514: Leading Companies Towards Zero Waste with Heather Johnson
Release Date: 10/08/2024
Leaders Of Transformation
What does it take to build lasting resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity? In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Lee Ellis—leadership coach, award-winning author, Air Force veteran, and former POW in North Vietnam for over five years. Drawing on his extraordinary experiences of captivity, Lee shares practical wisdom on resilience, leadership, honor, and the true power of mission-driven living. Lee opens up about overcoming adversity as a prisoner of war, the critical role of commitment, faith, and community, and why self-acceptance and vulnerability are...
info_outlineLeaders Of Transformation
How do you build a business that reflects your faith, fuels your purpose, and still drives results? In this power-packed episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Tamara Jackson—former Fortune 500 VP, CEO of Lead Reviver, founder of Beaconship, and creator of the GRASP faith framework. Tamara shares her journey of leaving corporate comfort to follow God’s calling, navigating unexpected pivots (including pandemic shutdowns), and proving that bold faith fuels both purpose and business success. You’ll discover how to make Spirit-led decisions with confidence, integrate faith authentically into...
info_outlineLeaders Of Transformation
How do you grow predictable revenue for your non-profit initiative? In this value-packed episode of Leaders of Transformation, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Jonathan Beck, founder of WeGive—a powerful SaaS platform transforming how nonprofits and faith-based organizations engage donors and fuel their missions. After co-founding PayStand, a global leader in digital payments, and building a successful career in Silicon Valley, Jonathan felt a strong pull to return to his roots and serve the nonprofit world. With WeGive, he’s merging innovative technology with purpose, helping...
info_outlineLeaders Of Transformation
How do you lead a $30M company, raise a family, and break barriers in a male-dominated industry—all before 40? In this inspiring episode of Leaders of Transformation, Nicole Jansen sits down with Kash Rocheleau, the trailblazing CEO of Icon Foods. Kash’s unconventional journey—from stay-at-home mom to the youngest CEO in her industry—turns traditional leadership and success narratives on their heads. She opens up about redefining fulfillment, the realities of working motherhood, and her passion for unearthing and empowering unconventional talent. Discover how Kash shatters stereotypes,...
info_outlineLeaders Of Transformation
How do you create world-changing impact and lasting profits at the same time? In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Kurt Avery, the founder of Sawyer—the company renowned for its cutting-edge products protecting people against sun, bugs, waterborne disease, and injuries worldwide. But Sawyer’s story isn’t just one of innovation and growth: it’s a powerful example of what happens when service, strategic thinking, and generosity fuel a business model. Since 2008, Sawyer has donated over 90% of its profits annually, working alongside 40 charities in 80 countries and...
info_outlineLeaders Of Transformation
How do you lead under pressure—when the stakes are higher than ever? Join host Nicole Jansen as she welcomes Jeffrey Sanow—a highly decorated former senior CIA intelligence officer and social skills instructor—for a rare, behind-the-scenes exploration of negotiating, leading, and communicating in the world’s most demanding environments. Drawing on decades of experience from covert missions to boardrooms, Jeffrey shares hard-earned lessons in the art of human intelligence (HUMINT), the nuances of managing high achievers, and the subtle balance between respecting authority and staying...
info_outlineLeaders Of Transformation
What if sales could be transformed from a high-pressure, toxic grind into an uplifting, collaborative, and deeply rewarding experience? In this insightful episode of Leaders of Transformation, host Nicole Jansen welcomes Max Cates—award-winning author, nationally recognized sales leader, and founder of Servant Leaders in Sales—for a powerful conversation on revolutionizing the world of sales through the principles and practices of servant leadership. Drawing from 37 years of proven sales management success, Max reveals how empathy, sacrifice, teamwork, and accountability can supercharge...
info_outlineLeaders Of Transformation
What if the key to thriving in leadership isn’t doing more—but leading with greater intention and authenticity? In this compelling episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with executive coach and former USA Women’s Rugby head coach Pete Steinberg, author of Leadership Shock: Using Authenticity to Navigate the Hidden Dangers of Career Success. Drawing on decades of elite coaching and executive leadership, Pete introduces the concept of “leadership shock”—those jarring moments when once-successful strategies suddenly fail you. Pete unpacks the turning points he’s witnessed and lived...
info_outlineLeaders Of Transformation
What could you achieve if you let go of all excuses and limiting beliefs? In this deeply motivational episode, Nicole Jansen welcomes Lawrence “Stoney” Stone—a remarkable martial arts grandmaster, published author, stunt coordinator, rock band singer, and cancer survivor whose life story is anything but ordinary. Born with congenital hip problem, later with CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy) a degenerative nerve disease, Stoney has faced significant physical challenges since birth, yet has refused to let them define or limit him. From building future champions in his dojo to serving as...
info_outlineLeaders Of Transformation
What if lasting success isn’t about what you achieve—but who you become? In this powerful episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Rusty Rueff—renowned tech executive, startup advisor, philanthropist, and co-author of Faith Code—to explore how inner purpose and spiritual identity provide the only truly unshakable foundation for life and leadership. Drawing from two decades of reflection, Rusty shares a compelling metaphor: Are you building your life on a solid platform (faith, values, purpose), or just stacking up flashy but fragile apps (titles, possessions, roles)? In this...
info_outlineHow can businesses use eco-friendly practices to comply with regulations and grow successfully?
This week, Nicole Jansen talks with Heather Johnson, CEO of INGENIUM and an expert in hazardous waste management with over 25 years of industry experience. Heather’s innovative vision has positioned INGENIUM as a leader in waste-to-energy programs and zero waste initiatives, offering businesses sustainable solutions for hazardous waste management.
Heather shares her journey from her first job answering phones at a hazardous waste company to becoming an expert and CEO, shining light on the importance of sustainable practices in business operations. Whether it’s dealing with pharmaceuticals, solvents or mercury, Heather demonstrates how businesses can achieve compliance and grow successfully.
Join us as Heather uncovers practical roadmaps for businesses to manage hazardous waste, details the intricacies of zero waste certification, and underscores the transformative potential of sustainability in the corporate world.
What We Discuss in this Episode
- Heather's entry into hazardous waste management
- Sustainable practices in hazardous waste management
- Roadmap for businesses to manage hazardous waste
- Key industries needing waste management services
- Repurposing and recycling percentages
- Toxic wastes and safer alternatives
- Balancing regulations with business growth
- Gender dynamics in a male-dominated industry
- The future of sustainable waste management and AI
Podcast Highlights
0:00 - Ingenium's Innovative Approach
6:22 - Sustainable Biotech: Repurposing Chemicals Efficiently
8:16 - The Challenges of Replacing Toxic Chemicals
13:05 - Understanding AI's Business Impact
14:38 - The Importance of Environmental Awareness in Households
18:35 - Uncovering Waste Management Issues
21:04 - Advocating for Environmental Awareness
Favorite Quotes
Sustainable Solutions: "If we can find another company that can use the material before it becomes waste, that's a way to be more sustainable and not just throw it away."
Empowering Women: "By learning the industry and being the expert in the conversation, it's hard not to respect me regardless of my gender."
Awareness and Action: "Just be mindful. If you do one thing differently, you're making a difference if the aggregate of the whole is doing that."
Episode Show Notes: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/business/514-leading-companies-towards-zero-waste-with-heather-johnson
Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com
________
📣 SUBSCRIBE to the Leaders of Transformation Podcast
👇 CONNECT with Nicole Jansen on Social Media
▶︎ YOUTUBE
▶︎ X/TWITTER