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Dana Haidan

Chief Sustainability Officer | Virgin Media O2

Dana Haidan “unpacks” the complexities of gender equity & sustainability to inspire change

“For me, gender was a big, big defining aspect of my identity. But also, another defining aspect is climate change. Young people in the external work that we do, have been a big part of the way we shape the strategy. And so especially our strategy centered on 3 main areas, carbon reduction in our business and decarbonizing the business.”

In today’s episode, we have a special guest, Dana Haidan, who sits down with our host, Prashant Raizada, to delve into the pivotal role of youth in addressing climate change and sustainability.

Dana Haidan, a sustainability expert, shares her inspiring journey from a conservative upbringing in the Gulf to becoming a strong advocate for sustainable business practices. Together, Dana and Prashant explore the importance of equipping young people with AI, entrepreneurship, and design thinking skills, and discuss initiatives like repair workshops for green skills.

With real-world examples, including the impactful leadership of the young president of Chile, and the efforts at Virgin Media O2 to integrate youth perspectives into sustainability strategies, this episode is a deep dive into how the next generation can drive meaningful change.

Join us as we explore the optimism, challenges, and actionable steps young people can take to make a tangible impact on our planet’s future. 

Key moments

00:00 Media’s portrayal of climate change creates apathy.

05:23 Focused on education to escape societal pressure.

08:33 Seeking sustainability education despite parental opposition.

12:47 Young people facing significant socioeconomic challenges today.

14:52 Media’s portrayal of climate change as distant.

17:38 Young voices are influential in climate action.

21:14 Thinking beyond apparent problems, tackling complex issues.

25:36 Working with Hubbub and Gen Z on e-waste.

29:17 Managing global supply chain responsibly for net-zero emissions.

31:29 Holding countries accountable for tackling climate change.

33:59 Growing policy and financing for renewable energy.

Connect with Dana Haidan

Website: https://news.virginmediao2.co.uk/

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Listen on: 

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-youth-we-trust/id1715898301?uo=4

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nAx96DPBnhY33fQnl8F87

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Connect with Prashant:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prashant-raizada/

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About In YOUth We Trust

In YOUth We Trust sits down with successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, educators, and others worldwide.

We spotlight how individuals & organizations are shaping a better world, directly or indirectly, for the coming generations by focusing on sustainability, equity, education, and more to empower young people to create the future they deserve.

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About Lumi.Network

Lumi is building the world’s first AI-augmented platform where 10-25-year-olds undertake Quests to build entrepreneurship, design thinking & AI skills while collaboratively developing tech-enabled solutions to the world’s biggest problems (based on UN SDGs). The Quests culminate in a unique Digital Skills Passport accredited by a Stanford University-affiliated institution.

Working in teams from around the world, Luminaries learn skills in coding, design, and entrepreneurship. Supported by weekly expert sessions, they put these skills into practice to develop their original apps and solutions with tremendous potential to create real-world impact.

Young people see solutions, not problems. Lumi is their chance to combine their natural curiosity with the opportunity to make a real difference.

Learn more: https://www.lumi.network/

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About Your Host, Prashant Raizada

“I am an experienced entrepreneur & CEO whose career highlights include being part of the founding team of a unicorn (Infosys BPO- $2bn exit), Founder & CEO of Macmillan Publishers’ flagship digital education venture-EnglishUp, which became Brazil’s 3rd largest online English learning co.), working at McKinsey & Co. and having tried and failed (or learned) multiple times but starting back again…

I have operated in/engaged with most major global markets, continue advising companies across sectors on digital strategy/innovation, and mentor several start-ups and charities globally. I have dedicated the last 11 years to solving problems in all forms of education globally, and I am most excited about my latest venture, Lumi.Network, which is giving young minds globally an opportunity to learn about and collaborate to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges. 

Since 2017, I also started my journey of inner transformation by becoming a part of the Self-Realisation Fellowship, a remarkable 100+ year institution started by Paramhansa Yogananda. Integrating yoga and meditation in my life has allowed me to become a better leader and person in all walks of life.”

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Podcast Produced by Old Soul: https://aoldsoul.com/

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