Digital Version Pioneering Climate Action Through Sustainable Food Innovation: The Journey of Eugene Wang and Sophie’s BioNutrients With climate change and food security now considered pressing global threats, Eugene Wang stands out as a pioneer in the sustainable food industry. He is Co-Founder and CEO of Sophie’s BioNutrients and has spent his entire career searching for solutions to the pressing issues of food sustainability, environmental impact, and nutrition. His journey into the world of food innovation came from a painful family experience that motivated him to set the course toward a revolution of plant-based proteins from microalgae. Improving the current food systems will only bring incremental small improvements, which will not be sufficient to solve the real challenges. Instead, we must drive radical innovation to build a truly sustainable future. An Inspiration from Inside Inspiring an Effort Outside The fire of food innovation was born in him when his daughter Sophie developed allergic reactions to shellfish. Eager to find an alternative, in 2010, starting with a world first-a plant-based seafood company called Sophie’s Kitchen. This business venture allowed him to pry deeper into food technology, ultimately steering him towards the potential of microalgae as a sustainable protein source. In 2017, Wang co-launched Sophie’s BioNutrients in Singapore, focusing on innovative development on a new plant-based protein derived from microalgae. Microalgae can thus provide a paradigm shift in protein alternatives, as they are nutrient-rich and climate-resilient. To that end, Sophie’s BioNutrients uses an innovative strain of microalgae, which grows exclusively in fermentation containers, consumes industrial food waste as feedstock, and can be harvested in three days. Containing over 60 percent in protein and possessing superior essential amino acid building blocks that are above the World Health Organization (WHO) standards, this innovation can reshape the future of food production. To Reduce Food Production’s Environmental Footprint People have consumed animal afro protein, soy, and protein from different sources that usually take a lot of land, water, and energy to be produced. The microalgae-based protein technology developed by Sophie’s BioNutrients makes such use significantly unsustainable, thus paving the way for food production that conserves its environment. Wang outlined various features that are environmentally favorable: Very low land uses make deforestation unnecessary Over 90 percent of the water used in production is recyclable Short production cycles of 3 to 10 days compared to soy (45 to 65 days) and beef (over 18 months) Production systems friendly to urban areas provide reductions in transportation emissions No use of fertilizers, herbicides, antibiotics, or growth hormones All these aspects contribute to a more resilient and ecological nature of food systems that enable microalgae to play a major role in combating agriculture’s impact on climate change. With all nine essential amino acids, multiple B vitamins, iron, and dietary fibers, our microalgae protein is not only plant-based and sustainable but also allergen-free. Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future The heart of Sophie’s BioNutrients is to bring change for food systems: climate-conscious. Wang thinks a time when food production becomes urbanized to reduce the pressure of traditional agriculture and therefore helps to lower carbon footings with food transport. By means of fermentation technology, Sophie’s BioNutrients greatly minimises large-scale land usage to save forests from being cut and to prevent further anthropogenic-induced greenhouse gas emissions. The life cycle assessments directed within the company for an environmental footprint assessment continue with such innovations as they align with a larger perspective: a circular economy system in food production. Meeting the Immediate Climate Woes of the Food Sector These climate-related concerns include deforestation, high dependence on chemicals, and unsustainable supply chains, combine to create a leading-edge set of problems for the global food industry. Wang stresses the need for bold and innovative solutions in addressing these challenges rather than mild enhancements of existing systems. As he puts it, “the present agricultural model is no longer sustainable” and “unless companies develop some radical new methodologies, real change will become impossible”. “Improvements in the present food systems would be so small, and would not be able to address the real issues at stake. Instead, we must promote radical new systems, just like the one we are working on, to be able to actually address those issues.” A Tenuous Balance Between Profit and Climate Responsibility Sustainability efforts in the food industry usually require a balancing act to perform between environmental propriety and economic viability. Sophie’s BioNutrients has engineered fermentation technology with efficiency and scalability. By limiting space and resources devoted to food production, the company lessens overall environmental impact while remaining profitable within a larger time frame. As the company grows, it expects increased efficiency in production, thereby allowing it to achieve its ambitious project of waste zero and carbon-negative