Given the stark repurcussions resulting from the recent US election, this series is a refresher for all people dealing with anxiety and especially climate anxiety.

With guest, Eric Windhorst, a registered psychotherapist specializing in eco-psychology we discuss the concept of climate or eco anxiety and cover the following main points.

Understanding Eco Anxiety: A real, deep-seated dread or despair about the state of our planet. It's a term that's been gaining traction since 2017, reflecting our growing awareness of the emotional toll of climate change.

Who's Most Affected?: Interestingly, Eric pointed out that eco anxiety seems to hit younger generations harder. Teens and 20-somethings, who are growing up amidst constant discussions about climate change, often grapple with a sense of instability and uncertainty about their future as do those persons up to around 45 years old.

The Ecological Self: We delved into the idea of the 'ecological self' - the interconnectedness of all beings and the planet. It's a concept that's echoed in quantum physics and spiritual traditions, pointing to a profound sense of oneness.

The Challenge of Open-Heartedness: Living with an open heart in a world full of pain and suffering is no easy task. Eric emphasized the importance of processing this pain, as it paves the way for compassion and meaningful action.

Reconnecting with the World: We discussed the work of Joanna Macy on reconnecting with the world's pain and the need for support in this process. Eric believes that opening our hearts and reconnecting with each other and the land is the way forward, despite the pain and grief involved.

You can find Eric Windhorst most days here and socially on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn

And if this episode resonates, go here to get on the 5Cs community waiting list.

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

This is a case study with Don Weatherbee of Regenx about taking traditional processes, adapting them for modernapplications, reinventing a corporation and pioneering a new industry. Interested in investing with them. Start here for your due diligence.

Innovating for Sustainability: Lessons from Regenx on Continuous Improvement and Knowledge Monetization

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for business leaders and executives looking to innovate and adapt in the face of climate change and sustainability challenges. Some of the key takeaways covered --

-The Power of Continuous Improvement

-Incremental Changes Lead to Big Results: Continuous improvement isn't about making massive changes overnight. Instead, it's about making small, consistent improvements that add up over time. This approach can lead to significant advancements in efficiency, sustainability, and overall business performance.

-Foster a Culture of Innovation: Encourage your team to constantly look for ways to improve processes and products. This can be achieved through regular brainstorming sessions, feedback loops, and a culture that rewards innovation.

-Measure and Adjust: Implement metrics to track the effectiveness of changes. Use this data to make informed decisions and adjust strategies as needed.

The Journey of Regenx: From Gold Mining to Recycling

Don shares the backstory of Regenesis, detailing how the company transitioned from a traditional gold mining exploration firm to a pioneering business focused on recycling platinum from diesel catalytic converters.

Key Insights from the Regenx Journey:

Adaptability is Key

Leverage Existing Expertise

Innovative Technology

Strategies for Knowledge Monetization:

-Identify Valuable Knowledge:

-Develop Proprietary Solutions

-Collaborate and Share

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

This third episode with Peter Suasso de Lima de Prado of Bluespar gets into the details of understanding how continuous improvement is the perfect way to integrate rights into business operations and specifically Supply Chain Operations. Peter is a lawyer, supply chain executive and sustainability expert and has written a white paper about navigating the world of sustainability legisltation which you can download and read here. This episode covers these

• Invest in Supply Chain Management: Understand the financial costs and benefits, and adopt a mindset of continuous improvement.
• Hire Experienced Consultants: Look for consultants with a blend of business acumen and human rights expertise, and focus on a training-first approach.
• Navigate the Regulatory Landscape: Stay informed about regulatory requirements and pay attention to deeper supply chain risks.
• Collaborate with NGOs: Leverage local expertise and build long-term relationships with NGOs to enhance supply chain transparency and accountability.

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

With guest Peter Suasso de Lima de Prado, a lawyer, supply chain executive and sustainaibility expert, we delve into the legislative shifts impacting businesses, especially in environmental sustainability and human rights within supply chains. This episode is essential for business leaders to understand how the existing legislations came into effect as well as the

-Evolution of Human Rights in Business

-UN's Business and Human Rights Framework

-Limitations of Voluntary Frameworks

-National Legislation: France and Germany

-Key Provisions

-Business Implications

-Embracing Collaboration

-Defining a Responsible Supply Chain

Besides downloading and reading his whitepaper here, you can reach Peter at his company Bluespar

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

As we find ourselves in that unique space between Christmas and New Year's, I share some reflections from our latest episode of the 5Cs Podcast. This time of year, which I fondly call the "messy middle," is perfect for a bit of contemplation and anticipation. Think of it as the pause between the main course and dessert—a moment to savor and reflect.

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

With guest Tim MacDonald , we continue the conversation about the challenges of transitioning to clean energy. It's not merely a matter of upgrading technology; it is a complex process that requires significant financial backing, which is often hard to come by. As we wrap up 2024, we reflect on the abundance of venture capital available for clean energy investments and the stark reality that businesses seeking to change their systems often find limited support.

• Maintenance Funding: Maintenance is often viewed as unexciting and not conducive to business growth, leading to a lack of available funding options. Businesses typically self-fund their maintenance programs, which can hinder their ability to innovate and adopt new technologies.
• Financial Viability: Demonstrating financial viability to potential investors is crucial. Businesses need to model themselves as cash flow machines to attract investment.

To navigate these challenges, Tim McDonald suggests that businesses should seek partnerships with pension funds and go armed with

Clear Budgeting: Start with a clear budget that outlines the business's goals, inputs, and expected revenue.

Cash Flow Modeling: Model the business as a cash flow machine to demonstrate financial viability to potential investors.

An Equity Payback Model: Establish a fair agreement that outlines how surplus revenue will be shared with pension investors. This allows businesses to retain more cash flow as they grow, ultimately leading to a self-funding operation.

Tim shares an ambitious vision for addressing climate change on a global scale. He proposes that pension funds should collectively acquire fossil fuel companies to remove them from capital markets, allowing these companies to transition away from fossil fuels without the pressure to maintain share price growth. As part of the conversation he also shares six principles of fairness that should guide all operations in this new paradigm:

Fair Trade: Ensuring fairness in supply chain relationships.

Fair Engagement: Engaging with communities, including government and regulatory bodies.

Fair Reckoning: Acknowledging and addressing the environmental and social consequences of business practices.

Fair Working: Ensuring fair treatment of workers in the workplace.

Fair Dealing: Promoting fair competition and dealings in the market.

Fair Sharing: Ensuring that savers and investors receive fair returns on their investments.

Final Thoughts:

• Collaboration and Innovation: The path forward requires collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to doing better for the planet and future generations.
• Meaningful Change: In a world grappling with the consequences of past actions, it is imperative that we collectively strive for a more sustainable and equitable future.

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.