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About the Guest Dr. Chris DeArmitt FIMMM FRSC CChem is an independent polymer scientist, author, and founder of the Plastics Research Council — a nonprofit where he and professors from around the world work entirely unpaid to review and share peer-reviewed science on plastics. A specialist in polymer additives and fillers whose clients have included Apple and companies across multiple continents, Chris has spent over seven years and roughly a thousand hours annually reading thousands of studies on plastics, the environment, and human health. His findings are published in two freely available books and endorsed by toxicologists, medical doctors, and professors who have checked the science and found no errors. Episode Summary What do you actually know about plastics — and where did that knowledge come from? That's the question Dr. Chris DeArmitt puts to every audience he speaks to, and the answer is almost always the same: the media. In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner sits down with Chris for a wide-ranging, evidence-first conversation about one of the most misunderstood materials on the planet. The result is an episode that will challenge most of what you think you know — not through opinion, but through peer-reviewed science. Chris opens by reframing the scale of the problem. Plastics represent just half a percent of all materials and waste we produce. Replacing them with paper, metal, or glass would require roughly double the fossil fuel — not less — because those alternatives demand far more energy to manufacture. And despite the ubiquitous image of a turtle tangled in a plastic bag, Chris recounts successfully pushing the BBC to retract a photoshopped image of exactly that scenario, which he argues has never occurred in nature. The famous "floating island of plastic the size of Texas"? Undetectable by satellite, and contradicted by decades of ocean monitoring data showing a vessel must sail 100,000 miles — four times around the planet — to find a single piece of plastic bag. On microplastics, Chris is equally direct. Our lifetime ingestion of plastic particles amounts to roughly 0.015 grams over 70 years — a hundred million times below the no-observable-adverse-effect level established in over 2,000 studies spanning 60 years. The WWF's claim that we eat a credit card's worth of plastic each week, he notes, has been refuted by multiple independent studies — and remains on their website regardless. Meanwhile, the most common end-of-life options for plastic — landfill, incineration for energy recovery, or mechanical recycling — are all scientifically defensible, with recycling reducing environmental impact by a further 70% on top of plastic's already lowest-in-class baseline across 93% of applications studied. Looking forward, Chris draws a clear line between innovations with evidence and those without. Plant-based versions of existing polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene — chemically identical to their fossil fuel counterparts, recyclable in the same streams, with decades of safety data — represent a credible path. Novel biopolymers like PLA, PHA, and seaweed-derived plastics, by contrast, lack life cycle evidence that they reduce environmental impact, regardless of how appealing they sound. The most unsexy innovation he highlights may also be the most significant: down-gauging, the continuous industry-wide effort to use less material to do the same job. A PET bottle that weighed 25 grams a generation ago now weighs around 8 grams — a 60% reduction in material, achieved quietly, without a press release. Key Takeaways Plastics account for just 0.5% of materials and waste, and replacing them with paper, metal, or glass would roughly double fossil fuel usage — making plastic bans scientifically counterproductive by every life cycle study ever conducted. Our lifetime ingestion of microplastic particles is approximately 0.015 grams — a hundred million times below the established safe threshold — and no study in 60 years of research has documented a health effect from plastic particles at real-world doses. Plastic has the lowest environmental impact in 93% of applications studied, even without recycling; adding recycling reduces that impact by a further 70%, but the material is already net-positive before any recycling takes place. Litter is caused by litterers, not manufacturers — scientific studies comparing tourist beaches to remote beaches confirm litter originates from people on the beach, and post-bag-ban studies in Maine, Washington State, and New Jersey all found increased environmental impact and increased plastic sales following the bans. Plant-based polyethylene and polypropylene exist today and are identical in performance and recyclability to fossil fuel-derived versions — a more credible near-term innovation than novel biopolymers, which currently lack life cycle evidence of reduced environmental impact. Notable Quotes "Everything you know about plastics comes from a source that you don't trust. Maybe it's time to put that aside for 10 minutes and just consider what scientists say about it." — Dr. Chris DeArmitt "Plastic is actually net fossil fuel and carbon dioxide negative because they make cars lighter, they make airplanes lighter, they reduce food waste, and they insulate your homes." — Dr. Chris DeArmitt "The World Wildlife Fund tells us that we eat a credit card a week of microplastic. Science says that would take 20,000 years to do." — Dr. Chris DeArmitt "People think that because it's synthetic, it's like completely alien and different, and it really isn't. There's no property of polymers which is really different to anything natural." — Dr. Chris DeArmitt "The people with the most passion are doing the most harm because they didn't check the facts before they went off. They're like an unguided missile — they've got a big warhead but no guidance system." — Dr. Chris DeArmitt Resources Plastics Research Council   Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected] Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that.We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected]

About the Guest Carly Hunt is the Head of Strategic Partnerships of Showerkap, a UK-based water technology company tackling excessive water consumption in the hospitality sector. With over 20 years in hotel management — latterly focused on energy, waste, and water reduction programmes — Carly brings rare operational depth to the sustainability challenge she's now helping to solve. Her academic background in sustainable tourism (the subject of her university dissertation) makes her return to this space something of a full-circle moment. Episode Summary Water scarcity might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you book a hotel room, but it probably should be. In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner sits down with Carly Hunt, Head of Strategic Partnerships of Showerkap, to explore how the hospitality industry is one of the heaviest — and least scrutinised — consumers of fresh water on the planet. Hotels can use up to eight times more water than local residents, with individual rooms consuming as much as 1,500 litres per day. Meanwhile, the UK's Environment Agency is forecasting a potential shortfall of 1.4 billion litres per day by 2030, rising to 5 billion by 2050. The numbers are stark, and Carly makes the case that demand reduction — not just supply management — has to be part of the answer. Carly's entry into this space came through two decades of hotel management, where she discovered that energy and waste were relatively easy to monitor and reduce, but water was almost impossible to measure at any meaningful resolution. That gap led