Welcome to Vocus Inspire, the podcast full of brilliant ideas for business.

Welcome to Vocus Inspire, the podcast full of brilliant ideas for business.

Hi, I'm Luke Coleman, head of government and corporate affairs at Vocus, Australia's leading specialist fibre and network solutions provider. Before we get things underway, we want to acknowledge and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of the land from wherever you're listening. In this podcast, we dive headfirst into what's on the minds of Australian business and government leaders to help inspire you and your organisation to go forward, go further and go faster. So let's go.

Hi, I'm Luke Coleman, head of government and corporate affairs at Vocus, Australia's leading specialist fibre and network solutions provider. Before we get things underway, we want to acknowledge and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of the land from wherever you're listening. In this podcast, we dive headfirst into what's on the minds of Australian business and government leaders to help inspire you and your organisation to go forward, go further and go faster. So let's go.

Joining us today is Aiden Ashton, head of decarbonisation at Energetics. Aiden, a pleasure to have you with us today. Thank you, Luke. It's a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me. OK, Aiden, we're at a barbecue. Someone's asked you what you do for a job. Go. Well, there's usually a little bit of an awkward silence.

Joining us today is Aiden Ashton, head of decarbonisation at Energetics. Aiden, a pleasure to have you with us today. Thank you, Luke. It's a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me. OK, Aiden, we're at a barbecue. Someone's asked you what you do for a job. Go. Well, there's usually a little bit of an awkward silence.

And then I say, um, that I help organisations understand the risks and opportunities climate change presents to their business. In that same conversation, how would you best explain net zero? Well, this is actually where I get much more comfortable and talk about how net zero is two things. Firstly, it's a line in the sand that unites business, policymakers and communities.

And then I say, um, that I help organisations understand the risks and opportunities climate change presents to their business. In that same conversation, how would you best explain net zero? Well, this is actually where I get much more comfortable and talk about how net zero is two things. Firstly, it's a line in the sand that unites business, policymakers and communities.

To the common goal of basically saving the world.

To the common goal of basically saving the world.

And secondly, it provides a framework for translating that purpose and vision into action. There's so much happening with regard to climate change and the performance and commitments of governments, industries and companies. Underpinning that, how would you characterise the shift in investor, supplier, customer, and community expectations?

And secondly, it provides a framework for translating that purpose and vision into action. There's so much happening with regard to climate change and the performance and commitments of governments, industries and companies. Underpinning that, how would you characterise the shift in investor, supplier, customer, and community expectations?

So simply put, uh, the shift in expectations has been really hard and fast, and that's because of a couple of confounding factors.

So simply put, uh, the shift in expectations has been really hard and fast, and that's because of a couple of confounding factors.

So net zero is a concept has made climate change commitments really quite accessible. People understand the concept of it. And we've also experienced some really quite extreme climate events in the last few years. Think back to the bushfires of the summer of 2019 and 2020. I can't.

So net zero is a concept has made climate change commitments really quite accessible. People understand the concept of it. And we've also experienced some really quite extreme climate events in the last few years. Think back to the bushfires of the summer of 2019 and 2020. I can't.

Really recall exactly how many 1 in 100 year flood events we're up to in the last 12 months on the east coast.

Really recall exactly how many 1 in 100 year flood events we're up to in the last 12 months on the east coast.

And people are joining those dots together. They now understand that there is that link between these extreme events and achieving net zero. And so they're really driving and calling for action. And we're seeing that replicated in the marketplace as well. Net zero by 2050 is essentially viewed as business as usual now.

And people are joining those dots together. They now understand that there is that link between these extreme events and achieving net zero. And so they're really driving and calling for action. And we're seeing that replicated in the marketplace as well. Net zero by 2050 is essentially viewed as business as usual now.

And what we're seeing is this increasing pressure from boards and investors who really want to see those credible action plans of exactly how are you gonna get there. Not so long ago, we saw a push for commitments for net zero by 2050. That's moved to 2040. Now some companies such as Vocus are targeting net zero by as soon as 2025. Do you expect the speed of change to increase? The short answer is yes.

