Kate Williams Q&A
Kate Williams is CEO of 1% for the Planet, a global organization inspiring action and commitment to ensure our planet thrives for future generations. Next week, Premiums for the Planet will attend the nonprofit’s sold-out Global Summit in San Diego, where members and partners will collaborate on impactful environmental solutions.
Below, Kate reflects on her transformative wilderness expedition that ignited her passion for leadership and environmental stewardship, what makes the Global Summit unique, the critical role of insurance in climate finance, and how she stays hopeful during challenging times.
Premiums for the Planet: You've previously described your transformative month-long wilderness expedition at age 18 that ignited your passion for leadership and environmental sustainability. That trip had all the classic big mountain disasters – unexpected snowfall, food shortages, a trip leader with a broken leg, and even a sunset helicopter evacuation. Have you had other experiences in your adult life that reaffirmed your commitment to this type of work?
Kate Williams: Yes, and I would probably give this aspect of my life and philosophy the header of “in praise of hard things.” Basically, the other experiences in my adult life that have reaffirmed my commitment to leadership in service of a thriving future have been moments or periods when the going got tough and I had to explicitly know and stay true to this commitment. One example that is very different than a mountaintop is the period in my life when both of my children were very young, and I became executive director of another nonprofit focused on recreation and access. It is really hard to juggle it all, and almost on the daily, during this ten year period, I kind of went around the block in my head about the importance of being true to both being a parent and being a leader in a space I believed in. They both mattered and I could do both (I chanted). I wore a necklace during this period that said “no fear, reminding myself that I could be courageous every day to be present for all of the people and things I cared about in my life. I also learned how to be a true partner with my husband, and how to tap the strengths of those around me — all of which are better ways to lead even when you’re not feeling as stretched as I was. Good learnings emerging from hard things!
PFP: The 1% for the Planet Global Summit is taking place this year in San Diego from Oct 15-17. What differentiates this summit from the increasingly crowded slate of annual sustainability gatherings?
KW: Well, to your point, a major challenge is finding dates that don’t overlap with other sustainability gatherings — it’s tough, and we want to uplift the good work being done all around us! Global Summit brings together members and partners from around the world to discuss and collaborate on ways to create meaningful environmental impact. Through educational workshops, inspiring presentations, and networking opportunities, attendees can learn about the progress that our members and partners are making, environmental challenges and solutions, as well as connect with each other in person.
There are many key differentiators for Global Summit that we are proud of and help separate the program from the long list of alternative gatherings. I’ll stick to two here. First, this is an intimate gathering for certified 1% for the Planet Business Members only. We keep the capacity at a strategic size between 250-500 attendees annually. The point being, we want you to feel that you’ve had the chance to meet everyone in the room within the three days we’re together, and walk away from the event with a new, meaningful network connection. Second, we stay positive and lean into hope. Our program focuses on a localized and globalized balance of celebrating what’s been accomplished and inspiring the room on what’s ahead of us. Our buddy Fitz Cahall, Creator and Host of the Duct Tape Then Beer podcast, sums it up well for us: "Hope and urgency—I couldn't imagine a better set of emotions to leave a conference with."
PFP: When did you first become aware of insurance as a powerful climate finance lever? And how does joining the Premiums for the Planet movement contribute to your organization's own sustainability goals?
KW: In the last 4 years, awareness of the interconnectedness between finance and climate issues has grown. The insurance industry, with its substantial financial resources and influence, has the potential to positively impact climate resilience and sustainability. In joining Premiums for the Planet, we see opportunities to increase funding for environmental causes, promote sustainable practices in insurance, and strengthen environmental advocacy. Overall, we see value in contributing to the larger movement of integrating sustainability into financial practices and making a more substantial impact.
PFP: Both of our organizations champion collective action. Why do you believe this approach is the most effective pathway to achieve environmental impact?
KW: Global issues require broad, systemic change. Collective action enables the aggregation of resources, expertise, and influence from multiple stakeholders—individuals, businesses, governments, and NGOs. This collective effort can drive large-scale initiatives and transformations that individual or isolated actions might not achieve. Collective action frameworks often involve transparency and accountability mechanisms, making it easier to track progress and ensure commitments are met.
Businesses hold the power to invest in and support innovative solutions for our Planet’s challenges. Corporate giving, as seen in initiatives like 1% for the Planet, channels financial resources into meaningful environmental work. Effective business practices and public policy can set standards, create incentives for sustainable practices, and regulate harmful activities. Global challenges require international cooperation. We believe that we all desire a bright future for our planet and the next generation. Let’s listen, learn, and build something beautiful together.
PFP: Despite the significant environmental challenges we face, 1% for the Planet fosters a sense of optimism and action. Are there any recent trends or developments in the environmental movement that give you hope for a more sustainable future?
KW: Many trends indicate a shift toward more sustainable practices and policies, underscoring that positive change is not only possible but already underway. Among the myriad of trends—technological advances, policy support, corporate responsibility, grassroots activism, etc.—a few hope spots that give me optimism include the evolving landscape of who is involved in this movement, how we define and address environmental issues, and emerging rules that aim to protect consumers from deception. Namely, I’m inspired by the engagement of younger generations, the increase in corporate social responsibility, emerging anti-greenwashing regulation, and our expansion of environmental issues to reflect intersectionality and a commitment to the planet and people.