ESG Decoded: Recent Episodes
ClimeCo
ESG Decoded is the podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability. Join Kaitlyn Allen and Amanda Hsieh for nuanced conversations with experts that explore the complexities of the risks and opportunities connected to Environmental, Social, and Governance issues. ESG is everything that’s not on your balance sheet. This leaves room for misunderstanding and oversimplification, 2 things we’ll bust on this podcast. We will NOT deliver one-size-fits-all perspectives; we go beyond the headlines to offer analysis of ESG trends.
The Indiana Climate Action Plan, developed by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), is a strategic initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the state, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
Join host Erika Schiller and Jessica Murray, Environmental Manager & Project Manager at IDEM, to discuss Indiana’s strategic approach to addressing greenhouse gas emissions, the challenges of engaging diverse communities under tight deadlines, and delivering tangible co-benefits like improved air quality, public health, and job creation. ClimeCo is proud to be a trusted partner to help deliver this Priority Climate Action Plan for Indiana.
Tune in to learn more about Indiana's first Climate Action Plan!
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms and social media to be notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!
Episode Resources:
Indiana Priority Climate Action Plan: https://www.in.gov/idem/airquality/files/cprg_20240301_final_pcap.pdf IDEM’s Air Quality - Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program: https://www.in.gov/idem/airquality/climate-pollution-reduction-grant-cprg-program/
Join host Amanda Hsieh as she welcomes Shamina Singh, Founder and President of the Center for Inclusive Growth at Mastercard.
Together, they explore how Mastercard connects societal well-being with business success, focusing on financial inclusion, small business support, and data science for social impact. Shamina also talks about Mastercard's commitment to sustainability and climate action, highlighting efforts to bridge data inequalities and foster economic resilience in a digital world.
Tune in to learn how Mastercard is leveraging its resources to accelerate financial inclusion and advance sustainable development goals globally.
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms and social media to be notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!
Episode Resources:
Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth Website: https://www.mastercardcenter.org/
Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth LinkedIn: https://www.mastercardcenter.org/
Global Inclusive Growth Summit: https://globalinclusivegrowthsummit.com/summit/2024/agenda/morning-plenary/morning-welcome-to-global-inclusive-growth-summit/
Mastercard Strive Website: https://strivecommunity.org/
Climate Smart Innovation Hub: https://www.csih-cifar.org/
Join host Amanda Hsieh and Amanda Mast, ClimeCo's Senior Manager of Climate Advisory as they welcome Kate Rodger and Jon Liddell of Mitiga Solutions. In this episode, they explore various climate-related risks and the business case for quantitative risk analysis.
- Financial and regulatory drivers for climate risk assessment - Different types of climate risks- The importance of scenario analysis and science-backed, quantitative analysis- How asset-intensive businesses can leverage data to enhance their resilienceThis discussion offers valuable insights into understanding and addressing climate-related challenges in the business world.
Are you interested in integrating climate risk management into your business strategies? Tune in!
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms and social media so that you're notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!
Episode Resource Links:
Mitiga Solutions: https://www.mitigasolutions.com/about-us
Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TDFD): https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/
IFRS - International Sustainability Standard Board: https://www.ifrs.org/groups/international-sustainability-standards-board/
The Interplay of Double Materiality and CSRD: https://www.climeco.com/insights-library/the-interplay-of-double-materiality-and-csrd/
In this episode, host Erika Schiller welcomes Shaun Miller, Envita Solutions’ Senior Director of Operations & Sustainability, and Amanda Mast, ClimeCo’s Senior Manager of Climate Advisory.
Together, they discuss how Envita Solutions (formerly Heritage Interactive Services), a leader in sustainability and total waste management, has undergone significant rebranding and strategic changes over the past two years to adapt to the evolving sustainability landscape and better serve its clients. Amanda also shares ClimeCo's services for Envita, specifically a materiality assessment and its impact on their business.
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms and social media to be notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!
Join host Amanda Hsieh and Caroline Kelleher, Senior Associate of Sustainability, Policy & Advisory, to discuss the concept of "greenhushing."
You may have heard of greenwashing, but there's a newer term you need to know. Greenhushing is when companies actually take significant actions to help the environment, but then under-communicate or downplay those efforts. They stay quiet about the positive things they're doing.
How does this hurt the overall fight against climate change?
Be sure to stay engaged until the end, as hosts Amanda Hsieh and Erika Schiller announce Kaitlyn Allen's career transition to focus on her sustainable fashion start-up, MendIt. MendIt tackles textile waste with an easy to use app that connects users with professionals specializing in mending and repairing clothing.
The ESG Decoded team and listeners will miss Kaitlyn dearly. We look forward to following her continued success and contributions to sustainability through MendIt.
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms and social media to be notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!
Episode Resource Links:
ClimeCo’s latest blog: https://www.climeco.com/insights-library/greenhushing-when-companies-stay-silent-on-sustainability/
Join host Erika Schiller as she welcomes David Chen and Emily Romano, Senior Managers of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) at ClimeCo, to discuss the crucial role of blue carbon in combating climate change.
In this episode, you will learn how blue carbon habitats (mangroves, tidal salt marshes, and seagrass meadows) stabilize coastlines, prevent erosion, and support local economies through food sources and eco-tourism. Also explained is how these ecosystems are significantly more effective than forests in mitigating climate change. How does ClimeCo support mangrove reforestation in Indonesia and the Philippines? Listen here to find out!
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms and social media to be notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!
Episode Resource Links:
Learn About ClimeCo’s Mangrove Reforestation Efforts: https://www.climeco.com/newsroom/climeco-partners-with-yakopi-and-pur-projet-for-mangrove-reforestation-project-in-indonesia-bolstering-the-ecology-and-economy-of-the-region/
In this episode, Erika Schiller talks with Wolfgang Brückner, Managing Director of First Climate, a company headquartered in Germany and Switzerland, dedicated to helping European businesses achieve their climate targets and meet compliance obligations.
Listen as they explore the European Union's Carbon Removal Certification Framework and its connection with the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This framework is an exciting development that offers definitions and guidance for companies that aim to achieve net-zero. Wolfgang also clarifies how carbon removal initiatives can make a unique impact in the EU, especially given the region’s current economic downturn and the layers of bureaucracy.
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms and social media so that you're notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!
Episode Resource Links:
European Union Carbon Removal Framework: https://go.climeco.com/EU-Carbon-Removals
Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS): https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/eu-emissions-trading-system-eu-ets_en
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism_en
May is Small Business Month, a time to celebrate the 33 million small businesses in the U.S. that collectively employ over 61 million people. In honor of this month, host Amanda Hsieh welcomes Anna O'Brien, ClimeCo's Small Business Program Manager.
This episode highlights the sustainability challenges and opportunities small businesses face. Amanda and Anna discuss the motivations for small businesses to implement sustainable practices and provide actionable advice for small business owners who want to make a positive impact.
Additionally, the episode highlights ClimeCo's EcoCommitted Partner Program, which provides cost-effective sustainability strategies for small to midsize businesses, helping them minimize their environmental footprint and showcase their leadership in sustainability.
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms and social media so that you're notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!
Episode Resource Links:
Learn About ClimeCo's EcoCommitted Partner Program: https://shop.climeco.com/offset/ecocommitted-partner-program/
In this episode, host Kaitlyn Allen welcomes Bill Flederbach, ClimeCo’s President and CEO. Their conversation focuses on Decarb Connect North America, a premier conference on industrial decarbonization held in Houston, Texas, March 26-28, 2024. During the event, Bill facilitated and spoke on a panel about how decarbonization grants are allocated.
Coincidentally, on March 25, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the grant of 6.1 billion to the Industrial Demonstrations Program under the Inflation Reduction Act to support the advancement of transformational technologies necessary to decarbonize the U.S. industrial sector.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Bill discuss key takeaways from Decarb Connect. Bill also shares his perspectives on the challenges related to this type of grant funding throughout the stages of business growth. In tandem, he provides corresponding solutions as companies continue to look for ways to scale up in this space to deliver innovations.
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms and social media so that you're notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!
Episode Resource Links:
Decarb Connect North America Website: https://decarbconnectnorthamerica.com/
ClimeCo’s 5 Key Takeaways from Decarb Connect 2024: https://www.climeco.com/insights-library/5-key-takeaways-from-decarb-connect-2024/
U.S. Department of Energy Grant Announcement: https://www.energy.gov/oced/industrial-demonstrations-program-0
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About ESG Decoded
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. Join Kaitlyn Allen, Amanda Hsieh, and Erika Schiller for thoughtful, nuanced conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts that explore the complexities about the risks and opportunities connected to (E)nvironmental, (S)ocial and (G)overnance. We like to say that “ESG is everything that’s not on your balance sheet.” This leaves room for misunderstanding and oversimplification – two things that we’ll bust on this podcast.
ESG Decoded | Resource Links
Site: https://www.climeco.com/podcast-series/
Apple Podcasts: https://go.climeco.com/ApplePodcasts
Spotify: https://go.climeco.com/Spotify
YouTube Music: https://go.climeco.com/YouTube-Music
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esg-decoded/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/esgdecoded/
X: https://twitter.com/ESGDecoded
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ESGDecoded
About ClimeCo
ClimeCo is a global sustainability company with projects and partners all over the world. Our mission is to advance the low-carbon future and restore nature with market-based solutions. We offer comprehensive services spanning environmental asset innovation, ESG and climate strategy consulting, regulatory and policy advisory, environmental credits, API solutions, and climate action certification programs.
Our growing team of respected scientists and industry experts collaborate with companies of all sizes, governmental groups, NGOs, and capital markets players on ESG, decarbonization, and policy issues—allowing us to develop high-quality, purpose-built end-to-end sustainability solutions with measurable impact. We are steadfastly committed to educating and empowering our clients, no matter where they are in their sustainability journey, to be confident in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
ClimeCo | Resource Links
Site: https://climeco.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/climeco/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/climeco/
X: https://twitter.com/ClimeCo
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Climeco/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@climeco-llc
In this episode, hosts Kaitlyn Allen and Erika Schiller join forces to bring our audience insights from the recent North American Carbon World (NACW) conference in San Francisco, California. For 21 years, NACW has been North America’s premier event for learning, collaborating, and networking on carbon markets and climate policy.
Listen as Erika recaps key messages from the event. They address why there is a sense that climate action has taken a pause and the confusion that seems to loom around carbon-related issues. Erika offers pragmatic suggestions for companies to navigate the uncertainties of the carbon markets. She reminds us that transparency is critical and climate science is always evolving.
They also urge companies with 2030 climate goals to maintain momentum, emphasizing the necessity of continued action and funding to achieve these targets. The hosts suggest several short-term tactics to meet these objectives, including:
- Purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
- Renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
- Installing renewable energy infrastructure through the purchase of high-quality, verified carbon offsets
In case you were left hanging–despite having to run at top speed through New York City, they made it to the train on time with two minutes to spare!
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms and social media so that you're notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!
Episode Resource Links
Key Acronyms Mentioned: Integrity Council Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM), Core Carbon Principals (CCP), Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)
NACW Website: https://www.nacwconference.com/
Paris Agreement Article 6: https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/article-64-mechanism
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About ESG Decoded
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. Join Kaitlyn Allen, Amanda Hsieh, and Erika Schiller for thoughtful, nuanced conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts that explore the complexities about the risks and opportunities connected to (E)nvironmental, (S)ocial and (G)overnance. We like to say that “ESG is everything that’s not on your balance sheet.” This leaves room for misunderstanding and oversimplification – two things that we’ll bust on this podcast.
ESG Decoded | Resource Links
Site: https://www.climeco.com/podcast-series/
Apple Podcasts: https://go.climeco.com/ApplePodcasts
Spotify: https://go.climeco.com/Spotify
YouTube Music: https://go.climeco.com/YouTube-Music
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esg-decoded/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/esgdecoded/
X: https://twitter.com/ESGDecoded
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ESGDecoded
About ClimeCo
ClimeCo is a global sustainability company with projects and partners all over the world. Our mission is to advance the low-carbon future and restore nature with market-based solutions. We offer comprehensive services spanning environmental asset innovation, ESG and climate strategy consulting, regulatory and policy advisory, environmental credits, API solutions, and climate action certification programs.
Our growing team of respected scientists and industry experts collaborate with companies of all sizes, governmental groups, NGOs, and capital markets players on ESG, decarbonization, and policy issues—allowing us to develop high-quality, purpose-built end-to-end sustainability solutions with measurable impact. We are steadfastly committed to educating and empowering our clients, no matter where they are in their sustainability journey, to be confident in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
ClimeCo | Resource Links
Site: https://climeco.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/climeco/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/climeco/
X: https://twitter.com/ClimeCo
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Climeco/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@climeco-llc
In this episode, Erika Schiller is joined by Kayla Carey, ClimeCo's Senior Manager of Industrial Innovations, and Grant Quasha, Chief Executive Officer of Eco Material Technologies (Eco Material).
With four billion tons of cement produced each year, this sector of the global economy is a heavy emitter, contributing up to 8% of global greenhouse gasses (GHGs). Listen as Erika, Kayla, and Grant discuss the current efforts to decarbonize building materials and how carbon credits are helping to incentivize more reductions. Learn about Eco Material and Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM) and their role in sustainability solutions.
Kayla specializes in decarbonization for hard-to-abate sectors. With experience in sustainability management and energy policy, she helps ClimeCo's energy and industrial clients navigate environmental markets. Grant is advancing Eco Material’s business growth in new materials to displace traditional portland cement and lower the carbon footprint of our built environment.
Interested in environmental asset innovation and carbon credits? Contact us for more information: https://www.climeco.com/contact-us/
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms and social media so that you're notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!
Episode Resource Links
CAR Methodology: https://www.climateactionreserve.org/how/protocols/industrial/low-carbon-cement/dev/
Eco Material’s Website https://ecomaterial.com/
Environmental Asset Innovation: https://www.climeco.com/environmental-asset-innovation/
Environmental Credits: https://www.climeco.com/environmental-credit-solutions/.
Kayla Carey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-carey/
Grant Quasha LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gquasha/
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About ESG Decoded
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. Join Kaitlyn Allen, Amanda Hsieh, and Erika Schiller for thoughtful, nuanced conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts that explore the complexities about the risks and opportunities connected to (E)nvironmental, (S)ocial and (G)overnance. We like to say that “ESG is everything that’s not on your balance sheet.” This leaves room for misunderstanding and oversimplification – two things that we’ll bust on this podcast.
ESG Decoded | Resource Links
Website: https://www.climeco.com/podcast-series/
Apple Podcasts: https://go.climeco.com/ApplePodcasts
Spotify: https://go.climeco.com/Spotify
YouTube Music: https://go.climeco.com/YouTube-Music
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esg-decoded/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esgdecoded/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ESGDecoded
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ESGDecoded
About ClimeCo
ClimeCo is a global sustainability company with projects and partners all over the world. Our mission is to advance the low-carbon future and restore nature with market-based solutions. We offer comprehensive services spanning environmental asset innovation, ESG and climate strategy consulting, regulatory and policy advisory, environmental credits, API solutions, and climate action certification programs.
Our growing team of respected scientists and industry experts collaborate with companies of all sizes, governmental groups, NGOs, and capital markets players on ESG, decarbonization, and policy issues—allowing us to develop high-quality, purpose-built end-to-end sustainability solutions with measurable impact. We are steadfastly committed to educating and empowering our clients, no matter where they are in their sustainability journey, to be confident in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
ClimeCo | Resource Links
Website: https://climeco.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/climeco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/climeco/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClimeCo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Climeco/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@climeco-llc
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Anna Stablum, ClimeCo’s Business Development Director based in Singapore, and Peter Zaman, a partner at HFW in Singapore. Anna is establishing a presence for ClimeCo in Southeast Asia and was previously instrumental in developing one of the world's first exchanges for carbon–a spot trading platform for high-quality carbon credits. Peter is also based in Singapore and has over 20 years of experience as a transactional lawyer in the UK, EU, and Asia. Peter's law practice spans commodities, derivatives, structured products, and climate finance. He has been active in climate finance and environmental products markets since 2004.
