The Greenprint podcast series

dealing with the future of our industry and society

Competitive sustainability is where industry and businesses in general strive to balance the environmental challenges facing our society with the economic realities they face every day. To bring new insights to today's business leaders, we present “The Greenprint podcast”.

In our podcast series we explore the pivotal issues shaping the future of Europe. In each episode, we engage with a number of prominent figures who have their own perspective on the future of you, your industry and our society.

Listen to the podcast
on SpotifyWatch the podcast
on YouTube

Episode #1
Balancing green goals and economic growth

Can Europe lead the world in sustainability while staying competitive? In this episode, we delve into insights from the newly elected European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, and thought leaders like Mario Draghi. Together, they champion “competitive sustainability” as the key to balancing economic growth and green leadership.

Episode visual
Listen to the podcast
on SpotifyWatch the podcast
on YouTube

Guests

Kurt Vandenberghe
DG Clima
Kurt Vandenberghe, Director-General for Climate Action at the European Commission, champions the EU Green Deal as vital for Europe’s economic and ecological future. He sees decarbonization as a driver of growth and calls for better alignment of policies to foster innovation and competitiveness. Vandenberghe stresses the importance of resilient implementation and global carbon market fairness, positioning Europe as a leader in sustainable development.
Bart Steukers
Agoria
Bart Steukers, CEO of Agoria, advocates for a balanced approach to Europe’s climate goals, emphasizing the need for realistic funding and simplified regulations. He highlights the dual impact of carbon border mechanisms, which can offer opportunities but also challenges for European industries. Steukers focuses on making sustainability investments economically viable while maintaining flexibility in industrial policy to foster innovation and resilience.
Brecht Seifi
SAS
Brecht Seifi, Lead Advisor European Institutions & Global Sustainability Lead, champions competitive sustainability, emphasizing the balance between environmental goals and profitability. He sees technology as a key accelerator, using data, AI, and machine learning to align short-term actions with long-term growth. For Seifi, sustainability must drive competitiveness while ensuring financial viability—because, ultimately, the numbers must add up.

Episode #2
Green Finance: Driving Europe’s Green Transition

Europe’s green transition demands substantial funding. Green finance plays a pivotal role in achieving ambitious climate goals. The recent Draghi Report highlights the importance of collaboration between banks, the ECB, EIB, EBA, and the European Commission to mobilize capital for sustainable projects. How do we close the investment gap to enable innovation for a greener future? How do we bring citizens along this journey? And how can Europe become a leader in clean technology?

Episode visual
Listen to the podcast
on SpotifyWatch the podcast
on YouTube

Guests

Peter De Keyzer
Growth Inc
Peter De Keyzer, a leading economist and author, questions whether the EU’s ambitious climate strategies are sustainable. He warns of the risks to Europe’s industrial competitiveness, pointing to companies relocating to the U.S. and wavering corporate commitments. De Keyzer calls for pragmatic solutions, including global CO2 pricing and embracing nuclear energy. He believes the EU must balance climate leadership with economic realities to avoid losing its industrial edge.
Piet Colruyt
Impact Capital
Piet Colruyt, successful Belgian entrepreneur, advocate for sustainable investing and co-founder of Impact Capital, champions innovative solutions for a greener economy. With a focus on funding and guiding socially and environmentally impactful businesses, he emphasizes the need for long-term thinking in addressing climate challenges. He believes in bridging the gap between profitability and sustainability, encouraging companies to align their growth strategies with positive societal outcomes.
Brecht Seifi
SAS
Brecht Seifi, Lead Advisor European Institutions and Sustainability Lead at SAS, advocates for competitive sustainability, emphasizing the balance between companies’ sustainability goals and profitability. He sees technology as a key accelerator, using data and AI to align short-term actions with long-term growth. For Seifi, sustainability must drive competitiveness while ensuring financial viability—because, ultimately, the numbers must add up.

Episode #3
A competitive, green and just transition

How can Europe maintain its global competitiveness while advancing an inclusive and sustainable green transition? In this episode, three experts talk about the evolving labor market, the role of technology and AI in driving decarbonization, and the importance of fair and inclusive policies to ensure that no one is left behind. From the challenges of an ageing population to the opportunities presented by green jobs and digital transformation.

Episode visual
Listen to the podcast
on SpotifyWatch the podcast
on YouTube

Guests

Mario Nava
DG Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion
Mario Nava joined the European Commission in 1994. He is currently the Director-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, in charge of overseeing Europe’s efforts to shape a resilient and inclusive labor market. With extensive experience in economic policy, he plays a key role in steering Europe’s workforce through the twin transitions of digitalization and sustainability. He reflects on the evolving labor market dynamics and the social implications of the Green Transition.
Mirella Cerutti
SAS
Mirella Cerutti is Regional Vice President Central and Eastern Europe at SAS Institute. She is leading the company’s efforts to drive digital transformation across industries. With deep expertise in Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, and business innovation, she is at the forefront of helping organizations adapt to technological change.
Carlo Chiattelli
EY
Carlo Chiattelli is partner at Ernst & Young and a leading expert in public policy, specializing in labor market dynamics and regulatory frameworks. With extensive experience in advising governments and businesses on employment strategies, he brings valuable insights into the evolving European labor market.