SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability

Sven Steinert
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The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is the ultimate resource for sustainability professionals aiming to drive impactful environmental initiatives and change. Hosted by Sven Steinert, CEO of SUSTAINX and Managing Partner at H&Z Management Consulting, this show cuts right to the core of the sustainability agenda.Join Sven as he engages with global leaders and experts to explore pressing topics including decarbonisation, circular business models, transformational leadership, and more. Each episode delivers in-depth insights on how to integrate and advance sustainability within various sectors, offering listeners the latest in innovative solutions, current best practices, and collaborative strategies from around the world.Tune in to SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability to learn from a community of thought leaders and change-makers, all dedicated to forging a sustainable future. Discover powerful narratives, expert analyses, and transformative ideas that will empower you to innovate in the realm of sustainability. Whether you’re a high-level executive, a sustainability specialist, or a passionate advocate for environmental change, this podcast is your guide towards a sustainable future.   

  1. Ep. 23 - Why Longevity Is the Most Powerful Sustainability Lever in Electronics - with Monique Lempers

    FEB 10

    Ep. 23 - Why Longevity Is the Most Powerful Sustainability Lever in Electronics - with Monique Lempers

    The most radical thing a smartphone company can do is stop pushing upgrades. Monique Lempers, Chief Impact Officer at Fairphone, joins Sven Steinert to explore what it takes to build a responsible electronics business in an industry driven by short lifecycles and constant replacement. Monique explains how Fairphone treats longevity as a core KPI, designing smartphones to last through modular hardware and long software support. But extending product life is only the starting point. The deeper challenge sits in the value chain, where minerals are mined, processed, and too often left out of the sustainability conversation. Together, they unpack why responsible electronics can’t be fixed with audits or isolated supplier standards. Monique explains why Fairphone chose a minerals book-and-claim model, a pragmatic way to take responsibility for mining impacts where physical control ends. She also challenges simplistic ideas of circularity, arguing that durability, circular design, and responsible mining must move forward together. You’ll learn: 1. Why breaking the upgrade cycle is a strategic sustainability lever 2. How Fairphone uses longevity as a core business KPI 3. Why collaboration matters more than supplier standards 4. How minerals book-and-claim works when traceability fails 5. Why circular electronics is a long game, not a quick win ___________ Get in touch with Monique Lempers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-lempers-b430822/ ___________ About the host Sven Steinert: Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Managing Partner at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life. Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/ Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at osapeers.org. ___________ The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.

    59 min
  2. Ep. 22 – Why Ammonia Is the Missing Puzzle Piece in Europe’s Hydrogen Strategy – with Dr. Ralph Kleinschmidt & Susanne Thöle

    JAN 7

    Ep. 22 – Why Ammonia Is the Missing Puzzle Piece in Europe’s Hydrogen Strategy – with Dr. Ralph Kleinschmidt & Susanne Thöle

    How does a lighthouse hydrogen project turn a chicken-and-egg dilemma into a bankable business case? In this episode, host Sven Steinert speaks with Dr. Ralph Kleinschmidt, Global Head of Technology and Innovation at thyssenkrupp Uhde, and Susanne Thöle, Director Hydrogen at Uniper. Together, they zoom in on one such project: an ammonia cracker that turns imported ammonia into hydrogen for Europe’s energy-intensive industries. Ralph and Susanne unpack why hydrogen is essential for hard-to-electrify sectors, why domestic production is not enough, and how ammonia cracking can plug the gap by using existing infrastructure. They walk through the design of their demo plant, and what it takes for two industry heavyweights to share risk, build trust and navigate regulation on the way from pilot to full-scale deployment. You'll learn: 1. How to think about hydrogen’s role in hard-to-abate sectors 2. Why ammonia can unlock investable global hydrogen imports 3. How to design lighthouse pilots that are built to scale 4. How to structure climate partnerships between industrial leaders 5. How to work with regulation and risk without stalling innovation ___________ Get in touch with Dr. Ralph Kleinschmidt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-dr-kleinschmidt/ Get in touch with Susanne Thöle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-thöle-229b717b/ ___________ About the host Sven Steinert: Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Managing Partner at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life. Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/ Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at osapeers.org. ___________ The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.