Article 6(A6)of the Paris Agreement allows countries to voluntarily cooperate to achieve emissions targets set out in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The trio centers their conversation on Peter’s recent paper, COP28: The Failure To Reach an Article 6 Decision and the Inconvenient Truth. Peter shares his perspectives through the lens of the Asia markets and probes the potential impact to the Paris Agreement as the European Union (EU) appears to be exporting its own policies. They also touch on CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting & Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) and how it would be affected by a nonfunctioning A6. Anna rounds out the discussion by highlighting some of ClimeCo’s Southeast Asia efforts that are focused on creating high-integrity carbon projects, including an Indonesian Mangrove Reforestation project.
Unlock the world of corporate sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms and our social channels (linked below). Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
[HFW Paper] COP28: The Failure to Reach an Article 6 Decision and the Inconvenient Truth: ttps://www.hfw.com/COP28-The-failure-to-reach-an-Article-6-decision-and-the-Inconvenient-truth
[Paper that Peter quotes] Burke, J and Schenuit, F. (2023) Governing permanence of Carbon Dioxide Removal: a typology of policy measures. CO2RE – The Greenhouse Gas Removal Hub: CO2RE_Report_CDR_Permanence-FINAL-v7.pdf
Peter’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-zaman-99b502/
Anna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stablum-a5a31a/
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, Sustainability Director for the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action. Carrie is a leader in the Decade of Agriculture efforts, advancing U.S. agriculture’s triple bottom line of social, environmental, and economic objectives in the Ag Investment Accelerator and Honor the Harvest. She received the White House Champion of Change Award in 2014 for developing the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program at The Nature Conservancy. Additionally, she serves on the Edon Farmers Co-op Board, previously on the US EPA Science Advisory Board, and has worked for the Michigan Farm Bureau.
Listen as Amanda and Carrie discuss the advancements in sustainable and regenerative agriculture to lower the industry’s carbon footprint. Carrie describes the increased collaboration happening across supply chains and explores the challenges the industry faces as it looks to transform its sustainability efforts.
A critical factor in this industry is capturing the story of resiliency quantifiable to the consumer. Carrie also reminds us of the unique and powerful role that Mother Nature plays in the agriculture sector and the continued need to focus on preparing for climate disasters.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Carrie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrievollmersanders/
Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/
US Farmers & Ranchers in Action: https://usfarmersandranchers.org/
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Dr. Ana Nacvalovaite, a Research Fellow at Kellogg College, Oxford University. Dr. Nacvalovaite is an accomplished researcher, expert, and advocate for ethical business and investment practices. She obtained her doctoral degree from Oxford University, focusing on the regulation, sustainability, and transparency of investments made by sovereign wealth funds. Ana strives to bridge the gap between the immense resources of sovereign wealth funds and the urgent global challenges of climate change and social sustainability. Sovereign wealth funds are state-owned investment vehicles that manage and invest surplus assets on behalf of sovereign nations seeking to diversify their revenue streams and accumulate wealth.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Ana discuss her journey from a human rights lawyer specializing in protecting children in armed conflict to an expert in sovereign wealth funds. Her pivot was fueled, in part, by the 2008 financial crisis, which presented an opportunity for greater regulation of these funds.
Ana explains the sustainability-related financial strategies for sovereign wealth funds, which drive social benefits. Kaitlyn also reminds us of the longer time horizons for these funds (think: well past 3-5 years), while Ana also shares their current challenges and opportunities for greater positive impact in the future.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Dr. Nacvalovaite’sLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ana-nacvalovaite-a0b367b/
Kellogg College: https://www.kellogg.ox.ac.uk/
Case Study: https://rebrand.ly/StanfordCaseStudy
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Jennifer Singh, the Sustainability Catalyst for Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), where she coaches and connects early-stage companies focused on solving climate and environmental challenges. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience building and scaling innovative businesses at startups and large corporations and is an industry expert, inventor, and author.
Listen as Amanda and Jennifer discuss the power of collaboration and how ATDC, a technology incubator, plays a vital role in providing startups with the necessary resources to grow. Jennifer highlights their sustainability vertical, which includes startups in renewable energy, circular economy, and water technology.
She also explains how ATDC bridges the gap for startups by connecting them with capital & customers and shares her insights on venture capital investment trends and how to get involved.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Jennifer’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifersingh2/
Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/
ATDC Sustainability Program: https://atdc.org/industry-programs/sustainability/
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Saskhia Menendez, an equality and diversity ambassador, researcher, public speaker, mentor, and social change activist. Saskhia works to help diversify the music industry landscape, as well as help improve representation, access, and educate people of the issues and barriers certain underrepresented groups face. She is a multi-racial trans woman who transitioned 12 years ago and has over 10 years’ experience in the music industry. Saskhia is making brand new tracks, which are due for release early this year.
During their discussion, Amanda and Saskhia highlight the need to diversify the 'business side' of the music industry, including the boardroom and other leadership roles. Saskhia explains the terms 'authentic proportional representation' and 'intersectionality' and their relevance to the music industry. They also discuss how music artists can use their creative efforts to promote Diversity & Inclusion.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Saskhia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misssaskhia/
Saskhia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mizsaskia/
Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Marc Held, CEO of Fishtail and a serial entrepreneur focusing on advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) for the supply chain industry.
Listen as Amanda and Marc discuss how to leverage supply chain data to more efficiently underwrite global trade financing and create nudges for more sustainable purchasing decisions. Marc sheds light on the global Trade Finance Gap, which is comprised of countless small businesses that cannot secure affordable funding for the delivery of their goods to international markets, ultimately impacting their long-term viability.
Fishtail’s platform has a seamless connection to ESG by converting trade finance into an ESG investable asset class, connecting previously overlooked small companies with lenders and incentivizing the selection of less carbon intensive shipping options. This episode is a great resource for those interested in ESG financing opportunities, decarbonizing global shipping, and business owners seeking capital support.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Marc’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mheld/
Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/
Fishtail: https://fishtail.ai/
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Christy Cooke, Head of Capital Markets & ESG Finance Northern Europe for EcoVadis. EcoVadis is a well-known rating agency that assesses companies' ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance and maturity. Christy has over ten years of experience working in the field of sustainability, with roles in both NGOs and the private sector. Previously, he worked at CDP, working closely with investors and companies on environmental disclosure.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Christy discuss best practices for the survey submission process. Christy shares survey use case examples and emerging trends for ESG reporting needs in the capital markets. Familiar with the perception that the EcoVadis scoring process may appear to be an enigma, he addresses the topic head-on while discussing the survey's relationship within the scope of the larger ESG regulation landscape.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Christy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-cooke-35454471/
EcoVadis: https://ecovadis.com/
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Dr. Carolyn Kousky, Associate Vice President for Economics and Policy at the Environmental Defense Fund. Dr. Kousky is an expert in natural disasters, disaster insurance markets, and climate risk management policies. She has been featured in major media outlets and has a PhD in Public Policy from Harvard University. Her latest book, Understanding Disaster Insurance: New Tools for a More Resilient Future, is an excellent resource for the episode.
Disaster insurance is good, but you hope you never have to use it. In light of the unfortunate increase in climate-related disasters worldwide, a greater understanding of insurance products and the financial impact of response and recovery is needed. Listen as Amanda and Dr. Kousky talk about how the insurance industry is evolving its response to disaster risk and the trend towards increased climate-related financial disclosures.
Dr. Kousky also explains the concepts of reinsurance and non-traditional insurance products like parametric insurance and microinsurance, shedding light on how the insurance industry is working to implement different models to facilitate more widespread coverage while increasing transparency around climate risks and possible financial impacts for insurers and the insured.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Dr. Kousky’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckousky/
Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/
Dr. Kousky’s Book: https://islandpress.org/books/understanding-disaster-insurance
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen speaks with Angela Baker, Director of Business Development for Envita Solutions, formerly known as Heritage Interactive Services. Angela's primary focus is bringing consistency, best practices, and innovative solutions to the sustainability marketplace. She aims to help her clients achieve their sustainability goals and contribute to building pathways for carbon neutral programs and landfill-free solutions.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Angela discuss Envita’s service offerings and recent rebranding. Angela shares several current client examples, highlighting Envita's standardized approaches to waste management that facilitate transparency and metrics reporting.
She also introduces S.W.E.A.T (Solid, Water, Energy, Air, and Toxins) objectives, which could be a new concept for some listeners, and discusses the current trends in waste management. Additionally, they explore the topic of competition within sustainability goals and how it can drive innovation and progress.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
*Disclosure: The Heritage Group is an investor in ClimeCo.
Episode Resource Links
Angela’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-price-baker-69711215/
Envita LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/envita-solutions
Envita Website:www.envitainc.com
In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Nick Maynard, Senior Vice President for Commonwealth, where he has spent almost 15 years piloting and scaling innovations to improve the lives of financially vulnerable Americans. He is an expert on savings innovation, especially prize-linked, gamification, and tax-time savings.
Listen as Yvonne and Nick discuss the various services provided by Commonwealth that focus on employee well-being and how an organization's success and financial well-being significantly rely on its staff’s level of engagement. Employee’s financial security strongly determines their ability to bring their full talents to their role.
Nick also explains how Commonwealth collaborates with BlackRock's Emergency Savings Initiative to assist employers in promoting savings for retirement and emergencies among their low- and moderate-income employees. Commonwealth is continuing to partner with employers, solutions providers, foundations, nonprofits, and policymakers to develop solutions that meet the financial needs of workers earning low and moderate incomes and serve to close the racial and gender wealth gap. Visit https://buildcommonwealth.org/partner-with-us/ for more information.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Nick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickwmaynard/
Yvonne’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ynharris/
Commonwealth: https://buildcommonwealth.org/partner-with-us/
Thanks to The Untangling Circularity Podcast, our December Sponsor. The Untangling Circularity Podcast tackles unanswered circular economy questions. Co-hosts Cynthia Power and Laura Novich, both experienced sustainability and circularity professionals, have identified topics they would like more clarity on, and by addressing these questions head-on and bringing in experts, they begin to bring shape to the answers.
In this episode, Erika Schiller talks with Stephanie McLarty, Head of Sustainability at Quantum Lifecycle Partners, Canada's largest IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) and e-waste recycling company. In her role, Stephanie is in charge of building and executing a sustainability strategy across Quantum's 10 locations and beyond to help the company's stakeholders: customers, team, and the planet. She is also a respected thought leader and the host of The Circular Future podcast.
Reusing and repairing our electronics at work and home have a win-win impact on financial value and carbon savings. Listen as Erika and Stephanie explore her ESG journey, which began with a niche focus on reusing telecom equipment and expanded to a marketplace solution. In her area of expertise, Stephanie leverages data to demonstrate the financial & environmental impacts when products are reused versus recycled. As our devices get smarter, the circular economy of electronics continues to evolve.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Stephanie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smclarty/
Erika’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-schiller-2773a52/
Quantum Lifecycle Website: https://quantumlifecycle.com/
The Circular Future Podcast: https://quantumlifecycle.com/en_CA/podcast/
December Sponsor:https://www.moltevolte.com/podcast
Thanks to The Untangling Circularity Podcast, our December Sponsor. The Untangling Circularity Podcast tackles unanswered circular economy questions. Co-hosts Cynthia Power and Laura Novich, both experienced sustainability and circularity professionals, have identified topics they would like more clarity on, and by addressing these questions head-on and bringing in experts, they begin to bring shape to the answers.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen welcomes Derek Six, ClimeCo's Chief Operating Officer, and Nico van Aelstyn, a Partner with Sheppard Mullin.
Listen as Kaitlyn, Derek, and Nico unpack California's Assembly Bill (AB) 1305, which requires sellers/marketers and buyers/consumers of voluntary carbon credits to disclose certain information on their websites. The climate-related law goes into effect on January 1, 2024, to increase consumer knowledge.
During their conversation, Nico and Derek clarify potential ambiguities related to this law, including what it means to 'do business in California' and how to prepare for its enactment. The information shared is a great 'crash course' for the upcoming changes in 2024.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource LinksAB1305 Legislation: https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB1305/id/2832513 Nico’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicovanaelstyn/Derek’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-six-1524645/ December Sponsor: https://www.moltevolte.com/podcast
Disclaimer: Neither ClimeCo LLC nor Sheppard Mullin are rendering legal advice or offering legal assistance by their participation in this podcast.
In this episode, Erika Schiller talks with Dan Diehl, Chief Executive Officer of Aircuity. Dan has over 25 years of industry expertise in commercial and light industrial building markets.
Listen along as Erika and Dan discuss how indoor air quality is an ESG issue that impacts business, health, and workforce productivity. Their discussion also covers systems that better manage HVAC and indoor air, which can significantly reduce carbon footprints and energy costs.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Dan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-diehl-2a97114/
Erika’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-schiller-2773a52/
Aircuity Website: https://www.aircuity.com/
New York Times Article (requires subscription): https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/27/health/schools-indoor-air-covid.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
Thanks to The Untangling Circularity Podcast, our December Sponsor. The Untangling Circularity Podcast tackles unanswered circular economy questions. Co-hosts Cynthia Power and Laura Novich, both experienced sustainability and circularity professionals, have identified topics they would like more clarity on., Band by addressing these questions head-on and bringing in experts, they begin to bring shape to the answers.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Cynthia Power, Founder of Molte Volte ("many times"), a company specializing in circular apparel. With over 16 years of experience in the fashion industry, Cynthia is an expert in her field, helping and helps brands and retailers understand and navigate the circular landscape. Her company focuses on building and scaling resale and reuse programs, with a passion for extending the life of high-quality, durable goods.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Cynthia review three of the most pressing ESG issues for the fashion industry: materials, labor and supply chain considerations, and environmental concerns. They also discuss how circularity in fashion can drive job creation and customer loyalty, positively impacting the industry and the planet.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Cynthia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-power-24963513/
Molte Volte’s Website: https://www.moltevolte.com/
Untangling Circularity Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-untangling-circularity-podcast/
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen welcomes Nicholas "Nico" van Aelstyn, a Partner with Sheppard Mullin, and ClimeCo’s David Prieto, Senior Director of Climate & Energy Advisory, to discuss the 2023 California Climate Accountability Act.
The discussion highlights SB 253, the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act, and SB 261, the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act, which address greenhouse gas and climate risk disclosures. While these touch on similar ground as the forthcoming SEC ruling, there are distinct differences, notably related to Scope 3 reporting requirements.
Nico’s legal acumen complements David’s expertise in greenhouse gas accounting, providing a well-rounded perspective. Together, this trio demystifies the practical applications of these regulations, offering valuable insights for companies seeking to understand and meet the impending requirements set to be enacted in the coming years.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Blog on CA Climate Disclosure Laws: https://rebrand.ly/Climate-Disclosure-Laws-Blog
Nico’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicovanaelstyn/
David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidprieto1/
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh is joined by Arquella Hargrove, Chief Culture Officer at Alchemy Consulting Group. Arquella has 30 years of experience creating productivity-inducing practices in public and private sectors through coaching, diversity, equity, inclusion, HR management, leadership development, strategic planning, and organization development and was named one of Houston's Most Influential Women.
The focus of this episode is on the platinum rule, which encourages us to treat others the way they want to be treated. Listen as Amanda and Arquella explore the pivotal role of inclusive leaders in fostering a workplace culture of belonging and discuss the traits of inclusive leaders.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Arquella’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arquella-hargrove-79a92910
Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/
Alchemy’s Website: https://alchemy-consulting.com/
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh is joined by Shireen Muhiudeen, Fund Manager and Author of We Are All Stakeholders. Shireen is a senior investment professional with 33 years of experience in emerging market investments and sustainability, which led her to found Corston-Smith, a responsible asset management firm, in 2004.
Shireen's impressive career includes serving as the CEO of AIG Investment Corporation Malaysia and being the first female Chairman of the Stock Exchange of Malaysia. Her contributions to the industry landed her on Forbes Asia's 50 Power Businesswomen and Asian Investor's 25 Most Influential Women in Asia Pacific's Asset Management Industry.
Amanda and Shireen are powerful advocates for diversity in corporate leadership, and their conversation focuses on the importance of women's representation on corporate boards. Shireen emphasizes the positive impact of diverse boards on business performance and encourages more stringent measures for board member selection.
