Shape the System

About the Guest Mike Haydon is the CEO of Off The Grid Shop, a business focused on solar, batteries, and decentralised energy solutions. With more than 15 years in the renewable energy sector, Mike has built his career around the idea of energy sovereignty—helping households and businesses stay powered, resilient, and in control. His background spans off-grid systems, peer-to-peer energy trading, and software-driven energy orchestration. Today, he’s working to rebalance who benefits from Australia’s energy transition. Episode Summary In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner sits down with Mike Haydon to unpack a deceptively simple question: do we still need electricity grids? The answer, as Mike explains, isn’t about abandoning the grid—but rethinking how it’s used, who it serves, and who captures the value created by rooftop solar and batteries. Mike shares his journey from early solar installations to building a decentralised energy model that lets everyday households sell excess energy directly to businesses. The conversation explores why feed-in tariffs have failed consumers, how smart meters and software are reshaping energy markets, and why rooftop solar is already Australia’s largest generation source during the day. The discussion also looks ahead. From peer-to-peer trading and carbon credits to blockchain-ready meters and the rise of energy “orchestration,” Mike outlines where the next three to five years are heading. Throughout, a clear theme emerges: the future of energy isn’t just hardware—it’s software, transparency, and communication. Key Takeaways Rooftop solar is already the number one generation source in Australia during the middle of the day, but households see little financial upside. Energy retailers can resell household solar at 50–60× the price they pay consumers. Businesses that use most of their power before 5pm can save 20–30% by shifting to decentralised and wholesale energy models. Smart meters, with five-minute interval data, are a critical enabler of peer-to-peer energy trading. Long-term winners in energy will be those who master software, data, and customer communication, not just generation assets. Notable Quotes “For us, it was never about feed-in tariffs. It was always about energy sovereignty.” — Mike Haydon “Rooftop solar, in the middle of the day, is the number one generation source in Australia.” — Mike Haydon “Energy security and being connected to the grid aren’t opposites—they can coexist.” — Vincent Turner “The energy retailers are making all the profit from assets they didn’t pay for.” — Mike Haydon “The biggest opportunity is control and flow of energy—it’s orchestration.” — Mike Haydon Resources Off The Grid Shop — https://www.theoffgridshop.com.au/?utm_source=shapethesystem.org Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: highgrowthventures@kpmg.com.au

About the Guest Johan Tijssen is the CEO of Hempblock International and a long-time builder and entrepreneur with more than 25 years’ experience working with hemp-lime (hempcrete) construction systems. Originally from the Netherlands, Johan moved to Australia and became deeply interested in why modern housing had become so complex, fragile, and uncomfortable. Through years of hands-on building, experimentation, and R&D, he developed an interlocking hemp block system designed to simplify construction while dramatically improving thermal comfort, fire resistance, and durability. Today, Johan works with owner-builders, architects, and developers globally to rethink how walls—and homes—are built. Episode Summary In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner speaks with Johan Tijssen about what’s fundamentally broken in the way we build houses—and why walls are at the centre of the problem. Johan contrasts today’s lightweight, multi-trade wall systems with thicker, simpler, and more durable approaches used historically, arguing that modern construction has traded long-term performance for short-term speed and perceived cost savings. Johan shares his personal journey from traditional building into hemp-based construction, after discovering hempcrete’s unique properties: insulation, fire resistance, breathability, and longevity. From there, he explains how Hempblock International evolved the material into a modular, interlocking block system that removes on-site mixing, reduces trade complexity, and enables faster, more accessible builds—even for owner-builders. The conversation explores the practical realities of construction economics, labour shortages, bushfire risk, and health issues like mould and humidity. Johan also outlines a bigger vision: scaling hemp construction into social housing, large developments, and even Olympic-scale projects, while regenerating soil and sequestering carbon through industrial hemp farming. Key Takeaways Modern wall systems rely on multiple materials and trades, increasing cost, coordination risk, and long-term failure points. Hemp block walls deliver R-values up to 4.8, over 3 hours fire resistance, and natural humidity regulation in a single system. The interlocking hemp block approach allows walls to be built at roughly 10 minutes per square metre, with minimal specialised skills. Hemp-lime walls petrify over time, improving durability rather than degrading like many petrochemical-based materials. Scaling hemp construction could support carbon-negative housing, healthier indoor environments, and regeneration of polluted soils. Notable Quotes “Walls are really like a complex system… and they require lots of different trades and moving parts.” — Johan Tijssen “I was totally fascinated by the fact that this one wall thickness would do everything—insulate, fireproof, and perform over time.” — Johan Tijssen “You’d be with a sledgehammer for half an hour before you get a hole in a hempcrete wall.” — Johan Tijssen “Hemp and lime petrify over time. There are no petrochemicals that break down.” — Johan Tijssen “The success is when people love where they live and feel safe, healthy, and comfortable in their own homes.” — Johan Tijssen Resources Hempblock International — https://hempblockinternational.com/?utm_source=shapethesystem.org Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in...