her to Showerkap, the brainchild of inventor Steve Harding, which combines three elements that have never previously been integrated in the water sector: fixture-level IoT monitoring across an entire building, a cloud-based analytics platform, and a novel shower fade timer that delivers a real-time behavioural nudge — without restricting flow. The pilot results, run across one floor of the Sandman Hotel at Gatwick Airport, were striking. Prior to the intervention, guests were showering for 35 minutes or more — consuming around 245 litres per session. After the shower fade timer was introduced (set to seven minutes), average shower duration across the 20-room eco-floor dropped to just three minutes and 20 seconds. Overall water usage fell by 58%, energy use by 14%, and the projected saving across the full hotel is approximately 2.7 million litres per year. Of the guests who stayed across nearly a year of the pilot, only three declined to participate in the eco-floor — a participation rate that Carly and Vincent calculate at roughly 99%. The commercial case is deliberately straightforward: Showerkap is targeting a two-year payback period, meaning hotels can effectively finance the installation against the savings it generates. Beyond the headline water and energy savings, the technology surfaces hidden operational value — the Sandman pilot uncovered hot water circulation issues throughout the building and enabled early detection of Legionella risk. The go-to-market strategy currently leans on pilots and case studies to build trust in a space where water has historically been undervalued, with an eye toward expansion into the Mediterranean, MENA, and other water-scarce markets. An upcoming back-of-house research piece, potentially in partnership with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, is expected to extend Showerkap's evidence base well beyond the bathroom. Key Takeaways Hotels use up to eight times more water per person than local residents, with some rooms consuming up to 1,500 litres per day — making demand reduction in hospitality a high-leverage intervention. Showerkap's pilot at the Sandman Hotel, Gatwick, achieved a 58% reduction in shower water usage and cut energy consumption by 14%, with average shower times dropping from 35+ minutes to under three and a half minutes. The technology's payback period is approximately two years, making it financeable against projected savings — a critical threshold for hotel procurement teams weighing up an unfamiliar category. Behavioural nudges, not flow restrictions, drive the results: the shower fade timer gives guests a gentle cue and the option to continue, yet the vast majority choose to reduce — suggesting most water waste is habitual rather than intentional. Showers account for over 50% of hotel bathroom water use, but the IoT platform also surfaces back-of-house inefficiencies in kitchens, laundry, and plumbing systems — unlocking operational and maintenance savings beyond the guest experience. Notable Quotes "Water is one of the most vital resources on earth. And we all know that. And we rarely treat it that way because we automatically run a tap and it's there." — Carly Hunt "Reducing showers by just a couple of minutes can save 20 litres. And if those small actions become millions, then think of the impact that would have." — Carly Hunt "We always say that water intrinsically is linked to everything. We can't do anything without water." — Carly Hunt "We don't want to force anyone to change, because that doesn't work. You have to effectively give them the tools to actually do it themselves." — Carly Hunt Resources Showerkap Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (mentioned in episode) Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that.We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected]

About the Guest Lewis Dunnigan is the CEO and co-founder of Bygen, an Australian deep-tech company reimagining how activated carbon is produced. Lewis came to the problem through his PhD research at the University of Adelaide, where he and his team recognised the commercial potential of their work and spun out the company. He brings both the scientific depth of an academic researcher and the commercial pragmatism of a founder who has already shipped product to customers on multiple continents. Episode Summary Activated carbon is one of the most widely used industrial materials on the planet — and one of the least talked about. It filters your drinking water, treats industrial gas emissions, recovers gold from ore, remediates contaminated land, and even plays a role in pharmaceutical processing and energy storage. In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner sits down with Lewis Dunnigan, CEO of Bygen, to unpack what activated carbon actually is, why the way it's currently made is both costly and environmentally damaging, and how Bygen's production technology is changing the equation. At its core, activated carbon is a highly porous solid material — visually indistinguishable from barbecue charcoal — but with a surface area so vast that a single teaspoon contains the equivalent of a football field. That porosity is what makes it such a powerful filtration medium: contaminants in liquids and gases are physically attracted to and trapped by the densely bonded carbon atoms inside. The problem is that making it the conventional way requires heating raw materials to around 1,000 degrees Celsius using fossil fuels like LPG or diesel — a process that is both expensive and carbon-intensive. The two dominant global feedstocks, coal and coconut shell, each carry their own environmental and social baggage. Bygen's core innovation integrates the two-stage production process — charcoal production and activation — into a single system that generates excess heat rather than consuming it. By combining both steps and developing alternative activation chemistries that operate at lower temperatures, Bygen has effectively eliminated the largest operating cost in conventional activated carbon manufacturing: the external energy input. The result is a cleaner, cheaper production process that uses sustainable feedstocks — including almond, walnut, and hazelnut shells, as well as wood — sourced locally to wherever the plant is built. Bygen already has a plant running on walnut shells in Northern California, and a truck was loading activated carbon for a water treatment plant during the recording of this episode. The company operates a licensing model, partnering with feedstock owners — such as large nut-processing or cracking facilities — who gain a way to convert a low-value byproduct (selling for perhaps $30–40 per tonne as cattle feed) into a high-value product worth around $4,000 per tonne. For end users like water treatment plants, Bygen competes not on price against cheap Chinese coal-based imports, but on quality, reliability, and service. The North Star is 200,000 tonnes of activated carbon produced annually using Bygen's technology — roughly 5% of the current global market of around 4 million tonnes per year — requiring five new project deployments per year and approximately 1 million tonnes of feedstock. The next 12 months are focused on building the team and capital base to make that deployment rate a reality. Key Takeaways One teaspoon of activated carbon contains the surface area of a football field — that extraordinary porosity is what makes it effective at trapping contaminants in water, gases, and industrial processes across a huge range of industries. Conventional activated carbon production burns fossil fuels at 1,000°C, making it both expensive and carbon-intensive; Bygen's integrated process generates excess heat rather than requiring external fuel, cutting the major cost driver and