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In September 2020, the first episode of our corporate podcast Greiner Talks went online: an interview with Fred Luks, an expert in sustainable transformation. In the years that followed, the podcast's appearance, structure, and sound changed somewhat, but one thing always remained the same: inspiring guests whose statements, ideas, and expertise provoked thought. The goal was clear: to provide food for thought that would help us overcome the great challenges of our time. Here are a few facts and figures about Greiner Talks: 45 episodes, 1 host Approximately 20 minutes per episode More than 17,000 plays More than 700,000 impressions on social media Lots of positive feedback and inspiration We came up with something very special to mark the end of Greiner Talks: Alexander Berth switched to the other side of the microphone and looked back on his five years as podcast host. Elisabeth Reiter from Greiner's communications team chatted with him about his personal highlights, lessons learned, and the impact such a format can have. „After almost  50 conversations, I discovered a pattern that really surprised me. We had guests from all sorts of professions and fields, but they all ended on a similar note: To be hopeful and to be positively looking into the future.” You can listen to the last regular episode with (the first and last guest) Fred Luks here. All interviews in the podcast series can be found here. Greiner Talks was our podcast on the topic of transformation. Alexander Berth spoke with experts from around the world to learn more about their perspectives on the future of our economy and society.

Ideas ahead of their time Much has changed in the world since the first episode of Greiner Talks with Fred Luks was released in 2020. For Fred Luks, the biggest personal shift was becoming a father. This life event sharpened his sense of urgency: “I’m becoming more impatient because it’s so obvious that we are fundamentally on the wrong track as a society.” Yet fatherhood also strengthened his commitment to hope ─ a theme deeply embedded in his books and writing. Professionally, Luks has spent decades navigating academia, financial services, and public discourse, consistently pushing sustainability forward long before it became a mainstream corporate concern. Looking back, he admits that many of his early ideas were shaped by a certain naive optimism that didn’t always align with corporate thinking. However, he still feels that balancing pragmatic judgement with a touch of idealism remains important.  Complex times require new thinking Today’s world is even more complex ─ marked by geopolitical instability, the climate crisis, and rapid technological shifts such as AI. Sustainability often risks dropping down the priority list. But Luks argues this is precisely why it matters more than ever. One thing is clear: Complex times require new thinking.  “We need ideas about how we live together, how we treat animals, how we eat, and how we organize mobility.” – Fred Luks Yet he warns against oversimplification. Simple solutions appeal to our desire for security, but they rarely work for systemic problems. Instead, Luks calls for honesty, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace complexity ─ paired with strong policies and economic frameworks that make sustainable choices not only possible, but attractive. So how do we keep moving forward? Fred Luks believes it’s about balancing realism with optimism. It’s about making sustainability attractive, engaging and fun – always connecting it to everyday life. And ultimately, seeing it as part of the “good life”. Get inspired and listen to the full episode now!   Our corporate podcast Greiner Talks is coming to an end. Stay tuned for a special goodbye episode with our host to get some insights, background information and behind the scenes – or listen back to some of our highlights exploring what it takes to change the world.  Click here for all episodes of Greiner Talks

A glimpse into the future In the ”Future of Work Lab”, Nicky Dries studies what the perfect future of work could look like. But what will work really look like in many years from now? Of course, nobody can tell us which predictions are right – because it hasn’t happened yet. But we can take courses of action in the present that will move us closer to one scenario or the other.  Nicky Dries emphasizes that wok will definitely change in the future and will – for example – be deeply data-driven. Something that has already changed is the definition of career success, which used to be measured by salary alone. Instead, purpose, impact, and work-life balance are now becoming the new benchmarks of a fulfilling career. “The future hasn’t happened yet; it’s not set in stone – it’s whatever we make it.” - Nicky Dries, Professor at KU Leuven in Belgium The power to shape the future of work A critical point Nicky Dries raises is the underrepresentation of HR professionals in the public debate about the future of work. Despite their human-centric expertise, they are often left out of the conversation. Dries calls for their active involvement to ensure that the evolving workplace remains people-focused. But do we really have the power to shape the future of work? Drawing inspiration from the rise of labor unions, she argues that collective action – even in today’s individualistic society – can drive meaningful transformation.  For leaders, the takeaway is urgent: technology must serve people, not the other way around. Vision, critical reflection, and a commitment to inclusion are essential. As birth rates decline globally,including those previously excluded from the labor market will become not just a value – but a necessity. The future of work is being written now – by all of us. Listen to the full episode now!

