EP 67: Collaboration and Momentum for Climate Action with Anna Adlard

In this episode, Lis Best is joined by Anna Adlard, the President and Co-founder of Workshop, a design thinking practice that activates teams for climate action. Anna offers actionable and inspiring wisdom, including ways to build momentum for systematic change and leadership tips for effective project management. 

Collaboration, teamwork, and a climate activation mindset are critical components to achieving sustainable change. Anna’s work details steps to bridge the gap between a great project plan and a finished result. She speaks to the imperative of having a heart-forward approach to drive change within the climate activism movement. This work requires more space for an emotional landscape. 

Anna details the multiple qualities leaders can bring to their projects, which extend far beyond brainpower. Lis and Anna remind us that self-care is community care and emphasize the importance of resourcing ourselves and protecting our energy. Anna concludes by sharing advice for how to structure plans that reduce overwhelm and burnout while going after big, lofty goals.

This conversation is a must-listen for change makers and climate activators!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Episode Outline:

(02:14) How Workshop is helping organizations advance climate action and its origin story

(11:12) Why we may want to reframe “change agents” as “activators”

(13:28) Tips to make collaboration more organic, fun, and joyful

(19:09) Why women are particularly suited to lead collaboration 

(24:53) Four types of intelligence necessary for creating systems-level change 

(31:37) Leadership, not having the answers, and hope as a practice

(38:03) Practical advice for working in systems change and creating momentum

(45:00) What Anna would tell her younger self

(47:30) Beginning every day knowing: “I have what I need”

Resources Mentioned:

• Not Too Late, a project and book edited by Rebecca Solnit

Guest Info: 

• Follow Anna on LinkedIn: Anna Adlard 
• Learn more about Workshop: Workshop website

Follow Us:

• Learn more on our website: girlsclubcollective.co
• Follow us on Instagram: @girls_club_collective
• Connect with us on LinkedIn: Girls Club Collective 

About Lis: 

Lis Best is an executive coach for impact leaders, founder of the Girls Club Collective, and host of the Women Changing the World podcast.

Since launching her business in 2020, Lis has helped hundreds of leaders navigate ESG and sustainability careers, launch heart-centered businesses, and become more effective change agents.