Leaders on a Mission

Hosted by Simon Leich

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Episodes

145

Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Discussions with leaders with a clear mission of creating a healthier world in today’s most innovative startups across FoodTech, AgTech (Agritech), Synbio, Sustainability, Climate Tech, and Clean Tech. Learn more about precision fermentation, cellular agriculture, alternative proteins, crop protection, biologicals, protein expression systems, carbon capture, plant health, precision agriculture, bioinformatics, human nutrition and what it takes to successfully scale your business in this budding sector.

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June 16, 202637 min

When the Calling Is Too Big to Ignore

What happens when you realise incremental change is no longer enough? For Randi Wahlsten, that moment led her from a successful corporate career to founding Matr Foods, a company reimagining how sustainable food is created and consumed.In this episode, Randi shares the realities of building a new food category from scratch, transforming simple ingredients through fermentation, and scaling a business around a vision before the market existed. From raising capital and building a first-of-its-kind factory to leading through uncertainty and challenging industry norms, this conversation explores what it takes to turn purpose into progress.Tune in for an honest conversation about conviction, innovation, and building something the world doesn't yet know it needs. Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps: 00:00 Building a New Category01:20 Leaving Corporate02:50 Fermentation's Opportunity05:00 Beyond Meat Alternatives06:20 How Matr Works08:45 Scaling Across Europe11:45 Fundraising Lessons16:30 Startup Reality22:50 What Investors Want25:10 Hiring for Growth27:40 Female Founder Bias34:20 Future of FoodUseful links: Matr Foods website: https://matrfoods.com/Matr Foods LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/matrfoods/Randi Wahlsten Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-wahlsten-285115/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

May 19, 202637 min

Accelerating Agriculture with AI

Europe imports millions of tons of soybeans every year. But what if the future of farming could change that completely?In this episode, Simon Leich sits down with Benjamin Laga, founder and CEO of Protealis, to explore how AI, genetics, and next-generation breeding could help Europe grow more of its own protein and reduce its dependence on imported soy.Benjamin shares his journey from biotech startups to global corporations like BASF, and explains why he left the corporate world to build a company focused on sustainable agriculture and food security.In this conversation, you’ll learn:Why Europe depends so heavily on imported soybeansHow protein crops could reshape the future of farmingHow AI is accelerating crop breeding and genetic selectionWhy sustainable farming starts with better crop systemsThe challenge of turning scientific innovation into real-world impactThis episode is a fascinating look at the future of agriculture, food independence, and the technology changing how crops are developed.Watch now and discover how one startup is trying to transform Europe’s food system.Tune in on…Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:36 Meet Benjamin Laga01:32 From Startup Life to Big Corporations05:18 How Benjamin Started Protealis07:52 Building a Company with Purpose09:25 Starting a Business During Covid10:23 Why Europe Imports So Much Protein12:09 Soybeans & Europe’s Nitrogen Problem14:51 Using AI to Improve Crop Breeding18:16 How AI Predicts Better Crops22:44 Why Soybeans Struggle in Europe25:54 Developing High Protein Crops27:10 Growing Soybeans Across Europe28:19 Turning Research Into a Real Business30:00 Building the Right Company Culture32:12 Hiring People for Startup Life34:09 Belgium’s Growing AgTech Scene35:34 The Future Vision for PrUseful links:Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

December 2, 202537 min

Building Companies That Power the Future of Agriculture

What if agriculture could become the world’s most powerful engine for climate and health—without sacrificing yield? In this episode, Dr. Robert Berendes, scientist, entrepreneur and longtime ag innovator, unpacks how deep tech, genome editing and AI are transforming a “low-tech” industry into a high-impact platform for planetary regeneration. He explores the shift from calories to nutrition, soil health and carbon sequestration, why new genetics will rewrite competitive dynamics in ag, and what it really takes to scale ventures from flagship labs to farmers’ fields. Along the way, Robert shares hard-won lessons on talent, regulation, capital cycles and why agriculture in 2030 will look nothing like today.Tune in for a fresh look at building ventures that leave every acre better.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:0:00 – Rethinking innovation in ag1:08 – Ignoring the noisy consensus3:43 – From consulting to Syngenta5:38 – Why ag is misunderstood10:09 – Reading and writing genomes12:56 – Power shift to farmers17:24 – Inside the Flagship model22:59 – Talent that drives disruption28:42 – Funding cycles and exits34:10 – Agriculture in 2030Useful links: Flagship Pioneering website: https://www.flagshippioneering.com/Flagship Pioneering LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flagship-pioneering/Robert Berendes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-berendes-39b62a67/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