eliminating associated emissions. Bygen's licensing model locates plants at the source of feedstock — nut-cracking facilities, forestry byproduct sites — turning a low-value waste stream worth ~$30–40/tonne into an activated carbon product worth ~$4,000/tonne. The global activated carbon market is approximately 4 million tonnes per year, with Bygen targeting 5% of that (200,000 tonnes) via five plant deployments annually across the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Australia currently sends almost all spent activated carbon to landfill — unlike the US and Europe where regeneration (restoring used carbon to a near-virgin state) is standard — a gap Bygen is actively working to close. Notable Quotes "Despite these great use cases, the way that it's been made for the last hundred plus years is very, very harmful to the environment. And it's also very expensive." — Lewis Dunnigan "The production method basically generates excess heat rather than requiring lots of additional energy input. And that basically means that we completely eliminate that major cost of conventional producers." — Lewis Dunnigan "We don't really want to get involved in a pricing war. We can focus really on quality, on reliability, on customer service — and that's basically how we break into the market." — Lewis Dunnigan "Australia has such an amazing research background that is so poorly translated into commercial outcomes. Being able to be one of the companies that can help show that is possible brings us all a lot of satisfaction." — Lewis Dunnigan "There's no point working 18-hour days if you're not applying it in the right way. If you can apply your time based on your experience and your knowledge more effectively, you don't need to do that." — Lewis Dunnigan Resources Bygen Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that.We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected]

About the GuestJason Rolland is the CEO of Carbon Inc, a leading additive manufacturing company focused on production-grade 3D printing. Trained as a polymer chemist, Jason completed his PhD at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill under Carbon co-founder Joe DeSimone, where he developed a deep interest in translating materials science into real-world impact. His career sits at the intersection of chemistry, entrepreneurship, and advanced manufacturing, with a particular focus on making 3D printing viable for end-use products at scale. At Carbon, he has helped shift the industry from “rapid prototyping” to true digital manufacturing. Episode SummaryIn this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner sits down with Jason Rolland to unpack how additive manufacturing—specifically polymer-based 3D printing—is reshaping the way physical products are designed, made, and distributed. Rather than framing 3D printing as a novelty or prototyping tool, the conversation explores its emergence as a genuine manufacturing alternative to injection moulding and foams. Jason walks through the limitations of traditional manufacturing, particularly where cost efficiency comes at the expense of performance, customisation, and waste. Using examples from footwear, helmets, bike saddles, wheelchair cushions, and dental products, he explains how lattice geometries and advanced elastomers unlock new performance characteristics—such as targeted cushioning, breathability, and durability—that simply aren’t possible with conventional methods. The discussion also touches on broader system-level implications: on-demand production, reduced tooling, faster iteration cycles, and more localised manufacturing. From Adidas’ fully 3D-printed Climacool shoe to millions of custom dental parts produced each month, the episode highlights where the economics already work—and where they’re heading next. Key Takeaways3D printing is moving from prototyping into true manufacturing, producing end-use parts that match or outperform traditional materials. Lattice structures enable performance gains—variable stiffness, breathability, and impact protection—that foams and injection-moulded parts can’t achieve. Customisation at scale is already real in sectors like dentistry, with millions of unique parts produced every month. Digital manufacturing reduces reliance on tooling, enabling faster design iteration and lower inventory risk. The biggest barriers to adoption today are awareness and application development speed, not material performance. Notable Quotes“It’s no longer okay for something to be cool just because it’s 3D printed. It actually has to serve function and do something better.” — Jason Rolland “Nobody actually cares about all the cool tech that’s behind it. They care about the part that comes out of the printer.” — Jason Rolland “You can intrinsically have stiffer regions and softer regions within the same part just by changing the geometry.” — Jason Rolland “The success of the year isn’t how many shoes you sell—it’s how much inventory you have left over.” — Jason Rolland “There’s almost no industry that can’t benefit from what we’re doing.” — Jason Rolland ResourcesCarbon Inc — https://carbon3d.com/?utm_source=shapethesystem.org Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that.We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected]

About the GuestMike Haydon is the CEO of Off The Grid Shop, a business focused on solar, batteries, and decentralised energy solutions. With more than 15 years in the renewable energy sector, Mike has built his career around the idea of energy sovereignty—helping households and businesses stay powered, resilient, and in control. His background spans off-grid systems, peer-to-peer energy trading, and software-driven energy orchestration. Today, he’s working to rebalance who benefits from Australia’s energy transition. Episode SummaryIn this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner sits down with Mike Haydon to unpack a deceptively simple question: do we still need electricity grids? The answer, as Mike explains, isn’t about abandoning the grid—but rethinking how it’s used, who it serves, and who captures the value created by rooftop solar and batteries. Mike shares his journey from early solar installations to building a decentralised energy model that lets everyday households sell excess energy directly to businesses. The conversation explores why feed-in tariffs have failed consumers, how smart meters and software are reshaping energy markets, and why rooftop solar is already Australia’s largest generation source during the day. The discussion also looks ahead. From peer-to-peer trading and carbon credits to blockchain-ready meters and the rise of energy “orchestration,” Mike outlines where the next three to five years are heading. Throughout, a clear theme emerges: the future of energy isn’t just hardware—it’s software, transparency, and communication. Key TakeawaysRooftop solar is already the number one generation source in Australia during the middle of the day, but households see little financial upside. Energy retailers can resell household solar at 50–60× the price they pay consumers. Businesses that use most of their power before 5pm can save 20–30% by shifting to decentralised and wholesale energy models. Smart meters, with five-minute interval data, are a critical enabler of peer-to-peer energy trading. Long-term winners in energy will be those who master software, data, and customer communication, not just generation assets. Notable Quotes“For us, it was never about feed-in tariffs. It was always about energy sovereignty.” — Mike Haydon “Rooftop solar, in the middle of the day, is the number one generation source in Australia.” — Mike Haydon “Energy security and being connected to the grid aren’t opposites—they can coexist.” — Vincent Turner “The energy retailers are making all the profit from assets they didn’t pay for.” — Mike Haydon “The biggest opportunity is control and flow of energy—it’s orchestration.” — Mike Haydon ResourcesOff The Grid Shop — https://www.theoffgridshop.com.au/?utm_source=shapethesystem.org Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that.We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected]

