Mick Hammock

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  • Building a Sustainable Blue Economy: Resilience Insights from the Port of San Diego

    Building a Sustainable Blue Economy: Resilience Insights from the Port of San Diego

    I recently had the chance to speak with Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners Chairman Rafael Castellanos about the Port’s role in promoting the burgeoning Blue Economy —using the ocean’s resources to build a portfolio of businesses that deliver social, environmental, and economic benefits. Through their Blue Economy Incubator, they’ve managed to help support a number of early-stage, ocean-based startups looking to develop innovative solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges.

    In this interview, you’ll learn about the future (and challenges!) the Port of San Diego sees for ocean-based businesses, how the Port of San Diego balances economic development with environmental concerns, and some of the startup successes that have emerged through their Blue Economy Incubator.

    If you’d like to learn more about the Port of San Diego, their incubator, and their mission, you can check them out on their website.

    I’m chiefly interested in the concepts of resilience — personal, communal, and societal. The Port of San Diego is such an integral part of our community’s economic development and life. What does the concept of resilience mean to you and to the Port?

    San Diego Bay has given countless gifts to our region’s people long before any of us were here. As early as 12,000 years ago, the Kumeyaay people nourished themselves with seafood from the bay. And, once considered the tuna capital of the world, the bay continues to nourish us, all while the chapters of history have unfolded. Our beautiful natural harbor and deep-water port has seen people, nations, and industries come and go. Its resources are vast and rich, and we bear a special responsibility to make sure it continues to thrive and provide for all who depend on it, for the environment itself, and for future generations.

    Resilience for us means protecting, preserving, and enhancing the resources of San Diego Bay for many generations to come. We also strive to provide economic vitality and community benefits. We accomplish these things by taking a balanced approach to the maritime industry, tourism, water and land recreation, environmental stewardship, and public safety.

    What are some ways that the port works to build resilience throughout the San Diego region? What are some ways that the Blue Economy can build resilience in our community and beyond?

    As protectors of our air, land, and water, we build resilience through greenhouse gas reduction, sustainable development, water conservation, waste management and responsible business practices.

    The delicate balance of a healthy San Diego Bay ecosystem is upheld through a collaborative network of programs and initiatives, each working on innovative ways to sustain our waterfront. When it comes to the Blue Economy specifically, pilot projects supported through our Blue Economy Incubator have a large focus on coastal resiliency, water and sediment quality, ecosystem enhancement, and more.

    Overlooking the iconic Port of San Diego (Port of San Diego)

    The Blue Economy is a relatively new concept. Can you talk a little bit more about what that entails? How have you been working to educate this concept to the general public?

    The term, Blue Economy, may be relatively new, but it’s really an age-old concept. Traditionally, the blue economy is made up of many industries like maritime cargo trade, cruise, fisheries, shipbuilding and ship repair, recreational boating, and more. The Port is and has been involved in all of those. More recently, ports are considering how best to support a transition to a more sustainable ocean economy (the Blue Economy). Ports have the potential to act as hubs for blue economy innovation. At the same time, there is an opportunity for ports to diversify their economic base and to become catalysts for the development of new business models that promote the Blue Economy. For the Port of San Diego, through our Blue Economy Incubator, we are trying to build a portfolio of new businesses that deliver social, environmental, and economic benefits to the Port and region. We are striving to advance proposals that are replicable and scalable to help other ports, harbors and coastal communities address similar challenges we face and that in turn support further innovation and investment in the Blue Economy. It is a win-win situation. The Port is learning from the pilot projects, which are addressing existing environmental challenges and informing future opportunities.

    How does the Port collaborate with other organizations in the region to support resilience and sustainability?

    Since the ocean is the focus of the Blue Economy, the region of the Blue Economy ecosystem is the world. The Port maintains a global network of partnerships within the Blue Economy ecosystem and maintains relationships with academic institutions, technology clusters, governments, industries, foundations, and the public.

    One of our recent partnerships is with the U.S. Navy and the Maritime Environment and Technical Assistance (META) program within the United States Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. Through this collaborative effort, we are studying carbon sequestration and storage in our bay’s eelgrass beds.

    Eelgrass and other coastal “blue carbon” ecosystems have a unique ability to rapidly capture and store large amounts of carbon. Like all plants, eelgrass absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2), which is stored as organic carbon in their plant material and produces oxygen through photosynthesis. When land plants die, their carbon is released back into the atmosphere as CO2. Unlike land plants, eelgrass is submerged in water, which prevents the release of CO2. Instead, the organic carbon is sequestered into the sea floor sediments. If left undisturbed, this carbon can remain trapped in eelgrass sediments for thousands of years. Eelgrass habitats cover a small fraction of the area forests do on land, yet they can store carbon at rates 30 to 50 times greater than forests.

    This study is an important component to the Port’s ongoing efforts to protect the indispensable resources San Diego Bay provides to our region, and to support state and local climate planning efforts. This study also complements the Port’s growing portfolio of nature-based solution projects like the Blue Economy Incubator.

    What has been the biggest obstacle that you’ve overcome thus far with the Blue Economy Incubator? The biggest success story?

    One of the biggest obstacles we have to overcome with the Blue Economy Incubator is the amount of time it takes to adequately review and consider all the good ideas we are pitched. Through the Blue Economy Incubator, an entirely new procurement pathway was created. The process is well outside of our normal procurement procedures. The perk of this new process is it allows the Port to partner with early-stage companies and support pilot projects and blue economy innovation. While still a relatively new process, we are actively working to improve efficiencies to allow us to scale the program and support more blue technology innovation.

    We have had several success stories emerge from the Blue Economy Incubator. One example is Sunken Seaweed. Sunken Seaweed is an aquaculture startup company led by two marine ecologists committed to pioneering sustainable seaweed aquaculture in San Diego. Under the Port’s Blue Economy Incubator, the company established a seaweed pilot farm in San Diego Bay using a method of ocean farming that includes ropes, buoys, and anchors attached to existing pier pilings.

    Recently the Port reinvested into Sunken Seaweed’s project so they could scale their seaweed farm and eventually sell their seaweed to chefs, food production and distribution companies. They are also exploring a range of products including fertilizers, human food supplements, and livestock feed additives.

    Sunken Seaweed is a seaweed farming operation located in the Port of San Diego. (Port of San Diego Facebook)

    Another success story is a company called ECOncrete. Nearly two years ago, ECOncrete installed 74 bio-enhancing concrete tide pools that mimic natural rock pools at two sites along San Diego Bay’s Harbor Island. So far, this pilot project is showing promising results. Monitoring efforts so far have indicated the project is an innovative win-win approach to coastal protection by providing resiliency and adaptation strategies in an urban environment while simultaneously enhancing valuable marine life.

    What do you see as the biggest opportunities within the Blue Economy? What role does the Port play in filling these gaps, and in the future of the Blue Economy?

    Ports are indeed uniquely positioned to act as catalysts for the Blue Economy and to take advantage of the future opportunities of the Blue Economy, and in this regard the San Diego region is gaining both national and international attention.

    The Port is at the forefront of the environmental challenges associated with climate change and coastal development. And to adapt, the Port is leveraging the use of innovative technologies and collaborations with business partners and communities, to revolutionize how to be environmental champions, and protect coastal ecosystems in a way that is mutually beneficial to the economy, environment, and our communities. As champion of the Blue Economy, the Port is committed to enhancing San Diego Bay and its tidelands through innovative partnership opportunities. Like Santa Clara Valley came to be known as Silicon Valley, San Diego Bay could one day come to be known as the Blue Technology Bay.

