Climate AI & Sustainability in Manufacturing with Leise Sandeman, Co-founder of Pathways

Epidsode: https://henryharrison.com/leise-sandeman/

Pathways: https://pathwaysai.co/

Leise's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leise-sandeman/

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode, host Henry Harrison sits down with Leise Sandeman, the co-founder of Pathways, a company using AI to revolutionize sustainability in manufacturing. Leise shares her journey from Denmark to the U.S., her educational and professional background at Harvard, MIT, and McKinsey, and her passion for making sustainability accessible and actionable for businesses around the globe.

Key Takeaways:

1. Leise’s Journey to Entrepreneurship

Growing up in Denmark and her early exposure to sustainability.

Education at Harvard and MIT, where she met her co-founder, Alex.

The pivotal moments that inspired her passion for sustainability, from working at McKinsey to an immersive experience at Tata Steel in India.

2. The Vision Behind Pathways

The company’s mission: simplifying sustainability for manufacturers.

How Pathways automates life cycle assessments (LCAs) with AI, replacing manual, time-intensive processes.

The practical approach to reducing emissions by leveraging existing company data.

3. Challenges and Opportunities in Climate AI

The critical role of regulation in driving sustainability.

How AI is transforming the manufacturing landscape by making decarbonization pathways clear and actionable.

Real-world success stories, from small ready-mix concrete producers to large multinational manufacturers.

4. Mentorship and Building the Right Team

The importance of mentors who inspire belief and guidance.

The dynamic partnership with co-founder Alex, emphasizing shared values and hard work.

The disciplined approach to securing venture capital, ensuring alignment with investors knowledgeable about the manufacturing and sustainability sectors.

5. The Future of Pathways

Scaling up to serve the global materials manufacturing industry.

The company’s vision of creating a comprehensive data layer for sustainable manufacturing.

Leise’s optimistic outlook on leveraging technology for meaningful environmental impact.

Notable Quotes:

“Sustainability isn’t highbrow or elitist—it’s real, practical changes made every day.”

“Our customers are way smarter about decarbonization. Our job is to make the pathway visible for them to take action.”

“It’s a privilege to work on something I love every single day.”

In this episode, Henry Harrison speaks with Dianna Booher, a renowned communication strategist, Hall of Fame speaker, and prolific author of over 50 books with 4+ million copies sold. Dianna shares her journey from a challenging personal moment to becoming a successful entrepreneur and communication expert. With invaluable insights into writing, coaching, and creating products that provide long-term value, this episode is packed with advice for aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, and professionals looking to refine their communication skills.

Episode: https://henryharrison.com/dianna-booher/

Dianna Booher's Website: https://booherresearch.com/

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Dianna's Background and Achievements:

- Over 50 books published, 4+ million copies sold.

- Expertise in communication, executive presence, book writing, and coaching.

- Published by top-tier publishers like Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and McGraw Hill.

2. The Journey to Entrepreneurship:

- Dianna’s transition from writing to consulting for Fortune 500 companies.

- How her first book led to a thriving training business.

- The importance of licensing content and maximizing ROI on intellectual property.

3. Communication Strategies and Writing Tips:

- Why clarity is crucial: "If you can’t write your message in a sentence, you can’t say it in an hour."

- Tips for mastering email productivity from her book Faster, Fewer, Better Emails.

- Creating personal presence: Look, talk, think, and act like a leader.

4. The Power of Mentorship and Continuous Learning:

- Dianna’s reliance on mentors to grow her business.

- Lessons on hiring and managing people effectively.

5. Overcoming Personal Challenges:

Building a career during tough times, including caring for two toddlers and a spouse struggling with severe depression

- The role of passion and persistence in building a successful life and career.

6. Insights into Writing and Publishing:

- Transitioning book ideas into training programs and licensing opportunities.

- Finding inspiration through client needs and market demands.

Quotes from Dianna Booher:

- "If you can’t write your message in a sentence, you can’t say it in an hour."

- "Find something you love to do, and then figure out a way to make a living at it."

- "Once you invest time in creating content, keep thinking: how can I get a better return on that time?"

Guest Resources:

- Latest Book: Faster, Fewer, Better Emails: Manage the Volume, Reduce the Stress, Love the Results

- Popular Book: Creating Personal Presence: Look, Talk, Think, and Act Like a Leader .

Actionable Takeaways for Listeners:

1. Focus on clarity: Whether writing an email or a book, ensure your message is concise and clear.

2. Leverage your skills: Turn your expertise into products or services with long-term value.

3. Seek mentors: Learn from those with experience to avoid costly mistakes.

4. Think entrepreneurially: Build systems and products that can work for you over time.

5. Keep learning: Personal and professional growth is key to staying relevant and successful.

Henry Harrison's Entrepreneurs, Business & Finance Podcast is a dynamic platform dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts with actionable insights, expert advice, and inspiring success stories.

Episode: https://henryharrison.com/clark-neily-of-the-cato-institute/

Connect with Clark Neily

X: https://x.com/ConLawWarrior

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clark-neily-0b27022/

Cato Institute Profile: https://www.cato.org/people/clark-neily

Episode Highlights:

Clark Neily's Background:

1. Vice President of Legal Studies at the Cato Institute since 2017.

2. Former litigator at the Institute for Justice (IJ) and a constitutional law professor.

3. Advocate for criminal justice reform, police accountability, and individual liberties.

Transition to the Cato Institute:

1. Neily shifted from public interest litigation at IJ to focus on criminal justice reform at Cato.

2. Highlighted issues with civil forfeiture and systemic injustices in the U.S. criminal justice system.

Major Contributions:

1. Played a key role in criminal justice reform and election process improvements.

2. Worked on significant policy recommendations to ensure a smooth presidential transition of power.

Key Topics Discussed

1. The Heller Case: Landmark Supreme Court case affirming the Second Amendment as protecting an individual's right to own firearms.

2. Clark shares behind-the-scenes insights into building the case and its impact on constitutional law.

Challenges in Public Interest Litigation:

1. Explains strategies for litigating against the government in a system with inherent biases toward state entities.

2. Advocated for leveling the playing field in constitutional litigation.

Teaching and Mentorship:

1. As a law professor, Clark emphasizes training students in public interest litigation to challenge government overreach effectively.

2. Encourages young lawyers to navigate an unlevel playing field and uphold constitutional principles.

Personal Inspiration:

1. Clark's father, a NASA scientist who contributed to the Apollo program, inspired his dedication to impactful work.

2. Discusses the importance of making meaningful contributions to society.

Resources Mentioned

Cato Institute: Libertarian think tank focused on public policy and constitutional rights. https://www.cato.org/

Institute for Justice: Public interest law firm protecting individual freedoms.

https://ij.org/

The Heller Case: Landmark Second Amendment Supreme Court decision. https://www.oyez.org/cases/2007/07-290