About the GuestJohan Tijssen is the CEO of Hempblock International and a long-time builder and entrepreneur with more than 25 years’ experience working with hemp-lime (hempcrete) construction systems. Originally from the Netherlands, Johan moved to Australia and became deeply interested in why modern housing had become so complex, fragile, and uncomfortable. Through years of hands-on building, experimentation, and R&D, he developed an interlocking hemp block system designed to simplify construction while dramatically improving thermal comfort, fire resistance, and durability. Today, Johan works with owner-builders, architects, and developers globally to rethink how walls—and homes—are built. Episode SummaryIn this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner speaks with Johan Tijssen about what’s fundamentally broken in the way we build houses—and why walls are at the centre of the problem. Johan contrasts today’s lightweight, multi-trade wall systems with thicker, simpler, and more durable approaches used historically, arguing that modern construction has traded long-term performance for short-term speed and perceived cost savings. Johan shares his personal journey from traditional building into hemp-based construction, after discovering hempcrete’s unique properties: insulation, fire resistance, breathability, and longevity. From there, he explains how Hempblock International evolved the material into a modular, interlocking block system that removes on-site mixing, reduces trade complexity, and enables faster, more accessible builds—even for owner-builders. The conversation explores the practical realities of construction economics, labour shortages, bushfire risk, and health issues like mould and humidity. Johan also outlines a bigger vision: scaling hemp construction into social housing, large developments, and even Olympic-scale projects, while regenerating soil and sequestering carbon through industrial hemp farming. Key TakeawaysModern wall systems rely on multiple materials and trades, increasing cost, coordination risk, and long-term failure points. Hemp block walls deliver R-values up to 4.8, over 3 hours fire resistance, and natural humidity regulation in a single system. The interlocking hemp block approach allows walls to be built at roughly 10 minutes per square metre, with minimal specialised skills. Hemp-lime walls petrify over time, improving durability rather than degrading like many petrochemical-based materials. Scaling hemp construction could support carbon-negative housing, healthier indoor environments, and regeneration of polluted soils. Notable Quotes“Walls are really like a complex system… and they require lots of different trades and moving parts.” — Johan Tijssen “I was totally fascinated by the fact that this one wall thickness would do everything—insulate, fireproof, and perform over time.” — Johan Tijssen “You’d be with a sledgehammer for half an hour before you get a hole in a hempcrete wall.” — Johan Tijssen “Hemp and lime petrify over time. There are no petrochemicals that break down.” — Johan Tijssen “The success is when people love where they live and feel safe, healthy, and comfortable in their own homes.” — Johan Tijssen ResourcesHempblock International — https://hempblockinternational.com/?utm_source=shapethesystem.org     Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected] Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that.We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected]

About the Guest Maude Manoukian is the Chief Community Officer at Forager Project, a US-based company redefining dairy through plant-based innovation. With a background spanning Odwalla and Whole Foods Market, Maude brings deep experience in natural foods, supply chains, and conscious consumerism. Her long-standing collaboration with Forager Project founder Stephen Williamson has shaped a shared philosophy grounded in sustainability, community engagement, and continuous improvement. At Forager Project, she leads both community programs and the human-centric culture that drives the company’s mission. Episode Summary In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner sits down with Maude Manoukian to explore how Forager Project is reimagining dairy through cashew-based alternatives. Maude outlines the fundamental resource problem in traditional animal-based dairy — an industry now 8–10 times more resource-intensive than plant-based options — and why scaling that model for a planet of eight billion people is no longer sustainable. Their conversation traces the historical reasons dairy became dominant, what’s changed, and why a rethink is overdue. The discussion then turns to cashews — Forager Project’s “star ingredient” — and why they are uniquely suited as a dairy alternative due to their creamy texture, neutral flavour and minimal ecological footprint. Maude explains how cashews grown in places like Côte d’Ivoire are naturally rain-fed, resilient to poorer soils, and part of reforestation efforts rather than deforestation risk. She walks through the surprisingly complex journey from cashew apple to packaged yoghurt, highlighting the critical roles of farming practice, processing, fermentation, and product consistency. Beyond the product itself, the episode delves into Forager Project’s broader philosophy: a commitment to community-centred supply chains, regenerative thinking, and multi-year programs training 10,000 cashew growers. Maude also reflects on packaging challenges, their shift to recycled plastics, and the belief that improving systems requires both experimentation and humility. Ultimately, the ambition is to “flip the script” — shifting dairy consumption from 80% animal-based to 80% plant-based — a move driven by taste, accessibility, and cultural change as much as sustainability. Key Takeaways Traditional animal-based dairy now requires 8–10 times the resources of plant-based alternatives, particularly land and water. Cashews offer a uniquely low-impact, creamy, neutral-flavoured base for dairy alternatives and can thrive with no irrigation in suitable climates. Forager Project is investing in a multi-year training program for 10,000 cashew growers in Côte d’Ivoire to improve yields, livelihoods and regenerative practices. Taste and price remain the two biggest levers for shifting consumers towards plant-based dairy; flavour consistency is critical to behaviour change. The company is transitioning its packaging to rPET and continues to explore next-generation sustainable formats as technology matures. Notable Quotes “Conventional animal-based dairy requires a lot more resources… between eight and ten times more demanding than plant-based options.” — Maude Manoukian “Our star ingredient is the cashew… we think they’re the best comparison to what people currently know as a dairy product.” — Maude Manoukian “You can’t just say, ‘Great, these can grow here — let’s cut down stuff and plant cashew trees.’ Nature doesn’t like that.” — Maude Manoukian “It’s all connected… the way you do stuff is as important, if not more important, than what you’re doing.” — Maude Manoukian “We’re trying to flip the script — from 80% animal-based dairy to 80% plant-based.” — Maude Manoukian Resources Forager Project — https://foragerproject.com/?utm_source=shapethesystem.org Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that.
