Mission Possible with Ann Braithwaite

Ann Braithwaite (produced by Jez Fenton-Menzies)

The globe faces many challenges, but the only way to solve them is to put out heads together and utilise our collective intelligence. In this podcast, hosted by systems navigator and collective intelligence expert Ann Braithwaite, we look at how people are putting their heads together to tackle some of our gnarliest problems. Season 1 is about Natural Hazards, which makes sense as Ann is from New Zealand, the second most natural hazard prone country on earth.

Episodes

  1. 07/15/2025

    Season Finale Roundtable - Un-siloing the Natural Hazard Sector (with Livia Hollins and Sam Ketley) -Ep. 7

    Before we leave you for this season, we wanted to do our part to help un-silo the sector – siloes being an issue all our guests highlighted.  What better way to do that than to get a couple of guests together and generate some new connections and spark ideas?   In this episode of Mission Possible, host Ann Braithwaite brings together a couple of our favourite guests from season 1; Livia Hollins and Sam Ketley, to discuss innovative solutions for climate adaptation and natural hazards in New Zealand. They explore the importance of collaboration, the role of insurance in risk management, and the need for a systems approach to tackling complex challenges. The conversation emphasises the potential of collective action and the potential of an innovation hub to foster new ideas and solutions.   Ann Braithwaite is a systems navigator fascinated by the invisible potential hiding within our systems. She works with leaders to unleash that potential and find ways to make progress on our biggest challenges. To reach out to Ann: https://www.annbraithwaite.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annbraithwaite/ Chapters 00:00 Exploring Collective Potential in Climate Adaptation 11:04 Innovative Solutions for Natural Hazards 22:00 Insurance and Risk Management in Climate Change 32:48 Collaboration for Effective Climate Action Thank you for making season 1 so special! Catch us here for Season 2; coming late 2025!

  2. 07/07/2025

    The Complex Journey of Recovery in Natural Hazards (with Erica Seville) - Ep. 6

    "Recovery" is often the poor cousin to "response", as it is far less in your face, and much slower. However, it is arguably the most important part of our response to any natural hazard.   Today, Ann is joined by the incomparable Erica Seville to chat about how recovery can be a really impactful if done right.    Erica is in her third term as a Commissioner on the board of the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake, as well as being a Director of BRANZ (Building Research Association of New Zealand). She also is the Commissioner of the Earthquake Commission.   In this episode of Mission Possible, Ann chats with Erica and explores the complexities of recovery in the natural hazard sector. They discuss the importance of collective potential, the evolving practices in crisis management, and the role of technology in enhancing community agency during recovery. The conversation emphasises the need for diverse decision-making, the challenges of navigating change, and the lessons we can learn from historical approaches to disaster recovery in Old Ways New Ways.   Ann Braithwaite is a systems navigator fascinated by the invisible potential hiding within our systems. She works with leaders to unleash that potential and find ways to make progress on our biggest challenges.   To reach out to Ann: https://www.annbraithwaite.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annbraithwaite/   Chapters   00:00 Exploring Collective Potential in Crisis Management 01:42 Chat with Erica Seville 03:02 Understanding Resilience and Recovery 05:52 Evolving Practices in Natural Hazard Management 09:05 Harnessing Community Agency in Recovery 12:05 The Role of Technology in Disaster Response 14:46 Navigating the Pendulum of Change 18:06 Imagining a Transformative Future 20:55 Lessons from History: The Roman Approach 24:09 Moonshot: Embracing Collective Action and Giving Better Estimates 33:02 Old Ways, New Ways: Romans and Tituli

  3. 06/30/2025

    Investment Decisions in a Changing Climate (with Michael Nolan) - Ep. 5

    In today's chat, Ann is talking to the excellent Michael Nolan about what Climate Change means for investments, and what that means for you. Michael Nolan leads the Climate Change Risk and Resilience practice at Aurecon for Australia and New Zealand. He has over 25 years of experience in managing climate change, sustainability and resilience outcomes for business, government and cities. He has extensive experience in sustainable infrastructure, climate change risk, adaptation and resilience in the water, energy, transport, resource development and urban development sectors in Australia, United States, Canada, China, India, Brazil, New Zealand, and United Kingdom. Previously Michael was the Director of the International Secretariat for the United Nations Global Compact - Cities Programme which supported city governments and states to formulate partnerships with private sector to progress the Sustainable Development Goals. Michael was the Global Lead for Climate Change and Sustainability at AECOM where he led over 150 climate change, carbon management, climatic risk, adaptation design and economic evaluation and city and business resilience projects relating to industry, retail, ports, road, rail, local government, water, flood management, power, mining, buildings, facilities, coasts, states and cities.  In this conversation, Michael Nolan discusses his extensive experience in climate change and sustainability, focusing on the importance of resilience in infrastructure and the financial implications of climate risks. He emphasizes the need for collaboration between sectors, the role of emerging technologies like AI, and the necessity of bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and practical decision-making. Nolan also shares insights on successful adaptation strategies and the potential for private sector involvement in disaster response. Ann Braithwaite is a facilitator, systems thinker, strategic change adviser, foresight practitioner that helps leaders find paths through complex issues. To reach out to Ann: https://www.annbraithwaite.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annbraithwaite/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mission Possible 01:03 Chat with Michael Nolan 07:30 Shifting Perspectives on Climate Resilience 14:01 Understanding Cascading Effects in Infrastructure 21:08 Innovative Collaborations for Resilience 30:01 Moonshot Idea for Sustainable Development 36:39 Old Ways, New Ways: The Ancient (and still operational) Dujiangyan Irrigation System

