Stop thinking of ESG as just compliance—it’s the engine of billion-dollar growth. On the Luhn Impact Podcast, Stacey Varsani joins Deeshana Basnayake to unpack how sustainability drives efficiency, resilience, and investor appeal. Listen now on Spotify!

Discover how mindset, emotional intelligence, and small shifts can spark lasting change—in this inspiring conversation with Nithya Rao-Perera.

Rethinking Sustainability: The New Growth Strategy

Is sustainability just a compliance task—or your biggest business opportunity? In this episode, Tulia co-founder Anna Haakansson joins Luhn CEO Deeshana Basnayake to break the myth that ESG is only about reporting.

They dive into how smart companies are turning sustainability into profit, unlocking green finance, and gaining a competitive edge.

Start small. Act bold. Grow faster.

In Episode 10 of the 21st SGS Podcast, Dr. Ravi Fernando introduces a bold new framework for leadership in an era defined by climate disruption, geopolitical conflict, and economic volatility. Drawing from the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025, this episode explores how traditional leadership models are no longer equipped to handle the scale and speed of today’s systemic challenges.

Dr. Fernando presents a practical six-element model anchored in three global emergencies and three global disruptors that offers clarity in the face of complexity. From the escalating climate crisis and growing social inequality to the rapid rise of AI and fragile governance systems, this framework helps leaders understand, prioritize, and act on the risks that now shape global business and policy.

The episode also outlines four essential traits that distinguish effective 21st-century leaders: science-led decision making, urgency to act, a sustainability mindset, and deep governance integration. These traits aren’t just theoretical ideals; they are strategic necessities in an ESG-driven landscape.

Listeners will also gain actionable insights through six implementation steps that range from rethinking board capabilities to building tailored SDG strategies and real-time disruptor response plans. Dr. Fernando emphasizes that disruption is not only a threat, but also a powerful source of opportunity for leaders who are ready to lead with vision, agility, and purpose.

Episode 10 is a must-listen for CEOs, policymakers, board members, and rising leaders seeking to transform complexity into a competitive edge and shape the future rather than react to it.

In Episode 9 of the 21st SGS Podcast, Dr. Ravi Fernando challenges conventional leadership narratives by spotlighting governance as the most overlooked yet essential pillar of organizational success.

Grounded in insights from real-world failures and global case studies, this episode examines how weak governance structures, ranging from pandemic mismanagement to ESG blind spots, have exposed critical vulnerabilities in both the public and private sectors.

Dr. Fernando unpacks the shift from profit-first models to governance-led strategies that prioritize people, planet, and long-term value. Highlighting examples such as Coca-Cola’s sustainability challenges and the European Investment Bank’s bold climate commitments, he makes a compelling case for science-based, purpose-driven leadership in an ESG-driven world.

In Episode 8 of the 21st SGS Podcast, Dr. Ravi Fernando explores the deep and growing connection between geopolitical disruptions and climate challenges. Drawing insights from the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Risks Report, this episode unpacks the implications of rising global tensions, shifting power dynamics, and resource scarcity for leaders, businesses, and societies.

From the rising influence of BRICS to the looming threat of water wars, Dr. Fernando examines how these forces are reshaping the global order. He also discusses the role of technology in mitigating these risks and calls for bold, science-based leadership that prioritizes sustainability.

This episode is a timely and essential listen for decision-makers navigating today’s complex global landscape.

Disruptive Innovations Powering Sustainability

What if the key to long-term economic stability isn’t just financial strategy, but sustainability? In Episode 6, Dr. Ravi Fernando unpacks the hidden connections between economic crises and environmental and social challenges. He makes the case that economic emergencies whether triggered by climate change, pandemics, or financial instability are rarely standalone events. Instead, they are the result of ignoring critical warning signs. The solution? A new business model that doesn’t just maximize profit but prioritizes resilience through sustainability. Companies like Patagonia are proving that responsible sourcing, renewable energy, and circular economies are not just ethical choices they’re competitive advantages.

