In this episode of the Innovation Brief, our host Gabriella Hernandez speaks with James Ellsmoor, CEO of Island Innovation and a sustainable development advocate for islands.

James and Gaby explore how island communities worldwide are driving climate action, pioneering renewable energy solutions, and building resilient, innovative ecosystems, despite the complex challenges they currently face. They also dive into collaborative strategies, the role of government and regional organisations, and lessons from Island Innovation´s events like the Virtual Island Summit and the Global Sustainable Island Summit.

Whether you're interested in climate finance, adaptation and mitigation, local leadership, or creative solutions for sustainable island futures, this episode highlights real-world expertise and actionable insights for policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

Learn more about Island Innovation: https://www.islandinnovation.co

Connect with James Ellsmoor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jellsmoor/

RSVP for the Global Islands Summit 2026: https://gsis.islandinnovation.co/

The Innovation Brief podcast features conversations with innovation leaders exploring the ideas, challenges, and breakthroughs that are defining our future.

New episodes every two weeks.

To learn more about the Innovation Brief visit https://www.innovationbrief.co

In this episode of the Innovation Brief, hosts Gabriela Matic and Gabriella Hernandez sit down with Priscila Chaves, Innovation and Ecosystem Lead at Cargill, whose global career spans corporate, startup, and public sectors.

Priscilla shares her insights on building resilient innovation systems, the importance of context and collaboration, and how organisations can balance short-term wins with long-term impact. The conversation examines the evolving role of leadership in promoting collective intelligence, the challenges and opportunities associated with AI adoption, and the crucial role of trust and ethics in technology.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, policymaker, or innovation enthusiast, this episode offers a fresh perspective on scaling technology responsibly while strengthening human connection. Tune in for actionable strategies and thought-provoking ideas on the future of innovation leadership.

Connect with our guest Priscila Chaves Martinez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscilachaves/

Learn more about Cargill: https://www.cargill.com/page/worldwide

The Innovation Brief podcast features conversations with innovation leaders exploring the ideas, challenges, and breakthroughs that are defining our future.

New episodes every two weeks.

To learn more about the Innovation Brief visit https://www.innovationbrief.co

In this episode of Innovation Brief, we sit down with Léonie Weerakoon, human ecologist, designer, conservationist, investor, and Managing Director of Kinetik Ventures, to explore how nature-centric innovation is reshaping the future of business, policy, and community.

Leonie shares her journey across cultures and industries, revealing how treating nature as a collaborator (not just a resource) can open up new opportunities, drive regenerative economies, and build resilience in the face of climate change. We discuss the vital role of indigenous knowledge, the unique strengths of island and biocritical regions, and why authentic, systems-based approaches are key to global impact.

Discover how Leonie and Kinetik are bridging science, culture, and economics to create ventures that thrive alongside ecosystems—and why the next wave of innovation will be rooted in both ecological wisdom and bold, inclusive thinking.

Learn more about Kinetic: https://www.kinetikvc.com/

Connect with Léonie Weerakoon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonieweerakoon/

Join the Future of Living Systems Summit at NY Climate Week (September 24, 2025): https://www.futureoflivingsystems.org/

The Innovation Brief podcast features conversations with innovation leaders exploring the ideas, challenges, and breakthroughs that are defining our future.

New episodes every two weeks.

To learn more about the Innovation Brief visit https://www.innovationbrief.co