We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected] Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected]

About the Guest Dr Jennifer Berry is the CEO of Smartlab, an organisation dedicated to building STEM identity in K–12 learners through hands-on, project-based learning. With a background spanning professional dance, retail, customer experience, and education leadership, she brings a uniquely holistic perspective to how children learn. Her career has focused on non-traditional educational environments—from Montessori-inspired early learning to special education and supplemental tutoring—culminating in her leadership at Smartlab. Dr Berry’s work centres on empowering students with the confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving abilities needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-powered world. Episode Summary In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner explores the future of learning, STEM identity, and how technology is reshaping education with Dr Jennifer Berry. The conversation dives into what K–12 education looks like today in the United States—and why many schools remain unprepared for the speed and scale of change driven by AI. Dr Berry argues that while students must still learn the basics, the real opportunity lies in helping them develop the confidence, curiosity, and connective thinking needed to solve real-world problems. Dr Berry shares her personal journey, from a kinesthetic learner who couldn’t sit still, to a professional dancer, to an education leader drawn to hands-on, project-based learning environments. These experiences shaped her passion for Smartlab’s integrated ecosystem: flexible, in-school STEM labs where students get access to real tools—robotics, circuitry, multimedia, design technology—and are encouraged to fail, iterate, and problem-solve in meaningful ways. She explains how STEM identity is not about careers in science and technology alone, but about a student’s self-belief that they belong, can master challenges, and that their ideas matter. The episode also explores the widening gap between what schools teach and what employers need. With 80% of hiring managers saying high-school graduates are less prepared than in previous decades, Dr Berry stresses the importance of teaching communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and systems thinking—skills that cannot be automated. She highlights how Smartlab works with philanthropies like the Compost Foundation to bring these opportunities to under-resourced communities, ensuring upward mobility and creating a more equitable future. Throughout the discussion, real stories bring the impact to life—from a 13-year-old in Oakland discovering future career paths through drone technology, to Dr Berry’s own daughter gaining confidence through assistive tools like speech-to-text. The episode closes with a powerful reminder: the hardest part of the work is the inequity, and the best part is watching doors open for students who otherwise would never have access to these learning experiences. Key Takeaways STEM identity is defined as a learner’s belief that they belong, can master rigorous challenges, and that their ideas have impact—skills essential across all industries. School systems are struggling to keep pace with AI; 80% of hiring managers say graduates are less prepared than in past decades, and 69% of HR leaders report widening gaps in tech and analytics readiness. Project-based STEM learning builds critical skills such as collaboration, communication, systems thinking, and comfort with failure. Community partnerships—particularly philanthropy and corporate giving—play a vital role in bringing STEM opportunities to under-resourced schools. Technology should support learning, not replace it; tools like speech-to-text can help students overcome challenges and build confidence. Notable Quotes “We define STEM identity as a learner’s self-belief that they belong, they can master rigorous challenges, and their ideas have an impact.” — Dr Jennifer Berry “I’m leaning less into teaching her the technology and more into teaching her to be a strong communicator, a strong collaborator… the soft skills.” — Dr Jennifer Berry “It isn’t the stuff. It’s the facilitator mentoring and guiding the student through the learning process.” — Dr Jennifer Berry “If only the few get the exposure to things, we continually just push down, push down, push down, and we all don’t rise together.” — Dr Jennifer Berry Resources Smartlab — https://www.smartlablearning.com/?utm_source=shapethesystem.org Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that.
We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected] Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected]

About the Guest Tom Williams is the Founder and CEO of Number8 Bio, an Australian deep-tech company developing a novel way to cut methane emissions from cattle and sheep while improving livestock productivity. With a background as a senior lecturer and academic microbiologist at Macquarie University, Tom previously led a 17-person research team specialising in synthetic biology, genome engineering and industrial yeast systems. Growing up in New Zealand’s Waikato dairy region shaped his early understanding of methane’s environmental challenge, and his scientific expertise positioned him uniquely to tackle it. Today, he’s applying biotechnology, high-throughput screening and animal-scale trials to build a scalable, commercially viable climate solution for global agriculture. Episode Summary In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner dives into the surprisingly complex world of livestock emissions with Tom Williams from Number8 Bio. While methane from cows is often oversimplified as just “cow farts”, Tom breaks down the microbiology behind the problem — and how tackling methane is also a major opportunity to unlock animal productivity and farm profitability. The conversation unpacks how ruminants work as “walking fermentation tanks”, why methane represents wasted energy, and how Number8 Bio is designing solutions that improve both climate outcomes and farm economics. Tom traces the journey from his academic research in synthetic biology to founding Number8 Bio, including an early pivot away from engineered yeast solutions and into a broader screening approach. By testing more than 5,000 rumen-fluid micro-fermentations and 40 live-animal trials, the team identified an organic molecule that reduces methane emissions by 50–90% while improving feed efficiency and milk components. This dual benefit — climate and productivity — is core to Number8 Bio’s strategy and a key reason they believe their approach can scale. The episode also explores the economics of farming, the realities of grazing systems, and why a slow-release “bolus” — a large pill that dissolves in the animal’s stomach over months — is essential for pasture-fed cattle. Tom explains how carbon insetting (not offsetting) can reward producers directly for emissions reductions, strengthening supply chains from farmer to retailer. Looking ahead, 2026 will see Number8 Bio’s first commercial trials, rigorous carbon-accounting data, and preparation for a broader launch across grazing systems in Australia and beyond. Key Takeaways Livestock methane accounts for around 6% of global climate change, and most of it comes from burps, not farts. Number8 Bio’s leading molecule reduces methane by 50–90% in live-animal studies. Productivity gains come from redirecting “wasted” methane-related energy back into growth and milk production. The company must hit a delivery cost of 10–20 cents per head per day to enable uptake at scale. A slow-release bolus enables methane reduction in pasture-based systems where daily feed additives aren’t feasible. Notable Quotes “Cattle are basically walking fermentation tanks.” — Tom Williams “We knocked out a wasteful reaction and promoted a productive reaction in the rumen.” — Tom Williams “These emissions from cows are 6% of all climate change, and it’s wasted energy the animal could have used to grow faster.” — Tom Williams “People have had the option to stop eating meat for hundreds of years — they haven’t taken it up en masse.” — Tom Williams “Where hope lies is in innovations that fit into existing systems and make them better.” — Tom Williams Resources Number8 Bio — https://www.number8.bio/?utm_source=shapethesystem.org Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that.
