In this thought-provoking episode of We Are Not Doomed, host Jonah Geil-Neufeld sits down with Daniel Lawse, co-founder and co-owner of the Verdis Group, a sustainability and regenerative consulting agency based in Omaha, Nebraska. Lawse shares his journey from studying theology to becoming a leader in environmental sustainability, and how his company is helping large organizations shift from traditional sustainability practices to a more holistic, regenerative approach.The conversation delves into the four critical shifts that Lawse believes are essential for creating a more resilient and thriving world: moving from short-term to long-term thinking, from separate to interconnected systems, from static to dynamic approaches, and from closed to open systems. Through engaging examples from his work with aquariums, zoos, and other complex organizations, Lawse illustrates how these principles can be applied to create meaningful change. He also discusses the importance of scope 3 emissions, the growing focus on climate adaptation and resilience, and how individuals can incorporate regenerative thinking into their daily lives.Topics Discussed:<ol>
<li>Daniel Lawse's journey from theology to sustainability consulting</li>
<li>The shift from sustainability to regenerative thinking</li>
<li>Four critical shifts for creating a thriving world: a. Short-term to long-term thinking b. Separate to interconnected systems c. Static to dynamic approaches d. Closed to open systems</li>
<li>Examples of regenerative practices in zoos and aquariums</li>
<li>The importance of scope 3 emissions in organizational sustainability</li>
<li>Growing focus on climate adaptation and resilience</li>
<li>The Seventh Generation Principle and its potential impact on decision-making</li>
<li>How individuals can incorporate regenerative thinking into daily life</li>
<li>The role of compassion and repair in personal and organizational growth</li>
<li>Optimism for the future based on organizational progress in sustainability</li>
</ol>

<description>In this thought-provoking episode of We Are Not Doomed, host Jonah Geil-Neufeld sits down with Daniel Lawse, co-founder and co-owner of the Verdis Group, a sustainability and regenerative consulting agency based in Omaha, Nebraska. Lawse shares his journey from studying theology to becoming a leader in environmental sustainability, and how his company is helping large organizations shift from traditional sustainability practices to a more holistic, regenerative approach.
The conversation delves into the four critical shifts that Lawse believes are essential for creating a more resilient and thriving world: moving from short-term to long-term thinking, from separate to interconnected systems, from static to dynamic approaches, and from closed to open systems. Through engaging examples from his work with aquariums, zoos, and other complex organizations, Lawse illustrates how these principles can be applied to create meaningful change. He also discusses the importance of scope 3 emissions, the growing focus on climate adaptation and resilience, and how individuals can incorporate regenerative thinking into their daily lives.
Topics Discussed:

Daniel Lawse's journey from theology to sustainability consulting

The shift from sustainability to regenerative thinking

Four critical shifts for creating a thriving world: a. Short-term to long-term thinking b. Separate to interconnected systems c. Static to dynamic approaches d. Closed to open systems

Examples of regenerative practices in zoos and aquariums

The importance of scope 3 emissions in organizational sustainability

Growing focus on climate adaptation and resilience

The Seventh Generation Principle and its potential impact on decision-making

How individuals can incorporate regenerative thinking into daily life

The role of compassion and repair in personal and organizational growth

Optimism for the future based on organizational progress in sustainability</description>

Daniel Lawse, co-founder of the Verdis Group

In this thought-provoking episode of We Are Not Doomed, host Jonah Geil-Neufeld sits down with Daniel Lawse, co-founder and co-owner of the Verdis Group, a sustainability and regenerative consulting agency based in Omaha, Nebraska. Lawse shares his journey from studying theology to becoming a leader in environmental sustainability, and how his company is helping large organizations shift from traditional sustainability practices to a more holistic, regenerative approach.
The conversation delves into the four critical shifts that Lawse believes are essential for creating a more resilient and thriving world: moving from short-term to long-term thinking, from separate to interconnected systems, from static to dynamic approaches, and from closed to open systems. Through engaging examples from his work with aquariums, zoos, and other complex organizations, Lawse illustrates how these principles can be applied to create meaningful change. He also discusses the importance of scope 3 emissions, the growing focus on climate adaptation and resilience, and how individuals can incorporate regenerative thinking into their daily lives.
Topics Discussed:

Daniel Lawse's journey from theology to sustainability consulting

The shift from sustainability to regenerative thinking

Four critical shifts for creating a thriving world: a. Short-term to long-term thinking b. Separate to interconnected systems c. Static to dynamic approaches d. Closed to open systems

Examples of regenerative practices in zoos and aquariums

The importance of scope 3 emissions in organizational sustainability

Growing focus on climate adaptation and resilience

The Seventh Generation Principle and its potential impact on decision-making

How individuals can incorporate regenerative thinking into daily life

The role of compassion and repair in personal and organizational growth

Optimism for the future based on organizational progress in sustainability

4 Critical Shifts to Incorporate Regenerative Thinking into Your Life and Work

What does it take to future-proof humanity in the face of climate change? In this episode of We Are Not Doomed, Brett Jenks, CEO of Rare, shares his journey from producing Dunkin' Donuts commercials to leading global conservation efforts that are helping to reshape our relationship with nature.From empowering coastal fishing communities to leveraging behavioral science for large-scale environmental change, Brett explains how Rare is building a global movement that combines conservation, innovation, and community-led action to fight climate change. Tune in to hear how these efforts are creating real change—and why Brett believes we are better at adapting than we think.

