Why Most Climate Conversations Fail (And How to Fix Them)

This episode we break down the art and science of productive climate conversations—drawing on real-world experience, psychological insight, and actionable strategies you can use with your teams, customers, board members, and partners.

Key Insight:
Most climate conversations fail because we lead with data, fear, or confrontation—expecting people to abandon their frameworks and adopt ours. That’s not how human psychology or organizational change works.

Takeaways:

1. Start with Shared Values, Not Scientific Data

2. Acknowledge and Build on Existing Knowledge

3. Make It Immediately Relevant to Their World

4. Frame Change as Building on Strength, Not Admitting Weakness

5. Start Small, Celebrate Wins, Scale Up

The Climate Conversation Toolkit: Five Spokes for Every Leader

Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.

The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.

Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

The 5Cs is taking a wee break

Nope, we're not rolling in the grass, dancing on the beach, or even swimming in the ocean. We've officially hit the pause button – giving you time to breathe and us time to plot world domination. (Kidding! Sort of.)

Plot twist: We're actually busier than a golden retriever at a tennis ball factory!

Behind the scenes, we're recording like mad scientists preparing for Year Four. YEAR FOUR, people! Who knew talking about the little beast called Climate Change and its love affair with Business would keep us going this long?

Spoiler alert: It's because of YOU.

1. Meet Your Host IRL (Well, Sort Of)

Friday, September 12th at noon EST – I'm pulling back the curtain! Join me, Charlene Norman, on Zoom for a no-holds-barred Q&A. Bring your burning questions, wild ideas, or just come say hi.

Sign up here for the Zoom link

Fine print: Private event, no recording, maximum fun guaranteed.

2. Binge-Watch... Er, Listen

Missing our Saturday morning coffee chats? I've rescued some fan favourites from the vault:

What is Climate Anxiety? (Spoiler: It's real)

Finding Hope in the Darkness (Plot twist: There actually is some)

Beyond GDP: Exploring Alternatives (Economics gets exciting)

Climate Change is No Joke: Let's Laugh at Our Ignorance (Because sometimes you've got to laugh or you'll cry)

Season Four drops September 6th – mark your calendars, set your alarms, tell your dog (they're excellent at reminding you about important things).

PSA from Your Friendly Neighbourhood Podcaster:

Yes, sunshine feels amazing after our long winter hibernation, but let's not become human jerky, shall we? Keep that water bottle closer than your phone, slather on the sunscreen like you're frosting a cake, and remember – your pets are wearing fur coats in this heat. They're not impressed.

Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.

The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.

Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

Host Charlene Norman is recovering from hand surgery this month. To help ease her guilt in NOT being able to produce a new episode and to answer the questions about the 5Cs origin story, she has pulled out the original first four episodes. Listen in as she candidly admits her mistakes, discusses why she got into it and then decide for yourself if the podcast has morphed apppropriately.

In this the final episode of the series, she looks at the progress made over the last sixty years.

Key Highlights

-The Generational Backdrop: 1950s–1970s

-The Slow Burn of Climate Awareness

-Misinformation and Missed Opportunities

-From Science to Policy: The Long Road

-International Agreements: Progress and Pitfalls

-The Youthquake: Gen Z and Greta Thunberg

-Actionable Steps

-Leading with Compassion and Clarity

Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.

The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.

Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.