About the Guest Maude Manoukian is the Chief Community Officer at Forager Project, a US-based company redefining dairy through plant-based innovation. With a background spanning Odwalla and Whole Foods Market, Maude brings deep experience in natural foods, supply chains, and conscious consumerism. Her long-standing collaboration with Forager Project founder Stephen Williamson has shaped a shared philosophy grounded in sustainability, community engagement, and continuous improvement. At Forager Project, she leads both community programs and the human-centric culture that drives the company’s mission. Episode Summary In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner sits down with Maude Manoukian to explore how Forager Project is reimagining dairy through cashew-based alternatives. Maude outlines the fundamental resource problem in traditional animal-based dairy — an industry now 8–10 times more resource-intensive than plant-based options — and why scaling that model for a planet of eight billion people is no longer sustainable. Their conversation traces the historical reasons dairy became dominant, what’s changed, and why a rethink is overdue. The discussion then turns to cashews — Forager Project’s “star ingredient” — and why they are uniquely suited as a dairy alternative due to their creamy texture, neutral flavour and minimal ecological footprint. Maude explains how cashews grown in places like Côte d’Ivoire are naturally rain-fed, resilient to poorer soils, and part of reforestation efforts rather than deforestation risk. She walks through the surprisingly complex journey from cashew apple to packaged yoghurt, highlighting the critical roles of farming practice, processing, fermentation, and product consistency. Beyond the product itself, the episode delves into Forager Project’s broader philosophy: a commitment to community-centred supply chains, regenerative thinking, and multi-year programs training 10,000 cashew growers. Maude also reflects on packaging challenges, their shift to recycled plastics, and the belief that improving systems requires both experimentation and humility. Ultimately, the ambition is to “flip the script” — shifting dairy consumption from 80% animal-based to 80% plant-based — a move driven by taste, accessibility, and cultural change as much as sustainability. Key Takeaways Traditional animal-based dairy now requires 8–10 times the resources of plant-based alternatives, particularly land and water. Cashews offer a uniquely low-impact, creamy, neutral-flavoured base for dairy alternatives and can thrive with no irrigation in suitable climates. Forager Project is investing in a multi-year training program for 10,000 cashew growers in Côte d’Ivoire to improve yields, livelihoods and regenerative practices. Taste and price remain the two biggest levers for shifting consumers towards plant-based dairy; flavour consistency is critical to behaviour change. The company is transitioning its packaging to rPET and continues to explore next-generation sustainable formats as technology matures. Notable Quotes “Conventional animal-based dairy requires a lot more resources… between eight and ten times more demanding than plant-based options.” — Maude Manoukian “Our star ingredient is the cashew… we think they’re the best comparison to what people currently know as a dairy product.” — Maude Manoukian “You can’t just say, ‘Great, these can grow here — let’s cut down stuff and plant cashew trees.’ Nature doesn’t like that.” — Maude Manoukian “It’s all connected… the way you do stuff is as important, if not more important, than what you’re doing.” — Maude Manoukian “We’re trying to flip the script — from 80% animal-based dairy to 80% plant-based.” — Maude Manoukian Resources Forager Project — https://foragerproject.com/?utm_source=shapethesystem.org Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for...

About the Guest Dr Jennifer Berry is the CEO of Smartlab, an organisation dedicated to building STEM identity in K–12 learners through hands-on, project-based learning. With a background spanning professional dance, retail, customer experience, and education leadership, she brings a uniquely holistic perspective to how children learn. Her career has focused on non-traditional educational environments—from Montessori-inspired early learning to special education and supplemental tutoring—culminating in her leadership at Smartlab. Dr Berry’s work centres on empowering students with the confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving abilities needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-powered world. Episode Summary In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner explores the future of learning, STEM identity, and how technology is reshaping education with Dr Jennifer Berry. The conversation dives into what K–12 education looks like today in the United States—and why many schools remain unprepared for the speed and scale of change driven by AI. Dr Berry argues that while students must still learn the basics, the real opportunity lies in helping them develop the confidence, curiosity, and connective thinking needed to solve real-world problems. Dr Berry shares her personal journey, from a kinesthetic learner who couldn’t sit still, to a professional dancer, to an education leader drawn to hands-on, project-based learning environments. These experiences shaped her passion for Smartlab’s integrated ecosystem: flexible, in-school STEM labs where students get access to real tools—robotics, circuitry, multimedia, design technology—and are encouraged to fail, iterate, and problem-solve in meaningful ways. She explains how STEM identity is not about careers in science and technology alone, but about a student’s self-belief that they belong, can master challenges, and that their ideas matter. The episode also explores the widening gap between what schools teach and what employers need. With 80% of hiring managers saying high-school graduates are less prepared than in previous decades, Dr Berry stresses the importance of teaching communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and systems thinking—skills that cannot be automated. She highlights how Smartlab works with philanthropies like the Compost Foundation to bring these opportunities to under-resourced communities, ensuring upward mobility and creating a more equitable future. Throughout the discussion, real stories bring the impact to life—from a 13-year-old in Oakland discovering future career paths through drone technology, to Dr Berry’s own daughter gaining confidence through assistive tools like speech-to-text. The episode closes with a powerful reminder: the hardest part of the work is the inequity, and the best part is watching doors open for students who otherwise would never have access to these learning experiences. Key Takeaways STEM identity is defined as a learner’s belief that they belong, can master rigorous challenges, and that their ideas have impact—skills essential across all industries. School systems are struggling to keep pace with AI; 80% of hiring managers say graduates are less prepared than in past decades, and 69% of HR leaders report widening gaps in tech and analytics readiness. Project-based STEM learning builds critical skills such as collaboration, communication, systems thinking, and comfort with failure. Community partnerships—particularly philanthropy and corporate giving—play a vital role in bringing STEM opportunities to under-resourced schools. Technology should support learning, not replace it; tools like speech-to-text can help students overcome challenges and build confidence. Notable Quotes “We define STEM identity as a learner’s self-belief that they belong, they can master rigorous challenges, and their ideas have an impact.” — Dr Jennifer Berry “I’m leaning less into teaching her the technology and more into teaching her to be a strong...

