HARALD FRIEDL

Circular Economist

In the great unfolding story of our planet, some voices remind us not of what is lost, but of what can still be found. Harald Friedl is one such voice. A circular economist, a bridge-builder, and—above all—a connection guy, Harald has dedicated his life to restoring the circle: to reimagine how humanity lives, leads, and belongs in harmony with the systems that sustain us.

From 2017 to 2020, Harald stood at the helm of Circle Economy, guiding its transformation from a visionary idea into a global organisation. Under his leadership, the movement did not merely grow—it scaled, becoming a force that influenced leaders, corporations, and communities across continents. In 2018, he and his team launched the Circularity Gap Report, introducing a bold new metric: the world is only 9% circular. Harald was the first to say it aloud on a global stage. That simple yet striking fact became a wake-up call, one that has since spread worldwide, shaping policy discussions and accelerating national strategies—including Austria’s government-led circular economy program.

That same year, his leadership was recognised by Manager Magazine, who named him Sustainability CEO of the Year 2018.

Harald’s contribution to the global conversation on circularity has been both visionary and practical. He co-authored two influential books: Circular Economy, a foundational text on regenerative systems, and the Amazon bestseller (2024) The Customer Is the Planet—a powerful call to reimagine business around care for people and Earth. His ideas have reached millions, not least through one of the most popular global TEDx talks on the circular economy, where his message of connection and regeneration struck a chord with audiences worldwide.

What sets Harald apart is his way of bringing forward facts—and then using them to explain solutions. He knows that data alone does not move people, but when facts are translated into meaning and possibility, they can ignite action. This ability to weave evidence into stories that inspire courage and clarity has made him one of the most effective voices for systemic change.

For Harald, circularity is not just a framework but a way of being. He invites us to see differently, to act differently, and to design ecosystems that regenerate rather than extract. His message is disarmingly simple: waste is just value in exile. His mission, deeply human: to reconnect leaders, organisations, and communities with meaning—transforming sustainability from an obligation into an invitation to belong.

Today, Harald lives aboard a refurbished houseboat in Amsterdam—the world’s capital of the circular economy. This home, floating yet grounded in renewal, is more than a dwelling. It is a living metaphor for his philosophy: that we can build futures which are both practical and poetic, rooted in reciprocity and resilience. From this base, he continues to weave networks of changemakers, guiding them to shift from ego-systems to eco-systems, from isolation to collective power.

Harald is not a distant guru, but a fellow traveller. He offers what feels like a wake-up call delivered with compassion, a map drawn by someone who has walked the terrain. His work resonates across boardrooms, classrooms, and communities alike—reminding us that no one changes the system alone. Transformation, he insists, is a communal act.

This conviction fuels his role as a global speaker on circularity. On stages across continents, Harald translates complex ideas into stories that are both accessible and inspiring. He doesn’t simply lecture—he sparks connection. Whether addressing CEOs, policymakers, or students, his voice has the rare power to unite urgency with hope, strategy with humanity.

And if you haven’t seen him live, chances are you’ve encountered him online. With 120,000+ followers on LinkedIn, Harald is recognised as a LinkedIn Top Voice and one of the most prominent green creators worldwide. His posts, read and shared by tens of thousands, offer not only insights but also a sense of belonging—reminders that the shift to circularity is not the work of the few, but of all of us, together.

To listen to Harald is to be reminded of the vast possibility before us. It is to glimpse a future where circularity is not only legislated, but lived—where value is rediscovered, ecosystems restored, and winning reimagined.

Because, as he says: I care. We can.