WCS Talks Unplugged

Women in Cleantech and Sustainability
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WCS Talks Unplugged is the podcast where climate leadership gets real. Produced by Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, this show features honest, human conversations with the women shaping the future of clean energy, climate innovation, sustainability, and impact-driven business. Each episode goes beyond headlines and hype to explore real stories and real solutions, from career journeys and hard-earned lessons to the technologies, policies, and community-led approaches actually driving change. We spotlight the voices of women leaders, builders, and thinkers who are tackling today’s most pressing climate challenges with courage, creativity, and purpose. WCS Talks Unplugged offers thoughtful conversations, actionable takeaways, and moments of hope in a rapidly changing world. Tune in for: Candid conversations with women climate leadersPractical insights you can apply to your work and careerStories of innovation, resilience, and community impactA values-driven lens on the clean economy and equitable transition WCS Talks Unplugged — Real Stories. Real Solutions. For the Mind and the Planet.

Episodes

  1. SF Climate Week Recap: Building Ecosystems, Community, and Climate Momentum

    MAY 6

    SF Climate Week Recap: Building Ecosystems, Community, and Climate Momentum

    In this special recap episode of WCS Talks Unplugged, WCS Chairwoman Sara Fuentes, Farah Saeed, and Trish Pinnella. reflect on an extraordinary 10-day journey through San Francisco Climate Week 2026. The week was defined by movement-building, deep connection, innovation, and the growing power of community. From Oracle Park’s official kickoff with over 450 climate leaders to hikes through the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, our women-led pitch competition, film screenings, policy forums, repair economy workshops, fashion sustainability events, and joyful karaoke celebrations, this episode captures the full ecosystem of climate leadership in action. As WCS celebrates its 15th anniversary, this episode serves as both a recap and a rallying cry: the organization is not slowing down. With upcoming activations across Zurich, Pacific Northwest, New York, and beyond, WCS is continuing to build a global ecosystem for women climate leaders. Listen in for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at how climate week can become a launchpad for lasting community, innovation, and impact. About the HostsSara Fuentes is the Chairwoman of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability and the founder of SmartWaste, a company focused on reducing waste generation and improving sustainable resource management systems. Farah Saeed is the Board Secretary of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability and Industry Director at Frost & Sullivan, where she works on strategy and innovation across the energy and sustainability sectors. Trish Pinnella is a board member and Marketing Chair at Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, where she drives community growth and amplifies women leading climate solutions. Her climate work began in green building and renewable energy and now focuses on connecting technology, policy, community, and storytelling to accelerate climate impact. About WCS Talks UnpluggedWCS Talks Unplugged is the official podcast of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, a global network advancing women’s leadership in climate, energy, and sustainability. Each episode features conversations with innovators, founders, and leaders working to build a more sustainable future. Produced By Marieke McArthur for Women in Cleantech and Sustainability. Marieke brings a background in local community radio and a passion for storytelling rooted in community impact. Her work also spans water advocacy, food resilience, and women’s climate leadership through projects including the Water Alliance of La Paz County, AeroZona, and Women in Cleantech and Sustainability. Get InvolvedIf you enjoyed this episode: ✔ Subscribe to WCS Talks Unplugged ✔ Leave a review to help others discover the podcast ✔ Share the episode with someone working in climate, technology, or sustainability Learn more about Women in Cleantech and Sustainability: womencleantechsustainability.org

    38 min
  2. The Power of Light: How a Simple Solar Lamp Is Transforming Lives | Nicole Watson

    APR 29

    The Power of Light: How a Simple Solar Lamp Is Transforming Lives | Nicole Watson