    54 min
  3. Ep. 21 – Sustainability as a Service: Redefining What’s Possible in Pharma – with Arne Kloke

    12/10/2025

    Ep. 21 – Sustainability as a Service: Redefining What’s Possible in Pharma – with Arne Kloke

    The future of sustainability lies in treating it as a service that creates value for customers, business, and the wider ecosystem. In this episode, host Sven Steinert speaks with Arne Kloke, Head of Sustainability and Service Management at SCHOTT Pharma. Arne shares how he and his team integrate sustainability into daily business practice, turning it from a reporting task into a driver of innovation and measurable impact. He explains how SCHOTT Pharma is pushing boundaries with its circular packaging initiative, proving that recycled materials can meet the highest industry standards while staying cost-neutral and significantly reducing emissions. The discussion also explores the Alliance to Zero, a collaboration of eight partners across the pharma supply chain. Arne reveals how collective action helps simplify processes, cut waste, and scale sustainable solutions across the industry. You’ll learn: 1. How to embed sustainability as a customer-focused service model 2. How to turn regulatory limits into opportunities for innovation 3. How to design cost-neutral solutions with real carbon gains 4. How value-chain collaboration accelerates scale and adoption 5. How to link sustainability outcomes to credible business value ___________ Get in touch with Arne Kloke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arne-kloke-669790140/ ___________ About the host Sven Steinert: Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Managing Partner at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life. Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/ Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at osapeers.org. ___________ The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.

    57 min
  4. Ep. 20 – How Danfoss Built on Its Hydraulics Core for an Electrified, Sustainable Future – with Dr. Andreas Schumacher

    11/19/2025

    Ep. 20 – How Danfoss Built on Its Hydraulics Core for an Electrified, Sustainable Future – with Dr. Andreas Schumacher

    What happens when a global hydraulics leader integrates new power solutions for a decarbonising world? In this episode, host Sven Steinert speaks with Dr. Andreas Schumacher, Head of Sustainability and Product Compliance at Danfoss Power Solutions. More than a decade ago, Danfoss recognised that relying solely on hydraulics could limit its future growth perspective. The company made a bold early move into electrification, building a complementary business line while safeguarding its core. Today, that decision has become a cornerstone of Danfoss’ long-term sustainability strategy. Andreas shares how the transition unfolded inside the organisation, how leaders managed uncertainty and resistance, and why embedding sustainability through meaningful KPIs is key to maintaining momentum for the sustainability strategy. You'll learn: 1. Why electrification is central to Danfoss’ long-term business strategy 2. How to steer organisational change in a technology-driven company 3. Ways to balance legacy operations with new, sustainable solutions 4. How to embed KPIs that drive real sustainability outcomes 5. Why patience and persistence keep long-term transformations on track ___________ Get in touch with Dr. Andreas Schumacher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-andreas-schumacher-463052290/ ___________ About the host Sven Steinert: Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Managing Partner at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life. Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/ Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at osapeers.org. ___________ The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.

    1h 8m
  5. Ep. 19 – Why Climate Risks Matter for Health Insurers – with Hanna Krayer

    10/29/2025

    Ep. 19 – Why Climate Risks Matter for Health Insurers – with Hanna Krayer

    When climate change drives health risks, insurers can’t afford to stand still. In this episode, host Sven Steinert welcomes Hanna Krayer, Head of Sustainability at Helsana, Switzerland’s largest health insurer. Hanna explains why sustainability is inseparable from health, how climate change poses strategic and financial risks, and what it takes to embed sustainability into corporate strategy. She shares how Helsana made sustainability a top corporate goal, secured executive backing, and adopted a pragmatic KPI to track progress. Beyond compliance, Hanna reflects on resilience, credibility, and the leadership mindset needed to drive sustainability in a regulated industry. You'll learn: 1. Why climate change is both a health and financial risk for insurers 2. How Helsana embedded sustainability into corporate strategy 3. Why timing and simplicity are crucial for leadership buy-in 4. How one KPI can steer company-wide sustainability progress 5. What resilience and realism mean for today’s sustainability leaders ___________ Get in touch with Hanna Krayer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanna-krayer-53305b50/ ___________ About the host Sven Steinert: Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Managing Partner at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life. Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/ Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at osapeers.org. ___________ The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.

    54 min
  6. Ep. 18 - Forget Perfection: Why “Good Enough” Moves Sustainability Forward - with Sebastian Schwarz

    10/01/2025

    Ep. 18 - Forget Perfection: Why “Good Enough” Moves Sustainability Forward - with Sebastian Schwarz

    Is “good enough” the key to real sustainability? In this episode, host Sven Steinert welcomes Sebastian Schwarz, Head of Sustainability at REMONDIS Group, who champions pragmatic idealism over perfectionism. Sebastian argues that the term “sustainability” is overused, and urges leaders to focus on what counts: reducing CO₂, saving energy, and achieving measurable results. With REMONDIS’s eight decades in the recycling industry, Sebastian shares how a decentralised culture drives real buy-in and why collaboration with recyclers is essential for building a truly circular economy. He also explains how practical KPIs and a business-first mindset can transform sustainability from a reporting exercise into lasting resilience and innovation. You'll learn: 1. Why “sustainability” needs to be made tangible and relevant for business 2. How REMONDIS defines and implements actionable KPIs 3. The critical role of recycling in circular economy 4. How culture, networks, and pragmatic leadership unlock buy-in 5. Why material qualities matter more than their origin ___________ Get in touch with Sebastian Schwarz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-schwarz-413a5a55/ ___________ About the host Sven Steinert: Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Managing Partner at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life. Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/ Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at osapeers.org. ___________ The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.