    How does the Port balance economic development and growth with environmental concerns?

    We believe we can grow the economy and improve and protect the environment around us. The two concepts are not mutually exclusive. For instance, technology like shore power allows cargo and cruise vessels to plug into shore power while at berth rather than running their engines. This helps reduce air quality impacts while keeping the supply chain moving and tourism thriving. We’re also working to electrify cargo handling equipment. This year, we’ll be the first port in North America to get all-electric dual mobile harbor cranes. They will replace our current diesel-powered crane, which is our most polluting piece of cargo handling equipment. In addition to the environmental and public health benefits, the new crane system will represent the heaviest lift capability of any crane system currently in place on the West Coast and will enable the Port to attract additional business opportunities due to the increased maximum lift capacity — up to 400 metric tons (MT) versus the 100 MT lifting capacity of the Port’s diesel crane. Most of the heavy-lift cargoes destined for this region weigh more than 200 MT, including larger pieces of solar, wind, and industrial energy equipment as well as project cargoes. The new cranes will allow the Port to compete for more business and better serve our existing operations when crane movements are needed.

    Looking to the future, what do you see as the future for ocean-based economic development? Are there any specific opportunities and risks that the Port is looking to navigate in the future, both near and long term?

    The future of ocean-based economic development is very bright and exciting. The global “Ocean Economy” is growing. It is valued on a conservative basis by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) at $1.5 trillion (2010) and growing to $3.0 trillion by 2030. Ocean development is driven by curiosity, ingenuity, and tenacity and many very smart people are working hard to solve some extremely difficult problems. We anticipate we will be rich in opportunities.

    A risk to potentially consider is that development will be directed by the public’s acceptance of these concepts and the ease at which regulatory considerations can be established. Will we be ready to appropriately address the planning and permitting work that will be necessary? The Port is leading the way in this arena by stepping up to engage with local stakeholders and work with regulatory agencies during planning and permitting phases. The Port’s communication and transparency are critical to the success of the project but also help inform others seeking to deploy new technologies.

    Can you discuss any upcoming initiatives or projects related to resilience that the Port has a hand in?

    Aside from the Blue Economy Incubator projects the Port is working on, the following resilience-related projects:

    · Pond 20— an 85-acre proposed wetland mitigation bank to restore coastal saltmarsh habitat with the added benefits of carbon sequestration and ecological enhancement, among others.

    · Native Oyster Living Shoreline Project— created oyster reefs to recruit native oysters, prevent shoreline erosion, and help with carbon sequestration.

    · Shellfish & Seaweed Aquaculture Planning — initiating the planning effort to review shellfish and seaweed farming for purposes such as food production, restoration, water quality improvements, biodiversity enhancement, and carbon sequestration.

    Pond 20 Restoration (Photo from Port of San Diego)

    Other than applying to be a part of the incubator, what are some ways that the local community can get involved with your efforts?

    We have a fun campaign called “That’s My Bay” to inspire people to help us improve our bay’s water quality and to also help the sea life in it thrive. Through a series of videos with lovable characters like Lil Wrapper and Trash Trooper Trish, we provide people with helpful tips and suggestions to help keep our waterways clear of trash, debris, and pollutants. Check it out here.

    What are the best ways for people to learn more about the Port of San Diego, your work in the Blue Economy, and the companies that are in the incubator?

    Our website is a great place to start. We also have some fun videos on our YouTube channel. If you’re on social media, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

    Want to learn more? Go more in depth here:

    Port of San Diego Website

    Port of San Diego YouTube

    Port of San Diego Instagram

    Blue Economy Incubator Website

    Blue Economy Incubator on Al Roker

    Blue Carbon Project

    Sunken Seaweed

    ECOncrete

    Pond 20

    Native Oyster Living Shoreline Project

    Shellfish & Seaweed Aquaculture Planning

    Thank you to Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners Chairman Rafael Castellanos, as well as Gabriella Rodriguez and Brianne Page for their help with this interview.

  • Patience in Chaos: An Interview with USA Fencer James Kaull

    Patience in Chaos: An Interview with USA Fencer James Kaull

    Recently, I caught up with my friend James Kaull, a world-caliber fencer making a push for the 2024 Olympic games. James has been competing in the sport since he was just 8 years old, and has gone far — fencing on an NCAA championship team at the University of Notre Dame and even competing in the World Championships.

    Fencing is an extremely mentally taxing sport, so I wanted to learn more about James’ mental approach as he trains for and faces the highest competition in the world. You’ll learn what he’s thinking before he competes, the importance of patience and trust in oneself, his breathing techniques for high-pressure situations, the importance of finding and developing a physical identity, and much more. Quite simply, it was a great interview and a great peek into the mindset of a world class athlete.

    If you’d like to learn more and connect with James, you can find him here on his Instagram.

    “It’s a mental exercise to trust in your abilities and believe that your hard work will pay off.”

    I’m chiefly interested in the concepts of resilience — personal, communal, and societal. What does the concept of resilience mean to you?

    I’ve actually thought about this one before, and, if I had to give it a definition, I think I’ve landed on being patient while being uncomfortable. Patience in chaos. Whether you’re physically uncomfortable, mentally uncomfortable, dealing with ambiguity…resilience is being patient, and keeping and finding calm.

    You were a Division 1 fencer on a Notre Dame team that won a NCAA championship. More recently, you’ve competed in the World Championships. Can you give a little background as to how you started fencing, your successes, and where you are in your journey currently?

    I began fencing when I was just 8 years old in Washington D.C. I found fencing to be pretty cool, quick, and exciting. It was violent in a way that I enjoyed, and I still find it so exciting. In fact, recently I taught fencing in some public schools in New York for six months, and during a tournament, I heard a kid say that he couldn’t sleep that night because of the adrenaline rush he experienced. That’s the kind of feeling that drew me to fencing when I was younger.

    In my youth, I was a dominant fencer, holding the number one spot in the Y10s, Y12s, 14s, 16s, and Under 20 category. I believe that I had some talent for the sport, but I also had good coaches and parents who gave me the space to pursue it without interfering. This was important because I saw many talented kids whose parents weren’t good fencing or sports parents, which took the fire out of them. In college, I had success winning the NCAA championships my sophomore year and being a Top 20 Under 20 fencer in the world.

    After college, I had the opportunity to train at the New York Athletic Club with a coach I admired, who was already 80 years old when he accepted me as a student — and he’s been my coach for 10 years now. Honestly, his life and resilience make my own seem like a grain of sand. Still, since joining NYAC, I’ve had some successes, including being top three in the country for a couple of years, finishing the 2020 season at 47th in the world, winning two big national tournaments with 300 fencers, and beating some super high-caliber fencers who have won Olympic medals.

    Currently, I’m training for the 2024 Olympic Games, although I’m not as big of a front runner I once was. I know I have more talent around me now, but I’m pursuing it with intuition and the benefit of understanding when to peak. It’s been a different kind of resilience this time around, seeing others do well and learning to be patient with that. It’s been an art form in and of itself.

    Can you elaborate a bit more on what you mean by it’s a different type of resilience?

    It’s a tricky situation. I missed out on the last Olympics despite fencing my best a year and a half before the trials. It’s difficult to control when you perform at your peak, especially since you never know what triggers it. And when you do perform well, not only are you doing better than usual, but it’s new to everyone else as well. However, this element of surprise doesn’t last forever. Once people become familiar with your fencing style, it becomes harder to maintain that level of success.

