In this episode, we speak with Laura Kohler about how sustainability at Kohler reflects a generational approach to leadership and impact, shaped by over a century of family stewardship.

Through our discussion, she shares how each generation has built on this legacy while adapting to new environmental and business realities, and why long-term progress depends on setting attainable, yet stretching goals to sustain momentum over time.

The conversation also explores how Kohler navigates global market differences, balances B2B and consumer demand, and adapts sustainability strategies across regions with varying regulatory, environmental, and economic conditions.

Finally, Laura shares insights into leadership within a family business and the evolving role of sustainability across generations, offering advice to next-generation leaders: listen, learn, build a case for change, and focus on work that delivers both impact and long-term value.

Key Takeaways

1. Progress Requires Calibrated Ambition

2. Sustainability Is Strongest When Embedded in the Business

3. Stewardship Drives Long-Term Thinking

4. Market Reality Shapes Sustainability Strategy

5. Water Is Emerging as a Core Business Risk

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In this episode, framed around Nepal’s glaciers and climate risk, Arup Rajouria reflects on his 30-year career in environmental conservation and climate work.

From his early exposure to forestry and natural resources to helping establish Nepal’s first climate-focused initiatives, he explains why the country sits on the front lines of climate change.

Through the lens of accelerating glacial melt in the Hindu Kush Himalaya, he outlines how climate risk is not just an environmental issue, but a growing challenge for water systems, livelihoods, infrastructure, and regional stability—affecting billions of people downstream.

Key Takeaways:

1. Glacial melt is a defining signal of climate risk

2. The impact of Nepal’s glaciers extends across Asia

3. Recognition of the problem is outpacing coordinated action

4. Strong local talent exists, but systems lack consistency

5. Climate risk is evolving into a regional security issue

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In this episode, we speak with David Fishman, Principal at The Lantau Group, about the energy sections of China’s draft 15th Five-Year Plan.

The conversation explores China’s evolving energy system, including the shift from energy intensity to emissions intensity, the continued role of coal as a strategic backup fuel, the growth of renewables, electrification, power market reform, green finance, grid expansion, and China’s increasingly assertive role in global climate governance.

Key Takeaways

1) China’s Five-Year Plan is less a rulebook than a signal system.

2) It identifies priorities, shapes incentives, and gives officials permission to experiment.

3) Energy security is now central to China’s clean energy strategy.

4) Renewables, electrification, grid expansion, and domestic production are all framed around resilience.

5) China is shifting from energy intensity to emissions intensity, and while coal is not disappearing its role is changing.

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