But businesses alone can’t solve the problem. Governments must incentivize sustainable practices, align policies with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and rethink economic growth models. Individuals, too, play a role through conscious consumption, energy choices, and waste reduction. Dr. Fernando challenges the outdated view that sustainability is a cost, arguing instead that it’s a driver of innovation, efficiency, and long-term prosperity. The future of economic resilience isn’t about short-term fixes it’s about building a system where sustainability and growth reinforce each other.

In this thought-provoking episode of the21st SGS Podcast, Dr. Ravi Fernando dives into the critical intersections of health, social dynamics, and sustainability. Discover the hidden costs of environmental degradation, the role of forests in sustaining life, and the global health threat posed by plastic pollution. Dr. Fernando sheds light on the cascading impacts of these challenges and shares actionable solutions to build a resilient, equitable future.

Join Dr. Ravi Fernando as he traces the origins of our climate emergency back to the Industrial Revolution, unveiling how centuries of unchecked fossil fuel use have profoundly shaped our planet—and our collective future. From alarming emissions data to the tangible economic impacts of a rapidly warming world, this episode uncovers why urgent action is essential, not optional.

Discover the pivotal role of governments in redirecting fossil fuel subsidies towards renewables, see how businesses can adopt more sustainable strategies, and explore the small yet powerful steps individuals can take—like driving electric vehicles and cutting down on single-use plastics—to contribute to a healthier tomorrow. Along the way, success stories from nations like China and Denmark highlight just how transformative clean energy adoption can be.

Join us for this compelling discussion and gain insights that empower you to help shape a more resilient, sustainable future for everyone.

In this compelling episode of the 21st SCS Podcast, Dr. Ravi Fernando introduces the transformative 21st Century Board Leadership Model, designed to tackle the climate, economic, and health emergencies shaping our future. Drawing inspiration from Yuval Noah Harari’s 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, Dr. Fernando unveils a six-module framework to equip leaders with the tools needed to navigate modern challenges.

Discover how businesses can address climate change, redefine sustainable economic growth, and eliminate contributions to health and social crises. Learn about the critical disruptors technological, geopolitical, and governance and how boards can strategically respond to them. Dr. Fernando also highlights the power of collective action among governments, businesses, and individuals in building a sustainable, resilient future.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders seeking to embed sustainability into corporate strategies and drive innovation while aligning environmental, economic, and social progress. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring vision as we redefine leadership for the 21st century.

In this second installment of the 21st SGS Podcast, Dr. Ravi Fernando explains why leaders must anchor their strategies in solid scientific understanding to tackle the climate crisis. He highlights the concerning fact that seven out of nine planetary boundaries have already been crossed, and shares how adopting a “science-led mindset” can help leaders drive transformative action.

Dr. Fernando points to a major gap in many leadership programs: too few CEOs and policymakers have been exposed to in-depth climate science. He recommends integrating courses like “Science 101” into MBA and public policy curricula, so future leaders can make informed decisions that balance profit with sustainability.

Measuring carbon footprints, transitioning to renewable energy, and viewing sustainability as both a moral and business imperative are central to Dr. Fernando’s recommendations. He also underscores that meaningful collaboration among businesses, governments, and local communities will be pivotal in turning the tide on climate change.

Tune in to learn why science-informed leadership can unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth, even in the face of a rapidly warming planet. Stick around for a sneak peek at the next episode, which will explore how board-level leadership models can elevate sustainability efforts to the next level.

Join us as we dive into the intersection of sustainability, technology, and leadership with Dr. Ravi Fernando, a leading expert in corporate sustainability. We’ll unpack how businesses can embrace sustainability to drive growth while tackling global climate challenges. From the role of AI and renewable energy to the importance of visionary leadership, this conversation is packed with practical insights and fresh perspectives to help you stay ahead in building a sustainable future.