Moved

Gary Watts

The podcast of 289 people inspiring change. Conversations with people driven to make an impact whether related to the UN Global Goals, other frameworks for impact, or simply their own vision to improve society and the planet. We speak with the people doing the great work, leaders and changemakers, and learn what shaped them, along with what advice they have for listeners. The project is to speak with 289 people - will you be one of them?

Episodes

  1. #7 | Moved by Nature’s Blueprint | James Ehrlich

    17/12/2025

    #7 | Moved by Nature’s Blueprint | James Ehrlich

    In this episode, Gary Watts speaks with James Ehrlich about redesigning how we live through regenerative systems, data, and deep listening to the land. James shares how soil health, mycelial networks and edge AI come together in VillageOS™, and why giving the land a “voice” through generative AI could change how we understand natural resource flows, climate potential and what a place can sustain. James Ehrlich is Director of Compassionate Sustainability at the Stanford University School of Medicine at the Center for Compassion Altruism Research and Education (CCARE), is also appointed affiliate to the Stanford Woods Institute for Human and Planetary Health, a Sr. Fellow and NASA Ames Research Center, and Founder of ReGen Villages, a Stanford spin-off company applying AI and machine learning software for the design and operation of resilient and self-sustainable housing developments around the world. “How do we give the land a voice?” Connect & Learn More ReGen Villages: https://www.regenvillages.com/ https://www.instagram.com/regenvillages/ VillageOS™: https://www.villageos.ai/ James Ehrlich (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-ehrlich-regen/ Dr Rudolph Steiner (1861-1925) https://www.biodynamics.com/biodynamic-principles-and-practices R. Buckminster Fuller (1895–1983) https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/visionaries-of-regenerative-design-iii-r-buckminster-fuller-1895-1983-51ada798f11 Bill Mollison (1928-2016) https://permaculturedesign.org/bill-mollison-the-permaculture-founder/ Doeer School of Sustainability https://sustainability.stanford.edu/ Professor Martin Fischer https://gpc.stanford.edu/people/martin-fischer NASA Ames Research Center https://www.nasa.gov/ames/

    1h 13m
  2. #4 | Moved by Greener Choices | Trewin Restorick

    11/11/2025

    #4 | Moved by Greener Choices | Trewin Restorick

    In this episode, Gary Watts welcomes Trewin Restorick, a leading voice in sustainable innovation, to discuss his journey from Friends of the Earth to founding Hubbub and his latest venture, Sizzle. This episode explores practical, fun and engaging approaches to environmental action and the future of sustainability in the UK. Takeaways: Start where people are – not with overwhelming environmental messages.Make sustainability fun and relatable to reach wider audiences.Playfulness drives engagement and normalises sustainable habits.Community-led initiatives (like fridges) create lasting local impact.Social diffusion – group influence – is key to lasting behaviour change.Reframing climate action as national resilience could depoliticise sustainability.Overconsumption, especially fast fashion, remains a massive challenge.Circular products like Wonderfuel compost show the power of turning waste into value.Don’t lose hope – small steps in food and consumption choices add up. Sound Bites“You always have to start from where people are, rather than that big environmental message.”“It’s exhausting to be told bad news all the time.”“If food waste was a country, it would be the third biggest carbon dioxide–emitting nation in the world.”“You can’t argue that food waste is good — it’s bad environmentally, financially, and socially.”“True community action means giving people the resources and confidence to do things themselves.”“Social diffusion — get the singers to sing loudly, and everyone else will join in.”“We need to stop talking about net zero and start talking about national resilience.”“We’re destroying one of our most important ecosystems when we could make a better, sustainable alternative.”“Any small step is part of the bigger change — start in the kitchen.” Chapters 00:00 – Change Doesn’t Wait (Intro)01:11 – From Friends of the Earth to Sizzle03:35 – Discovering the Power of Practical Action05:59 – Starting Where People Are07:50 – Fun Campaigns: Ballot Bins & Behavioural Nudges10:49 – Founding Hubbub and Early Challenges12:55 – Why Playful Engagement Works15:30 – The Success of Community Fridges19:18 – The Oldham Alleyway Project: Lessons & Limits22:29 – Understanding Human Behaviour & Social Diffusion27:28 – Family, Influence and Collaboration29:38 – The UK’s Leadership (and Retreat) on Sustainability34:21 – From Net Zero to National Resilience36:34 – Can Playfulness Build Resilience?38:49 – Tackling Overconsumption & Fast Fashion41:37 – Launching Sizzle and Wonderfuel Compost47:43 – Advice for Aspiring Sustainability Professionals49:52 – Practical Steps: Small Actions, Big Impact51:22 – Looking Ahead and How to Connect 🌿 Connect with Trewin & His WorkLearn more about Trewin’s projects and practical approaches to sustainability: 🌱 Treasure Gardening & Wonderfuel Compost: https://www.treasuregardening.co.uk🔥 Sizzle: https://www.sizzle.org.uk♻️ Hubbub: https://www.hubbub.org.uk🔄 Recorra (Recycling Business): a href="https://www.recorra.co.uk"...

