The MAJOR Difference

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Zindel, Co-Managing Director of the award-winning digital growth agency, Propellernet, and founder of Low Carbon Leaders. As a devoted activist in climate-positive initiatives, Sam delves deep into how businesses can be both profitable and planet-friendly.

Key Highlights:

Evolution of Environmental Consciousness: Sam talks about his journey from being passively aware to actively contributing towards climate change solutions, driven by both fatherhood and a sense of long-term responsibility.

Challenges for SMEs: Despite the algorithmic bubbles of LinkedIn showing businesses increasingly focusing on sustainability, the reality is that a minuscule 1-5% of SMEs are actively participating in sustainable practices.

The Business Case for Sustainability: Sam shares actionable insights on how businesses can save money while improving sustainability, debunking the myth that eco-friendly measures are costly.

Million Tree Pledge & Beyond: Apart from reducing carbon footprints, Sam and his team are also focusing on restoring nature and working on climate justice, recently launching the ambitious Million Tree Pledge.

Funding Sustainable Initiatives: A look into the investment landscape for green initiatives, including emerging markets for carbon, biodiversity, and ecosystem credits.

Shaping Consumer Behaviour: As the head of a marketing agency, Sam elucidates the power marketing has in shaping consumer choices towards sustainability, a capability he considers both a challenge and an opportunity.

Long-term Business Strategy: Reinforced by his reading of Paul Polman's 'Net Positive', Sam firmly believes that sustainability is not just ethically sound but also a robust, long-term business strategy.

The Path Forward: Sam concludes with a call to action—urging businesses to take whatever steps they can today, no matter how small, to contribute towards a more sustainable future.

This episode is not just an eye-opener but a clarion call for businesses to integrate sustainability into their growth strategy. If you want your business to be relevant in the next five years, you cannot afford to miss this episode.

Resources Mentioned

James delves into the transformative power of storytelling as a potent tool for equality, diversity, and inclusion with Mo Kanjilal, a diversity and inclusion business transformer and the Co-creator of the multi-award-winning company Watch This Sp_ce.

Mo is a living library of actionable advice that you won't want to miss!

In the latest episode of "The MAJOR Difference," Dr. Adam Jones, a principal lecturer of strategy and marketing at the University of Brighton, discusses the importance of sustainability in business and the need for a holistic approach that considers the planet, people, and profit.

Dr. Jones shares insights from his research on consumer behavioural change, especially in relation to the environmental crisis. He also highlights the government-funded "Help to Grow" scheme, which aims to make businesses more resilient and sustainable. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Jones stresses the significance of community-led initiatives, the challenges of achieving sustainable change, and the importance of rethinking our consumption patterns.

In this enlightening episode of "The MAJOR Difference," we are joined by Samantha Harland, the Director of Innovation at Wired Sussex, a driving force in Sussex's tech and creative sectors.

Samantha shares her extensive experience in community building, start-ups and networking, and her relentless pursuit for positive impacts in the communities and start-ups she works with.

Show Highlights:

1. Introduction to Samantha Harland's role at Wired Sussex and her journey through the Brighton start-up ecosystem, including her new position as the Chapter Co-Director for Startup Grind.
2. Discussion on the Grow Digital initiative funded by the West Sussex County Council to accelerate digital understanding among businesses in the region.
3. Exciting launch of the first ever Sussex Tech Week scheduled for June 2024, aiming to bring different communities together for a grand tech celebration.
4. Delving into the essence of community, Samantha emphasises inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility as the cornerstones of a successful community.
5. The invaluable role of physical spaces like co-working environments in fostering in-person communities and serendipitous interactions.
6. A deep dive into the realm of networking, where Samantha shares insights on adopting a 'giving' mindset and the role of serendipity in forming meaningful connections.

Samantha Harland's seasoned perspective provides a rich exploration into how communities and networking act as catalysts for innovation and growth.

Her initiatives like Grow Digital and Sussex Tech Week are stellar examples of her commitment to fostering a thriving digital landscape in Sussex.

Tune in to this episode to get inspired on how you can engage in community building and networking to drive positive impacts in your own circles.

Links to resources mentioned in the episode:

Welcome to the pilot episode of "The Major Difference," where we delve into the transformative power of innovation, curiosity and meaningful dialogue on our brand experiences.

🎤 Host: James Harrington

👥 Special Guest: Davs Howard, Technical Director at MAJOR

🌱 Today's Topic: Sustainability in Web Development

Welcome to "The Major Difference," where curiosity meets innovation.

In this trailer episode, host James Harrington invites listeners to embark on our journey exploring the transformative power of ideas and technology on the digital brand experiences we create.

Whether you're an industry maverick, a passionate pioneer, or simply curious about the digital world, this podcast is your gateway to inspiring stories and meaningful dialogue. Join us as we uncover the major differences that creativity and collaboration can make.

Subscribe now, and let's make things better, every day.