    I remember someone on the circuit telling me, “It’s over when the other competitors start saying hi to you,” and it’s true. When people know who you are and what you’re capable of, it becomes more challenging. And on this go-round, I’ve been focusing on other things. That’s not to say that I’ve been losing on purpose but I’ve been working on building up my fundamental movements to improve my overall skills. While others are showing off their full tool set, I’m focused on building a solid foundation that will translate into my fencing when it’s really time to perform.

    It’s tough to see others surpass you and you’re not getting the same recognition or attention. It’s a mental exercise to trust in your abilities and believe that your hard work will pay off, even when there’s little evidence to support it. It’s crucial to be comfortable with the possibility that your perspective and ideas might be entirely wrong. But, I’m confident in the deliberate work I’ve done and the order in which I’ve done it. I hope that what I’m doing will lead me to success, but I also acknowledge the very real possibility that it might not.

    It sounds like you not only have to trust in yourself, but in your skillset and your preparation — as well as really being comfortable with failure.

    Yeah, it’s not about being comfortable. It’s more than just being comfortable. You have to feel the exact same no matter the outcome. My mind, my sense of gratitude, my sense of competition can’t change, no matter the outcome. My approach does not change based on the outcome. Tactics change, and matches change, but not the approach.

    How have you built that approach?

    You have to really take a look at yourself and determine what you’re not good at. You need to identify your weaknesses and work on them deliberately. It’s not easy — you might have to start from scratch and completely rebuild what you’ve learned poorly. And it’s going to take a long time to get back to even just being bad again. But the progress you make there will help other areas. Surprisingly, the areas I seem to struggle the most are often the ones that people think are static and unchangeable. So, it’s crucial to focus on what I was lacking in the last competition and work on it relentlessly. I’ve taken this approach, and I’m hoping that by the time I need to really compete well I’ve done enough to have some successful matches.

    James talking to his coach.

    Fencing is one of the most mentally taxing of all sports, often being compared to playing chess. Can you talk about the mental side of fencing? What does that entail? What are some ways that you train mentally to stay focused for large tournaments and tough competition?

    Fencing is extremely mentally taxing, not just in terms of preparation but also while competing. What makes it so engaging is that from the moment you start fencing, it’s like an active crisis that you’re managing. Your opponent is constantly trying to deceive you while you’re trying to deceive them.

    You’re constantly showing intentions or movements that represent other moves and actions, and doing it with things like distance, either distorting it or making it really close or being very far away. To hit your opponent, you have to trick them, and that creates a pretty intense environment. Moreover, the fact that it’s an individual sport means that if you lose, you have no teammate or group effort to share the blame or bail you out.

    To mentally train for fencing, I have a meditation routine that centers on breathing through challenging situations. It helps keep me breathing at a regular rate because the breath can determine my mood and thoughts. If I can use my breath to steer my thoughts into a good place or at least a non-negative one, it’s a real advantage not just in fencing but also in everything else, like arguments or tense conversations.

    Finding this calm through meditation — does this help you keep your mental approach the same for each competition?

    Sometimes it’s not just about calming yourself down, because let’s face it, sometimes you just can’t. It’s not helpful to try and force yourself into a state of calmness and then feel like a failure if you don’t achieve it. The important thing is to be able to handle the intensity of the moment, whether you feel calm or not. That’s the real challenge, and it’s something you have to be prepared for.

    It helps you accept where you are and how you’re doing.

    Yeah, there are days when you feel calm while fencing and everything just clicks, and you perform brilliantly. It feels effortless and you’re in the zone. But then there are days where things just don’t go your way from the start. Maybe you’re running late, your equipment malfunctions, or the referee makes a bad call. It’s stressful, and you have to grind through it all. You may not fence well, and you may even lose, but you still have to keep going and push through to the end. It’s all part of the experience, and you have to be able to handle both the good and the bad days.

    So this meditation also helps you manages during high-pressure situations?

    I always try to focus on my breath during a match, as I think it’s really important to keep myself from moving faster than I need to. Biometrically, people tend to want to go fast in fencing, but when someone moves quickly, it’s usually a big change in speed that can be picked up by the eye, even if it doesn’t necessarily gain them anything. That’s why there’s value in being able to be slow and deliberate. As the old sports saying goes, “slow is smooth and smooth is fast,” and that’s especially true for some of the older fencers on the circuit who may not be faster than the younger guys, but are able to control their body in a way that makes it hard to see them start to hit you. So, staying calm and focused on my breath helps me create more of those deliberate movements and has been really beneficial for me.

    I guess this comes back to my original definition of resilience as “patience while being uncomfortable,” or “patience in chaos.” It’s also probably why the kid I coached that I talked about earlier couldn’t sleep after a fencing tournament was up all night. He probably hadn’t learned this yet.

    What are some of the biggest obstacles, mental, physical, or otherwise, that you’ve faced in your fencing career, and how have you overcome them? What have been your biggest successes?

    I always try to overcome mental obstacles in fencing, but it’s not always easy. For instance, during my junior year of college, my coach couldn’t get his visa, so I had to run the program myself. It was frustrating not to feel supported, but I just had to get through it. I didn’t win, so I wouldn’t really say I overcame it. It was only a few years later that I realized I did a good job. I think the key is to accept things either way and stay balanced and stable. I’ve had some clutch moments, but I’ve also messed up at times, so I don’t want to say that one thing is my key to success.

    Something major that I often think about is dropping things that don’t serve you. This can be hard because you become attached to them. I saw a big jump in fencing results when I started lifting weights, but then I ultimately had to let go of heavy weightlifting because it wasn’t agreeing with my body. I had to experiment with different things and find what worked for me. It’s okay to let go of something that was working before if it’s no longer serving you. For example, I was losing flexibility in my hips and experiencing back injuries, so I started doing more yoga. In retrospect, it would have been better if I didn’t lift heavy weights in the first place. It takes time to find what works best for you, and it’s important not to judge yourself along the way.

    Can you walk me through your pre-competition routine? Other than the meditation, how do you mentally prepare for a match?

    The meditation is a daily practice, but life happens and it’s okay to miss a day. It’s important to not beat yourself up if you miss a day. Just pick up where you left off the next day.

    Pre-competition routines vary from person to person. For me, I like to start slow and do yoga to stretch out and relax. Others prefer to get their heart rate up with jumping rope and sprints. Mentally preparing for a match can be challenging because negative self-talk can creep in, which honestly hinders me. I really don’t view myself as resilient in this way, honestly. I don’t really want to engage with that dialogue. Some people use it and prove the haters wrong, and that’s amazing to me. I don’t think I’m built that way, but that’s fine. The goal is to not attach to those thoughts, but to let them pass.

    My breathing technique that I use to calm myself down in moments of panic, which involves breathing in for six seconds, holding for two, breathing out for eight seconds, and holding for two again. This prolongs the periods of not thinking, which can be helpful. It’s important to focus on what you can control in a fencing match, such as your actions or staying loose, rather than solely focusing on winning or losing.

    How do you manage to balance your work, personal life, and training as a high-level fencer, and what strategies have you used to stay resilient and focused on your goals despite the demands on your time and energy?

    I think the challenging aspect of balancing multiple areas of life is that it requires a lot of hard work and effort to do it right. Even when you’re working diligently, it can feel like nothing is going well. Sometimes it seems like you have to pick one or the other — you can either have a killer personal life, or you can be killing it professionally, or you can be killing your fencing. It’s up to you to choose where you will see success.

    It’s important to recognize that time and energy are limited resources, and sometimes you may need to prioritize rest over pushing through a tough training session or trying to accomplish everything on your to-do list. It’s okay to not always achieve everything you want in a day or to feel guilty about not managing your time perfectly. Trust your body’s signals and adjust your priorities accordingly. By doing so, you’ll be able to make progress in the areas that matter most to you over a longer period of time — your body and mind will tell you what is most important to you. Listen to it.