About the Guest Tom Williams is the Founder and CEO of Number8 Bio, an Australian deep-tech company developing a novel way to cut methane emissions from cattle and sheep while improving livestock productivity. With a background as a senior lecturer and academic microbiologist at Macquarie University, Tom previously led a 17-person research team specialising in synthetic biology, genome engineering and industrial yeast systems. Growing up in New Zealand’s Waikato dairy region shaped his early understanding of methane’s environmental challenge, and his scientific expertise positioned him uniquely to tackle it. Today, he’s applying biotechnology, high-throughput screening and animal-scale trials to build a scalable, commercially viable climate solution for global agriculture. Episode Summary In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner dives into the surprisingly complex world of livestock emissions with Tom Williams from Number8 Bio. While methane from cows is often oversimplified as just “cow farts”, Tom breaks down the microbiology behind the problem — and how tackling methane is also a major opportunity to unlock animal productivity and farm profitability. The conversation unpacks how ruminants work as “walking fermentation tanks”, why methane represents wasted energy, and how Number8 Bio is designing solutions that improve both climate outcomes and farm economics. Tom traces the journey from his academic research in synthetic biology to founding Number8 Bio, including an early pivot away from engineered yeast solutions and into a broader screening approach. By testing more than 5,000 rumen-fluid micro-fermentations and 40 live-animal trials, the team identified an organic molecule that reduces methane emissions by 50–90% while improving feed efficiency and milk components. This dual benefit — climate and productivity — is core to Number8 Bio’s strategy and a key reason they believe their approach can scale. The episode also explores the economics of farming, the realities of grazing systems, and why a slow-release “bolus” — a large pill that dissolves in the animal’s stomach over months — is essential for pasture-fed cattle. Tom explains how carbon insetting (not offsetting) can reward producers directly for emissions reductions, strengthening supply chains from farmer to retailer. Looking ahead, 2026 will see Number8 Bio’s first commercial trials, rigorous carbon-accounting data, and preparation for a broader launch across grazing systems in Australia and beyond. Key Takeaways Livestock methane accounts for around 6% of global climate change, and most of it comes from burps, not farts. Number8 Bio’s leading molecule reduces methane by 50–90% in live-animal studies. Productivity gains come from redirecting “wasted” methane-related energy back into growth and milk production. The company must hit a delivery cost of 10–20 cents per head per day to enable uptake at scale. A slow-release bolus enables methane reduction in pasture-based systems where daily feed additives aren’t feasible. Notable Quotes “Cattle are basically walking fermentation tanks.” — Tom Williams “We knocked out a wasteful reaction and promoted a productive reaction in the rumen.” — Tom Williams “These emissions from cows are 6% of all climate change, and it’s wasted energy the animal could have used to grow faster.” — Tom Williams “People have had the option to stop eating meat for hundreds of years — they haven’t taken it up en masse.” — Tom Williams “Where hope lies is in innovations that fit into existing systems and make them better.” — Tom Williams Resources Number8 Bio — https://www.number8.bio/?utm_source=shapethesystem.org Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are...

About the Guest Neal Rickner is the CEO of Airloom, a US-based clean energy company reimagining how we harness wind power. Neal began his career as an F-18 pilot in the US Marines before transitioning through Columbia Business School into a decade at Google and Google X. There, he worked on breakthrough energy and technology initiatives, including airborne wind systems. His unique mix of military discipline, commercial insight, and innovation leadership positions him perfectly to lead Airloom’s mission to deliver low-cost, scalable wind energy. Episode Summary In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner talks with Airloom CEO Neal Rickner about a radical rethink of wind power. While most people picture towering three-bladed turbines dominating windy landscapes, Neal explains why that long-standing model—though effective—is reaching its practical limits. Wind’s “first generation” has been a success, but further scaling it is hitting physical, logistical, and economic barriers. Airloom’s solution represents what Neal calls “Wind 2.0.” Instead of building ever-larger vertical turbines, Airloom uses a ground-level, track-based system resembling an oval stadium or roller coaster. Attached wings capture the wind, pulling a continuous belt that drives generators at the corners. Built from standard steel and aluminium components, the system is modular, easy to transport in shipping containers, and can be installed without cranes—dramatically reducing costs and opening up new sites for generation. Neal shares how Airloom’s design achieves roughly half the cost per swept area compared to traditional turbines, enabling deployment in regions that lack the infrastructure for massive towers. The conversation dives into the physics, economics, and engineering trade-offs that underpin this breakthrough approach, including insights from Neal’s past at Google X and how Airloom integrates lessons learned from decades of conventional wind development. As Airloom builds its first megawatt-scale pilot in Wyoming, Neal reflects on both the challenges and excitement of scaling a technology that could make wind power cheaper and more widely accessible than ever before. Key Takeaways Traditional three-blade turbines dominate wind energy but face limits due to cost, size, and infrastructure constraints. Airloom’s design uses a horizontal, track-based architecture—cutting swept-area costs by around 50%. The system is made from 95% steel and aluminium, using only 58 unique parts versus about 1,500 in a standard turbine. Airloom’s modular sections fit in standard shipping containers, eliminating cranes and simplifying global deployment. The company is building a megawatt-scale pilot in Wyoming, aiming for a commercial demonstration by mid-2026. Notable Quotes “Energy is our prosperity and our security—it’s where I’ll spend the rest of my career.” — Neal Rickner “We’ve sort of painted ourselves into a corner with wind. The machines keep getting bigger and bigger, and that creates absurd challenges.” — Neal Rickner “Airloom is like a roller coaster for wind—it’s lower, modular, and simple to build with common materials.” — Neal Rickner “We’re building swept area—the thing that makes money—for half the cost.” — Neal Rickner “I’m an impact junkie. I want to do something that matters—and gigawatts of low-cost wind energy can change the world.” — Neal Rickner Resources Airloom Energy Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise,...