The shift from management to leadership Tom Venning is a business trainer, facilitator and coach specializing in B2B Sales, Leadership, and Change. For him, the rise in conversations about leadership and purpose-driven leadership isn't just a trend, but a response to a deeper need of reason and security. But what is leadership, really? Tom Venning defines it simply: “Getting people to do what you want them to do – because they want to do it.” Importantly, this has nothing to do with job titles. Leadership, in his view, isn’t about hierarchy but about influence.  Resistance, engagement and navigating unpredictability Change, of course, often brings resistance. But Tom Venning sees resistance not as a problem, but as a signal: “When people say no, it means they’re engaging. They’re drawing a boundary, saying, ‘This matters to me’. That’s far better than a fake Yes.” He encourages leaders to approach resistance with openness. People resist change, he argues, not just because they don’t understand it – but because the current state feels more real and tangible than a vision of the future. One of the simplest tools to change that? Questions. The most powerful thing leaders can do is ask simple, high-quality questions.  Tom Venning’s own journey is full of unexpected twists – quite literally. Years ago, he started building a sailing boat. It took two decades to finish. “In the end, it became a gift from my younger self. I set off down the Danube and learned to navigate not just water, but unpredictability,” he shared. His lessons: We don’t always need a detailed plan. What we need is a clear sense of why we’re doing something, and the resilience to adapt along the way. Cultivating curiosity and courage If there’s one competency Tom believes leaders must strengthen, it’s curiosity. “It’s the gateway to deeper understanding, creativity, and even resilience,” he said. Resilience no longer means returning to the old normal. It’s about staying grounded – even excited– in a world that constantly shifts beneath our feet. For him, good leadership is about respect. It’s about listening, observing, and helping others grow so that together, we can create something bigger than any of us could alone. “Curiosity is the gateway to deeper understanding, creativity, and even resilience.” - Tom Venning At Greiner, where transformation is both a challenge and a necessity, these insights couldn’t be more relevant. Our company has existed for over 155 years – and we aim to be here successfully for another 155 years.  Curious to hear more? Listen to the full episode now!

In a country like Austria, with a functioning healthcare system and good public infrastructure, one might think that social justice is already well advanced. But Susanne Hamscha takes a more nuanced view: “We see people in our society who have a harder time, who are less privileged – whether in terms of access to education or the labor market. Only when opportunities are truly distributed fairly can we speak of a fair society.“ This is not just a geographical issue, such as Europe, but also concerns structural inequalities within our society. Those who only look at diversity superficially often overlook the deeper causes of inequality – and thus ignore enormous potential. When people talk about sustainability, many initially think of ecology. But without social sustainability, any environmental strategy remains incomplete. After all, only a society in which people can live healthy, safe lives with equal rights is sustainable in the long term. Companies have an enormous influence on who gets opportunities, who can advance, and who is heard. They decide on working conditions, development opportunities, and corporate culture. Studies show that social sustainability pays off: a diverse and inclusive work environment can substantially contribute to success and profitability as many studies proof. However, this does not happen overnight—since this work is a marathon, not a sprint. “You always have diversity in companies. How can you use this diversity as a resource in order to do whatever it is you're doing a little bit better?” – Susanne Hamscha, Managing Partner at factor-D Diversity Consulting Based on her work with numerous companies, Susanne Hamscha has derived three key recommendations: Focus on inclusion: Instead of just counting diversity, you should create a culture where everyone feels welcome and heard.Holistic view: Creating equal opportunities isn't just about HR, but also product development, communication, and leadership.Long-term thinking: The biggest mistake is to put the issue on the back burner in times of crisis. That's precisely when diversity can be part of the solution.Listen now and learn more about social sustainability in a corporate context!

Tomaso Torriani, speaking from his office in Milan, shared his passion for sustainability and the journey that led him to co-found Movopack with two lifelong friends, Alberto Cisco, and Andrea Cipollone. Movopack's core offering is a catalog of reusable packaging products, both flexible and rigid, designed for e-commerce shipments. Customers receive their orders in Movopack packaging, which can then be folded into a small envelope and returned via any post box in Europe using a prepaid shipping label. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also ensures that packaging can be reused multiple times, boasting a refurbishment rate of 98 %. One of the significant milestones for Movopack was securing a deal with Royal Mail, the UK's national postal service. This collaboration allows Movopack to provide efficient return logistics within the UK, enhancing their service's overall efficiency and sustainability. Greiner played a decisive role in this: Tomaso Torriani highlighted the importance of their collaboration with Greiner Innoventures, Greiner’s corporate business angel, which provided crucial funding and support.  Movopack's future plans are ambitious: The company aims to double its team size within the year and expand its refurbishment facilities across Europe. Tomaso envisions a future where sustainability is not just an option but a standard in e-commerce. “Be brave and a take risks.” – Tomaso Torriani, the co-founder and CEO of Movopack When asked for advice for young entrepreneurs, Tomaso highlighted the importance of understanding the long-term value of their work and ensuring their business models are backed by hard evidence. He encouraged aspiring founders to just start and take risks. Listen in and learn more about Movopack's innovative approach to packaging!