    What if something as simple as a small solar light could change a child’s future? In this episode of WCS Talks Unplugged, host Trish Pinnella speaks with Nicole Watson, founder of the Iconic Earth Foundation, about how access to clean light is transforming education, safety, and opportunity for students living in off-grid communities. Through her program Watts On – Lighting Students’ Lives, Nicole and her partners are providing solar lamps to students in rural regions where electricity is unavailable. These lamps allow children to study after sunset, improve school performance, and help families feel safer at night. Nicole shares the powerful stories behind the program—from its early pilot in Kenya to expansion into Zambia and Uganda—and explains why such a simple technology can create ripple effects across education, health, and community wellbeing. The conversation highlights an important truth: sometimes the most transformative solutions are also the simplest. About the GuestNicole Watson is the founder of the Econic Earth Foundation and creator of the Watts On – Lighting Students’ Lives program. Her work focuses on renewable energy solutions that support education, safety, and environmental sustainability in off-grid communities around the world. Nicole combines her background in filmmaking and storytelling with on-the-ground humanitarian initiatives that deliver measurable impact. Learn more: https://econicearth.org/ https://www.wattson.org/ LIGHT | Award-Winning Short Documentary Film on How Solar Energy is Transforming Students’ Lives:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=KzZIGK41Z9w About the HostTrish Pinnella is a board member and Marketing Chair at Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, where she drives community growth and amplifies women leading climate solutions. Her climate work began in green building and renewable energy and now focuses on connecting technology, policy, community, and storytelling to accelerate climate impact. About WCS Talks UnpluggedWCS Talks Unplugged is the official podcast of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, a global network advancing women’s leadership in climate, energy, and sustainability. Each episode features conversations with innovators, founders, and leaders working to build a more sustainable future. Produced By Marieke McArthur for Women in Cleantech and Sustainability. Marieke brings a background in local community radio and a passion for storytelling rooted in community impact. Her work also spans water advocacy, food resilience, and women’s climate leadership through projects including the Water Alliance of La Paz County, AeroZona, and Women in Cleantech and Sustainability. Get InvolvedIf you enjoyed this episode: ✔ Subscribe to WCS Talks Unplugged ✔ Leave a review to help others discover the podcast ✔ Share the episode with someone working in climate, technology, or sustainability Learn more about Women in Cleantech and Sustainability: womencleantechsustainability.org

    36 min
  3. Regenerative Technology: Designing a Future That Supports Life | Jessica Groopman

    APR 22

    Regenerative Technology: Designing a Future That Supports Life | Jessica Groopman

    What if the future of technology wasn’t just about faster systems, smarter algorithms, or bigger data but about supporting life itself? In this episode of WCS Talks Unplugged, host Sara Fuentes, Chairwoman of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability and founder of SmartWaste, speaks with Jessica Groopman, founder of the Regenerative Technology Project. Together they explore how emerging technologies can move beyond extraction-driven models toward systems that restore ecosystems, empower communities, and create long-term resilience. Jessica brings an unusual perspective to technology analysis. Her journey began studying ancient stone tools of the Upper Paleolithic before moving into Silicon Valley’s world of digital innovation. That interdisciplinary lens led her to ask deeper questions about technology’s role in society, not just what technology can do, but who it serves and what systems it shapes. Their conversation explores the growing concept of regenerative technology technologies designed to strengthen living systems rather than exploit them. From AI and data infrastructure to place-based sensing technologies, the discussion examines both the risks and opportunities emerging in the next generation of digital innovation. About the Guest Jessica Groopman is the founder of the Regenerative Technology Project, an initiative exploring how emerging technologies can be designed to support ecological restoration, community resilience, and regenerative economies. Her work focuses on systems thinking, technology ethics, and the societal implications of emerging technologies, drawing on experience as a technology analyst and strategist in Silicon Valley. Learn more at: https://www.regentech.co/ About the Host Sara Fuentes is the Chairwoman of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability and the founder of SmartWaste, a company focused on reducing waste generation and improving sustainable resource management systems. About WCS Talks Unplugged WCS Talks Unplugged is the official podcast of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, a global community advancing women’s leadership across climate, energy, and sustainability sectors. Through candid conversations with innovators, founders, policymakers, and researchers, the podcast explores the ideas and people shaping the future of the clean economy. Produced By Marieke McArthur for Women in Cleantech and Sustainability. Marieke brings a background in local community radio and a passion for storytelling rooted in community impact. Her work also spans water advocacy, food resilience, and women’s climate leadership through projects including the Water Alliance of La Paz County, AeroZona, and Women in Cleantech and Sustainability. Get Involved If you enjoyed this episode: ✔ Subscribe to WCS Talks Unplugged ✔ Leave a review to help others discover the podcast ✔ Share the episode with someone working in climate, technology, or sustainability Learn more about Women in Cleantech and Sustainability: womencleantechsustainability.org