  4. 06/23/2025

    The Cost of Inaction on Natural Hazards (with Eric Bird) - Ep. 4

    We often think about the costs of Natural Hazards in terms of damage, but what if the real costs were more about inaction?   In today's chat, Ann speaks to the awesome Eric Bird; National Manager at Engineering Geology. Eric has had a career with many twists and turns, including working as the technical director for Antarctica New Zealand, and as a Technical Advisor/ Engineering Geologist.   Ann speaks with Eric  about the complexities of natural hazards in New Zealand, particularly focusing on the disconnect between knowledge and action in hazard preparedness. They discuss the importance of resilience, the role of insurance, and the need for data-driven decision-making in managing hazards. The conversation emphasises the significance of understanding context in building codes and the necessity of integrating hazard mapping into land use planning to mitigate risks effectively. This conversation explores the complexities of insurance, housing, and disaster resilience in New Zealand. It delves into the emotional attachment homeowners have to their properties, the role of technology in assessing damage, and the need for a shift in narrative towards foundational resilience. The discussion also highlights the interplay between insurance and banking, the challenges of housing affordability, and the importance of societal risk tolerance in policy making. Ultimately, the conversation envisions a future where informed decisions about housing and disaster preparedness are made based on comprehensive data and models.   Today’s Old Ways New Ways looks at what we can learn from the Sumerians when it comes to integrating science with land use decision-making.   Ann Braithwaite is a systems navigator fascinated by the invisible potential hiding within our systems. She works with leaders to unleash that potential and find ways to make progress on our biggest challenges.   To reach out to Ann: https://www.annbraithwaite.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annbraithwaite/       Chapters   00:00 Exploring the Potential of Systems 01:29 Chat with Eric Bird 03:02 Understanding Natural Hazards in New Zealand 06:06 The Disconnect Between Knowledge and Action 08:53 Paying Now or Paying Later: The Cost of Inaction 11:59 Building Resilience: The Role of Insurance 14:49 Data-Driven Decision Making in Hazard Management 18:10 The Importance of Context in Building Codes 21:02 Land Use Planning and Hazard Mitigation 25:52 Insurance and Cost Sensitivity Post-Disaster 27:03 The Role of Technology in Damage Assessment 29:27 Emotional Attachment to Home Insurance 30:51 Learning from International Insurance Models 32:57 The Changing Landscape of Housing and Insurance 34:00 The Interplay Between Insurance and Banking 36:44 Cost of Living and Housing Resilience 37:49 A Vision for a Resilient Future 41:30 Societal Risk Tolerance and Policy Making 45:20 Old Ways, New Ways: Sumerians

  5. 06/16/2025

    Innovative Insurance Solutions for Natural Hazards (with Sam Ketley) - Ep. 3

    In this episode of Mission Possible, Ann Braithwaite speaks with Sam Ketley about the interplay between the insurance sector and natural hazards, particularly in the context of New Zealand.  Sam Ketley is the Head of Innovation, Commercial Risk Solutions at APAC, making him an amazing guest to chat about what natural hazards are doing to people's insurance. They discuss the challenges of silos in the industry, the potential of parametric insurance, and the need for innovative solutions to address the increasing risks posed by natural disasters. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community awareness, individual responsibility, and the role of data and AI in enhancing resilience. Sam shares his moonshot idea for integrating financial and physical mitigation strategies to create systemic solutions for communities. Plus an Old Ways, New Ways about the Mayans,  and how we can use their wisdom to solve modern problems. Ann Braithwaite is a facilitator, systems thinker, strategic change adviser, foresight practitioner that helps leaders find paths through complex issues. To reach out to Ann: https://www.annbraithwaite.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annbraithwaite/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mission Possible 01:45 Chat with Sam Ketley: Exploring the Natural Hazard Sector 04:01 Silos in Insurance and Natural Hazards 07:59 Understanding Parametric Insurance 11:03 Innovations in Insurance and Risk Management 14:58 Micro and Macro Resilience Strategies 19:05 The Role of Data and AI in Risk Management 23:08 Community Awareness and Individual Responsibility 27:05 Moonshot Ideas for Systemic Change 35:02 Conclusion and Reflections on Collaboration 39:30 Old Ways, New Ways: The Mayans