To understand Andreas Onea’s story, we have to look back to one day that changed his life: Sunday, the 3rd of May 1998. On this day, he and his family were involved in a devastating car accident that injured them severely and resulted in the loss of Andreas Onea’s left arm. Despite these tragic circumstances, he chose to view his life as a gift. “It’s just the perspective that helps me to be thankful and to look at this decisive day in a positive manner,” he reflects. While the accident could have been the end of his dreams, it became the catalyst for his extraordinary journey.  From an early age, he was determined to defy the limitations others tried to place on him. Swimming was not an obvious path for him —neither of his parents could swim. Yet, rehabilitation sessions introduced him to the sport, and by the age of 12, he became the Austrian national champion in breaststroke. Throughout his career, Onea has accumulated 12 international medals, set a world record, and cemented his status as one of Austria’s top Paralympic athletes. Onea’s journey has made him a passionate advocate for inclusivity. As a public speaker, moderator, and campaign ambassador, he works tirelessly to shift perceptions of disability. We need to remove the barriers that are existing – but we have to acknowledge that a lot of disabilities are invisible and so are a lot of challenges and the missing accessibility. “Just be open minded. See the human and the abilities - and not the one thing that is missing or the one disability that is clearly or not clearly there.“ Andreas Onea believes that true change starts with awareness and open conversations. When asked about inclusion in business, he noted that many companies claim they can’t find employees with disabilities, yet their job listings are not accessible. “By having those processes and structures that are not inclusive, we automatically exclude people,” he pointed out. Simple steps, like making job postings machine-readable, can bridge this gap and unlock untapped talent. His message is clear: inclusion benefits everyone. Companies that employ people with disabilities gain new perspectives, improve product accessibility, and expand their customer base. But more importantly, fostering inclusion creates a society where everyone can thrive.

Elka Xharo, scientist, lecturer, and creator of The Sciency Feminist Instagram channel, is thinking science communication differently by making complex topics accessible and championing diversity in STEM. Speaking with our host Alexander Berth, she shared her thoughts on fake news, accessibility to science, and equality. For Elka Xharo, science isn’t an ivory tower pursuit but a source of wonder accessible to everyone. One of her goals is to demystify science and highlight its relevance to daily life. Through The Sciency Feminist, Elka Xharo addresses stereotypes, promotes female role models, and counters fake news. But why did she get into science communication? Her passion for clear, honest communication intensified during the pandemic. Observing the dangerous impact of misinformation, Elka Xharo felt compelled to act. By explaining topics like vaccines in simple, relatable terms, she empowered people to counter misinformation. Emotional and misleading content is amplified by algorithms online and especially on social media.  “Misinformation spreads far more easily than debunking it because it’s all about emotions.” - Elka Xharo, scientist, lecturer, and @thesciencyfeminist on Instagram As a woman with roots in Austria and Albania, Elka Xharo is acutely aware of the barriers women and minorities face in science, including unconscious bias. She noted, “Even with identical CVs, a woman with a foreign name is treated differently”. To tackle such biases, Elka Xharo integrates discussions on gender roles into her teaching at the University of Applied Sciences Vienna. These conversations, she says, often spark unexpected reflection, even among initially skeptical students.

