25 min

Transforming Recycling: A Mission of Empowerment and Environmental Stewardship Superpowers for Good: Empowering Changemakers for Social Impact via Regulated Investment Crowdfunding from the SuperCrowd.

    • Entrepreneurship

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Devin: What is your superpower?
Michael: I would say it's the ability to recognize hope.

In today's episode of "Superpowers for Good," I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michael Maggio, President and Founder of iWrc, an individual whose story and mission captivate the essence of positive change. Michael's journey from a corporate executive at Johnson & Johnson to spearheading a global recycling initiative is nothing short of remarkable. His vision extends beyond environmental stewardship, delving deep into social justice and poverty alleviation.
Michael vividly recounted his eye-opening experience in Brazil, which laid the foundation for his transformative work. "I remember one woman distinctly eating from the conveyor belt as she was sorting through the trash, trying to get the recyclables out. I thought, Johnson & Johnson can't use this material. But now that I've seen it, I don't feel like I can walk away." This poignant moment underscores the stark realities faced by those at the frontline of the informal recycling sector, a community often overlooked yet integral to our global ecosystem.
Under Michael's guidance, iWrc champions a unique approach, emphasizing the importance of integrating and uplifting these informal recyclers. By offering training and creating viable supply chains, iWrc not only enhances the livelihoods of these individuals but also propels the corporate world towards more sustainable and responsible practices.
The essence of Michael's work transcends the conventional boundaries of recycling; it's about recognizing the inherent value in every individual and their contribution to our planet. His initiative is a testament to the power of compassionate leadership and the potential for corporate responsibility to foster genuine, widespread impact.
As I reflect on our conversation, I'm reminded of the profound interconnectedness of our actions and their ripple effects on both humanity and the environment. Michael's story is a beacon of hope and a call to action, urging us all to rethink our approach to sustainability and social equity. Through collective effort and empathy, we can transform the very fabric of our global community, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
AI Episode Summary
1. Michael Maggio is the CEO and founder of iWrc (Informal Waste Recycling Consortium), a company focusing on recycling and poverty alleviation.
2. Michael’s journey with iWrc began during his tenure at Johnson & Johnson, where, tasked with sustainability goals, he aimed to use recycled material in packaging.
3. On a trip to Brazil, after proposing the use of recycled material, Michael was taken to a local recycling co-op, where he was confronted with poor working conditions for those sorting recyclables.
4. The conditions prompted the creation of Project Phoenix to train and certify recycling cooperatives to become part of Johnson & Johnson’s supply chain.
5. When Michael decided to leave J&J and pursue this full-time, J&J supported him and became iWrc's first client on the condition he involved other companies.
6. iWrc operates by forming a consortium of corporations aiming to use recycled materials responsibly, addressing the entire supply chain for both social and environmental impact.
7. iWrc's model ensures that current workers in recycling co-ops are trained and integrated into improved processing streams rather than replaced.
8. Michael highlights the critical role that seeing hope plays in his leadership and approach to business, using hope to transform perspectives and inspire changemaking efforts.
9. Through storytelling, Michael and his team sustain morale by highlighting "People First" moments that celebrate su

Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What is your superpower?
Michael: I would say it's the ability to recognize hope.

In today's episode of "Superpowers for Good," I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michael Maggio, President and Founder of iWrc, an individual whose story and mission captivate the essence of positive change. Michael's journey from a corporate executive at Johnson & Johnson to spearheading a global recycling initiative is nothing short of remarkable. His vision extends beyond environmental stewardship, delving deep into social justice and poverty alleviation.
Michael vividly recounted his eye-opening experience in Brazil, which laid the foundation for his transformative work. "I remember one woman distinctly eating from the conveyor belt as she was sorting through the trash, trying to get the recyclables out. I thought, Johnson & Johnson can't use this material. But now that I've seen it, I don't feel like I can walk away." This poignant moment underscores the stark realities faced by those at the frontline of the informal recycling sector, a community often overlooked yet integral to our global ecosystem.
Under Michael's guidance, iWrc champions a unique approach, emphasizing the importance of integrating and uplifting these informal recyclers. By offering training and creating viable supply chains, iWrc not only enhances the livelihoods of these individuals but also propels the corporate world towards more sustainable and responsible practices.
The essence of Michael's work transcends the conventional boundaries of recycling; it's about recognizing the inherent value in every individual and their contribution to our planet. His initiative is a testament to the power of compassionate leadership and the potential for corporate responsibility to foster genuine, widespread impact.
As I reflect on our conversation, I'm reminded of the profound interconnectedness of our actions and their ripple effects on both humanity and the environment. Michael's story is a beacon of hope and a call to action, urging us all to rethink our approach to sustainability and social equity. Through collective effort and empathy, we can transform the very fabric of our global community, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
AI Episode Summary
1. Michael Maggio is the CEO and founder of iWrc (Informal Waste Recycling Consortium), a company focusing on recycling and poverty alleviation.
2. Michael’s journey with iWrc began during his tenure at Johnson & Johnson, where, tasked with sustainability goals, he aimed to use recycled material in packaging.
3. On a trip to Brazil, after proposing the use of recycled material, Michael was taken to a local recycling co-op, where he was confronted with poor working conditions for those sorting recyclables.
4. The conditions prompted the creation of Project Phoenix to train and certify recycling cooperatives to become part of Johnson & Johnson’s supply chain.
5. When Michael decided to leave J&J and pursue this full-time, J&J supported him and became iWrc's first client on the condition he involved other companies.
6. iWrc operates by forming a consortium of corporations aiming to use recycled materials responsibly, addressing the entire supply chain for both social and environmental impact.
7. iWrc's model ensures that current workers in recycling co-ops are trained and integrated into improved processing streams rather than replaced.
8. Michael highlights the critical role that seeing hope plays in his leadership and approach to business, using hope to transform perspectives and inspire changemaking efforts.
9. Through storytelling, Michael and his team sustain morale by highlighting "People First" moments that celebrate su

25 min