Turtle Talks with TSC #1 - Joost Wouters discusses signals, challenges, and Ireland's potential

 Welcome to the first episode of our 5-part "Turtle Talks" series, developed in collaboration with The Seaweed Company (TSC). 

This series begins with a conversation with Joost Wouters, the CEO of this innovative enterprise dedicated to realizing the transformative impact of macroalgae worldwide. 

Recently, TSC opened a new processing facility in Donegal, Ireland, and we had a fantastic time celebrating their progress at Seaposium 2024 - an event seeking to explore Ireland's potential as a seaweed hub in Europe. 

Joost's career began at Procter & Gamble before he moved into the Management Team of Pepsi Cola Benelux. Following the birth of his first son, he founded a management consulting firm and worked with leadership teams at companies such as Danone, Unilever, Heineken, and Reckitt Benckiser across the globe. 

In 2005, Joost and his family spent a year traveling the USA in a motorhome before they moved to Spain, where they built a house and a leadership center on the Mediterranean. 

Ten years later, Joost returned to the Netherlands to focus on contributing to a livable future. TSC was formed and now farms seaweed globally to enhance the health and well-being of humans, animals, crops, and soils. 

In this episode, some highlights include: 
0:02:00 - Why are you still passionate about seaweed after six years operating? 
0:04:20 - Most encouraging signals in the space? 
0:07:20 - Biggest challenges right now? 
0:09:00 - How do you approach product development and marketing at TSC? 
0:10:00 - How do you navigate relationships with the retailer? 
0:14:20 - What are your thoughts on ecosystem services and proving out the benefits of seaweed farming more? 
0:18:10 - How much of an issue is social licensing up here in Ireland?