The Sustainability Communicator with Mike Hower

Most sustainability communicators don't have the title, the budget, or the C-suite access to force anyone to do anything. So how do they get things done? That's the question at the center of this conversation with Aman Singh, Director of Global ESG and Sustainability Communications at Kenvue—the company behind Tylenol, Neutrogena, Aveeno, Listerine, and a long list of other household names.

Aman has spent her career figuring out how to move organizations from the inside—at Walmart, at Edelman, and now at Kenvue—and her answer isn't what most people expect. It's not about better data, sharper messaging, or more compelling reports. It's about relationships, timing, and learning to speak other people's language before you ask them to speak yours.

In this episode, we get into what "influencing without authority" actually looks like in practice, why the old volume-equals-visibility playbook is finished, how to navigate the current era of greenhushing without hiding in fear, and what makes sustainability communicators effective versus annoying. We also talk about our shared career paths—journalism, agencies, consulting—and what it really means to build a purposeful career in a field that didn't exist when most of us started.

If sustainability communication is your full-time job or your side hustle, this one's for you.

Connect with Aman on LinkedIn

Learn more about Kenvue's sustainability story

Order Sustainability Storytelling — Mike's book about communicating sustainability in business
Follow Mike on LinkedIn to stay updated on his regular insights on sustainability storytelling
Subscribe to The Sustainability Story on Substack for more in-depth analysis of sustainability communication challenges and practical advice on how to overcome them
Got a guest or topic idea? Reach out at howerimpact.com/contact

As the rule of law in the United States comes under strain, many companies have chosen silence. In this episode, Mike Hower sits down with business ethicist and Higher Ground author Alison Taylor to examine what corporate courage actually looks like when legal norms, civil rights, and community safety are being tested. Together, they explore why companies retreat in moments of crisis, the limits of compliance-driven ethics, and the role sustainability and communications leaders can play when speaking up carries real risk. This is a candid conversation about silence, responsibility, and whether business is willing — or able — to stand for the rule of law when it matters most.
Connect with Alison Taylor on LinkedIn.
Order Alison's book, Higher Ground.
Read the American Sustainable Business Network's statement calling for companies to defend the rule of law in America.
Register for Sustainability Professionals Against Silence 

Order Sustainability Storytelling — Mike's book about communicating sustainability in business
Follow Mike on LinkedIn to stay updated on his regular insights on sustainability storytelling
Subscribe to The Sustainability Story on Substack for more in-depth analysis of sustainability communication challenges and practical advice on how to overcome them
Got a guest or topic idea? Reach out at howerimpact.com/contact

In this episode, Mike sits down with Erik Hansen, Chief Sustainability Officer at Workday, to explore how CSOs have evolved into the lead communicators for corporate sustainability. Erik shares insights on building trust through transparency, making the business case for sustainability initiatives, and how companies are increasingly being asked detailed sustainability questions in hundreds of RFPs. The conversation covers practical strategies for working with legal teams on compliant communications, measuring the success of sustainability storytelling, and thinking beyond company silos to advocate for industry-wide change.
Connect with Erik Hansen on LinkedIn.
Learn more about Workday's sustainability strategy.

Order Sustainability Storytelling — Mike's book about communicating sustainability in business
Follow Mike on LinkedIn to stay updated on his regular insights on sustainability storytelling
Subscribe to The Sustainability Story on Substack for more in-depth analysis of sustainability communication challenges and practical advice on how to overcome them
Got a guest or topic idea? Reach out at howerimpact.com/contact

In this episode of The Sustainability Communicator, Mike sits down with Alexandra Talleur, an internal communications lead at HP who specializes in sustainability engagement. While companies often focus on external sustainability communication, internal communication frequently receives less attention. Yet effective employee engagement is crucial for implementing sustainability strategies and maintaining talent. Alexandra shares insights on creating meaningful internal sustainability communications, connecting sustainability to employees' roles, and navigating challenges like the "green gap" between stated values and actions. 
Connect with Alexandra Talleur on LinkedIn
Learn more about sustainability at HP

Order Sustainability Storytelling — Mike's book about communicating sustainability in business
Follow Mike on LinkedIn to stay updated on his regular insights on sustainability storytelling
Subscribe to The Sustainability Story on Substack for more in-depth analysis of sustainability communication challenges and practical advice on how to overcome them
Got a guest or topic idea? Reach out at howerimpact.com/contact

In this episode, host Mike Hower sits down with Dan Strechay, a seasoned sustainability communications professional who has worked across private companies, public organizations, and NGOs. They discuss the evolution of sustainability communications, how to navigate difficult topics like palm oil and climate change, and the balance between transparency and greenwashing. Dan shares insights from his career journey and offers practical advice for companies looking to communicate authentically about their sustainability efforts. This conversation, recorded in late 2024, remains relevant as sustainability professionals navigate the changing landscape of reporting requirements and stakeholder expectations.
 
Connect with Dan on LinkedIn
Check out the Mars Net Zero Roadmap

Order Sustainability Storytelling — Mike's book about communicating sustainability in business
Follow Mike on LinkedIn to stay updated on his regular insights on sustainability storytelling
Subscribe to The Sustainability Story on Substack for more in-depth analysis of sustainability communication challenges and practical advice on how to overcome them
Got a guest or topic idea? Reach out at howerimpact.com/contact