November 11, 202544 min

Cracking the Code on Permanent Carbon Removal

What if we could remove CO₂ from the atmosphere today—and keep it gone for 1,000 years? In this episode, I’m joined by Barclay Rogers, founder and CEO of Graphyte, who is pioneering a breakthrough method called Carbon Casting that uses biomass by-products and low-energy engineering to lock away carbon at a fraction of the typical cost. We explore why many emissions cannot be abated, how durable removals differ from nature-based fixes, and what it takes to make carbon removal bankable and scalable. Remarkably, Graphyte went from founding to full-scale operation in just 18 months—proving that durable carbon removal can be delivered today, not decades from now. Listen in to discover how Graphyte is rewriting the carbon removal playbook—faster, cheaper, and at scale.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:0:00 – Opening: The 1,000-year carbon removal challenge2:10 – Barclay’s journey: From engineer & lawyer to founder5:50 – What “carbon removal” really means vs. abatement9:30 – Nature-based solutions vs engineered removals13:20 – Introducing Carbon Casting: how it works17:45 – Why biomass waste + dry storage = low-cost removal22:50 – Scaling: from pilot to modular global model27:10 – Market mechanics: credits, buyers, quality ratings31:40 – Financing and bankability: project finance in CDR35:15 – International expansion & global biomass potential39:00 – Practical advice for climate-tech founders43:00 – Closing thoughts & next stepsUseful links: Graphyte Website: https://www.graphyte.com/Graphyte LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/graphytecarbon/Barclay Rogers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barclayrogers/Leaders on a Mission Website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

October 28, 202543 min

Resetting to Win: Strategy, Speed, and Shelf Life

What if the key to transforming our food system isn’t growing more, but wasting less? In this episode, Apeel CEO Luiz Beling reveals how plant-based coatings are extending the shelf life at the source, cutting food waste, and creating value across the supply chain. Luiz opens up about resetting Apeel’s strategy for scalability, leading through misinformation, and fostering a culture that prizes progress over perfection. From pivoting toward growers and packers to mastering decision speed and rebuilding stakeholder trust, this is a masterclass in leading with clarity through complexity.🎧 Hear how leaders reset, refocus, and rebuild stronger than before.---🌿 Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:00:00 — Decision speed - perfection02:29 — Four priorities on entry05:12 — How Apeel works06:57 — Extra days, extra value13:47 — Startup vs big company17:48 — Hiring for agility22:07 — Value across supply chain29:28 — Farmer adoption reality35:24 — Fighting misinformationUseful links: Apeel website: https://apeel.comApeel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apeel/Luiz Beling LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luizbeling/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

October 14, 202538 min

How AI Is Reshaping Sustainable Chemistry

Computation is killing the wet lab—and reshaping enzyme innovation in the process. Maria Fátima Lucas, CEO of ZYMVOL, shares how AI and physics-based simulation shrink enzyme discovery from 100 million sequence variants to fewer than 300 lab-tested hits—cutting timelines, risk, and cost by orders of magnitude.In this episode, Maria unpacks how ZYMVOL is making biocatalysis not just greener, but cheaper and faster—bringing clean chemistry to sectors previously priced out. From Europe’s regulatory drivers to a bold product pivot into bio-based melanin, this is a rare look inside a deeptech company scaling with precision, not hype.Tune in for a fresh look at building ventures that last, not just raise.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:00:00 – Clean chemistry = mission02:41 – From pharma to enzymes05:07 – Bootstrapping for 6 years07:03 – AI + physics workflow10:55 – Why cost always wins11:15 – Regulatory bans as tailwind14:52 – End-to-end solution model19:31 – First hits in 3 months23:47 – Enzyme marketplace vision28:42 – Bio-melanin case study35:24 – Fundraising and futureUseful links: ZYMVOL website: https://zymvol.com/ZYMVOL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zymvol/Maria Fatima Lucas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatimalucas/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

September 23, 202539 min

Winning Back Trust in Alternative Protein

Can alternative protein earn back meat-eaters’ trust? At Prime Roots, CEO Kimberlie Le believes the answer lies in reinventing the deli—one of the most consumed, and most distrusted, meat categories. Using koji mycelium and chef-led formulation, Prime Roots has developed clean-label deli meats that meat-eaters often prefer in blind taste tests.In this episode, we break down how their ingredient simplicity, category focus, and manufacturing efficiency unlock a more scalable, credible path for the future of food.Tune in to learn how Prime Roots is rebuilding belief in alternative protein—one deli cut at a time..--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:00:00 – The trust gap in alt-protein01:12 – Kimberlie’s flexitarian roots05:36 – Why the deli—not burgers08:12 – Koji fermentation and clean labels10:16 – Rebuilding trust through taste14:01 – Blind taste test wins18:39 – Product lineup: ham to salami23:26 – Distribution and go-to-market28:18 – Scaling with margin disciplineUseful links: Prime Roots website: https://www.primeroots.com/Prime Root’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primeroots/Kimberlie Li LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberliele/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

