Ocean Collaborations

• #15 Kendra MacDonald: Canada's Ocean Supercluster

  In this conversation, Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, discusses the challenges and opportunities in the blue economy moving to a blue regenerative economy. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation and relates it to her career transition from consulting seven years ago to network and promote technology and investment in the ocean sector. The dialogue also highlights the role of women in global ocean leadership. Takeaways* Awareness of ocean issues is crucial for driving change.* Kendra’s career transition highlights the importance of passion in leadership.* Technology and innovation play a key role in ocean sustainability in her work.* Global collaboration is essential for addressing ocean challenges.Chapters00:00 Introduction of Kendra and her relation to the Ocean 04:05 Kendra as the Voice of the Ocean05:46 Her Career Transition from Corporate to Ocean08:31 Connecting and Collaborating11:50 Women in Ocean Leadership16:09 Highlights of Collaboration18:37 Global Supercluster Collaboration21:36 Barriers to Collaboration25:43 Towards a Regenerative Blue Economy29:11 Collaboration with the Global South31:19 The Need for Time and Resources33:37 Engagement with UN InitiativesKendra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-macdonald-40b574Canada Ocean Supercluster Webpage: https://oceansupercluster.caLinklist from Kendra:* BTCA | BlueTech Cluster Alliance: a global network of industry-led BlueTech clusters that are committed to collaboration, developing joint-projects, promoting each other’s member companies, and sharing information.* Horizon Europe the EU’s funding programme for research and innovation* AltaSea Home - AltaSea: AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles is dedicated to accelerating scientific collaboration, advancing an emerging Blue Economy through business innovation, and job creation, and inspiring the next generation, all for a more sustainable, just, and equitable world* SeaAhead: SeaAhead brings together entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and stakeholders. In just a few years, SeaAhead has grown into an open-innovation ecosystem that produces scalable commercial solutions to modern-day challenges* Global Ecosystem for Ocean Solutions (GEOS) | Ocean Visions: a transformative initiative, proudly endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. GEOS aims to accelerate collaboration across diverse sectors and geographies, fostering a globally distributed community dedicated to delivering innovative, effective, and durable solutions to the ocean-climate crisis. The GEOS program advances Ocean Visions’ mission by building and strengthening inclusive partnerships to further the development of ocean-based climate solutions internationally (webpage includes Columbia and the Patagonia cluster) * Blue Week Los Lagos | Welcu: Con la misión de posicionar la Patagonia chilena como un hub global para la Economía Azul, Blue Week Los Lagos 2025 impulsa la colaboración entre líderes de la industria, startups, inversionistas, actores públicos y privados tanto de Chile como del mundo.. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit janmaisenbacher.substack.com

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• #14 Alexis Grosskopf: Ocean Hub, Innovation (& Collaboration) in Africa

  In this episode of Ocean Collaborations, Jan Maisenbacher speaks with Alexis Grosskopf, an innovator and impact investor based in Cape Town.Alexis openly shares personal reflections as a new dad and how he balances currently his ocean collaboration work with the caring work for his daughter (and wife). Professionally, Jan and Alexis dive deep on the 1000 Ocean Startups initiative and Ocean Hub Africa, which supports local startups in the ocean impact space. The conversation also touches on the cultural and economic challenges of collaboration in Africa and the need for sustainable solutions that benefit both the ocean and coastal communities.Takeaways* The future of the ocean depends on collaborative efforts.* Overfishing and pollution are critical issues affecting coastal communities.* The love for family grows, but time and energy are limited.* Science and policy must align to drive ocean health.* Local organizations are key to successful collaboration in Africa.* Cultural differences pose challenges to collaboration.* Innovative solutions are needed to support ocean health and livelihoods.Sound Bites* “The space of love in your heart grows exponentially with family members”* “We want to support local organizations.”* “We are not trying to change any culture.”Internetlinks:* Ocean Hub Africa: https://www.oceanhub.africa* Ocean Innovation Africa: https://ocean-innovation.africaLinks to LinkedIn:* Alexis Grosskopf: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-grosskopf-7312112b/* Ocean Hub Africa: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oceanhub-africa* Ocean Innovation Africa: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ocean-innovation-africa Links to Facebook:* Ocean Hub Africa: https://www.facebook.com/OceanHubAfrica/* Ocean Innovation Africa: https://www.facebook.com/oceaninnov/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit janmaisenbacher.substack.com

