Leadership Conversations by TSBR: Recent Episodes
The Sustainability Board Report Ltd
Leadership Conversations is a podcast by The Sustainability Board Report (TSBR), an independent not-for-profit project. We aim to showcase different dimensions of sustainable business leadership and corporate governance.
In this podcast we interview global leaders who advocate for more positive societal impact and responsible business.
Leadership Conversations is hosted by Frederik Otto and Helena Gudjonsdottir.
Follow us: Website: boardreport.org LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-sustainability-board-report Twitter: twitter.com/TSBoardReport
In this episode of Leadership Conversations by TSB, Professor Alex Edmans discusses the concept of 'rational sustainability' - an evidence-based approach to sustainability that focuses on long-term value creation rather than politics or ideology. He explains how boards should evaluate sustainability issues rationally, focusing on outcomes over labels, questioning assumptions, and recognising diminishing returns and trade-offs. Alex provides examples of how sustainability initiatives driven by a desire to serve society can also lead to long-term profits. He argues that rational sustainability allows companies to make decisions that serve both business and society.Frederik Otto, Executive Director of The Sustainability Board is hosting.
In this episode of Leadership Conversations by TSB, we speak with Alison Taylor, Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Stern School of Business and Executive Director at Ethical Systems. She discusses the current state of sustainable business, particularly in the U.S., exploring the polarised perspectives and the impact of political and social dynamics on corporate ethics.Alison challenges common myths and misconceptions about business sustainability and ethics. She emphasises the need for a strategic, limited, and authentic approach to sustainability, criticising both overly ambitious corporate promises and the unrealistic expectations placed on businesses. The episode offers a critical look at the narratives surrounding sustainable business practices. Alison also gives a sneak peek into her upcoming book, "Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World," which aims to provide practical advice for corporate leaders grappling with ethical challenges in the 21st century.
In this episode we speak with Frank White, a space philosopher. Frank has coined the term ‘The Overview effect’ which describes the awe-inspiring experience of viewing the Earth from space. He has found that with great consistency, this experience profoundly affects space travellers’ perceptions of themselves, our world, and our future.He talks to us about the magnitude of overview effect experiences, sustainable space migration, and why all his narratives aim to create a sustainable future on earth. Frank also suggests we need an 18th UN Sustainability Development Goal: Space.
In the first live session of our podcast that was held in August 2023 we discuss the secrets to 'Building a Sustainability Culture'.
We explore the highlights and insights from a new report with Paul Washington from The Conference Board' and Srinand Yalamanchili from Baker Tilly. We discuss how boards, management, and the entire organisation play crucial roles in shaping this culture, as well as the role of purpose and incentives.
The report 'Building a Sustainability Culture' can be downloaded here: https://www.conference-board.org/press/press-release-building-a-sustainability-culture
In this episode we speak to Beth Sasfai, Partner at the renowned law firm Cooley. We talk about the challenge of sustainability reporting requirements and how most companies have lost the idea of big ambitious goals. We also discuss the difference in sustainability governance and ESG strategy between public and private businesses, and common blind posts in start-ups that create risk.
Beth talks about her personal experiences counselling for clients on ESG; which stakeholders she considers to be the most influential right now; and she shares her recommendations for sustainability oversight on board level.
In this episode we speak with Andrew Behar, the CEO of As You Sow, the United States’ leading non-profit practitioner of shareholder advocacy and engagement. We talk about how As You Sow engages with boards and management teams on issues like climate change; toxins in the food system; ocean plastics; diversity, equity, and inclusion; racial justice; and wage equity. Andrew shares some fascinating statistics on how As You Sow’s reports and research are driving strategic initiatives with businesses on these issues. Andrew shares what toolkit they are using if a company is unreceptive to positive change, and his favourite engagement story of two large businesses in the food industry.
In this episode we speak with Andrew Behar, the CEO of As You Sow, the United States’ leading non-profit practitioner of shareholder advocacy and engagement. We talk about how As You Sow engages with boards and management teams on issues like climate change; toxins in the food system; ocean plastics; diversity, equity, and inclusion; racial justice; and wage equity. Andrew shares some fascinating statistics on how As You Sow’s reports and research are driving strategic initiatives with businesses on these issues. Andrew shares what toolkit they are using if a company is unreceptive to positive change, and his favourite engagement story of two large businesses in the food industry.
Join us on this episode of Leadership Conversations as we speak with Rachel Youngman, the deputy CEO at the Institute of Physics. Rachel shares her unconventional career journey, from being a former lawyer to leading a science organisation, and how she has dedicated her career to achieving more sustainable outcomes and enabling companies to meet their ESG targets. We delve into Rachel's work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the world of science, including her focus on enabling non-dominant groups and girls to enter the field. Rachel inspires us to take career paths that can make a real difference in the world, and she offers practical insights into the power of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
In this episode we speak with James Purcell, Group Head of Sustainable Frameworks at Credit Suisse. He has co-authored a new book called 'Sustainable Investing in Practice'. We talk to James why he wrote the book, what he is trying to achieve, and why sustainable finance shouldn’t be a difficult concept. He explains the dangers of polarisation and the importance of taking an accessible and scale approach to impact. James also expands on ESG data and why he feels for business leaders who are overwhelmed.