September 9, 202539 min

Getting the Economics of Carbon Capture Right

Direct air capture has long been too costly and energy-intensive to scale. But economist Ethan Cohen‑Cole is changing the equation. As CEO of Capture6, he’s embedding carbon removal into water infrastructure—cutting brine disposal costs, generating fresh water, and mineralizing CO₂ in one modular system.In this episode, Ethan shares how Capture6 is turning industrial waste into a climate asset by avoiding energy-intensive heat steps and integrating directly into existing desalination and wastewater systems. Learn how this approach flips the economic model of carbon removal—unlocking cost-effective, globally scalable projects that don’t rely on subsidies or voluntary carbon markets. Tune in to hear how better economics make carbon capture viable.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:00:56 – Why removals must scale01:28 – From economist to climate founder05:09 – What makes DAC expensive10:18 – Capture6’s unique solution13:01 – Brine as feedstock16:59 – Rethinking carbon economics20:46 – Storage, value, and durability27:23 – Scaling through replication31:25 – Project execution + capex35:16 – Vision for global impactUseful links: Capture6 website: https://capture6.com/Capture6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capture6/Ethan Cohen-Cole’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecohencole/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

September 2, 202540 min

Scaling the World’s First Zero-Emission Metals Company

What if the clean energy transition is built on one of the dirtiest secrets in industry—rare earth metals? They power EVs, AI, and defense systems, yet most are processed overseas with toxic, outdated methods. In this episode, Nicholas Myers, CEO of Phoenix Tailings, shares how his company is transforming mining waste into a clean, domestic source of critical materials. From backyard prototypes to pioneering world-first predictive complexation, Nick shares the grit, innovation, and vision it takes to scale deep tech in one of the world’s most entrenched industries—and why zero-waste, zero-emission metals are vital for both energy security and the environment. Tune in to hear how backyard experiments grew into a global metals revolution.--- Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Check out Leaders on a Mission, where I interview climate tech leaders shaking up the industry and bringing us the next wave of sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation—exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:00:58 – Nick’s unconventional journey04:17 – Backyard experiments begin07:22 – Tackling mining waste11:23 – Predictive complexation breakthrough13:40 – AI in metallurgy17:04 – US-China supply chain exposure19:15 – Scaling defense capacity22:56 – Financing beyond VC25:05 – Rare earths in production28:27 – Lessons from fundraising31:43 – The three-year IPO vision33:35 – Building high-performance teams38:31 – Values that drive Phoenix TailingsUseful links: Phoenix Tailings website: https://phoenixtailings.com/Phoenix Tailings LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenixtailings/Nicholas Myers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholaswilliammyers/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/

August 19, 202546 min

Engineering Color: Reinventing Dyes with Microbes

What if one of the world’s dirtiest industrial processes could be reinvented—by microbes? Textile dyeing causes 20% of global water pollution, but Colorifix CEO Orr Yarkoni is flipping the script. In this episode, he explains how engineered microbes are replacing toxic dye chemicals with clean, modular, biological systems. Learn how Colorifix built a scalable, sustainable solution for color production—cutting carbon, chemicals, and water use—while tackling global supply chains and navigating complex GMO regulations. Tune in as biology rewrites the future of fashion.---Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts! Searching for new podcasts on sustainability? Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions. Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact. Tune in on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadersonamissionNet0Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o41ubdkzChAzD9C53xH82Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-on-a-mission/id1532211726…to listen to the latest episodes!Timestamps:00:56 – Biology vs. chemical dyeing04:07 – Origins: arsenic biosensor to fashion07:22 – Why textile dyeing is broken12:05 – Mapping the supply chain19:36 – Modular bioreactors for scale23:44 – Fermentation hardware breakthrough28:15 – The challenge of making black32:44 – Strategic backing from IKEA & H&M34:54 – Scaling globally, sustainably40:44 – GMO regulation bottlenecksUseful links: Colorfix website: https://www.colorifix.com/Colorfix’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/colorfix/Orr Yarkoni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orr-yarkoni-48653095/Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/