Everybody’s greatest personal strength is their personal greatest weakness. So my greatest strength is hopeless optimism. I do believe that I’ve got a responsibility, not least because of the relative privilege I’ve had and also my age, to try and correct that system. And I never give up. Every one of us has got an ability, however small, to put their shoulder to the wheel to drive the change that we so desperately need.
Mike Barry is a walking encyclopaedia, a commerce market colossus in terms of how big business and society at large can effectively manage the transition from resource-gobbling to responsible circular economic practice.
Mike is a leader in sustainable change. One of the pioneers of green business in the corporate world he helped to develop, launch and implement Marks and Spencer’s ground-breaking sustainability programme, Plan A (because there is no Plan B for the one world we have). In ten years, Plan A delivered £750m of net business benefit and over the years won 230 awards.
A man in demand as we all look for solutions, we are so pleased to have him join us to impart his seemingly endless knowledge and wisdom. His current commitments include a role as Trustee for Blueprint for BetterBiz and Advisor to CoGo and Clim8. Blue Earth pod host Laura Nesbitt and Mike enjoy a far-reaching, generationally-defying conversation which will have you hooked.
This is our first pod in a series of introducing our first confirmed speakers, ambassadors, partner representatives and athletes. Next up: youth activist Poppy Stowell-Evans.