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• #13 Martin Moen: Ocean Matcher

  In episode of Ocean Collaborations, Jan Maisenbacher speaks with Martin Mohn about the critical role of collaboration and finance in ocean conservation. They discuss Martin’s journey from finance to ocean advocacy, the importance of philanthropy in funding ocean projects, and the innovative Ocean Matcher platform designed to connect ocean science projects with funders. The conversation highlights the challenges faced in ocean collaboration, the need for better tools and education for investors, and a call to action for individuals to engage in ocean impact initiatives.Takeaways* Philanthropy plays a crucial role in funding early-stage ocean projects.* Ocean Matcher connects ocean projects with the right funders using AI.* Collaboration is essential for scaling ocean conservation efforts.* Only 1% of global philanthropy is directed towards ocean initiatives.* Education on ocean literacy is needed for investors (and the public).* Success stories can inspire more funding and collaboration.* Cultural differences impact global collaboration in ocean projects.* The importance of human connection in technology-driven solutions.* Impact measurement in philanthropy is complex and varies by project.Sound bites* “We need to turn up the volume button.”* “We have to scale collaborations.”* “One person kicking off something is enough.”Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ocean Collaborations03:36 Extended check-in questions: Martin’s Journey and Motivation10:30 The Importance of Ocean Advocacy & Philanthropy’s Role in Ocean Finance18:14 Introducing Ocean Matcher 23:24 Challenges in Ocean Collaboration30:25 The Collaboration Process Explained36:25 Call to Action for Ocean ImpactConnect with Martin Styrmoe Moen on LinkedInLinklist:* www.oceanmatcher.com* www.revocean.org* www.hubocean.earth This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit janmaisenbacher.substack.com

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• #12 Russell Reichelt: Australia's Ocean collaborator

  In this episode of the Ocean Collaborations podcast, Jan Maisenbacher speaks with Russell Reichelt who is the sherpa of Australias Prime Minister to the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. Russell was at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice (June 2025) and spoke at several events, including re the 100% Alliance (which Australia now co-chairs with Chile). Russell shares key collaborative takeaways and future opportunities.This conversation goes beyond policy statements:* Collaboration for transformation – why partnerships across nations, investors, and NGOs are essential to move beyond incremental change.* Indigenous knowledge and Pacific realities – how traditional wisdom and frontline island experiences shape better solutions.* Financing regeneration – new mechanisms that bridge conservation goals with sustainable business and impact investment.* Pragmatic idealism in action – lessons from Russell’s work with the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy on balancing vision with implementable steps.* Regenerative tourism – what works in practice, and how to scale without greenwashing.For professionals striving to accelerate change—whether in NGOs, science, business, or policy—this episode offers both strategic insights and practical inspiration for building coalitions and challenging the status quo. It reminds listeners that transformative impact is possible when courage, innovation, and collaboration meet.Takeaways* Underwater heat waves are a significant threat to marine life.* Collaboration among nations is essential for sustainable ocean management.* Indigenous knowledge plays a crucial role in effective ocean conservation.* Australia and Pacific nations share a strong relationship in ocean management.* Building trust with Indigenous communities is key to successful partnerships.* Innovation and creativity are necessary for solving ocean challenges.* Regenerative tourism can benefit both the environment and local communities.* Financial mechanisms are needed to support ocean conservation initiatives.Sound bites* "Look after the ocean, your lives depend on it."* "We need to build trust with Indigenous communities."* "Every individual can contribute to ocean health."Connect with Russell Reichelt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellreicheltThanks for listening, reading and watching (below) this episode! This post is public so feel free to share it:SUBSTACK BONUSAs announced in the podcast here are the two video messages from the UNOC Blue zone event from the gouvernment of Australia (a special thank you to coordinate this material goes to Megan Rive from the Australian Sustainable Ocean Plan Taskforce): Collaboration is key: lessons learned from sustainable ocean management in Australia and the PacificInput from Ricky Archers (Head of Australian National Parks):Input from Murray Watt (Australia’s Minister for the Environment): These two videos have been part of Australia’s official blue zone side event. It is a high level panel discussion about the importance of collaboration and sharing lessons learned from sustainable ocean management in Australia and the Pacific. Part of this blue zone session also were Dr Filimon Manoni – Pacific Ocean Commissioner, The Hon Surangel Whipps, Jr. – President of Palau, The Hon Alitia Bainivalu, Minister for Fisheries and Forestry - the session was chaired by H.E. Ilana Seid - Palauan ambassador to the United Nations. If you can share links to additional video material of this important ocean collaboration session please feel free to share in the comments! Please share also your thoughts and reflections on this episode and its bonus material. Thanks for reading, listening, watching! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support the ocean collaborations podcast work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit janmaisenbacher.substack.com

