In this episode of The Sustainable Angler, I’m joined by sustainability expert, author, and speaker Bob Willard, one of the world’s leading voices on making the business case for sustainability.

Bob shares his journey from the corporate world into sustainability leadership and unpacks key insights from his book, The Sustainability Advantage. We dive into how sustainability drives real business value—from reducing operating expenses and attracting and retaining top talent to what may be the most overlooked benefit of all: risk avoidance.

We also explore how brands can use cost–benefit analysis to evaluate sustainability projects, and Bob walks through his open-source tools, including the Basic Sustainability Assessment Tool, Advanced Sustainability Assessment Tool, the Future-Fit Business Benchmark, and the role of B Corps, where Bob serves as an advisor.

Along the way, we swap sustainability success stories, discuss the most underestimated advantages of sustainability, why sustainability feels so overwhelming for so many businesses, and—importantly—what gives Bob hope for the future.

If you’re a fishing or outdoor brand trying to cut through the noise, reduce risk, and build a stronger, more resilient business, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps.

This episode is brought you you by: A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging, Emerger Strategies, and Ecolytics (don't forget to mention The Sustainable Angler for a discount on your first year's subscription of Ecolytics!).

🎣 Like what you heard?

Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.

For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.

Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

In this special crossover episode, we dive into some of the most essential—and urgent—topics facing our coasts and our communities. We kick things off with climate change and ocean acidification before breaking down what nature-based solutions really are, including real-world examples like living shorelines and how businesses can be part of the climate solution by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

Dr. Elizabeth Fly, Director of Resilience & Ocean Conservation at The Nature Conservancy and host of the podcast Conversing with Nature, shares insights on ecosystem resilience and the climate impacts already reshaping South Carolina’s coast. We discuss sea level rise, stronger hurricanes, heavier rainfall, droughts, urban heat, and what these changes mean for the places we love.

We also explore sustainable business, the Fly Fishing Climate Alliance, and Emerger Strategies’ newest service: Nature Strategy & Science-Based Targets for Nature. Elizabeth and I talk through the growing challenges tied to South Carolina’s rapid population growth and the urgent need for long-term planning. And finally, she takes us inside some of her fascinating climate research and the work happening on the ground to build a more resilient future.

This episode was an absolute blast to record and is packed with valuable takeaways for conservationists, business leaders, anglers, and anyone who cares about the future of our coastal communities.

🎣 Like what you heard?

Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.

For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.

Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.

This is a special episode of The Sustainable Angler because Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and I’ve been reflecting on what I’m most grateful for this year. Nature is right at the top of that list. Over the past year, I’ve been inspired by books like Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer and Carbon by Paul Hawken, and my wife and I have made a point to get our kids outside—camping, hiking, fishing, and surfing. Experiencing the healing power of nature has made me even more concerned about what’s happening to America’s public lands and even more proud that Emerger Strategies is a member of The Conservation Alliance, which helps protect them.

That’s why I’m thrilled to share my conversation with Paul Hendricks, Executive Director of The Conservation Alliance. In this episode, we discuss:

• Paul’s sustainability journey through Patagonia and Rivian
• The history and mission of The Conservation Alliance
• How the Brands for Public Lands coalition has grown to 150+ companies
• Why the Roadless Rule is essential for protecting wild places
• The ecological importance of removing the Snake River Dams
• How 1% for the Planet and The Conservation Alliance act as force multipliers for conservation
• Why brands need a nature strategy in today’s changing world
• What gives Paul hope for the future of public lands and biodiversity

And before we get started, I just want to say thank you. I’m truly grateful that you take the time to listen to this podcast. I hope these conversations inspire you to take action for nature. If you’re enjoying the show, a quick, free way to support it is by leaving a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

If you care about conservation, sustainability, public lands, or building a brighter future for nature, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🎣 Like what you heard?

Subscribe to The Sustainable Angler wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review to help us grow the conversation around sustainable business in the fishing and outdoor industries.

For more resources, or to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by making it simple, strategic, and profitable, visit www.emergerstrategies.com.

Follow us on Instagram @emergerstrategies and @thesustainableangler and stay tuned for more insights from leaders at the intersection of conservation, business, and the outdoors.