Leadership in Sustainability: Global Approach to Change

Lisa is a global circular economy and zero-carbon business transformation leader. She is an international speaker and author of circular economy publications supporting businesses and governments in the circular transition. Lisa has been successfully advising industry and governments in developing new policy frameworks, regulations and tools to bring about market change enabling the circular economy, over the past 20 years. This work covers markets, supply chains and business models across the water, energy mobility, finance and investment sectors in Australia and globally.

Lisa is the Managing Director and CEO of Circular Australia, a national independent peak NFP leading the Australian transition to a circular economy by 2035. Lisa has advised Commonwealth and State Ministers on the development of the national and State circular economy roadmaps, policy and strategic projects including: the federal government’s Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group (CEMAG); NSW 20 Year Waste Strategy; Carbon Capture Technology Program, Powering Australian Innovation Growth Centres.

Lisa has worked to catalyse new circular economy, zero carbon, sustainable markets, including initiating and setting up the Australian Solar Thermal Association (AUSTELA), Open Cities Alliance a peak association for next-gen infrastructure and the circular economy, advising electric mobility providers, and working in the private sector driving circular economy outcomes in water and energy and advocating for policy and regulatory change. Starting her career as a political journalist working in the national press gallery, she then moved to advising Ministers and Premiers, before heading to the UK to help establish the Clinton Climate Initiative.

My Sustainability Goals for 2025:

1. Working to deliver the new Australia’s Circular Economy Framework with targets for 2035
2. Securing buy-in for a new Circular Economy Act to replace waste legislation
3. Activating new taskforces on mining and critical minerals to galvanise industry globally

Erik Sturm currently serves as the Head of Digital & Software Sales for Hong Kong and Macau at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. With a robust background in building technology solution development, energy services, digitalization, decarbonization, and sustainability, he has been instrumental in driving innovative smart building solutions.

Over the years, Erik has led efforts to bring AI- and IoT-powered technologies to market across Germany and Europe. His work has helped improve building performance, reduce energy use, and make buildings more sustainable and resilient. Erik’s hands-on experience in integrating digital solutions into the built environment has had a significant impact on reducing carbon footprints.

Erik holds a master’s degree in Management and Technology from the Technical University of Munich. As a guest lecturer at universities worldwide, he has inspired others to work towards a more sustainable future through the deployment of IoT-technology. His unwavering commitment to advancing digitalization and sustainability in the built environment positions him as a pivotal force driving progress in the industry.