  6. 06/09/2025

    Global Collaboration to Fix Global Problems (with Livia Hollins) - Ep. 2

    In our second episode of this season, Ann catches up with an old friend and international public servant; Livia Hollins. Livia has worked for the UN, the UNFCC, as well as currently serving for New Zealand's Ministry for the Environment. She also has embarked on a quest to rewild her land by planting 10,000 native trees. In this episode of Mission Possible, Ann Braithwaite speaks with Livia Hollins about the complexities of climate change and natural hazards, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovative thinking in addressing these challenges. They discuss the shift from risk-focused thinking to opportunity-driven approaches, the evolution of adaptation practices, and the need for community engagement and technology in climate action. Livia shares her personal project of planting trees and envisions a climate adaptation innovation hub to foster collaboration and experimentation.Plus another fun Old ways, New Ways segment to sink your teeth into. Ann Braithwaite is a facilitator, systems thinker, strategic change adviser, foresight practitioner that helps leaders find paths through complex issues. To reach out to Ann: https://www.annbraithwaite.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annbraithwaite/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mission Possible 01:46 Chat with Livia Hollins 03:03 Understanding Natural Hazards and Climate Change 06:10 Shifting Paradigms: From Risk to Opportunity 08:52 Collaboration in Climate Adaptation 11:49 Evolving Practices in Climate Adaptation 15:00 The Role of Innovation in Climate Solutions 18:06 Defining Mitigation and Adaptation 21:13 Building Adaptation Communities 24:12 Lessons from Intergovernmental Negotiations 26:55 Human Connection and Technology in Climate Action 29:49 Global Goals and Local Actions 33:06 Livia's Personal Climate Project 35:56 Vision for a Climate Adaptation Innovation Hub 39:03 Conclusion and Future Directions 44:47 Old Ways, New Ways: The Silk Road

  7. 06/02/2025

    Harnessing Environmental Planning to Build Resilient Cities (with Prof. Iain White) - Ep. 1

    In this inaugural episode of Mission Possible with Ann Braithwaite, we are joined by the incomperable Professor Iain White to break down how to better use environmental planning to create cities that can thrive through changing climates. Professor Iain White has been Professor of Environmental Planning since 2013 and is currently the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Impact. Prior to this he was the Director of the Centre for Urban and Regional Ecology at the University of Manchester in the UK. He is the author of four books. His most recent books are: The Routledge Companion to Environmental Planning (2019), with Prof Simin Davoudi (University of Newcastle, UK), Prof Hilda Blanco (USC Price, US), and Richard Cowell (University of Cardiff, UK); and Why Plan? Theory for Practitioners (2019) with Prof Graham Haughton (University of Manchester, UK). He has over 50 peer reviewed articles or book chapters. This season we are looking at the Natural Hazards Sector, so who better to chat to about the future of cities and how to build them to deal best with natural hazards. In today's chat, Iain and Ann discuss the current practices in the field, the challenges of integrating science into decision-making, and the potential of AI and emerging technologies. The conversation emphasises the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement in creating resilient urban environments, while also acknowledging the political and economic pressures that influence planning decisions. In our 'Old Ways, New Ways' segment, Ann shares how the ancient people of Caral used their environment (and their wits) to build structures that could handle not only earthquakes, but also the test of time. Ann Braithwaite is a facilitator, systems thinker, strategic change adviser, foresight practitioner that helps leaders find paths through complex issues. To reach out to Ann: https://www.annbraithwaite.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annbraithwaite/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Mission Possible 01:56 Prof. Iain White: Exploring Collective Intelligence in Hazard Management 03:02 Understanding Current Practices in Hazard Management 08:55 Shifts in Practices and Approaches Over Time 14:56 Bridging the Gap: From Knowledge to Action 20:03 The Role of AI and Emerging Technologies 25:04 Collaborative Approaches to Resilient Cities 39:14 Future Visions for Urban Resilience 45:37 Old Ways, New Ways: Caral - The Ancient Earthquake-Proof City

  8. 05/21/2025

    Mission Possible with Ann Braithwaite: Season 1 Trailer

    Ann Braithwaite is a global systems navigator who harnesses the power of our collective intelligence to solve our biggest challenges. In our inaugural season, we face down one of the gnarliest challenges humans are confronting in 2025: Natural Hazards.Ann chats to experts across the field to break down what are the problems, and how can we put our heads together to solve them.Watch or Listen to Season 1 here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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    7 Episodes

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About

The globe faces many challenges, but the only way to solve them is to put out heads together and utilise our collective intelligence. In this podcast, hosted by systems navigator and collective intelligence expert Ann Braithwaite, we look at how people are putting their heads together to tackle some of our gnarliest problems. Season 1 is about Natural Hazards, which makes sense as Ann is from New Zealand, the second most natural hazard prone country on earth.

Information

  • Creator
    Ann Braithwaite (produced by Jez Fenton-Menzies)
  • Years Active
    2025
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ann Braithwaite (produced by Jez Fenton-Menzies)
  • Show Website
    Mission Possible with Ann Braithwaite