In our latest episode we speak with Nazneen Rahman, scientist, physician, entrepreneur, and non-executive director (NED). Nazneen discusses how she combines her life science and sustainability expertise. She explains her current initiative to significantly reduce waste arising from medicine production as CEO of YewMaker. Then she shares her thoughts on sustainable governance and organisational implementation of ESG strategies from her experience as a NED on the board of AstraZeneca, where she chairs the science and sustainability committee. Nazneen also is a singer/songwriter and we play her song 'Midlife Musings' at the end of the interview.
In this episode we speak with Kayla Winarsky McKenzie of the Business for Social Responsbility (BSR). She is a recognised human rights expert and gives us some insights into her career journey and what issues made her specialise in this field. Kayla gives us an overview of the role of business in human rights due diligence and governance, and reveals the problems at hand, focus areas, guiding standards and steps to take to mitigate human rights violations. She also shares some materials from the WEF on boards and human rights (that BSR contributed to):Launch blog: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/05/businesses-must-step-up-for-human-rights-at-this-time-of-global-crisis/Guidance note: https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Guidance_Note_2022.pdfReport: https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_How_Corporate_Boards_Can_Engage_Affected_Stakeholders_to_Secure_Human_Rights_2022.pdf
In our anniversary episode, we speak to a world leader of women empowerment, diversity, leadership, and inclusion- Laura Liswood is the Secretary General of the Council for Women World Leaders and a former Senior Advisor of Goldman Sachs.Laura is a veteran of the gender equality movement and a confidant to the worlds powerful. Her style of explaining systemic concepts is second to none. Wonder what an elephant and a mouse have to do with leadership?
Jessica is the Founder and Managing Director of Eco-Business, Asia Pacific's leading independent media and business intelligence organisation dedicated to sustainable development. She also is a Non-Executive Director on the board of ComfortDelGro, one of the world's largest land transport companies. Jessica is talking to us about bold sustainability strategy and challenges around implementation. She shares an Asian centric perspective on how businesses are changing in the region and how to foster environmental and social governance (ESG).
In this episode we speak with Fiona Reynolds. As the previous CEO of the UN PRI, Fiona was incremental in designing the approach to responsible investment globally. Fiona was named one of the 20 most influential people in sustainability globally by Barron’s magazine and has twice been named one of Australia’s one hundred women of influence by the Australian Financial Review. Fiona talks to us about her mission to democratise wealth, and how she got into sustainable finance. We learn more about her legacy at PRI and how she thinks the industry is evolving.
Fiona also shares the story of two leaders who inspire her: James & Timea, who she met as the commission chair of the FAST initiative: https://www.fastinitiative.org/
James Kofi Annan: https://challengingheights.org Timea Nagy Payne: https://www.timeascause.com/
In this episode we deep dive into Diversity and Inclusion (D&I). We speak with Karen Loon, Non-Executive Director, Author, and Diversity Expert. Karen has been involved with diversity initiatives for many years, and just released her debut book: “Fostering Culturally Diverse Leadership in Organisations - Lessons from Those Who Smashed the Bamboo Ceiling”. She provides us with a personal narrative and offers insights into different approaches to D&I. We also discuss the importance of diverse leadership and creating equal opportunities for people from all backgrounds. Lastly, Karen shares her views on trends in the boardroom.
In this episode we speak with Jeannette Lichner, who has a diverse portfolio career which includes serving as a non-executive director on the board of the UK Financial Conduct Authority, providing corporate governance and strategic advice, and teaching leadership and governance. Jeannette is talking to us about societal concerns, particularly the social side (the ‘S’ in ESG), and shares some related research she was involved in: ‘The Everyone Economy’. She also articulates important points to focus on when trying to foster a sustainability strategy, good leadership, purpose, and the role of capital markets and finance.
In the fourth part of our Future Ready Boards series, we speak with Helen Pitcher OBE. Helen is an experienced Chair, Board Member, Board Facilitator and Coach. We talk about the challenges that boards are facing, and how to setup good environmental and social governance. Helen has some useful advice on how to prepare for future board service and the trends that any board member or aspiring NED should follow. She also informs on the importance of board education and how INSEAD responds to leader’s increased interest in ESG. Lastly, we learn a leadership lesson from Napoleon.
