Biomimicry: A Conversation with Janine Benyus

As our society pushes for sustainable development, the ancient strategies of the natural world offer a fresh perspective on modern innovation. In this episode, Michelle and Dev dive into the world of biomimicry with Janine Benyus, cofounder of the Biomimicry Institute. The conversation explores how nature’s 3.8 billion years of evolution offer a treasure trove of innovative solutions for modern challenges in sustainability, design, and even social innovation. Janine shares fascinating examples, from using plant chemistry to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables to using bone-inspired algorithms to design lighter and more efficient structures. The discussion also touches on the profound shift needed in corporate and societal mindsets, drawing lessons from nature’s inherent mutualism and enduring partnerships to foster collaboration over competition.

Janine will be joining us at The Jump Offsite in September. Invitations are now closed, but we hope to see you next year!

#biomimicry #sustainability #innovation #sustainablefuture #circulareconomy 

Chapters

3:08 The Sustainable World Outside Our Doors

9:00 Biomimetic Solutions: Changing Materials and Chemistries

20:32 Mutualism in Nature and Social Innovation

28:20 Applying Mutualisms in the Corporate World

36:55 Headlines from the Future

Headlines from the Future

1. US colleges are cutting majors and slashing programs after years of putting it off. https://apnews.com/article/college-degree-programs-cuts-music-f0c271f6d61a13404f93688fcc6c589b
2. The US Department of Transportation has laid out a nationwide road safety plan that will lead to cars communicating with each other. https://www.engadget.com/transportation/the-us-lays-out-a-road-safety-plan-that-will-see-cars-talk-to-each-other-170043265.html 
3. Researchers are testing the use of mRNA to get damaged livers to repair themselves, in a move that could one day lessen the need for organ transplants. https://www.wired.com/story/mrna-organ-rejuvenation-pittsburgh-upmc-center-transcriptional-medicine/ 
   

Links

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The Jump Podcast

The Jump Podcast features Dev Patnaik in dialogue with Michelle Loret de Mola. This is the conversation for future-focused leaders thinking about strategy, culture and leadership. The world is crazy. Everything seems to be changing, and not always in a good way. Today, business leaders are struggling to figure out avoid becoming the next Kodak, Blackberry or Blockbuster. But fear not, dear listener. Things can get better. People can do better. And the world can be better.

 

Jump Associates

Jump is the world’s leading independent strategy and innovation firm. We work with the world’s most admired companies on their most important growth challenges. Using a future focused approach to strategy, we’ve helped these firms to grow their businesses in times of change.