    33 min
  4. The Hidden Environmental Cost of AI and the Cloud | Susannah Hill

    APR 15

    The Hidden Environmental Cost of AI and the Cloud | Susannah Hill

    In this episode of WCS Talks Unplugged, host Farah Saeed sits down with Susannah Hill, co-founder of Cloud Sustainability Watch, to explore an emerging challenge in climate innovation: the environmental footprint of our rapidly expanding digital world. As climate solutions increasingly rely on AI, cloud computing, and large-scale data infrastructure, an important question arises: What is the environmental cost of the technology powering the energy transition itself? Today, data centers account for roughly 2% of global electricity demand and about 4% in the United States — a number expected to double by 2030 as AI adoption accelerates. These facilities also consume vast amounts of water for cooling, with some large centers using up to five million gallons per day. Susannah shares insights from her work helping technologists and organizations understand and reduce the digital emissions associated with software, cloud infrastructure, and AI systems. The conversation highlights how awareness, measurement, and smarter design choices can dramatically reduce both environmental impact and operational costs. Resources MentionedCloud Sustainability WatchDigital Emissions ChecklistGreen Software FoundationWeb Sustainability Guidelines (W3C)About the GuestSusannah Hill is the co-founder of Cloud Sustainability Watch, a nonprofit resource helping technologists and organizations reduce the environmental impact of cloud computing, AI systems, and digital infrastructure. She works at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and responsible software design, advocating for more transparent measurement and sustainable architecture across the tech ecosystem. About the HostFarah Saeed is the Board Secretary of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability and Industry Director at Frost & Sullivan, where she works on strategy and innovation across the energy and sustainability sectors. About WCS Talks UnpluggedWCS Talks Unplugged is a podcast from Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, a global community advancing women’s leadership in climate and clean energy. Each episode brings you real stories and real solutions from the innovators, founders, policymakers, and leaders shaping the future of the clean economy. Produced By Marieke McArthur for Women in Cleantech and Sustainability. Marieke brings a background in local community radio and a passion for storytelling rooted in community impact. Her work also spans water advocacy, food resilience, and women’s climate leadership through projects including the Water Alliance of La Paz County, AeroZona, and Women in Cleantech and Sustainability. If you enjoyed this episode: ✔ Subscribe to WCS Talks Unplugged ✔ Leave a review to help more people discover the show ✔ Share this episode with someone working in climate, technology, or sustainability Learn more about Women in Cleantech and Sustainability at: womencleantechsustainability.org

    26 min
  5. Starbucks’ First CSO on Identity, Allyship, and Courageous Leadership | Michael Kobori

    APR 8

    Starbucks’ First CSO on Identity, Allyship, and Courageous Leadership | Michael Kobori

    In this episode of WCS Talks Unplugged, host Sara Fuentes, Chairwoman of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability and Founder of Smart Waste, sits down with longtime WCS ally and sustainability leader Michael Kobori. Michael has spent decades shaping corporate sustainability at some of the world’s most recognized companies, including Levi Strauss & Co. and Starbucks, where he served as the company’s first Chief Sustainability Officer. In this conversation, he reflects on his journey as a sustainability leader, the importance of allyship, and the power of asking difficult questions inside large organizations. The conversation revisits Michael’s memorable appearance at WCS Talks in 2017, where he spoke about leading from the outside in, sharing insights from his experience as a Japanese American leader navigating identity, power structures, and empathy in the workplace. Together, Sara and Michael explore how allyship can create real change in organizations, how sustainability leaders can connect environmental work to human impact, and why mentorship and courageous leadership are essential for building a more equitable climate future. About the GuestMichael Kobori is a globally recognized sustainability executive who previously served as Chief Sustainability Officer at Starbucks and held leadership roles at Levi Strauss & Co. His work has focused on advancing environmental stewardship, climate justice, and corporate responsibility. Today, he advises emerging climate startups, mentors young sustainability professionals, and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Asia Foundation. About the HostSara Fuentes is the Chairwoman of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability and Founder and President of Smart Waste, a company helping businesses reduce waste and lower costs through smarter resource management. About WCS Talks UnpluggedWCS Talks Unplugged is the official podcast of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, a global network advancing women’s leadership across climate, energy, and sustainability sectors. Through candid conversations with leaders, innovators, and allies, the podcast highlights the real stories behind the people shaping the clean economy. Produced By Marieke McArthur for Women in Cleantech and Sustainability. Marieke brings a background in local community radio and a passion for storytelling rooted in community impact. Her work also spans water advocacy, food resilience, and women’s climate leadership through projects including the Water Alliance of La Paz County, AeroZona, and Women in Cleantech and Sustainability. Get InvolvedIf you enjoyed this episode: ✔ Subscribe to WCS Talks Unplugged ✔ Share this episode with your network ✔ Leave a review to help more listeners discover the podcast Learn more about Women in Cleantech and Sustainability and how to get involved: womencleantechsustainability.org

