Recalibrating Sustainability: Returning to First Principles

Nicole Martens, Krutham

An episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast podcast, hosted by Collective Responsibility, titled "Recalibrating Sustainability: Returning to First Principles" was published on September 19, 2025 and runs 39 minutes.

September 19, 2025 ·39m · Sustainable Ambassador Podcast

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Summary

In this episode, Nicole Martens, Head of Impact Advisory at a South Africa–based think tank and consultancy, reflects on the current state of sustainability and the need to return to first principles. She shares her career journey in sustainability and finance, her perspective on the recent recalibration in the field, and the risks of commitments built on assumptions. Nicole discusses sector-specific challenges, the balance between local and global approaches, the role of finance in shaping outcomes, and the importance of credibility, accountability, and evidence-based strategies. She also offers guidance for professionals on how to navigate the pullback with pragmatism and purpose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Description

She shares her career journey in sustainability and finance, her perspective on the recent recalibration in the field, and the risks of commitments built on assumptions.

Nicole discusses sector-specific challenges, the balance between local and global approaches, the role of finance in shaping outcomes, and the importance of credibility, accountability, and evidence-based strategies.

She also offers guidance for professionals on how to navigate the pullback with pragmatism and purpose.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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