We are all stakeholders in ESG and our voices matter. Learn more about this topic in Episode #84, Women's Panel: Fostering Gender Equality in the Board Room: https://youtu.be/LZGVX_YYEiI?si=QC7r3lVX2tyS0Jai
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Shireen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shireen-muhiudeen/
Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/
‘We Are All Stakeholders’ book: https://a.co/d/d23yHlI
Entrepreneur Magazine Highlights ‘We Are All Stakeholders’: https://rebrand.ly/Entrepreneur-Magazine
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen is joined by Darshita Gillies, the Founder & CEO of Maanch, a leading technology solution provider for asset managers and investors, revolutionizing the landscape of stewardship practices and sustainable, long-term value creation. In addition to being a globally recognized ESG and impact evangelist, Darshita is a chartered accountant, former investment banker, executive coach, and specialist in fintech and blockchain. She is a recognized ESG and Diversity Trailblazer and was honored as one of the world's 100 Most Meaningful Business Leaders, among many other accolades.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Darshita dive into the genesis of Maanch and how Darshita’s formative years, including her work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, inspired her entrepreneurship journey.
Globally, ESG assets now total a staggering $2.5 trillion. Maanch offers a software solution that captures data and provides insights for responsible investment stewardship–filling a gap in the market (no, it’s not another ESG ratings provider). This conversation highlights the impact of regional nuances related to the 'Governance' aspect of ESG. Darshita also reminds us that the approach to ESG investing reporting needs to be holistic, taking into account all stakeholders.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Darshita’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshitagillies/
Maanch Website: https://maanch-invest.com/
Whitepaper Resource: Decoding Effective Stewardship.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Jeff Thomson and Shari Littan from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). Jeff led IMA for nearly 15 years, doubling membership and CMA certification holders while expanding globally to serve 140,000 members in 150 countries. Shari, Director of Corporate Reporting Research & Policy at IMA, is an innovator in accounting, corporate reporting, and business sustainability, driving thought leadership for IMA's members. Together, they discuss the crucial link between internal controls and sustainability for integrity and share a high-level overview of IMA’s role in supporting accounting and finance professionals.
Much of their conversation focuses on the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and its credible framework for internal controls for financial reporting which is the basis of the road map for internal controls for sustainability metrics.
Amanda also highlights the pending SEC climate disclosure rule and how COSO is exploring new supplemental guidance to help investors seeking trusted climate disclosures, with greenwashing remaining a significant concern. While COSO has been around for some time, the connective tissue to sustainability-related data and reporting is also generating excitement as it engages the next generation of accountants, even leading to the creation of new corporate roles such as ESG/Sustainability Controller.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource LinksJeff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreycthomson/ Shari’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-littan-58bb40114/ Register for the Executive Workshop: https://cvent.me/EMGgbD About IMA: https://rebrand.ly/AboutIMAIMA Briefing: How Technology Can Revolutionize ESG Reporting: https://rebrand.ly/IMA-Briefing COSO’s Internal Control Framework and ESG: https://rebrand.ly/COSOArticle
This episode celebrates Disability in Employment Awareness Month, acknowledging the valuable contributions of workers with disabilities and promoting inclusive employment policies, practices, and technologies that benefit both employers and employees. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are fundamental to our culture, encouraging all employees to leverage their unique perspectives and experiences to drive business growth and cultivate a culture where everyone and every idea is valued.
In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Kelly Klein and Cristen Reat of the Easter Seals of Greater Houston (ESGH), a leading non-profit dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities and supporting service members, veterans, and their families. Their mission revolves around transforming lives through therapy, training, education, and unwavering support so that people with disabilities can actively participate in our various communities.
Kelly has been with ESGH for 28 years and is pivotal in overseeing fundraising efforts, ensuring funds are available to assist over 14,500 families annually. Her connection to family members with disabilities fuels her passion for this work. Cristen is the Co-Founder and Program Director of BridgingApps.org, an ESGH program that provides valuable resources and education about apps and mobile devices. This initiative helps individuals with disabilities enhance their physical, social, and cognitive skills, ultimately reaching their full potential.
Listen as they discuss ‘common language’ for conversations related to disabilities and highlight a few of the services ESGH offers, including BridgingApps. Employers are encouraged to leverage the resources provided by Easter Seals in support of their efforts to recruit and develop employees with disabilities.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource LinksKelly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-klein-1a573813/Cristen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristen-carson-reat-55509232/Yvonne’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ynharris/BridgingApps: https://eastersealshouston.org/tech-tools/bridgingapps/
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen and David Prieto of ClimeCo are joined by Jonah Wagner, Chief Strategist at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO).
Jonah's expertise lies in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) implementation and scaling clean energy technologies, having previously worked at McKinsey & Company and the New Zealand Treasury. He also played key roles in organizations like Delterra and Piramal Water LLC, focusing on sustainable business development and infrastructure.
David, ClimeCo’s Sr. Director for Climate & Energy Advisory, specializes in helping companies transition to decarbonized business models, with a strong emphasis on climate risk, decarbonization strategy, environmental markets, and ESG disclosure.
Listen as Jonah and David discuss the work of the DOE LPO related to clean energy deployment and industrial decarbonization projects. They delve into the DOE LPO's unique role in taking investment risks from demonstration projects to accelerate the deployment of climate technologies financed by the private sector. With an average of 1.5 new applications per week, Jonah provides insights into the process of applying for LPO funding and clarifies the concept of conditional commitments. Additionally, they explore topics like the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program, Pathways to Commercial Liftoff, and ClimeCo's connection to the DOE.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Monthly Application Activity Report: https://www.energy.gov/lpo/monthly-application-activity-report
Title 17 Clean Energy Financing: https://www.energy.gov/lpo/title-17-clean-energy-financing
Liftoff Reports: https://liftoff.energy.gov/
Jonah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonah-wagner-49434215/
David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidprieto1/
Careers at LPO: https://www.energy.gov/lpo/careers-loan-programs-office
In this brief episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Steven Okun, Founder and CEO of APAC Advisors. Steven has over 25 years of experience across government, public affairs, and communication.
Steven has lived and worked in Asia since 2003, serving as the Senior Advisor in ASEAN for EMPEA, formerly the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association, and is a member of their global ESG and impact working groups. He also created and led public affairs for KKR Asia Pacific from 2011-2017, including implementing their regional ESG policy.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Steven announce ClimeCo’s expansion in Singapore, and check out the official press release to learn more. In addition, Steven discusses three ESG focal points for the region: 1) addressing the climate crisis, 2) tackling human rights and supply chain concerns, and 3) addressing the surge in cyber security threats and ransomware attacks. These issues resonate with key stakeholders, including investors, corporate leaders, employees, and customers. Steven briefly addresses the transition to a low carbon economy, particularly the investor impact, with Singapore’s carbon tax set to increase 5x next year.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Steven’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenokun/
Kaitlyn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-allen-sustainability/
APAC Advisors’ Website: https://www.apacadvisors.com/about
ClimeCo’s Expansion in Singapore: https://climeco.com/climeco-expands-presence-in-singapore-with-the-hire-of-anna-stablum/
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen converses with Kurt Kipka, Chief Impact Officer of Apparel Impact Institute (Aii). Kurt manages the growth and longevity of global programs, including Clean by Design – a proven platform for improving the resource efficiency of textile mills in collaboration with multinational brands.
Before joining Aii, he spent three years at the environmental non-profit Natural Resources Defense Council, focusing on developing programs and tools to measure and improve the environmental performance of leading brands and retailers. Additionally, Kurt spent ten years in retail sourcing and has served as chair and active member of several retail industry councils and steering teams.
Join Kaitlyn and Kurt as they explore sustainability in the apparel industry and delve into the associated environmental concerns. Kurt walks us through the science-based approaches that allow Aii to zero in on environmental issues in apparel production, long-term road maps for process efficiencies, the work of the Fashion Climate Fund, and his unique path to a career in sustainability.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Kurt’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-kipka-3551b917/
Aii 2022 Impact Report: https://www.apparelimpactreport.org/
Fashion Climate Fund: https://apparelimpact.org/fashion-climate-fund/
Climate Solutions Portfolio: https://apparelimpact.org/climate-solutions-portfolio/
The Updated Roadmap to Net Zero: https://apparelimpact.org/taking-stock-of-progress-report/
In this episode, Erika Schiller sits down with Ken Chlapik, Global Market Manager for Johnson Matthey (JM), a global leader in sustainable technologies.
Ken is an expert in developing solutions that utilize JM's innovative low-carbon CLEANPACETM and ADVANCED REFORMINGTM technologies. Throughout his career, Ken has played a vital role in the growth of steam methane reforming (SMR) hydrogen utilization for clean fuel in the oil refining industry. During his tenure, the capacity of SMR-based hydrogen has tripled, and the hydrogen production is projected to increase dramatically in the next two decades as the world shifts towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
Based in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, Ken holds a B.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. Ken is a respected representative of JM at the Institute of Clean Air Companies – ICAC and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) screening committee, which recognized Ken with the prestigious Peter G. Andrews Lifetime Service Award. He is a prolific author, having published several articles lately exploring the acceleration of decarbonization in existing refining and petrochemical facilities, providing invaluable insights on achieving “A Running Start to Net Zero."
Industrial facilities are responsible for 50% of the world's CO2 emissions, equivalent to 20 gigatons. Listen along as Erika and Ken dive into the topic of industrial decarbonization, breaking down the complex terms and acronyms as they go. They also discuss JM's solutions and its partnership with ClimeCo to positively impact industrial decarbonization.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Ken’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-chlapik-96ab6257/
Erika’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-schiller-2773a52/
JM’s Website: https://matthey.com/
JM’s Low-Carbon Solutions: https://rebrand.ly/LowCarbonSolutions
JM CLEANPACE Hydrogen Solutions: https://rebrand.ly/CLEANPACE
95% CO2 Reduction in Hydrogen Plants: https://rebrand.ly/ReductionForHydrogenPlants Running Start to Net-Zero: https://rebrand.ly/StartNetZero
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen engages in an exciting conversation with Raffi Schieir, Founder of Bantam Materials UK Ltd. Raffi is a well-respected leader in the plastics space, having established a market-leading Prevented Ocean Plastic program that is shaping the future of ocean-bound plastics.
Originally from Canada, Raffi moved to the UK in 2011 to establish the UK division of Bantam Materials Inc. In his remarkable journey, Raffi has chaired Europe's prominent plastic recycling conference (ICIS 2017) and has been nominated as Recycling Ambassador of the Year in the UK and Europe.
Taking a hands-on approach to understanding the issues and opportunities around plastic pollution, Raffi partnered with leading supply experts to create a fully traceable supply chain for Prevented Ocean Plastic in 2019. Since then, this initiative has blossomed into an award-winning program that works with global brands and producers to create tangible change. Additionally, the Prevented Ocean Plastic Research Centre complements this work with evidence-based research..
Our planet is grappling with plastic waste valued at a staggering $100 billion. Nearly a billion bottles have been diverted from the ocean, and the number is rising exponentially as opportunities and solutions expand. Tune in as Kaitlyn and Raffi unpack how this waste can be transformed into a force for positive change, both socially and economically.
Additionally, they explore the challenges of establishing collecting infrastructures in rural and coastal communities intricately tied to the '25 by 2025' initiative. This conversation is also a reminder of the connection between plastic and carbon footprints. While some companies have regressed in plastics recycling due to economic factors, others have taken bold strides forward with intentional commitments to this work. These businesses exemplify that doing good and generating profits need not be mutually exclusive.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for thrilling new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Raffi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raffi-schieir-83b4643a/
Prevented Ocean Plastic Website: https://www.preventedoceanplastic.com/
Prevented Ocean Plastic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/preventedoceanplastic/
Prevented Ocean Plastic Twitter: https://twitter.com/PreventOPlastic
25 by 2023 Initiative: https://www.preventedoceanplastic.com/prevented-ocean-plastic-on-a-mission-to-open-25-collection-centres-by-2025/
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Cate Lamb, Global Director of Water Security at CDP, the world's largest coalition of non-state actors committed to delivering a water secure future. Cate is responsible for ensuring that CDP’s Water Security program maintains its status as the gold standard for disclosure of corporate and city water-related information globally, while also driving swift changes in corporate and city behavior towards water. She is leading CDP’s work to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy by enhancing water-related transparency and associated due diligence in private finance.
Cate's efforts have resulted in the creation of the world's first portfolio water impacts reporting framework designed for banks, asset managers, asset owners, and insurance companies. She is now spearheading the development of a Water Action Pathway for Finance alongside OECD, WFN, and UNEP FI.
Beyond her work at CDP, Cate has served as the UNFCCC High Level Climate Champion Lead for Water for COP26, is Co-Chair of the Science-Based Targets Network, advisor to UNGC’s SDG Leadership network, knowledge partner of the TNFD, founder of the Fair Water Footprints Coalition, and one of Thomson Reuters 2023 Trailblazing Women working on Climate.
Get ready as Kaitlyn and Cate dive into the important role of non-profits in the ESG space. Cate shares the CDP's process for collecting data for reporting frameworks, which are utilized by multiple stakeholders, including financial institutions, businesses, and academics.
Their work doesn't stop there - CDP's areas of focus have evolved from greenhouse gas emissions to its current work with plastics. Join the conversation as they review the Global Plastics Treaty which engages 200 countries in efforts to address the entire lifecycle of plastics, with a particular focus on stopping the flow of plastic waste into the ocean.
When it comes to proper plastics recycling, the impact is far-reaching and affects a variety of industries, from petroleum to fashion. For those looking to dive deeper into this important issue, the United Nations Framework for the Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an excellent resource.
Unlock the world of corporate sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community, where we thoughtfully go in depth on complex issues. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below).
Episode Resource Links
Cate’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catelamb/
CDP Website: https://www.cdp.net/en
United Nations FCCC Website: https://unfccc.int/
In this episode, Yvonne Harris engages in an interesting conversation with John Shegerian, the Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of ERI, the largest electronic waste recycler in the United States. John is a serial social entrepreneur who co-founded Homeboy Industries, FinancialAid.com, Engage, and many other impactful organizations. As a leader in his field, John has played a pivotal role in paving the way for the electronic recycling, data protection, and ITAD industries as a whole. Under his stewardship, ERI has successfully expanded its operations to process over a billion pounds of electronic waste annually, with eight certified locations that cater to every ZIP Code throughout the US.
Currently, John serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL) at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business. Additionally, he was recognized as the Clean Tech Entrepreneur of the Year for Northern California by Ernst & Young and was honored with a spot on City & State New York's esteemed "Responsible 100" list in the previous year. He is also a respected member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).
Listen along as Yvonne and John discuss his career journey and how he channeled his innovation and passion for protecting the planet to focus on creating sustainable solutions for e-waste. John also shares his insights on the transformative changes that have occurred over time, making e-waste the fastest-growing waste stream on the planet.
The topic of responsible recycling is further explored as they reflect on how companies and individuals can responsibly recycle their e-waste and protect their data. This inspiring conversation may encourage individuals to consider more mindful consumption decisions. Do you really need the latest smartphone?
As a thank-you gift to ESG Decoded listeners, we are happy to offer you a FREE copy of John Shegerian's book, The Insecurity of Everything: How Hardware Data Security is Becoming the Most Important Topic in the World.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for thrilling new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
John’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnshegerian/
Yvonne’s LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ynharris/
ERI Website: https://eridirect.com/
Check out John’s book, The Insecurity of Everything: https://eridirect.com/insecurity-of-everything-book/
Calling all soccer enthusiasts! In this episode, Amanda Hsieh immerses in an enlightening discussion with Jordan Enke, Senior Vice President of Stadium Operations at Austin FC in Austin, Texas. Jordan plays a pivotal role in the organization with a comprehensive scope that includes overseeing general operations, safety and security, event and guest services, parking and mobility, and sustainability initiatives. Having been a part of Austin FC since its early days in 2019, he was instrumental in various aspects, from site selection to the design and construction efforts of Q2 Stadium.
Q2 Stadium has garnered numerous accolades, including being certified as LEED Gold by the US Green Building Council. Its achievements also span receiving the Outstanding Construction Award from the Associated General Contractors (AGC) for the Austin Chapter in 2021, being recognized as a VenuesNow All-Star, securing the ULI Austin Impact Award for Most Influential Project in 2021, and earning a StadiumDB Nomination for Stadium of the Year in the same year. The stadium further received the Austin Business Journal Commercial Real Estate Award for Project of the Year in 2021 and the '21 Best Projects Award of Merit from Engineering News-Record in the Sports/Entertainment category for the Texas-Louisiana Region. In 2022, the MLSPA voted Q2 Stadium the Best Atmosphere and Best Field.
Jordan's educational journey led him to a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from West Virginia University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2010. In addition to his academic achievements, he was also recognized as a Facility Management Professional in 2015, showcasing his dedication to excellence.
