In the world of business, where technology evolves at lightning speed, staying ahead requires more than just innovation—it demands sustainability. Our guest today, Nathalie Mindus, the CEO and co-founder of Mindus, has been at the forefront of the digital business revolution, blending cutting-edge tech with a deep commitment to climate obligations. Mindus’ patented technology cuts the apps’ communication CO2 emissions by 80%.
With a background in both law and finance, Nathalie brings a unique perspective on how businesses can not only meet but thrive by integrating sustainability into their operations. In this interview, we’ll explore their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the key strategies that have helped align profitability with sustainability.
Contents
- 1 Nathalie, thank you for being here. Tell us a little bit about you and your background:
- 2 What advice would you give to other CEOs or business leaders who are just beginning to incorporate sustainability into their operations?
- 3 Can you share a success story where your company’s sustainability efforts directly benefited your bottom line?
- 4 What inspired you to focus on sustainability in your business model, and how has that vision evolved over time?
- 5 How do you balance profitability with your sustainability goals? Do you find it challenging to align both?
- 6 Can you share an example of a significant challenge your company faced in its sustainability journey, and how you overcame it?
- 7 How do you see the role of sustainability evolving in your industry over the next five to ten years?
- 8 What can the average person do to make a difference?
- 9 Nathalie, thank you for joining us at Green.org today to share your vision for a future of Sustainability & Innovation.
Nathalie, thank you for being here. Tell us a little bit about you and your background:
I have been in the digital business for two decades. Our software company, Mindus – house of Green Digital, innovates state-of-the-art technology. My legal and financial backgrounds help me analyze how digital can meet these obligations while being profitable for both people and planet.
What advice would you give to other CEOs or business leaders who are just beginning to incorporate sustainability into their operations?
Sustainability is a multifaceted concept that extends far beyond just environmental considerations. It’s heartening to see more and more individuals, businesses, and organizations recognizing its importance. Let’s break down some key points:
1. Adaptability and Endurance: Sustainability isn’t just about maintaining the status quo; it’s about building systems, products, and services that can adapt to changing circumstances and endure over time. Whether it’s designing resilient infrastructure, creating flexible supply chains, or developing software that evolves with user needs, adaptability is a crucial aspect of sustainability.
2. Different Forms of Sustainability: Sustainability encompasses a wide range of dimensions:
- Environmental: This is what often comes to mind first—reducing carbon emissions, conserving natural resources, and protecting ecosystems.
- Social: Ensuring fair labor practices, promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting local communities.
- Economic: Balancing profitability with long-term viability.
- Cultural: Preserving heritage, traditions, and knowledge. Recognizing and addressing these various forms is essential for holistic sustainability.
3. Shifting Perspectives: Shifting societal perspectives from viewing sustainability as a cost to understanding it as an investment is crucial.
When businesses and individuals recognize that sustainable practices lead to long-term benefits—both for people and the planet—it becomes easier to make those choices.
In 1989, Mindus Software revolutionized the Swedish tech scene with its modern window graphical interface for mainframes, earning an Award as Sweden’s best innovation software. Fast forward to 2007, as multi-device usage began to rise, Mindus’ visionary geek team foresaw the need for a unified app ecosystem. They developed a cross-platform app engine that allowed for seamless app creation across mobile, tablets, web, and all operating systems. This innovation was a game-changer, enhancing user experience, simplifying development, and boosting profitability.
But innovation didn’t stop there. With the growing concerns around climate change, privacy protection, and social and ethical responsibilities, Mindus adapted their technology to meet these challenges head-on. Their platform reduces app communication energy consumption by 80%, resulting in green apps that use less bandwidth, local storage, and battery power. This not only extends device lifespan but also lowers the environmental footprint.
By minimizing the energy required for app communication and optimizing resource use, their technology significantly cuts down on digital waste and makes high-quality content more accessible, regardless of devices’ capabilities, providing a sustainable solution to digital pollution and bridging the digital divide.
In 2024, Mindus integrated a private AI coding assistant into their software.
These efforts have solidified Mindus’ reputation over the last 35 years. Their commitment to sustainable development, alongside their state-of-the-art technology, has earned them customer loyalty. By continuously evolving legacy systems and maintaining a focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness, Mindus demonstrates that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand, proving that long-term endurance is key to success.
What inspired you to focus on sustainability in your business model, and how has that vision evolved over time?
As said, sustainability has various different forms and/or actions. When society understands that sustainable is not a cost, but an investment for people, planet and business, sustainability is achievable. It is an active choice of suppliers, partners regardless of the activity you run.
How do you balance profitability with your sustainability goals? Do you find it challenging to align both?
Planet as a Profit: It encapsulates the idea that caring for our planet isn’t at odds with business success—it’s integral to it.
Again, when we view environmental stewardship as an investment rather than a cost, we create a win-win situation for everyone involved.
“Digital pollution accounts for 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while around a third of the world’s population has no access to the Internet. Digital is a lever for growth, but it must also serve mankind and the planet.”
Article, summer 2024.
Innovation, sustainability, climate, ethical and profit are so many terms we all hear. The challenge is how to package it all together. One app. One maintenance. 80% less CO2 emissions. That’s what we do.
How do you see the role of sustainability evolving in your industry over the next five to ten years?
Let’s keep championing sustainability, making active choices, and fostering partnerships that benefit both people and the Earth.
1. Active Choices and Partnerships: Sustainability isn’t passive; it requires intentional decisions. Choosing suppliers, partners, and collaborators who share your commitment to sustainability amplifies its impact.
Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, aligning with like-minded entities strengthens the collective effort. Intergenerational collaborations and skills from all sectors are needed to achieve these goals.
2. B Corp and Purpose-Driven Business: Mindus being a B Corp (a certified benefit corporation) is a powerful way to demonstrate commitment to sustainability. B Corps balance purpose and profit, considering social and environmental impact alongside financial success. They’re part of a global movement driving positive change
What can the average person do to make a difference?
Yes, users validate what they need and expect. Yet, tech is the primary one offering the choices. Tech therefore shows the way to what they want. Be aware, stay critical and well informed. Make your own cross-analysis. Choose well, every little action does matter. We all make a difference.
As our conversation comes to a close, it’s clear that sustainability is no longer just an option but a necessity for businesses striving for long-term success. From adaptability to partnership, and from innovation to mindful decision-making, our guest has demonstrated how a commitment to people and the planet can coexist with profitable business practices. We hope their insights inspire other leaders to view sustainability not as a cost, but as an investment that will shape the future for generations to come. Let’s all continue to make active choices that benefit both our world and the economy.
Dr. Alexander Tabibi is an entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for sustainable innovation with a deep commitment to leveraging technology for environmental and social good. As a thought leader at the intersection of business and sustainability, Dr. Tabibi brings a strategic vision to Green.org, helping guide its mission to inspire global climate awareness and actionable change.
With a background in both medicine and business, Dr. Tabibi combines analytical rigor with entrepreneurial insight.
