ANTHROPY25: Andy Middleton - Why We Need to Embrace Uncertainty

Welcome to our special Anthropy25 mini-series, recorded live at the Eden Project in Cornwall! Anthropy brings together business leaders, politicians, NGOs, and emerging leaders to tackle society's biggest sustainability challenges. In this episode, we speak with Andy Middleton about place-based change, breakthrough businesses, and what he calls "the cool stuff that hasn't been tried yet." Andy shares insights on how funding structures often discourage collaboration and how changing this could accelerate sustainability solutions. He also discusses the potential of hyper-localism and the importance of embracing uncertainty as we transition to a more sustainable future.🎯 Key Takeaways1. The power of connecting the right peopleSome of the biggest sustainability breakthroughs happen when people who've never been in the same room start talkingExample: The Wales Obesity Alliance has no food companies involved, showing a critical disconnectBringing diverse stakeholders together can lead to "massive quick shifts" in solving complex problems2. Short-term funding creates short-term thinking75% of environmental funding in the UK is for one year or lessThis creates a "death spiral" where organisations are trained to think small and certainShifting to longer-term funding (3+ years) would encourage more expansive thinking and innovation3. Breakthrough businesses are ready to scaleHigh-potential, high-impact businesses are already developing solutions that could transform entire industriesExample: A company making powdered egg replacement from fungi that could eliminate 300 million tons of chicken feed annuallyThese possibilities exist now but aren't talked about enough4. Curiosity and embracing uncertainty are essential skillsThe ability to lean into uncertainty rather than shy away from it will be increasingly valuableTeaching this mindset to children creates flexibility and openness to new solutionsRelationships will become more valued than material possessions in a post-growth world⚡ Quick Wins & Actionable Steps1. Switch your pension to ethical investments2. Talk about positive changes you want to see3. Build your sustainability tribe🛠️ Tools & ResourcesBooks:"Hospicing Modernity" by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira - A powerful exploration of transitioning beyond modern societyOrganizations:Unreasonable - An impact accelerator bringing together high-potential sustainability businessesThe Path - Ethical financial planning and pension providerDo Good Faster - Andy's organization that helps businesses find and repurpose lost money for sustainability initiativesProjects:Hard as Nails - Project to engage men in conversations about toxic masculinity🎙️ About Our GuestAndy Middleton has been an early pioneer in the B Corp movement in the UK. He founded TYF, an adventure and education company in Wales, and now runs multiple social impact initiatives including Do Good Faster. Andy's work