95. Eugene Kirpichov on a Systems Change Approach to the Green Economy

Purpose and Profit with Kathy Varol

Eugene Kirpichov runs Work On Climate, a non-profit building the workforce needed to solve climate change equitably and justly, which he started after leaving his big tech career in 2020 to focus on solving climate change. Work on Climate has helped thousands of people land climate jobs and advance their companies, and is now focusing on creating systems change to support the full climate talent transition.

In this episode, we discuss:

● How a systems thinking approach is needed to create “the climate workforce”

● The power of purpose to unite people around a common goal

● Why Eugene left a great career in tech to start Work on Climate

Key Takeaways:

● Uniting Around Purpose to Drive Change: A common purpose acts as a powerful bridge, connecting people across backgrounds and experiences by giving them a shared reason to invest their time, energy, and passion. Work On Climate is a perfect example of this. Experts volunteer their time, offering office hours to help people navigate their way into climate careers. Donors open their wallets, not just because it's a good cause, but because they believe in the mission. This common goal of tackling climate change unites individuals who might not have crossed paths otherwise. When people come together around a shared purpose, doors open in new ways—opportunities for collaboration, support, and impact flourish. That’s the true power of purpose.

● Rethinking Our Roles for a Sustainable Future: Solving the climate crisis will require more than just new technology—it demands a complete shift in how we think about our roles, regardless of industry. Eugene emphasized that everyone, no matter what their job is, should be thinking about how they can support a sustainable future. Whether you’re in finance, marketing, engineering, or education, there’s a role to play in driving systems change. The future isn’t just about “climate jobs”—it’s about making every job a climate job. The key is embracing a mindset where sustainability becomes part of every decision and action we take.

● Building the Skills to Shape a Better Future: As we tackle the climate crisis, we need people equipped with the right skills to lead the charge. Eugene highlighted some essential tools for building a sustainable future: STEM knowledge, design thinking, systems thinking, and collaboration. Whether you’re just starting out or already seasoned in your career, these are some skills worth developing.

References:

● Connect with Eugene on LinkedIn

● Work on Climate

● An Inconvenient Truth, directed by Davis Guggenheim (2006)

● Eugene’s resignation letter

● terra.do

● OnePointFive

● Climatebase

● Cisco Foundation

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