AND is the Future - Making Businesses Sustainable AND Profitable
Ilham Kadri, CEO of Syensqo
AND is the Future, hosted by Ilham Kadri, the CEO of Syensqo, brings together great minds to explore how businesses can be both sustainable AND profitable through innovation and science.The best leaders practice the power of AND. To us, this means embracing ideas and behaviors that others might perceive as opposite or in conflict. Leaders who are daring AND caring. Leaders who are guided by science AND deeply human. Leaders who are strong AND show vulnerability. Leaders who focus on profitability AND sustainability with equal importance. The power of AND is about believing in and embracing both. In And is th...
Space AND Sustainability with Phil Chambers, CEO of Orbex
How can space launches become sustainable? Orbex is making it possible! Phil Chambers, CEO of Orbex sits down with Ilham to talk about how his company is building the most advanced, low carbon, micro launch vehicles in the world. They discuss the Orbex Prime rocket which will launch later this year; their creation of the first bio-friendly fuel launch system that slashes emissions more than 90%; how to build a company culture; his advice to young entrepreneurs, and more. Timestamps1:24 - The spa
Mar 3, • 23:16
Antarctica AND the tipping point with Eric Goens, award-winning director of 2050
You may know Eric Goens for his many hit shows in Belgium such as Conclave, but did you know his passion is Antarctica? In this episode, Eric talks about his masterpiece, a documentary called 2050 that takes us on an expedition to Princess Elizabeth Station. Ilham and Eric have a fascinating discussion about experiencing the beauty of Antarctica, seeing the effects of climate change there, and how businesses can play a big role. As Eric puts it “We are the very first generation that knows the pr
Feb 24, • 36:18
Inclusive Capitalism AND Business with Dr. Mo Ibrahim
According to top business leader and philanthropist Dr. Mo Ibrahim, “You have to be profitable in your business, but you also have to try to do good as well.” Dr. Ibrahim implemented this belief by making all his employees business partners or shareholders within the companies he ran. As he would say, “Either we succeed together or we fail together!” Ilham sits down with Dr. Ibrahim for a fascinating discussion about what it means to be sustainable AND profitable in business, the importance of i
Jan 14, • 33:19
Re-Release! Net Positive AND Thriving with Paul Polman, former Unilever CEO
We appreciate the fabulous response to AND is the future and wanted to re-share one of our favorite episodes from Season One, especially for our new listeners. This episode features Paul Polman, one of the foremost sustainable businesses leaders. Is the world better off because your business is in it? Paul Polman speaks with Ilham about what it takes to build a Net Positive company; how leaders can unlock a company’s soul; why empathetic leadership is the key to success; the power of partnership
Dec 3, 2024 • 29:58
Business AND Poetry with Nadir Godrej Chairman of Godrej Industries
Nadir Godrej syas that to make a difference in the world, you “have to make a good case for the mind AND heart” – and poetry is a great way to do this! As both a sustainable business leader AND a poet, he believes in the power of words to move people. Ilham and Nadir have a great discussion about his interest in poetry, what it takes to create a sustainable business, empathy and kindness in leadership, and much more. Nadir Godrej is the chairman of Godrej Industries, one of India's biggest and m
Nov 26, 2024 • 30:20
Chemistry AND Creativity with Nobel Prize winner Jean-Marie Lehn
According to Nobel Prize laureate Jean-Marie Lehn, chemistry isn’t just part of the solution to humanity's biggest challenges: it is the solution! That’s because chemistry can create solutions that do not yet exist. Ilham and Professor Lehn have a fascinating conversation about chemistry and creativity, failure and serendipity in science, and how companies play a crucial role in bringing scientific solutions into the world.Professor Jean-Marie Lehn is a French chemist known for his groundbreakin
Oct 22, 2024 • 33:50
Curiosity AND Reaching for the Stars: Anousheh Ansari on becoming the first Iranian woman in space
Imagine. Be the change. Inspire - these are the words that Anousheh Ansari had made into a badge for her spacesuit as she became the first Iranian woman to fly into space! They are also the principles that led her to become a successful, sustainable CEO. Anousheh and Ilham have a fascinating conversation about the importance of having big dreams and reaching for the stars, why we need more women in STEM, and what it takes to become a sustainable entrepreneur and leader, and much more. Timstamps1
Sep 16, 2024 • 33:57
Sport AND Sustainability with Formula E pilot Stoffel Vandoorne
So how does it feel to be part of one of the most sustainable sports? Great, according to Formula E champion, Stoffel Vandoorne! As he explains, Formula E, the driving competition for electric cars, is “really a championship that is on the rise, that is pushing sustainability, electrification and bringing that racing to the cities as well.” Stoffel gives an inspiring account of how he prepares physically and mentally for a race, what makes a Formula E car different to drive, what business leader
Aug 27, 2024 • 26:41
Humanitarianism AND Health: Siddharth Chatterjee on Sustainable Development Goals and business
According to Siddharth Chatterjee, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, "the world needs to unite" to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, "and this is where the role of the private sector becomes absolutely mission critical." Ilham speaks with Siddharth about his incredible work with the United Nations to improve the lives of children, ensure equality for women and girls, promote health and well being, drive progress on all the SDGs….and how businesses can play a key role.. S
Jul 16, 2024 • 43:11
Space Travel AND Self Belief with Helen Sharman, the first British person in space
It all started when Helen Sharman heard a radio advertisement that said they were looking for an astronaut, no experience required. She applied, beat out 13,000 applicants, and became the first British person to travel to space! Ilham speaks with Helen about her incredible journey from a young chemist to becoming an astronaut; how she had to believe not only in herself but also her team; her love of chemistry and science; and the discipline it took to make her dreams a reality.In May 1991, Helen
Jun 12, 2024 • 47:38
Disruption AND Sustainability in Leadership with Former Dow CEO Andrew Liveris
According to Andrew Liveris, effective leaders can’t ignore the disruptive era we’re living in; they have got to embrace it. Ilham and Andrew have a fascinating conversation about disruption AND sustainable leadership, exploring the threat of short-termism, the need for inclusive capitalism, and the importance of purposeful leaders.Timestamps02:03 - Growing up in an ethnic family unit08:19 - Chemistry is part of the everyday12:42 - Explaining the mindset of the 5Ds19:00 - Recreating yourself as
May 7, 2024 • 37:34
Economics AND Sustainable Business with Bruno Van Pottelsberghe
When you educate students you can transform the world! Top economist and educator Bruno Van Pottelsberghe speaks with Ilham about the importance of a sustainable business education to inspire true sustainable leadership. They discuss the Solvay Business School’s Executive Masters in Sustainability, his advice for young leaders, how we can reimagine business, and much more! Timestamps01:58 - Upbringing and start of career04:53 - Solvay Business School and legacy of its founder Ernest Solvay08:36
Apr 16, 2024 • 33:17
Chemistry AND Curiosity: Professor Omar Yaghi on chemistry as a global solution
In this episode, Ilham sits down with the winner of Syensqo's 2024 Ernest Solvay Prize, Omar Yaghi. Omar has used his passion for Science to change the course of the future with his discovery of reticular chemistry. His pioneering work is making a positive impact on our planet, purifying our water, air and fuel for generations to come. His research has inspired further development of new materials and sparked discoveries that can help solve major problems such as CO2 capture, hydrogen storage,
Mar 19, 2024 • 33:16
Science AND Beauty: L’Oréal CEO Nicolas Hieronimus on the business of beauty
The purpose of L’Oréal is to create beauty that moves the world. According to CEO, Nicolas Hieronimus, ‘to move’ can have two meanings: “One is to change things, such as using green sciences and reducing package as a way to move the world. But moving is also about emotion. Beauty is about emotions; it’s about bringing people self-confidence.” Ilham and Nicolas have a fascinating conversation about science AND beauty, discussing topics such as beauty and tech, how to be sustainable and profitable
Feb 2, 2024 • 35:19
Music AND Chemistry: Nuno Maulide on what scientists & business leaders can learn from music
Did you know that there’s a strong connection between music and science? Ilham speaks with award winning chemist and pianist Nuno Maulide about the science behind the classical music of the greatest composers. He talks about the musical talent of brilliant scientists such as Albert Einstein and Max Planck, what scientists and business leaders can learn from music, and beautifully plays pieces by Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Chopin, Rachmaninoff and Debussy. Listen and be inspired! Nuno Maulide is a p
Jan 2, 2024 • 51:49
Art AND Sustainability: Claudy Jongstra on what businesses can take from art
Have you ever wondered how the Dutch masters were able to use such vibrant colors? They come from plant-based dyes! Ilham sits down with internationally acclaimed artist Claudy Jongstra to discuss her incredible art, which is made from plant based dyes and wool that comes from a rare, indigenous breed of sheep raised on her farm in The Netherlands. They discuss her fascinating artistic process, the costumes she created for the Jedi in Star Wars, what businesses can learn from art and much more.