company. Importance of Collaboration in Halting Progress Towards Sustainable Food Solutions With meaningful climate action requires collaboration among governments, research institutions, and industry leaders. They have engaged in partnerships to promote sustainable solutions. A notable example of this cooperation is represented by the ongoing microalgae fermentation experiments by the company in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Funded through ESA by the DLR, this groundbreaking project aims to study the impacts of gravity on the growth of microalgae. The project combines contributions from Yuri GmbH, Danish Technological Institute, SpaceX, and NASA and has become a shining example of just how much collaboration across industries is integral in bringing global issues to heal. Regulatory Barriers: Call for Government Reform Despite food innovations being marked by climate-consciousness, regulatory structures take a while to catch up on the specifics. Wang asserts that because of extremely tight regulations around food, especially in Western Europe, it can stifle growth in sustainable food startups. He sits in the middle; he wants governments to regulate carefully without choking innovative strides. He emphasized that if the regulatory burden on novel food technologies were to be lessened, companies would then focus on consumer engagement and product development. By shrinking the space footprint and resources needed in our technology, we can greatly minimize our environmental

Digital Version Catherine Winder: Leading a New Era in Multi-platform Storytelling In a bustling Vancouver studio, Catherine Winder’s vision comes to life. The walls hum with the energy of storytellers, animators, and creative minds collaborating to redefine what animated entertainment can be. For Catherine, this isn’t just work; it’s her life’s purpose. From her earliest days navigating the uncharted paths of global animation projects to her current role as the CEO of Wind Sun Sky Entertainment (WSS), Catherine has always been driven by a singular mission: to tell stories that captivate, inspire, and connect audiences across generations and platforms. Her journey is a tapestry woven with bold choices and groundbreaking ideas, transforming challenges into opportunities and merging traditional storytelling with the possibilities offered by cutting-edge technology. In Catherine’s hands, a story is more than just a sequence of events; it’s an experience that immerses, engages, and lingers in the hearts of viewers. Today, she leads one of the most innovative studios in the world, shaping the future of animated entertainment while staying rooted in the timeless art of storytelling. The Beginning of a Visionary Journey Catherine’s passion for storytelling began early in her career, fueled by a desire to bring authentic visions to life. Her initial projects, such as Aeon Flux for MTV and Todd McFarlane’s Spawn for HBO, exemplified her innovative approach to animation. By assembling bespoke teams and creating tailored production pipelines, Catherine quickly established herself as a disruptor in a traditionally formulaic industry. Her commitment to non-traditional methods continued with her leadership roles at Blue Sky Studios, where she contributed to the success of Ice Age, and at Lucasfilm Animation, where she played a pivotal role in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Reflecting on these experiences, Catherine notes, “Each project was unique, requiring a custom approach. It’s about understanding the creative DNA of the property and aligning it with a production strategy that honors its vision.” These formative years laid the foundation for her bold decision to establish Wind Sun Sky Entertainment in 2016, a studio built on creativity, flexibility, and innovation. “My love for digital storytelling and animation stems from working with global talents to authentically bring storytellers’ visions to the screen.” Building Wind Sun Sky Entertainment At its core, Wind Sun Sky Entertainment was conceived as a studio that would challenge traditional norms. Catherine’s vision was to create a dynamic, project-agnostic ecosystem capable of adapting to the specific needs of each property. From the outset, WSS distinguished itself with the launch of three groundbreaking series: Super Dinosaur, Invincible, and Psi Cops. Each of these projects underscored WSS’s commitment to blending compelling storytelling with technical excellence. “Audiences today want more than just passive viewing experiences,” Catherine explains. “They want to engage with characters and worlds across multiple touchpoints.” This understanding became a cornerstone of WSS’s strategy, leading to collaborations with prominent creator-economy partners like Viral Nation. Through these partnerships, WSS brought multi-platform storytelling to life, including projects like Camp McCarty, a vibrant digital universe featuring animated shorts, Roblox experiences, and more. One of WSS’s most notable achievements was its adaptation of the popular Roblox game Twilight Daycare into an animated series. With over 2 billion plays and 1.6 million premiere viewers, the project was a resounding success. “Our goal was to meet audiences where they are,” Catherine notes. “By merging traditional storytelling with emerging platforms, we’ve