This is our first ESG Decoded episode to feature a professional sports team. However, instead of talking about players and stats, Amanda and Jordan take a fresh approach by exploring sustainability. Keeping with the theme of 'firsts,' Austin FC is the first major professional sports team in Austin, a city that has long boasted some of the most passionate college sports fans in the country. Tune in as they unravel the intricacies of building a stadium, with a spotlight on site selection being a pivotal factor for sustainability advancements.
Considering the climate, Q2 Stadium's design cleverly harnesses natural breezes and integrates inventive stormwater management and passive cooling systems. In line with an eco-friendly approach, the stadium's intentional limited parking promotes public transportation usage. The Austin FC organization extends its influence beyond the field, serving as a unifying force in the community with targets for financial and ticket donations to deserving causes.
This conversation will offer a new perspective and an appreciation for the blend of sustainability and sportsmanship. After listening to this episode, we hope you never look at sports stadiums the same again.
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for thrilling new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/
Jordan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-enke-04684145/
Austin FC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/austin-fc/ Austin FC Website: https://www.austinfc.com/
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh engages in an enlightening conversation with Michele Demers, the brilliant mind behind Boundless Impact Research & Analytics. Boundless is a cutting-edge environmental research and analytics firm, transforming the way investors, companies, and funds approach cleantech and the ongoing energy transition. Michele's impressive 25+ years of business expertise have led to the creation of innovative solutions that bring about genuine, positive impact and measurable market returns.
Before delving into the boundless world of environmental research, Michele's journey was marked by remarkable achievements. She crafted a knowledge platform on philanthropic best practices, which became the go-to resource for a vast network of 1200 family offices at Foundation Source. Additionally, Michele served as the Director of Communications for Humanity United, a philanthropic entity with strong ties to the illustrious Pam Omidyar and eBay founder, Pierre Omidyar. Not stopping there, Michele played a pivotal role in the success of more than two-dozen startups, establishing herself as an authority in environmental impact measurement and innovative thinking.
Here, the spotlight falls on Rapid Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), an innovative tool used to evaluate the sustainability performance of products and services. They discuss how independent industry experts contribute to the process, adding credibility and thoroughness to the assessments.
Boundless is not merely content with providing valuable data; they strive to revolutionize industries by standardizing sustainability data. Their efforts aim to empower investors and stakeholders, guiding their decision-making towards a more sustainable and responsible future.
Throughout the episode, Michele sheds light on how Rapid LCAs can unveil eye-opening surprises, both favorable and unfavorable, related to a product's sustainability performance. These insights are bound to spark curiosity and encourage listeners to consider the broader implications of their choices.
If you're eager to learn more about Boundless and Michele's inspiring motivations, the episode offers a wealth of valuable resources. Tune in to discover the world of product sustainability performance. Prepare to be inspired!
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for thrilling new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
Episode Resource Links
Boundless’ Methodology: https://www.boundlessimpact.net/boundless-methodology
Additional Insights and Motivations: https://www.mcjcollective.com/my-climate-journey-podcast/michele-demers
In this episode, join host Amanda Hsieh as she sits down with the dynamic Jonathan Hall, the Director of Belonging for Neiman Marcus Group. Get ready to be inspired as Jonathan takes us on a journey through the organization's rich history, deeply rooted in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) since its inception, and infused with an unwavering pioneering spirit.
Belonging, as Jonathan eloquently explains, centers around Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, resonating with our innate desire for genuine connections, visibility, and appreciation. As part of his role, he is actively spearheading NMG's strategies to foster a culture of belonging and drive workforce diversity, workplace equity, and marketplace inclusion. One of their corporate goals is to increase racial diversity in leadership roles, aiming for 21% by 2025 and 28% by 2030. To achieve this, Jonathan has implemented inclusive hiring best practices, which involve diverse interview panels, candidate slates, and partnerships with professional organizations to expand the pool of talent.
But the impact doesn't stop there! Jonathan also collaborates with merchandising and spend management teams to increase support for diverse-owned brands and businesses. Through their supplier diversity program, they track progress and continuously enhance their commitment to inclusivity.
Throughout the episode, Amanda and Jonathan explore the essence of 'leading with love' in the DEIB space. They delve into the three key stakeholders driving their efforts: associates, customers, and brand partners, unveiling best practices tailored to each group. In a thought-provoking discussion, they debunk concerns about establishing DEIB metrics and benchmarks, emphasizing how these measurements are essential for driving meaningful change.
Let the wisdom of Amanda and Jonathan ignite your passion for making a positive impact in the world. Happy listening!
Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for thrilling new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
If you're eager to learn more and empower your organization with valuable resources, don't miss these resource links:
Neiman Marcus Group Power of One People Report - Gain insights into NMG's dedication to DEIB through their comprehensive report: https://www.neimanmarcusgroup.com/People-report-2022
Neiman Marcus Group 2022 ESG Report - Explore NMG's 2022 ESG journey, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and inclusivity: https://www.neimanmarcusgroup.com/ESG-report-2022
"Bias Interrupted: Creating Inclusion for Real and for Good" by Joan C. Williams - A must-read book that sheds light on creating a truly inclusive environment: https://biasinterrupters.org/book/
Get ready for a riveting episode as Kaitlyn Allen sits down with Peter Majeranowski, President and Co-Founder of Circ—a trailblazing company reshaping the fashion industry's environmental impact through innovative recycling technology for mixed fabric textiles. Before Circ, Peter made waves in finance, spearheading early-stage projects in Eastern Europe and serving in the C-Suite of various portfolio companies. A true hero, he also dedicated 6 years as a US Naval Officer with deployments to Iraq and the Middle East—our heartfelt thanks for his service! Beyond his remarkable achievements, Peter finds joy in tennis, water activities, and giving back as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Loyal listeners already know Kaitlyn as our resident ESG fashionista, passionate about minimizing textiles' environmental footprint. Brace yourself for eye-opening facts—only 15% of textiles are reused, and a mere 1% is recycled from textile to textile. Kaitlyn and Peter delve into the circular economy, exploring Circ's solutions to transform the industry. Peter shares insights into the molecular breakdown of textiles, shedding light on the fashion industry's unique sustainability challenges. He emphasizes the urgency for improved clothing recycling processes, driven by cutting-edge technologies to scale the effort. By the end of this thought-provoking episode, you'll be more mindful of the clothes you wear and how to recycle them responsibly. Retailers are catching on, realizing consumers want eco-conscious fashion. Let's reward brands doing right by our planet! And hold on for the big reveal—a thrilling Circ collaboration launching the world's FIRST line of clothing made from polycotton waste! Tune in now for an engaging and professional exploration of sustainable fashion's exciting future. With Circ and Kaitlyn leading the way, we're one step closer to a greener, more responsible fashion industry! Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for thrilling new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.\
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Jonathan Colbert, Vice President of Marketing for Voltera, a turnkey charging infrastructure provider focused on electric vehicle fleets. Jonathan is an executive passionate about leveraging technology to build powerful relationships between people and brands. Previously he spent time at Rivian as the Director of the Waypoints Network and was responsible for the go-to-market strategy and planned deployment of over 10,000 charging stations supporting key initiatives. Some of the initiatives he was involved with were the Transamerica Trail Drive with MotorTrend and Yosemite National Park. Before Rivian, Jonathan was a founding member of the Mercedes-Benz USA CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared + Services, Electric) Team as North America's Charging and Infrastructure Lead. He led the ramp-up of charging infrastructure at Mercedes-Benz dealerships and Daimler facilities, along with customer-focused charging mobility and home installation services. Before Mercedes-Benz USA, Jonathan was a Director of Marketing at Techtronic Industries, N.A., integrating brand marketing efforts for RIDGID® Power Tools, HART™ Hand Tools, and Arctic Cove™. He attended Florida State University and earned an MBA in Management of Technology at Georgia Tech's Scheller College of Business.
Listen as Jonathan demystifies Voltera's process to create and scale the implementation of charging stations to keep up with the demand that will soon be on our roads. He explains 'charging as a service' and 'fleet as a service' and contrasts those concepts with Voltera's service. This conversation reminds us of all the moving parts to achieve electrification and you will share in Jonathan's excitement as he describes Voltera's mission to serve zero-emission vehicle fleets and its quest to improve this entire industry.
Check out Voltera's Playbook 1 (the first in a series of 5) to address the value proposition of charging infrastructure. This edition focuses on the biggest challenges of real estate site acquisition and power procurement.
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, YouTube, and social media so that you're notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Ling-Ling Nie and Hilary Donnell of Aura, a leading provider of proactive all-in-one digital safety. Ling-Ling is Deputy General Counsel, Chief Compliance & ESG Officer, and Head of Government Affairs. Hilary is Aura's Head of Corporate Social Responsibility & Public Affairs and established the company's efforts to diversify the technology industry and help protect communities especially vulnerable to digital threats.
Listen as Kaitlyn, Ling-Ling, and Hilary discuss the unique services that Aura provides as a centralized solution for online safety and the proactive prevention of identity theft and fraud – relating online safety’s connection to ESG. Given the correlation between hybrid/work-from-home arrangements and enterprise security breaches, their offerings are even more critical today. As a startup, Aura is proof that a mission-driven company of any size can implement a growth strategy with sustainability in mind. Hilary and Ling-Ling share their work with key organizational stakeholders for alignment on ESG data collection and their commitment to carbon neutrality. As our listeners know, there is no cookie-cutter approach to careers in ESG. Ling-Ling and Hilary share their career trajectories with sound advice on how to create an ESG opportunity with your current organization as opposed to thinking you have to move to another company to pursue this impactful work.
More About Ling Ling & Hilary
Ling Ling previously served as General Counsel and Vice President for Ethics & Compliance at the Georgia Institute of Technology and as Chief Compliance Officer & Assistant General Counsel at Panasonic Corporation of North America. In 2021, she received the General Counsel award from the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Georgia's Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel. In 2019, Ling Ling was selected as a "40 Under 40" honoree by both the Atlanta Business Chronicle and the University of Georgia. She received the Women's Leadership Award from the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association (GAPABA). Ling Ling is a University of Georgia graduate who received her law degree from Washington and Lee University's School of Law – licensed to practice in Georgia and Virginia.
Hilary also oversees the Aura Innovation Fund, the company's ethical investment platform for early-stage startups evolving the intelligent safety ecosystem, led by underrepresented individuals in technology or building online safety solutions for especially vulnerable communities. Before Aura, Hilary served as Vice President at national consultancy FleishmanHillard, where she led corporate reputation, CSR, and environmental, social governance (ESG)-related efforts for Fortune 500 companies. Hilary earned her B.A. from American University in Public Communications, Public Policy, & Justice.
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In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Leela Ramnath, Senior VP and Head of ESG at Warburg Pincus, a leading global private equity firm. Leela leads global ESG strategy, collaborates with investment teams and portfolio companies to drive and optimize implementation, and manages vital partnerships for the firm. She has 20 years of experience working across capital markets, emerging markets, and ESG. Before joining Warburg Pincus, she led innovation and sustainability at an impact-focused investment firm, and previously worked at Barclays covering emerging markets and at a global insurer focused on securitized products. She serves on ClimeCo’s Board of Managers and on the board of the nonprofit Ownership Works a former Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master of Arts in International Relations from the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Leela discuss the private equity vs. the public markets perspective on ESG. As a baseline for this conversation, Leela reminds us what defines ESG. She explores the three overarching trends for ESG: regulation, climate, and ESG data plus provides insights from work done by the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) Private Equity Task Force (link below).
Like many of the previous guests on this podcast, the ESG-related path was not straight but one filled with exciting adventures that prepared Leela for the positive impacts she makes today.
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Enjoy tuning in!
Episode Resource Links
ESG Metrics in Private Equity: https://a.storyblok.com/f/109506/x/42de72c1ca/esg-metrics-in-private-equity.pdf
Leela’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leela-ramnath-4869b5/
Warburg Pincus Website: https://warburgpincus.com/
Disclaimer for Anchor
Goals are aspirational and not guarantees or promises that all goals will be met. Certain information contained herein relating to any goals, targets, intentions or expectations (collectively, “initiatives”) is subject to change. The ESG or impact initiatives discussed herein are purely voluntary and are not binding on investment decisions and/or Warburg Pincus's management of investments. Warburg Pincus may in the future establish, certain ESG or impact initiatives, or cease participating in any working group. Warburg Pincus assumes no obligation to update the information herein.
Participation in the Sustainable Markets Initiative (“SMI”), including the SMI Private Equity Taskforce (“PESMIT”) and/or any PESMIT Working Group, is not intended to convey current or intended alignment with or endorsement or approval of the information contained in any SMI Report (“Reports”).
Except where expressly specified, any ESG or impact-related initiative or improvement trajectories published by the Private Equity Sustainable Markets Initiative Taskforce are not being marketed to investors or promoted and do not bind any investment decisions made in respect of, or the management or stewardship of, any funds managed by Warburg Pincus LLC for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 on sustainability-related disclosures in the financial services sector.
What a fantastic journey! We are thrilled to be celebrating 100 episodes of ESG Decoded! We want to thank everyone who made this podcast an impactful resource in the ESG community: our loyal listeners, expert guests, ClimeCo, and 21 Media.
To honor this milestone, Kaitlyn Allen and Amanda Hsieh share some very exciting news… Erika Schiller is joining the podcast as Co-host! Erika is Senior VP, Project Development at ClimeCo. She specializes in energy transformation acceleration, understanding the challenges and opportunities in the hard-to-abate sectors that drive our economy. She is helping evolve solutions for the hard–to–abate sector, including expanding industrial gas abatement to a broader customer base. Her focus is to offer solutions in Carbon Capture Use and Storage (CCUS) and hydrogen markets. Erika’s team also develops insetting services to support customers in enabling and monetizing supply chain emissions reductions. Before ClimeCo, Erika worked in the low-carbon energy industry for 10 years, spanning energy storage to renewable fuels and carbon capture use & storage with Chevron. She launched the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) business, forming two joint ventures in dairy RNG production. She then moved to their strategy and sustainability team, where she led the commercial strategy for a new Carbon Capture Use and Storage (CCUS) global business line and started up Chevron’s New Energies. Erika earned her Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business, and her Bachelor of Science from Vanderbilt University. She enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, running, snowboarding, and taking her children to the park. Stay tuned for Erika’s big debut!
Join us in celebrating Episode 100, as the Hosts field questions via a live Q&A webinar (recorded June 13, 2023) and designed to engage listeners and previous guests in real-time. We look forward to all that is to come for this podcast, continued education on current ESG trends, insightful guests, and actionable takeaways for ESG professionals and businesses.
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and social media so that you’re notified of new episodes.
Cheers to the next 100 episodes!
Episode Resource Links
Erika Schiller’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-schiller-2773a52/
Erika’s Bio: https://climeco.com/erika-schiller/
Kaitlyn Allen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-allen-sustainability/
Kaitlyn’s Bio: https://climeco.com/kaitlyn-allen/
Amanda Hsieh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/
Amanda’s Bio: https://climeco.com/amanda-hsieh/
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
This episode of our podcast honors Pride Month, celebrating the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community and recognizing the call for unity, greater visibility, and equity. ClimeCo, which powers this podcast, believes that supporting Pride Month aligns with its core values, particularly that of Stewardship. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is integral to our culture and we encourage all employees to use their unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas to help advance business outcomes and foster a space where everyone feels their viewpoint is valued.
In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Miriam Lopez, Founder of SeEQmore Consulting Group. Miriam is a strategic leader with over 20 years of visible achievements in business transformation, human resources, and performance management. Her passion for providing accelerated transformation, empowering individuals, and developing top-performing teams allows them to reach their highest potential. She is a lifelong learner trained in LEAN, Six Sigma, and Dare to Lead™. Born in Mexico City, Miriam holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing and Technical Communications from the University of Houston.
Listen as Yvonne and Miriam discuss the investments that companies are making in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).. Miriam discusses why pronoun usage is essential and how leaders and organizations can facilitate this topic. Addressing someone by their correct pronouns is not just a formality but an acknowledgment that drives a more profound sense of inclusion and belonging to the individual and "people culture." How can corporations show greater support for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month and beyond? Tune in to find out!
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, YouTube, and social media so that you're notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!
