She’s reshaping climate leadership in Europe—Lara Obst reveals how success in climate is found by co-creating the business case for sustainability with customers. Lara Obst is the co-founder and Chief Climate Officer of ClimateChoice, a Berlin-based tech company helping companies decarbonize their supply chains. Her team has worked with clients like Lenovo and T-Systems, raised over $2M in funding, and won the Startup Slam at the GreenTech Festival in LA and many others. She explains: – Why 90% of carbon impact often hides in the supply chain—and how that’s where change truly begins. – How the European climate legislation drives corporate climate action, and why European impact leaders are redefining the rules of the game as the U.S. steps back. – The surprising mindset that helps her avoid burnout while leading systemic change. – Why real innovation starts with listening to users—not chasing perfect ideas or political alignment. – How her background in culture, design thinking, and the arts shaped her approach to impact leadership. – The quiet revolution of building resilience in a world where policy may not always lead the way. This episode isn’t just about climate—it’s about how we show up, lead with clarity, and build purpose-driven systems that actually work.
She’s reshaping climate leadership in Europe—Lara Obst reveals how success in climate is found by co-creating the business case for sustainability with customers.
Lara Obst is the co-founder and Chief Climate Officer of ClimateChoice, a Berlin-based tech company helping companies decarbonize their supply chains. Her team has worked with clients like Lenovo and T-Systems, raised over $2M in funding, and won the Startup Slam at the GreenTech Festival in LA and many others.
She explains:
– Why 90% of carbon impact often hides in the supply chain—and how that’s where change truly begins.
– How the European climate legislation drives corporate climate action, and why European impact leaders are redefining the rules of the game as the U.S. steps back.
– The surprising mindset that helps her avoid burnout while leading systemic change.
– Why real innovation starts with listening to users—not chasing perfect ideas or political alignment.
– How her background in culture, design thinking, and the arts shaped her approach to impact leadership.
– The quiet revolution of building resilience in a world where policy may not always lead the way.
This episode isn’t just about climate—it’s about how we show up, lead with clarity, and build purpose-driven systems that actually work.
00:00 Introduction and Startup Challenges
00:51 Welcome to the Podcast
01:02 Meet Lara: Climate Choice Co-Founder
02:01 The Rollercoaster of Climate Tech
02:27 US Politics and European Climate Goals
03:58 Inspiration and Early Influences
05:59 Innovation and Collaboration in Climate Action
10:05 Building Climate Choice: The Founding Story
21:48 Balancing Profitability and Sustainability
28:47 Personal Habits for Sustainable Leadership
31:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Connect with Lara:
Her climate tech company: ClimateChoice