Welcome back to Stories for the Future ! After a rejuvenating summer break, I'm launching the new season with a guest who embodies everything this podcast is about: purpose, impact, and bold reinvention. Meet Oliver Dauert , founder of Wildya , a venture helping ecopreneurs transform their love for nature into scalable, regenerative impact. Oliver’s journey took him from childhood fascination with nature to eco-anxiety and corporate disillusionment – and ultimately to building one of the most fo...
Aug 14, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 6Ep. 96
🔍 Episode Summary: What if job hunting wasn’t the answer? In this episode, Keith Anderson from Career Alchemy shares how to stop searching and start being found, even in a tough job market. We talk about back-channeling, personal branding, storytelling, and how to build long-term career resilience in an AI-shifting landscape. 🔗 Links & Resources: 💼 Connect with Keith: Career Alchemy and LinkedIn 📣 Stay Connected: Follow along on Substack or visit the website for tools, reflections, and u...
Jul 03, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 95
What happens when curiosity leads you toward a big change – but your bank account doesn’t agree? In this solo episode, I share a personal story from the early days of starting my own business, and how a surprisingly unglamorous Plan B gave me the freedom to explore a new direction. You’ll hear why having a buffer matters, how to calculate your minimum viable income, and why your Plan B doesn’t have to be perfect – just practical. Whether you’re shifting careers, launching something new, or simpl...
Jun 30, 2025•13 min•Season 6Ep. 94
🌍 What This Episode Is About In this episode, we explore the Transformational Leadership for Sustainability (TLFS) program – a unique and powerful approach to leadership that begins not with strategy, but with self-awareness and values. Together with co-founder Karen O’Brien and alumna Idun Aune, we discuss how this values-based program helps people from all walks of life activate their full potential to lead change from the inside out. If you’re looking for a deeper, more integrated way to mak...
Jun 26, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 93
When I left oil and gas – or rather, when the door slammed behind me – I thought I needed a plan immediately. Instead, I discovered something far more valuable: the power of following small sparks of curiosity. In this episode, I share why curiosity became my compass during one of the foggiest periods of my life, and how it can become yours too. What I Cover: How curiosity literally rewires your brain for learning and adaptation Why following random interests feels unproductive but creates the p...
Jun 23, 2025•10 min•Season 6Ep. 92
My guest today is Laurel Colless, a sustainability writer, kids' science fantasy novelist, and founder of the Carbon Busters Club, a climate-science adventure program for children. With over 25 years of experience working in environmental business and journalism across Asia, the US, and Europe, she combines her expertise in sustainability and technology communications with her passion for education and storytelling. As an Al Gore Climate Reality Leader, Laurel's work spans ESG reporting, stakeho...
Jun 19, 2025•45 min•Season 6Ep. 91
Welcome back to The Quiet Pivot, my mini series for those in-between chapters—the ones where the old outfit doesn’t fit, but the new one isn’t quite tailored yet. In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my own pivotal transition: from a well-paid, intellectually stimulating geophysics career in oil and gas to my current role as a bridge builder for meaningful, sustainable futures. Episode Highlights: The Sandpaper Feeling: I introduce my signature term for that subtle, persistent fr...
Jun 16, 2025•12 min•Season 6Ep. 90
What if the chaos of our times isn’t just something to survive, but a doorway into your own growth? In this week's episode, I talk with Tom Meyers, osteopath, futurist, musician (!), and author of Futurize Yourself and The Future's Effect . Tom shares how his personal journey - from suicidal burnout to finding a future-focused mission - led him to develop a unique method for helping people reset their nervous systems, reconnect with their inner compass, and thrive through transition. We explore:...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 89
This episode is about something that hit harder than I expected when I lost my job in oil and gas: Not the income. Not the office. But the identity. Who was I if I wasn't “Veslemøy, the geophysicist”? What was I supposed to say at parties, in my bio, or when someone casually asked, “So, what do you do?” In this solo episode, I talk about how I’d unknowingly tied my self-worth to my job title — and what happened when that label disappeared. You’ll hear how I started peeling back the layers, recon...
Jun 09, 2025•10 min•Season 6Ep. 88
If you've ever felt torn between making a difference and making a living , this episode is here to help you reframe that tension - and start building something more sustainable. Both for the planet. And for yourself. My guest today is Judith Hartlmaier , co-founder of Positive Impactpreneur — a business built on a powerful mission: to support the supporters. Judith works with solo practitioners, consultancies, and support organizations in the impact sector — helping them blend revenue with regen...