This episode is a part of the ESG Paradigm Shift Series, where we examine different angles of the ESG phenomenon and its broader implications for finance and prosperity.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Dr. Shiva Rajgopal, the Kester and Byrnes Professor of Accounting and Auditing at Columbia Business School. He is the Departmental Editor of the Accounting Track of Management Science and an Associate Editor at the Journal of Accounting and Economics. Professor Rajgopal has also been a faculty member at Duke University, Emory University, and the University of Washington. His research interests span financial reporting, earnings quality, fraud, executive compensation, and corporate culture. Professor Rajgopal’s research is in popular press, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bloomberg, Fortune, Forbes, Financial Times, Business Week, and the Economist. He teaches fundamental analysis of financial statements for investors, managers, and entrepreneurs and a Ph.D. seminar on accounting regulation. Professor Rajgopal was awarded the 2006 and 2016 American Accounting Association (AAA) Notable Contribution to the Literature award, the 2006 and 2016 Graham and Dodd Scroll Prize given by the Financial Analysts Journal, and the 2008, 2012, and 2015 Glen McLaughlin Award for Research in Accounting Ethics.
This episode is a refreshing change of pace as we review academic perspectives and how they add value to the ESG conversation. Listen as Dr. Rajgopal (“Shiva”) explains ways to interpret the ESG trend through the accounting lens. Shiva admits that he was once an ESG skeptic, but through research has concluded that ESG is a response to the inadequacy of traditional financial reporting to capture material risks in a globalized economy. Research drives academic conversations relevant to ESG, but they often stay within academia; Shiva encourages academics to join the conversation. He shares his opinion that accounting models and standards must keep up with times. Shiva helps us to re-examine some of our ways of thinking. Who is the mythical shareholder that we always reference? Is ‘long washing’ the ultimate ESG idea? Tune in to learn more.
Dr. Rajgopal Forbes columns:: https://www.forbes.com/sites/shivaramrajgopal/#2cf290cb2294
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E.S.G. Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
This podcast honors Juneteenth, which recognizes emancipation from slavery and celebrates the spirit of freedom. ClimeCo, which powers this podcast, believes that supporting Juneteenth aligns with its core values, particularly that of Stewardship. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) is integral to our culture. Encouraging all employees to use their unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas to help advance business outcomes and foster a culture where everyone feels their viewpoint is valued.
While many in the United States may be familiar with Juneteenth, this holiday has become more prominent over the past few years. Fueled by social justice issues in 2020, Juneteenth's enactment as a U.S. Federal holiday occurred in 2021. In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Jason Edwards, the President & C.E.O. of Juneteenth U.S.A., the oldest Juneteenth nonprofit advocacy organization in the United States.
Founded by his late Father, State Representative Al Edwards Sr., in 1985, Jason's purpose is to raise awareness of the Juneteenth Holiday, support events, the arts, and education for that purpose, and encourage state legislative bodies around the U.S. to take up the law in their state legislatures and pass it as a state holiday. In addition to his "passion work," Jason founded Providence Realty Investors and P.R.I. Asset Management, where he is responsible for the development, asset management, and capital markets for several high-net-worth and family office real estate portfolios in the Southeast. He is a founding board member of the Atlanta-based Grove Park Foundation and President of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management Alumni Club of Atlanta. Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Morehouse College and a Master of Business Administration from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Jason's vantage point on the evolution of the Juneteenth holiday is unique and personal, as his Dad is considered the "Father of Juneteenth." He was present with his family as a toddler on the steps of the Texas State Capitol when Governor Bill Clements signed the law making Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980. Listen as Yvonne and Jason discuss the meaning of the holiday and its renewed importance to many businesses and individuals. Jason also gives sound advice on how corporations can leverage Juneteenth to further their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) efforts and their need for courageous conversations about racial equity in the workplace.
To support this episode, check out the Black Equity Index - Coqual, and share it with senior leaders and diversity officers. Linked below!
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, YouTube, and social media so that you’re notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!
Episode Resource Links:
Jason’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkedwards/
About Juneteenth: https://www.juneteenthusa.org/
Black Equity Index: https://coqual.org/black-equity-index/
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Denise Vaughn, Vice President of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) for Ferguson, a $28.6B value-added distributor in North America providing expertise, solutions, and products from infrastructure, plumbing and appliances to HVAC, fire, fabrication and more. As a member of Ferguson’s Executive Leadership Team member, Denise is responsible for the company’s overarching ESG strategy, ensuring integration into business strategy and operations. She works cross-functionally to identify opportunities and partnerships to help Ferguson deliver on its short- and long-term ESG goals, maximize impact, and effectively communicate with all stakeholders. Denise holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications and strategic public relations from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is an alumnus of the 2010 Civic Leadership Institute. She has attended executive development programs at Harvard Business School, University of Virginia Darden School of Business, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, and Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech. Denise is a strong advocate of community service and is currently on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the Newport News Educational Foundation.
The African Proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” is a perfect adage to describe the community support that organizations provide each other in ESG. work. There is always an openness to share best practices and lessons; this podcast further supports that sentiment. Listen as Amanda and Denise review the leadingb practices asics for creating and implementing an ESG strategy. Whether your organization has a more mature ESG program or is just beginning, critical points in this episode will help get you started or create a pivot to power more measurable results.
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, YouTube, and social media so that you’re notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!
Episode Resource Links
Ferguson - Environmental, Social and Governance
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Robin Ferracone, Founder and CEO of Farient Advisors LLC, a leading independent executive compensation, performance, and corporate governance consultancy. Farient Advisors assists clients in designing and delivering executive compensation solutions that support business strategy, talent development, and value creation platforms. Robin has led the strategic development and expansion of the executive compensation, performance, and corporate governance advisory firm. With over 30 years of consulting experience, she advises clients on business and talent strategies, executive compensation, organization, value management, and performance measurement. Robin also authorizes Fair Pay Fair Play: Aligning Executive Performance and Pay (John Wiley & Sons, 2010), has authored numerous articles, is a regular contributor to Forbes.com and Directorship magazine, and is involved in various national publications. She frequently presents for prominent organizations such as the Council of Institutional Investors and the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).
While executive compensation can be loaded, this topic is a window into the boardroom and a barometer for an organization's overall approach to corporate governance. Listen as Kaitlyn and Robin explore why executive compensation matters to corporations, boards, and investors. Robin discusses the major trends in corporate governance concerning executive compensation: pay, performance, and strategic alignments. Increasingly, compensation metrics have ties to ESG and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) goals. Robin also highlights a few do's and don'ts regarding executive compensation and encourages organizations to have pilot programs before implementing lasting changes that will affect pay structures. This episode's information will help organizations discover the 'art and science' components that are key to any impactful executive compensation program.
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Episode Resource Links
"2023 Global Trends in Stakeholder Incentives: The Staying Power of ESG," the sixth annual report by Farient and its partners in the Global Governance and Executive Compensation Group (GECN): https://farient.com/2022/11/17/esg‐measures‐here‐to‐stayfarient‐
global‐research‐finds/
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Dean Slocum, Founder & President of Acorn International, Acorn delivers the expertise that global businesses need to thrive in high-risk environments amidst community opposition, environmental liabilities, and shareholder activism. Dean is a leading consultant to international extractive industries for social, environmental, and sustainable development management. He has 30 years of experience in social and environmental assessment and performance improvement programs for industries, investors, and governments worldwide. Among his international recognitions is selection by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) to be editor and committee chair of a 2009 publication on environmental, health, safety, and social management best practices for the international oil and gas industry and a 2010-2011 SPE Distinguished Lecturer on The Next Generation of Stakeholder Engagement.
Listen as Amanda and Dean share an Environmental Justice (EJ) 101 lesson with our listeners. The concept of EJ emerged 30 years ago, but it is a new topic to many. Collectively, we are learning how to implement EJ in ways that move corporations forward. Getting the efforts right can help current and future success. Dean discusses why EJ has recently become more prominent, three factors to ensure the energy transition happens, and the relationship between EJ and social license to operate. This work may feel daunting at first, so Dean offers practical tips to companies beginning their EJ efforts.
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Episode Resource Links
ISSUE 54: WHY THE ENERGY TRANSITION WILL FAIL WITHOUT GOOD SOCIAL SCIENCE
EJScreen: Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool | US EPA
Explore the map - Climate & Economic Justice Screening Tool (geoplatform.gov)
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Environmental Justice and Congressional Leaders, Advocates Applaud the New Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool | CEQ | The White House
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Wil Srubar, Ph.D., Founder & CTO of Minus Materials, Inc., a seed-stage start-up commercializing a carbon-negative cement derived from microalgae. Dr. Srubar holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University and BS and MS degrees from Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin, respectively. Along with his role at Minus Materials, he is an Associate Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and Principal Investigator of the Living Materials Laboratory. He has raised >$15M in funding for his research and commercialization efforts and has authored over 100 technical journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings. Dr. Srubar’s work and vision are fueled by his deep-seated passion for leveraging what nature provides, and stem from his upbringing on his family's farm.
Listen as they discuss the new frontier of construction biotech, and what inspired Minus Materials’ microalgae technology. Concrete is the second-most used material on earth after water, so creating a carbon-negative version is a priority. Dr. Srubar challenges us to think beyond the non-renewable resources used in construction and consider the possibilities that renewable materials can offer as high-performing building products. How can we find efficient ways to integrate them into the current supply chain?
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Episode Resource Links
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/green-tech/a40785162/microalgae-carbon-neutral-cement/
https://www.fastcompany.com/90777102/this-starup-is-using-microalgae-to-make-carbon-neutral-cement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LcAlFoepuw
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Luke Oliver, Head of Climate Investments for KraneShares, a asset manager building innovative investment products that provide access to unique markets. In addition to curating the firm's climate, carbon, and impact strategies, Luke educates clients on asset class and client implementation strategies. He is a regular industry commentator on TV and in the press and is responsible for digestible climate research. Before joining KraneShares, Luke built and ran theUS XTrackers ETF business at DWS (formerly Deutsche Asset Management), where he pioneered currency hedging, onshore China, and ESG strategies – among the first to recognize the importance of value-aligned portfolios. This diverse experience has allowed Luke to identify the most powerful emerging trends in the investment landscape.
"Pricing carbon emissions and decarbonizing the global economy is the greatest challenge and opportunity we will ever be presented with. I have no doubt this will be our mission for the next 20 years, and it must not fail."
Luke is passionate about educating investors on these new market ESG-related investments. He speaks in a way that is clear to investors at all levels, from novice to experienced, providing clarified definitions for terms that may not be fully understood. Listen as Amanda and Luke discuss KraneShares’ three pillars of climate investing, the impact of government-regulated programs, and the different considerations for voluntary and compliance markets. Also, addressing the recent trend towards ESG backlash, they remind us that this is not about being 'woke' but anchored in a structurally bullish investment thesis that offers asset diversification.
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Enjoy tuning in!
Episode Resource Links
- Luke's article on investing in the carbon markets - The Biggest Short: Carbon Markets & the Energy Transition
- Luke's Blog – Climate Market Now
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen welcomes back Bill Davis, founder of Stance Capital, which was established in 2016 to bring to market investment portfolios that mitigate material environmental, social, and governance risks and generate excess returns while at the same time allowing investors to align their portfolios with their belief systems. Bill has a BA from Connecticut College and has taught or been a guest lecturer at Columbia University, Harvard College & Harvard Business School, MIT & MIT Sloan, and Vanderbilt University. Bill also serves on the boards of Ceres and the Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation.
Listen as she and Bill discuss the current controversies and debates related to ESG and the need for practitioners and investors to regroup and revisit the scope and purpose of this work. Bill and Kaitlyn think of ESG as an agnostic risk screening of material issues, a different concept than values-based investing, in which investors seek to align investments with their personal values. This distinction is critical to defusing the poorly informed bluster about ESG, in which critics have incorrectly conflated the concept of ESG screening with values-based investing.
Check out our previous episode (#54), How ESG Investment Products Are Built, also featuring Bill!
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/esg-decoded/id1553348139?i=1000555720018
Additional resource boosts include:
- Stance’s Investment Performance Summary: https://www.stancecap.com/performance
- Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF (stancefunds.com): http://stancefunds.com/
- ESG ETFs, Sustainable Investments | Stance Capital: https://www.stancecap.com/
Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, YouTube, and social media so that you’re notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Jennifer Stojkovic, a General Partner at Joyful Ventures, an early-stage VC fund focused on sustainable protein. She is also the founder of Vegan Women Summit (VWS), a platform of over 50,000 women professionals in the future of food. In 2022, Jennifer published her debut award-winning book, The Future of Food Is Female: Reinventing the Food System to Save the Planet. Before her career in food technology, Jennifer built her career in Silicon Valley and worked with the world’s largest tech companies, including Google, Meta, and Microsoft.
The global population continues to increase exponentially. It’s predicted that we will reach 8 billion humans this year. The United Nation’s (UN) projections suggest that the world’s population could grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030 and 9.7 billion in 2050. Eliminating food insecurity and ensuring that everyone has consistent access to nutritious meals is sustainable development priority that intersects with environmental issues (climate, pollution, water, land use, water), ethical concerns (animal welfare, worker safety), and economic development.
Listen as Amanda and Jennifer discuss the need for food innovation, including plant-based diets and cultivated meats to meet the demand to feed our world’s population. Jennifer also shares how this industry has a unique opportunity to have a great representation of leaders who are women and people of color, even though they face significant funding challenges. This episode shares exciting perspectives related to the future of food and the related DEI wins that can be garnered from an industry that has the potential to be led by women and minority business owners. And you do not have to be vegan to benefit!
The 2023 Vegan Women Summit® (VWS) will be held May 18 -20, 2023, in New York City and will include topics regarding funding gaps for women and BIPOC, how to diversify venture capital, and exciting trends in the future of food. ESG Decoded listeners will receive 15% off Vegan Women Summit registration with DISCOUNT CODE: ESGDECODED.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of new episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Episode Resource Links
The Future of Food Is Female: Reinventing the Food System to Save the Planet: https://www.amazon.com/Future-Food-Female-Reinventing-System/dp/B09WQBJQ74
Highlights from 2022 Industry Report: The State of Women in the Future of Food. https://www.veganwomensummit.com/2022-founder-report
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In celebration of Earth Month, we’d like to thank Big Pivot Partners, this month’s sponsor. Big Pivot is an award-winning communications design firm with solutions ranging from sustainability and corporate social responsibility projects like ESG, DE&I, and TCFD reports to investor communications. As strategic consultants, they’ve earned a reputation for delivering strategic, creative solutions with hands-on project management that ensures projects deliver on-time and within budget.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Mike Smith, CEO and Co-founder of Aclymate, a Denver-based climate-tech startup providing a carbon accounting and offsetting platform to help small and medium businesses manage and report their impact on the climate. Previously, Mike founded RenewWest, where he developed the largest carbon reforestation project in U.S. history, the two million tree Collins-Modoc (Moe-Dock) Project. He is a former U.S. Navy FA-18 pilot with 354 carrier-arrested landings across three deployments, ultimately attaining the rank of Commander.
In this week's episode, host @Kaitlyn Allen welcomes @Mike Smith, CEO and Co-founder of @Aclymate. Listen as Kaitlyn and Mike discuss the complex relationship that small to medium-sized companies have with setting climate or ESG goals. They also dive into adequately capturing impact since many existing carbon accounting systems are designed for larger companies. Mike explains how Aclymate addresses the gap in the market. He also reminds us that we don't need to know everything related to climate change to get started, and we should avoid making things more complicated than they need to be. Mike is a Veteran (we thank him for his service) – his experience drives his perspectives on national security impacts related to climate change.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of new episodes! Remember to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
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Episode Resource Links
Mike’s LinkedIn Newsletter “The Mike Drop”: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-mike-drop-7046926900216164352
Aclymate Account Creation (30-day free trial): https://dashboard.aclymate.com
Aclymate 30-second emissions calculator: https://aclymate.com/carbon-footprint
Offset Marketplace: https://aclymate.com/offsets
Big Pivot Website: www.bigpivot.net
Big Pivot LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelcharron
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Rickard Nilsson, Head of Stewardship Success at Esgaia, which offers ESG engagement tracking software for investors. With years of experience in responsible investing and investment stewardship, Rickard heads up Esgaia's GTM strategy, thought leadership, and positioning. He works closely with investors globally and is an active voice in the industry on topics such as active ownership, the investment value chain, regulatory developments, and the role of technology.
In ESG Decoded fashion, Amanda guides an ‘Impact Investing 101’ conversation that can benefit institutional and individual investors. Listen as she and Rickard discuss investment stewardship as a part of impact investing strategies. They also provide historical context for responsible investing in different regions. Amanda tees up the topic of Theories of Impact and tools to measure the effectiveness of investing strategies. Both remind us that information is power. Perspectives related to responsible investing are shifting. We need to eliminate the noise and get clear about the opportunities and the path forward for these investments.
