Consensus in Conversation

Conor Gaughan
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Consensus in Conversation

Welcome to Consensus in Conversation, a new podcast hosted by Conor Gaughan where we talk to innovators and entrepreneurs who have built great businesses and careers that do well while doing good. A rich life is so much more than a unicorn start-up going public. The true unicorns are those living fulfilling lives doing what they love AND making it to their kid’s games. This podcast is an opportunity to talk to inspiring leaders, job creators, innovators, and problem solvers – people across the country who are making the world a better place and more sustainable place, while successfully making good money. Join the conversation and enjoy a new episode every Thursday!

  1. Rinaldo Brutoco of World Business Academy on Consumer Law, Merchant Banks, and the Impact of Pay TV

    HACE 17 MIN

    Rinaldo Brutoco of World Business Academy on Consumer Law, Merchant Banks, and the Impact of Pay TV

    How can business solve humanity’s most significant challenges? Why is business the best vehicle to solve them?  For the last 35 years, Rinaldo Brutoco has devoted himself to asking – and answering – these crucial questions. The founding president of nonprofit think (and do!) tank the World Business Academy (WBA) and founder and CEO of green hydrogen transportation firm H2 Clipper (H2C), Rinaldo is a trailblazer in both the theory and practice of sustainable business solutions.  Rinaldo graduated from Santa Clara University with degrees in economics and philosophy and later received a J.D. from UCLA School of Law in 1971. His career has had many remarkable turns – pioneer in consumer law, Inc. 500 CEO, author, lecturer, and co-founder of the world’s first paid cable TV company. Behind all these turns was an unshakeable conviction that business could – must – be a force for good, driving Rinaldo to found the WBA in 1987 to explore the role of business in addressing serious moral, environmental, and social issues around the world. The think tank has since been responsible for initiatives like the Optimist Daily newsletter, Safe Energy Project, Global Citizen’s Club, and the New Business Paradigms podcast.  As of 2011, Rinaldo has been practicing what he has preached with the launch of H2C, a firm pioneering a low cost, effective, end-to-end transport and distribution system for green hydrogen. Its revolutionary approach  tackles the biggest obstacle to the widespread adoption of hydrogen while also producing a scalable, carbon-free alternative to fossil fuels that’s powered by Rinaldo’s patented generative AI manufacturing technology.  Hear Rinaldo talk about his unique path to clean energy visionary, the importance of teaching entrepreneurship as a noble profession, and why paid cable was a source of good for the world. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Rinaldo Brutoco on the rise of pay TV00:49 Conor Gaughan introduces Rinaldo, WBA, and H2 Clipper04:38 Entrepreneurial interests, UCLA law, Nader's Raiders17:09 Businesses for good, meditation, third party perspectives 25:16 Launching paid cable, having a vision, pitching investors34:55 Modern entertainment, generative A.I, merchant banking46:53 Creating impact, shareholder motivation, finding inspiration51:50 Where to learn more and end credits If you liked this episode, listen next to Ben Bressler of Natural Habitat Adventures on Nature, Travel, and Pursuing Your Passion More on Rinaldo Brutoco, World Business Academy, and H2 Clipper: linkedin.com/company/world-business-academy linkedin.com/company/h2clipper linkedin.com/in/rinaldo-brutoco-b052a2 optimistdaily.com  Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference! Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in...

    54 min
  2. Steve Magami of Agrovision on Global Microclimates, Long-Term Success, and Billion Dollar Berries

    14 NOV

    Steve Magami of Agrovision on Global Microclimates, Long-Term Success, and Billion Dollar Berries

