Episode #500 - Sustainability Isn’t a Side Hustle, It’s the Future of Businesses making a Local Impacts - with Emma Burlow
Release Date: 07/23/2025
ScaleUp Radio
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info_outlineHi, I’m Granger Forson – find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. On this edition of ScaleUp Radio, I’m joined by Emma Burlow, founder of Lighthouse Sustainability and a leading voice in the world of circular economy and sustainable business.
Emma’s journey spans over 25 years in sustainability – and she’s not just talking the talk. From her early days in waste management to becoming head of circular economy at Resource Futures and founding her own business, she’s been on the front line helping organisations make a genuine, lasting impact.
In our conversation, Emma shares how Lighthouse Sustainability helps businesses scale by embedding sustainability in ways that are practical, measurable, and commercially viable. She challenges the myth that being ethical is expensive, showing instead how sustainability is a driver of innovation, customer loyalty, and investor confidence.
We dive into her #BeTheDifference campaign, her experience advising start-ups and multinationals alike, and the shift in mindset required to build a business that’s not just successful, but significant. With storytelling and clear frameworks, Emma shows business leaders how to take action that counts – and how to communicate it with credibility.
If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with purpose, balance commercial goals with climate responsibilities, or bring your team on board with sustainable growth, this episode is packed with insights and practical wisdom.
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So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of impact, purpose and leadership with Emma Burlow.
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Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!
Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.
More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/
Emma can be found here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaburlow/
https://lighthouse-sustainability.co.uk/
50% off course for ScaleUp Radio listeners using the code SUR50 - https://lighthouse-sustainability.co.uk/upcoming-courses/
Resources:
Work Like A Woman by Mary Portas - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/work-like-a-woman-a-manifesto-for-change-mary-portas/1475832?ean=9781784163624
Outrage & Optimism podcast - https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/
Straight Talking Sustainability podcast - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/straight-talking-sustainabilit-5893904?
Frustrated & Exhausted podcast - https://resonateleadership.co.uk/podcast
Starling Banking app - https://www.starlingbank.com/download/