And what we're seeing is this increasing pressure from boards and investors who really want to see those credible action plans of exactly how are you gonna get there. Not so long ago, we saw a push for commitments for net zero by 2050. That's moved to 2040. Now some companies such as Vocus are targeting net zero by as soon as 2025. Do you expect the speed of change to increase? The short answer is yes.

The long answer is, it really depends who you are and what your emissions profile looks like.

The long answer is, it really depends who you are and what your emissions profile looks like.

So if the majority of your emissions are scoped to, which are those that come from the um electricity that you use from a grid, then reducing your emissions is relatively straightforward. It's essentially a procurement exercise for renewable electricity. In the, in that case, definitely there is an increasing expectation for you to take action because you can't.

So if the majority of your emissions are scoped to, which are those that come from the um electricity that you use from a grid, then reducing your emissions is relatively straightforward. It's essentially a procurement exercise for renewable electricity. In the, in that case, definitely there is an increasing expectation for you to take action because you can't.

However, if your business

However, if your business

Has significantco one emissions, and these are emissions from fuels like gas or diesel, you might use it in industrial processes or to run machinery.

Has significantco one emissions, and these are emissions from fuels like gas or diesel, you might use it in industrial processes or to run machinery.

The challenges to achieve net zero are are pretty significant. Um, in some cases, the technologies required to decarbonize, they don't actually exist yet. So for those organisations, they need more time to figure out the answers to those questions.

The challenges to achieve net zero are are pretty significant. Um, in some cases, the technologies required to decarbonize, they don't actually exist yet. So for those organisations, they need more time to figure out the answers to those questions.

But I do want to say that just because it's hard, it, it doesn't excuse inaction. You've got to start trying to answer these questions now. Looking ahead, what level of activity and performance do you expect to see from organisations and governments in 2040? By 2040, decarbonisation should be embedded into everything we do.

But I do want to say that just because it's hard, it, it doesn't excuse inaction. You've got to start trying to answer these questions now. Looking ahead, what level of activity and performance do you expect to see from organisations and governments in 2040? By 2040, decarbonisation should be embedded into everything we do.

Resilience, mitigation actions, they will all be well established. They'll be in your business processes and procedures. You'll be making every business decision against your net zero environmental credentials and their, their impact.

Resilience, mitigation actions, they will all be well established. They'll be in your business processes and procedures. You'll be making every business decision against your net zero environmental credentials and their, their impact.

As a community, collectively, we'll be at a point where we're trying to navigate the physical impacts of climate change, which are already locked in. And hopefully, we'll be continuing to strive for a better world. Now, for many of our listeners on this podcast, they may be from a business that's at the very beginning of their journey towards net zero. from your perspective, what are the key steps that they should be looking at at this early stage? The very first step is understanding your emissions profile.

As a community, collectively, we'll be at a point where we're trying to navigate the physical impacts of climate change, which are already locked in. And hopefully, we'll be continuing to strive for a better world. Now, for many of our listeners on this podcast, they may be from a business that's at the very beginning of their journey towards net zero. from your perspective, what are the key steps that they should be looking at at this early stage? The very first step is understanding your emissions profile.

And by this I mean where your emissions come from and in what quantity. You want to know what that profile looks like now and how it'll change in future alongside those changes that you're expecting within your business. From there, you can develop an understanding of your risk profile and get an idea of how challenging it'll be for you to abate those emissions.

And by this I mean where your emissions come from and in what quantity. You want to know what that profile looks like now and how it'll change in future alongside those changes that you're expecting within your business. From there, you can develop an understanding of your risk profile and get an idea of how challenging it'll be for you to abate those emissions.

But also what opportunities may present themselves as the economy decarbonizes.

But also what opportunities may present themselves as the economy decarbonizes.