We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected] Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected]

About the GuestNeal Rickner is the CEO of Airloom, a US-based clean energy company reimagining how we harness wind power. Neal began his career as an F-18 pilot in the US Marines before transitioning through Columbia Business School into a decade at Google and Google X. There, he worked on breakthrough energy and technology initiatives, including airborne wind systems. His unique mix of military discipline, commercial insight, and innovation leadership positions him perfectly to lead Airloom’s mission to deliver low-cost, scalable wind energy. Episode SummaryIn this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner talks with Airloom CEO Neal Rickner about a radical rethink of wind power. While most people picture towering three-bladed turbines dominating windy landscapes, Neal explains why that long-standing model—though effective—is reaching its practical limits. Wind’s “first generation” has been a success, but further scaling it is hitting physical, logistical, and economic barriers. Airloom’s solution represents what Neal calls “Wind 2.0.” Instead of building ever-larger vertical turbines, Airloom uses a ground-level, track-based system resembling an oval stadium or roller coaster. Attached wings capture the wind, pulling a continuous belt that drives generators at the corners. Built from standard steel and aluminium components, the system is modular, easy to transport in shipping containers, and can be installed without cranes—dramatically reducing costs and opening up new sites for generation. Neal shares how Airloom’s design achieves roughly half the cost per swept area compared to traditional turbines, enabling deployment in regions that lack the infrastructure for massive towers. The conversation dives into the physics, economics, and engineering trade-offs that underpin this breakthrough approach, including insights from Neal’s past at Google X and how Airloom integrates lessons learned from decades of conventional wind development. As Airloom builds its first megawatt-scale pilot in Wyoming, Neal reflects on both the challenges and excitement of scaling a technology that could make wind power cheaper and more widely accessible than ever before. Key TakeawaysTraditional three-blade turbines dominate wind energy but face limits due to cost, size, and infrastructure constraints. Airloom’s design uses a horizontal, track-based architecture—cutting swept-area costs by around 50%. The system is made from 95% steel and aluminium, using only 58 unique parts versus about 1,500 in a standard turbine. Airloom’s modular sections fit in standard shipping containers, eliminating cranes and simplifying global deployment. The company is building a megawatt-scale pilot in Wyoming, aiming for a commercial demonstration by mid-2026. Notable Quotes“Energy is our prosperity and our security—it’s where I’ll spend the rest of my career.” — Neal Rickner “We’ve sort of painted ourselves into a corner with wind. The machines keep getting bigger and bigger, and that creates absurd challenges.” — Neal Rickner “Airloom is like a roller coaster for wind—it’s lower, modular, and simple to build with common materials.” — Neal Rickner “We’re building swept area—the thing that makes money—for half the cost.” — Neal Rickner “I’m an impact junkie. I want to do something that matters—and gigawatts of low-cost wind energy can change the world.” — Neal Rickner ResourcesAirloom Energy   Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected] Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that.We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected]

About the Guest Aymeric Maudous is the Co-founder of Lord of the Trees , an Australian-based environmental technology company pioneering drone-assisted reforestation. With over two decades in the environmental sector and a Master’s in Environmental Management from UNSW, Aymeric combines cutting-edge robotics and AI with Indigenous ecological knowledge to regenerate degraded landscapes. His work has taken him from the Daintree Rainforest to Borneo and beyond, where he collaborates with local communities to restore ecosystems and biodiversity at scale. Episode Summary In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner talks with Aymeric Maudous, founder of Lord of the Trees, about reimagining reforestation through technology and traditional wisdom. Inspired by a David Attenborough documentary and the natural cycle of birds dispersing seeds, Aymeric’s “lightbulb moment” led to a model where drones replace birds, dropping nutrient-rich seed pods to restore damaged ecosystems faster and more efficiently. Aymeric explains how Lord of the Trees blends high-tech solutions—AI, robotics, and drones—with low-tech, traditional ecological knowledge from Indigenous communities. This unique hybrid approach not only accelerates land restoration but also ensures cultural and environmental authenticity. Their process spans from detailed soil and species analysis to creating digital twins of landscapes and performing precision planting with military-grade drones. The discussion explores the enormous global opportunity—1.7 trillion hectares in need of reforestation—and the challenges that come with scale, regulation, and trust in the carbon credit market. Aymeric also delves into their upcoming plans to use blockchain to verify and bring transparency to reforestation projects. Beyond the tech, he shares the human side of the work: his joy in being on the ground, learning from local communities, and leaving behind a living legacy for future generations. Key Takeaways 1.7 trillion hectares of land globally could be reforested—an area roughly equal to the USA and China combined. Lord of the Trees combines high-tech drones and AI with local ecological knowledge to regenerate land sustainably. Each project begins with ecosystem mapping and creating a digital twin, allowing precision planting tailored to the environment. Transparency is key: blockchain and distributed ledger technology will enable public verification of reforestation progress and carbon credits. True regeneration requires maintenance and balance, not just planting—nature thrives through care, sequencing, and community collaboration. Notable Quotes “I was watching a David Attenborough documentary when I thought — why don’t we replace birds with drones and make our own seed pods?” — Aymeric Maudous “Not all land needs to be reforested. Plains and savannas are just as important as rainforests in maintaining balance.” — Aymeric Maudous “We use drones, AI, and robotics — but we also rely on thousands of years of local ecological knowledge. It’s a symbiosis of high-tech and low-tech.” — Aymeric Maudous “With technology today, including blockchain, we can trace every tree planted — creating a new source of truth for environmental restoration.” — Aymeric Maudous “I love being barefoot with Aboriginal people, walking through the forest, learning about trees and birds. That’s where the magic happens.” — Aymeric Maudous Resources Lord of the Trees Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that.
