[Learn from nature & ancestral wisdom] The thirsty planet: Should water be a business?

What if the way we think about water could transform how we live, work, and do business?

Theme: Learn from nature & ancestral wisdom

Topic: Science, nature & biodiversity 

Language: English

In this episode of The Thirsty Planet, Polina Belyaeva, a management consultant who spent 11 years in Africa, dives into the deeper meaning of water in our lives and its vital role in business and culture. She’s joined by Adina, an entrepreneur and environmental psychology researcher who lived for 13 years in China, to explore the global challenges and opportunities surrounding water, from sustainability and resource management to personal connection and cultural perspectives.

You’ll learn:

• How water shapes our economies and individual wellbeing

• Why mindfulness and gratitude can deepen our relationship with natural resources

• Ways businesses and individuals can approach water more responsibly and sustainably

Key Quotes:

"Stay curious, stay hydrated."

“Never underestimate the power of one drop.”

"Can water be a business?"

"We need clean water for life or survival."

Guest Bio:

Adina-Iuliana Deacu, Environmental Psychology Researcher and Consultant

Adina-Iuliana Deacu is a social entrepreneur, systems thinker, and environmental psychology researcher committed to transforming business into a catalyst for sustainable development. As a Klaus Töpfer Sustainability Fellow at the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) in Potsdam, she is developing a framework to align profit-driven business models with long-term ecological and social value. She is also the founder of Tianmei’s World Academy, a cross-cultural learning platform that integrates environmental psychology and systems thinking to support regenerative and inclusive approaches to business development.

Website: https://www.tianmeisworldacademy.com/

Host Bio:

Polina Belyaeva, Strategic Program Manager and Sustainability Advocate

Polina Belyaeva is a strategic program manager and sustainability advocate with more than 12 years of international experience in corporate finance, strategy consulting, and operational excellency. She has worked on projects across Europe, Africa, and the US, including climate initiatives in renewable energy, water recycling, and carbon capture. Based in Mauritius for over a decade, she has seen firsthand the challenges of climate change and water scarcity, which inspired her to launch The Thirsty Planet podcast with VOCA Women Entrepreneurship Community. Polina’s work connects business, sustainability, and human stories, helping companies and communities translate ESG goals into practical solutions. She is a CIMA-qualified management accountant and ex-Big 4 professional. Through her advisory venture in Mauritius, Polina promotes simple changes that make sustainability accessible, relatable, and impactful.