And Luke, I also want to flag with your listeners that if they are about to embark on their net zero journey, they need to be prepared for some uncomfortable conversations.

And Luke, I also want to flag with your listeners that if they are about to embark on their net zero journey, they need to be prepared for some uncomfortable conversations.

You're gonna have to be brave in how you approach net zero, because to truly decarbonize and to decouple from fossil fuels, it may require a fundamental rethink and redesign of what you do and how you do it.

You're gonna have to be brave in how you approach net zero, because to truly decarbonize and to decouple from fossil fuels, it may require a fundamental rethink and redesign of what you do and how you do it.

Looking beyond an organization's own operations, how important is the performance of organisations in your supply chain becoming? The emissions associated with your upstream and downstream value chain are referred to as scope-free emissions, and there's increasing expectations around the quantification and reporting of scope-free emissions. Now, the reason for this is twofold. You've got

Looking beyond an organization's own operations, how important is the performance of organisations in your supply chain becoming? The emissions associated with your upstream and downstream value chain are referred to as scope-free emissions, and there's increasing expectations around the quantification and reporting of scope-free emissions. Now, the reason for this is twofold. You've got

Investors wanting to have greater clarity over your exposure. Um, and you also have this need to identify where you can influence and where you can support and encourage your suppliers to take climate action.

Investors wanting to have greater clarity over your exposure. Um, and you also have this need to identify where you can influence and where you can support and encourage your suppliers to take climate action.

What are the dangers for organisations in terms of not going far enough with their commitments or perhaps not genuinely addressing key areas of performance, I think it's called greenwashing.

What are the dangers for organisations in terms of not going far enough with their commitments or perhaps not genuinely addressing key areas of performance, I think it's called greenwashing.

Indeed, it is. OK, so, sure, in the short term, there will likely be reputational impacts if your public disclosure isn't robust. And we're definitely seeing investors taking net zero commitments and action plans into account whether they're making funding decisions.

Indeed, it is. OK, so, sure, in the short term, there will likely be reputational impacts if your public disclosure isn't robust. And we're definitely seeing investors taking net zero commitments and action plans into account whether they're making funding decisions.

But fundamentally, net zero is is about risk management. It's a framework for doing so. So by not taking action now, how can you prepare for the uncertainty of what comes next? It is no exaggeration to say that the world of tomorrow won't play by the same rules as today.

But fundamentally, net zero is is about risk management. It's a framework for doing so. So by not taking action now, how can you prepare for the uncertainty of what comes next? It is no exaggeration to say that the world of tomorrow won't play by the same rules as today.

As the wider economy shifts, you'll potentially lose your social licence to operate. You'll likely experience rising costs and more stringent stringent regulation.

As the wider economy shifts, you'll potentially lose your social licence to operate. You'll likely experience rising costs and more stringent stringent regulation.

So the question for business leaders then becomes, how long can you afford not to take action?

So the question for business leaders then becomes, how long can you afford not to take action?

Now, a few times throughout our conversation, you've mentioned the increasing importance to investors of having a net zero strategy. Do you expect increased scrutiny or pressure from interest groups to grow in this area? And when I say interest groups, we don't only necessarily mean environmental groups, it may well be investor groups. Uh, is there any broad examples that you can share from your experience? Absolutely. The, the scrutiny is already there and it's becoming much more widespread.

Now, a few times throughout our conversation, you've mentioned the increasing importance to investors of having a net zero strategy. Do you expect increased scrutiny or pressure from interest groups to grow in this area? And when I say interest groups, we don't only necessarily mean environmental groups, it may well be investor groups. Uh, is there any broad examples that you can share from your experience? Absolutely. The, the scrutiny is already there and it's becoming much more widespread.

We're seeing more jurisdictions implement mandatory reporting on climate-related risks, and it's no longer good enough simply to set a target. Stakeholders want to see a detailed plan of, of how you're going to get there.

We're seeing more jurisdictions implement mandatory reporting on climate-related risks, and it's no longer good enough simply to set a target. Stakeholders want to see a detailed plan of, of how you're going to get there.

