Nature as a business partner

Named after Melbourne’s two iconic Bays – Port Phillip and Western Port (known to Kulin First Peoples as Nairm and Warn Marin or Marin Biik) – the podcast is a ‘shout out’ to the ecosystems upon which all businesses around the Planet depend. We’re just starting in our own backyard!

But how did we come to see Nature as a stakeholder and a business partner?

1. Matt grew up around farmers in Gippsland, proactively caring for waterways
2. Matt studied environmental science in his landscape architecture degree
3. Matt’s been learning from First Nations Elders for the past 17 years.

When COVID-19 localised our life, daily patterns of behaviour that connected to Nature (like short walks to the Bay and recording videos for social media) formed habits, which became part of our business DNA. Now it’s normal for us.

Changing climate anxiety into climate hope

Choosing a career that tackles environmental issues like climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution can be incredibly rewarding but also super tough. When we listen to the stories of passionate and pioneering professionals, it stokes our inner fire and belief, so that we can keep doing the work to benefit future generations. That’s what the Two Bays Podcast all about!

Why do we care so much?

Back in September 2019, Matt joined a colleague at the Schools Strike for Climate that saw over 100,000 people take to the streets of Melbourne to put pressure on decision-makers about climate action. He saw the anger and anxiety in the faces of young people, and felt similarly himself. So, around that time, Matt made decision that would change his life … he quit his job, flew to California to meet the Head of Environmental Initiatives at Patagonia, Rick Ridegway. “It was like meeting Yoda, I was seeking answers and he just put up a ‘mirror’. Oh, I thought, it’s up to me!”. Six months later when COVID-19 Lockdown took ahold, Matt started a consultancy grounded in an ecological mindset. The Podcast continues this story.

Climate Action, Where Two Bays Meet

Dive into the heart of climate action on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula with the first episode of the Two Bays Podcast’s ‘Climate Action’ series.

Hosts Matt Sykes and Claire Wild are joined by local champions Mel Barker (CEO of Western Port Biosphere) and Tom Hiney (Co-Founder & CEO of Sunbutter Skincare).

Whether you’re a founder, manager, employee or conscious customer, these insights about small steps leading to big impacts will motivate you to get started or take even bolder steps in your impact journey.

Climate Action, Family & Revillaging

Meet entrepreneurs Josh and Narelle Melnick, a dynamic couple who, through the Revillaging Project, are not just dreaming of a sustainable future; they’re building it. The Melnicks openly share their startup journey of creating a space where wellness experiences and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

Whether you’re thinking of starting a new business or seeking fresh new ways to develop an existing organisation, these examples will motivate you to get started or take even bolder steps in your impact journey.

Climate Action & Community Power

In episode three, Matt and Claire meet Ralph Kenyon, the Co-Convenor and reluctant Retiree who is leveraging his wealth of experience for Flinders Zero Carbon Community Inc., which is aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2030.

Ralph’s story demonstrates how committed communities can indeed change the world, offering insights and practical tips for others to emulate. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on community-led innovation in climate action and what it could mean for your local neighbourhood!

Matt Sykes
Founder & Chief Regen Officer, Regeneration Projects

Matt grew up at the intersection of Boonwurrung and Gunaikurnai Country in the rolling hills of Gippsland in Victoria, Australia. His professional background includes strategic consultancy, landscape architecture, environmental advocacy and tourism development.

Learning from First Nations Elders as well as Western eco-pioneers has shaped Matt’s unique approach to business and leadership. He has the ability to move between big systems-level thinking and grassroots localised action, always looking for a practical starting point and clearly communicating the steps forward.

Claire Wild
Senior Consultant, Edge Impact

With a background in strategic planning, Claire is currently exploring how her clients can push beyond sustainability and explore what regeneration could mean for their organisation. She spends much of her working week as a Senior Consultant in Edge Impact’s Sustainability Transformation team.

Throughout her career, Claire has worked with a diverse range of organisations across Australia and Aotearoa – from small-scale, not-for-profits, and social enterprises to large government departments and corporations. This breadth of experience has allowed her to build a deep understanding of the relationship between social, environmental and economic impacts.

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