Mark Kroese on Climbing Toward Sustainability

Former Microsoft sustainability leader Mark Kroese shared practical insights on innovation, skills and market-driven solutions for climate progress at CESR’s Sustainability Bootcamp.

At the Sustainability Bootcamp on November 7, hosted by the Center for Ethics and Sustainability, keynote speaker Mark Kroese (pictured above), former general manager of sustainability solutions at Microsoft, shared practical insights drawn from a career at the intersection of technology, leadership and environmental advocacy. Mark spoke to a packed room of over 180 Leeds students. He believes that we are “at a unique point in history, with unprecedented tools to develop creative and innovative solutions to the world’s biggest problems.” His talk blended actionable advice and optimism rooted in innovation.

Skills over process.
Complying with process is important, but igniting people with ideas and skills is how you go big, he believes. As an avid mountain climber, Kroese drew a parallel to elite climber Alex Honnold—famous for his free solo ascents: “Does he follow process? No. Is he crazy skilled? Absolutely.” His takeaway: Invest in skills. They’re what drive bold, transformative action.

Federal climate subsidies are a must-have to meet sustainability goals.
There’s no way sustainability progress can happen without federal support, believes Kroese. “The might of the federal government is massive. It’s a really big hole when they pull out, and it’s a really big accelerant when they are in.”

Invigorating the blue collar workforce.
Kroese voiced strong support for the blue-collar workforce. “I’ve long thought the trades are undervalued,” he said. “Welders, electricians—these jobs are essential. Data centers aren’t building themselves.” He believes market forces will help reinvigorate interest in these careers.

Career strategy: passion or paycheck?
On the perennial question of following one's passion or pursuing financial stability, Kroese offered pragmatic advice: “Work your tail off in your 20s and 30s. Accumulate assets early. That gives you options later.”

Climate progress and political setbacks.
Asked how to fix climate change progress that has been undone by the current administration, Kroese said what gives him hope is innovation. “It is sad that there is a lot getting undone—it’s shocking, it’s demoralizing,” he admitted. “But market solutions with low-grade premiums will carry the day. If someone builds a cheap, carbon-free fusion reactor, it’ll take off—regardless of who’s in the White House.”

He urged students to keep innovating, even if policy support lags. “Some ideas may sit dormant for a few years. But our time will come. We have to innovate our way out of this problem.”

AI: bubble or breakthrough?
While not an AI expert, Kroese shared a candid view: “AI is an amazing tool—for both good and bad. I hope the good wins, and I hope we have some guardrails.” He emphasized the need for industry-led ethics and regulation, even if the path forward remains unclear.

 I can assure you that, in the long run, the thing that will set you apart is your personal brand of human traits and values. 

Mark Kroese, former general manager of sustainability solutions at Microsoft

“I can assure you that, in the long run, the thing that will set you apart is your personal brand of human traits and values. We are, after all, called human beings—not human doings,” Kroese emphasized.

The imperative to invest in AI skills is most associated with productivity and GDP growth, he explained. “Certainly, these are important things, but I want to encourage you to also invest in something far less measurable: your humanity.”

It is unique human characteristics—”the nonalgorithmic miracle that is your whole, human self”—that build integrity, trust, empathy and principles, he advised.

“So go out into the workforce and be an AI-informed, but uniquely human, values-based leader.”

A Sustainability Focused Day

At the fall 2025 Sustainability Bootcamp, hosted by the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility, Trent Yang (pictured left)—Boulder Climate Ventures team member and Leeds entrepreneur-in-residence—spoke to attendees about climate tech investing. Kyri Baker (center), CU Boulder assistant professor of civil systems and architectural engineering, addressed climate-related challenges posed by AI. Branding leader Brenda Tuohig (not pictured), explored the future of media and advertising in an AI-driven world. Following the plenary session, students (right) gathered into collaborative working groups.