About the Guest Aymeric Maudous is the Co-founder of Lord of the Trees , an Australian-based environmental technology company pioneering drone-assisted reforestation. With over two decades in the environmental sector and a Master’s in Environmental Management from UNSW, Aymeric combines cutting-edge robotics and AI with Indigenous ecological knowledge to regenerate degraded landscapes. His work has taken him from the Daintree Rainforest to Borneo and beyond, where he collaborates with local communities to restore ecosystems and biodiversity at scale. Episode Summary In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner talks with Aymeric Maudous, founder of Lord of the Trees, about reimagining reforestation through technology and traditional wisdom. Inspired by a David Attenborough documentary and the natural cycle of birds dispersing seeds, Aymeric’s “lightbulb moment” led to a model where drones replace birds, dropping nutrient-rich seed pods to restore damaged ecosystems faster and more efficiently. Aymeric explains how Lord of the Trees blends high-tech solutions—AI, robotics, and drones—with low-tech, traditional ecological knowledge from Indigenous communities. This unique hybrid approach not only accelerates land restoration but also ensures cultural and environmental authenticity. Their process spans from detailed soil and species analysis to creating digital twins of landscapes and performing precision planting with military-grade drones. The discussion explores the enormous global opportunity—1.7 trillion hectares in need of reforestation—and the challenges that come with scale, regulation, and trust in the carbon credit market. Aymeric also delves into their upcoming plans to use blockchain to verify and bring transparency to reforestation projects. Beyond the tech, he shares the human side of the work: his joy in being on the ground, learning from local communities, and leaving behind a living legacy for future generations. Key Takeaways 1.7 trillion hectares of land globally could be reforested—an area roughly equal to the USA and China combined. Lord of the Trees combines high-tech drones and AI with local ecological knowledge to regenerate land sustainably. Each project begins with ecosystem mapping and creating a digital twin, allowing precision planting tailored to the environment. Transparency is key: blockchain and distributed ledger technology will enable public verification of reforestation progress and carbon credits. True regeneration requires maintenance and balance, not just planting—nature thrives through care, sequencing, and community collaboration. Notable Quotes “I was watching a David Attenborough documentary when I thought — why don’t we replace birds with drones and make our own seed pods?” — Aymeric Maudous “Not all land needs to be reforested. Plains and savannas are just as important as rainforests in maintaining balance.” — Aymeric Maudous “We use drones, AI, and robotics — but we also rely on thousands of years of local ecological knowledge. It’s a symbiosis of high-tech and low-tech.” — Aymeric Maudous “With technology today, including blockchain, we can trace every tree planted — creating a new source of truth for environmental restoration.” — Aymeric Maudous “I love being barefoot with Aboriginal people, walking through the forest, learning about trees and birds. That’s where the magic happens.” — Aymeric Maudous Resources Lord of the Trees Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and...

About the Guest Grant Gunnison is the Co-founder of Zero Homes, a company tackling the climate crisis by rethinking how single-family homes transition off fossil fuels. Based in Colorado, Grant brings a unique mix of hands-on contracting experience and a background in advanced technology and software. His journey from working in construction to building digital tools for home electrification gives him both credibility and a practical lens on the industry’s challenges. At Zero Homes, he leads efforts to make retrofitting old houses easier, more affordable, and more scalable. Episode Summary In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner speaks with Grant Gunnison of Zero Homes about the enormous challenge—and opportunity—of decarbonising single-family homes. With about 80 million houses in the US alone, 60 million of which still run on fossil fuels, the scale of the problem is staggering. Yet as Grant explains, solving climate issues in housing isn’t only about emissions—it starts with addressing everyday homeowner concerns like cost, comfort, and reliability. Grant outlines how Zero Homes uses digital technology to transform a historically fragmented, slow, and opaque process into something fast, transparent, and homeowner-friendly. Instead of waiting for something to break and spending weeks gathering quotes from contractors, Zero’s platform enables homeowners to scan their houses, share utility data, and quickly receive detailed project options. This approach not only saves time but also sets contractors up for success by giving them accurate data before they step foot in a home. The conversation also delves into the broader market dynamics—why electrification solutions like heat pumps are only now becoming more efficient and cost-effective, how Zero Homes complements rather than competes with solar providers, and where financing and even insurance could reshape the economics of retrofits. Looking ahead, Grant shares Zero’s ambition to expand across the US, scale their digital-first marketplace model, and eventually explore international opportunities. Key Takeaways Around 20% of US emissions come from single-family homes, with roughly 60 million homes still powered by fossil fuels. Most homeowners act when driven by pain points: high bills, discomfort, or broken systems, while fewer than 5% are motivated primarily by climate concerns. Zero Homes’ process reduces the homeowner’s time investment from 10–15 hours to about 1 hour, while providing pricing on multiple projects. Heat pumps and related electrification products now offer higher performance at lower operational cost, aligning climate benefits with homeowner needs. Zero Homes is scaling quickly, currently operating in four US states with plans to reach a dozen within a year. Notable Quotes “About one fifth of all emissions today come from single-family homes in the US… that’s about 80 million homes.” — Grant Gunnison “The number of people that fall into the climate warrior column is extremely thin… definitely less than 5%.” — Grant Gunnison “We’re reducing the amount of time a homeowner needs to spend just gathering the right information by at least an order of magnitude.” — Grant Gunnison “You cannot build your way out of the climate crisis… you have to go back in and fix the old houses.” — Grant Gunnison “We’ve delivered hundreds of projects, and now it’s about scaling the solution to be the front door for homeowners.” — Grant Gunnison Resources Zero Homes Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team...

