What Sustainability Really Means—and Why Most Companies Get It Wrong | Charlie Cichetti | S2 E3

Charlie Cichetti | S2 E3  of the Badass Leaders Podcast

In 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, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/

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

Watch the full episode here: