Joel Hartter is a professor at the University of Colorado and business strategist with over 25 years of global experience advancing solutions at the intersection of business, environment, and society. He combines his background in engineering, natural science, and social science with human-centered strategy in teaching over 30,000 students annually and partnering with corporate leaders to position sustainability as a driver of business success. He has founded and led some of the United States’ most recognized university programs in responsible business and sustainability, developing talent ready to drive change across strategy, operations, and culture. Joel is also a National Geographic Explorer and has worked extensively in the Global South leading large international development projects in partnership with the National Science Foundation, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the US Agency for International Development and more.

Joel founded Parallel Labs to help organizations turn their commitments and strategic imperatives into value creation and impact. Joel portfolio includes startups, Fortune 500s, higher ed, governments, and nonprofits. He also serves on the global Sustainability Council for Volkswagen Group, the world’s second largest automaker.