been able to create experiences that resonate deeply with modern viewers.” This project earned WSS the prestigious 2024 Cartoons on the Bay Pulcinella Metaverse Award, cementing its status as an industry innovator. Achievements and Milestones Under Catherine’s leadership, WSS has achieved remarkable milestones, blending creative ingenuity with tangible results. Another standout project, Future Chicken, exemplifies WSS’s entrepreneurial spirit. Instead of following traditional production methods, the studio adopted a test-and-learn approach, launching the project on platforms like YouTube and Roblox to gather real-time audience feedback. This iterative process led to the creation of comedy-driven shorts set to debut in 2025. “Future Chicken is a testament to the power of adaptability and collaboration,” Catherine shares. “It’s about creating content that evolves with audience preferences.” The studio’s innovative approach extends to its work in the metaverse, where WSS has adapted popular Roblox games like Creatures of Sonaria. These projects underscore the studio’s ability to leverage technology to enhance storytelling without compromising its emotional core. “Our focus has always been on using technology as a tool to deepen connections, not replace them,” Catherine explains. “By immersing ourselves in platforms like Roblox, we’re not just telling stories—we’re building worlds where audiences can interact and create their own narratives.” Challenges and Resilience The journey of an independent studio is not without its challenges. Competing with industry giants on a modest budget has required WSS to operate with agility and creativity. Catherine’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating these hurdles. This lean operational structure has allowed WSS to scale globally without losing sight of its core values. Catherine’s ability to foster a collaborative and transparent team culture has been key to WSS’s resilience. Daily stand-ups, open communication, and a fearless approach to problem-solving have become integral to the studio’s operations. “Empowering our team to share ideas and take ownership of their work has been critical to our success,” she notes. This environment not only encourages innovation but also enables WSS to pivot quickly in response to industry changes. “We’ve stayed intentionally small, focusing on strategic partnerships to expand our resources while maintaining our independence. When resources are limited, you learn to prioritize innovation and efficiency.” Storytelling: The Heart of WSS At the core of Catherine’s success is her unwavering belief in the power of storytelling. “Great stories are about creating connections that transcend boundaries,” she emphasizes. “Whether it’s a traditional animated series or an immersive digital experience, the emotional core of the story must remain intact.” This philosophy drives every project at WSS, ensuring that the narratives resonate deeply with audiences. One example of this philosophy in action is Jingle Jangle, developed in collaboration with The McCarty family. By

Digital Version Driving Innovation and Value: Lactalis Australia’s CIO’s Vision for Digital Transformation For Sabina Janstrom, the journey to becoming the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Lactalis Australia was nothing short of transformative. With a rich career history in the mining industry, a sector vastly different from fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), she embarked on a career change that would not only shape her leadership philosophy but also revolutionize the way technology serves business operations at Lactalis. “I love learning new things,” Sabina explains. “When I joined Lactalis two years ago, it was a big shift from mining to FMCG, but I was excited. I believe that understanding the business is fundamental to being an effective CIO. How can we support the business without truly knowing what they do? That’s been the cornerstone of my approach to leadership—being as hands-on as possible, staying close to both the IT and non-IT teams, and truly understanding the business needs.” In her new role, Sabina quickly discovered that the dairy production industry, posed unique challenges. However, she also saw a tremendous opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional practices and digital transformation. By embracing technology, Sabina aims to streamline operations, enhance employee experiences, and deliver greater value to customers, both internal and external. This approach not only drives innovation but also positions the company for long-term success in an increasingly digital world. The key to successful digital transformation is understanding the business problem, not just the technology. Digital Transformation at Lactalis Australia: A Vision for 2025 and Beyond When Sabina speaks of the company’s vision for digital transformation, it’s clear that this is not just about adopting technology for the sake of it; it’s about a vision that aligns closely with the broader goals of the Lactalis Groupe. At Lactalis Australia, our commitment to innovation and excellence is unwavering. Our IT program is designed to spur and accelerate future thinking, adaptation, and creativity. By empowering our people and leveraging internal expertise, we are exploring new ideas and bringing to market cutting-edge products, processes, and digital technologies. The digital transformation at Lactalis Australia is not just a tech initiative; we aim to provide data to support better decision-making and automate processes to improve efficiency. For example, one of the most ambitious elements of their digital strategy is the transition to real-time data sources and on-the-fly analysis. With plans to build artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for predictive analytics.     