We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected] Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected]

About the GuestGrant Gunnison is the Co-founder of Zero Homes, a company tackling the climate crisis by rethinking how single-family homes transition off fossil fuels. Based in Colorado, Grant brings a unique mix of hands-on contracting experience and a background in advanced technology and software. His journey from working in construction to building digital tools for home electrification gives him both credibility and a practical lens on the industry’s challenges. At Zero Homes, he leads efforts to make retrofitting old houses easier, more affordable, and more scalable. Episode SummaryIn this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner speaks with Grant Gunnison of Zero Homes about the enormous challenge—and opportunity—of decarbonising single-family homes. With about 80 million houses in the US alone, 60 million of which still run on fossil fuels, the scale of the problem is staggering. Yet as Grant explains, solving climate issues in housing isn’t only about emissions—it starts with addressing everyday homeowner concerns like cost, comfort, and reliability. Grant outlines how Zero Homes uses digital technology to transform a historically fragmented, slow, and opaque process into something fast, transparent, and homeowner-friendly. Instead of waiting for something to break and spending weeks gathering quotes from contractors, Zero’s platform enables homeowners to scan their houses, share utility data, and quickly receive detailed project options. This approach not only saves time but also sets contractors up for success by giving them accurate data before they step foot in a home. The conversation also delves into the broader market dynamics—why electrification solutions like heat pumps are only now becoming more efficient and cost-effective, how Zero Homes complements rather than competes with solar providers, and where financing and even insurance could reshape the economics of retrofits. Looking ahead, Grant shares Zero’s ambition to expand across the US, scale their digital-first marketplace model, and eventually explore international opportunities. Key TakeawaysAround 20% of US emissions come from single-family homes, with roughly 60 million homes still powered by fossil fuels. Most homeowners act when driven by pain points: high bills, discomfort, or broken systems, while fewer than 5% are motivated primarily by climate concerns. Zero Homes’ process reduces the homeowner’s time investment from 10–15 hours to about 1 hour, while providing pricing on multiple projects. Heat pumps and related electrification products now offer higher performance at lower operational cost, aligning climate benefits with homeowner needs. Zero Homes is scaling quickly, currently operating in four US states with plans to reach a dozen within a year. Notable Quotes“About one fifth of all emissions today come from single-family homes in the US… that’s about 80 million homes.” — Grant Gunnison “The number of people that fall into the climate warrior column is extremely thin… definitely less than 5%.” — Grant Gunnison “We’re reducing the amount of time a homeowner needs to spend just gathering the right information by at least an order of magnitude.” — Grant Gunnison “You cannot build your way out of the climate crisis… you have to go back in and fix the old houses.” — Grant Gunnison “We’ve delivered hundreds of projects, and now it’s about scaling the solution to be the front door for homeowners.” — Grant Gunnison ResourcesZero Homes Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected] Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that.We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected]

About the GuestChris Hull is the Co-founder of Otus, an education platform built to help schools and teachers understand students more holistically. A former seventh-grade social studies teacher, Chris brings classroom credibility and a deep empathy for the realities of teaching at scale. His career shift was driven by a simple but stubborn problem: with 150 students a year, how can a teacher truly know each child and act on that knowledge? Otus is his answer—uniting data, context and tools to make teaching more effective and sustainable. Episode SummaryIn this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner digs into how schools actually “run” and why the systems behind them matter as much as what happens at the front of the classroom. Chris Hull explains how Otus consolidates scattered student information—attendance, standardised assessments, classroom-level skills, interests and what’s worked before—into a single, living profile that follows each learner across years and teachers. Why it matters: teachers juggle six classes and around 150 students, making it hard to personalise learning or even keep up with who’s progressing on what. Otus acts like a Fitbit for learning—wearing it doesn’t improve outcomes by itself, but it gives visibility, saves time (often 1–2 hours per week), and shortens the loop between instruction, evidence and adjustment. Under the hood, Otus integrates with existing student information systems (no “rip and replace”), supports classroom assessments, and layers in AI to answer plain-English data questions, recommend right-time resources from content partners, and help educators build assessments faster. Commercially, Otus is bought at the district level; implementations are measured to ensure apples-to-apples comparisons, with onboarding possible inside 30 days. Market-wise, the US has ~15,000 districts and Otus reports adoption in 300+ and growing—pointing to a network effect that’s emerging but not yet fully realised. The near-term roadmap is about speed and scale: connect more systems, compress time-to-insight, and make the “every student has a plan” feature a practical norm for schools and families. Key TakeawaysUnify the data that matters: attendance, assessments (state and local), classroom skills, interests and proven strategies live together in one student profile that travels year to year. Save teachers real time: districts report educators reclaiming 1–2 hours per week, redirecting effort toward instruction and differentiation. Meet schools where they are: Otus integrates with existing SIS and testing platforms, enabling crawl-walk-run change rather than rip-and-replace. Put AI to work usefully: ask data questions in plain English, get recommended resources, and generate assessments—speeding up the plan-teach-measure loop. Scale through districts: the US has ~15,000 districts; Otus is in 300+ today with ~30-day onboarding, building momentum towards broader adoption. Notable Quotes“I had 150 students every year.” — Chris Hull “What Otus does is it puts all that information in one place and… allows you to have that articulation from one person to the next so that you’re not starting from scratch.” — Chris Hull “Learning is hard. It takes effort. So how do we get to that part more quickly?” — Chris Hull “We make it more discoverable and deliverable by using AI to just allow you to ask it in plain English.” — Chris Hull “We can get them onboarded within 30 days.” — Chris Hull ResourcesOtus — https://otus.com/?utm_source=shapethesystem.org Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that.We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected]