As a resource boost, check out this article with helpful information for our listeners: Responsible Stewardship: Quality, Not Quantity.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our video podcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Resource Links
https://www.esginvestor.net/responsible-stewardship-quality-not-quantity/
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickard-nilsson-a3980677/
Website: https://www.esgaia.com/
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In celebration of Earth Month, we’d like to thank Big Pivot Partners, this month’s sponsor. Big Pivot is an award-winning communications design firm partnering with some of the most experienced sustainability, investor relations, and corporate communications strategists. We collaborate with clients to tell their “story” through smart, engaging solutions in a timely, cost-effective, and service-oriented approach. Their solutions range from sustainability and corporate social responsibility projects like ESG, DE&I, and TCFD reports to investor communications — annual reports, investor presentations, enhanced proxy materials, and other solutions delivered across a variety platforms.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Josh Hile, Co-Founder and CEO of Citizen Mint, founded and built on accessibility and impact by researching investments for both financial return and positive impact. Previously, Josh was the Director of Investment Strategy & Research at Laird Norton Wealth Management, a $16 billion registered investment advisor (RIA) headquartered in Seattle, WA. Before this, Josh worked at Russell Investments, performing due diligence on fund managers for Russell’s mutual fund and consulting divisions (Russell advised on $2.2 trillion). Josh has a B.A. in Business Administration and an M.B.A. from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business. In addition, he is both a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Our loyal ESG Decoded listeners know that Kaitlyn is a massive proponent of impact investing and democratizing access to this related funding. Listen as they take a deep dive into the services Citizen Mint provides investors and beneficiaries and their process to establish metrics. Citizen Mint balances earning positive investor returns and channeling capital to projects addressing some of the more dire needs of our global society, including renewable energy, affordable housing, healthcare, and financial inclusion, to name a few. It is time to shift the way that impact investing is sometimes perceived. Investors can make money while doing good.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Episode Resource Links
Big Pivot Website: www.bigpivot.net
Big Pivot LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelcharron
Josh Hile’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-hile-cfa-cpa-56323213/
Citizen Mint website: https://citizenmint.com/
Main Website:https://www.citizenmint.com
White Papers & Blogs:https://www.citizenmint.com/resources/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/citizenmint/
Annually observed in March, Women’s History Month recognizes the contributions and achievements made by women. This episode highlights Kaidi Johnson, a leading woman driving transformation in the ESG space.
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. This podcast celebrates Women’s History Month and recognizes the contributions and achievements made by women. ClimeCo, which powers this podcast, believes that supporting Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day aligns with its core values, particularly that of Stewardship. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is integral to our culture. Encouraging all employees to use their unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas to help advance business outcomes and foster a culture where everyone feels their viewpoint is valued.
We #EmbraceEquity for women and endeavor to provide a platform to share best practices on how we can all contribute to gender equity.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Kaidi Johnson, Vice President, Legal and ESG for Motorola Solutions, Inc. With more than 20 years of experience bringing layered business expertise to global organizations in highly regulated industries such as Telecommunications, Pharmaceuticals, and Aerospace & Defense, Kaidi has demonstrated success as a business advisor to Executive Leadership and the Board of Directors. She leads a team of executives chartered to develop and monitor programs and initiatives to drive Motorola’s societal handprint, achieve ESG-related goals, and report on the organization’s impact on the global communities it serves. Kaidi regularly reports to the Board and engages with key investors on ESG-related matters.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Kaidi discuss the continued need to educate on the difference between ESG and social responsibility. From her perspective as a business lawyer and valued counsel to corporate leaders, Kaidi shares expert insights on ESG reporting and disclosure with actionable takeaways for our listeners. She also talks about her career journey in the ESG space and the need for more diverse representation. This episode is full of practical takeaways for business leaders.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Annually observed in March, Women’s History Month recognizes the contributions and achievements made by women. This episode highlights three leading woman driving transformation in the board room.
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. This podcast celebrates Women’s History Month and recognizes the contributions and achievements made by women. ClimeCo, which powers this podcast, believes that supporting Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day aligns with its core values, particularly that of Stewardship. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is integral to our culture. Encouraging all employees to use their unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas to help advance business outcomes and foster a culture where everyone feels their viewpoint is valued.
We #EmbraceEquity for women and endeavor to provide a platform to share best practices on how we can all contribute to gender equity.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh moderates an inspiring conversation with three accomplished female board members; Kay McCall, Chair of the Board of The Flexitallic Group & Renewable Energy Alliance plus Independent Director of EDP Renewables, Mary Ricciardello, Independent Director of Eagle Materials & ProPetro Services, and Alejandra (Ale) Veltmann, Independent Director of California Resources Corporation. Listen as they foster the shift in gender representation in the board room and share their career stories. They advise women on how to pursue board work and understand the potential role of a 'pioneer' as boards continue to diversify.. If you are interested in serving on a board r, we hope these conversations propel you into action. Boards need diversity of thought – they need you!
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered byClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
Annually observed in March, Women’s History Month recognizes the contributions and achievements made by women. This episode highlights Kim Nelson, a leading woman driving transformation in the ESG space.
In this episode, Yvonne N. Harris talks with Kim Nelson, Chief Operating Officer for True Elements, a company advancing a new era of water intelligence. Kimspent much of her career focused on local, state, and federal government issues. She worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in staff, management, and executive roles. In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed her to an executive-level position at US EPA, where Kim served as Assistant Administrator for over four years. She has recently focused on government solutions - working closely with Microsoft partners and building cloud-based solutions.
Listen as Yvonne and Kim discuss the expertise that True Elements harnesses to create state-of-the-art water solutions, includingwhat they call “the world’s first water quality forecasting platform,” AI=driven. They also talk about how True Elements helps companies with their ESG strategies. As an inspiration to students and other professionals, Kim also shares insights into her diverse career journey and provides advice to women who desire to make strides in what can be a male-dominated industry. In honor of Women’s History Month, Kim pays tribute to the woman who made the most significant impact on her life.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
Annually observed in February, Black History Month recognizes the contributions and achievements made by those across the African diaspora. In this episode, we highlight a previous guest on the podcast and African American leader, Courtney Taylor, who drives transformation in the ESG space.
The ‘S’ in ESG relates to the people elements impacting organizations. This includes employee relations, organizational health, people culture, DEI, and community outreach. In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Courtney Taylor, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Veritex Community Bank. Courtney develops relationships on behalf of the bank to achieve continuous improvement to the ongoing success of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) program, evaluates community development needs, and administers the bank’s volunteer program. Courtney is a Community Relations Powerhouse and Philanthropic Leader serving on several volunteer boards. She holds a degree from the University of Texas, San Antonio, and Texas Woman’s University.
Listen as Yvonne and Courtney discuss what Veritex considers when developing its community outreach strategic plan, why investing in financial literacy is essential, and how the Women In Business Program uniquely supports women business owners.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? For consideration and scheduling, please fill out this form.
Resource Links
Veritex Website
Veritex ESG Report: https://veritexbank.com/
Veritex ESG Report: https://veritexbank.com/about-us/community/environmental-social-and-governance-esg/
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
Annually observed in February, Black History Month recognizes the contributions and achievements made by those across the African diaspora. In this episode, we highlight a previous guest on the podcast and African American leader, Monique Cunningham, who drives transformation in the ESG space.
To excel in today’s competitive business environment, a successful ESG Leader needs a balance of compliance, sustainability, and project management skills backed by robust policy design expertise. In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Dr. Monique Cunningham, who has over 15 years of experience leading strategic ESG projects for high-profile organizations, including St. Thomas University, the City of Tallahassee, and the Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America, Inc. (OICA). Professional experience across the E, S, and G of ESG is rare, but Dr. Cunningham has it! In addition to her vast experience as a risk management and compliance professional, she holds a Doctorate in Law and Policy from Northeastern, an MBA from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor’s in Biology from Barry University.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Monique remind us that the ‘G’ in ESG is foundational; you cannot have the ‘E’ and the ‘S’ without Governance. The oversight and implementation of any ESG program or policy cannot occur in isolation; all ESG priorities must interlace throughout the organization. This is where governance becomes an elevated component of the process. The approach to governance must be in tandem with an organization’s mission and values while aligning with its approach to compliance and risk mitigation matters.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? For consideration and scheduling, please fill out this form.
Resource Links
Monique Cunningham, LP.D, MBA, CSM, CCEP | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquencunningham/
Dissertation by Dr. Monique Cunningham: Florida and the Clean Power Plan: a state, a federal regulation, and a climate situation. (northeastern.edu): https://repository.library.northeastern.edu/files/neu:cj82np663/fulltext.pdf
Compliance Professional Resources
(CCEP | SCCE Official Site: https://www.corporatecompliance.org/certification/become-certified/ccep
Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer (CESCO) | NREP: https://www.nrep.org/certifications/certified-environmental-and-safety-compliance-officer-cesco
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.In this episode, Yvonne N. Harris talks with Rachel Schneider, founder and CEO of Canary. Canary is a company helping the 21st-century social net evolve to reflect the future of work by providing technology and services that enable its clients to give individuals money at pivotal moments in their lives with dignity and efficiency. She's led the development of Grant Circle, a high-impact solution for challenges she uncovered as co-author of The Financial Diaries. Grant Circle exists so employees can access emergency support in times of financial need and enable them to recover quickly. Rachel has experience from Merrill Lynch, Financial Health Network, and The Aspen Institute as their entrepreneur-in-residence. She credits her commitment to the potential for innovative finance to solve major social problems from her days as a VISTA Volunteer.Standing for Social, the 'S' in ESG relates to the people elements impacting business and organizations, including employee relations, organizational health, people culture, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB), community outreach, and health and wellness. Rachel's expertise intersects with people culture and employee relations. Listen as Yvonne and Rachel share their perspectives on how companies can be more effective in their Social efforts. Rachel describes Canary's service model and how their emergency fund is critical for employers to provide support for stressful life events that employees experience.Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!Episode Resource LinksWebsite: https://workwithcanary.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workwithcanary/
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered byClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
Calling all sustainable fashionistas – this conversation is for you! In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Graham Stewart, EVP for FIBRE52™. Graham is an international textile and apparel production and brand specialist working with world-class organizations. For the past two years, Graham has developed and patented a more sustainable bleach and dye process that results in higher-performance cotton. Fibre52 provides environmentally-kind and cost-conscious cotton processing with a global application.
Listen as Amanda and Graham discuss the advancements in the production process for raw cotton to its finished product. Graham grew up in a textile town, and his house was connected to a mill. Who better to bring sustainable solutions to textile production? Interest in sustainable fashion is often focused on what happens after the garment is purchased. Fibre52 has disrupted the centuries-old textile industry by creating a new process that saves water, energy, and time by up to 50%. They are transforming the bleaching process by replacing heavy chemicals with bio-based products. Fibre52’s advancements are supported by research and lab testing, including a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which Amanda reminds us is a powerful tool for quantifying the environmental benefits of any new innovation.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
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Episode Resource Links
Graham’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonfischweicher/
Fibre52 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fibre52/
Twitter: @Fibre52 https://twitter.com/fibre52
Instagram: @fibre.52 https://www.instagram.com/fibre.52/
Facebook: Fibre52 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083402797701
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Dimitry Gershenson, CEO & Co-Founder of Enduring Planet, the leading credit platform for climate entrepreneurs. Dimitry has 15 years of experience in climate and impact investing and operations in this space. Before Enduring Planet, Dimitry led M&A and served as COO for Rango Wireless, an Enduring Ventures portfolio company. Dimitry also previously built Meta’s Energy Access program, a $15M+ investing initiative that enabled energy access for $3M in additional capital in underserved markets, like Kenya and India. Beyond his role at Enduring Planet, Dimitry sits on the board of Ecosafi, a lower carbon-backed climate startup enabling clean cooking in emerging markets.
For those new to this space, climate change is one of the key issues under the ‘E’ category of ESG. Listen as Dimitry explains the services provided by Enduring Planet as they seek to address the challenges organizations face to raise the capital needed to drive environmental innovation. Enduring Planet also actively considers Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice (DEIJ ) in its operations and investing, providing a concrete example of how these principles can be applied at an investment firm. Dimitry’s excitement for his work is contagious! Big Bang Theory fans will love his reference to the Cambrian Explosion as he describes the expansion of the new climate economy.
Check out Enduring Planet’s website for case studies highlighting the impact of projects they have supported and connect with them on social!
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Episode Resource Links
Website: https://enduringplanet.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/enduring_planet
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/enduring-planet
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen facilitates a conversation between the Head of Corporations and Supply Chains for CDP North America, Simon Fischweicher, and the SVP of Sustainability, Policy, and Advisory for ClimeCo, Emily Damon.
Simon leads CDP North America's work to support companies on their journey towards environmental leadership by measuring and understanding their environmental impact in their operations and value chain. This includes overseeing corporate disclosure, accelerating and expanding impact through CDP's Reporter Services and Supply Chain memberships, and driving action through corporate commitments to science-based targets and 100% renewable energy. Simon previously increased disclosure to CDP's Climate Change, Forests, and Water Security questionnaires, including over 75% of the S&P 500, and worked on CDP's Global Initiatives team, driving corporate climate commitments ahead of the Paris Agreement.
Emily leads ClimeCo’s consulting practice, specializing in ESG performance and disclosure. Her work spans reporting, materiality assessment, rating and ranking optimization, and risk assessment. She also has deep expertise in corporate climate strategy, including greenhouse gas accounting, target-setting, abatement strategy, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.
Kaitlyn starts the conversation by reminding us that CDP is the official term for this disclosure organization. (Those who have been in the ESG space for a while may remember when CDP was Carbon Disclosure Project.) Companies typically enter the CDP space because they are requested to do so by investors or other stakeholders. Listen as the trio discusses how CDP ultimately creates cascading climate action. Tag-teaming the topic, Simon and Emily ground us on the CDP reporting process and perspectives on the evolution of CDP participation shifting from primarily consumer-facing businesses to companies' involvement throughout the supply chain.
Episode Resource Links
Unlock the Power of Your Supply Chain: https://www.cdp.net/en/supply-chain
"Engaging the Chain: Driving Speed & Scale" Global Supply Chain Report 2021: https://www.cdp.net/en/research/global-reports/engaging-the-chain/
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered byClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
The 'S' in ESG relates to the people elements impacting organizations --including employee relations, organizational health, people culture, DEI, and community outreach. In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Dr. Nguyen "Tom" Griggs, MBA, Ed.D., and Founder of Lead Grow Connect LLC. Tom is an instructor in Verbal Judo and has certificates in Advanced Negotiations and Conflict Resolution from Notre Dame's Mendoza School of Business. He is a Les Brown Platinum Speaker and a contributing author to Les Brown's bestselling book, Fight For Your Dreams. Tom is also a John Maxwell certified Success Coach member of Maxwell's prestigious Founders Circle. Growing up in a Vietnamese and African American multicultural home and rough neighborhoods was challenging. Traditional martial arts became a way of life for Tom as he learned the importance of individualism and teamwork. Tom, now known as "Sensei Tom," holds black belts in Japanese Jujitsu and karate. He teaches verbal and nonverbal communication skills to improve teamwork, morale, performance, and serenity.
Amanda and Tom met at an Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects (I-LinCP) Sustainability Conference. (The power of networking is real!) Listen as they highlight important leadership tenants and discuss Black Belt Leadership, a fusion of leadership and martial arts. Amanda also reminds us of effective leadership's importance in retaining talent and engaging the workforce. This is an excellent episode for the year's first month, as many individuals resolve to become more impactful leaders. Consider sharing this episode with those in your extended network, including younger professionals and students. Learning to hone in on your unique, authentic leadership style is an asset at any age. Learn more about Tom's work here: NTG - Building Black Belt Teams (ntgriggs.com).
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you're notified of our vodcast episodes! Don't forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered byClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Shari Littan, Director of Corporate Reporting Research & Thought-Leadership at the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). Shari is an expert and innovator on mainstream accounting and corporate reporting, securities and corporate law, and business sustainability. In her position at IMA, Shari drives the organization's thought leadership efforts on behalf of IMA's 140,000 members on sustainable business with an emphasis on the role of the CFO and finance function, as well as the connection to intangible assets, performance, and long-term value. Before IMA, Shari worked as a full-time editor and author with Thomson Reuters, reporting on US GAAP and contributing to sustainability publications. Shari is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and an experienced lawyer in financial and corporate litigation.