    It seems to come back again to making peace with where you are. Seems like a lot of people try to have it all, and at a high level. Lots of people want to succeed everywhere.

    My coach made me realize that no matter how well we do, we will always strive for self-improvement. Even after achieving victories, the desire for more doesn’t go away. This applies to careers as well. It’s natural to want recognition and financial compensation for the time put in. However, it’s important to balance this desire with humility.

    “Tactics change, and matches change, but not the approach.”

    What lessons has fencing taught you that you’ve been able to carry with you to other facets of your life?

    I would say it’s taught me patience above all else. Anything worth doing takes patience, but it’s not always easy to remain patient. We humans are wired for instant gratification, and fencing has always been a challenging exercise in patience. But through the frustration, I’ve gained wisdom that I wouldn’t have otherwise. Patience isn’t something that comes naturally to me, but I’m learning to cultivate it, and it’s been invaluable. So, in short, I would say that fencing has taught me the importance of patience.

    Which again, I guess, comes back to resilience. Patience in uncomfortable situations — whether fencing or in life.

    What advice would you give to others who are struggling with the mental side of their sport, work, or school? How can others take what you’ve learned to build resilience into their own lives?

    It’s crucial to be forgiving, really. It’s easy to fall into the trap of beating yourself up, but it doesn’t do anything for your mental toughness. Constantly criticizing your shortcomings doesn’t leave much room for confidence to grow. If you’re struggling in your sport, it’s important to remember that you’ve had some successes along the way. You must have done something right to get as far as you have. Even if the glass isn’t even half full, only a third or a fourth full, there’s still some water in there, and you can always add more.

    Sharing what I’ve learned with others to help them in their own lives is something I find valuable. We talked about patience and resilience being a big one, but I also believe in the importance of sports. It’s not just about pro-athletes and glamorous lifestyles. It’s a whole process of learning, both about yourself and your body. It’s a shame when people don’t seem to understand that and fail to appreciate the thing they’re living in.

    So, finding and developing a physical identity is very important, and familiarizing yourself with your body. Can you elaborate on that?

    The brain is truly an incredible thing. If you’re someone who excels academically but lacks athleticism, that’s great, but it’s important to note that the brain is also meant to interact with the body. There’s a whole other side of intelligence that you can gain from being physically active. I have a friend who is arguably the smartest person I know. He went to Brown, is a software developer, and has created and sold two companies. He’s also a Google developer. Despite his intellect, he didn’t have much physical prowess. He didn’t know how to generate force with his body or group muscles together, which would have made something like, for example, pitching a baseball, impossible for him.

    However, he discovered rock climbing, and it completely changed his outlook on physical activity. For the first time in his life, he learned how to map finger strength to his hands, back muscles, everything. He found a physical identity in rock climbing that engaged both his mind and body in a way that was familiar, yet new. As an analytical problem solver, he found that rock climbing was like solving puzzles, and it lit up his brain in a way that was both fulfilling and challenging.

    Now, he’s powerlifting and taking the systematic approach of powerlifting to the next level. It’s been a remarkable transformation to witness. He’s gone from someone who couldn’t do much physically to someone who’s doing clean and jerks with big weights.

    Sports can teach us a lot about resilience, and my friend’s example is a perfect illustration of that. Regardless of where you start, there’s always room for growth and improvement.

    What is next for James Kaull, fencing, work, and otherwise?

    Next year, I’m determined to give fencing my all. It has the potential to be a life-changing and beautiful experience, and I’m optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead. Even if things don’t go as planned, I know I’ll learn valuable lessons along the way. My focus is on improving the areas where I’m weakest and implementing new strategies, and I feel confident in my training regimen.

    Balancing work and personal pursuits is challenging, especially when it comes to pivoting in a new industry. I currently work in banking compliance which is stable, challenging, and pays well. However, I’ve always been interested in consumer tech and exploring how people interact with their devices. Perhaps a time will come when I can explore both interests.

    Fencing is something that will always be a part of me, and I’m grateful for the opportunities and lessons it’s provided. My coach has taught me valuable lessons that extend beyond fencing, and I’m grateful for the skills he’s instilled in me. I’m reminded of Rush Cohle’s quote in True Detective that goes something like, “We can really only become good at one or two things in our life.” I’m content knowing that fencing is one of mine.

    What is the best way for someone to contact you if they’d like to learn more?

    Probably the best way is to just hit me up on my Instagram, @james.kaull.

    Is there anything that you’d like to talk about or highlight before we go?

    I’m in a bit of a routine right now. Work and practice take up most of my time. My girlfriend is a principal at an inner city elementary school and deals with a wide range of competencies in both teachers and parents. It’s really opened my eyes to how fortunate I am to have had great parents, coaches, and teachers. So, to those reading, take a moment to thank those who have made a positive impact on your life — because not everyone is fortunate enough to have that.

  • Zero-Waste Grocery Stores and the Future of Food: An Interview with Katie Fletcher of Local Scoop

    Zero-Waste Grocery Stores and the Future of Food: An Interview with Katie Fletcher of Local Scoop

    What does the future of grocery stores look like to you? To Katie Fletcher, it looks a lot like the Local Scoop, a zero-waste, bulk grocery store located in Encinitas, California. Katie started Local Scoop in 2022 after studying abroad and getting used to shopping at healthy bulk food stores — stores that she couldn’t find in the United States.

    Local Scoop provides products ranging from bulk spices and herbs, to flour, pasta, grains, teas, and even household and kitchen products like microplastic-free sponges. There’s no packaging at all in the store — customers bring their own jars and bags to house their purchases, and pay entirely based on weight. The entire process is quick and simple, and focused on not just providing healthy, natural options, but completely eliminating plastic and single-use containers and goods from the shopping experience.

    In the interview below, we explore topics like the future of grocery stores, building resilience in your food choices, obstacles in starting a business, and the importance of community support!

    If you’d like to learn more about Local Scoop, check out their website, Instagram, or Facebook.

    I’m chiefly interested in the concepts of resilience — personal, communal, and societal. Your store seems to hit on all of these fronts — creating personal and communal resilience through sustainability and zero waste, with an eye towards ultimately creating a resilient society. What does the concept of resilience mean to you?

    To me, resiliency means adapting and returning from challenges while staying true to my values and goals. In the face of adversity (to the business, the planet, etc.) I remain determined, persistent, and passionate about positively impacting the environment and society. Since the beginning, I have not been afraid to take risks, try new things, and learn from my mistakes, all while staying committed to sustainability and ethical practices.

    I never know what is around the bend for me, both positive and negative. Despite the uncertainty, building a sustainable business takes time and effort. Still, I am more than willing to invest everything I have to create a better future for myself, my community, and the world around us. Ultimately, resilience to me means leading by example and embracing all opportunities to be a trailblazer, inspire others, and make a difference in the world.

    What are some ways that you’ve tried to build resilience in your own life?

    I’ve always been an athlete, playing D1 soccer at Yale and testing the waters in triathlon in the years since graduation. These experiences have led me to be very comfortable with the uncomfortable. I take a lot of pride in my ability to remain calm despite things being scary, stressful, painful, or overwhelming. I do feel all of these things, often and deeply. But I feel unwavering in my ability to stay the course, take a deep breath, and continue putting one foot in front of the other. I am extremely focused and goal oriented, both attributes that unsure I will absolutely never give up on things I care a lot about once I have set out to do them.

