The Circular Economy Revolution: it's not what you think but how you think.
The Circular Economy is a pivotal element of climate action, and of business and ecological innovation and success. Yet the circular economy remains a misunderstood and manipulated topic. In this myth-busting talk you will get a grasp of key circular economy concepts and gain actionable insights on how to incorporate circular thinking into your business.
The future of sustainability: are you ready for the disruption?
The Circular Economy is a pivotal element of climate action, and of business and ecological innovation and success. Yet the circular economy remains a misunderstood and manipulated topic. In this myth-busting talk you will get a grasp of key circular economy concepts and gain actionable insights on how to incorporate circular thinking into your business.
Regenerative economics: the next frontier for sustainability
Are you ready to embrace regeneration? Sustainability may make you more eco-efficient, circular business models may make you more competitive, resilient and eco-effective; but only regenerative thinking can provide the right framework for exponential innovation and climate change mitigation. Gain actionable insights on how to overcome challenges and leverage opportunities in this transition.
Sustainability: how to fail miserably at it.
Fraught with real-world examples and metrics, this eye-opening and actionable journey will take you along six common ways of thinking and talking about sustainability that are guaranteed to fail miserably at delivering impact -and which may damage your brand and your reputation in the process, too.
Eight inconvenient truths about plastics
Everything you didn’t know you don’t know about plastics
A deep dive into the often misrepresented and misunderstood reality of plastic pollution and its impacts on the environment and public health. This eye-opening talk will be punctuated by actionable insights, do’s and don’ts, and challenges and opportunities for businesses and our society at large to innovate our way towards a future free of plastic pollution.
Journey to Midway
(Keynote, or screening + keynote)
In this talk we will use the behind-the-scenes story of the making of the award-winning documentary film Albatross to learn about the relationship between humans, place, and ecology; and to envision possible futures for our species. In the process we will explore the power of art, storytelling, and film to transform the world. https://www.albatrossthefilm.com/
Circular economics, energy transition and geopolitics in the Trump Era
Why do seemingly erratic geopolitical actions—from trade wars and tariff threats to bids for Greenland and deep-sea mining—suddenly make sense? The answer isn’t just in the headlines; it’s in the fundamental design of our economy.
In this eye-opening and myth-busting keynote, Harvard instructor and circular economy pioneer Manuel Maqueda reveals that what appears to be geopolitical chaos is actually the logical endgame of our linear, resource-intensive economy, a system headed for depletion and conflict.
But there is a way out. Manuel presents a powerful vision of a circular economy that solves for scarcity at its root. By redesigning how we manage the global stocks and flows of materials, we can build a system that is more resilient, innovative, and peaceful. This isn’t just sustainability; it’s a strategic imperative for future-proofing businesses and nations alike.
Prepare to have your perspective shifted. You will leave understanding the deep connection between circularity and stability, between sustainability and security; and equipped with the frameworks to see the opportunities where others only see crisis.
* As presented to: The European Commission, The Maritime Blue Growth Summit and The IBEX 35 Listed Companies Group.
Speaker Style & Sample Clients
Manuel’s speaking style is eye-opening, myth-busting, transformative, and memorable.
Business & Government Clients
Google, Salesforce, Dell EMC, LinkedIn, Uber, Mercedes Benz, Santander,, BBVA, Axa, Government of the Netherlands, Government of the Canary Islands, Government of Spain, Government of the State of Washington, City of San Francisco
International Conferences
Greencities, Aruba Earth Week, Coworking Europe, Ecoislas Forum, Circular City Week New York, New Plastics Economy Conference, Plastic-Free World, Greenfest Portugal, Sustainable Foods Summit, Social Venture Circle Conference, Pollination Regenerative Futures Summit, Global Issues Network, Lima, Global Issues Network, Costa Rica, Global Issues Network, Dominican Republic, Wolrd Stem Cell Summit, Boom Festival, Symbiosis Gathering, San Francisco Green Festival, SIMO Network, Institute For the Future 10 Year Forecast
Museums, Galleries, Libraries..
National Museum of Natural Sciences (Madrid), California Academy of Sciences, David Brower Center, Berkeley, Montalvo Arts Center, Saratoga, California, Museo del Mar Alborania, Málaga.
Universities / Academia
UC Berkeley, University of California Los Angeles, California College of the Arts, San Francisco, CSIC, Madrid, Spain, ELISAVA School of Design, Barcelona, Spain, EOI Business School, Madrid, Spain, San Francisco State University, Colegio de México.
Other
Sustainable Business Alliance, Spanish Geographic Society, Institute for the Future, Impact Hub Oakland, Impact HUB San Francisco, numerous public and private schools and cultural centers.