Customer-Centric Innovations: Enhancing Engagement Through Technology Sabina’s leadership is also evident in the digital tools introduced to engage with customers directly. Lactalis Australia’s e-commerce platform, launched in the last two years, has had an immediate and positive impact. “Lactalis saw a need to better connect with our customers, particularly small and medium businesses. The e-commerce platform links directly to our enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, offering customers real-time access to their pricing, promotions, and incentives. It’s been very well received, and we’re planning to enhance it further with features like delivery tracking and claims processing,” Sabina says, with visible enthusiasm. But customer-centricity doesn’t stop there. Sabina is also focused on improving the employee experience (EX), leveraging Microsoft 365, Teams calling, and GPT-powered tools to make work more efficient and enjoyable. “The goal is to eliminate friction,” she says. “If technology is seamless, it allows employees to focus on their jobs rather than battling with their systems. This enhances productivity and satisfaction. Soon, employees will have access to a GenAI chatbot that helps them find corporate information without the frustrating search through multiple documents.” For Sabina, creating technology that enables employees to do their jobs with minimal thought about the tools is the key to improving both job satisfaction and productivity. It’s about providing the right tools in the right way to make work easier, and by doing so, creating a more fulfilled and efficient workforce. If you can create technology that enables a person to do their job without thinking about it, you have improved both their productivity and job satisfaction. Balancing Innovation with Practicality: Maintaining Legacy Systems While Embracing the Future Of course, leading digital transformation is not without its practical challenges. Sabina acknowledges that managing the balance between maintaining legacy systems and introducing cutting-edge technologies is a delicate one. “It’s crucial not to let your systems fall behind. Without ongoing refresh programs and regular upgrades, it’s difficult to catch up. At the same time, we’ve been investing in tools that improve automation and streamline processes. We use technologies like SAP BTP, UiPath, and Nintex, which allow us to address immediate needs while preparing for long-term digital success,” she explains. Sabina also emphasizes the importance of infrastructure. “We are undergoing a major overhaul of our IT infrastructure that will set us up for a future-proof environment. But while we prepare for the future, we continue to innovate and optimize our current systems.” The Role of Emerging Technologies: Leveraging AI, IoT, and Blockchain for Business Solutions Emerging technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain are key components of Sabina’s digital roadmap. However, she takes a pragmatic approach to these technologies, focusing on the problems they can solve rather than chasing trends for the sake of it. “Emerging technologies offer opportunities to solve expensive or time-consuming problems, but they’re just tools,” Sabina asserts. “AI, for instance, could enable us to predict demand or optimize our supply chain, but it’s important to first identify the business problem. In many cases, existing systems might serve the purpose better than new technology—where newer technologies are required, we implement them thoughtfully.” Her perspective on AI and other emerging technologies is rooted in the understanding that these innovations should enhance the business, not dictate it. In the FMCG industry, this can be especially important where practical solutions often outweigh the allure of the newest tech. Innovation isn’t just about new technologies; it’s about finding better ways to do things with the resources you have. Sustainability and Compliance: Technology as an Enabler As the world grapples with environmental concerns, Sabina recognizes the

