Leaders on a Mission

Simon Leich
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Discussions with leaders with a clear mission of creating a healthier world in today’s most innovative startups across FoodTech, AgTech (Agritech), Synbio, Sustainability, Climate Tech, and Clean Tech. Learn more about precision fermentation, cellular agriculture, alternative proteins, crop protection, biologicals, protein expression systems, carbon capture, plant health, precision agriculture, bioinformatics, human nutrition and what it takes to successfully scale your business in this budding sector.

  1. 12/02/2025

    Building Companies That Power the Future of Agriculture

    What if agriculture could become the world’s most powerful engine for climate and health—without sacrificing yield? In this episode, Dr. Robert Berendes, scientist, entrepreneur and longtime ag innovator, unpacks how deep tech, genome editing and AI are transforming a “low-tech” industry into a high-impact platform for planetary regeneration. He explores the shift from calories to nutrition, soil health and carbon sequestration, why new genetics will rewrite competitive dynamics in ag, and what it really takes to scale ventures from flagship labs to farmers’ fields. Along the way, Robert shares hard-won lessons on talent, regulation, capital cycles and why agriculture in 2030 will look nothing like today. Tune in for a fresh look at building ventures that leave every acre better. --- 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: 0:00 – Rethinking innovation in ag 1:08 – Ignoring the noisy consensus 3:43 – From consulting to Syngenta 5:38 – Why ag is misunderstood 10:09 – Reading and writing genomes 12:56 – Power shift to farmers 17:24 – Inside the Flagship model 22:59 – Talent that drives disruption 28:42 – Funding cycles and exits 34:10 – Agriculture in 2030 Useful links: Flagship Pioneering website: https://www.flagshippioneering.com/ Flagship Pioneering LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flagship-pioneering/ Robert Berendes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-berendes-39b62a67/ 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/

    38 min

  2. 11/11/2025

    Cracking the Code on Permanent Carbon Removal

    What if we could remove CO₂ from the atmosphere today—and keep it gone for 1,000 years? In this episode, I’m joined by Barclay Rogers, founder and CEO of Graphyte, who is pioneering a breakthrough method called Carbon Casting that uses biomass by-products and low-energy engineering to lock away carbon at a fraction of the typical cost. We explore why many emissions cannot be abated, how durable removals differ from nature-based fixes, and what it takes to make carbon removal bankable and scalable. Remarkably, Graphyte went from founding to full-scale operation in just 18 months—proving that durable carbon removal can be delivered today, not decades from now.  Listen in to discover how Graphyte is rewriting the carbon removal playbook—faster, cheaper, and at scale. --- 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: 0:00 – Opening: The 1,000-year carbon removal challenge 2:10 – Barclay’s journey: From engineer & lawyer to founder 5:50 – What “carbon removal” really means vs. abatement 9:30 – Nature-based solutions vs engineered removals 13:20 – Introducing Carbon Casting: how it works 17:45 – Why biomass waste + dry storage = low-cost removal 22:50 – Scaling: from pilot to modular global model 27:10 – Market mechanics: credits, buyers, quality ratings 31:40 – Financing and bankability: project finance in CDR 35:15 – International expansion & global biomass potential 39:00 – Practical advice for climate-tech founders 43:00 – Closing thoughts & next steps Useful links: Graphyte Website: https://www.graphyte.com/ Graphyte LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/graphytecarbon/ Barclay Rogers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barclayrogers/ 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/

    45 min

  3. 10/28/2025

    Resetting to Win: Strategy, Speed, and Shelf Life

    What if the key to transforming our food system isn’t growing more, but wasting less? In this episode, Apeel CEO Luiz Beling reveals how plant-based coatings are extending the shelf life at the source, cutting food waste, and creating value across the supply chain. Luiz opens up about resetting Apeel’s strategy for scalability, leading through misinformation, and fostering a culture that prizes progress over perfection. From pivoting toward growers and packers to mastering decision speed and rebuilding stakeholder trust, this is a masterclass in leading with clarity through complexity. 🎧 Hear how leaders reset, refocus, and rebuild stronger than before. --- 🌿 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 — Decision speed - perfection 02:29 — Four priorities on entry 05:12 — How Apeel works 06:57 — Extra days, extra value 13:47 — Startup vs big company 17:48 — Hiring for agility 22:07 — Value across supply chain 29:28 — Farmer adoption reality 35:24 — Fighting misinformation Useful links:  Apeel website: https://apeel.com Apeel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apeel/ Luiz Beling LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luizbeling/ 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/

    43 min

  4. 10/14/2025

    How AI Is Reshaping Sustainable Chemistry

    Computation is killing the wet lab—and reshaping enzyme innovation in the process. Maria Fátima Lucas, CEO of ZYMVOL, shares how AI and physics-based simulation shrink enzyme discovery from 100 million sequence variants to fewer than 300 lab-tested hits—cutting timelines, risk, and cost by orders of magnitude. In this episode, Maria unpacks how ZYMVOL is making biocatalysis not just greener, but cheaper and faster—bringing clean chemistry to sectors previously priced out. From Europe’s regulatory drivers to a bold product pivot into bio-based melanin, this is a rare look inside a deeptech company scaling with precision, not hype. Tune in for a fresh look at building ventures that last, not just raise. --- 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 – Clean chemistry = mission 02:41 – From pharma to enzymes 05:07 – Bootstrapping for 6 years 07:03 – AI + physics workflow 10:55 – Why cost always wins 11:15 – Regulatory bans as tailwind 14:52 – End-to-end solution model 19:31 – First hits in 3 months 23:47 – Enzyme marketplace vision 28:42 – Bio-melanin case study 35:24 – Fundraising and future Useful links: ZYMVOL  website: https://zymvol.com/ ZYMVOL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zymvol/ Maria Fatima Lucas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatimalucas/ 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/