Nov 29, 2023 • 33:56
Leadership AND Finding Your True North: Bill George on how to become an authentic leader
According to leadership expert Bill George, “Your true north is the essence of who you are, and before you can go on an outer leadership journey, you have to go on an inner journey.” Ilham has a fascinating discussion with Bill about how you can find your True North, his new book on leadership, the shift from “I” to “we”, advice to emerging leaders and much more. Bill George is one of the most renowned experts on leadership. He's the former chairman and CEO of Medtronic, and currently an executi
Nov 6, 2023 • 39:18
The Sustainable Development Goals AND the Trillion Dollar Shift with Marga Hoek
According to sustainable leadership expert Marga Hoek, implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in business can lead to incredible business opportunities - in fact it’s a $12 trillion business case! Ilham has a fascinating discussion with Marga about how business for good is good for business, the attributes that make a good sustainable CEO, the importance of mentoring and much more. Marga Hoek, one of the top leaders on sustainable business, is a three-time CEO and the author of a
Oct 2, 2023 • 45:50
ESG AND Profitable Investing with CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management Nicolai Tangen
According CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management Nicolai Tangen, ESG and investing go hand in hand. Ilham sits down with Nicolai to discuss the importance of achieving the power of AND for investors, the journey of Norges Bank Investment Management under his leadership, his leadership lessons and advice for young leaders and investors, as well as his favorite books, paintings and more! Nicolai Tangen is the CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM). In that role he is responsible for man
Sep 5, 2023 • 33:48
Chemistry AND Cooking: Christophe Lavelle on molecular gastronomy
Chemistry is everywhere and cooking is no exception! In this podcast, Ilham joins Christophe Lavelle – one of the foremost experts on molecular gastronomy – in the kitchen to learn about the chemistry of cooking, molecular gastronomy, how cooking is both an art and a science, and even how to make caramel foam with bicarbonate of soda and liquid nitrogen! Christophe Lavelle is a biophysicist, an epigeneticist and one of the foremost experts on the chemistry of cooking, or molecular gastronomy.
Aug 6, 2023 • 28:59
Sustainable AND Profitable Leadership with leadership expert Clarke Murphy
According to leadership expert Clarke Murphy, great leaders must be moonshotters, possess empathy and have a high LQ (not just IQ)! What does that mean? Clarke explains everything in his fascinating discussion with Ilham. They talk about what it takes to be a sustainable leader, his new book on the topic, advice for young leaders and so much more. Timestamps1:49 - Upbringing and interest in sustainable leadership5:50 - CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates11:25 - Leadership and humility13:37 - Book
Jul 4, 2023 • 37:07
Sport AND Determination: Trenten Merrill on becoming one of the world’s top paralympic track and field athletes
Trenten Merrill speaks with Ilham about his incredible journey to become one of the world’s top paralympic track and field athletes. After overcoming many challenges, he has gone on to break the American record for long jump, not just once but three times! In this episode, he explains his passion for sports, how he stays disciplined, his advice for business leaders and young athletes, and so much more. 1:20 - Upbringing and passion for sports3:03 - Accident that changed his life7:31 - First comp
Jun 12, 2023 • 32:58
Sport AND Perseverance: with Ambra Sabatini, the fastest Paralympic sprinter in the world
In this latest episode, Ambra Sabatini explains her incredible journey to become the fastest Paralympic sprinter in the world. She speaks to Ilham about her passion for sports, an accident that changed her life, her stunning victory at the 2020 Paralympic games, what business leaders can learn from athletes, her advice for young people and more! 2:13 - Upbringing and passion for sports3:38 - Accident that changed her life 5:17 - Victory at the 2020 Paralympic games8:33 - Toughest challenges10:51
Jun 5, 2023 • 25:46
Sport AND Resilience with KG Montjane, one of the world’s top wheelchair tennis players
KG Montjane overcame many challenges to become one of the world’s top wheelchair tennis players and the first black South African woman to compete at Wimbledon. Ilham and KG talk about her incredible journey including her introduction to wheelchair tennis at the age of 19, her desire to help others, the importance of inclusion in sport, business and life, her advice to young people and much more. What a fantastic story of determination and resilience! 3:01- Introduction to tennis6:48 - First bla
