Solitaire Townsend is a globally recognized sustainability expert and keynote speaker. As the Co-founder of Futerra and an award-winning thought leader, she helps organizations implement optimistic, solution-driven approaches to tackle climate change. Solitaire Townsend’s forward-thinking strategies inspire corporate audiences worldwide, making her a perfect choice for corporate events.
Solitaire Townsend is a highly regarded sustainability expert known for her unique approach to solving the world’s climate crisis. With decades of experience in the field, her impact is felt across global industries, from corporate boardrooms to environmental think tanks. At the core of her work is the idea of being a “solutionist” — a visionary committed to finding and implementing solutions to combat the environmental challenges of today.
As Co-founder and Chief Solutionist at Futerra, an internationally acclaimed sustainability consultancy, Solitaire Townsend has worked with some of the world’s largest corporations. Futerra was named Edie’s Consultancy of the Year in 2023, a testament to its innovative contributions to the sustainability space. The company specializes in helping organizations transition toward environmentally responsible business practices, guided by the principles of optimism and actionable change.
Solitaire Townsend’s approach at Futerra is to shift the narrative from doom and gloom to a more hopeful, solution-oriented mindset. This shift has proven to be a powerful motivator, encouraging businesses to take bolder steps toward sustainability goals. Her work spans industries including fashion, tech, and government sectors, making her influence vast and far-reaching.
Solitaire Townsend’s leadership in sustainability has earned her numerous awards and recognitions over the years. In 2023 alone, she was named a ‘Leader of the Year’ at Adweek’s Sustainability Awards and honored as the UK’s ‘Sustainable Development Goals Pioneer’ by the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). Furthermore, Vogue Business named her one of their 100 Innovators for her groundbreaking contributions to sustainability.
This recognition isn’t just limited to her work in 2023. Solitaire’s career is rich with achievements, from being named ‘Ethical Entrepreneur of the Year’ in 2008 to serving as Chair of the UK Green Energy Scheme. Her roles as Trustee of the Solutions Union and a founder member of the United Nations Sustainable Lifestyles Taskforce further solidify her authority in the field.
In addition to her professional accolades, Solitaire Townsend is deeply committed to education and thought leadership. She holds master’s degrees in both Sustainability and Shakespeare, a unique combination that reflects her diverse interests and academic rigor. Solitaire lectures at two of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions — Imperial College and the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership.
Solitaire Townsend’s involvement in international climate initiatives is vast. She has a popular Forbes column, is the trustee of Ashden, a charity promoting sustainable energy solutions, and sits on the Board of the Hollywood Climate Summit, where she bridges the gap between entertainment and environmental activism. By influencing industries from entertainment to policy, Solitaire helps ensure that climate action remains at the forefront of global conversations.
Her role as a founder member of the United Nations Sustainable Lifestyles Taskforce showcases her commitment to long-term, scalable solutions. The taskforce focuses on aligning global lifestyles with the principles of sustainability, aiming to foster collective action on climate change. Through these positions, Solitaire not only advocates for policy shifts but also brings together diverse stakeholders to form impactful collaborations.
In an era often defined by negative environmental headlines, Solitaire Townsend’s work offers a refreshing change of perspective. Her solutionist vision turns potential crises into opportunities for innovation, allowing businesses to thrive while contributing positively to the planet.
At corporate events, Solitaire Townsend inspires audiences to rethink their role in the fight against climate change. She encourages business leaders to adopt sustainable practices, not out of fear, but from a belief in the possibility of a better, greener future. Her speeches are packed with actionable insights, guiding organizations on how to align their operations with sustainable goals.
Her message resonates deeply with corporate audiences who are often overwhelmed by the complexities of sustainability. Solitaire Townsend simplifies these challenges, providing a clear path forward for companies of all sizes. Through her dynamic presentations, she equips leaders with the tools to create meaningful change while maintaining profitability.
As the world continues to grapple with environmental challenges, Solitaire Townsend remains at the forefront of sustainability leadership. Her work at Futerra, combined with her roles in various global initiatives, positions her as a key figure in shaping a sustainable future. Whether speaking at conferences, advising corporations, or teaching the next generation of sustainability experts, Solitaire’s vision is clear: we must act now, and we must act with optimism.
Her unique combination of experience, accolades, and solution-focused mindset makes Solitaire Townsend an ideal keynote speaker for corporate events. By booking her, organizations not only gain insight into the complexities of sustainability but also discover how to implement positive, practical changes that benefit both business and the environment.
Ready to bring Solitaire Townsend’s solutionist vision to your next corporate event? Contact us today.
“Soli is an absolutely BLOCKBUSTER speaker; she’ll have your audience on the edge of their seats, captivate them with her message and inspire them to be a force for positive change”
“Thank you for delivering the closing keynote. It was the toughest moment of the day with low energy levels in the room but you left a very positive impact on participants. Sustainability leaders in our network, and within the WorldGBC team as well, picked on your key messages and the term “solutionist” was repeatedly mentioned in our internal sessions during the following days of the Global Solutions Forum.
I personally enjoyed your point on rethinking our welcoming culture in our sustainability bubble, and I’m happy to say that this point is reflected in WorldGBC’s upcoming strategy, with people-centred and simplified language.”
“It can still be challenging to cut-through skepticism about why sustainability matters: is it a worthy but dull reporting and compliance exercise, for example, or perhaps corporate virtue-signalling that can be reduced as external attention turns elsewhere? Not when you listen to Soli – it’s urgent, immediate, and most of all exciting. When she speaks, Soli delivers all the energy, creativity, and innovation that fizzes through the sustainability sector right now. By the time you’ve finished, the audience will have turned from observer to advocate, and from passive to active engagement with the topic. She has played a pivotal role in helping to develop our strategies and those of the wider sport, and is a fantastic partner on our path to decarbonisation.”
“Soli is an absolutely BLOCKBUSTER speaker; she’ll have your audience on the edge of their seats, captivate them with her message and inspire them to be a force for positive change”
“Thank you for delivering the closing keynote. It was the toughest moment of the day with low energy levels in the room but you left a very positive impact on participants. Sustainability leaders in our network, and within the WorldGBC team as well, picked on your key messages and the term “solutionist” was repeatedly mentioned in our internal sessions during the following days of the Global Solutions Forum.
I personally enjoyed your point on rethinking our welcoming culture in our sustainability bubble, and I’m happy to say that this point is reflected in WorldGBC’s upcoming strategy, with people-centred and simplified language.”
“It can still be challenging to cut-through skepticism about why sustainability matters: is it a worthy but dull reporting and compliance exercise, for example, or perhaps corporate virtue-signalling that can be reduced as external attention turns elsewhere? Not when you listen to Soli – it’s urgent, immediate, and most of all exciting. When she speaks, Soli delivers all the energy, creativity, and innovation that fizzes through the sustainability sector right now. By the time you’ve finished, the audience will have turned from observer to advocate, and from passive to active engagement with the topic. She has played a pivotal role in helping to develop our strategies and those of the wider sport, and is a fantastic partner on our path to decarbonisation.”
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