    Agrovision, a global leader in superfruits, is on a mission to make the healthiest snacks the most enjoyable, by utilizing a cutting edge blend of genetic research, freshness technology, and – most importantly – perfectly-suited agricultural locations to supply more consistent, nutritious, and incredible tasting berries year-round through their Fruitist label. That “vision,” in Agrovision, comes in part from co-founder and executive chairman Steve Magami, who grew up in a health-conscious family surrounded by California’s citrus orchards. Steve graduated the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in biology and worked as a private equity investor at Lovell Minnick Partners, where a plan for a potential biofuel business took him on a trip to Peru that would change his trajectory forever. The biofuel didn’t end up panning out, but Steve saw firsthand how advantageous Peru’s climate and infrastructure development plans were for agriculture, and co-founded Agrovision in 2012 as a vertically integrated produce operation to seize this unique opportunity. Agrovision, now one of Peru’s top exporters, employs over 15,000 field workers in Peru alone, more than half of whom are women, and has supported local communities with meaningful investments in education, transportation and healthcare infrastructure. Since its first commercial harvest in 2015, the firm has added thousands of acres of farmland in 8 countries around the globe, and now sells its high-quality berries to consumer markets across North America, Europe, and Asia. Today, Agrovision is one of America’s fastest growing companies, officially achieving a “Unicorn” valuation earlier this year – no small feat for an ag tech company! Hear Steve talk about recognizing “perfect storms” of opportunity like the one he found in Peru, how businesses can be responsible partners in developing economies, and why redefining healthy snacking could impact the world for the better. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Steve Magami on his first aha moment 00:53 Conor Gaughan introduces Steve and Agrovision05:08 California upbringing, venture capital, and clean tech12:51 Peru, myth vs reality, and the origin of Agrovision 18:10 The business model, risk management, and microclimates22:50 An outsider mentality, building trust, and transformative irrigation 28:37 Agrovision today, the superfruit industry, and raising capital38:08 Sustainability, community programs, and finding optimism 44:41 Where to learn more and find Fruitist products near you45:50 Conclusion and end credits If you liked this episode, listen next to Matt Ryan of Soli Organic on Indoor Organics, Carbon-free Fertilizer, and the Ag Tech Revolution More on Steve Magami and Agrovision: agrovisioncorp.com linkedin.com/company/agrovisioncorp linkedin.com/in/stevemagami Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone  Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a...

    47 min
  3. Brandon Welch of Mad Capital on Financing Farmers, Redefining Risk, and The Regenerative Revolution

    31 OCT

    Brandon Welch of Mad Capital on Financing Farmers, Redefining Risk, and The Regenerative Revolution

    Agriculture is poised for a regenerative revolution, and Mad Capital wants to finance it. Led by co-founder and CEO Brandon Welch, the firm provides customized, long-term financing for farmers transitioning to regenerative practices, bridging a gap that traditional banks have been hesitant to meet and accelerating the next generation of land stewardship and ecological restoration. Prior to Mad Capital, Brandon studied Environmental Science at the University of Vermont. An avid outdoorsman, cyclist, and backcountry hiker, Brandon’s adventures, including a coast-to-coast bike ride from Massachusetts to Oregon, have taken him all over the country and instilled a deep appreciation for Americans’ connection to their land. After landing in Colorado in 2017, Brandon helped launch Mad Agriculture to provide resources and support for farmers interested in transitioning to regenerative agriculture, and later joined the organization as Director of Capital. Brandon and Mad Executive Director Philip Taylor consistently heard regenerative farmers talk about how difficult it was to secure loans from traditional agricultural lenders, so the two co-founded Mad Capital to solve that problem. Since taking over as CEO of Mad Capital in 2022, Brandon has overseen the launch of the Perennial Fund II and is focused on making long-term impact at scale, deploying over $25 million to farmers on over 79,000 acres of land across 15 states. Hear Brandon talk about developing a passion for outdoor adventures, his mission to create a regenerative revolution in agriculture, and why Mad Capital’s radical approach to financing is so impactful for farmers, the environment, and our future. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Brandon Welch on the benefits of regenerative agriculture00:53 Conor Gaughan introduces Brandon and Mad Capital05:18 Gateway to the outdoors, environmental studies, and economics11:12 An impact-driven career, biking America, and traveling the country23:03 Founding Mad Capital, carbon sequestration, and financing farmers28:39 The regenerative revolution, the average process, and scaling strategically35:45 Mad’s approach as a lender, raising capital, and structural innovation 45:01 Transforming food systems, benefiting the environment, and finding optimism 52:02 Where to learn more about Mad Capital and connect with Brandon52:54 Conclusion and end credits If you liked this episode, listen next to Ron Hovsepian of Indigo Ag on Farming, Sustainability, and Technology More on Brandon Welch and Mad Capital: madcapital.com linkedin.com/company/mad-capital-pbc linkedin.com/in/brandonwelchmad Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference! Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