And I think ultimately we're we're seeing that call from the very highest powers.

And I think ultimately we're we're seeing that call from the very highest powers.

Um,

Um,

The most recent and high profile example of this is actually in the UK where the High Court has ordered the UK government to explain how its net zero policies will reach that target. A lot of the conversation that businesses and government are having around net zero right now is purely on the mechanics. How do we change our energy makeup to get to net zero? But is there anything that's missing in that conversation that you think can play an important role on the journey to net zero?

The most recent and high profile example of this is actually in the UK where the High Court has ordered the UK government to explain how its net zero policies will reach that target. A lot of the conversation that businesses and government are having around net zero right now is purely on the mechanics. How do we change our energy makeup to get to net zero? But is there anything that's missing in that conversation that you think can play an important role on the journey to net zero?

I would say don't lose sight of the need for creativity and where creativity comes from.

I would say don't lose sight of the need for creativity and where creativity comes from.

We're facing new challenges, we're asking new questions. And so we need to be able to give people the space to innovate and to explore new ideas.

We're facing new challenges, we're asking new questions. And so we need to be able to give people the space to innovate and to explore new ideas.

And that also comes from diversity of thought. So making sure that you're seeking representation from all walks of life with all experience levels, um, from all backgrounds, because only by compiling that wealth of experience.

And that also comes from diversity of thought. So making sure that you're seeking representation from all walks of life with all experience levels, um, from all backgrounds, because only by compiling that wealth of experience.

Can we really strive in designing the tomorrow that we really need? With so much focus on climate change and net zero, your expertise must be so highly in demand right now. How much fun are you having at the moment?

Can we really strive in designing the tomorrow that we really need? With so much focus on climate change and net zero, your expertise must be so highly in demand right now. How much fun are you having at the moment?

I am having a lot of fun right now.

I am having a lot of fun right now.

It's such a privilege to be in a position where I get to work with organisations who are so motivated about doing the right thing and making change, and they're open to having often really quite difficult conversations, which relate to, sure, in the future, they might not be able to make their product in the same way that they have done for centuries.

It's such a privilege to be in a position where I get to work with organisations who are so motivated about doing the right thing and making change, and they're open to having often really quite difficult conversations, which relate to, sure, in the future, they might not be able to make their product in the same way that they have done for centuries.

And they're embracing that change because they want to build a better world, and we absolutely love working with those types of people. How can we get more discussion on the positives and the upside of what we can do with Net Zero?

And they're embracing that change because they want to build a better world, and we absolutely love working with those types of people. How can we get more discussion on the positives and the upside of what we can do with Net Zero?

It is not all doom and gloom. That's actually the whole point of net zero, is that when you understand.

It is not all doom and gloom. That's actually the whole point of net zero, is that when you understand.

What the world is going to look like at 2050, you now have some boundaries around that uncertainty, and you can really start to play in them. We're seeing so much collaboration and creativity. We're seeing new solutions to old problems. And it's really driving this kind of inspired renaissance within some quite kind of, um,

What the world is going to look like at 2050, you now have some boundaries around that uncertainty, and you can really start to play in them. We're seeing so much collaboration and creativity. We're seeing new solutions to old problems. And it's really driving this kind of inspired renaissance within some quite kind of, um,

Structured industries that have done the same thing in the same way for a long time, and they feel revitalised by this process and there is so much opportunity out there. Um, so it's not just about,

Structured industries that have done the same thing in the same way for a long time, and they feel revitalised by this process and there is so much opportunity out there. Um, so it's not just about,

What are the risks. We have to take account of those, but the decarbonization of our economy has so much potential for growth, and we need to be able to step into that and really look at it with curiosity and wonder of what can we do next.

What are the risks. We have to take account of those, but the decarbonization of our economy has so much potential for growth, and we need to be able to step into that and really look at it with curiosity and wonder of what can we do next.

