Marshall Ganz: The Power of Storytelling – In dialogue with Walter Link [Video and transcript]

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Meet the Harvard professor who helped Obama become president by training thousands of volunteers in storytelling.

Contents

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Marshall Ganz: The Power of Storytelling on Global Media Academy
Transcript

Brief about Walter Link

Walter Link is a globally recognized leader in the field of sustainable development, known for his visionary approach to integrating business success with environmental and social impact. As the founder and CEO of NOW Partners, he has spent decades collaborating with leaders across industries, governments, and civil society to drive regenerative value creation. His work bridges economic innovation with deep ecological and human values, helping organizations move beyond sustainability into systems that restore and renew.

Background and Education

Early Life and Academic Background

Walter Link was born in Germany to a family that encouraged critical thinking and a strong sense of global responsibility. His early exposure to diverse cultures and disciplines laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to international cooperation and transformation. From a young age, he showed a deep interest in both the human condition and the structures that shape economic and ecological systems.

Studies in Economics and Sustainable Development

Walter pursued advanced studies in economics, psychology, and organizational development. Over time, he shifted his academic focus toward sustainable development—recognizing that economic theory must evolve to address urgent global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and resource depletion. He combined insights from systems thinking, regenerative design, and leadership theory to form a multidisciplinary approach that continues to inform his work.

Professional Experience

Leadership Roles in Sustainable Business Networks

Walter Link has held leadership roles in several influential sustainability organizations, where he helped pioneer the development of corporate social responsibility and stakeholder capitalism. He worked with global companies, impact investors, and innovation networks to promote ethical governance, circular economy principles, and inclusive business models. His leadership helped shape a broader conversation about redefining the role of business in society.

Founding and Leading NOW Partners

As the founding CEO of NOW Partners, Walter leads a global co-creation firm that works with corporations and institutions to align business success with the regeneration of people, societies, and nature. NOW Partners brings together hundreds of seasoned leaders and innovators to help organizations transition from extractive models to regenerative ecosystems. Under Walter’s leadership, the firm has collaborated with Fortune 500 companies, social enterprises, and international agencies to embed sustainability at the core of strategy and culture.

Areas of Expertise

Regenerative Value Creation

Walter is a thought leader in regenerative value creation—a model that goes beyond minimizing harm to actively restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, and fostering long-term prosperity. He helps organizations design business models and leadership practices that serve all stakeholders while regenerating natural and human capital. This includes strategic advising, executive coaching, and the design of multi-sector partnerships.

Integration of Economic Success with Environmental Sustainability

A consistent theme in Walter’s work is his ability to demonstrate that financial performance and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. He champions the view that environmental stewardship, employee well-being, and social equity are not costs but investments in long-term value. He supports companies in transforming their core operations and culture to meet the growing expectations of conscious consumers, impact investors, and regulatory frameworks.

Achievements and Recognition

Contributions to Global Sustainability Initiatives

Walter has contributed to numerous international initiatives on sustainable business and regenerative development. He has been invited to advise the leadership of global institutions, including multinational corporations, governments, and nonprofits. His work has shaped policies, strategies, and capacity-building efforts in areas ranging from climate innovation to inclusive capitalism. His collaborative efforts have helped bridge the gap between grassroots movements and boardroom strategy.

Publications and Thought Leadership

As a writer and speaker, Walter has shared his insights through essays, interviews, and keynote addresses. His writings explore themes such as transformational leadership, co-creative partnerships, and economic systems change. He is known for his ability to synthesize complex concepts into practical frameworks that guide action. His thought leadership continues to inspire new generations of sustainability practitioners and business leaders.

Values and Vision

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Walter’s career is grounded in a deep ethical commitment to sustainability—not just as a set of environmental goals, but as a philosophy of life and work. He believes in restoring the balance between human activity and the planet’s natural systems. His work is animated by the belief that business can be a powerful agent for healing and transformation when rooted in purpose and mutual respect.

Vision for a Regenerative Global Economy

Walter envisions a global economy that regenerates rather than depletes. This means designing organizations that contribute to the resilience of communities, ecosystems, and future generations. He calls for a fundamental shift in how we define success—moving from extractive growth to regenerative thriving. His long-term vision includes enabling a global movement of leaders and companies that prioritize purpose, partnership, and planetary health.

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