    53 min
  7. Ep. 17 - Beyond Data: How TAKKT Group Connects People for Real Sustainability - with Sabrina Raith

    09/03/2025

    Ep. 17 - Beyond Data: How TAKKT Group Connects People for Real Sustainability - with Sabrina Raith

    Making sustainability work isn’t just about numbers. It’s about building the right relationships, across every level of a group. In this episode, host Sven Steinert sits down with Sabrina Raith, Head of Sustainability at TAKKT Group, to explore how real sustainability transformation happens in a diverse, multi-company setting. Sabrina shares why robust data and clear frameworks are essential, but reveals that true progress depends on connecting people, empowering local ambassadors, and creating buy-in across business units and functions. From Scope 3 emissions and procurement’s pivotal role, to motivating teams and shifting organisational mindsets, she explains how collaboration, trust, and continuous dialogue make sustainability stick for the long term. You'll learn: 1. How to activate a network of sustainability ambassadors across business units 2. Why solid Scope 3 data is critical for real impact 3. How procurement can become a driver of carbon reduction 4. What it takes to motivate teams and shift organisational mindsets 5. The role of ongoing education and relationship-building in change management ___________ Get in touch with Sabrina Raith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrina-raith-1b5168aa/ ___________ About the host Sven Steinert: Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Partner and Sustainability Lead at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life. Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/ Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at osapeers.org. ___________ The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.

    48 min
  8. Ep. 16 - Sustainable Business in Medical and Safety Technology: A Boardroom Perspective - with Stefanie Hirsch

    08/06/2025

    Ep. 16 - Sustainable Business in Medical and Safety Technology: A Boardroom Perspective - with Stefanie Hirsch

    From board-level commitment to frontline action, sustainability is powering resilience and innovation at Dräger. In this episode, host Sven Steinert welcomes Stefanie Hirsch, Chief Sustainability & Quality Officer and Executive Board Member at Dräger, to explore what sustainable transformation looks like when it’s driven from the top. Stefanie explains why regulatory compliance is no longer enough—customers now expect concrete action: more recycled materials, lower CO₂ emissions, and real pathways to net zero. From Dräger’s circular economy initiatives and the challenges of reverse logistics, to embedding sustainability across the organisation and innovating in product design, Stefanie unpacks the realities of driving impact in global medical and safety technology. She also shares how Dräger is rethinking energy efficiency, reducing supply chain emissions, and why internal alignment is just as critical as meeting external stakeholder demands. You'll learn: 1. Why customer demands now rival regulations in driving sustainability at Dräger 2. How Dräger is building a circular economy—despite logistical and regulatory hurdles 3. What it takes to embed sustainability throughout a global organisation 4. How product design and supply chain drive decarbonisation and energy efficiency 5. The crucial role of leadership and cross-functional buy-in in sustainable transformation Get in touch with Stefanie Hirsch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanie-hirsch-germany/ ___________ About the host Sven Steinert: Sven Steinert is the CEO of SUSTAINX | The Sustainability Leaders Community, and Partner and Sustainability Lead at H&Z Management Consulting. To Sven, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s about making real changes for a sustainable future. His goal is to help companies reduce their environmental footprint and embrace circularity. Sven is passionate about ice hockey, and exploring new cultures to enrich his understanding of the world and diverse ways of life. Get in touch with Sven Steinert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svensteinert/ Want to connect with like-minded sustainability professionals in a collaborative space? Join our online community at osapeers.org. ___________ The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.

    45 min
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About

The SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability Podcast is the ultimate resource for sustainability professionals aiming to drive impactful environmental initiatives and change. Hosted by Sven Steinert, CEO of SUSTAINX and Managing Partner at H&Z Management Consulting, this show cuts right to the core of the sustainability agenda.Join Sven as he engages with global leaders and experts to explore pressing topics including decarbonisation, circular business models, transformational leadership, and more. Each episode delivers in-depth insights on how to integrate and advance sustainability within various sectors, offering listeners the latest in innovative solutions, current best practices, and collaborative strategies from around the world.Tune in to SUSTAINX: Leaders in Sustainability to learn from a community of thought leaders and change-makers, all dedicated to forging a sustainable future. Discover powerful narratives, expert analyses, and transformative ideas that will empower you to innovate in the realm of sustainability. Whether you’re a high-level executive, a sustainability specialist, or a passionate advocate for environmental change, this podcast is your guide towards a sustainable future.   

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