Who is telling the truth? How the media shape our society At the European Forum Alpbach, Alexander Berth, host of Greiner Talks, talked to Nic Newman from the Reuters Institute of Journalism about communication and sustainability, the radically changing media landscape and the role of trust. Nic Newman is a Senior Research Fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, where he is the lead author of the annual “Digital News Report”. He conducts research on media and technology trends, trust, payment models for news, social media and the impact of artificial intelligence.  In the interview with Greiner Talks, he shares his impressions of the European Forum Alpbach and delves deeper into the topics that shape journalism and media use today. We are currently living in a time in which social media and algorithmic filter bubbles are increasingly influencing the way we consume information.  Algorithms are often designed to reinforce existing opinions, making it more difficult to access diverse perspectives. Filter bubbles, the phenomenon whereby we are only shown content that confirms our existing opinions, is real, but not as all-encompassing as is often assumed. This is because there are also algorithms that aim to introduce us to new content. Trust is becoming a crucial factor in the credibility of the media, partly due to technological developments in the field of artificial intelligence.  One of the central topics was the perception of negative news. Nic Newman explained that many people feel that reporting is too negative, but also pointed out the importance of solution journalism. There are many positive things that are worthy of reporting, whether in climate change or technology.  During the discussion, Nic Newman also emphasized the great importance of independent journalism for our society. Without it, there can be no informed and functioning democracy.  “We need independent journalism to hold companies and politicians accountable.” – Nic Newman, Senior Research Fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford  Despite the difficulties, Newman remains optimistic that journalism can continue to consolidate its role in society. He believes it is particularly important to better understand the audience: “What I have learned is to listen much more and talk less.”

What do human rights have to do with business? A lot! In the new Greiner Talks episode, Harpreet Kaur, a human rights expert, discusses with Alexander Berth why companies have such an important role to play in this area and why a rethink is needed. Harpreet Kaur has been working in the field of human rights for over 15 years and is a business and human rights specialist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In the interview, she emphasizes the increasing responsibility of companies not only to serve their shareholders, but also to bring about positive social change. We need to ask ourselves how companies can exert a positive influence beyond their legal obligations. Harpreet Kaur is convinced that every decision should be scrutinized from a human rights perspective. This means that companies should take responsibility for the impact of their decisions from the factory floor to the boardroom. “It's not just about compliance policies or checklists, but about looking at every decision through the lens of human dignity.” - Harpreet Kaur, Business and Human Rights Specialist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)  The global challenges faced by companies operating in different cultural and legal contexts are also discussed. Kaur recommends using a global framework, but acting locally at the same time. Overall, Harpreet Kaur's message is clear: companies play a crucial role in upholding human rights. By taking responsibility, they can not only avoid harm but also actively do good.

In the most recent episode of Greiner Talks, Alexander Berth interviews Andreas Rasche, Professor at Copenhagen Business School, about corporate sustainability and business ethics. A talk about the importance of values within organizations and a pragmatic approach towards sustainability.  Rasche’s research focuses on corporate sustainability, strategic management and policy making in the light of global challenges. For more than 20 years, he has been analyzing sustainability regulations, voluntary sustainability initiatives, and the paradoxes inherent in sustainability. When asked what constitutes a responsible and sustainable business, Rasche highlights authenticity and the importance of living organizational values.  “A responsible business is a business that is authentic and that takes its value seriously. Responsibility and sustainability have a lot to do with our value space and that we really need to live these values.” Addressing the feasibility of achieving sustainability, Rasche advocates for a pragmatic approach, focusing on so-called "weak" sustainability, which accepts some unavoidable emissions and waste while striving for significant overall improvements. He also stresses that good governance is crucial for addressing environmental and social issues effectively: "Without good governance, we cannot really tackle these environmental and social problems." In conclusion, Rasche advises companies to prioritize their values, which will guide them in implementing sustainability and navigating challenges. “At the very end of the day, it's a values question. It's about what we as an organization believe in and what we believe the purpose of this organization is - and whether we really stand up for this purpose and are willing to deliver.” *** Greiner Talks is our podcast about transformation. Alexander Berth speaks to experts from around the world to learn about their perspectives on the future of our economy and society.

Katharina Moser is a speaker, moderator, and part of the Inner Development Goals Foundation – and beyond that a passionate advocate for authentic human connections. In our Greiner Talks episode, she shares her insights on emotions, transformation and collaboration. The Inner Development Goals are a global initiative aimed at fostering essential skills and capacities for tackling humanity's most pressing issues. Rooted in the belief that inner development is integral to creating a more sustainable future, the initiative provides a framework comprising 23 skills across five dimensions: being, thinking, relating, collaborating, and acting.  In their conversation, Katharina and Alexander delve into the profound impact of inner growth on personal and collective endeavors, shedding light on the Inner Development Goals initiative and its significance in addressing global challenges. It is important to embrace both rational and emotional aspects of human nature. Modern society tends to overlook the profound influence of emotions on behavior and decision-making. The core belief of the inner development goals is - that through developing these skills - we will be able to create a different type of outcome, a more sustainable future, and better solutions for our challenges. – Katharina Moser In closing, Katharina Moser offers a powerful message to the world: "Listen to yourself. Be present with yourself." Her words resonate with the essence of inner development, urging individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. *** Our podcast series Greiner Talks is all about transformation. Alexander Berth talks to experts from across the world about the prospects and opportunities offered by a sustainable economy and society.

