#166 | From Buzzwords to Action: Building a Smarter, More Sustainable Charlotte

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King and Dan Fisher sit down with Amy Aussieker, executive director of Envision Charlotte and the leader behind Charlotte’s Innovation Barn. Amy shares how her background in sales and fundraising helped her turn complex sustainability ideas into practical programs, partnerships, and community-based solutions. She explains the circular economy, why food waste should stay out of landfills, and how individuals can take tangible action rather than leaving environmental responsibility entirely to governments and corporations. The conversation also explores cross-sector collaboration, earned revenue for nonprofits, local innovation, diverse teams, and Amy’s vision for making Charlotte a destination for sustainability entrepreneurs, pilots, and circular economy initiatives. Key Topics Turning sustainability and circular economy concepts into practical action Building partnerships by identifying a meaningful win for everyone Creating local solutions for food waste, glass, plastics, and recycling Developing earned-revenue models for nonprofit sustainability Making Charlotte a destination for environmental innovation Episode History 00:00 — Introduction and meeting Amy Aussieker 02:45 — Why Amy chose sustainability and circular economy work 05:00 — Making climate change practical and actionable 08:00 — Collaboration, partnerships, and finding the shared win 11:30 — Innovation Barn projects and filling sustainability gaps 17:00 — Amy’s journey from design into sales and nonprofit leadership 21:00 — A vision for Charlotte as a sustainability destination 28:00 — Earned revenue, nonprofit funding, and creative business models Amy's Bio Amy Aussieker is the executive director of Envision Charlotte and a driving force behind the Innovation Barn, Charlotte’s living laboratory for sustainability, circular economy solutions, education, and cross-sector collaboration. With a professional background in sales, fundraising, business development, and community partnerships, Amy has spent more than a decade helping transform ambitious environmental ideas into practical initiatives. Her work includes advancing solutions related to food waste, glass recycling, plastics, textiles, organics, aquaponics, education, and sustainable economic development. She also connects businesses, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, government leaders, and community members to create partnerships where every participant can recognize a meaningful win. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King