    You’ve had an interesting background with an emphasis on health and nutrition, but with a stint as a marketer as well. How have these past experiences helped you with your efforts at Local Scoop? Was there anything that you were surprised translated? Was there anything that didn’t translate at all as you transitioned to opening your own business?

    I think every experience I’ve had professionally before Local Scoop has benefitted my process in one way or another. Being at a non-profit instilled a desire to do meaningful, challenging work that aligns with my current job. Start-up culture later taught me the value of dynamism and the ability to wear many hats and juggle many balls.

    I like working with a team, but entrepreneurism can be a lonely pursuit. Before hiring store associates, I craved the camaraderie of shared goals, teamwork, and brainstorming. I have had help from friends and family since day one, but hiring Local Scoop-exclusive employees has been a gratifying experience.

    Katie Fletcher started Local Scoop after being unable to find a healthy, zero-waste grocery store in San Diego. (Photo from Local Scoop Instagram)

    What was the biggest obstacle in opening The Local Scoop? How did you overcome it?

    The biggest obstacle in opening Local Scoop was getting the right permits! Working with the city and county can be a really daunting task that you want to get right the first time around. It can be a waiting game, that is for sure, but it is essential and I am grateful for the learning experience.

    How has community support been for The Local Scoop?

    Support from the community has been and continues to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Almost weekly, customers come in to “thank me” for bringing this to our community or to tell me, “we’ve been waiting for this for so long!” These kinds of comments mean the world to me. Our grand opening was also a resounding success beyond what I could have imagined. The business continues to grow monthly, so I think the community is starting to learn about us and our ethos and support us!

    What challenges do you foresee in the future? What opportunities?

    I think it will be an ongoing challenge to educate the community on why they should care about shopping package free will be ongoing. Helping customers see how bringing their own containers can be simple, affordable, and sustainable is a big task, but I am definitely up to the challenge. I see opportunities to expand our current space or expand into additional locations so we can spread the message of zero-waste and empower our customers to do more with less plastic.

    I’d imagine that the concept of a “Zero-Waste grocery store” is new for a lot of people. Can you talk a little bit more about what that entails? How have you been working to educate this concept to the general public?

    I have been continually trying to move my life towards a plastic-free, zero-waste one, so I feel confident in my ability to speak to those experiences and be seen as a resource towards others at any point on their own zero-waste journey. Of course, the concept is novel — but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing! People come in and are so excited and receptive, often saying things like “wow, this just makes so much sense!”

    I will continue these efforts through myself and my employees through the store, and also attend as many community events as possible throughout the year. Encinitas has a lot of sustainability and zero-waste focused events, so it is a great space to start and continue the conversation!

    What do you see as the future of grocery stores?

    I genuinely believe there is no way grocery stores can continue to operate the way they do right now. There is SO much waste and an absurd amount of plastic. Consumers are becoming more engaged around conversations regarding food and packaging waste. Finding ways to address both of these concerns simultaneously is key. Local Scoop does this by allowing customers to bring their own reusable containers and offering a “buy as much or as little as you need” model. It really is a win-win.

    In recent years, there seems to be a movement towards keeping food minimally processed and staying local. Would you agree with that assessment? What do you see as the future of food?

    Absolutely. Customers are exhausted by the confusing, misleading, and often contradictory messages about what is and isn’t healthy. Every month it seems there is a new food that is either killing us or helping us live forever. It is all overwhelming. By stripping food down to just a few, recognizable, easy to read and pronounce ingredients, we are able to eat foods that are good for us and the planet. It is “food in the nude,” and it isn’t confusing or opinionated.

    I’d imagine the concept of a package-free grocery store would have been tough to operate during the Covid years. How have you worked to build resilience into your business model?

    We weren’t open during COVID, but that would have been very difficult. I believe we would have moved the business towards allowing customers to order online in the quantities they need for themselves and their families, and then we would prepackage them in our compostable paper bags or in jars from our jar recycle program for pick up or delivery.

    What’s your favorite item that you stock? Has there been anything that you’ve been surprised has done so well?

    I absolutely love our pulp chips, which are made from the recycled pulp produced during the commercial juicing process. This delicious, nutrient dense pulp was being thrown away until a female-founded company in Los Angeles started collecting this pulp and repurposing it into the most delicious, addicting chips.

    I have been really surprised that dark chocolate pretzels have been such a big seller for us! We also sell vegan, gluten-free, local raw protein balls that literally fly off the shelves. I definitely would not have predicted that!

    Those protein balls really are great — my wife loves them! What are some tips and tricks you can give towards others working to achieve Zero Waste in their own lives?

    I always recommend that people use what they already have until the end of its usable life. There is no need to get rid of your plastic toothbrush, sponge, hairbrush, etc. if it is still in working condition. However, once an item can no longer be used, it would be wonderful to replace it with a more sustainable product, such as something made from bamboo.

    “Finding ways to address both food quality and packaging waste is key.” (Photo from Local Scoop Instagram)

    What are some ways that others can build resilience in their own life, especially with regards to food systems?

    I think being educated on where your food comes from and what values are important to you regarding farming, food waste, and regenerative agriculture are a great place to start. If you don’t know where your food comes from or what is the state of the food system in our community and beyond, you probably won’t care much about the negative or positive impacts your choices can make. You can build resilience to corruption simply through the purchasing power of your dollar and where you chose to spend it when it comes to food.

    What’s next for The Local Scoop?

    Many spring and summer events to bring together the community with local food purveyors and awesome members of our food system!

    What are the best ways for people to learn more, and support you and The Local Scoop?

    Come visit us in the store! Our hours are Monday — Friday 11–7, and Saturday — Sunday 10–6. You can also visit our website, send us an email, or follow us on Instagram, Tik Tok, and Facebook.

    Want to learn more? Go more in depth here:

    Local Scoop Website

    Subscribe to their newsletter

    Facebook

    Instagram

    YouTube

    Twitter

    Tik Tok

    Interview with The Coast News

    Interview with Del Mar Times

  • From Rugby to Resilience: Breaking Big Things Into Small Things with Daniel Palmer

    From Rugby to Resilience: Breaking Big Things Into Small Things with Daniel Palmer

    For this interview, I spoke to my friend Daniel Palmer, an experienced innovation manager currently working for Upstream Tech and former rugby player for the University of Notre Dame. Dan has a diverse background, having worked in consulting, local government, and startups, where he has gained valuable insights into problem-solving across all three sectors. Dan shares with us his thoughts on building a resilient mindset through his time playing rugby, using technology to help companies manage their water use, and the importance of taking things just one step at a time and focusing on small milestones to accomplish big things, whether at work or at home.

    If you’d like to learn more and connect with Daniel, you can find him here on LinkedIn.

    I’m chiefly interesting in the concepts of resilience — personal, communal, and societal. What does the concept of resilience mean to you?

    For me, resilience is experiencing challenges, hardships, or change, and coming out on the other side of that. Whether that means surviving or just coming out stronger — but really being able to withstand challenges and thriving on the other side of those.

    You played rugby at Notre Dame. Did playing a highly physical sport influence your definition at all or influence this mindset?

    When I played rugby, the focus was heavily on mental toughness and persevering through tough situations. One of our favorite coaches was a former military and high-level rugby player from Scotland. He would organize sessions dedicated to building our mental fortitude, which he called Harden the F*** Up sessions. The goal was to train our ability to face challenges and persist despite difficulty — and these drills were tough. One session was held after a blizzard in January, where we did stretcher carries across the field, and, in between events, got quizzed about math and history to keep our brains engaged!