In the third part of our future ready board series, we feature Patricia Rodrigues Jenner who is a Non-Executive Director, Investment and ESG Specialist. Patricia is currently appointed at Legal & General Assurance Society Ltd, AERIF plc, GLIL Infrastructure and African Infrastructure Investment Manager. Patricia is talking to us about the urgently needed energy transition, and the opportunity of infrastructure investment as well as ways to implement change faster. She also shares how she approaches good environmental and social governance with fellow board members, and what she does personally to be an authentic sustainable leader.
In our second part of our Future Ready Board series we speak to Paul Washington, Executive Director of the Environmental, Social and Governance Center at The Conference Board. Paul explains to us how the relationship between NGOs, government and business has changed. We also speak about what makes a sustainable board and what challenges lie ahead. Paul gives us some examples of specific stakeholder groups and how the dynamics between these players has changed the corporation. All links to Paul’s cited research can be found on our website: https://www.boardreport.org/post/future-ready-boards-paul-washington-of-the-conference-board
In this episode, and first of our ‘future ready boards’ special we speak with Dr Pamela Ravasio- Executive & Board Advisor, Author, Speaker, and Non-Executive Director. She talks to us about the importance of future proofing businesses for a rapidly changing world, and what future ready boards and ESG preparedness mean. Pamela shares insights into some unresolved issues around fiduciary duty and ESG, and what conversations she has with INSEAD IDN alumni.
We speak with Matt Fullbrook, an experienced corporate governance advisor, researcher, and educator with two decades of experience. Matt shares with us how he was appointed at a very young age to lead the Rotman School of Management’s corporate governance centre. We talk about his journey of over 200 board effectiveness engagements and why he rejects ’best practice’.
We learn more about Matt's podcast "One Minute Governance" and how it was created to provide inclusive and accessible content on corporate governance.
Matt also is a bass player in the funk band: KC Roberts and The Life Revolution. We play one of his songs at the end of the episode. It’s a great sound!
‘One Minute Governance’ can be accessed here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/one-minute-governance/id1536473345
We speak with Patrick Dunne about the recent history of boards and the development that has taken place over the last two decades. We examine the sustainability component of modern corporate governance and Patrick shares some interesting but also concerning facts about the social standing of boards. He further introduces the second edition of his award-winning book ‘Boards’ and talks through his educational projects, and people he looks up to.
In this episode we speak to management thinker, business leader, author, and advisor Marga Hoek. We talk about her impressive career, her thoughts on the sustainable leadership agenda, and the role of capital markets, technology, and the board. Marga shares what kind of leaders impress her and provides a useful toolkit to foster sustainable business.
In this episode we speak with Neil Stewart of the Value Reporting Foundation (VRF) about the history of the VRF and the newly created International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). He is taking us through the benefits of standardisations and the ESG journey in general. He informs about what is important to business leaders, board directors and investors, now. Lastly, Neil shares a fantastic case study of an impactful leader and the impact that she made by speaking truth to power.
In this episode we speak with Helle Bank Jørgensen about her 30-year journey in sustainable business, her current work as CEO of Competent Boards, and what personally drives her. We also discuss her new book ‘Stewards of the Future’ and current boardroom issues. At the end Helle shares a story about a particular leader that had a big impact on her, as well as her enduring connection to the legacy of that person.
In this episode we speak with Joseph Kenner, the president and CEO of the Greyston Bakery and Foundation, a trailblazing B Corporation and pioneers of the Open Hiring movement.
Joe shares how everyone has something to contribute to society and demonstrates how a business can play an important role in providing economic opportunity to marginalised communities. Greyston aims to build a world where individuals are defined by their potential, rather than their circumstances.
Find out more about Greyston: https://www.greyston.org/
In this episode we speak with Ravi Chaudhry, leadership guru and a much sought-after mentor and counsellor. Ravi's singular focus is to foster a new edifice of responsible leadership and responsible entrepreneurship.
It was incredibly insightful to learn about Ravi’s life mission to promote sustainable leadership and discuss how institutions need to take responsibility as participants in society. Ravi takes us through his concept of taking a 720° view and changing the way we think. We also explore the leap forward from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to Socially Responsible Corporations (SRC).
In this episode we speak with Rachael De Renzy Channer. Racheal leads Egon Zehnder’s Sustainability Practice and shares with us interesting details from a recent leadership survey with the Financial Times. We discuss her journey and how it has influenced her view on what it means to be a leader today, from her many years spent in the military to her passion in finding and developing great leaders today.
In this episode we speak with Andrew Winston, who was named to the 2021 Thinkers50 list of top 50 management thinkers. Andrew is one of the most widely read and published writers on sustainability. We discuss Andrew's career, how it has led him to his mission of helping companies build a thriving world, his thoughts on responsible leadership, and his newest book written with Paul Polman called: "Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take".
In our first episode of 'Leadership Conversations' we speak with Halla Tómasdóttir, CEO of The B Team. Halla shares her personal leadership journey and pivotal moments along the way. She also talks about the work of The B Team, and shares some inspiring stories of leaders that embrace more responsible business.