Conversations in sustainability

Conversations with Tom Field, Bearhug

Most businesses don’t set out to create waste. But changing systems built around convenience, cost and habit is rarely as simple as finding a more sustainable alternative. In the latest episode of Conversations in Sustainability , Dr Lisa Portolan speaks with Bearhug founder Tom Field about what it takes to challenge established ways of working in logistics. Together, they explore the realities of changing business behaviour, what motivates organisations to adopt new solutions, and how Bearhug is rethinking the reliance on single-use pallet wrap across warehouses and distribution centres.

Conversations with Salem Lassoued, Muja

Most people say they care about sustainability. But when it comes to everyday decisions, good intentions often compete with price, convenience, habit and trust. In the latest episode of Conversations in Sustainability , Dr Lisa Portolan speaks with Muja founder Salem Lassoued about the attitude-behaviour gap and why understanding how people actually make decisions may be the missing piece in driving meaningful change. Together, they explore the role of behaviourally grounded synthetic research and what organisations can learn from the gap between what people say and what they do.

Conversations with Lars M. Ljung, Planet Protector

In this episode of Conversations in Sustainability, we're joined by Lars Ljung, Sustainability Manager at Planet Protector Packaging, an Australian company turning textile waste into innovative, sustainable products. From insulation made from sheep's wool to recycled denim, Lars communicates how the work that Planet Protector does is helping drive the circular economy and challenging how we think about waste.

Conversations with Emily Kate Symes, EKOLUV

Conversations with Glenn Bartlett, GreenPay

Conversations with Lina Goodman, Tyre Stewardship Australia

What happens to the millions of tyres Australia throws away every year - and why aren’t more of them becoming something new? In this episode of Conversations in Sustainability, Dr Lisa Portolan speaks with Lina Goodman, CEO of Tyre Stewardship Australia, about one of the country’s most overlooked waste challenges. From “free-riders” and illegal dumping to the limits of voluntary schemes, Lina unpacks what’s holding back true circularity and what needs to change. They also discuss TSA’s new documentary, Tyred & Wasted, which exposes the hidden cost of illegal tyre dumping and how communities are paying the price. Looking ahead, the conversation explores global best practice, emerging innovations, and whether Australia is ready for the growing pressures of EVs and more complex tyre design. It’s a conversation about accountability, innovation, and the hard realities of building a circular economy, one tyre at a time.

Conversations with Catherine Fitzpatrick, Flequity Ventures

In this episode of Conversations in Sustainability, we sit down with Catherine Fitzpatrick, founder of Flequity Ventures, to unpack the confronting reality of financial abuse, and how the systems we rely on every day can be quietly weaponised to control and harm. Drawing on her experience as a senior banking executive, Catherine shares how analysing millions of transactions revealed hidden patterns of abuse, from manipulative payment messages to the misuse of shared financial tools. What began as an internal discovery quickly became a catalyst for change, leading her to challenge the way financial systems are designed. In this conversation, she explores how her work is driving industry-wide reform through a “financial safety by design” approach, shifting over 80 organisations from reactive responses to proactive prevention. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking episode that not only sheds light on a largely invisible issue, but also redefines the role businesses must play in building safer, more equitable systems.

Conversations with Professor Veena Sahajwalla, SMaRT Centre UNSW

In this episode of Conversation in Sustainability, we speak with Professor Veena Sahajwalla, SMaRT Centre, UNSW, explores how innovative recycling technologies are transforming the way society thinks about waste. Rather than viewing discarded materials as useless, Professor Sahajwalla emphasises that waste should be understood as a valuable resource that can be reprocessed into new, high-quality products. The discussion highlights the work of the UNSW SMaRT Centre in pioneering “green tiles” and MICROfactories, which break down complex waste streams, such as electronic waste, into their core components and remake them into useful materials like advanced manufacturing inputs. The episode underscores the importance of collaboration between scientists, engineers, and industry partners to scale these solutions and create sustainable supply chains. Positioning Australia as a leader in the transition toward a circular economy, where materials are continuously reused and repurposed rather than discarded. Through this lens, recycling becomes not just an environmental necessity, but an opportunity for innovation, economic growth, and global impact.

Conversations with Matt Bray, Hothouse Magazine & Comms Declare

What role does creativity play in climate action? In our latest episode of Conversations in Sustainability, Dr Lisa Portolan sits down with Matt Bray, environmental activist, founder of Hothouse Magazine & Studio, and Vice President & Creative Director of Comms Declare, to explore how storytelling, design, and culture can drive real-world climate impact. From challenging fossil fuel narratives to experimenting with alternative media like street press, games, and creative campaigns, Matt shares how communication can move beyond awareness to mobilise communities and spark change. This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in, and/or curious about, the power of creativity in shaping a more sustainable future.

Conversations with Liz McLaughlin, Horizon - Women's Day Edition

In this special International Women’s Day episode of Conversations in Sustainability , host Dr Lisa Portolan turns the spotlight inward to speak with Horizon’s Founder, Liz McLaughlin. With more than 25 years in strategic communications and public relations, Liz has helped organisations navigate complexity, manage crises and lead through change across both the public and private sectors. In this conversation, she reflects on her career journey, how the PR industry has evolved for women, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, resilience and building a business. Liz shares candid insights on the challenges she has faced, what it really means to be a woman in business today, and whether women can truly “have it all.” She also discusses what she calls her “third act” and why experience, perspective and purpose matter more than ever for women in leadership. Packed with practical advice, Liz offers guidance for the next generation of women entering the PR industry or starting their own ventures — from navigating obstacles to building a career with confidence and clarity. This episode also highlights three Australian organisations you can support this International Women’s Day, reminding us that when we share knowledge, time and resources, everyone benefits. 🎧 Listen now to hear Liz’s reflections on leadership, legacy and empowering the next generation of women in business.