Interview Series: Julia Collins.

The Serial Entrepreneur and Sustainability Expert take on the future of our world.

It’s an absolute pleasure to introduce Julia Collins, a trailblazer whose visionary leadership has left an indelible mark on sustainable innovation. Julia is best known for her groundbreaking work with Planet Forward and Moonshot Snacks, where she’s championed creative storytelling and innovative solutions to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Julia personally, and I can tell you that her energy and passion are contagious. She has an incredible ability to connect with people, turning complex ideas into actionable solutions that inspire and empower others. Julia’s work isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about reimagining how we interact with the planet and each other to create a better, more equitable future.

Her journey is nothing short of remarkable, and I’m excited for you to hear her insights and learn more about the person behind the innovation. Get ready to be inspired!

The Delivery Man (DM): What inspired your early interest in the intersection of food and sustainability growing up in San Francisco?

Julia Collins (JC): Growing up in San Francisco, I was surrounded by people who saw food as something beyond just sustenance. It was an art form, a cultural expression, and a way to support the environment. The Bay Area’s pioneering spirit in organic farming, sustainability, and cultural diversity made it natural to think about food not just in terms of taste but also impact. This mindset became the foundation of my passion for building sustainable food solutions.

DM: How did your time at Harvard and Stanford shape your entrepreneurial mindset?

JC: Both experiences taught me the importance of bold thinking and community-driven solutions. At Harvard, I was encouraged to understand complex systems and how they connect. At Stanford, I learned to question conventions and embrace iterative innovation. Together, they shaped my approach to tackling food and climate issues as complex, interconnected systems that need courage and commitment.

DM: Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur, or was there a pivotal moment that led you down this path?

JC: I didn’t always know I’d be an entrepreneur, but I’ve always loved problem-solving. The pivotal moment was when I realized that I wanted my work to have a tangible, positive impact. Creating something from scratch that could help address climate change and food equity felt like the most direct way to do that. It’s been a challenging path but one I find incredibly rewarding.

DM: What has been your proudest professional moment so far?

JC: My proudest moment has been seeing Planet FWD partner with companies that influence millions of consumers, to push forward on net-zero commitments. Knowing that we’re helping these brands make climate-friendly decisions at scale makes me feel that we’re contributing to systemic change.

DM: What inspired you to shift from tech-powered pizza to tackling climate change through Planet FWD?

JC: After Zume Pizza, I realized that while I loved tech, I wanted to address the bigger system behind our food choices—specifically, their environmental impact. Climate change is the biggest crisis of our time, and food is a major contributor. Planet FWD was born out of a desire to tackle this root cause and create more resilient, sustainable food systems.

DM: What challenges have you faced in building a company centered around sustainability, and how have you overcome them?

JC: The biggest challenge has been balancing idealism with practicality. In sustainability, it’s easy to aim for perfection, but meaningful change requires realistic, scalable solutions. I’ve learned to embrace progress over perfection and to work closely with brands to make each step impactful, even if it’s incremental.

DM: How do you see the future of food tech evolving in the next five years, particularly around climate-positive solutions?

JC: I see a future where climate-positive food production isn’t just a niche but the industry standard. We’ll see more transparency around the environmental impact of food, along with data-driven solutions that help consumers make better choices. Emerging technologies will help us optimize supply chains and make regenerative practices more accessible across the board.

DM: What role does regenerative agriculture play in combating climate change, and how is Planet FWD promoting this?

JC: Regenerative agriculture has the power to draw carbon down into the soil, creating healthier land and reducing emissions. Planet FWD promotes this by partnering with brands to source ingredients that come from regenerative farms, helping these brands reduce their footprint and bring climate-positive products to consumers.

DM: How important is consumer awareness in driving the adoption of sustainable products, and how do you engage with that?

JC: Consumer awareness is crucial. People want to support products that align with their values, but they need clarity. Through storytelling, data, and partnerships, we strive to give consumers the tools to understand their choices’ impact. By simplifying the carbon story, we help people feel confident in supporting climate-friendly options.

DM: If you could create a climate-friendly version of any dish from your favorite childhood meal, what would it be?

JC: It would have to be gumbo! It’s my comfort food, full of family tradition and cultural heritage. Creating a climate-friendly version with sustainably sourced seafood and regeneratively farmed ingredients would be a dream—capturing the heart of the dish while making it kind to the planet.

DM: As we wrap up this conversation, I want to deeply thank you Julia. I’m struck by your unwavering passion and ability to turn bold ideas into impactful solutions. Your journey is a masterclass in blending innovation with purpose. And your willingness to share it and mentor others is just amazing.

Hopefully, your vision for a future where climate-positive food production becomes the norm is both inspiring and achievable. You remind us that progress doesn’t require perfection—just commitment and collaboration.

Dear readers, if her story leaves you optimistic about what’s possible when we align innovation, sustainability, and the human spirit, that is the Julia’s effect. I experienced it few times and this is the motivation booster we all need once in a while.