    54 min
  4. Dr. Bryan Staley of EREF on Managing Waste, Reducing Landfill Emissions, and The Science of Trash

    24 OCT

    Dr. Bryan Staley of EREF on Managing Waste, Reducing Landfill Emissions, and The Science of Trash

    Dr. Bryan Staley knows a thing or two about waste. In fact, the president and CEO of the Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF) is one of the world’s leading experts on sustainable waste management and landfill emissions, and he’s on a lifelong mission to help scientists, corporations, and individuals alike better understand the impact of what we throw away. For many of us, waste is one of the most immediate climate-adjacent issues, and one of the few that we can significantly influence as individuals. Installing solar panels or buying an EV may not be possible for everyone, but all of us have to take out the trash, and little contributions like knowing what can and can’t be recycled or thinking more carefully about what goes in our trash can add up to a big difference. And when individuals, companies, or even entire industries run into questions and concerns about how to best manage their waste, EREF is working hard to provide the answers. The non-profit sits at the intersection of science, business, and scholarship, advancing the circular economy and sustainable resource management through unbiased scientific research and education. Having begun as an EREF scholar himself, for the past 13 years Dr. Bryan Staley has led the foundation as it shapes our understanding of the science behind crucial issues like PFAs (aka forever chemicals), landfill methane capture, and even AI-powered recycling robots to help better manage waste and build a more sustainable world. Hear Bryan share how growing up on a farm taught him the importance of long-term planning, the complexities of how waste breaks down, and why EREF’s independent science is a critical tool for anyone committed to understanding and reducing their environmental impact. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Bryan Staley on measuring landfill emissions00:49 Conor Gaughan introduces Bryan and EREF05:53 Farming roots, patient planning, and academic trajectory11:06 Waste management, EREF, and eye-opening research programs18:04 Landfill emissions, turning methane into energy, and microbiology24:58 The origin of EREF, expanding the mission, and achieving circulatory 30:04 Core principles, balancing interests, and the science of waste disposal 38:41 Food waste, composting, and the challenge of circular textiles44:07 Innovations to watch and best practices for individual waste management51:37 Finding motivation, defeating defeatism, and remaining optimistic 55:21 Where to learn more56:13 End credits If you liked this episode, listen next to Matt Rogers of Mill Industries on Food Waste, Impactful Product Design, and Innovation. More on Dr. Bryan Staley and EREF: erefdn.orglinkedin.com/in/bryan-staley-b79b6738linkedin.com/company/environmental-research-and-education-foundation As mentioned in the episode, here is Bryan’s thesis, “Environmental and Spatial Factors Affecting Microbial Ecology and Metabolic Activity During the Initiation of Methanogenesis in Solid Waste.” Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and a href="http://threads.net/@ckgone" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    58 min
  5. Lauren Dunford of Guidewheel on Data-Driven Efficiency, Sustainable Factories, and Finding Champions

    17 OCT

    Lauren Dunford of Guidewheel on Data-Driven Efficiency, Sustainable Factories, and Finding Champions

    Data is one of the most critical, and underused, tools for combating climate change – the more information we have about our impact, the better decisions we can make towards managing it. Lauren Dunford, co-founder of revolutionary startup Guidewheel, is on a mission to place that tool in the hands of manufacturers, offering a unique, data-driven system for monitoring factory operations, reducing energy costs, and improving efficiency. CEO Lauren launched the startup in 2018 with co-founder and current CTO Weston McBride, leading Guidewheel’s development of its core product, the FactoryOps platform, a system they describe as “Fitbit for Factories.” With funding from major ESG players like Breakthrough Energy Ventures and the Decarbonization Partners fund, and brand name customers like Coca-Cola FEMSA and Igloo, Guidewheel’s cutting-edge approach to sustainable manufacturing operations is turning heads across the industry. Lauren received a degree in Sustainability in Global Environment and Health at Stanford, where she also co-founded the Stanford Green Fund and ran the Students for a Sustainable Stanford program. After completing a Fulbright scholarship studying supply chain in India, Lauren worked her way up to chief of staff at the B-Corp Revolution Foods, where she saw firsthand just how impactful data could be for operational efficiency and sustainability, developing the idea for what would soon become Guidewheel. Hear Lauren discuss her passion for studying environmental impact, why better data can help industries cut costs and bolster sustainability, and how the practical approach of picking low-hanging fruit could make a significant impact in the long run. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Lauren Dunford on adding sustainability into existing workflows00:52 Conor Gaughan introduces Lauren and Guidewheel04:28 Bay Area background, impact driven entrepreneurship, and Stanford 13:12 Fulbright Scholarship, Revolution Foods, and supply chain logistics 18:06 The lightbulb moment, business school, and launching Guidewheel26:00 The potential market, manufacturing inefficiencies, and hidden economies34:46 Adoption from big brands, pitching to investors, and implementing AI44:27 Aligning profit and purpose, the future of data, and defeating defeatism50:49 Exciting climate innovations and leaving a legacy53:30 Where to learn more and end credits If you liked this episode, listen next to Anne Coghlan of Scope3 on the Philosophy of Math, Decarbonized Media, and the Future of Digital Ads More on Lauren Dunford and Guidewheel: guidewheel.com linkedin.com/in/lauren-dunford-6887ab7 linkedin.com/company/guidewheel Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone  Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!  Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