    These sessions taught us about breaking down a difficult situation into small steps and focusing on reaching each milestone. It helped us build this ability to say that even if something was really hard right now, we knew we could make it to the next step, and then the next step after that. This mentality of not being overwhelmed and taking things step by step is transferable beyond just rugby. Even after the times we played against bigger and stronger opponents and they just beat us down terribly, I feel like the mental aspect of the sport has been most applicable to other areas of my life.

    Then perhaps the most helpful mental trick you learned would be the ability to take a large problem and break it up into smaller, more manageable steps?

    I often notice this in my life now. Personally, one of the most significant adjustments I’ve had to make, as we were discussing earlier, is transitioning from a young adult in my twenties and thirties with complete freedom to being a parent and finding my place in a larger family unit. During difficult times, I remind myself to take it one step at a time — whether that means focusing on the next five minutes or the next ten minutes. Or, simply making it to bedtime tonight and using that as an opportunity to reset. This approach has been really helpful for me.

    Daniel recommends taking big tasks one small step at a time — particularly when dealing with being a parent!

    You’ve had an interesting background with experience in environmental technology startups and using your technology background to solve civic problems. Can you go into a little more detail as to your experience?

    Certainly. The past few years for me have been about exploring different sectors and how each one approaches problems, which I’ve found to be quite similar in many cases. After finishing school, I started my career in consulting and primarily worked with federal agencies. I then transitioned to local government and spent a few years working on public-private partnerships with entrepreneurs and startups. For the past few years, I’ve been working in startups myself. One of the most interesting things to me has been observing the different tools and approaches that each sector has for the same problems. When I first started out, it seemed like many groups were working in isolation, but now there is so much more collaboration. It’s been an enjoyable and insightful experience.

    When you look at some of those tools and approaches, do you see much overlap in how they solve problems, or are they really very specialized for those sectors?

    There is a great deal of overlap between different sectors, and I have seen many creative individuals who have worked in one industry take their experiences and apply them to another. One example of this is when I worked with the city of San Francisco, where I ran a startup accelerator program. This type of program was not traditionally associated with government work, but we saw great success with it. In fact, during my time there, we were in the process of turning the program into a non-profit organization, which would allow us to scale it more effectively across different cities and even across the country.

    Overall, I have been surprised by the fluidity between sectors and the ability of individuals to take their skills and experiences from one industry and apply them in new and innovative ways.

    Normally, innovation typically starts in the private sector and then moves to the nonprofit sector before eventually being picked up by the government. Have you also observed this pattern?

    The extent of innovation across different sectors can vary based on what is meant by “innovation.” While a lot of the latest AI excitement has been driven by companies in the private sector, a ton of early technology research is conducted in government labs when the innovations aren’t yet commercializable, and there are people in government who work to incorporate AI and other new tools into their systems early on.

    I have noticed that different sectors tend to foster different types of innovation. In my experience working with local government, I found that individuals tended to be more resourceful in solving certain problems due to government constraints such as limited, fixed-pool funding or difficulty in hiring new staff. These constraints can lead to innovative solutions that may not be thought of in a different environment.

    Interesting.

    I believe there is a growing interest in exploring new and diverse approaches to problem-solving. One thing that has become clear is that each sector has unique strengths and capabilities. Generally, most Americans would prefer the government not to intervene in matters that can be handled by the market. Consequently, the government is left to tackle complex issues, such as externalities and negative impacts on society that the market does not address. These problems often require collaboration between the government, non-profit organizations, academic groups, and companies to find a solution.

    My perception of what innovation entails has changed over time. Initially, I associated it with technological advancements. However, my understanding has evolved to encompass various methods, such as engaging with users or customers, and internal changes within an organization. I believe these can be equally transformative.

    Tell me a little bit more about your current company, Upstream Tech. Can you talk about some of the problems that you’re working to solve?

    Sure! As a company, Upstream Tech, we have two products or services, and the one I focus on is called HydroForecast. Our main goal is to provide information about water availability and risk, specifically on how much water will be available in dams, reservoirs, or streams in the future. This is crucial because water is becoming more volatile in many places, especially in places like California as seen after this last winter.

    Our aim is to help people who operate water resources, such as municipal water utilities or companies that produce agriculture, by giving them more information sooner. With this, they can make better decisions and not be caught off guard by severe droughts or floods. By addressing some of these risks, we hope to contribute to a better water management system.

    So basically your team would take a look at the data and it would show them the weak spots in their water management plan?

    Sure, we provide valuable information to water supply utilities, cities, and farms about their water resources. For example, if a utility has a reservoir that provides water to cities, farms, and ecosystems with fish, we can tell them how much water is expected to come into the reservoir over the next few days and weeks. With this information, they can plan the appropriate amount of water to release, ensuring they have enough for dry periods and avoiding the risk of flooding during storms. Our goal is to help them make better decisions and mitigate water-related risks.

    What are some of the ways that water flow and quality affect business, and what challenges and opportunities exist in this space?

    Definitely. I was at an event earlier today with companies that are concerned about water risk in their operations. These range from agricultural producers and beverage companies to tech companies that use water to cool their data centers. Water used to be something businesses could take for granted in many places, but that’s not the case anymore. Many companies are worried about whether they’ll have enough water to run their operations in the future, whether that’s irrigating crops or producing the wafers in silicon chips for semiconductors, which is super water-intensive. They want to make sure they have enough water across their entire portfolio of operations and are also concerned about flooding if there’s too much water at any one point. Cities and utilities that operate large dams and reservoirs also face the challenge of balancing water usage to avoid overtopping and flooding. Water is great in the right quantities, but keeping it within those bounds is becoming harder and harder.

    Whether water related or on a larger scale, how can individuals and companies work to build resilience?

    I think that’s a great question, and it’s clear that over the last few years, we’ve all become more aware of the many risks and challenges out there. From my perspective, I believe there are two key things we can do to prepare for the unexpected. The first is to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities, and then analyze them thoroughly to develop strategies to mitigate them. The second is just recognizing that there will always be things that catch us off guard, like the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Small changes add up to a big difference.

    I remember when my boss told me that an epidemiologist friend had predicted that 40 to 50% of the world’s population would be affected, and it was almost unimaginable at the time. That’s where building resilience and adaptability become crucial skills. It’s true that we may be exhausted from all the changes, but I also believe that we’re now much stronger and more resilient than we were just a few years ago.

    What are some ways that you’ve tried to build resilience in your own life and within your family?

    I believe that small changes can have a big impact, and this idea applies to my own personal growth as well. I’ve had a goal for the past five years of meditating for 10 minutes each day, with the hope that it would eventually grow into a more extensive practice. However, that hasn’t happened yet. Instead, I’ve found that taking small pauses throughout the day to take deep breaths and exhale has been more helpful for me. I try to find these small ways to be mindful and present in the moment, rather than feeling like I have to be the perfect, healthy, mindful person all the time. Whether it’s choosing roasted veggies over fries or taking a moment to breathe deeply, I focus on making small, doable changes in the moment rather than adding a thousand things to my to-do list. If I don’t have the energy or willpower to do better in that moment, I remind myself that it’s okay.

    It seems like it comes down to two different ideas that both focus on smallness. The first is just breaking up a big task into small manageable steps and conquering those small steps. The second is taking small moments and working to make the right decision in small moments, as opposed to focusing on a big long-term change or something drastic or radical.

    Yes, I think that’s right.

    What’s next for you?

