In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen talk with Maze Works Founder and CEO Milene Pardo Figueroa about shifting sustainability from theory and reporting to real, project-based action. They start by critiquing Anthropic’s big carbon removal investment as greenwashing compared to funding energy efficiency and affordability near data centers. Milene then shares her journey from the UN and NGOs to corporate roles and ultimately founding Maze Works to embed sustainability across finance, HR, marketing, and operations instead of isolating it in a siloed sustainability team. The conversation also explores how jargon and endless frameworks have alienated people, why sustainability roles are shrinking as specialist and project-based work grows, and how honest, provocative LinkedIn content can cut through the noise. Key takeaways: talk sustainability in the language of each department, tie it to ROI and business cases, focus on concrete projects over reports, and don’t be afraid to challenge the climate “industrial complex” in public.
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
- Calling Out Anthropic, AI, and Carbon Removal Greenwashing (1:58)
- Big Tech, Dirty Data Centers, and Energy Affordability Ideas (3:21)
- Introducing Milene Pardo Figueroa and Maze Works (6:25)
- Making Sustainability Understandable for Finance, HR, and Marketing (8:39)
- Why Milene Avoids Reporting Work To Focus on Strategy and Action (11:25)
- Shrinking Sustainability Teams and Rise of Specialists Like Carbon Accountants (13:16)
- Rebranding Sustainability in Business Terms Instead of Jargon (15:44)
- From Project-Based Climate Work To Reporting Obsession and Back Again (20:04)
- The Climate Industrial Complex and Misaligned Incentives (22:00)
- Surfing, South Africa, and Working for a “Patagonia of South Africa” Brand (25:38)
- Building a No‑BS Sustainability Brand on LinkedIn (27:30)
- Embedding Sustainability KPIs in Finance, Marketing, HR, and Operations (33:46)
- What Gives Milene Hope: People, Connection, and Networking (36:56)
- Connecting with Maze Works and Parting Thoughts (37:34)
The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com.
