An Interview With Monica Sanders
It is important to savor not only the highs, but also the lows, as they are an inevitable aspect of life. By embracing both the peaks and valleys, one can find greater meaning and enjoyment in the journey.
According to the University of Colorado, “Those who are most affected and have the fewest resources to adapt to climate change are also the least responsible for the greenhouse gas emissions — both globally and within the United States.” Promoting climate justice is an incredibly important environmental responsibility that is slowly becoming more and more recognized. In this interview series, we are talking to leaders who are helping to promote sustainability and climate justice. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Michael Layani.
Daika Wood, helmed by Dr. Michael Layani, is a burgeoning enterprise with a noble vision to foster sustainability in the industrial sector. Dr Layani’s brainchild is centered around the creation of an eco-friendly solution for industrial materials. While wood remains a coveted raw material, its malleability is somewhat restricted. Daika’s genesis can be traced back to an academic endeavor, which eventually metamorphosed into a company that seeks to address two pressing environmental concerns. Firstly, the profligate disposal of wood waste in a non-circular fashion, and secondly, the use of non-sustainable and potentially toxic raw materials in the wood industry, such as natural wood that contributes to deforestation or MDF and OSB that require hazardous binders and glues.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I was a child with an insatiable curiosity, with a particularly keen interest in materials, undoubtedly fostered by being the son of a pharmacist. My fascination with understanding how and why things are made initially began in the realm of computer programming, although ultimately, when the time came to choose a field of study, my love for materials won out.
Growing up surrounded by European bespoke furniture crafted from natural wood dating back to the 19th century, my friends always joked that stopping by my home felt like visiting a museum. It was in this environment that my love for wood was first sparked, and it has remained a passion of mine ever since.
Everyone has a cataclysmic moment or marker in their life which propels them to take certain actions, a “why”. What is your why?
The motivation for my work is a drive for creation and innovation — the very act of bringing into being that which did not previously exist. This is the “why” that propels me forward, inspiring me to seek out novel solutions and envision fresh designs and materials that embrace circularity.
You are currently leading an organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change?
Our approach is rooted in a deep commitment to both environmental preservation and sustainable material sourcing. We are not content with merely addressing the issue of wood waste or relying on “almost natural” solutions. Rather, we have gone all in on a mission to simultaneously tackle the wood waste problem while also creating an entirely new raw material that can facilitate mass manufacturing without a single component derived from petroleum.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
Fire retardancy presented an early challenge for us as we set out to cater to the furniture and construction markets. However, through our commitment to an all-natural, synergetic chemistry, we were able to achieve the highest level of fire retardancy without resorting to any brominated compounds or other chemical additives.
Success is never achieved in isolation, and we owe much of ours to the support and guidance of our mentors and cheerleaders. The founding fathers of our company — Prof. Shlomo Magdassi and Oded Shosayov — not only helped us articulate our vision but also facilitated valuable connections and provided essential scientific expertise. Our initial investors, Terra Lab under Dr. Harold Wiener, saw the potential in our early prototypes and recognized the unmet need we were addressing. Lastly, Albert Dour — Co-CEO and founder of UBQ — believed in our progress and shared our vision of transforming waste into high-end products. Together, they have been instrumental in bringing our dreams to fruition.
Thank you for that. Let’s now move to the central part of our discussion. Let’s start with a basic definition of terms so that everyone is on the same page. What does climate justice mean to you? How do we operationalize it?
We have a responsibility to utilize our planet’s resources in the most efficient and effective manner possible. It is abundantly clear that the vast quantities of waste wood being burned — whether for energy or not — is far from optimal use of this valuable resource.
Science is telling us that we have 7–10 years to make critical decisions about climate change. What are three things you or your organization are doing to help?
Our aim is to develop a truly sustainable raw material that can be incorporated into the mass manufacturing industry. Achieving this requires a process that is both energy-efficient and circular in nature — one that embodies the principles of a genuine circular economy.
Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you in your mission?
Regulations governing waste wood and hazardous binders such as formaldehyde have created an environment where cost and cost competitiveness reign supreme. From the very outset, we recognized this reality and worked tirelessly to develop a process and materials that are highly cost-competitive. However, we firmly believe that updated regulations could serve as a catalyst for a wider range of partners seeking to repurpose their waste streams and for manufacturers looking to avoid hazardous or petroleum-based materials. Such regulatory changes could result in a significant boost for our industry, creating new opportunities and promoting sustainable practices across the board.
