Brighton Kaoma: From Grassroots Activist to Global Systems Leader

In this episode of the Circular Strategies Podcast, host Bob Alvarez speaks with Brighton Kaoma, a Zambian-born changemaker whose life’s work bridges grassroots action and global leadership.

Brighton’s story begins in a small copper mining town in Zambia, where he experienced the environmental and social costs of resource extraction. From his early days hosting a youth radio show to directing global programs at the United Nations, Brighton has carried a single mission: to harmonize economy, society, and nature for the benefit of current and future generations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The Origins of Amano So
  Brighton founded Amano So— meaning “wisdom only” in his native languages — to connect emerging sustainability leaders with seasoned mentors worldwide. Through small “mentor huts,” speaker series, and a digital platform, Amano creates cross-generational, cross-sector leadership development opportunities.

• From Ego-Systems to Eco-Systems
  Brighton explains why collaboration, co-creation, and humility are essential to sustainability — and how nature’s harmony offers a blueprint for human systems.

• Breaking Down Silos
  Whether in business, public policy, or civil society, too much attention is placed on differences rather than shared goals. Brighton offers strategies for building alignment across sectors.

• Global Success Stories
  From the Grameen Bank’s transformative microfinance model to innovative circularity initiatives, Brighton shares examples that prove scalable, high-impact solutions are possible.

• The Uncomfortable Truth
  Brighton doesn’t mince words: The planet is warming. Without accelerating circularity innovations, we’ll still be talking about the same problems a decade from now. Closing the “talk–do” gap is non-negotiable.

• Every Career Can Be a Sustainability Career
  Whether you work in engineering, finance, law, or marketing, your skills can contribute to circularity and climate solutions.

Why This Conversation Matters

Brighton’s perspective challenges leaders to focus on what they most want to be known for, act with urgency, and see sustainability as a shared responsibility across every role and sector. His call to action is clear: stop trying to be everything, and start doing the one thing that will make the biggest impact.

🎥 Watch the full conversation above to hear Brighton’s insights, stories, and challenges in his own words — and learn how you can help close the gap between talking and doing in the circular economy. 

You can find out more about Amano So at: https://www.amano.so/