In our rapidly evolving world, the ability to adapt to new circumstances and environments is essential. But what does change do to our human brain? How are organizations impacted by change? And how can we effectively navigate these challenges?   In this episode of Greiner Talks, Alexander Berth speaks to Pieter Kruger, a Clinical Psychologist specializing in mental well-being and performance under stress. Kruger, known for his work with elite sports teams and corporate leaders, shares insights into dealing with change while maintaining performance – both at an individual as well as an organizational level.   Kruger describes the human brain's resistance to change due to its evolutionary design for survival, emphasizing the stress and anxiety caused by uncertainty in today's volatile environment. Practical advice is offered on managing stress, such as diary management, taking breaks from technology, physical movement, and the importance of hydration and diet. Kruger also touches on the importance of discipline and planning to overcome obstacles to personal well-being. “The more opportunity you create for people to be heard, the more you communicate top down, the better your organization will be when you come to any form of change.” - Pieter Kruger, Clinical Psychologist, Cognacity At the organizational level, Kruger advises leaders to acknowledge the emotional aspects of change, emphasizing clear communication and inclusion to mitigate resistance. He underscores the importance of providing resources and control to employees to reduce workplace stress. Greiner Talks is our podcast focusing on sustainability and transformation. Alexander Berth regularly talks to experts from across the world about the prospects and opportunities offered by a sustainable economy and society.

As a professor at the Technical University of Dresden and the founding director of the Center Synergy of Systems, Brockmann shares insights into his journey through the realms of complex systems, bridging the gap between diverse scientific disciplines. But what is complexity? Dirk Brockmann defines complex systems as phenomena that transcend traditional scientific fields, such as pandemics or climate change. He introduces complexity science as a field without borders, connecting social sciences, life sciences, economics, and ecology to analyze phenomena from a holistic viewpoint. According to him, sustainability or climate crisis are the study of human behavior and behavioral changes. The question is: Why have we known about the problems for so long, but are not solving them?  "Climate change and sustainability require a fundamental restructuring of society. The only way people are willing to do something radically different is when they're either scared or when there's a promise at the end. " – Dirk Brockmann He emphasizes the need to address human behavior and perceptions to bring about change. “When we say 1.5°C degrees, we know - as scientists - that's horrible. But it doesn't sound that way, the number doesn't communicate the consequences. So we need to think about what it means. Can you translate that into something people feel, something they can relate to?  Of course, we cannot only talk about negative consequences, we also have to paint a picture of how great it might be if we tackle the climate crisis. The good thing about us humans, so Brockmann, is that “we can make decisions that are against our intuition, against our gut feeling, but wise and anticipating the future”. Greiner Talks is our podcast focusing on sustainability and transformation. Alexander Berth regularly talks to experts from across the world about the prospects and opportunities offered by a sustainable economy and society.

The World Bank is a multinational development bank based in the US capital Washington, DC. It is here that McClain-Nhlapo is responsible for various projects in the field of inclusion. Her task is to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the World Bank Group.  “Seeing the direct impact of your work and on our investments can be extremely gratifying.” Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, Global Disability Advisor at the World Bank She was born in South Africa during the apartheid era and lived in various countries as a child. Her parents' marriage was forbidden in South Africa because fer father is a white US-American and her mother a black South-African. Even as a child, it was clear to Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo that she wanted to do her bit to make the world a better place in the future. A serious car accident as a young adult led to her living her life in a wheelchair, which only intensified her quest for justice. In the interview, McClain-Nhlapo emphasizes the importance of viewing disability as a spectrum of visible and invisible forms. Globally, 15 to 18 % of the world's population lives with disabilities - a conservative estimate due to underreporting and stigmatization. Due to natural disasters and conflicts, this number will continue to increase in the future. She also emphasizes that disabilities and poverty go hand in hand. But what can people without disabilities do to help? Even though a lot has happened in recent years, we still have a long way to go. It is important to recognize the following: Inclusion of people with disabilities and diversity in general is something that concerns us all. According to Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, being an ally, showing empathy and respect and not making assumptions are important steps that we should all take. Her final appeal is: "Leave no one behind."