    56 min
  6. Benjamin Stabler of Heart Aerospace on Hybrid Planes, Regional Aviation, and Democratizing Flight

    3 OCT

    Benjamin Stabler of Heart Aerospace on Hybrid Planes, Regional Aviation, and Democratizing Flight

    In the more than a century since humans first took to the skies with powered flight, still only about 20% of the world’s population has actually flown on an airplane. But that demand is on the rise, and air travel’s CO2 emissions are set to triple by 2050. So Benjamin Stabler and Heart Aerospace have a groundbreaking solution: decarbonize and democratize flight for all. Ben, who joined Heart as CTO earlier this year, has been leading technical work on the ES-30, an innovative, battery-electric hybrid regional aircraft. Heart Aerospace is building a system of decarbonized, short-haul aircrafts that are cheaper to operate and more energy-efficient than traditional air travel. Founded in 2019, the startup has raised over $140 million to date developing and scaling its revolutionary technology, which is not only more sustainable, but, given its significant reduction in direct operating costs per trip, potentially more profitable too, allowing for the development and revitalization of regional air travel networks that help create a more connected world. Prior to leading technical development for Heart’s newly established North American operations, Ben received an M.S. in electrical engineering from Stanford University, led software and hardware teams for the SpaceX Crew Dragon program, and co-founded Parallel Systems, an automated, battery-electric freight rail vehicle startup. Hear Ben talk about his lifelong love for aviation, how the ES-30 actually works, and why electrified, short-distance flights could change the future of aviation as we know it. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Benjamin Stabler on decarbonizing short distance flights 00:49 Conor Gaughan introduces Ben and Heart Aerospace05:28 Passion for airplanes, Stanford engineering, and SpaceX16:07 Origin of Heart Aerospace, joining as CTO, and electric aviation26:39 Hybrid electric regional aircraft, efficiency, and the U.S. markets30:17 Decarbonizing flight and democratizing air travel38:11 Rising aviation demand, the long-term horizon, and exciting climate tech45:43 Remaining optimistic and where to learn more49:48 End credits If you liked this episode, listen next to Forrest North and Jason Marks of TELO Trucks on EVs, Mini Pickups, and Autonomous Tech More on Ben Stabler and Heart Aerospace: linkedin.com/in/ben-stabler linkedin.com/company/heart-aerospace heartaerospace.com Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone  Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!  Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

    51 min
  7. Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson on Her New Book: What If We Get It Right? Visions Of Climate Futures

    26 SEPT

    Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson on Her New Book: What If We Get It Right? Visions Of Climate Futures

    Marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and teacher Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is in love with climate solutions, and her new book, What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures, offers a refreshing, inspiring look at what our best possible climate future could look like through contributions and conversations with leading voices in art, poetry, economics and science. Ayana studied environmental science and public policy at Harvard University, where she also forged a lifelong friendship with host Conor Gaughan. She later received a Ph.D. in marine biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography before co-founding Urban Ocean Lab, a non-profit think tank for the future of coastal cities that she still leads today. Ayana, the Roux Distinguished Scholar at Bowdoin College, has co-edited the bestselling climate anthology All We Can Save, co-founded The All We Can Save Project, and even co-created and co-hosted the How to Save a Planet podcast. More recently, she has co-authored a roadmap for integrating the ocean into climate-related policy called the Blue New Deal, developed U.S. federal ocean policy at the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and served on the board of directors for both Patagonia and GreenWave. Honestly, listing all of her climate-focused initiatives, policies, and accomplishments would take an entire podcast itself. Hear Ayana talk about falling in love with the ocean, the secret importance of being good at attending cocktail parties, and how she’s merging science, policy, culture, and social justice to envision our best possible climate future. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson on visions of climate futures. 00:53 Conor Gaughan introduces Ayana03:57 Early interests, Harvard University, and passion for the ocean 14:32 Designing a fishing device, Caribbean conservation, and How To Save a Planet24:16 Founding Urban Ocean Lab and the core ideas of What If We Get It Right?34:21 Problems and possibilities, reimagining infrastructure, and actionable climate policy 45:24 Climate tech unicorns, looking for local solutions, and being an optimistic realist 51:47 Conclusion and where to learn more52:52 End credits If you liked this episode, listen next to Allison Wolff of Vibrant Planet on Beneficial Fire, Sustainable Software, and Nature-Based Climate Solutions More on Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, What If We Get It Right?, and Urban Ocean Lab: ayanaelizabeth.com getitright.earth urbanoceanlab.org allwecansave.earth Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone  Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!  Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

    55 min
  8. Zal Bilimoria of Refactor Capital on Seed-Stage Venture, Investing in Founders, and Being a Solo GP

    19 SEPT

    Zal Bilimoria of Refactor Capital on Seed-Stage Venture, Investing in Founders, and Being a Solo GP

    Knowing whether or not to invest in a startup isn’t easy – it’s a skill that makes VCs like Zal Bilimoria extremely valuable. And Zal, the co-founder and solo GP of seed-stage VC firm Refactor Capital, is leveraging his knowledge to build a portfolio of human and planetary health-focused startups merging profits, sustainability, and technology. Zal honed his skills and eye for the market working for tech industry giants like Microsoft and Google through pivotal moments in their history, and even created a new role for himself at Netflix, pioneering their dedicated mobile platform, before turning his hand to investing at a16z. It was there that he recognized his passion for health, biotech, and other impact-oriented industries, and in 2016, Zal struck out on his own to launch Refactor Capital. The firm has since invested in over 100 companies – four of which have gone on to reach unicorn status – and recently finished raising its fourth $50M fund. Hear Zal share key insights from his time at tech and VC behemoths, the importance of believing in founders over ideas, and which startups and technologies could literally change the world for the better. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Zal Bilimoria on super responsiveness00:44 Conor Gaughan introduces Zal and Refactor Capital07:03 Early passion for computers, UPenn, and Microsoft 11:36 Google, head of mobile at Netflix, and product management18:05 Biotech and health, angel investing, and shifting investment strategy21:49 Launching Refactor Capital, being a solo GP, and hard tech 28:47 Getting deals done, communication, and managing portfolios 36:20 Aligning profit and impact, exciting tech, and sci-fi vs science reality 42:53 Climate tech and human health, urgency, and Checkerspot 47:42 Aether Biomachines, founder dinners, and entrepreneurship52:15 Leaving a legacy and defeating defeatism 56:01 Conclusion and end credits If you liked this episode, listen next to Pavle Jeremic of Aether Biomachines on Rearranging Atoms, Scaling Deep Tech, and Defeating Scarcity More on Refactor Capital and Zal Bilimoria: refactor.com linkedin.com/company/refactor-capital linkedin.com/in/zalzally Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone  Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference!  Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

    58 min
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Welcome to Consensus in Conversation, a new podcast hosted by Conor Gaughan where we talk to innovators and entrepreneurs who have built great businesses and careers that do well while doing good. A rich life is so much more than a unicorn start-up going public. The true unicorns are those living fulfilling lives doing what they love AND making it to their kid’s games. This podcast is an opportunity to talk to inspiring leaders, job creators, innovators, and problem solvers – people across the country who are making the world a better place and more sustainable place, while successfully making good money. Join the conversation and enjoy a new episode every Thursday!

Información

  • Creador
    Conor Gaughan
  • Años de actividad
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodios
    90
  • Clasificación
    Explícito
  • Copyright
    © Consensus Digital Media LLC
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Consensus in Conversation

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