IMA's ESG-related focus is referred to as sustainable business management. Listen as Yvonne and Shari discuss how to make accounting reporting tools applicable to sustainability as they provide information based on limited resources and are not solely focused on profit and loss measurement. Shari takes a closer look at the company's role (not the investor) in the ESG paradigm as perspectives are shifting beyond only considering profits. They also explore the risks of an organization ignoring ESG and the continued need for more expert reporting standards.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Episode Resource Links
IMA Sustainable Business Management: https://www.imanet.org/about-ima/sustainable-business-management?ssopc=1
IMA Statement of Position on Sustainable Business Information & Management: https://www.imanet.org/-/media/9354121b3db4442ea24abf805c167177.ashx?la=en
IMA Briefing: How Technology Can Revolutionize ESG Reporting: https://www.imanet.org/about-ima/news-and-media-relations/ima-briefing/ima-briefing-list/2021/5/26/ima-briefing-how-technology-can-revolutionize-esg-reporting?ssopc=1
IMA Climate Risk & Readiness in Business Report: https://www.imanet.org/insights-and-trends/the-future-of-management-accounting/climate-risk-and-strategies-finance-function-readiness-to-meet-accelerating-demands?ssopc=1
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Jim Massey, Chief Sustainability Officer for Zai Lab. Jim is a leader who is unafraid to take action and do the right thing—a critical requirement in today’s environment for a business executive leading during a global health pandemic, climate crisis, and racial inequalities. Before joining Zai Lab, Jim’s governance and transparency expertise transformed AstraZeneca’s sustainability program, driving an entrepreneurial culture with the agility to meet business demands and stakeholder expectations. His work led to the company’s recognition as one of the world’s 100 most sustainable companies for three years during his tenure. Jim’s impact was evident across the ESG spectrum as he: delivered and launched Ambition Zero (the most progressive $1B environmental program in the industry,) established a patron sponsorship for UN SDG 3 Health & Well-being, and launched a groundbreaking one-page Code of Ethics.When ESG outcomes fall short of expectations, is trust the missing factor? Listen as Kaitlyn and Jim discuss the importance of trust in work in the ESG space. The Trust Model, coined by Jim, was established on the simple framework of: can, do, and care. ESG leaders will relate to the information shared in this episode, as many are pioneers of this work in their organization. They have to trust their capabilities to make sound decisions impacting multiple stakeholders. No room for the Imposter Syndrome here!Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!Episode Resource LinksZai Lab’s 2022 ESG Trust Report: https://www.zailaboratory.com/sustainability/Jim Massey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmassey/Zai Lab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zai-lab/Twitter: @ZaiLab_Global https://twitter.com/zailab_global
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.In this episode, Hosts Kaitlyn and Amanda reunite for the first time since their inaugural "What is ESG?" episode from 2021, discussing the exciting developments for the ESG Decoded Podcast in 2022.Kaitlyn Allen, Senior Vice President of Sales Strategy, dedicates her time to leading the ClimeCo Sales Team and crafting bespoke sustainability, ESG, and decarbonization solutions for private sector clients. Amanda Hsieh, Senior Vice President of Strategic Development, leads the development and implementation of ClimeCo's digitalization and automation strategies - creating value for clients, partners, and internal changemakers.Listen as Kaitlyn and Amanda share growth and performance statistics of the ESG Decoded Podcast, including Spotify's infamous 2022 Wrapped overview and Anchor's top-performing episodes. Reflecting on 2022, they're reminded of the African proverb, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." The growth and impact of this podcast are due to the support of our guests, listeners, sponsors and the internal Podcast Team, all for which we are eternally thankful. As we prep for 2023, we welcome suggestions for topics and guests that align with the continued desire to inform and problem-solve in the ESG space. What's in store for 2023? Tune in for a sneak peek!Free time in the coming weeks? We invite you to revisit a podcast that you've enjoyed and catch up on episodes that you may have missed. If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our YouTube Channel so that you're notified of our vodcast episodes! Don't forget to connect with us on our social media channels.Enjoy this episode, and we wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous 2023!
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
The ‘S’ in ESG relates to the people elements impacting organizations. This includes employee relations, organizational health, people culture, DEI, and community outreach. In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Dr. Aarti Shyamsunder, Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for YSC Consulting, where she is responsible for creating distinctive, research-based and impactful client solutions and thought leadership in the DEI space. Prior to YSC, Aarti ran her own research and consulting practice, “Psymantics Consulting”. Her work with clients from around the world focused on applying evidence-based solutions to organizational talent management issues such as leadership assessment and development and DEI. Before that, Aarti worked at a global non-profit organization where she conducted and disseminated research related to women’s advancement in the workplace and helped organizations in India become more inclusive. Aarti is also the co-founder of Metamorphosis, a DEI consulting collaborative, a founder-advisor for Cymorg – a platform for virtual gamified leadership simulations and is the founder and President of “COSI” (the Community of Organizational Sciences in India). With over 70 invited talks (APEC forum, SIOP) and publications (book chapter “Inclusive Leadership: Transforming Diverse Lives, Workplaces and Societies, Journal of Business and Psychology, and HuffingtonPost) to her credit, Aarti focuses on evidence-based practices in her consulting, research, writing, speaking and teaching. Aarti obtained her Masters and PhD in industrial-organizational psychology from the University of Akron (Ohio, USA) and a BA in psychology from St. Xavier’s College (Mumbai, India).
Creating an inclusive culture is the direct result of individuals living the tenants of inclusive leadership. Listen as Amanda and Aarti discuss the role of leadership in shaping organizational culture built on the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Aarti describes the general evolution of DEI from a compliance focus, to establishing a diverse workforce, to the current emphasis on inclusion and belonging and their roles in the overall employee experience. She also shares the ‘3 Cs’ of YSC’s formula for an inclusive culture: curiosity, courage, and connection. Lastly as it relates to equity, Aarti advises organizations to define what it means for them, with less emphasis on desired outcomes and more focus on correcting historical disparities experienced by diverse groups of people. The information shared in this episode will be helpful to DEI and business leaders who are starting these efforts within their organization, or seeking ways to continue to advance their work in this space.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Episodes Resource Links
How leaders can signal inclusivity through their actions: http://www.aspeninstitue.org/blog-posts/how-leaders-can-signal-inclusivity-though-actions/
Embedding DEI into daily leadership actions (ysc.com): https://www.ysc.com/news/embedding-dei
Aarti Shyamsunder LinkedIn: http//www.linkedin.com/in/aartishyamsunder/
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Piper Wilder, Founder & CEO of 60Hertz Energy, a Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) for microgrids. From villages to remote industrial sites like mines, telecom, or fleets of backup power units, this software enables assets and those who maintain them to reach their full potential. Piper is a Humboldt Fellow and the former Vice President of Amatis Controls. She is committed to creating meaningful work and enabling a transition to renewable energy while economizing necessary diesel use. Piper holds multiple awards for her entrepreneurship and social impact initiatives.
Listen as Amanda and Piper discuss how microgrids are a resiliency tool and are used to bring power to hard-to-reach communities. Maintenance of these assets is true sustainability - shifting the focus from replacement to repair and creating maintenance jobs in underserved communities. (What a significant tie to the 'E' & 'S' in ESG!) Additionally, Piper explains how 60Hertz deploys a human-centered approach to designing better products by engaging the end users in the process.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you're notified of our vodcast episodes! Don't forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Episode Resource Links
60Hertz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/60hertz-energy
60Hertz Website: www.60hertzenergy.com
Hail the Maintainers / Favorite Article: https://aeon.co/essays/innovation-is-overvalued-maintenance-often-matters-more
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen interviews Mark T Behrman, President and CEO of LSB Industries, Inc., and Bill Flederbach, President and CEO of ClimeCo.
Mark joined LSB Industries in 2014 as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and was subsequently appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. He has over 35 years of executive management, operational, financial, and investment banking experience. In addition, Mark serves as Chairman of the Board of PHX Minerals, Inc. and The Fertilizer Institute.
Bill is the founder and CEO of ClimeCo, where he and his team have pioneered the creation of scaleable greenhouse gas reduction efforts since 2009. Bill is passionate about new practices and technologies that utilize markets to make tangible environmental and societal impacts.
Listen as Kaitlyn, Mark, and Bill reflect on the long-standing relationship between LSB and ClimeCo, how carbon credits are generated, and opportunities in industrial decarbonization. LSB was one of ClimeCo’s first clients and its very first N2O abatement client. (Nitrous oxide, or N2O, is a potent greenhouse gas). This conversation covers how GHG reductions can be converted into environmental credits, which can positively impact the environment and communities. The three explain why the energy transition to a low-carbon future is not just a fad, how companies are working to understand how to monetize the related benefits, and its impact on business models.
In signature ESG Decoded fashion, we want to bring clarity to the complex. Listeners will gain insight into the 45Q Tax Credit, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the significance of “green,” “gray,” and “blue” ammonia, and carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels.
Enjoy this episode!
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Episode Resource Links
LSB Industries Website: http://lsbindustries.com/
LSB Industries LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lsb-industries-inc./
Mark Berhman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-behrman-8977a318/
Bill Flederbach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-flederbach-bb5a143/
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Andy Gere, President and Chief Operating Officer for San Jose Water. Andy has over 30 years of experience in public water supply, water treatment, water quality, public health, operations, distribution system repair, and underground construction, serving over one million people in the greater San Jose metropolitan area. Andy earned his bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Connecticut. A part-time job during college inspired his career in water and led to his deeply rooted desire to make a lasting contribution to society.
Listen as Amanda and Andy discuss the evolving technologies involved in delivering clean drinking water when we turn on the tap. Water, energy, and climate change are inextricably linked, and Andy helps to connect the dots.. Improvements in pumping efficiency, leak detection, and smart meters that empower conservation decisions before receiving the bill save water, energy and carbon emissions.. With recent global droughts and shifting weather patterns, people seem to be more ‘water aware’ including the quality of the water supply. Andy explains the current state of regulations and management of PFAS, a ubiquitous family of chemical that has been in headlines recently This episode will challenge all of us to rethink our roles as it relates to the water supply.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? For consideration and scheduling, please fill out this form.
Episode Resource Links
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-gere-804a233/
Website: https://www.sjwater.com/
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. In this episode, Amanda Hsieh chats with Dr. Daryl Collins, CEO and Founder of Decodis. Decodis is a social research firm that creates tech-led, customized data capture and analysis to elevate the voices of vulnerable populations. Dr. Collins has built a broad portfolio of work with financial service providers, foundations, bilateral donors, and governments in the past two decades. Her work is grounded in a deep understanding of the financial lives of individuals through the execution of Financial Diaries studies in over ten countries. She is the author of the acclaimed Portfolios of the Poor and a pioneer working at the intersection of finance and human vulnerability. Dr. Collins spent the last decade as Managing Director and CEO of BFA Global, a niche financial inclusion consulting practice. She holds a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. in economics from the London School of Economics and a Ph.D. from New York University. Listen as Amanda and Dr. Collins focus on the ‘S’ in ESG as they discuss the importance of quantifying the real impact of CSR and social investment programs by impact investors and CSR leaders. For context, the name Decodis stems from the concept of ‘decoding discourse,’ which has a natural alignment with the name of this podcast! Dr. Collins describes the effect of tech-led listening as a way to better confirm our theories of change and optimize programs. She explains how we can move beyond tracking dollars and in-kind donations to understanding social programs' actual benefits. Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode! Interested in being a guest on the podcast? For consideration and scheduling, please fill out this form. Episode Resource Links Decodis Wesbite: www.decodis.com Portfolios of the Poor: https://www.amazon.com/Portfolios-Poor-How-Worlds-Live/dp/0691148198/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2O2U70TQ723WT&keywords=portfolios+of+the+poor&qid=1580151898&sprefix=portfolios+of+%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-1 Daryl’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryl-collins-85363618/
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen is joined by Susan Maslow and Patrick Miller. Sue is a Co-Founder and Partner of Antheil. Maslow & MacMinn LLP. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Working Group to Draft Human Rights Protections in International Supply Contracts, American Bar Association (ABA) Business Law Section, and as Chair of the ABA Business Law Section’s Corporate Social Responsibility Law Committee. Sue concentrates her practice primarily on general corporate transactional work and finance documentation, including stock and asset acquisitions, mergers, distributorships, software services, development and licensing arrangements, and business separations. Patrick is the Founding Attorney of Impact Advocates, a law firm focusing on international commercial dispute resolution through arbitration, mediation, and litigation. He assists companies in implementing responsible supply chain frameworks – recently working with an ABA Business Law Section Working Group, which developed a comprehensive set of contractual provisions to address potential human rights violations in international supply chains.
Listen as Kaitlyn, Sue, and Patrick discuss the American Bar Association (ABA)’s Model Contract Clauses (MCCs) for the Human Rights Project, which provides practical tools to help buyers and suppliers protect the human rights of workers in supply chains. We hope everyone who listens to the episode is inspired to do their part (as a business owner or consumer) to eradicate this form of modern-day slavery.
Enjoy this episode!
Episode Resource Links
American Bar Association (ABA) Contractual Clauses Project - ensuring human rights due diligence in business contracting:https://www.americanbar.org/groups/human_rights/business-human-rights-initiative/contractual-clauses-project/
Susan Maslow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suemaslow/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/antheil-maslow-&-macminn-llp/
Twitter: @AMMLawLLP: https://twitter.com/AMMLawLLP Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ammlaw
Patrick Miller LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-miller-ab933520/
Impact Advocates APC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impact-advocates-law/
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Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? For consideration and scheduling, please fill out this form.
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Kristin Tremain Davis, who leads AECOM’s Nature-based Solutions Americas Practice. As an ESG leader, she works to integrate nature into climate change resiliency, sustainability, hazard mitigation, natural capital accounting, and ecosystem projects and programs. Kristin is a Climate Adaptation Ecologist and Project Manager with over 15 years of experience in these projects. Her primary work focuses on physical resiliency infrastructure projects and integrating Nature-based Solutions into project design. Kristin also serves as Technical Director of the AECOM Forests Program, working to develop natural climate solutions projects that offset emissions while restoring ecosystems.
Listen as Amanda and Kristin discuss how Nature-based Solutions help communities become more resilient to climate change. In short, Nature-based Solutions are actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore ecosystems (natural or modified). Kristin covers a wealth of information, including the four pillars of Nature-based Solutions: climate vulnerability, physical resilience, natural capital accounting, and natural climate solutions.
Enjoy this episode!
Episode Resource Links
AECOM-2022-ESG-Report: https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-2022-ESG-Report.pdf
AECOM_Nature-Based Solutions Brochuref: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O2I19MhjbFWK2cpuI4a_73fXCX5NbQ8g/view?usp=sharing
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? For consideration and scheduling, please fill out this form.
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. Welcome back to our ESG Paradigm Shift Series, where we examine different angles of the ESG phenomenon and its broader implications for finance and prosperity. In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Greg Watson, Founder of Partnership Capital. Greg worked in investment management and corporate finance for various leading City of London firms before joining Monitor Company, where he was a partner and helped establish a strategic transaction advisory affiliate. Greg then started a consulting firm and, in parallel, helped manage the start-up of an interdisciplinary social science academic funding foundation. Over the last few years, he has been conducting an innovation investment experiment to test the importance of partnering and active stewardship for deep-tech innovation. He recently published an article on the social convention foundations of finance, “No Single Right Way,” which has sparked interest and debate. Listen as Kaitlyn and Greg discuss refreshing new ways to think about ESG. A new mindset is emerging, challenging how we currently approach ESG topics. Greg explains that this evolution is right on time, as it has been 20+ years since the initial correlation between investment returns and sustainability. We are reminded that ESG means different things to the various stakeholders, which continues to fuel debates in the sustainability community, especially at the intersection of ESG-Finance-Investing. We hope this episode will inspire some healthy conversations with your ESG networks. Enjoy!