About the Guest(s)Nis Benn is the co-founder of Hyme Energy, a Copenhagen-based company pioneering solutions to decarbonise industrial heat at scale. With a background spanning sociology, consulting, political organising, and deep-tech startups, Nis has consistently chased high-leverage, system-level climate solutions — from nuclear innovation to Hyme’s molten-salt heat storage. Episode SummaryIn this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner speaks with Nis Benn of Hyme Energy about one of the world’s biggest yet overlooked climate challenges: industrial heat. While most clean-energy discussions focus on electricity, heat accounts for roughly a third of global emissions — largely produced by directly burning coal, oil, or gas for steam and high-temperature processes. Nis traces his path from climate-centred politics and nuclear R&D to Hyme, where the team is commercialising molten-salt thermal storage. Hyme uses renewable electricity to heat a specialised hydroxide salt to ~520°C, storing energy as heat and dispatching it as steam — the medium many factories already use. That retrofit-friendly approach lets manufacturers decarbonise without ripping out existing systems. Beyond emissions, the economics matter: industry spends trillions annually on fossil energy for heat. Hyme’s model pairs lower, more predictable energy costs with reliability and innovative commercial structures (e.g., heat offtake agreements in partnership with asset managers), allowing customers to “buy heat” as a service. On the engineering front, Hyme’s corrosion breakthroughs enable long lifetimes using standard stainless steels in most of the system — a key step to bankability and scale. Hyme is targeting first commercial plants from 2026 and meaningful scale by 2030. Key TakeawaysIndustrial heat is massive: About one-third of global emissions come from process heat, much of it from direct fossil combustion. Store power as heat: Hyme heats molten hydroxide salts with renewables, then delivers on-demand steam for existing processes. Minimal retrofit: Because many factories already run on steam, Hyme can slot in with limited disruption. Compelling economics: Rising energy and CO₂ costs + access to cheap renewables = strong business cases and multi-market optimisation. Path to scale: First FID-ready projects in 2026, scaling via partnerships/licensing toward hundreds of plants through the 2030s. Notable Quotes“Around 30% of global emissions come from industrial heat — it’s the single biggest emissions sector.” — Nis Benn “If you already use steam, Hyme can just produce it another way.” — Nis Benn “Reliability is what industrial players care about most — our job is to deliver that with renewables.” — Nis Benn “You can ‘buy heat’ as an outcome — not worry about the kit behind it.” — Vincent Turner ResourcesHyme Energy: https://hyme.energy Background reading on industrial heat, thermal storage, and energy markets Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected] Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that.We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected]

About the Guest(s):Nate Spiteri is the co-founder of Shopfront, a pioneering Australian company focused on revolutionizing the secondhand market space through a tech-driven approach. With a background in banking and a keen interest in impact businesses, Nate transitioned from the financial sector to the startup realm. He played a crucial role as the first hire in a successful alternative credit scoring startup that aimed at assisting people with impaired credit histories. In parallel, Nate explored the world of fashion through his streetwear brand and gained invaluable insights into the e-commerce ecosystem, which ultimately led him to establish Shopfront. Episode Summary:In this captivating episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner invites Nate Spiteri, co-founder of Shopfront, to explore the evolving landscape of the secondhand economy, with a particular focus on fashion. Vincent, a self-professed skeptic of shopping's pervasive consumer culture, delves into the concept of sustainable consumption and how it aligns with living well, posing important questions about the nature of secondhand goods and their potential to mitigate waste. Nate shares his journey from working in the banking sector to immersing himself in impact businesses, eventually co-founding Shopfront. The discussion centers around the fragmented nature of the current secondhand marketplace ecosystem and how Shopfront aims to address these inefficiencies. By facilitating sellers to list their items across multiple platforms seamlessly, Shopfront enhances the circular economy and encourages more sustainable consumer behaviors. As Nate articulates the hurdles and opportunities in creating a scalable venture in this space, he highlights the potential impact of technology in transforming how secondhand goods are traded and perceived globally. Key Takeaways:Secondhand Economy Growth: The secondhand market is a burgeoning multi-billion-dollar industry projected to grow significantly, fueled by increasing awareness and demand for sustainable consumption.Challenges of Listing: Sellers face inefficiencies in listing products across fragmented marketplaces. Shopfront aims to simplify this by enabling multi-platform listings to save time and increase sale opportunities.Market Focus: Shopfront currently prioritizes fashion, targeting vintage sellers who experience pain points in navigating existing marketplaces, although there is potential to expand into other secondhand verticals such as furniture and sporting goods.Brand Importance: Building a robust brand is critical for Shopfront’s strategy to distinguish itself from competitors and foster a supportive seller community.Changing Marketplace Dynamics: Global platforms are beginning to shift towards no-fee seller models, preferring buyer fees, which could influence how Shopfront and similar platforms operate in the future.Notable Quotes:"I've always been pretty big on impact businesses, so when I came back from Melbourne, I really wanted to do something with my impact hat on.""It's easy to find people who buy; it's harder to find people who sell because there's more you need to do to sell.""If you put all this in a boiling pot, all of a sudden, you've got these more affordable garments being exploded in kind of Gen Z millennials.""A big part of what we did early on was mapping out all our competitors and realizing they all have the same color palette.""Brand is incredibly powerful for us. We've had users say, 'I didn't even know this existed.'"Resources:ShopfrontReference to marketplaces such as eBay, Depop, Etsy, Facebook MarketplaceB Corp CertificationExplore how Shopfront is paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient secondhand marketplace through innovation and technology. Listen to the full episode for a deeper understanding and stay tuned for more insightful discussions on transforming systems for the better with Shape the System.   Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected] Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures   More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that.We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone.  From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights.  Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: [email protected]