About the Guest Chris Hull is the Co-founder of Otus, an education platform built to help schools and teachers understand students more holistically. A former seventh-grade social studies teacher, Chris brings classroom credibility and a deep empathy for the realities of teaching at scale. His career shift was driven by a simple but stubborn problem: with 150 students a year, how can a teacher truly know each child and act on that knowledge? Otus is his answer—uniting data, context and tools to make teaching more effective and sustainable. Episode Summary In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner digs into how schools actually “run” and why the systems behind them matter as much as what happens at the front of the classroom. Chris Hull explains how Otus consolidates scattered student information—attendance, standardised assessments, classroom-level skills, interests and what’s worked before—into a single, living profile that follows each learner across years and teachers. Why it matters: teachers juggle six classes and around 150 students, making it hard to personalise learning or even keep up with who’s progressing on what. Otus acts like a Fitbit for learning—wearing it doesn’t improve outcomes by itself, but it gives visibility, saves time (often 1–2 hours per week), and shortens the loop between instruction, evidence and adjustment. Under the hood, Otus integrates with existing student information systems (no “rip and replace”), supports classroom assessments, and layers in AI to answer plain-English data questions, recommend right-time resources from content partners, and help educators build assessments faster. Commercially, Otus is bought at the district level; implementations are measured to ensure apples-to-apples comparisons, with onboarding possible inside 30 days. Market-wise, the US has ~15,000 districts and Otus reports adoption in 300+ and growing—pointing to a network effect that’s emerging but not yet fully realised. The near-term roadmap is about speed and scale: connect more systems, compress time-to-insight, and make the “every student has a plan” feature a practical norm for schools and families. Key Takeaways Unify the data that matters: attendance, assessments (state and local), classroom skills, interests and proven strategies live together in one student profile that travels year to year. Save teachers real time: districts report educators reclaiming 1–2 hours per week, redirecting effort toward instruction and differentiation. Meet schools where they are: Otus integrates with existing SIS and testing platforms, enabling crawl-walk-run change rather than rip-and-replace. Put AI to work usefully: ask data questions in plain English, get recommended resources, and generate assessments—speeding up the plan-teach-measure loop. Scale through districts: the US has ~15,000 districts; Otus is in 300+ today with ~30-day onboarding, building momentum towards broader adoption. Notable Quotes “I had 150 students every year.” — Chris Hull “What Otus does is it puts all that information in one place and… allows you to have that articulation from one person to the next so that you’re not starting from scratch.” — Chris Hull “Learning is hard. It takes effort. So how do we get to that part more quickly?” — Chris Hull “We make it more discoverable and deliverable by using AI to just allow you to ask it in plain English.” — Chris Hull “We can get them onboarded within 30 days.” — Chris Hull Resources Otus — https://otus.com/?utm_source=shapethesystem.org

About the Guest(s) Nis Benn is the co-founder of Hyme Energy, a Copenhagen-based company pioneering solutions to decarbonise industrial heat at scale. With a background spanning sociology, consulting, political organising, and deep-tech startups, Nis has consistently chased high-leverage, system-level climate solutions — from nuclear innovation to Hyme’s molten-salt heat storage. Episode Summary In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner speaks with Nis Benn of Hyme Energy about one of the world’s biggest yet overlooked climate challenges: industrial heat. While most clean-energy discussions focus on electricity, heat accounts for roughly a third of global emissions — largely produced by directly burning coal, oil, or gas for steam and high-temperature processes. Nis traces his path from climate-centred politics and nuclear R&D to Hyme, where the team is commercialising molten-salt thermal storage. Hyme uses renewable electricity to heat a specialised hydroxide salt to ~520°C, storing energy as heat and dispatching it as steam — the medium many factories already use. That retrofit-friendly approach lets manufacturers decarbonise without ripping out existing systems. Beyond emissions, the economics matter: industry spends trillions annually on fossil energy for heat. Hyme’s model pairs lower, more predictable energy costs with reliability and innovative commercial structures (e.g., heat offtake agreements in partnership with asset managers), allowing customers to “buy heat” as a service. On the engineering front, Hyme’s corrosion breakthroughs enable long lifetimes using standard stainless steels in most of the system — a key step to bankability and scale. Hyme is targeting first commercial plants from 2026 and meaningful scale by 2030. Key Takeaways Industrial heat is massive: About one-third of global emissions come from process heat, much of it from direct fossil combustion. Store power as heat: Hyme heats molten hydroxide salts with renewables, then delivers on-demand steam for existing processes. Minimal retrofit: Because many factories already run on steam, Hyme can slot in with limited disruption. Compelling economics: Rising energy and CO₂ costs + access to cheap renewables = strong business cases and multi-market optimisation. Path to scale: First FID-ready projects in 2026, scaling via partnerships/licensing toward hundreds of plants through the 2030s. Notable Quotes “Around 30% of global emissions come from industrial heat — it’s the single biggest emissions sector.” — Nis Benn “If you already use steam, Hyme can just produce it another way.” — Nis Benn “Reliability is what industrial players care about most — our job is to deliver that with renewables.” — Nis Benn “You can ‘buy heat’ as an outcome — not worry about the kit behind it.” — Vincent Turner Resources Hyme Energy: https://hyme.energy Background reading on industrial heat, thermal storage, and energy markets Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn:...

About the Guest(s): Nate Spiteri is the co-founder of Shopfront, a pioneering Australian company focused on revolutionizing the secondhand market space through a tech-driven approach. With a background in banking and a keen interest in impact businesses, Nate transitioned from the financial sector to the startup realm. He played a crucial role as the first hire in a successful alternative credit scoring startup that aimed at assisting people with impaired credit histories. In parallel, Nate explored the world of fashion through his streetwear brand and gained invaluable insights into the e-commerce ecosystem, which ultimately led him to establish Shopfront. Episode Summary: In this captivating episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner invites Nate Spiteri, co-founder of Shopfront, to explore the evolving landscape of the secondhand economy, with a particular focus on fashion. Vincent, a self-professed skeptic of shopping's pervasive consumer culture, delves into the concept of sustainable consumption and how it aligns with living well, posing important questions about the nature of secondhand goods and their potential to mitigate waste. Nate shares his journey from working in the banking sector to immersing himself in impact businesses, eventually co-founding Shopfront. The discussion centers around the fragmented nature of the current secondhand marketplace ecosystem and how Shopfront aims to address these inefficiencies. By facilitating sellers to list their items across multiple platforms seamlessly, Shopfront enhances the circular economy and encourages more sustainable consumer behaviors. As Nate articulates the hurdles and opportunities in creating a scalable venture in this space, he highlights the potential impact of technology in transforming how secondhand goods are traded and perceived globally. Key Takeaways: Secondhand Economy GrowthChallenges of ListingMarket FocusBrand ImportanceChanging Marketplace DynamicsNotable Quotes: Resources: ShopfrontExplore how Shopfront is paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient secondhand marketplace through innovation and technology. Listen to the full episode for a deeper understanding and stay tuned for more insightful discussions on transforming systems for the better with Shape the System. Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: highgrowthventures@kpmg.com.au