View Edition Trailblazing Leadership in Human Resources: A Conversation with Brady Pyle, CHRIO at Space Center Houston When you speak with Brady Pyle, Chief Human Resources & Inclusion Officer at Space Center Houston, it’s clear that his journey to the top of the HR world wasn’t just about career milestones—it was about passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. His path has been shaped by a deep sense of service, a desire to lead with integrity, and a vision to create an inclusive environment where people are empowered to thrive. From a young age, Brady Pyle’s life seemed destined for service. Growing up, he looked up to his father and grandfather, both of whom had careers in government, and he knew early on that he wanted to follow in their footsteps. But what began as a straightforward journey into public service soon evolved into something much more profound. After a chance encounter with human resources while still in college, Pyle’s path took an unexpected turn—a turn that would eventually lead him to become the Chief Human Resources & Inclusion Officer (CHRIO) at Space Center Houston, one of the most iconic institutions in the world of space exploration. As a boy dreaming of big things, Pyle never could have predicted how his early career choices and leadership experiences would intertwine with a growing passion for fostering inclusive, innovative, and empowering workplaces. And yet, in hindsight, everything feels connected: a deep-seated desire to make a difference, a natural ability to lead, and an unshakable commitment to nurturing people and cultures that inspire curiosity. Today, as he leads human resources at Space Center Houston, Pyle is shaping not just the workforce but also a legacy of inclusivity and innovation—a legacy that inspires millions of visitors every year. Early Beginnings: From Government Service to HR Leadership Brady Pyle’s path to human resources was not one he initially envisioned. Early on, his goal was to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both of whom had built successful careers in government. “I’ve always felt a strong pull towards public service, which is why I pursued my education at Texas A&M University,” Pyle recalls. “I was fortunate to attend a school that offered opportunities for non-engineering students to work in cooperative education programs, and that’s where I first got exposure to HR.” It wasn’t long before an opportunity with the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) in Washington, D.C., opened the door to a new chapter in his career. Despite being an undergraduate, Pyle was offered a role in their Dallas office—a pivotal moment that set him on the path to human resources. “That experience made me realize that I wasn’t as interested in policy work as I was in operations, especially when it came to HR,” he says. “It was then that I knew HR was the right fit for me.” After completing his master’s degree in Human Resources at Texas A&M, Pyle’s career trajectory changed significantly when he joined NASA. Over the next two decades, he took on increasingly important leadership roles, ultimately overseeing HR functions at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC). Pyle’s work didn’t stop there, however. He soon became an executive overseeing HR across all NASA centers, with a vast budget and workforce to manage. His leadership played a key role in driving innovation and shaping the way NASA approached human resources. In 2023, after his retirement from NASA, Pyle’s path led him to a new chapter as CHRIO at Space Center Houston. It was a move that would allow him to take everything he had learned at NASA and apply it to a nonprofit space center that is not just a museum, but a learning hub inspiring millions about the wonders of space exploration. A Defining Experience: Shaping a Culture of Inclusion One of the most transformative experiences in Pyle’s career came when he realized that engaging his leadership team in diversity and inclusion discussions was much more complex than he had expected. “I remember sitting in a meeting where we were discussing diversity, and I noticed that many of the white male leaders on my team were simply not engaging,” Pyle reflects. “That moment made me realize that we needed to approach inclusion differently.” Instead of ignoring the challenge, Pyle decided to tackle it head-on. With the help of his colleagues, he attended a White Men as Full Diversity Partners workshop, which helped him understand the deeper dynamics of workplace culture. This experience was eye-opening, and it encouraged him to start one-on-one conversations with fellow leaders. “It was important to acknowledge what I didn’t know,” Pyle shares. “I wasn’t afraid to admit that I had a lot to learn about inclusion myself.” The shift from focusing on just diversity to a broader, more inclusive approach helped pave the way for the creation of an “Inclusive Leaders Cadre” at NASA, a program designed to build leadership competencies around inclusion. This program has continued to inspire Pyle’s work at Space Center Houston, where inclusion is central to every decision he makes. Values That Guide Leadership: Excellence, Integrity, and Improvement The leadership principles that guide Pyle today are deeply rooted in the values instilled in him by his father and grandfather. “From them, I learned the importance of excellence, integrity, and always striving to improve,” Pyle says. “These values have shaped who I am as a leader and guide everything I do.” These core values are a natural fit with the culture at Space Center Houston, where Pyle’s role as CHRIO involves more than just overseeing HR operations. “As a team, we’re focused on creating a workplace where employees feel empowered and where innovation thrives,” he explains. “Our job is to make sure the organization is always prepared for the future, but also to support the culture and well-being of the team.” At Space Center Houston, Pyle’s approach emphasizes not only fostering a positive workplace environment but also ensuring that the team has the tools and resources to