Why I cried at Blue Earth Summit: Innovation, Economics, and Football's Future Role

I had the pleasure of attending one of the most inspiring events I've ever been to: two full days at Woolwich Works in London, surrounded by more than 7,000 brilliant minds — innovators, startups, investors, corporations, politicians, adventurers, academics, media, and campaigners, all driven by a common purpose: making a positive impact on people and the planet. It was a rare gathering of individuals united not just by ambition, but by a genuine commitment to creating meaningful change.

Initially booked as a couple of days of learning soon turned into back to back meetings with some of the most talented people I’ve met in a long time AND the once in a lifetime opportunity to see my amazing 19 year old daughter Ellie https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-meredith05/ on her first panel in front of her peers. That was one of the bits that made me cry btw.

There’s something about being in the presence of that much raw enthusiasm and talent that shifts your mindset. It’s a humbling reminder that while the challenges facing our world are immense, the ingenuity and drive to tackle them head-on is even more powerful. When you’re immersed in that energy, you can’t help but leave with a renewed sense of purpose — and a little awe at what humans are capable of when they come together with a shared goal.

One of the highlights for me was the chance to engage with people from so many different backgrounds. I spoke with entrepreneurs who are developing cutting-edge technologies to combat plastic waste, academics who are pioneering new ways of thinking about urban living, and brilliant minds who want to utilise sport to drive change in apparel. Every conversation seemed to spark a new idea or deepen an existing one.

It's taken me a good 10 days to digest all the conversations and manage the follow up, but my main takeaways are summarised here

1. Economics Drives Innovation

The first and most important takeaway is that if the economics work, solutions are within reach. Every conversation I had, every presentation I watched, pointed back to this simple truth: if the financial incentives are aligned, innovation thrives. Whether it's startups developing new technologies to combat waste or corporations restructuring their supply chains to be more sustainable, the driving force behind it all is economic viability. James Arbib of RethinkX really got my brain working overtime on how they approach the method to solve problems. Super smart https://www.rethinkx.com 

Profit and purpose are no longer at odds — they can coexist, and when they do, the results are groundbreaking. If we want to see real, scalable change, we need to make sure that the economic structures supporting innovation are solid. When sustainability becomes profitable, it becomes unstoppable.

2. For Every "Bad" Product, There’s a Better, Greener Solution

One of the most encouraging things I took away from the summit was the clear consensus that for every harmful, wasteful product we’ve created, there is a greener, less damaging alternative waiting to take its place — if we’re willing to invest in it. Plastic waste, carbon-heavy transportation, and energy inefficiencies all have alternatives that are not only better for the planet but also increasingly cost-effective. But here's the catch: we have to be willing to put our money where our mouth is.

Deborah Meaden who has been investing for years in sustainable business articulated this point very well https://www.deborahmeaden.com 

If we funnel investment into these areas and support innovators working on eco-friendly solutions, we can rapidly shift to a more sustainable economy. It’s not about reinventing the wheel — it's about optimizing the systems we already have in place and creating new products that are designed with the planet in mind.

3. Collaboration and Openness Were Everywhere

The spirit of collaboration was contagious at the event. It was striking how nice, open, and willing everyone was to share ideas and work together. Whether it was a corporate executive, a scrappy startup founder, or an academic researcher, there was a genuine openness to exchange ideas, challenge each other’s thinking, and collaborate on projects. In a world where competition often feels like the dominant force, this collaborative mindset was a breath of fresh air. It’s clear that the biggest problems facing our world are too large for any one person, organization, or sector to tackle alone. The future belongs to those who are willing to partner across industries and disciplines to make a collective impact.

4. The Talent Pool is Incredible

Another thing that stood out was the sheer level of talent in the room. I met some incredibly smart people — innovators, engineers, economists, and entrepreneurs — and what impressed me most wasn’t just their intelligence but their intentions. These people weren’t in it for personal glory or short-term profit; they were genuinely driven by a desire to solve big problems and leave the world in a better place than they found it. It’s comforting to know that such brilliant minds are working on the issues that matter most, from renewable energy and sustainable agriculture to healthcare and education. The future is in good hands with this generation of thinkers and doers, who are using their skills to create tangible, lasting change.

5. Sport, Especially Football, Could Be a Powerful Platform for Change

Perhaps one of the most surprising revelations for me personally was seeing how sport, especially football, could be used as a platform to amplify these important messages. As someone who loves football, I couldn't help but think about how the sport reaches millions of people across the globe. Some of the companies I encountered are sitting on solutions that could genuinely change the world, but what they need is a platform to amplify their message and get people engaged. Football, with its global reach and emotional power, is perfectly positioned to be that platform. Imagine leveraging the massive audiences that tune into matches, using the excitement and passion around the game to raise awareness about sustainability, social equity, and technological innovation. We’re already seeing some movements in this direction with clubs promoting environmental causes or encouraging recycling, but there’s so much more potential here.

As we move forward, I think there's a massive opportunity for sport to play a key role in the global sustainability movement, and football — my beloved game — can be at the forefront of that shift. Brands that are working on sustainable solutions can partner with football clubs to reach their audiences, not just through sponsorship, but through meaningful campaigns that educate and inspire.

Conclusion: The Power of Purpose and Profit

Blue Earth Sumit was a powerful reminder that while passion and purpose are essential, the economics behind change are just as critical. If we align the financial incentives, we can unlock the full potential of innovation to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. There’s an exciting new wave of talent, collaboration, and green solutions out there, and it’s clear that we’re on the cusp of a major shift. We need these brilliant people too because when microplastics are showing up in our fish caught on the west coast of Scotland you know shit is real. This photo made me really, really sad.

But perhaps the most exciting realization for me was that football — a sport so close to my heart — could play a significant role in amplifying these messages and driving positive change. The world is waking up to the fact that we need to act now to protect our planet and improve the lives of its people, and I believe that with the right approach, the worlds of sport, business, and innovation can come together to make that vision a reality.

A New Kind of Optimism

After two days of immersion in that environment was like stepping out of a bubble of optimism — but not the naïve kind. This was a realism-infused optimism, one that recognized the challenges ahead but was empowered by the solutions already being worked on. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of global issues like climate change, inequality, and technological disruption. But when you spend time with people who are actively solving these problems, you can’t help but feel hopeful.

As I headed home with my incredible kid by my side on the DLR, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we’re on the cusp of something big. The future isn’t just a concept any more — it’s being shaped right now by innovators, entrepreneurs, and thinkers who are all dedicated to creating a better world. And being part of that, even for a short time, was nothing short of exhilarating.

Booked for next year already ! More to follow ….