Laura Francois : Impact Strategist, Co-founder, The Spaceship episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 19, 2025 · 42 MIN

Laura Francois : Impact Strategist, Co-founder, The Spaceship

from Future Shapers! (The Podcast) · host Craig Vezina

In this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, host Tod Gimbel speaks with Laura Francois, an impact strategist and co-founder of the Spaceship Academy. They discuss the concept of impact as a neutral term, the importance of awe in driving climate action, and the need for systems thinking in addressing complex issues in the garment industry. Laura introduces the idea of 'systems feeling' and emphasizes the role of emotions in corporate sustainability. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating a VUCA world and the importance of cultural change within organizations. They conclude with recommendations for inspiring reads and a discussion on optimism versus pessimism in the face of global challenges.takeawaysImpact is a neutral word that can have both positive and negative connotations.Awe can be a powerful motivator for change in climate action.Systems thinking is essential for understanding complex issues in any industry.Feeling is a crucial component in driving sustainability efforts.Every individual is part of a larger system, and small changes can create significant impacts.Pessimism about the future is a luxury we cannot afford.Curiosity is the key to fostering innovation and self-directed learning.Cultural change within organizations is necessary for effective sustainability practices.We must acknowledge the emotional aspects of our work to engage others effectively.The importance of slowing down to truly understand the systems we are part of.Exploring Impact: The Neutrality of ChangeHarnessing Awe for Climate Action"Impact is a neutral word.""Systems thinking is a muscle.""You are part of the system."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Laura Francois and Her Journey01:46New Chapter03:47The Role of Awe in Impact Strategy10:33 Systems Thinking and Feeling in Sustainability 16:12 The Importance of Awe in Action and Change21:51 From Awe to Curiosity: A Framework for Change23:00Bridging the Sustainability Spectrum24:18 Navigating VUCA: The New Business Landscape27:05 Hospicing Modernity: Embracing Change with Care28:59 Empowering CSOs: Leading Cultural Change31:36 The Ripple Effect: Small Changes, Big Impact 34:32 Emergence Over Prescription: Finding New Paths38:25 Optimism vs. Pessimism: The Ethical Dilemma

In this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, host Tod Gimbel speaks with Laura Francois, an impact strategist and co-founder of the Spaceship Academy. They discuss the concept of impact as a neutral term, the importance of awe in driving climate action, and the need for systems thinking in addressing complex issues in the garment industry. Laura introduces the idea of 'systems feeling' and emphasizes the role of emotions in corporate sustainability. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating a VUCA world and the importance of cultural change within organizations. They conclude with recommendations for inspiring reads and a discussion on optimism versus pessimism in the face of global challenges.takeawaysImpact is a neutral word that can have both positive and negative connotations.Awe can be a powerful motivator for change in climate action.Systems thinking is essential for understanding complex issues in any industry.Feeling is a crucial component in driving sustainability efforts.Every individual is part of a larger system, and small changes can create significant impacts.Pessimism about the future is a luxury we cannot afford.Curiosity is the key to fostering innovation and self-directed learning.Cultural change within organizations is necessary for effective sustainability practices.We must acknowledge the emotional aspects of our work to engage others effectively.The importance of slowing down to truly understand the systems we are part of.Exploring Impact: The Neutrality of ChangeHarnessing Awe for Climate Action"Impact is a neutral word.""Systems thinking is a muscle.""You are part of the system."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Laura Francois and Her Journey01:46New Chapter03:47The Role of Awe in Impact Strategy10:33 Systems Thinking and Feeling in Sustainability 16:12 The Importance of Awe in Action and Change21:51 From Awe to Curiosity: A Framework for Change23:00Bridging the Sustainability Spectrum24:18 Navigating VUCA: The New Business Landscape27:05 Hospicing Modernity: Embracing Change with Care28:59 Empowering CSOs: Leading Cultural Change31:36 The Ripple Effect: Small Changes, Big Impact 34:32 Emergence Over Prescription: Finding New Paths38:25 Optimism vs. Pessimism: The Ethical Dilemma

NOW PLAYING

Laura Francois : Impact Strategist, Co-founder, The Spaceship

0:00 42:21

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Future Shapers! (The Podcast)?

This episode is 42 minutes long.

When was this Future Shapers! (The Podcast) episode published?

This episode was published on February 19, 2025.

What is this episode about?

In this episode of the Future Shapers podcast, host Tod Gimbel speaks with Laura Francois, an impact strategist and co-founder of the Spaceship Academy. They discuss the concept of impact as a neutral term, the importance of awe in driving climate...

Can I download this Future Shapers! (The Podcast) episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!