About the Guest(s): Nick Hodges is an innovation-driven entrepreneur and the founder of Halcyon, specializing in engineering and developing novel solutions in the energy sector. With a background in business and an aptitude for learning engineering, Nick has combined these skills to address challenges in energy generation, particularly in distributed energy systems. His venture focuses on creating efficient, aesthetically pleasing, shrouded turbines designed for urban environments, with an aim to redefine how wind energy can be harnessed effectively in towns and cities. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of Shape the System, Vincent Turner welcomes Nick Hodges from Halcium to discuss innovative approaches in wind energy production, specifically for urban environments. As Shape the System enters its fifth year, the conversation takes a fresh turn towards the often-overlooked sector of small-scale wind energy. Nick shares his journey from a business education to becoming an engineering adept entrepreneur, driven by the global demand for energy security and independence. Emphasizing the crucial role of distributed energy, Nick elaborates on his mission to make cities greener and less reliant on traditional power grids through the integration of wind turbines that are both efficient and visually unobtrusive. Nick explores the mechanics and economic aspects of shrouded wind turbines, a novel approach poised to revolutionize urban wind power generation. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities these turbines present compared to large-scale, traditional wind generation methods. Nick explains that while large wind turbines rely on vast open spaces for maximum efficiency, his shrouded turbines are optimized for urban landscapes, utilizing building-induced wind effects to generate power. Emphasizing the aesthetic appeal and architectural complement of Halcium's turbine design, Nick underscores the rising interest from various sectors seeking sustainable energy solutions. As urban areas see a growing need for renewable energy sources, Halcium stands out with its mission to enhance cityscapes while contributing to global energy goals. Key Takeaways: Distributed Energy SystemsUrban Wind Turbine DesignEngineering ChallengesEconomic ConsiderationsManufacturing VisionNotable Quotes: "A complete distributed energy system needs solar panels for when it's sunny, wind turbines for when it's stormy, then battery power to store that energy until you're ready to use it." "People see our design and they go, that's what's missing. That's what I need for my energy solution." "Instead of competing with open field turbines, we optimized our technology for urban areas, utilizing the unique wind patterns created by buildings and city structures." "A wind turbine can actually be something intriguing at least, or an architectural statement rather than something that's seen as visual pollution." "Our mission is to change energy for the better, which includes how we produce, consume, and even the logistics of energy products." Resources: HalciumWeFunderHalcyon Raising Fund LinkEmbark on the full episode for an intriguing exploration of how Halcyon is set to reshape urban energy landscapes. With innovation at the forefront, stay tuned to Shape the System for more compelling stories and insights from pioneers in sustainable technology.

About the Guest(s): Heidi Diestal is a fourth-generation turkey farmer at Diestal Family Ranch, based in California. With a rich history in farming, her family has been pivotal in setting standards for organic farming in the United States. Passionate about progressing sustainable agricultural practices, Heidi focuses on integrating regenerative farming methods to enhance the quality and sustainability of food production. Kristine Root is the Chief Marketing Officer at Regenefied, a certification company based in Denver, Colorado. With a strong background in marketing and sustainability, Kristine is dedicated to measuring the positive impact of regenerative farming on ecosystems and the food system’s health. Her work with Regenefied aims to bridge the gap between science and consumer understanding, promoting environmentally refined farming practices through rigorous certification processes. Episode Summary: In this episode of Shape the System, Vincent Turner explores the transformative potential of regenerative farming with Heidi Diestal from Diestal Family Ranch and Kristine Root from Regenefied. The conversation delves into the intricacies of turkey farming and contrasts conventional methods with regenerative practices. Kristine and Heidi illuminate the regenerative agriculture landscape, discussing the direct benefits their approaches have on the environment, food quality, and consumer health. They share insights into how data and research support the narrative of sustainable farming being a viable solution to current agricultural challenges. The discussion reveals groundbreaking research that underscores the health benefits of regeneratively farmed turkey, highlighting improvements in nutrient density and omega-3 levels. The episode emphasizes consumer-driven demand for higher quality food and presents a compelling case for how sustainable practices can revitalize ecosystems and support better dietary outcomes. By shedding light on the certification standards employed by Regenefied and Diestal’s progressive farming techniques, the episode presents a future where agricultural techniques harmonize with nature for better environmental and consumer outcomes. Key Takeaways: Notable Quotes: Resources: Diestal Family RanchRegenefiedDiscover more profound insights by listening to the full episode and stay tuned for more content from the Shape the System series, bridging innovative farming solutions with real-world applications. Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: highgrowthventures@kpmg.com.au

About the Guest(s): Paul Bevan is the founder and CEO of Magic Valley, a pioneering company in the cultivated meat industry. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Paul has been a vegan for over a decade and was vegetarian for 20 years before that. Before founding Magic Valley, he had a diverse career path that included roles in credit and fraud analytics for banks, as well as ventures in operating a mixed martial arts gym and a finance brokerage. His rich background in various industries has uniquely positioned him to drive innovation in the sustainable food sector. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner speaks with Paul Bevan, CEO of Magic Valley, about the groundbreaking work his company is doing in the realm of cultivated meat. The conversation digs deep into the burgeoning field of alternative proteins, highlighting the significant strides made in developing lab-grown meat that is both sustainable and free of animal cruelty. Paul shares his personal journey from working in the banking sector to vegan activism and eventually leading a meat production company while maintaining his ethical values. Paul introduces the concept of cultivated meat, explaining the process of growing meat from cultured cells without animal slaughter. He and Vincent examine the industry's current landscape, assessing the opportunities and challenges surrounding plant-based and lab-grown meat solutions. They touch on the environmental, ethical, and economic factors that contribute to the industry's growth potential, while also addressing consumer acceptance and the quest to achieve price competitiveness with traditional meat products. The conversation underscores the critical importance of scale, regulatory approvals, and consumer education as pivotal elements of a successful transition to this innovative agricultural model. Key Takeaways: Environmental ImpactTechnological AdvancesScaling ChallengesConsumer EducationIndustry CollaborationNotable Quotes: Resources: Magic Valley's websiteTo fully appreciate the dynamic discussions and insights from Paul Bevan on the exciting landscape of cultivated meat, tune into the complete episode. Stay connected to Shape the System for more impactful stories and innovations shaping our world. Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: highgrowthventures@kpmg.com.au

