Episode 367

full
Published on:

2nd Jun 2026

The Future of Colour with Microbes with Roya Aghighi and Sarah Graham (DW367)

It's so exciting to be back at Web Summit interviewing last year's pitch winners.

You are going to want to listen up to hear about the future of colour. Our host, Diane Rolston sits down with Roya and Sarah, the two co-founders of Lite-1, a company using microorganisms to revolutionize one of the most pollutive industries you've probably never thought about.

Listen to learn these key takeaways:

  • The shocking truth about the colour industry: why over 85% of the colours in everything you wear, eat, and use every day are made from something most people never consider
  • Why even the "natural" and plant-based alternatives aren't actually solving the problem, and the performance compromise brands are being forced to make
  • How two designers with no formal science backgrounds forced their way into biology labs and built something that didn't exist anywhere in the world yet
  • The honest answer when Diane asked if being a woman made the journey harder, and what Roya says they've become numb to
  • The first-of-its-kind black: what makes Lite-1's version completely different
  • Why big clients are coming to them right now (unusual for an early-stage startup) and what's causing the overwhelming demand
  • The platform approach: how one single production strain is allowing them to achieve multiple colors and enter different industries faster
  • Where Sarah found unexpected personal growth
  • Roya's proudest moment
  • Two final messages for every woman building something hard

Guests’ Bio:

Roya Aghighi:

Award-winning biodesign leader bridging design, science, and commercialization. A pioneer of interdisciplinary innovation in Canada, reshaping how advanced materials are developed and brought to market.

Sarah Graham:

International biodesign leader working at the intersection of fashion, material science, and biotechnology. As Chief Innovation Officer at Lite-1, she translates complex science into scalable, sustainable innovation.

Roya and Sarah’s Social Media links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lite-1/

This show’s host, Diane Rolston, is called THE Expert on Being Dynamic and living a Dynamic Life. After leading hundreds of events and programs in her two businesses, speaking on international stages, being a published author while raising two young children, Diane Rolston knows all about work/life balance and getting things done! As an Award-Winning Coach and the CEO and founder of Dynamic Women®, a global community of women, her purpose is to unlock the greatness in others. Diane works with professionals all over the world to provide clarity, confidence, and action.

Visit my website and Sign Up for my WEEKLY NEWSLETTER and you'll get FREE tips on how to live a dynamic life:

www.dianerolston.com

The Dynamic Women® Podcast is an Award-Winning action-focused lifestyle and leadership podcast full of stories and strategies to help women design their success and unleash their “Dynamic Woman”. You can learn from the experts how to get clarity, build confidence, and get into action on your biggest goals and dreams.

Thanks for listening!

It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation with us, head on over to our Facebook group at

https://www.facebook.com/groups/DynamicWomenGlobalClub

With this podcast, we are building an international community of Dynamic Women® that we hope to inspire more women to unleash their dynamic selves and boost their lives in all areas especially business. If you know someone who would benefit from this message or would be an awesome addition to our community, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast app on your mobile device.

Leave us a review

We appreciate every bit of feedback to make this a value-adding part of your day. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on Apple Podcasts and other apps goes a long way! If you do, send a screenshot to our team team@dianerolston.com and you may receive something in the mail!

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Dynamic Women®

About the Podcast

Dynamic Women®
How do I have more balance in my life? How do I have more time for everything that matters? Am I ready to make a big change? How do I make more money? How can I have more energy? And the most common question is, Do I really have what it takes to reach my goals? Whether you are a business owner, a leader, a professional, the “boss” of the home and kids, or looking to jump into your next chapter, this is the show for you.

The Dynamic Women® Podcast is an Award-Winning action-focused lifestyle and leadership podcast full of stories and strategies to help women design their success and unleash their “Dynamic Woman”. You can learn from the experts how to get clarity, build confidence, and get into action on your biggest goals and dreams.

Host Diane Rolston, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with over 20 years of experience teaching and training, shares with you her business strategies, leadership tools, lifestyle hacks, expert lessons, and motivational stories that will inspire you and support you to create a life and business you love! Diane is pulling back the curtain on what has helped her become an award-winning coach, speaker, and confident leader all while raising her kids. She breaks down processes she uses when coaching female leaders, so you can be dynamic in every area of life with more ease and confidence.

Not only will you get her tried and tested secrets, but she also interviews trailblazing experts who share stories of what helped them achieve success, as well as industry-specific tips you can apply to your life so you can achieve your success faster, easier, and with less effort.

The mission of Dynamic Women is to inspire more women to unleash their dynamic selves and boost their lives in all areas, especially business and leadership.

About your host

Profile picture for Diane Rolston

Diane Rolston

As an Award-Winning Coach, Speaker, and the CEO of Dynamic Women® Global Club, Diane Rolston has been called THE expert on being Dynamic. She is a behind-the-scenes advisor and coach for many professionals, business owners, and high achievers. She helps her clients to have “clarity” on what to focus on, the “confidence” to go for it, and an “action” plan so they have tangible steps to reach the best results.

Diane left the life of the 9-5 employee and simultaneously became an entrepreneur and mother. Now a mother of two, business owner and community leader she considers herself an expert in change, work/life balance, efficiency, and prioritizing!