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DATA & IMPLEMENTATION
DATA & IMPLEMENTATION
Episode Summary
In this episode, Julien speaks with Steffen Müller, who heads Salesforce‘s Sustainability & Transformation Advisory team, to explore how digital technology can serve as a lever (or a liability) in the corporate ecological transition. At a time when regulations fluctuate and climate commitments are under pressure, Steffen offers a grounded but forward-looking perspective on how tech and AI can support a more intentional, purpose-driven business strategy.
From Scope 3 emissions and supplier collaboration to biodiversity metrics and small language models, their conversation highlights how data integrity, cross-functional collaboration, and platform integration are reshaping sustainability management. Müller also comments on how Salesforce uses its own tools internally, the rise of “sustainability technologists”, and the tensions between innovation and environmental impact in AI development.
This episode explores the link between digital transformation and ecological responsibility, with a focus on turning sustainability from a compliance task into a core strategy.
What do we talk about?
00:00 Introduction; the shifting context for business and Stefan Müller’s journey
02:50 Why some companies are backpedaling on sustainability and why others are not
05:30 Corporate ecological transition: Where are we really?
07:30 Finance and nature: Understanding the $7 trillion gap
09:20 Geopolitical contrasts: US, EU, and China in the sustainability race
12:30 Beyond carbon: Measuring waste, water, and biodiversity impact
15:00 Tackling Scope 3: From spend-based data to real supplier metrics
18:15 Ensuring data integrity: Verification, auditability, and trust
22:00 AI’s footprint: The hidden environmental cost of artificial intelligence
27:30 Designing sustainable AI: Small models, smart principles, and market influence
32:00 AI for good: Empowering farmers, NGOs, and regenerative practices
34:20 The rise of the “sustainability technologist” and evolving team structures
36:40 From dashboards to decisions: Embedding sustainability in business systems
40:10 Case study: Manufacturing, CRM integration, and incentivizing low-impact choices
44:30 Regenerative business: Tech as a too, if used with intent
47:50 The reboot button: Rethinking the concept of “we”
51:30 Closing thoughts and a call for integrity-driven transformation
Impact
As Global Director and the Sustainability & Transformation Advisory leader at Salesforce, Steffen Müller is at the forefront of integrating sustainability into corporate strategies. He believes in aligning digital transformation with ecological responsibility and advocates for data-driven approaches to achieve meaningful sustainability goals. His work involves guiding companies to embed sustainability into their core operations, ensuring that environmental considerations are not just add-ons but integral to business success.
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