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

In our third episode of the Innovation Brief, Matt Briggs sits down with Gordon Hamilton, Digital Innovation Lead at Heineken UK, for an inside look at how a 150-year-old brewing giant is embracing digital transformation.

Discover how Heineken is reimagining the pub experience for younger generations, addressing sustainability, and driving experimentation through initiatives such as Heineken Studio and the Innovators Brew House.

Gordon shares candid insights on the challenges of innovating within a heritage brand, adapting to changing consumer trends, and the lessons learned from both successful and not-so-successful projects.

Whether you’re an innovation enthusiast or a fan of the brewing industry, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on what it takes to keep a legacy brand at the forefront of change.

Connect with our Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-hamilton-759a6785/

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 Will Benton and Gabriella G. Hernandez sit down with Jonatan Pinkse, Professor of Sustainable Business and Director of the Centre for Sustainable Business at King's Business School, King's College London. Jonatan shares his journey from economics to pioneering research on business responses to climate change, and unpacks what truly defines sustainable innovation in today’s complex world.

Together, they explore the paradoxes and trade-offs that organisations face, the evolving role of AI in sustainability, and the importance of cross-sector partnerships and social entrepreneurship. Jonatan offers candid insights on the challenges of driving real change, the pitfalls of relying solely on behavioural shifts, and why structural solutions and resilience are key for the future.

Whether you’re an innovation leader, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about building a better future, this conversation is packed with practical advice and thought-provoking ideas to help you navigate the path to meaningful, sustainable impact.

Connect with Jonatan Pinkse: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonatanpinkse/

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 our debut episode of Innovation Brief, we sat down with Alisdair Gunn to talk about Scotland's emerging tech landscape and the importance of nurturing the city´s innovation ecosystem.

As director of the Glasgow City Innovation District, Gunn reveals how a collaborative, community-driven approach can transform a city's innovation potential. We explore the unique strategies of building an ecosystem that values local talent, embraces cross-sector innovation, and creates meaningful solutions to global challenges.

Learn how Glasgow is rewriting the playbook for regional tech development and why the future of innovation isn't about copying existing models, but creating something entirely new.

Learn more about Glasgow City Innovation District: https://www.glasgowcityinnovationdistrict.com/

Connect with Alisdair Gunn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisdairgunn/

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