    38 min

  5. 09/23/2025

    Winning Back Trust in Alternative Protein

    Can alternative protein earn back meat-eaters’ trust? At Prime Roots, CEO Kimberlie Le believes the answer lies in reinventing the deli—one of the most consumed, and most distrusted, meat categories. Using koji mycelium and chef-led formulation, Prime Roots has developed clean-label deli meats that meat-eaters often prefer in blind taste tests. In this episode, we break down how their ingredient simplicity, category focus, and manufacturing efficiency unlock a more scalable, credible path for the future of food. Tune in to learn how Prime Roots is rebuilding belief in alternative protein—one deli cut at a time.. --- 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 – The trust gap in alt-protein 01:12 – Kimberlie’s flexitarian roots 05:36 – Why the deli—not burgers 08:12 – Koji fermentation and clean labels 10:16 – Rebuilding trust through taste 14:01 – Blind taste test wins 18:39 – Product lineup: ham to salami 23:26 – Distribution and go-to-market 28:18 – Scaling with margin discipline Useful links: Prime Roots  website: https://www.primeroots.com/ Prime Root’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primeroots/ Kimberlie Li LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberliele/ 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/

    39 min

  6. 09/09/2025

    Getting the Economics of Carbon Capture Right

    Direct air capture has long been too costly and energy-intensive to scale. But economist Ethan Cohen‑Cole is changing the equation. As CEO of Capture6, he’s embedding carbon removal into water infrastructure—cutting brine disposal costs, generating fresh water, and mineralizing CO₂ in one modular system. In this episode, Ethan shares how Capture6 is turning industrial waste into a climate asset by avoiding energy-intensive heat steps and integrating directly into existing desalination and wastewater systems. Learn how this approach flips the economic model of carbon removal—unlocking cost-effective, globally scalable projects that don’t rely on subsidies or voluntary carbon markets.  Tune in to hear how better economics make carbon capture viable. --- 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: 00:56 – Why removals must scale 01:28 – From economist to climate founder 05:09 – What makes DAC expensive 10:18 – Capture6’s unique solution 13:01 – Brine as feedstock 16:59 – Rethinking carbon economics 20:46 – Storage, value, and durability 27:23 – Scaling through replication 31:25 – Project execution + capex 35:16 – Vision for global impact Useful links: Capture6 website: https://capture6.com/ Capture6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capture6/ Ethan Cohen-Cole’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecohencole/ 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/

    39 min

  7. 09/02/2025

    Scaling the World’s First Zero-Emission Metals Company

    What if the clean energy transition is built on one of the dirtiest secrets in industry—rare earth metals? They power EVs, AI, and defense systems, yet most are processed overseas with toxic, outdated methods. In this episode, Nicholas Myers, CEO of Phoenix Tailings, shares how his company is transforming mining waste into a clean, domestic source of critical materials. From backyard prototypes to pioneering world-first predictive complexation, Nick shares the grit, innovation, and vision it takes to scale deep tech in one of the world’s most entrenched industries—and why zero-waste, zero-emission metals are vital for both energy security and the environment.  Tune in to hear how backyard experiments grew into a global metals revolution. --- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!  Check out Leaders on a Mission, where I interview climate tech leaders shaking up the industry and bringing us the next wave of 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. 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: 00:58 – Nick’s unconventional journey 04:17 – Backyard experiments begin 07:22 – Tackling mining waste 11:23 – Predictive complexation breakthrough 13:40 – AI in metallurgy 17:04 – US-China supply chain exposure 19:15 – Scaling defense capacity 22:56 – Financing beyond VC 25:05 – Rare earths in production 28:27 – Lessons from fundraising 31:43 – The three-year IPO vision 33:35 – Building high-performance teams 38:31 – Values that drive Phoenix Tailings Useful links: Phoenix Tailings website: https://phoenixtailings.com/ Phoenix Tailings LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenixtailings/ Nicholas Myers  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholaswilliammyers/ 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/

    41 min

  8. 08/19/2025

    Engineering Color: Reinventing Dyes with Microbes

    What if one of the world’s dirtiest industrial processes could be reinvented—by microbes? Textile dyeing causes 20% of global water pollution, but Colorifix CEO Orr Yarkoni is flipping the script. In this episode, he explains how engineered microbes are replacing toxic dye chemicals with clean, modular, biological systems. Learn how Colorifix built a scalable, sustainable solution for color production—cutting carbon, chemicals, and water use—while tackling global supply chains and navigating complex GMO regulations.  Tune in as biology rewrites the future of fashion. --- 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: 00:56 – Biology vs. chemical dyeing 04:07 – Origins: arsenic biosensor to fashion 07:22 – Why textile dyeing is broken 12:05 – Mapping the supply chain 19:36 – Modular bioreactors for scale 23:44 – Fermentation hardware breakthrough 28:15 – The challenge of making black 32:44 – Strategic backing from IKEA & H&M 34:54 – Scaling globally, sustainably 40:44 – GMO regulation bottlenecks Useful links:  Colorfix website: https://www.colorifix.com/ Colorfix’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/colorfix/ Orr Yarkoni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orr-yarkoni-48653095/ 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/

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Discussions with leaders with a clear mission of creating a healthier world in today’s most innovative startups across FoodTech, AgTech (Agritech), Synbio, Sustainability, Climate Tech, and Clean Tech. Learn more about precision fermentation, cellular agriculture, alternative proteins, crop protection, biologicals, protein expression systems, carbon capture, plant health, precision agriculture, bioinformatics, human nutrition and what it takes to successfully scale your business in this budding sector.

Information

  • Creator
    Simon Leich
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    144
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Leaders on a Mission
  • Show Website
    Leaders on a Mission