoVadis. EcoVadis is considered a global pioneer when it comes to sustainability ratings and supply chains. In our podcast, Pierre-Francois explains how these ratings can provide more transparency to customers. Listen in and learn why technology and collaboration along the entire supply chain are essential for transforming our economy.

We are honored to welcome a very special person to our latest edition of Greiner Talks. Jane Goodall is an icon of behavioral science and anthropology. She is a tireless environmental activist, UN Messenger of Peace and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute. Her life and career are extraordinary. Her research on chimpanzees in the jungle of Tanzania in the 1960s fundamentally changed our understanding of human evolution. She was the first person to recognize that not only humans but also animals make and use tools. For decades, Jane Goodall has been an unstoppable defender and advocate for our planet and its wildlife.Listen in and learn how Jane Goodall has perceived the boom of plastics in the 1960s, why she has decided to speak on our sustainability podcast, and what message she sends to Greiner CEO Axel Kühner. Jane Goodall highlights the power of consumers and describes in an incomparable way what impact each one of us makes every single day of our lives. She relentlessly explains how the pandemic is connected to our own actions, why a new contract between humans and the environment is urgently needed, and how she remains hopeful.

Many companies talk about their environmental and social responsibilities. But what of this is serious ambition and what is merely greenwashing?How can we know whether companies are being transparent about their goals, their achievements and their challenges? And how are journalists and media influencing the public debate on corporate responsibility? In the latest episode of our podcast series, we talk to Oliver Balch – a journalist, author and researcher from the UK. Oliver writes for world-renowned media outlets such as The Guardian, Huffington Post and Financial Times. His topics: Climate change, human rights and international cooperation. Learn from Oliver about the role of media, their way to portrait these issues and how constructive collaboration can lead to real change. Listen in!

Climate neutrality, circular economy, equal opportunities. What does all of that have to do with me? Our guest in this episode of Greiner Talks is an expert on transformation and innovation. This expert is firmly convinced that everyone can contribute to sustainable development. Because change begins with ourselves and our actions. What it takes is the right mindset and the will to help shape your personal environment. In this episode of Greiner Talks we speak to Tatjana Glad, Co-Founder & Director of Impact Hub Amsterdam – a global network of companies and startups working to promote the transition towards a sustainable society and economy. Tatiana Glad, a native Canadian who lives in the Netherlands, helps turning courageous ideas into action day by day. What ideas are on your mind and what do you want to change?Tatiana Glad on LinkedInImpactHub Amsterdam

Every person is unique. Together, we are diverse. That makes us strong and resilient – both as a society and as a company. Qualities that are more important than ever in these times of crises. Experts agree that diverse companies are more innovative and successful. They can adapt better to new situations and develop more creative solutions. But what does diversity mean and how can it be promoted? What is the connection to sustainability? And what are the challenges on the way to become a more diverse workplace? In this episode, we ask questions to which there are many different answers. In this episode of Greiner Talks, we welcome Ana-Cristina Grohnert, Chairwoman of the “Charta der Vielfalt” – an initiative promoting diversity in companies and institutions in Germany. Before taking on this role, Ana-Cristina worked in finance and risk management for many years. Just recently, she has written a book reflecting on the experiences she gained during her successful career. Ana-Cristina talks about unconscious bias, culture and what it takes to change existing structures. Listen in and learn more!Ana-Cristina Grohnert auf LinkedInCharta der Vielfalt e.V. About GreinerGreiner Sustainability Website

More than 3 billion people on our planet do not have access to waste collection systems. Without the most necessary infrastructure to properly dispose of waste, the pollution of our environment is inevitable. As a result, around 11 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year. Solving this immense global problem is our shared responsibility. The Alliance to End Plastic Waste has therefore set itself the goal of putting an end to the plastic crisis through international cooperation, focusing on infrastructure, innovation, education and cleanup.In this episode of Greiner Talks, we speak with Jacob Duer, CEO of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste. After a decades-long career with the United Nations, he now heads the Alliance, a non-profit organization based in Singapore. Since its founding in January 2019, the organization has built a network of more than 50 international partners – including some of the most important companies in the global plastics industry. What challenges does the Alliance face, how can we put an end to plastic pollution, and what do we as Greiner contribute to solving this crisis? Listen in and learn more. About GreinerGreiner Sustainability Website

Climate crisis, plastic crisis, Corona pandemic. Not only Europe, but the entire world is facing enormous challenges. To overcome these challenges, we must all work together – businesses, society and politics. With the so-called Green Deal, the European Union adopted a landmark agreement in December 2019 to set the framework for a sustainable economy and society.  But is the Green Deal the gamechanger we need?In the latest episode of Greiner Talks, we speak to Maria Spyraki, who is a Member of the European Parliament for the European People’s Party. Since 2014, the Greek native has been dealing with topics such as innovation, circular economy and sustainable development in the EU Parliament in Brussels. What are the implications of the European Green Deal for the plastics industry, how far are we in implementing an environmentally friendly circular economy, and what contribution can we make as a global company? Listen in and learn more.

When we think of sustainability, we often think of our planet and our responsibility towards the next generations. The topic of finance is usually not on top of our minds. Yet every financial decision we take has an impact on our environment and society. In fact, finance is one of the key elements for sustainable transformation. Banks, companies and investors are increasingly aware of this - the world of finance is changing. In this podcast episode of Greiner Talks, we speak with Richard Mattison, CEO of Trucost. Richard is one of the world's leading experts when it comes to sustainable finance. His company, Trucost, is part of Standard & Poor's Global and specializes in assessing and pricing risks around environmental, social and governance issues ("ESG risks"). Listen in to hear how banks think about sustainability, what transformation means for businesses, and why transparency is crucial for companies.

At the age of nine, Felix Finkbeiner has founded “Plant-for-the-Planet”. This was 13 years ago. Since then, the non-profit organization has planted more than 10 billion trees around the world. The ambitious goal is to increase global tree cover by 30 percent. Felix is convinced that we can only solve the climate crisis through fundamental changes and large-scale action. And so are we at Greiner.Listen to the latest podcast episode of Greiner Talks with Felix Finkbeiner, the founder of “Plant-for-the-Planet”. Learn about how reforestation can help us to tackle the climate crisis, why reducing emissions is more important than compensating them, and what difference one person can make. Tune in and plant a tree! 

The responsibility for people and planet could not be greater. Nestlé is the world's largest food and beverage producer. Operating in 187 countries around the world and employing more than 291,000 people, Nestlé influences the lives of billions – every single day. What is Nestlé doing to meet this huge responsibility? What must be changed to prevent food packaging from ending up in the oceans? And what can Greiner contribute? Listen to the latest episode of “Greiner Talks” with Katja Seidenschnur, Nestlé’s Sustainability Director for Europe, Middle East and North Africa, and hear her thoughts on responsibility, collaboration and transformation.

Tune in and listen to our conversation with Fred Luks on living a sustainable life, the populism of simple solutions and an economic system that does not reflect the ecological truth.The German-born, Vienna-based economist, researcher and publicist, Fred Luks, is a sustainability transformation expert with a wealth of know-how acquired as the sustainability manager of a major bank, guest professor at the University of Hamburg and co-founder of the Center for Sustainability at the Vienna University of Economics and Business.