How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?
By finding a solid business model and financially viable. If the case is just sustainability it won’t have any merit and would typically not last. A business can’t rely that people would pay more just because it is more green. Therefore the business from day one has to work on a solution that is both sustainable and economical. That is why from day 1 we set a goal that our formulation to be competitive in terms of cost compared to plastics and natural wood.
This is the signature question we ask in most of our interviews. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started promoting sustainability and climate justice” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
- When it comes to tackling unresolved industrial problems, such as hazardous materials and waste wood, it’s essential to prioritize solving the problem first and foremost, and then focus on ensuring sustainability. In other words, the industrial world is not yet equipped to prioritize sustainability before addressing the issue at hand.
- In our case, after spinning out of The Hebrew University, our first goal was to conduct a thorough material calculation. We wanted to make sure that the solution we developed wouldn’t break the bank. While cost may not have been the primary concern during our academic project, in the industrial world, it’s crucial to consider cost-effectiveness. We had to work hard on the chemistry to ensure that our solution resulted in the same high physical properties while remaining competitive in terms of cost.
- By prioritizing problem-solving and cost-effectiveness, we believe we can make a meaningful impact in the industrial world while also ensuring sustainability. After all, it’s crucial to address industrial problems head-on and then find sustainable solutions to ensure a better future for our planet.
- To ensure a successful business launch, it’s crucial to connect with founders who share your vision beyond just monetary gain. When Daika was preparing to officially launch, they were presented with two investment options — one from a traditional investor and the other from an impact investment firm. While the first offer boasted more financially enticing terms, Daika ultimately chose the latter option based on their shared goals and values. As fate would have it, the first option didn’t end up investing at all due to COVID-related setbacks, and had Daika gone with them, their business may not have survived.
- It’s important to not only have a team with strong professional capabilities, but also a team that aligns with your core values and beliefs. At our company, we prioritize creating a tight-knit, family-like atmosphere where each member is valued and contributes to the bigger picture. That’s why, before I even begin discussing their academic or professional background, I always start by asking candidates who they are as a person. We believe that everyone on the team should be fully invested in our cause and share similar goals, while also bringing unique perspectives to the table — both professionally and personally. This is why we strive to build a diverse and inclusive team.
- It is imperative to consistently reiterate the company’s vision, mission, and values to ensure optimal alignment among all personnel and team members. By doing so, the risk of any individuals missing out on these crucial organizational tenets is mitigated.
- It is important to savor not only the highs, but also the lows, as they are an inevitable aspect of life. By embracing both the peaks and valleys, one can find greater meaning and enjoyment in the journey.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
A private meal with Mark Zuckerberg could present an opportunity to gain insight into his methods for establishing and expanding a prosperous enterprise. Such discourse may illuminate how these principles could be applied to the sustainable wood industry, such as identifying innovative prospects, building a robust team, and formulating a clear vision for success. Furthermore, Facebook has made strides towards promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices, rendering discussions on the firm’s approach to sustainability intriguing.
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
You can connect with me, Dr. Layani on LinkedIn and follow Daika Wood on LinkedIn too.
You can also connect with Yissum, the tech transfer of the Hebrew University, on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter. Yissum’s work is fundamental in bringing the university’s most innovative technologies from the lab to the marketplace.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
About the Interviewer: Monica Sanders JD, LL.M, is the founder of “The Undivide Project”, an organization dedicated to creating climate resilience in underserved communities using good tech and the power of the Internet. She holds faculty roles at the Georgetown University Law Center and the Tulane University Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy. Professor Sanders also serves on several UN agency working groups. As an attorney, Monica has held senior roles in all three branches of government, private industry, and nonprofits. In her previous life, she was a journalist for seven years and the recipient of several awards, including an Emmy. Now the New Orleans native spends her time in solidarity with and championing change for those on the frontlines of climate change and digital divestment. Learn more about how to join her at: www.theundivideproject.org.
How Dr Michael Layani of Daika Wood Is Helping to Promote Sustainability and Climate Justice was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.