    53 min
  3. #3 | Moved by Purpose and Resilience | Gary Watts Reverse Interviewed

    28/10/2025

    #3 | Moved by Purpose and Resilience | Gary Watts Reverse Interviewed

    In the third episode of the Moved podcast, the tables are turned. Guest host Mishal Noor interviews Gary Watts, founder and host of Moved. Gary shares the story behind the podcast, why he believes obstacles define us and how his journey through coaching, leadership and change led to founding Obstackl. The conversation explores Gary’s career background, his approach to coaching and transformation, and why he believes obstacles are defining moments. Mishal draws out reflections on leadership, curiosity and the future vision for Moved.  Takeaways:Consulting at its best attracts the brightest minds and leaves lasting capability.Purpose is personal and powerful when aligned with your work.The UN SDGs remain a work of art and a source of inspiration despite headwinds.Obstacles can shape us even more than successes.Values are observational not aspirational and you need to not do the opposite.The idea for Moved grew from a desire to highlight stories of change and resilience.Collaboration and dialogue sit at the heart of Gary’s work.The future of Moved is about amplifying diverse voices and perspectives. Sound Bites"Purpose comes first, the vision comes second, the strategy comes after, then the people.""You become, usually stronger, as a result of obstacles.""Painting a picture of where you're going, is really, really important.""People rightly hold you to high standards and values. When you come to them, you have to really mean it.""It's a basic human need, to feel safe.""Moved is on one level factual and exploratory, on another level, emotional." Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Role Reversal02:23 – Gary’s Background and Early Influences05:00 – Consulting and the Origins of Obstackl08:37 – Purpose and Alignment11:35 – The Power of the UN SDGs15:16 – The Story Behind the Name Obstackl17:52 – The Hardest Obstacles in Gary’s Professional Journey20:19 – Navigating People and Change23:31 – Which of the 17 SDGs Resonates Most25:48 – The Aim for the Podcast27:04 – Closing Comments with Mishal Connect with Gary & ObstacklObstackl Website: [obstackl.com]Gary Watts on LinkedIn: [linkedin.com/in/garywatts]Moved Website :[movedpod.com]

    28 min
  4. #2 | Moved by Net Zero | David Hawes

    14/10/2025

    #2 | Moved by Net Zero | David Hawes

    In this episode of the podcast, Gary Watts speaks with David Hawes, co-founder and director of Net Zero International. They discuss the journey of David from a corporate career to establishing a business focused on helping organisations measure and reduce their carbon footprint. The conversation delves into the concept of net zero, the UK's progress towards achieving it, and the importance of cultural change within organisations. David shares success stories, the significance of education and training in sustainability, and encourages individuals to take small actions that collectively make a significant impact on climate change. Takeaways: David Hawes transitioned from a corporate career to focus on sustainability.Net Zero is about reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change.The UK was a pioneer in making net zero a legal requirement.Cultural change within organisations is crucial for sustainability efforts.Small individual actions can lead to significant collective impact.Education and training are essential for promoting sustainable business practices.The cost of inaction on climate change is greater than the cost of action.Businesses can save money and improve efficiency by adopting sustainable practices.The circular economy is key to reducing waste and improving resource use.Engaging employees in sustainability initiatives can enhance company culture. Sound Bites"We are starting to see societal things change.""It's got to make business sense." Chapters00:00 – Introduction and Background02:29 – David Hawes: Journey to Net Zero International05:41 – Understanding Net Zero: Definition and Importance07:44 – Personal Reflections on Climate Change and Responsibility08:32 – The UK's Progress Towards Net Zero14:32 – The Polarisation of Net Zero18:23 – The Impact of the Paris Agreement20:52 – Embedding Climate Action in Business Culture27:01 – Leadership and Engagement in Sustainability30:36 – Education and Professional Development in Sustainability33:56 – Empowering Individuals to Make a Difference Connect with David & Net Zero InternationalNet Zero International: https://netzero.international/David Hawes on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidwhawes

    41 min
  5. #1 | Moved by Micro & Small Businesses | Jill Poet

    30/09/2025

    #1 | Moved by Micro & Small Businesses | Jill Poet

    In this first episode of the Moved podcast, host Gary Watts speaks with Jill Poet, social entrepreneur and co-founder of the Organisation for Responsible Businesses (ORB). Jill shares her journey of championing micro businesses and ethical practices, the challenges she faced in the early days of ORB, and the importance of engaging small businesses in social responsibility. The conversation touches on the wider societal impact of small businesses, the decision to gift ORB to its members, and Jill’s book It Really Is Just Good Business. We close with her advice for small businesses and her aspirations for the future of ORB. Takeaways: Jill’s management accountancy background shaped her approach to small business.Micro and small businesses have outsized potential for social and environmental impact.Traditional CSR overlooks the realities of small businesses.A holistic ESG approach is vital for engaging micro businesses.The early days of ORB demanded resilience and belief in the mission.Gifting ORB to its members protected its legacy and purpose.Ethical practice and profitability can go hand in hand.Small steps matter in creating big change.Recognising the good in the world helps counter negativity.Jill’s aspiration: grow the ORB community and support for small businesses. Book Link:It Really Is Just Good Business by Jill Poet — The Art of Operating a Responsible, Ethical, AND PROFITABLE Small Business Simon & Schuster Sound Bites“It was tough. It was so tough.”“We were far ahead of the field.”“It really is just good business.” Chapters00:00 – Introduction and Background03:27 – The Inspiration Behind ORB07:01 – Identifying the Gap in CSR for Small Businesses15:24 – Challenges in the Early Days of ORB23:13 – The Growth and Community of ORB25:58 – Gifting ORB to Its Members29:43 – The Book: It Really Is Just Good Business33:03 – Advice for Small Businesses36:03 – Future Aspirations for ORB Connect with Jill & ORBORB Website: orbuk.org.ukJill Poet on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jillpoet

    38 min
  6. #0 | Moved: The Journey Starts Here

    24/09/2025

    #0 | Moved: The Journey Starts Here

    Welcome to Episode Zero of Moved. This short intro explains why the podcast exists, why the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) inspired it and what you can expect in the conversations ahead. Through his career, host Gary Watts has worked across industries and sectors, but always felt most alive when there was a mission at play. In 2025 he founded Obstackl, a consultancy and coaching company focused on impact. The idea: build around people and organisations tackling the world’s biggest challenges. The UN’s Global Goals, adopted at the Sustainable Development Summit in New York in September 2015, remain the world’s best plan for progress. Ten years on, they’re still inspiring, collective and deeply human. This podcast is Obstackl’s way of speaking with the people doing the great work, whether relating to the UN SDGs, other impact frameworks, or their own vision. Leaders and changemakers in business, academia, the public sector and third sector. Moved will be factual and exploratory on one level, and emotional on another. A stock take in slow-motion.Sometimes joined by Mishal Noor, Gary will explore what impact means today and where we can go next. 🎙️ Episode 0 includes a re-voiced excerpt from the UN’s Global Goals campaign, originally voiced by Al Pacino. The official video is linked below. The Global Goals and inspiration for MovedThe Global Goals https://globalgoals.org/Global Goals campaign video featuring Al Pacino https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUvTgVTm5iE&t=6s United Nations Sustainable Development Summit https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post2015/summitMoved Pod https://movedpod.com/Obstackl https://www.obstackl.com/

    10 min

About

The podcast of 289 people inspiring change. Conversations with people driven to make an impact whether related to the UN Global Goals, other frameworks for impact, or simply their own vision to improve society and the planet. We speak with the people doing the great work, leaders and changemakers, and learn what shaped them, along with what advice they have for listeners. The project is to speak with 289 people - will you be one of them?