What Sustainability Really Means—and Why Most Companies Get It Wrong | Charlie Cichetti | S2 E3
Download MP3In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Charlie Cichetti shares an honest look at leadership, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and legacy. From being laid off during the 2008 recession to co-founding multiple companies and working at the intersection of green buildings and technology, Charlie reflects on the moments that shaped his leadership philosophy.
The conversation explores what sustainability really means beyond certifications, how leaders can stay coachable through growth and exits, and why long-term impact matters more than short-term wins. Charlie also opens up about mentorship, managing stress as an entrepreneur, building companies with intention, and the mindset shift required to move from success to significance.
This episode is a grounded, thoughtful discussion for leaders, founders, and anyone navigating a career pivot while trying to build something that actually matters.
Learn More About Charlie Cichetti:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliecichetti/
- skema.ai: https://www.skema.ai/
Mentioned in this Episode:
- Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
- Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell: https://www.buybackyourtime.com/
- U.S. Green Building Council: https://www.usgbc.org/
- LEED: https://www.usgbc.org/leed
- Green Building Matters Podcast (featuring Angela Gill Nelms): https://open.spotify.com/episode/4x6238kGvPCnH7lkFGVJRp?si=rOuq7RPJSsi8HqS-lAB9Aw
- John Maxwell levels of leadership: https://www.maxwellleadership.com/co/the-5-levels-of-leadership/
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey: https://www.franklincovey.com/courses/the-7-habits/
Produced by: The AGN Group
Host: Angela Gill Nelms
Producer: Katie Hart
Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.
Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com
About The AGN Group:
At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.
Social Media Channels:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/
Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2
Want to be a Podcast Guest?
If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, email brave@angelagillnelms.com.
The discussion also tackles questions…
- What does sustainability really mean in commercial buildings and business today?
- How can leaders shift from chasing success to creating long-term significance?
- What’s the difference between management and true leadership?
- How do entrepreneurs handle stress, overwhelm, and anxiety without burning out?
- What role does mentorship play in leadership growth?
- How do you evaluate board members, investors, and co-founders wisely?
- Why is staying coachable essential at every stage of a career?
- How can leaders think about legacy while still building and growing?
Themes:
- Leadership vs. management
- Sustainability beyond greenwashing
- Entrepreneurship and career pivots
- Mentorship and coaching
- Legacy and long-term impact
- Stress, overwhelm, and resilience
- Building values-driven companies
- Personal growth and self-awareness
Creators and Guests
Host
Angela Gill Nelms
Angela Gill Nelms is a founder, board leader, podcaster, and award-winning entrepreneur with a career spanning SaaS, medical devices, biotech, and clinical research. She builds high-impact teams and organizations rooted in culture, resilience, and strategic execution—helping innovators move ideas from lab to market and leaders grow with intention. She hosts three podcasts that reflect her mission to elevate leadership and accelerate biomedical innovation: Badass Leaders Podcast, Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow, and Recovery Advocate Network: Coffee & Conversation. Across each show, Angela creates space for honest conversations that drive impact, reduce stigma, and shape the future of leadership and health. A Georgia Tech Academy of Distinguished Alumni honoree and INC 500 award recipient, Angela serves on multiple boards across innovation and mental health ecosystems. Outside of work, she’s beekeeping, blacksmithing, turning wood, or training—6× IRONMAN and lifelong advocate for humans being human.
Producer
Katie Hart
Katie Hart is the Senior Client Relations Manager and Executive Podcast Producer at The AGN Group, where she leads podcast production, brand strategy, and client experience from concept to launch. Equal parts creative and operational powerhouse, she guides clients through branding, recording, and distribution while ensuring every detail runs seamlessly. Known as a customer experience magician, Katie is passionate about making every client and guest feel seen, supported, and celebrated—delivering a five-star experience that amplifies bold stories and builds meaningful impact.