Jun 05, 2025•54 min•Season 6Ep. 87
Welcome to a new mini series on Stories for the Future! I call it The Quiet Pivot. Ever find yourself in that weird limbo where your job just doesn’t vibe with who you are anymore? That’s what I like to call the "Quiet Pivot," and yes, I’ve been there. After saying goodbye to the oil and gas industry in 2016, I experienced that unsettling space where the old me didn’t fit, but the new me was still trying to find a new direction. In this miniseries, I’m diving into those transitions, sharing stor...
Jun 02, 2025•9 min•Season 6Ep. 86
Holly Smith is shaking things up in the world of impact investing, and trust me, you don’t want to miss this one! At just 25, she’s already made quite the splash, transitioning from a psychology background to making a dent in the world of sustainable finance. Now based in Singapore, Holly’s not just talking the talk; she’s part of running a venture studio that’s all about driving positive change, alongside hosting monthly impact investing coffee mornings for changemakers. If you’ve ever thought ...
May 29, 2025•59 min•Season 6Ep. 85
Burnout can hit hard, especially when you're doing what you think is your dream job. In this conversation with Danielle Droitsch, we dive deep into her journey through decades of climate and conservation work, and how she found herself hitting that famous wall. She opens up about the importance of rediscovering your purpose and aligning your career with your strengths to truly find fulfillment. We also explore the emotional toll of navigating today’s chaotic political landscape and how resilienc...
May 22, 2025•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 83
Exploring the world of rooftop solar, we dive into how we can make clean energy not just a dream but a financially viable reality. Today I chat with Noaa Cohn, the VP of Product at InRange , where they’re shaking up the old-school solar mindset. We’ll uncover how they’re aligning the interests of landlords and tenants to roll out solar installations that not only benefit the environment but also make economic sense. If you're curious about how data-driven decisions can drive the energy transitio...
May 08, 2025•57 min•Season 6Ep. 82
Want to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble? Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatch . You can always find more information about the podcast and my work on storiesforthefuture.com My guest today is Siddharth Sareen, an award-winning Research Professor working at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute in Norway. Highlights: We explore the energy transition in Norway, emphasizing the need for systemic changes over individual actions, with a global perspective. The conversati...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 6Ep. 81
Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of climate solutions with Pepin van Dijk. Pepin’s work with Carbon Fix is all about finding those bold, early-stage ideas—what we like to call "moonshots"—that can actually make a dent in our carbon problem. We chat about the importance of collaboration and how even in these chaotic times, innovative thinking can lead to impactful changes. Want to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble? Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatc...
Apr 10, 2025•46 min•Season 6Ep. 80
Want to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble? Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatch . You can always find more information about the podcast and my work on storiesforthefuture.com and follow me on Substack at vklavenes.substack.com In this episode we’re diving deep into the world of political polarization and media literacy. Join me as I chat with David Beckemeyer, the host of the Outrage Overload podcast, who brings some insightful perspectives on how we can navi...
Mar 27, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 79
Today, I'm excited to share some big news that’s been brewing in my mind for a while now. I'm broadening the scope of Stories for the Future beyond just energy and climate talk, diving into the juicy stuff about how we can shift our thinking and break out of those echo chambers. It’s not just about transitioning energy systems anymore; it’s about transitioning how we relate to each other in this increasingly divided world. I’ve realized that so many of us are stuck in “us versus them” mentalitie...
Mar 19, 2025•6 min•Season 6Ep. 78
Ever wondered why we react the way we do to change, especially when it comes to the big stuff like sustainability and the energy transition? Well, today we're diving into that very topic with our guest, Gerdien de Vries, an expert in climate psychology from TU Delft. We’ll explore why some people are all in for new energy solutions while others dig in their heels. We'll break down psychological concepts like cognitive dissonance and social identity, revealing how they shape our responses to new ...
Mar 13, 2025•50 min•Season 6Ep. 77
Today's chat is all about the energy transition and how international oil companies are navigating this tricky terrain. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Krista Halttounen, a sustainability researcher and CEO of Halton Ventures, who dives deep into her research on the oil industry's future in a world aiming for lower carbon emissions. We explore some eye-opening insights from her PhD thesis, focusing on how these companies can adapt and perhaps even thrive amidst the green revolution. Kris...