    31 min
  6. The Ambition Gap Is Actually a System Gap | Veronica Barner and Sadia Raveendran

    APR 1

    The Ambition Gap Is Actually a System Gap | Veronica Barner and Sadia Raveendran

    In this episode of WCS Talks Unplugged, host Sadia Raveendran sits down with Veronica Barner, product executive at GE Vernova, to explore an important question facing many professionals today: Are women really less ambitious? Or, are our systems failing to recognize ambition when it doesn’t fit traditional expectations? Sparked by recent conversations around the Women in the Workplace report and the idea of an “ambition gap,” Sadia and Veronica unpack how ambition actually shows up across a career in clean energy leadership. Drawing from their shared experience in GE’s Renewable Energy Leadership Program, the conversation explores how ambition evolves from early purpose-driven motivations to leadership, mentorship, and building the next generation of climate innovators. Veronica reflects on growing up in Bolivia, where more than half the population lacked reliable electricity during her childhood, an experience that shaped her lifelong mission to expand access to clean and sustainable energy. Together, Sadia and Veronica discuss mentorship, leadership transitions, motherhood, and the systemic barriers that still shape career progression for many women in technical and leadership roles. At its core, this episode challenges the narrative of an ambition gap and instead reframes the conversation around recognition, opportunity, and the systems that shape career pathways. About the GuestVeronica Barner is a product executive at GE Vernova, where she works on advancing technologies that support the global energy transition. She began her career through GE’s Renewable Energy Leadership Program and has since held a range of leadership roles across the clean energy sector. Her work focuses on building innovative energy solutions while mentoring the next generation of leaders in the industry. About the HostSadia Raveendran is the Founding Head of GTM at Hammerhead and a Board Member of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, where she also serves as Co-Chair of the Career Development Committee. About WCS Talks UnpluggedWCS Talks Unplugged is the official podcast of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, a global community advancing women’s leadership in climate and clean energy. Each episode features honest conversations with leaders, founders, and innovators working on the front lines of the energy transition — sharing both the challenges and the solutions shaping our sustainable future. Produced By Marieke McArthur for Women in Cleantech and Sustainability. With a background in local community radio and a passion for storytelling rooted in community impact, her work also spans water advocacy, food resilience, and women’s climate leadership through projects including the Water Alliance of La Paz County, AeroZona, and Women in Cleantech and Sustainability. Get InvolvedIf you enjoyed this episode: ✔ Subscribe to WCS Talks Unplugged ✔ Leave a review to help others discover the podcast ✔ Share the episode with someone working in climate, energy, or sustainability Learn more about Women in Cleantech and Sustainability: www.womencleantechsustainability.org

    30 min
  7. The Career Moves That Actually Get You Promoted | Robin Milshtein with Farah Saeed

    MAR 25

    The Career Moves That Actually Get You Promoted | Robin Milshtein with Farah Saeed

    How do you build leadership skills when your job description doesn’t give you the opportunity? In this episode of WCS Talks Unplugged, host Farah Saeed speaks with clean tech leader Robin Milshtein about a powerful concept for career growth: developing leadership skills outside the scope of your day job — what Robin calls your professional “side hustle.” Robin shares her journey from engineering roles developing high-performance materials for hydrogen fuel cells to leadership positions in business development, strategic marketing, and corporate venture capital. Along the way, she discovered that excelling in your daily responsibilities alone may not be enough to advance your career. Instead, she built the skills she needed by volunteering, creating new opportunities within her organization, and intentionally positioning herself for the roles she wanted. Through real-world examples and practical advice, this conversation offers a roadmap for professionals who want to expand their leadership potential, grow their influence, and shape their own career trajectory. About the Guest Robin Milshtein is a senior business development leader in the clean technology sector with over 15 years of experience spanning engineering, strategic marketing, and corporate venture capital. She has worked at the intersection of innovation, startup ecosystems, and corporate strategy, helping identify and scale emerging clean technology solutions. Robin previously served as a board member of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability and currently volunteers as a mentor in the WCS mentorship program. About the Host Farah Saeed is the Board Secretary of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability and Industry Director at Frost & Sullivan, where she works on strategy and innovation across the energy and sustainability sectors. About WCS Talks Unplugged WCS Talks Unplugged is the official podcast of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, a global community advancing women’s leadership across climate, energy, and sustainability sectors. Each episode features candid conversations with leaders and innovators shaping the future of the clean economy. Produced By Marieke McArthur for Women in Cleantech and Sustainability Marieke is the producer of WCS Talks Unplugged, with a background in local community radio and a passion for storytelling rooted in community impact. Her work also spans water advocacy, food resilience, and women’s climate leadership through projects including the Water Alliance of La Paz County, AeroZona, and Women in Cleantech and Sustainability. Get Involved If you enjoyed this episode: ✔ Subscribe to WCS Talks Unplugged ✔ Share this episode with your network ✔ Leave a review to help others discover the podcast Learn more about Women in Cleantech and Sustainability: womencleantechsustainability.org

