Newsletter #20 is here, and with it comes a bit of change. I've been reflecting on who reads this newsletter—now more than 200 of you—and what connects us.

• We all recognize that change is inevitable.

• We understand that the unglamorous work of systemic change unfolds over decades, not weeks, and often happens out of the spotlight.

• We share the belief that change is possible. The tools we use to create it differ—some wield capital and investment, others activism, and for some, it's education.

Reaching this 20th edition feels like the right moment for a refresh (maybe "rebrand" is too strong a word). From here on, this small corner of the internet will be called World In Transition.

Why?

Because we’re all in transition—personally, professionally, and collectively. Climate change and the just transition affect us all, forcing shifts in how we live, work, and build the future. What started as a conversation about technology has evolved into something much bigger—systems, people, policies, and the choices we make. World in Transition is about making sense of it all.

Looking back at the last week there’s been a range of things which feed into the fight against Climate Change

• The USA’s disengagement with the Paris Climate Agreement

• BP and other energy companies rolling back on commitments to renewable energy

• A decline overall Climate Tech funding towards the end of 2024

Stepping back to step forward…

Change is a constant, but the tools we use to create it evolve. As this newsletter transitions into World In Transition, it feels like the right moment to reflect on the bigger picture—not just in the climate and just transition space, but on a personal level too.

Each stage of my journey has been shaped by a different approach to systemic change. From education and community building to investment and innovation, each phase has been a transition in itself. These moments remind me that change isn’t just something we work towards—it’s something we live.

Here are three moments that defined my own evolving toolkit for change:

[Hounslow, London, April 2012] 🇬🇧

In 2012, I stood with the Mayor of Hounslow in West London, deep in the work of running enterprise programmes for young people taking their first steps into business (look at my suit, it felt cutting edge at the time). That moment represents a different phase of transition—one where youth and education were my tools for change. Back then, it was about equipping young people with the confidence and skills to shape their futures. Today, the tools have changed, but the mission remains the same: helping people navigate transition, whether in business, climate, or society at large.

[Accra, Ghana, February 2016] 🇬🇭

In 2017, I sat at iSpace Hub in Accra, immersed in the Women in Tech programme we launched with Comic Relief. Back then, education and networks were my tools—opening doors for ambitious female entrepreneurs across Ghana. What I didn’t realize at the time was how much this programme would also shape the years ahaead. It deepened my understanding of the power of community, the barriers women in tech face, and the role I could play in breaking them down. Looking back, it was more than just a programme; it was a transition point—for them and me.

[Exeter, United Kingdom, April 2018] ⚡️

At Exeter Velocities, my tools were capital and startup acceleration—fueling early-stage ventures tackling sustainability challenges. I worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs, witnessing firsthand the emergence of what would soon be called Clean Tech.

Little did I know how much this experience would shape my path. It gave me a front-row seat to the intersection of innovation and climate action, reinforcing the power of entrepreneurship to drive real change. Looking back, it wasn’t just about funding startups; it was about transitioning into a deeper understanding of the role I wanted to play in this space.

Takeaways

• Define your tools – Change requires action, but the tools you use will evolve. Whether it’s education, investment, or activism, understanding what you have at your disposal—and how to wield it effectively—is crucial.

• Find your tribe and allies – No transition happens in isolation. The right people—mentors, collaborators, and communities—can accelerate your impact, challenge your thinking, and open doors you never knew existed.

• Embrace the evolution – The mission may stay the same, but the way you contribute to it will shift over time. Each phase builds on the last, shaping not just the work you do but the role you play in driving change.

If this newsletter resonates with you, share it with a friend. And if you want to connect, reach out to me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gosbert.