<description>What does it take to future-proof humanity in the face of climate change? In this episode of We Are Not Doomed, Brett Jenks, CEO of Rare, shares his journey from producing Dunkin' Donuts commercials to leading global conservation efforts that are helping to reshape our relationship with nature.
From empowering coastal fishing communities to leveraging behavioral science for large-scale environmental change, Brett explains how Rare is building a global movement that combines conservation, innovation, and community-led action to fight climate change. Tune in to hear how these efforts are creating real change—and why Brett believes we are better at adapting than we think.</description>

With Brett Jenks, CEO of Rare.org

What does it take to future-proof humanity in the face of climate change? In this episode of We Are Not Doomed, Brett Jenks, CEO of Rare, shares his journey from producing Dunkin' Donuts commercials to leading global conservation efforts that are helping to reshape our relationship with nature.
From empowering coastal fishing communities to leveraging behavioral science for large-scale environmental change, Brett explains how Rare is building a global movement that combines conservation, innovation, and community-led action to fight climate change. Tune in to hear how these efforts are creating real change—and why Brett believes we are better at adapting than we think.

What Behavioral Science Can Teach Us About Climate Action

Sustainability is at the very core of Cotopaxi. The company's legal designation allows it to prioritize people and planet, alongside profit.In this episode of We Are Not Doomed, host Jonah Geil-Neufeld talks with Annie Agle, Vice President of Impact and Sustainability at Cotopaxi. Annie shares how the outdoor gear company is setting a new standard for sustainability, from their circular business model to their philanthropic efforts in global poverty alleviation. She dives into Cotopaxi’s unique approach to corporate responsibility and the environmental challenges facing the apparel industry, while offering insights into how businesses can be a force for good.

<description>Sustainability is at the very core of Cotopaxi. The company's legal designation allows it to prioritize people and planet, alongside profit.
In this episode of We Are Not Doomed, host Jonah Geil-Neufeld talks with Annie Agle, Vice President of Impact and Sustainability at Cotopaxi. Annie shares how the outdoor gear company is setting a new standard for sustainability, from their circular business model to their philanthropic efforts in global poverty alleviation. She dives into Cotopaxi’s unique approach to corporate responsibility and the environmental challenges facing the apparel industry, while offering insights into how businesses can be a force for good.</description>

A conversation with Annie Agle, Cotopaxi’s VP of Sustainability

Sustainability is at the very core of Cotopaxi. The company's legal designation allows it to prioritize people and planet, alongside profit.
In this episode of We Are Not Doomed, host Jonah Geil-Neufeld talks with Annie Agle, Vice President of Impact and Sustainability at Cotopaxi. Annie shares how the outdoor gear company is setting a new standard for sustainability, from their circular business model to their philanthropic efforts in global poverty alleviation. She dives into Cotopaxi’s unique approach to corporate responsibility and the environmental challenges facing the apparel industry, while offering insights into how businesses can be a force for good.

How Cotopaxi is Tackling Climate Change and Poverty

Greg Robinson, co-founder and CEO of Aston, joins We Are Not Doomed to discuss how clean energy can meet the growing power demands of AI data centers. Greg shares his journey from working in solar energy to founding Aston, a company focused on providing firm power service through renewable sources like solar and geothermal.Greg is a wealth of knowledge on the future of clean energy, independent power networks, and how climate change is shaping the way we power technology.

<description>Greg Robinson, co-founder and CEO of Aston, joins We Are Not Doomed to discuss how clean energy can meet the growing power demands of AI data centers. Greg shares his journey from working in solar energy to founding Aston, a company focused on providing firm power service through renewable sources like solar and geothermal.
Greg is a wealth of knowledge on the future of clean energy, independent power networks, and how climate change is shaping the way we power technology.</description>

Greg Robinson on Building Sustainable Data Centers

Greg Robinson, co-founder and CEO of Aston, joins We Are Not Doomed to discuss how clean energy can meet the growing power demands of AI data centers. Greg shares his journey from working in solar energy to founding Aston, a company focused on providing firm power service through renewable sources like solar and geothermal.
Greg is a wealth of knowledge on the future of clean energy, independent power networks, and how climate change is shaping the way we power technology.

Powering AI with Clean Energy

In this episode, Jonah Geil-Neufeld interviews Whitney Flanagan, Director of Marketing at Finite Carbon, to explore the powerful role of forest carbon offsets in climate change mitigation. Whitney shares how her upbringing in East Tennessee shaped her passion for conservation, and how Finite Carbon is helping landowners protect forests while generating revenue through carbon finance. Learn about the difference between voluntary and compliance markets, and hear inspiring stories, including one from the Pasamaquoddy tribe, about how forest conservation is improving communities.

<description>In this episode, Jonah Geil-Neufeld interviews Whitney Flanagan, Director of Marketing at Finite Carbon, to explore the powerful role of forest carbon offsets in climate change mitigation. Whitney shares how her upbringing in East Tennessee shaped her passion for conservation, and how Finite Carbon is helping landowners protect forests while generating revenue through carbon finance. Learn about the difference between voluntary and compliance markets, and hear inspiring stories, including one from the Pasamaquoddy tribe, about how forest conservation is improving communities.</description>

In this episode, Jonah Geil-Neufeld interviews Whitney Flanagan, Director of Marketing at Finite Carbon, to explore the powerful role of forest carbon offsets in climate change mitigation. Whitney shares how her upbringing in East Tennessee shaped her passion for conservation, and how Finite Carbon is helping landowners protect forests while generating revenue through carbon finance. Learn about the difference between voluntary and compliance markets, and hear inspiring stories, including one from the Pasamaquoddy tribe, about how forest conservation is improving communities.

The Impact of Forest Carbon Offsets

Optimism in a changing climate. Interviews with industry leaders, authors, journalists, and real people who are making an impact on climate change everyday. We Are Not Doomed is hosted by Jonah Geil-Neufeld, the Executive Producer of Puddle Creative.

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