May 29, 2023 • 28:05
Strength, Courage AND Ambition: Women leaders at Solvay on their recipe for success
Ilham has a conversation with five incredible Solvay women – Daniela Manique, Bijal Mathkar, Natalia Baran, Seung-eun Lee, and Cheryl Staton – who will all be featured in a book soon to be published called Adèle and the Women of Solvay. They talk about the importance of saying yes to opportunities, their passion for education, achieving a good balance between work and their personal lives (including motherhood), their recipe for success and much more. Adèle and the Women of Solvay, which will be
May 9, 2023 • 1:06:42
Exploration AND Scientific Progress with Nanok Adventurers Gilles Denis and Nathan Goffart
Ilham speaks with Belgian explorers Gilles Denis and Nathan Goffart about their amazing Nanok Expedition, a unique six month triathlon across Greenland consisting of 3 disciplines: ski crossing along the Arctic Circle, kayaking at sea and vertical climbing. But their mission went beyond just exploration: they also collaborated with well-known institutions and universities in Belgium to provide in situ measurements and samples never before collected in such conditions that will further our unders
Apr 3, 2023 • 38:51
Sustainable Development AND Economic Prosperity with Jorge Laguna-Celis of the UN’s One Planet Network
Did you know that sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12) can bring a lot of growth and economic benefits? Ilham sits down with Jorge Laguna-Celis who leads the One Planet Network, part of the UN Environment Programme, to talk about the importance of SDG 12; the One Planet Network’s global strategy for sustainable consumption and production; how businesses can grow and thrive by achieving SDG 12, and much more! Timestamps 1:22 - Upbringing and passion for sustainable development2:36 - Fo
Mar 6, 2023 • 35:26
Space AND Humanity’s Progress with former NASA Astronaut Doug Hurley
Did you watch the Netflix documentary Return to Space? Then you will remember one of the stars of the show, former NASA astronaut Doug Hurley! Ilham sits down with Doug to discuss his amazing flight in the SpaceX Dragon rocket, what sparked his passion for flight, the launch of Artemis I, when we’ll see humans on Mars, and, most importantly, what businesses can learn from space exploration.While at NASA Doug went to space three times: In 2009, Doug piloted the NASA Space Shuttle Endeavour, and i
Feb 6, 2023 • 43:51
Entrepreneurship AND Reinventing Education: CEO of CommonLit Michelle Brown on closing the Opportunity Gap
When Michelle Brown started her first teaching job at a low income school in Mississippi, she was confronted by the deep inequities in the system and decided to do something about it. Michelle went on to found CommonLit, a non-profit technology company with a mission to close the opportunity gap in education through literacy. Ilham sits down with Michelle to discuss her journey from teacher to tech entrepreneur, and the impact of CommonLit, which is doing so much to improve literacy for students
Jan 11, 2023 • 29:57
Around the World AND Emissions Free: Bertrand Piccard & his flight around the world in a solar-powered plane
Famed explorer Bertrand Piccard reminds us that if everyone tells you that something is possible, that means your dreams are not big enough! Bertrand made history by flying around the world, first non-stop in a balloon, and more recently in a solar-powered airplane without burning a single drop of fuel. In this podcast, Ilham sits down with Bertrand to discuss his upbringing and what sparked his passion for exploring the unknown, his flight around the world in a solar powered plane, the future o
Nov 28, 2022 • 38:13
Net Positive AND Thriving with former Unilever CEO Paul Polman
Is the world better off because your business is in it? Paul Polman, one of the top leaders advocating for sustainable businesses, speaks with Ilham about what it takes to build a Net Positive company; how leaders can unlock a company’s soul; why empathetic leadership is the key to success; the power of partnerships; the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion, and so much more. Timestamps 1:22 - Background and passion for sustainable business5:10 - How to be a Net Positive company8:42 -
Oct 24, 2022 • 30:14
Chemistry AND Reinventing Progress: Nobel Prize laureate Katalin Karikó on the mRNA covid vaccine