Feb 27, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 76
Today, we're looking into how industry associations like the European Association for Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) can play an important role in connecting the dots in the complex world of energy. I had a chat with Artem Kotenev, the president of the Oslo chapter of EAGE, who shares his insights on how EAGE is stepping up to bridge gaps between traditional oil and gas expertise and the growing field of renewable energy. We explore the exciting developments at EAGE, including new courses an...
Feb 06, 2025•38 min•Season 6Ep. 75
My guest in this episode is sustainability expert and author Jenny Morgan, and we discuss the themes of her new book 'Cancel Culture in Climate'. Jenny shares her insights into how cancel culture negatively impacts the climate action movement by promoting fear, silence, and retraction among organizations. She emphasizes the need for positive accountability and collaboration, particularly within the oil and gas sector, to drive meaningful progress. The conversation delves into the nuances of gree...
Jan 23, 2025•46 min•Season 6Ep. 74
My guest in this episode is professor Brad Hayes, a geoscience consultant and adjunct professor at the University of Alberta, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. We dive into the importance of understanding energy security and the need for diverse solutions that respect environmental impacts while ensuring energy access for all. Takeaways: Energy literacy is crucial for understanding the complexities of the energy transition. Finding practical solutions requires balancing energy securi...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 6Ep. 73
Navigating the transformation of the energy sector, particularly as fossil fuel giants like Equinor pivot towards renewable energy, is no small task. This episode dives into the intricacies of this transition, highlighting the role of sustainability professionals who find themselves at the crossroads of environmental responsibility and corporate profitability. My guest is Natasha Blisson, a seasoned expert in sustainability at Equinor, with a career journey spanning from the French Ministry for ...
Dec 12, 2024•37 min•Season 6Ep. 72
How does a global company steeped in combustion engine technology navigate the energy transition? This episode dives into the intricacies of communication and innovation at Wärtsilä, a leader in marine and energy solutions. Meet Jane Jünger, who shares her journey from journalism to leading communications in a tech giant, and now to her role at the University of Bergen. We discuss the vital role of collaboration and transparency in engaging employees and the public about sustainable practices, a...
Nov 01, 2024•53 min•Season 6Ep. 71
Geoscientists are essential for shaping a sustainable future, and today's conversation dives deep into how they can transition away from traditional fossil fuel industries towards more innovative and environmentally friendly roles. I chat with Emer Caslin, a business development manager at ICRAG, who shares her journey from the oil and gas sector to exploring geoscience's contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals. We discuss the importance of engaging younger generations in geoscience, ...
Oct 17, 2024•36 min•Season 6Ep. 70
Creating optimistic and realistic narratives about the future is essential for inspiring collective action against climate change. In this episode, we meet Steve Willis, an author and innovator, who discusses his climate fiction novel "Fairhaven," which explores solutions to pressing environmental challenges. Steve emphasizes the need for large-scale projects to address the climate crisis and highlights the potential for industries traditionally seen as part of the problem, like oil and gas, to ...
Oct 03, 2024•49 min•Season 6Ep. 69
In this episode of 'Stories for the Future,' I reconnect with one of my very first podcast guests, Anders Dræge, an ex-petroleum geophysicist who shifted from a successful career in Norway's state-owned energy company, Equinor, to a new role in the insurance sector. We discuss Anders' motivations for leaving the oil and gas industry due to environmental concerns, his transition and adaptation to a different field using skills from his previous career, and the current state and future of the ener...
Sep 23, 2024•30 min•Season 6Ep. 68
In this episode, we delve into the complexities of the energy sector with Maximilian Haas, a geomechanical engineer at SLB. We talk about the binary perceptions of the oil and gas industry and the crucial gray areas often missed. Highlighting Max's journey from academia to the energy sector, this episode stresses the need for open-minded dialogue and collaboration in tackling climate and energy challenges. To learn more about Max, you can connect with him on LinkedIn For ideas, questions or sugg...
Sep 04, 2024•47 min•Season 6Ep. 67
We kick off the new season with a special episode featuring six different voices from the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) Annual Conference in Oslo. The episode explores how to foster better understanding and dialogue between professionals in the oil and gas sector and the general public. Key themes include energy transition, sustainability, the role of geoscience, and the importance of collaboration and trust. The episode features soundbites with geoscientists and ind...
Aug 21, 2024•38 min•Season 6Ep. 66
