NGO's and Veolia New Strategy

Water professionals at NGOs have something to tell us. Don't miss Veolia's new approach with influencers, and the Smart Water Solutions Podcast.

New Podcast Episode

We talk about investment, the rehabilitation of aging infrastructure, leakage, digitalization, PFAS, water reuse, droughts, floods, water technologies, corporate power dynamics, and productivity.

But let’s not forget that every day, millions of people—mostly women and children—wake up and spend 3 to 4 hours (or even more!) walking to fetch water, only to make the same journey back.

This stark reality highlights the true value of water and why many of us take it for granted.

When water access is a daily struggle, it becomes the top priority, consuming time and energy that could otherwise be spent on education, work, or personal development.

As societies develop, we tend to outsource tasks—cleaning, childcare, pre-prepared food—because time is the most valuable currency.

In rural areas, where centralized water infrastructure is neither economically viable nor politically prioritized, investment tends to flow toward big cities, leaving many communities behind.

This is where individuals like our guest, Aisha, play a role in driving positive change.

Their experiences, insights, and solutions deserve more visibility and recognition.

We must ensure that these voices are heard and valued just as much as those in the corporate world.

Only then can we build a more inclusive and equitable approach to water access.

Veolia - Suez - Degremont

We've been doing some research over the past few weeks because we want to create a new type of episode called Water Stories.

The first episode—still in script development—will explore the story of Veolia, Suez, and Degremont.

Any water professional should be familiar with these three companies and the ongoing situation following the merger of two industry giants, the political power behind it, and the consequences that followed.

By the way, have you noticed Veolia’s latest moves to increase visibility and engage with a younger audience?

First, they released a song—yes, a song.

And second, the CEO Estelle participated in an interview with a YouTuber, aiming for a more direct and relatable connection with the public.

In this exclusive feature, Ludovic B. followed her for two days, providing an unfiltered look into the daily life of a leader of a CAC 40 company.

The video offers insights into her schedule, meetings, and interactions, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities she faces.

This raises interesting questions: Are we witnessing a shift in corporate communication? Is old-school messaging losing impact compared to modern, more engaging strategies?

It’s something worth thinking about.

Smart Water Solutions Podcast

Around two months ago, I received an invitation from Abdelhakim El Fatil to join the Smart Water Solutions Podcast, one of the longest-running podcasts dedicated to water, with over 100 episodes featuring CEOs, eminent professors, and investors.

The conversation was framed as an informal exchange—sharing perspectives, discussing barriers, and envisioning the future of water.

What I liked most of this opportunity was the podcast's authenticity: no greenwashing, no commercials, just impactful discussions about real solutions in the water sector.

As a listener myself, I appreciated many episodes, though I did share feedback on improving sound quality to enhance the overall experience.

During our talk, I highlighted a message close to my heart: water must innovate not only in technology, processes and infrastructure but also in how we communicate, learn, and share knowledge. That’s the essence of what I wanted to convey.

If you'd like to listen to a few minutes of our informal discussion, below the link for Spotify. Also available in other platforms such as Apple Podcast.

“When he installed cables or pipes through the wall, he did it beautifully before putting the plaster on the wall. No one would ever see it. But he knew. Doing your best in any circumstance consistently shapes your being.” - Daniel Schmachtenberger