The Collider: Building a Global Hub for Climate Adaptation with CEO Josh Dorfman

Donate to America Adapts In episode 72 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons talks with the CEO of The Collider Josh Dorfman.  The Collider is a non profit organization working with individuals and companies to develop big data climate applications. They also are fostering the development of a climate ‘ecosystem’, through networking and creating a major hub for adaptation in Asheville, North Carolina. Josh also shares his experiences as The Lazy Environmentalist. It’s a fun, informative conversation with a new, innovative voice in the adaptation universe. Topics covered: History and purpose of The Collider; Commercialization of climate tech ventures through startup bootcamps, skills-based workshops, and mentorship programs; Connecting industry leaders, entrepreneurs, academics, adaptation innovators, and climate scientists at conferences, climate data hackathons, and business; Creating a climate adaptation ecosystem in Asheville, North Carolina; The challenges of doing reliable business of big data risk modeling; The Lazy Environmentalist; Is there a need for The Lazy Adapter Josh and Doug discuss The Hopeful Adapter and much more! Bio: Josh Dorfman is Chief Executive Officer of The Collider. An environmental entrepreneur, author, and media personality, he focuses on scaling mission-driven organizations and connecting them to mainstream audiences. He was Vice President of Marketing for GoodGuide, a “TechCrunch 50” provider of information on the health, green, and ethical performance of consumer products. Josh was also founder & CEO of Vivavi, a pioneering retailer of modern, sustainable furniture, named to Inc. Magazine’s “Green 50” as an innovator accelerating the green economy.  Josh is perhaps best known as the Creator and Host of The Lazy Environmentalist, an award-winning reality TV show on Sundance Channel, radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio, book series, and blog. He and his ventures have been widely profiled including in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Los Angeles Times and on Morning Joe, Fox & Friends, and The Big Idea with Donnie Deutsch. Before joining The Collider, Josh led Venture Asheville, a public-private initiative to grow Asheville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. He co-founded and directed Asheville Angels, an early-stage angel investor group with portfolio investments in cleantech, EV infrastructure, and numerous other industries.  Josh holds an MBA from Thunderbird, The School of Global Management, and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. Donate to America Adapts Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Android Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities: If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here! Now on Spotify! List of Previous Guests on America Adapts Subscribe/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts. Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization! Facebook and Twitter: @TheColliderAVL https://www.facebook.com/thecollider.asheville/ @usaadapts https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/timeline www.americaadapts.org Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/america-adapts-climate-change/id1133023095?mt=2 Listen here. On Google Play here. Please share on Facebook! Links in this episode: https://thecollider.org/ https://thecollider.org/press-release-discovery-day-2018/ https://thecollider.org/food-beverage-climate-conference/ https://som.yale.edu/buying-sustainability-conversation-lazy-environmentalist https://thecollider.org/ https://www.amazon.com/Lazy-Environmentalist-Guide-Stylish-Living/dp/1584796022 Directions on how to listen to America Adapts on Amazon Alexa https://youtu.be/949R8CRpUYU America Adapts also has its own app for your listening pleasure!  Just visit the App store on Apple or Google Play on Android and search “America Adapts.” Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts!  Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible!  For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.   Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions Write a review on Itunes! America Adapts on Facebook!   Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group. Check us out, we’re also on YouTube! Producer Dan Ackerstein Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com