Derek Sabori

Founder, Host, Moderator and Conversationalist

2025 – Present

After years of professional experience across various industries, I'm coming to terms with my superpower. Driven by curiosity, I thrive most when genuinely connecting with people. As my career has evolved, it's clear that everyone has a unique career journey, and I'm fascinated by them all. I started in retail and worked my way through a Studio Arts degree and an MBA. I've worked as a photographer's assistant, in restaurants and retail chains, in apparel design & manufacturing, and was a VP of Sustainability in the action sports industry. I've helped start a brand, created and taught college courses, consulted, and worked for a sustainability strategy and communications agency. I've served on boards, and have even found myself as President of the UC Irvine Alumni Association. One thing I've realized... It all ties together, and we can all learn something from each other. Today, I use what I’ve learned (and the stage and podcasting) to help people like you tell their stories authentically. Let's show the world who you are, what you're working on, where you're going, and how damn good you are.

Founder, Lead Advisor, Sustainability Consultant

2015 – Present

Sustainability Well Understood + The School of Understanding Get the same training employees at New Balance, Quiksilver, Billabong, Zumiez, RVCA, Blue Tomato, ASICS, and more have chosen. The School of Understanding is industry-focused sustainability education to prepare you for the future of business. Three levels of advancement. Available in expert-led or self-guided formats. This is a convenient pathway to a deeper understanding of sustainability. The Underswell offers professional, practical, and streamlined sustainability guidance to brands and individuals who seek to feel confident and current on the topics that matter most to us people and our planet. Using any mix of resources from The Underswell offering, you’ll understand sustainability better and will be able to immediately apply your new found knowledge in your brand, career or lifestyle.

Sr. Director, Communications

2023 – Present

thinkPARALLAX is a leading full-service ESG strategy and communications agency. Partnering with influential companies across industries, we drive meaningful sustainability progress, action, and conversation. Our team of expert strategists and creatives guide every stage of our clients’ sustainability journey from ESG strategy to reporting, communications, and engagement, delivering compelling solutions that maximize business and stakeholder value. In addition to being a certified B-Corp, thinkPARALLAX celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. It's even one of our values — check it out on our website. I partner with clients to guide them in defining and achieving their goals through a combination of strategic recommendations and creative execution. Focusing on: Strategy, team development, team management, client relationship development, and project delivery.

Host and Producer

2023 – 2025

A podcast to keep learning more about - and better understand - sustainability and climate solutions. I chat with leaders, experts, disruptors, and solution providers every other week to give you insights, advice, and context. The more you know, the more you can do.

Co-Founder, President

2015 – 2024

Not your typical brand, we make goods for your mindful way🧘🏽‍♂️. Open book business model. Certified B Corp. #thekozmeffect

Co-Founder

2015 – 2024

Constructive Interference at Circular Systems

2020 – 2023

Helping connect California apparel brands with a best-in-class sustainable fiber/yarns/fabric solution; Converting low-grade waste to high quality (very high quality) fabrics to help further along your sustainability initiatives.

Sustainability Topics Instructor [Fashion]

2018 – 2020

Helping to develop a Sustainability Fashion Certificate at Orange Coast College.

Project Coordinator

2017 – 2018

Enjoying the amazing opportunity to work with Orange Coast College staff and leadership to develop a free career-building workshop for community college students & faculty. We team up with career professionals and industry to share stories, wisdom, inspiration and motivation for students.

Vice President, Global Sustainability

2015 – 2015

I had the amazing opportunity of working between all aspects of the business in order to further engrain sustainable thinking into the global, Volcom business ethos. In a nutshell, I was responsible for the management of our environmental impacts; a sustainability liaison between all of Volcom and the parent company, Kering. I still currently retain Volcom as a client for similar work.

Sr. Director of Sustainability

2010 – 2014

My job is to steer our Sustainability program into the New Future. We're committed to being a part of it, hopefully you are too.

Planning & Analysis

2007 – 2010

Helped facilitate the communication between Finance, Sales & Merchandising with Sales tracking tools, % to goal sheets, seasonal comps, style/sku performance and other comprehensive reporting tools. It was the first step towards the building of a true Planning & Analysis Department which is now in full effect here at Volcom.

Head of Environmental Affairs

1996 – 2006

Helped build a Sustainability program while communicating strategy and objectives to all divisions of the company.

Purchasing & Raw Materials Manager

1996 – 1999

I managed our raw materials purchases, the inventory and a team that worked in our Raw Materials warehouse.

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

1999 – 2002

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

1990 – 1995

Professional Podcast Profiles

If you're trying to stand out from the crowd, book your Professional Podcast Profile with me. I'll interview you in an authentic, casual podcast style to highlight who you really are beyond what your bio and resume can show.