    The biggest upcoming change in my life is that my wife and I are expecting again this summer. Going from not being a parent to having one kid was a massive shift, not something that could be accomplished with small changes. However, my wife and I were both intentional about keeping hold of our individual identities while still being present parents and maintaining our relationships with friends and hobbies. Figuring out how to balance being a parent and spending time with my family while also pursuing my interests and career goals will be a big challenge, especially with two kids instead of one. I recognize that other families have even more children, but for me, this change is significant. Ultimately, I believe that finding that balance and making sure to take care of myself and my family will be key.

    Thanks so much for this chat, Daniel. I think you’ve given us some great food for thought — and congrats on baby number two! If someone wants to contact you and talk more, what is the best way to reach you?

    They can find me here on LinkedIn. I’ve also recently started a newsletter on making your home more climate friendly and resilient. Check it out at Welcome Home Guides!

    Want to learn more? Go more in depth here:

    Welcome Home Guides

    Upstream Tech

    University of Notre Dame Rugby

  • Turning Waste into Electricity and Clean Water: An Inside Look at Aquacycl

    Turning Waste into Electricity and Clean Water: An Inside Look at Aquacycl

    Recently, I had the chance to sit down with Juli Iacuaniello, the Marketing Director at one of San Diego’s most cutting-edge startups, Aquacycl. Focused on providing modular, affordable wastewater treatment through an innovative modular, microbial fuel cell system that turns waste into electrical energy and clean water, this company is on the front lines of building resilience into our communities, society, and infrastructure.

    In the interview below, we explore the ideas of building resilience into a company culture and what it took to navigate through COVID, Aquacycl’s biggest successes, the San Diego startup scene, the role wastewater treatment plays in water access and the climate, and the importance of creating a product that isn’t just environmentally sound, but economically sound as well.

    If you’d like to see more about Aquacycl and their mission, you can check them out on LinkedIn or their website. You can also reach out to Juli personally if you’re interested in learning more!

    I’m chiefly interested in the concept of resilience — personal, communal, and societal. What does resilience mean to you and how does it align with Aquacycl’s mission?

    Our mission is to provide sanitation and clean water for people that don’t have it. There are over two billion people in the world that have no access to sanitation that is safe and reliable — more people have access to a cell phone than a toilet! When Aquacycl was started, the mission was to address this sanitation and clean water gap.

    In the global south especially, a lot of people don’t have the infrastructure for sanitation or clean water. Where we want to be in three, five, or seven years is to be able to provide modular, rapidly deployable mobile or permanent systems for sanitation. People that are displaced from natural disasters are oftentimes put into horrible situations, into refugee camps where they don’t really have the amenities that you or I would think of on a daily basis. Being able to rapidly deploy modular systems that can address that gap is one opportunity to build resilience in the face of disaster in areas that need it the most.

    We were founded with a goal of off-grid and off-energy sanitation. Eventually (and I say eventually because we aren’t quite there yet) that’s where we want to be. We aren’t rebuilding the old centralized model. We aren’t just replacing the old systems with how they were build 50 years ago. We are actually coming in with new technology that can address the problems in front of us without adding to the problem, without requiring additional infrastructure, and without requiring huge capital investment to build out the new infrastructure. We can build this new technology and infrastructure in a way that can reduce the impact of natural disasters and the sanitation gap, and build resilience in communities that are most vulnerable to natural disasters around the world.

    Aquacycl CEO, Orianna Bretschger, examining their technology.

    Startups are notoriously vulnerable to risk. Can you talk about some of the obstacles that you have overcome thus far? How have you worked to build resilience within your company culture to continue to identify, as well as overcome, potential setbacks?

    I’d say the number one obstacle was COVID. I had joined maybe six months before COVID hit, and everything started shutting down. Schools shut down, businesses were closing — that was a really challenging time for AquaCycl. We were in the middle of raising money! We were trying to get customers and we were calling on companies that also basically stopped everything.

    Our CEO and founder, Orianna Bretschger, is tremendous. She responded very quickly to try to keep the company alive. During that time, Aquacycl pivoted a little bit, since we now had excess capacity — we used our lab space to make hand sanitizer and get it to first responders. And the several of us who had been furloughed while trying to understand what was happening believed so strongly in the mission and vision of the company that we actually kept working to try and bring it to fruition!

    But other than that, since there was a couple of us on the sales and marketing team that were still working through the shutdown, we actually ended up closing our first commercial contract.

    I think that the reasons we were able to pull through the COVID shutdown were because we believed so much in both the mission of the company and the value of the technology — both its industrial value and the long term value.

    Over the last couple years, we’ve closed our Series A and used this money to prepare for the next phase of growth. We are moving from startup to scaleup, so we have brought in new team members who can put in place the processes that will allow us to grow — but we’re making sure that we still have a culture of putting the customer first and getting things done quickly.

    Would you say that part of what helped Aquacycl get through the COVID pandemic was a hyper focus on the company’s vision and mission statement?

    Yes, absolutely.

    I think the people who work at Aquacycl are excited to be here because of the vision and because of the game changing technology we are building. This is cool technology where you take, these little batteries, basically, and the microbes are both cleaning the water and producing electricity. I think people here really are excited about the technology, and they’re excited about the mission.

    I’d also say people like working here because, while it’s a small team still, it still has great comradery. We really haven’t had much turnover at all. There have been a couple people that came in and out, but for the most part, our team has stayed pretty consistent.

    So I think it comes down to the mission, the technology, and the people who are here. We’re really careful about hiring the right people, and hiring for fit rather than necessarily hiring the absolute most qualified. Our CEO is extremely careful about hiring for cultural fit within our company.

    https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2FIxsG8G0YTEE%3Ffeature%3Doembed&display_name=YouTube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DIxsG8G0YTEE&image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FIxsG8G0YTEE%2Fhqdefault.jpg&key=a19fcc184b9711e1b4764040d3dc5c07&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=youtubeTake a deeper look into Aquacycl’s technology with this video!

    Can you talk about your biggest success that you’ve had with Aquacycl thus far? What helped you achieve it?

    There have been several significant achievements for us! From a commercial standpoint, one of our biggest successes has been our partnership with PepsiCo, where we are working at their site to treat wastewater from their process. They have been a tremendous partner for us. After an initial pilot, we expanded to a multi-year commercial contract, with clear KPIs that track system performance, environmental impact and cost savings. Another big success for us last year was expanding into new industries, notably hydrocarbon remediation, where we validated that we can remove really challenging compounds.

    I’d say another success is the recognition that we’ve received from various awards and media, which has increased the visibility of what we are trying to achieve. Some of these included our CEO receiving the Cartier Women’s Initiative Laureate in STEM, Impact Company of the Year by Startup San Diego, a nominee for Fast Company Next Big Things in Tech, and many others. We have also received coverage in Forbes and Fast Company, and various trade and business journals. These successes are a testament to our progress as a small company and provide the validation and social proof that our product is excellent, as well as customer satisfaction validation.

    We’ve had amazing support over the past few years that has helped us to grow the company to where it is. We’ve participated in a number of accelerators, including Imagine H20, Xylem Innovation Labs, Google for Startups, 100+ Accelerator (sponsored by AB InBev, The Coca Cola Company, Unilever and Colgate-Palmolive), Unreasonable Impact, Creative Destruction Lab, Plug and Play, and The Circulars. These have been key to our successes, as they help connect us with investors, customers and potential channel partners.

    San Diego is well regarded for our burgeoning biotech scene. Does being part of such a community help as you work to grow your company and innovate in your own space? Have there been any surprising drawbacks?

