PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEE • SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR • SYSTEMS THINKER

Engaging Audiences on the Future of Business, Climate, and Technology

Josh Knauer brings three decades of leadership at the intersection of climate, technology, and regenerative business to audiences worldwide.

Appointed to President Obama's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, Josh has founded multiple companies acquired by publicly traded firms, teaches at Carnegie Mellon University, and currently co-founded ReSeed, connecting smallholder farmers to climate finance markets.

He has spoken at the Federal Reserve, COP28, World Economic Forum, SXSW, and corporate summits globally—delivering insights that are both visionary and immediately actionable.

Josh delivers keynotes and custom sessions that help organizations navigate the intersection of profit, purpose, and planetary impact.

Core Speaking Topics

Why Purpose-Driven Companies Outperform: The Business Case for Enlightened Self-Interest - How aligning purpose with profit creates competitive advantage in the next economy. Audiences learn frameworks for integrating sustainability into core business strategy—not as CSR, but as value creation.
Unlocking Climate Finance: How Companies Can Access Emerging Carbon Markets - From smallholder farms to institutional investors, climate finance is reshaping global markets. Learn how businesses can participate in and benefit from ecosystem services markets, carbon credits, and regenerative agriculture investments.
Building Regenerative Business Models: Systems Thinking in Practice - Move beyond "sustainable" to regenerative. Drawing on real-world ventures, Josh demonstrates how to design business models that restore ecosystems while generating returns—and why this approach is becoming a table-stakes requirement.
Data, AI, and Ethics: Navigating Technology for Impact As AI transforms every sector, how do we ensure technology serves humanity and the planet? Practical frameworks for building ethical tech companies and using data for good.
Lessons from the Field: Innovation, Policy, and Public-Private Partnerships Real stories from launching ventures, working with policymakers, and building coalitions across sectors. What works, what fails, and what it takes to create systems-level change.
The Future of Food and Farming: Technology, Finance, and Regeneration How technology and new finance mechanisms are transforming agriculture—from precision ag to carbon markets to connecting farmers with climate capital.

How Josh Works With Clients

Josh adapts his approach based on your audience, goals, and time constraints. Fee structure varies by event type, audience size, and location. Please get in touch with us to discuss your specific needs.

Conference Keynotes – Inspire and educate large audiences with systems-level thinking
Executive Sessions – Interactive workshops for leadership teams navigating climate strategy
Board Advisory – Deep-dive sessions on regenerative business models and impact investing
Fireside Chats – Conversational formats perfect for intimate gatherings
Custom Programs – Tailored content for mission-driven organizations

Booking & Inquiries

To invite Josh to speak at your event or collaborate on a custom session, please reach out here.

“Josh’s journey offers valuable lessons about the power of mission alignment, the importance of working with existing communities, and the potential of finding unconventional solutions to massive problems.”

— Frontlines

“Through his vast experience, deep knowledge, and commitment to driving positive change, our audience gained invaluable insights into the power of ESG impacts, emerging tech trends, and the potential of data to shape the future of business and society. [Josh presented] an inspiring journey of exploration on how we can all contribute to a brighter and more caring world.”

— Toby Usnik, Host of the Caring Economy Series