Now we're going to move slightly shift gears into a segment where you've got the opportunity to put out one call or request or wish, uh, to all leaders of enterprise and government organisations listening to this podcast in order to realise or avoid missing an incredible opportunity or or make a big mistake. So, the question to you is, if you had one wish or request for all business and government leaders, what would it be and why?

Now we're going to move slightly shift gears into a segment where you've got the opportunity to put out one call or request or wish, uh, to all leaders of enterprise and government organisations listening to this podcast in order to realise or avoid missing an incredible opportunity or or make a big mistake. So, the question to you is, if you had one wish or request for all business and government leaders, what would it be and why?

No pressure then Luke. OK.

No pressure then Luke. OK.

We are living through really turbulent times at the moment.

We are living through really turbulent times at the moment.

And my one request for leaders would be to lay down your arms.

And my one request for leaders would be to lay down your arms.

Stop weaponizing fear, uncertainty and scarcity.

Stop weaponizing fear, uncertainty and scarcity.

Instead, remain curious and open-minded, so that when you need to lean into difficult conversations or make a hard decision, you do what is right rather than what is easy. Excellent answer. Now, we might jump into the under the spotlight section, so a few rapid fire questions that I'll throw at you, keep it short and sweet. So,

Instead, remain curious and open-minded, so that when you need to lean into difficult conversations or make a hard decision, you do what is right rather than what is easy. Excellent answer. Now, we might jump into the under the spotlight section, so a few rapid fire questions that I'll throw at you, keep it short and sweet. So,

What is your favourite piece of technology? The bicycle.

What is your favourite piece of technology? The bicycle.

How do you disconnect?

How do you disconnect?

By exploring wild places. What's the most important thing you do for your well-being? I move. And whether that's rock climbing, walking or running, just gotta move. What's the one thing that would surprise people about you?

By exploring wild places. What's the most important thing you do for your well-being? I move. And whether that's rock climbing, walking or running, just gotta move. What's the one thing that would surprise people about you?

I'm a big Taylor Swift fan.

I'm a big Taylor Swift fan.

What's the one personal trait most important to success?

What's the one personal trait most important to success?

The capacity to embrace failure. And finally, what's one thing that there needs to be more of in business today? Greater diversity in leadership positions. Outstanding. Thank you. Ayan, thanks so much for providing your insights today. It's such a topic that is on everybody's lips at the moment. We're really grateful that you could be with us. Thank you. Thank you for having me.

The capacity to embrace failure. And finally, what's one thing that there needs to be more of in business today? Greater diversity in leadership positions. Outstanding. Thank you. Ayan, thanks so much for providing your insights today. It's such a topic that is on everybody's lips at the moment. We're really grateful that you could be with us. Thank you. Thank you for having me.

Thanks so much for listening. I hope you've enjoyed this episode of Focus Inspire, and we look forward to bringing you more inspiration in coming episodes. If you've enjoyed this conversation, we've got so much more to share with you. We've just released a detailed report called Connectivity for.

Thanks so much for listening. I hope you've enjoyed this episode of Focus Inspire, and we look forward to bringing you more inspiration in coming episodes. If you've enjoyed this conversation, we've got so much more to share with you. We've just released a detailed report called Connectivity for.

0, the new business imperative, featuring trends and insights from industry leaders and experts and importantly, practical steps to help you lead your organisation through change. Head to our website at ocus.com.au to download the full report.

0, the new business imperative, featuring trends and insights from industry leaders and experts and importantly, practical steps to help you lead your organisation through change. Head to our website at ocus.com.au to download the full report.

And don't forget, if you want more inspiration and more episodes, head to Vocus.com.au/podcast. You can follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date with all things Vocus. Listen out for the next episode of the Vocus Inspire podcast.

And don't forget, if you want more inspiration and more episodes, head to Vocus.com.au/podcast. You can follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date with all things Vocus. Listen out for the next episode of the Vocus Inspire podcast.