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• #11 Nicole Loeser: Transdisciplinary collaboration for the blue transformation

  In this episode of Ocean Collaborations, Jan Maisenbacher speaks with Nicole Loeser about transdisciplinary collaboration and discover how it fuels blue transformation. Nicole Loeser is co-founder of the Institute for Art and Innovation in Berlin and director of the Futuring Alliance. With more than 20 years of experience leading 350+ transdisciplinary projects, Nicole brings a rare synthesis of art, circular economy, and systemic foresight into the ocean space.💡 If you have ever wondered how to integrate creativity, foresight, and systemic strategy into your own practice for ocean regeneration, this a bit longer than usual episode is a lighthouse!How do we reimagine our relationship with the ocean so that it is not only protected but regenerated — and how do we design the systems and collaborations that make this possible? Tune in to be inspired by the power of working together across disciplines as our conversation weaves through:* Why trust is the ultimate enabler of circular and regenerative economies.* The role of youth as co-leaders in shaping futures that are both hopeful and actionable.* How art-based foresight methods like the Art for Futures Lab and Ocean Future Lab help us imagine – and prototype – systemic solutions.* The call for a “Ministry for the Future for the Ocean”: a polycentric, collaborative hub where science, indigenous knowledge, and innovation meet.Nicole reminds us that transformation is not only technical, but cultural and civic. That it begins with creating spaces of agency where diverse voices come together — often as “unlikely allies” — to co-design futures within planetary boundaries.Nicole’s work is a living example of how bold visions can be translated into collaborative infrastructures that build resilience for people and planet alike.Connect with Nicole Loeser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-loeser-128366a/Organisations we talked about:* The Futuring Alliance (TFA) – www.futuring-alliance.com* Institute for Art and Innovation (IFAI) - www.art-innovation.orgNicoles linklist:* Nicoles PhD project: Co-Producing Social Art for Transformation - https://www.filmuniversitaet.de/en/article/detail/blue-circular-scenes-social-art-for-transformation* Ocean Future Lab - www.universal-sea.org/ocean-future-lab-eng* Sustainable Coastal Futures – www.universal-sea.org/prep-4-blue* Social Art Award 2025 „Blue Tribes for Ocean Health“(www.social-art-award.org) * The Universal Sea – www.universal-sea.org* Valencia Water Council – www.tribunaldelasaguas.org/es/* Worldforming, a system innovative framework by TFA - https://futuring-alliance.com/worldforming/* Green Education in Media – www.gem-project.eu* Global Youth Call on Peace (open from September 21) by Alliance for Youth-Led Futures - www.catalystnow.net/what-does-peace-mean-to-you* Art For Futures Lab – www.artforfutureslab.com* Token4Change - www.token4change.li This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit janmaisenbacher.substack.com

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