    30 min

  8. MAR 18

    Looking Back on 15 Years of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability

    The Origin Story of Women in Cleantech & SustainabilityWhat started as a simple idea — and a moment of deciding to stop waiting for someone else to take action — has grown into a network that has connected and supported more than 20,000 women worldwide. In this conversation, Sara and Lisa Ann explore the origin story of WCS, the lessons learned from building a mission-driven community over 15 years, and why hope, authenticity, and persistence are essential for anyone working in climate and sustainability. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the values that shaped WCS and the power of community in an industry where the work can often feel daunting. Mentioned In this episode:  Lisa Ann Pinterton’s 2 part interview with Neal Dikeman on her Podcast, Earthlings 2.0. Those episodes were titles “#31: Carbon Price, Power, and Politics with Neal Dikeman- Part 1” and “#33: Carbon Price, Power, and Politics with Neal Dikeman- Part 2” and can be enjoyed here https://earthlingspodcast.com/episodes/s3e14-carbon-price-power/, and https://earthlingspodcast.com/episodes/s3e16-carbon-price-power/. About the GuestLisa Ann Pinkerton (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaannpinkerton/) Founder of Women in Cleantech & Sustainability and CEO of Technica Communications (https://technica.inc/), Lisa Ann Pinkerton has spent more than a decade helping amplify voices and innovation across the clean energy and climate sectors. She is also the host of the Earthlings 2.0 podcast and a longtime advocate for community-driven climate leadership. About the HostSara Fuentes (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-eve-fuentes-6a620422/) Sara Fuentes is Chair of Women in Cleantech & Sustainability, CEO and Founder of SmartWaste (https://www.smartwasteusa.com/), and a longtime community builder within the organization. Her leadership continues to expand WCS’s global reach and impact. About WCS Talks UnpluggedWCS Talks Unplugged shares real conversations with the people building solutions for a more sustainable world. Each episode features stories, lessons, and insights from leaders across climate, clean energy, sustainability, and innovation. 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday. Produced ByMarieke McArthur for Women in Cleantech and Sustainability Marieke is the producer of WCS Talks Unplugged, with a background in local community radio and a passion for storytelling rooted in community impact. Her work also spans water advocacy, food resilience, and women’s climate leadership through projects including the Water Alliance of La Paz County, AeroZona, and Women in Cleantech and Sustainability. Get Involved with WCSWomen in Cleantech & Sustainability is a global community supporting women advancing climate solutions and the clean economy. Learn more, become a member, or get involved: www.womencleantechsustainability.org

    42 min

  9. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Why did we create this podcast?

    In this mini-episode, we delve into the transformative power of WCS Talks and the decision to launch this podcast. Join Anandi Yadav, Farah Saeed, Sara Fuentes, and Trish Pinella as they share insights on the impact of WCS Talks, the importance of adapting to new formats, and the collective strength of women in clean tech. Discover personal stories, the significance of individual actions, and the role of community in driving meaningful change.

    3 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

WCS Talks Unplugged is the podcast where climate leadership gets real. Produced by Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, this show features honest, human conversations with the women shaping the future of clean energy, climate innovation, sustainability, and impact-driven business. Each episode goes beyond headlines and hype to explore real stories and real solutions, from career journeys and hard-earned lessons to the technologies, policies, and community-led approaches actually driving change. We spotlight the voices of women leaders, builders, and thinkers who are tackling today’s most pressing climate challenges with courage, creativity, and purpose. WCS Talks Unplugged offers thoughtful conversations, actionable takeaways, and moments of hope in a rapidly changing world. Tune in for: Candid conversations with women climate leadersPractical insights you can apply to your work and careerStories of innovation, resilience, and community impactA values-driven lens on the clean economy and equitable transition WCS Talks Unplugged — Real Stories. Real Solutions. For the Mind and the Planet.

Information

  • Creator
    Women in Cleantech and Sustainability
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Women in Cleantech and Sustainability
  • Show Website
    WCS Talks Unplugged

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