William Sarni: Getting Humanity to Value Water
Ladderworks is a publishing platform of diverse picture books and online curriculum with the mission to empower over a million kids to become social entrepreneurs. Our current series features interviews by our interplanetary journalist Spiffy with inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Builders, and Changemakers who are advancing the UN SDGs.
Spiffy here, back with the scoop on the entrepreneurial leaders of Planet Earth. As the only interplanetary journalist stationed on this blue planet, I’m thrilled to present this galactic exclusive with William Sarni, the founder and CEO of Water Foundry. Let’s learn what’s happening at Water Foundry and how Will is making a positive impact in the world.
Spiffy: Thanks for joining me, Will! Tell me, what challenge are you addressing through Water Foundry?
Will: Thanks for having me, Spiffy! I am passionate about solving water challenges, including lack of equitable access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene; and also improving water ecosystems and biodiversity.
Spiffy: What motivated you to do it?
Will: I was always drawn to the ocean (I’m a former surfer). In college, I got a job working for a consulting firm that focused on groundwater (aquifers). They developed new sources of water and cleaned up contaminated water. I have been hooked on water ever since then.
Spiffy: How would you say that your organization is working towards a more equitable world?
Will: I work for global companies who have water stewardships strategies (e.g. improving access to water, water quality, etc.), entrepreneurs who have innovative water technology companies, and as an investor in technology companies.
Spiffy: Very nice! Tell me about a recent organization milestone or initiative. What impact does it make on your audience/community?
Will: Outside of my consulting work, last year I published a children's book: "Water, I Wonder." I am most proud of this and now working on "Oceans, I Wonder."
Spiffy: That’s lovely—I’m a big fan of children’s books! Tell me about an inspiring startup that your organization has helped to advance its impact.
Will: Gybe—they are a satellite data analytics company that can measure water quality and predict changes in water quality using satellite data and on-the-ground sensors.
Spiffy: Is there anything else you would love to tell our audience?
Will: Water is our most precious resource and "the glue in humanity”—I am an evangelist to get humanity to value water.
Spiffy: Thanks for speaking with me today, Will—it’s been an honor!
William Sarni is the founder and general partner of Water Foundry Ventures, a water technology venture fund focused on addressing water scarcity, poor quality, and equitable access to water at the nexus of agriculture, energy, and climate change. Will Sarni is also the founder and CEO of Water Foundry, a water strategy advisory firm working with multinationals, water technology companies, investors, and non-governmental organizations. Water Foundry works closely with Water Foundry Venture’s portfolio companies to support their business growth and success. Prior to Water Foundry, he was a managing director at Deloitte Consulting. He was the founder and CEO of DOMANI, a sustainability strategy firm, prior to Deloitte. (Nominated by Josef Scarantino. First published on the Ladderworks website on January 8, 2024.)
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of Ladderworks LLC.
© 2023 Ladderworks LLC. Edited by George Romar. Spiffy’s illustration by Shreyas Navare. For the Ladderworks digital curriculum to help K-3 kids advance the UN SDGs, visit Spiffy's Launchpad: Creative Entrepreneurship Workshops for K-3 Kids and their caregivers here.