Professor Katalin Karikó’s research led to the creation of the messenger RNA Covid-19 vaccine, which has saved so many lives and helped curb the impact of the pandemic. She has quite literally changed the world! Ilham sits down with Professor Karikó to talk about her invaluable research; her passion for science; her upbringing in Hungary; women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers; her advice for young scientists, and much more1:42 - Upbringing in Hungary5:26 - Move to the
Sep 27, 2022 • 32:14
Doing Well in Business AND Doing Good for the World with Former DSM CEO Feike Sijbesma
When Feike Sijbesma became the CEO of Royal DSM, he said that he wanted to run a successful company AND improve the state of the world - and he achieved both! Ilham sat down with Feike to talk about his recipe for success in building a sustainable AND profitable company; his incredible work to reduce hunger and improve food security in Africa and Bangladesh; how to find a company’s purpose; his work on climate adaptation; his commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and more! Feike Sijbesma
Aug 30, 2022 • 31:41
Reinvention, Resilience AND Regeneration in Business with WBCSD CEO Peter Bakker
What does reinvention, resilience and regeneration mean for business? Peter Bakker, the CEO of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), explains! He and Ilham discuss how we can create a more inclusive, more sustainable capitalism; the WBCSD’s call to action on climate, equity and nature; the power of partnerships; how chemistry is the key to a more sustainable future; his passion for sustainable business, and much more. It’s time to transform! *note: this podcast was rec
Jul 19, 2022 • 26:48
Circular Economy: Good for People, Planet AND Profit with Dame Ellen MacArthur
Ilham sits down with Dame Ellen MacArthur - one of the foremost leaders in the effort to enable the circular economy - to discuss her amazing life on the sea, what led her to turn her efforts to the circular economy, how we can change mindsets in corporations, the power of partnerships, and of course - how the circular economy and business growth go hand in hand.At the age of 24, Ellen MacArthur became the youngest person to sail around the world solo, coming in second in the Vendée Globe race.
Jun 28, 2022 • 34:11
Biodiversity AND Business with President of the Wildlife Habitat Council Margaret O'Gorman
Ilham sits down with the president of the Wildlife Habitat Council Margaret O’Gorman to discuss how protecting biodiversity is good for the planet AND profitability. They talk about her passion for nature; how we can best build a culture of conservation; COP15 on biodiversity; the importance of partnerships and measuring progress; her favorite nature movies and much more! Margaret O’Gorman is the president of the Wildlife Habitat Council. In that role, she works closely with multinational corpor
May 17, 2022 • 32:00
Taking Flight AND Reducing Emissions with Vertical Aerospace CEO Stephen Fitzpatrick
In this episode, Ilham sits down with Stephen Fitzpatrick, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, to discuss some of the latest innovations in urban air mobility, how electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxis will revolutionize the way we travel, what future long-haul emissions-free flight could look like, his tips for great leadership and much more! For additional details about the podcast, show notes, and access to resources mentioned during the show, please visit https://www.syensqo.com/e
Apr 26, 2022 • 27:55
Climate AND Corporate Responsibility: Professor Jean-Pascal van Ypersele on business’ role to fight climate change
In this episode, Ilham sits down with top climatologist Jean-Pascal van Ypersele to discuss the important role businesses can play in the fight against climate change, the latest IPCC science, how businesses can best adopt the SDG goals, the risk of greenwashing, his passion for science, and much more!Jean-Pascal is a professor of Climate and Environmental Sciences, and Co-Director of the Specialized Master in Science and Management of the Environment at the Université Catholique de Louvain. He
Apr 21, 2022 • 28:32
Science AND the Service of Humanity with Nobel Prize winners Steven Chu and Ben Feringa
Ilham sits down with Nobel prize-winning scientists Professor Steven Chu and Professor Ben Feringa to discuss some of the most exciting innovations in energy, clean mobility, and healthcare; the importance of ensuring that scientific innovation is at the service of humanity; the winner of the 2022 Solvay prize; and how science and chemistry are key to enabling a more sustainable future.Steven Chu is a professor of Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Stanford University and the former US Secreta
Mar 27, 2022 • 49:23