About the Guest(s): Raz Razgaitis is the CEO of Flow Water, a company focused on providing clean and trustworthy drinking water solutions across the United States. With a background in tech and a decade spent running early-stage tech companies, Raz shifted his focus to address the systemic issues surrounding tap water quality. Through Flow Water, Raz aims to reduce dependency on single-use plastics and champion the notion that access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right. The company, under his leadership, has reached the milestone of achieving 1 billion fills of Flow Water, establishing itself as a key player in water purification technology. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner converses with Raz Razgaitis, CEO of Flow Water, exploring the pivotal issues of water quality and infrastructure in the developed world. Despite the prevalent assumption that water-related challenges are exclusive to developing regions, Razgaitis reveals that water quality issues, including contaminants such as lead and microplastics, are also significant in countries like the United States. With an innovative approach, Flow Water is tackling these challenges head-on by providing advanced purification technology and addressing the global dependency on bottled beverages. Razgaitis details the journey from a personal realization about his children's hydration habits to implementing a large-scale solution combating water trust issues. By deploying technology that transforms tap water and restores consumer confidence, Flow Water aims to offer an eco-friendly and health-conscious alternative to bottled water. Raz emphasizes the environmental impact of single-use plastics and advocates for sustainable practices that encourage consumers to refocus on treated tap water. This episode offers an insightful exploration of how technology and brand trust can be leveraged to resolve longstanding issues in water quality and consumption habits. Key Takeaways: Water Quality ChallengesFlow Water’s MissionTechnological SolutionsHealth and SustainabilityStrategic DeploymentNotable Quotes: Resources: Flow Water WebsiteFlow WaterTEDx Talk by Raz RazgaitisAmerican Academy of PediatricsNew England Journal of MedicineEncouraging the audience to explore these resources reinforces the depth of the conversation and the importance of the topics discussed. Listen to the full episode for an inspiring discussion on transforming our water systems for healthier communities and a healthier planet. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from Shape the System.

About the Guest(s): Josh Bloomfield is the Founder and CEO of GiveCloud, a remote-first company aiming to transform how nonprofits operate and connect with donors. Based in Ottawa, Canada, currently residing in Florida with family, Josh’s career began immediately post-high school when he ventured into building grant management software for the US government. His experiences range from developing enterprise applications and security to gaining insights into user experience. Josh's vision was initially inspired by his entrepreneurial family, particularly his grandfather and father, who owned and operated a renowned local bakery. He aimed to apply technological advancements to under-resourced entrepreneurs, eventually leading to the inception of GiveCloud in 2017. Under Josh's leadership, GiveCloud now supports thousands of nonprofits globally to deepen donor relationships via enhanced digital fundraising tools. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner interviews Josh Bloomfield, the innovative mind behind GiveCloud, a company dedicated to aiding nonprofits in maximizing their digital fundraising efforts. The discussion traverses Josh's unique professional journey from developing government software straight out of high school to founding GiveCloud with a mission-driven purpose. Josh's passion for using technology as a means to empower nonprofits, specifically in optimizing their interactions with donors, takes center stage. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in learning about the intersection of commerce principles, technology, and charitable giving. Throughout the episode, Josh delves into the intricacies of nonprofit operations, comparing them to eCommerce logistics and emphasizing the vital impact of modernizing digital fundraising techniques. Key themes include the transformative power of donor engagement, the art of ‘trust raising’ over traditional fundraising, and the necessity of nonprofits adopting efficient business practices to enhance their impact. Josh's insights reveal the challenges and opportunities facing the nonprofit sector in embracing technology and the potential shifts required to connect more deeply with their donor base. Key Takeaways: Notable Quotes: Resources: GiveCloudAs a listener, this episode provides profound insights into revolutionizing nonprofit operations through technology. Tune in to learn how GiveCloud is pioneering innovative solutions to bridge nonprofits and their donor communities. Stay connected to Shape the System for more enlightening stories that challenge conventional systems. Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: highgrowthventures@kpmg.com.au

About the Guest(s): Don Weatherbee is the CEO of Regenexx, a forward-thinking organization focused on innovative precious metals recovery techniques. Transitioning from an accounting background, Don has extensive experience in the mining sector, including coal and oil sands, before joining Regenexx in 2015. His operational expertise coupled with leadership roles has equipped him with the tools to helm Regenexx's ambitious endeavors in sustainable technology and precious metal recycling. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of "Shape the System," host Vincent Turner converses with Don Weatherbee, CEO of Regenexx, unveiling the intricacies of precious metals recycling. Exploring a world often overshadowed, Don narrates his journey from a traditional mining accountant to a sustainability-driven CEO, revolutionizing how we perceive and process precious metals from resources like catalytic converters. As the discussion unfolds, Don highlights the critical deficit in the supply of platinum group metals (PGMs), exacerbated by geopolitical issues and finite earth resources. He articulates the unique Regenexx leaching technology that mitigates environmental impact and harnesses economic potential by efficiently recycling PGMs from used catalytic converters. The conversation further delves into the significance of PGMs in global industries, the current obstacles in traditional recycling methods, and the promising innovations spearheaded by Regenexx. Key Takeaways: Precious Metals RecyclingIndustry InsightsEnvironmental BenefitsEconomic ViabilityStrategic ExpansionNotable Quotes: Resources: Regenexxregenexx.comEngage fully with this episode to explore the transformative potential of sustainable precious metals recycling. Stay tuned for additional insightful content from the "Shape the System" series, where more innovative stories and thought leaders await to reshape how we consider the world around us. Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: highgrowthventures@kpmg.com.au

