REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on January 217th, 2024.

Sometimes, a melody can lead to a movement; this was the case with John Pabon's transformation from a music student to a beacon of sustainability. Our conversation with John casts a light on his pivot from the arts to political science, his work with the United Nations, and his ultimate venture into the consultancy world with Fulcrum Advisors. With John, we crack open the tough shell of greenwashing and peer into its core – where intention doesn't always align with action, and eco-friendly facades sometimes hide a less verdant truth. The discussion is an eye-opener on the sophisticated tactics companies employ to appeal to our greener senses, and it's a call to arms for transparency and accountability. We don't shy away from the hard questions, like the impact of influencers and the importance of adaptability in career paths that aim for a future where sustainability isn't a role but a foundation. The episode culminates with a message of hope and a reminder of the power of focused, individual actions. We share insights on balancing the scales of passion and skills against the weight of global challenges and on the emotional journey of lifestyle changes. Wrapping up, we touch upon the importance of self-care and gratitude amidst the struggle for a better environment, encouraging listeners to embrace their contributions to the collective journey towards sustainability. Carly loves John's approach to hard topics and knows you will too.

Guest Bio: John Pabon has spent two decades in the business of saving our Earth. After leaving his role at the United Nations, John traveled the world studying the impacts of sustainability first-hand in factories, on fields, and at Fortune 500s. John’s global career has taken him from Los Angeles to New York, Shanghai to Seoul to Melbourne. He’s had the privilege of working with the United Nations, McKinsey, A.C. Nielsen, and as a consultant with BSR, the world’s largest sustainability-focused business network. A decade of experience living and working in Asia inspired him to found Fulcrum Strategic Advisors with a mission to help companies, governments, and individuals capitalize on the benefits sustainability offers. He is a regular contributor to major publications and speaks to an array of global audiences on issues of sustainability, geopolitics, communications, and societal change. John is the Chair of The Conference Board’s Asia Sustainability Leaders Council, a member of the United Nations Association of Australia, and serves on the board of advisors to the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce. He is the author of “Sustainability for the Rest of Us: Your No-Bullshit, Five-Point Plan for Saving the Planet” and “The Great Greenwashing: How Brands, Governments, and Influencers are Lying to You."

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REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on November 8th, 2023.

A life-changing trip to Costa Rica opened Jessica McGhee's eyes to the breathtaking beauty and heartbreaking destruction of the environment, igniting her passion for environmental conservation. This jewelry artist turned environmentalist shares a captivating tale of her evolution from selling vintage items in a boutique to finding a deeper purpose in creating art that educates others about reducing their environmental impact. We discuss how Jessica's journey in the world of art took a revolutionary turn when she began transforming trash into stunning pieces of jewelry. We explore her unique craft, from sculpting coral reefs out of garbage to designing sustainable jewelry pieces that not only stand the test of time but also stand as a testament to her commitment to sustainability. Dialogues also veer into her painstaking efforts to maintain a traceable supply chain for her materials and create her own packaging, a manifestation of her dedication to eco-conscious living. The concluding part of the enchanting conversation is on the importance of environmental education and the need to remain motivated in the face of environmental challenges. With a focus on the grand impact of small actions like picking up trash and leading cleanups, my guest leaves us with a stirring call to action. Jessica exhorts us to be part of the solution, to contribute in our small ways to conserve our environment, and to inspire others to follow suit. Listen in for a riveting conversation that perfectly intertwines art, sustainability, and environmental activism.

Guest Bio: Jessica Thomas McGhee is an environmental artist, public speaker, entrepreneur, and podcaster who is known across social media as “loveheylola.” Her artistic medium of choice is literal garbage, as she believes the transformation of trash into works of art is a powerful metaphor for finding our own self-worth. She hopes you have a nice day.

Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow! Music by Matthew Baxley