Educating, inspiring, and guiding people to take climate action.
At first glance, Ryan Hagen might look like he’s coworking like everyone else. But ask him what he’s up to, and you’ll find out he’s writing a book with one goal in mind: help save the planet.
Ryan cares. A lot. And that’s exactly why we value him. He’s not here to preach or guilt anyone, but he is serious about being part of the solution and inviting others to join in. His calm, approachable presence makes the message land. It’s no surprise that more than 180,000 people read his newsletter for perspective. Ryan would probably not mention that himself, but we think it deserves a shoutout (hi Ryan, forgive us for bragging on your behalf).
When we feature members, we often ask their friends for a little extra insight. We don’t usually share those responses directly, but this one was too sweet not to. Ryan’s friend and fellow Hula member Rachel Wiley put it perfectly: “He’s incredibly focused and committed, yet he also brings a sense of balance, like making time for soccer or a good coffee ice cream, which makes him such a grounded and relatable person.”
If you’re looking for perspective, direction, or just a reminder to do a little better every day, Ryan’s your guy. We’re glad he’s part of the Hula community. Read on to find out more about Ryan.
Q: What do you do?
A: I’m an Author
Q: Do you own your own business? If so, what is it?
A: I used to run a nonprofit I founded called Crowdsourcing Sustainability. Now I'm an author, working on a book to share what I've learned.
Q: What’s a piece of advice you give to other people?
A: Just be yourself and do your best.
Q: What’s something a mentor or important person has shared that made an impact on your business or career?
A:
1. Always assume positive intent - super helpful for working with people.
2. Bottom line up front - super helpful for communicating effectively.
3. This is very basic, but always treat everyone, no matter who they are, with respect.
Q: What role does community play in your career or business?
A: Community is everything! There was a reason I named the nonprofit Crowdsourcing Sustainability - we need to connect, build relationships, and work together to get big things (like addressing climate change) done. And meaningful relationships are what make us happy :)
I don't run the nonprofit anymore. But I still educate, inspire, and empower people to act on climate with my writing. I wouldn't be able to do this without the work/help of friends and experts in the climate community who I learn from. Nor would I be able to do this without the thousands of people who read my work because they care about planetary breakdown and want to learn how they can do more to help. I think people in the climate community are awesome - we're all on the same team more than most other spaces/industries because of the shared goals and values that bring many of us to this work.
Q: What was a pivotal moment while you were building your business or during your career that made you realize you were on the right track? Are there signs people should look out for?
A:
A few good signs:
1. When you're doing something that matters to you - internally motivated.
2. When people tell you that what you're doing is truly resonating with them/helping make their lives better.
3. When you're working on things that get you in the flow somewhat regularly (not all the time or every day, but often enough).
Q: How do you handle setbacks or failures without losing motivation?
A: Breathe, move, rest, learn...ice cream. We can't control outcomes. So I just try to focus on what I can control - how I show up, and trying to get better at doing what I do. My ultimate motivation is to do what I can to help stop climate and ecological breakdown - I see it as saving and improving lives...I get tired, overwhelmed, and have burned out before, but I don't think that deep motivation to keep doing this work is going anywhere. Because I know what we choose to do makes a difference.
Q: What’s a personal habit or mindset shift that significantly improved your business or work life?
A: Meditating.
Q: Is there a transformative book, speech, or presentation that you’d recommend to other aspiring business professionals?
A: Honestly, what comes to mind for this is just that every business needs to do more on climate, faster than we are right now. And as employees who work at businesses, we can influence them. I'd recommend you read the "Help Make Your Company Climate Positive" chapter in my book when it comes out ;) and until then, check out ClimateVoice, Work for Climate, and Work on Climate - three amazing orgs helping employees take climate action at work.
If you just want to read some awesome climate/sustainability books, these are my favs (includes some climate fiction!): https://bookshop.org/lists/favorite-climate-sustainability-books
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: No, I think I've rambled enough, haha. Grateful for the people in this community :)