About the Guest(s): Hugo Spowers Hugo Spowers is a pioneer in sustainable auto technology and the founder of Riversimple, a company dedicated to developing hydrogen fuel cell cars. With a background in mechanical engineering and a deep interest in environmental sustainability, he left a career in motor racing to focus on creating a new kind of vehicle that could revolutionize personal mobility. Riversimple aims to create highly efficient, eco-friendly cars through innovative design and business models, setting new standards for the automotive industry. Episode Summary: In this episode of "Shape the System," host Vincent Turner interviews Hugo Spowers, founder of Riversimple, a groundbreaking company focusing on hydrogen fuel cell cars. This enlightening conversation covers Hugo's journey from a career in motor racing to becoming a leader in sustainable transportation. They delve deep into technical and systemic issues plaguing current automotive models and explore the revolutionary changes Riversimple is bringing to the industry, starting from the business model and extending to the manufacturing process. Hugo Spowers discusses the need for a complete redesign of how cars are built and sold to make them truly sustainable. He explains the drawbacks of current vehicles, from massive CO2 emissions to the hazardous particulates released from tyres, and how the auto industry's existing business models exacerbate these issues. Riversimple, by contrast, never sells cars outright but offers them as a service package that includes fuel and maintenance, thus aligning the company's profitability with sustainability goals. Key Takeaways: Innovative Business ModelHydrogen Fuel Cell TechnologySystemic Change Over Incremental ChangeWeight and EfficiencyCollaborative EcosystemsNotable Quotes: Hugo SpowersHugo SpowersHugo SpowersHugo SpowersHugo SpowersResources: Riversimple WebsiteListen to the full episode to discover how Riversimple is poised to transform the landscape of personal mobility through innovative, sustainable design and business models. Stay tuned for more insights and stories on "Shape the System." Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: highgrowthventures@kpmg.com.au

About the Guest(s): Wayne McIntyre is the CEO and co-founder of Relocalize, a groundbreaking startup focused on transforming the production and distribution of food and beverages. With a robust background in technology startups and leadership roles, Wayne has a unique perspective that blends his personal passion for environmental sustainability with professional expertise. He holds over two decades of experience in diverse markets, having transitioned from a corporate lawyer in the U.S. to a pioneer in decarbonization efforts for food systems. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of "Shape the System," host Vincent Turner converses with Wayne McIntyre, the co-founder and CEO of Relocalize. The dialogue dives deep into the mechanics and innovations aimed at disrupting the centralized model of food and beverage production. Turner and McIntyre explore the complexities of our current food system, emphasizing the inefficiencies and environmental impacts brought about by extensive logistics and supply chains. The discussion offers keen insights into how modern technologies like AI, automation, and the Internet of Things are making it possible to decentralize production at a micro scale, thereby reducing costs and carbon footprints. Wayne McIntyre elaborates on the unique journey of Relocalize, from its conception to its current operations. He sheds light on the strategic choice of starting with packaged ice due to its high logistic costs and monopoly-driven market dynamics. The conversation transitions into the economic and environmental advantages of microfactories, the technological challenges encountered, and the promising future of expanding this model to other food and beverage products. McIntyre highlights that through the use of autonomous microfactories, Relocalize can produce ice and other items at a lower cost, ensuring a more sustainable future for food and beverage distribution. Key Takeaways: Innovative Production Models:Strategic Entry with Packaged Ice:Economic Efficiency:Autonomous Operations:Future Expansion:Notable Quotes: Resources: WebsiteWebsiteTune in to the full episode to uncover more about how Relocalize is aiming to decarbonize and transform our food systems. Stay connected for more insightful episodes from Shape the System! Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: highgrowthventures@kpmg.com.au

About the Guest(s): Peter Vranes is the co-founder and CEO of Nutromics. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, Peter previously took a skincare company from startup to a successful trade sale. Fascinated by health diagnostics, he shifted his focus to medtech. Alongside co-founder Hitesh Mehta, Peter is on a mission to revolutionize health diagnostics and patient outcomes through continuous biosensing technology. Under his leadership, Nutromics has raised $55 million and assembled a team of 60 experts in Melbourne and San Diego. Episode Summary: In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner speaks with Peter Vranes, co-founder of Nutromics, about revolutionizing health diagnostics to improve patient outcomes. Peter shares his journey from the skincare industry to pioneering technology in medtech. The discussion introduces Nutromics' innovative approach to continuous health monitoring through biosensors, aimed at transforming reactive healthcare into a proactive model. The conversation delves into the current state of patient diagnostics, emphasizing its inefficiencies and limitations. Peter illustrates how critical diagnostic markers often fluctuate quickly, making timely and continuous data crucial for effective treatment decisions. He explains how Nutromics' platform leverages DNA-based biosensors to provide real-time monitoring, thus addressing life-threatening conditions like heart attacks and sepsis with unprecedented accuracy and speed. The discussion also touches on the company's collaboration with top-tier universities and its future plans to extend the technology's reach from hospitals to everyday individual health monitoring. Key Takeaways: Legacy Diagnostic SystemsContinuous MonitoringTarget Vertical IntegrationProactive Healthcare VisionCollaborative InnovationNotable Quotes: Resources: Nutromics WebsiteNutromicsUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraUCSBTim Ferriss' BooksThe Four-Hour BodyThe Four-Hour WorkweekDive deep into the future of health diagnostics with Peter Vranes and learn how Nutromics is changing the system. Don’t miss this insightful episode and stay tuned for more transformative stories from Shape the System. Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth Ventures Scale up for success. We’re here for that. We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey. Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help. Links: Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/ Contacts: highgrowthventures@kpmg.com.au