After leaving adidas in 2019, Eric Liedtke has continued to make an impact in the industry. He is currently serving as a Senior Advisor to the private equity firm Advent International, where he provides strategic guidance and support for investments in the consumer, retail, and leisure sectors. He is also a board member of several companies, including the outdoor apparel brand Arc’teryx and the fitness technology company Hydrow.

Outshining these accomplishments is one crown jewel, Unless Collective.  A company of innovative thinkers dedicated to the development of the first athletic shoe (The Degenerative) that is completely plastic-free. They rose to the challenge and solved for every issue, right down to the tip of the shoelace that keeps it from fraying (called an “aglet” – you are welcome, trivia fans.)

The Making of a Degenerative Disrupter

garten CEO Michael Heinrich recently sat down with Eric where the two connected on a shared passion for a regenerative world and Eric shared some wisdom on his personal wellness philosophy.

After 25 years in the corporate world, Eric wanted to take back his time – his mantra was “zero wasted hours”.  With every decision he asks himself, “Am I helping myself, my friend, my family or my world?”  All his decisions are based on that one question.  “This gives me peace of mind and 100% satisfaction.” 

Eric has been a vegan for the last 7-8 years and practices intermittent fasting.  He does yoga every morning with his wife (and sometimes the kids).  He gets a workout in at lunchtime and finds that working up a sweat midday kicks him into a productive, energetic afternoon.  He also has personal aspirations to continue surfing, constantly improving his game and connecting with his deep love for the ocean. 

He recently renovated a house, making sure to incorporate a sauna, and cold plunge pool.. Trying to go plastic-free in household goods, textiles, and furniture has been a bit more of a challenge, but if he can find a natural solution for an athlete shoe… the hunt may be on for a plastic-free mattress soon!  We wouldn’t put it past him. 

Watch the full conversation at garten.co/infinity.

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Eric Archambeau, a global food enthusiast, seasoned entrepreneur, and impact investor, believes that startups have the potential to create both financial returns and positive social and environmental impact. Impact investing, the practice of investing in companies, organizations, and funds with the intention of generating measurable social and environmental impact alongside financial returns, is a powerful tool for startups looking to make a difference in the world.  He recently sat down with garten’s CEO, Michael Heinrich to chat about what the world would look like if investors focused on environmental and social impacts as much as financial impacts.

According to Archambeau, impact investing is a win-win for startups. Not only does it allow them to create positive change in the world, but it also helps them attract socially conscious investors and customers. In today’s world, consumers are increasingly looking for companies that align with their values, and impact investing can help startups tap into this market.

Archambeau notes that impact investing can also help startups attract top talent. Many millennials and Gen Zers are looking for purposeful careers, and impact investing can provide them with the opportunity to work for companies that are making a difference in the world.

However, Archambeau also cautions that impact investing is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Startups must carefully consider their business model and impact strategy to ensure that their investments are aligned with their mission and values. Additionally, startups must be transparent about their impact metrics and reporting to ensure that they are held accountable for their impact claims.

Overall, Archambeau believes that investing is a powerful tool for startups looking to create positive change in the world. By aligning their values with their investments, startups can attract socially conscious investors and customers, top talent, and create a meaningful impact in the world. Watch the full interview in our g-Infinity Speaker Series!

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