In this episode of Future of Finance, Georges Dyer sits down with John Lanier, Executive Director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation and grandson of sustainability pioneer Ray Anderson. They trace the story of Ray’s transformative leadership at Interface, where he proved that sustainability and profitability could go hand in hand, and explore how those lessons continue through the foundation’s work today.
John reflects on the evolution of Interface’s sustainable business model, the power of biomimicry, and the critical role of culture and leadership in driving innovation.
The conversation turns to the foundation’s focus areas—including education, biomimicry, climate solutions, and the groundbreaking Drawdown Georgia initiative—and its decision to sunset in the next five years to maximize climate impact during this decisive decade. John offers a hopeful yet urgent call to action for philanthropy, business, and individuals to lean into solutions, embrace resilience, and create a better world for “tomorrow’s child.”
Resources:
- Mid-Course Correction Revisited by Ray Anderson & John Lanier (2019 update with six new chapters by John): https://www.raycandersonfoundation.org/midcourse-correction-revisited/
- Biomimicry – by Janine Benyus: https://a.co/d/iejiHSy
Keywords: Ray Anderson, Interface, John Lanier, sustainability, biomimicry, circular economy, climate solutions, Drawdown Georgia, philanthropy, future of finance
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.