
Listen to the full podcast episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
From Academia to Industry: Learning to Lead and Influence
Bernie’s career began in academia, where he built a reputation as a leading researcher in physical chemistry. However, it was his transition to industry—first with Standard Oil of Ohio and later with BP—that shaped his approach to leadership. He explained;
“In academia, you have to persuade colleagues to join your vision. Industry taught me how to influence and drive change at scale.”
One pivotal moment came when BP shifted its focus from simply complying with environmental laws to actively reducing emissions. “This was a massive mindset shift,” Bernie recalled. “We moved from saying, ‘We’ll follow the law,’ to asking, ‘How can we continuously improve and reduce our impact?’ That was transformative, not just for the company but for me personally.”

Materials and the Engine of Development
Bernie’s latest book, The Material Advantage, explores how nations have historically achieved prosperity by mastering materials science and manufacturing.
“It’s not just about raw materials; it’s about transforming them into something valuable,” he explained.
Bernie used South Korea as an example, detailing how the nation transitioned from post-war devastation to economic power by focusing on education and scaling key industries.
However, Bernie warned that material innovation must align with sustainable principles. He highlighted food packaging as a cautionary tale: while it initially reduced waste and improved global access to food, its overuse has now become a significant environmental issue. “We need to rethink packaging entirely—dematerialising where possible and making better use of resources,” he said.
Governance: A Holistic Approach to Sustainability
At the heart of Bernie’s vision for a sustainable future is a fundamental shift in corporate governance. He proposed a model where customers—not traditional boards—govern companies. “Imagine a water utility governed by its customers,” he suggested.
“These stakeholders would prioritise decisions that balance economic, environmental, and social impacts.”
This idea aligns with the principles of sustainable development, which Bernie defines as living within environmental limits, building equitable economies, and fostering participatory governance. “Sustainable development isn’t just about the environment,” he stressed.
“It’s about creating systems that work for people, profit, and the planet.”
Learning from Failure and Arrogance
Reflecting on his time in the oil and gas industry, Bernie acknowledged the duality of success and failure. “Arrogance is a dangerous byproduct of success,” he said, citing the Gulf of Mexico oil spill as a cautionary example.
“When organisations believe they can do no wrong, they stop questioning themselves. That’s when things go awry.”
This humility has informed Bernie’s current roles on corporate boards and in venture capital, where he focuses on fostering accountability and continuous improvement. “Good governance means asking hard questions and making decisions that aren’t just about short-term gains but long-term impact.”

The Future of Sustainable Development
Looking ahead, Bernie sees an urgent need to address material waste in construction, food packaging, and manufacturing. He pointed to innovative companies like QFlow, which helps reduce construction waste, as examples of how industries can lead the way in sustainable practices.
But Bernie’s ultimate vision is broader: a world where governance, innovation, and sustainable development are fully integrated. He said;
“If we want to tackle climate change and build a just society, we need to rethink not just what we do but how we do it.”
Conclusion: A Visionary Call to Action
Bernie Bulkin’s career offers a roadmap for how leadership, governance, and innovation can intersect to create meaningful change. From influencing BP’s approach to emissions reduction to rethinking how materials drive development, Bernie’s contributions have left a lasting impact.
His message is clear: sustainability isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a governance challenge. By reimagining how companies are led and how resources are used, we can build a future that prioritises equity, resilience, and long-term prosperity.
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