    No, it’s a good question, but I think that Orianna (our CEO) could probably provide a more detailed response. From my perspective, however, the San Diego community has been incredibly supportive of Aquacycl. I first met Orianna about four years ago at a pitch event organized by Hera Labs, which is now known as Stella. They do a lot to support female entrepreneurs. Orianna won the pitch contest, and went on to win the San Diego Angel Conference, where Aquacycl was the first company to secure seed money and visibility.

    The San Diego startup community, although not exclusively focused on biotech, has been a tremendous support to us. We are a biotech company, but we are not a traditional one. Nonetheless, the community has shown a strong desire to help startups grow by providing connections and inviting us to events. Overall, I cannot speak highly enough of the startup community in San Diego that has supported us!

    A look at one of Aquacycl’s modular wastewater treatment service units.

    Global water use is suspected to grow between 20–50% in 2050. Can you talk about Aquacycl’s role in helping mitigate the risk that dwindling water access poses to our communities?

    The big issue in the West is water scarcity, and I believe our solution has the potential to address this challenge. By treating water at the source, we can enable water reuse and reduce the amount of blue water required, which in turn alleviates water scarcity for everyone. Industrial companies are heavy water consumers, so reducing their water footprint can have a significant impact. For instance, clean water can be reused for non-product contact applications such as washing floors, toilets, and tanks. This approach reduces the need for freshwater while addressing concerns around food safety.

    Water scarcity is a significant driver for us, and it underscores the need for resilience in ensuring that water is available for everyone. We must prioritize water availability to avoid situations where people are forced to relocate because of water shortages. While small actions such as turning off the tap while brushing teeth can help, large-scale water conservation efforts by companies can make a significant difference.

    Looking to the future, what do you see as the future for Aquacycl? Are there any specific opportunities and risks that you are looking to navigate in the future, both near and long term?

    In the near future, our focus will remain on expanding our industrial customer base since we believe that’s where we have the strongest value proposition. However, our long-term goal is to return to sanitation and distributed sanitation, and we’re actively working towards that end. The challenge that our customers face is that while they have funds allocated for their operations, waste management is a necessary expense. The real challenge lies in meeting their aggressive sustainability goals related to water and climate, which requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    Our aim in the next two to three years is to achieve a stronger penetration rate and quantify our contribution to improving water quality. Currently, a vast amount of wastewater, ranging from 56% to 80%, depending on the source, is discharged untreated into the environment. This is a significant environmental problem since the wastewater sector is already responsible for 4 to 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Our goal is to address this issue and make a tangible impact by expanding our reach.

    We’re also looking to expand into the European market, replicating our North American success. We see many opportunities in multiple verticals and waste streams, including pharmaceutical and hydrocarbon wastewater.

    Finally, technology plays a crucial role in our growth plan. Our CTO (who actually just walked by!) has a roadmap for the development of our technology, and we’re working hard to make it a reality.

    Aquacycl’s value proposition seems to be that not only is it greener and more efficient, it saves companies money. Can you talk about the importance of not only creating environmental resilience, but economic resilience as well?

    That’s a really insightful question — all too often we focus solely on the environmental benefits of a particular initiative, and fail to take into account the economic factors that drive businesses. Ultimately, our clients are in the business of generating profits for their shareholders, which is the fundamental principle on which our society is built. In our numerous conversations with various companies, we have found that unless an initiative can deliver both economic and environmental benefits, it cannot be effectively marketed on the basis of environmental benefits alone. While there may be some niche areas and technologies where the environmental benefit alone can drive sales, for the most part, companies require a solution that delivers operational savings as well as sustainability benefits.

    This approach is driven by the fact that if an initiative costs a company a significant amount of money without delivering a commensurate return, it will be viewed unfavorably by investors. In the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, which is known for its competitiveness, margins are crucial. If the margins start to slip, investors will take note, and this could have serious consequences for the company’s long-term viability. Therefore, any sustainability initiative must deliver a dual benefit in order to make sense from a business perspective and ensure the longevity of the company.

    Want to learn more? Go more in depth here:

    Aquacycl Website

    Aquacycl LinkedIn

    Aquacycl and PepsiCo Case Study

    Aquacycl in Forbes

    Aquacycl in Fast Company

    Circular Economy Overview

  • An Introduction to Exploring Resilience: Three Spheres for Personal, Communal, and Societal Growth

    An Introduction to Exploring Resilience: Three Spheres for Personal, Communal, and Societal Growth

    My whole life, I’ve always been extremely curious.

    This has led me to hurtle headlong towards learning about numerous pursuits (or as my wife calls them, “rabbit holes”) on all kinds of ridiculous topics (sorry about holding you hostage while I pontificated on the Rime of the Ancient Mariner, honey!) because, to me, the main overarching hobby of mine is simply learning something new.

    The past few years, I began to notice that many of my hobbies and rabbit holes all had one overarching theme in common — you could file them all under the umbrella of resilience. I realized that all of my disparate hobbies and interests like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, permaculture and aquaculture, urban design, backpacking, small business, the circular economy, fitness, and many more, could all be shoehorned under one (or more!) of three different spheres of building resilience — personal resilience, communal resilience, and societal resilience. Over the life of this blog, I hope to explore each of these spheres in turn and highlight examples from my own life, community, and areas of interest that highlight resilience — and teach others how to build resilience in themselves and those around them.

    First, let’s get some definitions down. What do I mean by resilience? Resilience is not just the ability of an individual, community, and society to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges, but about their ability to lessen or avoid the negative consequences and impacts of challenges through strength and a coherent strategic vision to plan for any issues.

    Perhaps this definition is impacted by the nearness of the Covid pandemic — a total shutdown of society that showcased an incredible lack of societal resilience from top to bottom and highlighted just how susceptible many of our social structures we take for granted really are when confronted by an outside force. However, while society on a grand scale languished, many people and local community organizations showed remarkable resilience— leading me to believe that there are different spheres of resilience that should be examined.

    The first sphere is PERSONAL.

    Personal resilience refers to the ability of individuals to perceive, withstand, and overcome obstacles. It encompasses a wide range of factors, including physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. I hope to explore the many ways to build personal resilience, by developing skills and habits such as fitness, connection with nature, exploring decision making frameworks, the science of curiosity, and more.

    The second sphere is COMMUNAL.

    Communal resilience refers to the ability of groups of people to be organized and structured in such a way that they lessen the impact of adversity, strengthen communal bonds, and thrive in the face of challenges. Topics might include strengthening families and neighborhoods, building strong bonds within the larger community, highlighting local businesses and institutions that are important to the future (and past!) of a community, fostering a sense of belonging and connection with the nearby natural environment, strong urban design, promoting local food systems, and more.

    The third sphere is SOCIETAL.

    Societal resilience involves adaptability and strength on a large scale when faced with global problems. These challenges can include things such as climate change and resource depletion, or even inflation, monetary policy, and other far reaching, future facing problems. For my purposes, it involves building strong and sustainable economic systems, promoting sustainable agriculture, and developing innovative solutions to environmental problems. I hope to showcase new technologies, large companies, interesting books, and thought leaders who look ahead, solving tough problems and making humanity more resilient as a whole.

    This blog is intended to be more experimental and philosophical about the topic of resilience than a manifesto or call to arms. Its main intention is to meander slowly along, exploring many different facets of the three main pillars of resilience — personal, communal, and societal. I hope to introduce you to new concepts, inspiring people, and interesting thoughts that can fall under the resilience umbrella, and I hope that I’m introduced to some new ideas along the way too. I also hope that this is the last blog post I write in the first person!

    If you have a company, person, book, or hobby that exemplifies resilience, please let me know. I’d love to examine it in greater detail.

    Looking forward to exploring the topic of resilience with you all.