Episode Resource Links The No Single Right Way article https://www.linkedin.com/posts/greg-watson-pcl_no-single-right-way-constructive-real-world-activity-6965615118298578944-yThW?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop “3 Open Goals”, which follows on from it and describes three ways in which the parties taking different positions in the ESG debate might be reconciled https://www.linkedin.com/posts/greg-watson-pcl_no-single-right-way-constructive-real-world-activity-6975091860662861824-fIY8?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop The 2006 paper “Heroics, Sustainability and Commonsense – Valuation practices for the future” suggested the finance industry would adopt new ways to harness real-world information relevant to long term
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
Thanks again to Greenbuild, our October Sponsor. Greenbuild hosts the largest annual event for green building professionals worldwide where attendees learn and source solutions to improve resilience, sustainability, and quality of life in our buildings, cities, and communities. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022, Greenbuild will take place in San Francisco, CA. Register with promo code DECODED to activate $50 savings on a Learning Package or redeem free expo hall access w/ the Sourcing Package - also works on virtual packages! Visit them at www.GreenbuildExpo.com.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Bill Page, Senior Portfolio Manager at Essex Investment Management based in Boston, MA. Bill has focused on ESG investing for 30 years. After posts at Fidelity, Wellington, and State Street Global Advisors, where he was global head of ESG, h
e moved his thematic investment strategy to Essex in 2009, relaunching the Global Environmental Opportunities Strategy (GEOS). GEOS is the first thematic listed-equity impact strategy in the U.S.
Bill's undergrad is from Boston University in Economics, and he received his MBA from Babson College, concentrating in Finance. He is actively involved in the ESG circuit in higher education, speaking on cleantech investing, thematic investing, and moving the needle on climate solutions. Bill enjoys cycling, alpine skiing, and paddle boarding. He, his wife, and their Corgi frequently hit the trails of Western Maine and Concord, MA.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Bill discuss his career journey, which is a solid testament to the positive impact of internships! Bill also shares his views on ESG, which may shift your perspective. In true ESG Decoded fashion, we'll define related acronyms: GEOS, SRI, and PRI, and learn the difference between thematic and ESG investing.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? For consideration and scheduling, please fill out this form.
Episode Resource Links
Global Environmental Opportunities (GEOS) Fact Sheets- Essex Investment
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered byClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
Thanks again to Greenbuild, our October Sponsor. Greenbuild hosts the largest annual event for green building professionals worldwide where attendees learn and source solutions to improve resilience, sustainability, and quality of life in our buildings, cities, and communities. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022, Greenbuild will take place in San Francisco, CA. Register with promo code DECODED to activate $50 savings on a Learning Package or redeem free expo hall access w/ the Sourcing Package - also works on virtual packages! Visit them at www.GreenbuildExpo.com.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Colley Hodges, Sustainability Manager at the Houston Zoo. Colley leads one of the greenest zoo-based conservation organizations in the country. He is an architect and accredited professional under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, WELL Building Standard, and Sustainable SITES initiative. Some of his efforts include carbon tracking and reduction, sustainable material selection, resource conservation, waste diversion, indoor air quality improvements, and sustainability education. In 2021, Colley was recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Houston Business Journal and Building Design + Construction magazine.
Listen as Amanda and Colley discuss the Houston Zoo's conservation efforts and their connection to its steadfast mission to save wildlife. Its architectural design ties to animal care and welfare, while its sourcing efforts aim toward shrinking its footprint. Houston Zoo's laser focus on responsible sourcing is fueled by a project comprised of sustainably harvested wood, leading to the elimination of single-use plastics in its restaurants and retail stores.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you're notified of our vodcast episodes! Don't forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? For consideration and scheduling, please fill out this form.
Episode Resource Links
Houston Zoo Website: https://www.houstonzoo.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houstonzoo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/houstonzoo
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh is joined by Rick Wenger, Director of Sales at Skyven Technologies. Rick has 15+ years of experience reducing energy use in the industrial sector. He has led the R&D department at Honeywell, one of the nation’s largest burner and heat exchanger companies, and has put in significant incentive dollars to work at Cascade Energy. Rick brings a wealth of process-specific knowledge to help industrials decarbonize profitably.
Listen as Amanda and Rick discuss process heat, thermal energy applied during the industrial process, consumption, and packaging. They also share thoughts about recapturing this energy for further production use. Rick talks about energy as a service, a business model that allows customers to pay for services without making an upfront capital investment.
Enjoy this episode!
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Episode Resource Links
Skyven Technologies Website
Skyven Technologies LinkedIn
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Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? For consideration and scheduling, please fill out this form.
ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
Welcome to our ESG Paradigm Shift Series, where weexamine different angles of the ESG phenomenon and its broader implications for finance and prosperity.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Rick Alexander, the founder of The Shareholder Commons (TSC). TSC is an organization dedicated to creating responsible ownership throughout the investing chain. Before founding TSC, Rick served as Head of Legal Policy at B Lab and spent 31 years at Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, practicing corporate law and four years as a managing partner. Rick also served as a member of the Delaware Corporation Law Council. In his work there, he was a leader in drafting and shepherding important corporate legislation, including provisions protecting shareholders from mandatory arbitration, enabling proxy access, implementing majority voting, and authorizing public benefit corporations – Delaware’s version of the benefit corporation.
Listen as Rick takes us on a journey through the history of Modern Portfolio Theory. Learn how individual corporations are being incentivized to externalize costs and why this cost externalization is born by diversified portfolio investors. How is ESG part of the solution?
Enjoy tuning in to this episode!
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Episode Resource Links
From Meta to Twitter, What Everyone Gets Wrong About ESG — And Why It Matters | Institutional Investor
The Shareholder Commons
Moving Beyond Modern Portfolio Theory by Jon Lukomnik
Benefit Corporation Law and Governance: Pursuing Profit with Purpose Rick Alexander
SustainEx Schroeder’s Report on Costs/Value
The Rise of Fiduciary Capitalism: How Institutional Investors Can Make Corporate America More Democratic by James P. Hawley
Two New Case Studies on Closing the Climate Change and AMR Engagement Gap
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Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
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ESG Decoded isa podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
Thank you to EarthUP, our sponsor for the month of September. EarthUP enables employers to crowdsource corporate emissions reductions from their employees. This bottom-up approach reduces costs for sustainability teams while de-risking a company's emissions reduction strategy. EarthUP’s mission is to make sustainability part of everyone's job so companies can meet their emission goals. Visit them at earthup.eco.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Lefteris Arapakis, Co-Founder and Director of Enaleia, an organization with a vision to make the marine ecosystem sustainable. Lefteris won the United Nations European Young Champion of the Earth 2020 award and was named the Ambassador for the Mediterranean Coast by UNEP-MAP for 2021-2022. He is an Athens University of Economics and Business graduate, TEDx speaker, and an AshokaChangemaker - listed in 2020's Greek Forbes 30under30 List.
Lefteris comes from a long line of Greek professional fishermen. During the Greek economic crisis, he co-founded Enaleia, an organization with a vision to make the marine ecosystem sustainable. Enaleia created the first school for professional fishing in Greece and two wide-scale plastic clean-ups, the Mediterranean Cleanup & Bahari Safi. Working with 1.600 fishers, they collected waste and integrated it into the circular economy. The Mediterranean Cleanup is one of Europe's Top 5 marine plastic clean-ups.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Lefteris discuss this innovative business model positively impacting fishers and sowing into the circular economy. While fishing, many nets capture large amounts of plastic waste that is simply returned to the ocean. Enaleia shares ways to recycle plastic with little to no expended energy or CO2 emissions to counter the effects of plastic pollution. This plastic then becomes a myriad of products that are useful to consumers. Before the solutions presented by Enaleia, it was predicted that by 2050 there would be more plastic in the oceans than fish. Thanks to this thought leadership, that trajectory may be course correcting.
Enjoy this episode!
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Episode Resource Links
UNEP’s Fishing for Plastic
Washington Post Article:
Press Release w/ ClimeCo
Verra
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Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
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In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Luma Saqqaf, cofounder of Ajyal Sustainability Consulting which works with companies and financial institutions to achieve their desired ESG goals. Luma regularly counsels regulators and financial markets in MENA on sustainable finance issues and regulations. Her experience is built from three decades in finance, Islamic finance, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Luma discuss various ESG topics through a Middle Eastern lens. Every region of the world has unique perspectives on how to prioritize and address sustainability challenges. The Middle East is no different. Each country in the region operates with various commitments from its respective government. The spectrum of maturation in this space is broad. Some companies in this region are just beginning their focus on sustainability, while others are well into their journey with clear strategies to implement sustainable solutions. In typical ESG Decoded fashion,
Kaitlyn does a great job deciphering the 'acronym alphabet soup' that often accompanies ESG-related discussions. Speaking of fashion, Luma is also the Funder and Creative Director for a sustainable womenswear brand, BYLUMA, founded in 2017. The team at BYLUMA is comprised of 100% women, many of whom are on flexible work schedules.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? For consideration and scheduling, please fill out this form.
Resource Links:
Luma's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luma-saqqaf-81b43a25/
BYLUMA Site: https://www.by-luma.com/
Ajyal Site: https://www.ajyalconsulting.com/https://www.ajyalconsulting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/byluma/
Instagram: @byluma_com https://www.instagram.com/byluma_com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BYLUMA
Thanks again to EarthUP, our September Sponsor. EarthUP enables employers to crowdsource corporate emissions reductions from their employees. They use a bottom-up approach to reduce costs for sustainability teams while de-risking a company's emissions reduction strategy. EarthUP’s mission is to make sustainability part of everyone's job so companies can meet their emission goals. Visit them at earthup.eco.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh joins forces with Jayce Hafner, Co-Founder & CEO of FarmRaise. Jayce completed a Fulbright Fellowship in Trinidad and Tobago before serving as an Environmental Policy Advisor for the Episcopal Church where she mobilized large-scale land conservation and climate change campaigns in the U.S. Congress and United Nations. After completing an MBA and Masters of Environmental Science at Stanford, she co-founded FarmRaise to restore environmental resilience and profitability to the American agriculture landscape by connecting farmers and ranchers to farm funding.
The agriculture industry presents unique opportunities to address climate change and water quality issues. However, Farmers need more efficient access to capital to implement sustainable solutions that promote regenerative agriculture. Listen as Amanda and Jayce introduce us to FarmRaise and discuss how the company is working to solve these problems within the industry while creating social equity. Jayce also touches on industry best practices and natural resource priority concerns.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? For consideration and scheduling, please fill out this form.
Thanks again to EarthUP, our September Sponsor. EarthUP enables employers to crowdsource corporate emissions reductions from their employees. They use a bottom-up approach to reduce costs for sustainability teams while de-risking a company's emissions reduction strategy. EarthUP’s mission is to make sustainability part of everyone's job so companies can meet their emission goals. Visit them at earthup.eco
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with CEO/Founder of EarthUP, Stephen Bay. EarthUP provides a vertically integrated SAAS platform that allows companies to measure emissions, purchase offsets, and reach net-zero through employee action. Stephen is passionate about creating solutions to reduce emissions and improve our environment. He channeled his passion for sustainability into his first company, Eco Consulting, in partnership with Puget Sound Energy, the largest utility in the Northwest. The concept for EarthUP came to life while working with Skanska to identify low-hanging opportunities to reduce their corporate emissions and get employees involved in their climate goals. EarthUP's mission is to "Make climate action part of everyone's job."
Listen as Amanda and Stephen discuss how employee engagement can be the game changer in an organization’s sustainability efforts. Every job turns into a climate job by inspiring, educating, and activating employees. Organizations that are successful in this transformation make it personal for their employees by connecting sustainability topics and addressing the creation of healthy work-from-home environments. Stephen reminds us that sustainability changes are not about sacrifice but improvement.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? For consideration and scheduling, please fill out this form.
Resource Links
EarthUP Website: https://www.earthup.eco/
EarthUp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/earthup-eco
EarthUP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthup.eco/?hl=en
EarthUP Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earthup.eco/
EarthUP Twitter: https://twitter.com/EarthUP_eco
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Elizabeth Carlson, Tricon’s Chief Sustainability Officer. Elizabeth focuses on developing and driving the company’s sustainability strategy and initiatives. Her background is in corporate responsibility, economic development, and environmental and social impact in non-profit and private sector organizations with experience across the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Before joining Tricon, Elizabeth worked in various sustainability-related roles on construction and engineering projects in the oil, gas, and mining industries, most recently leading global sustainability at McDermott International. She holds a B.A. in International Studies and Russian from the University of North Carolina and an M.Phil in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge.
Tricon is a chemical trading and distribution company headquartered in Houston with business relationships in approximately 140 countries across the globe. Listen as Amanda and Elizabeth discuss various topics, including Tricon’s overall approach to responsible sourcing, human rights in their supply chain, and the circular economy. As a best practice for sustainability leaders seeking insights on structuring programs, Elizabeth describes a framework consisting of three sustainability pillars, all rooted in a strong governance foundation.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? For consideration and scheduling, please fill out this form.
Resource Links
Tricon’s Sustainability Report: PowerPoint Presentation (triconenergy.com)
ESG Decoded isa podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Juliana Garaizar, Head of Houston Incubator and VP of Innovation for Greentown Labs. Juliana is a Board Member of the Angel Capital Association and the Lead Investor of the Portfolia Rising America Fund, which invests in BIPOC and LGTBQ founders, Portfolia Consumer, and Rising Tide Funds. She is an active Advisory Board Member of the Houston Diversity Fund, Investors of Color Network, Latin Startup Alliance, and Impulse4women. As a Kauffman Fellow experienced in bridging the gender gap in investing, she is a vital part of the City of Houston’s Women Commission. Juliana holds an MBA from the London Business School and Haas School of Business, Berkeley, specializing in Entrepreneurship.
Listen as Amanda and Juliana discuss how Greentown Labs, the largest climate tech startup Incubator in North America, is driving innovative solutions for climate change, emerging trends, and their intentional efforts to create positive impacts for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? For consideration and scheduling, please fill out this form.
Resource Links
Greentown Labs Website: https://greentownlabs.com/
Houston Angel Network: https://www.houstonangelnetwork.org/
Portfolia.co: https://www.portfolia.co/
This week, we are featuring a fan favorite episode where Kaitlyn Allen talks with Bill Davis, founder of Stance Capital. Stance Capital was established in 2016 to bring to market investment portfolios that mitigate material environmental, social, and governance risks and generate excess returns while at the same time allowing investors to align their portfolios with their belief systems. Bill has a BA from Connecticut College and has taught or been a guest lecturer at Columbia University, Harvard College & Harvard Business School, MIT & MIT Sloan, and Vanderbilt University. Bill also serves on the Ceres and the Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation boards.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Bill clarify some common ESG-related terms, including ESG investing vs. impact investing and greenwashing. They also bring up the genesis for intentional focus on ESG data gathering and how it started with voluntary CSR reports filed by companies. (Currently, the vast majority of S&P 500 companies are now preparing these filings.) Bill and Kaitlyn also cover the three key elements of portfolio construction and the importance of having industry-specific comparisons and measurements.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
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The ‘S’ in ESG relates to the people elements impacting organizations. This includes employee relations, organizational health, people culture, DEI, and community outreach. In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Courtney Taylor, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Veritex Community Bank. Courtney is a Community Relations Powerhouse and Philanthropic Leader serving on several volunteer boards. At Veritex, Courtney develops relationships on behalf of the bank to achieve continuous improvement to the ongoing success of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) program, evaluates community development needs, and administers the bank’s volunteer program, which consists of recruiting volunteers to participate in community partner initiatives, track volunteer hours, and recruit bank employees to participate on local nonprofit boards. Courtney holds degrees from the University of Texas at San Antonio and Texas Woman’s University.
Listen as Yvonne and Courtney discuss what Veritex considers when developing its community outreach strategic plan, why it is important to continue to invest in financial literacy, and how the Women in Business program is supporting women business owners in unique ways.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
Interested in being a guest on the podcast? For consideration and scheduling, please fill out this form.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Diane Kappas, PPG’s Vice President of Global Sustainability. Diane joined PPG in 1986 as an Engineer Trainee in Industrial Coatings, and since held several leadership roles with the organization. Prior to her current role overseeing global sustainability, Kappas served as Vice President of Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Coatings, Americas, where she was responsible for the regional business commercial strategy, execution, and financial performance of the business. Kappas is an avid believer in the power of diversity. She was the founder of PPG’s Women’s Leadership Council in 2001, which was created to attract, develop, and retain female talent. She is also an active member of PPG’s LGBTQ+ employee resource network. Kappas represents PPG in the “Sustainability 50”, a private community for sustainability leaders from globally respected organizations to share ideas, solutions, and collaborate on climate change issues. As a native of Pittsburgh, Kappas earned a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Pitt and a Master of Business Administration from Duquesne University.
Listen as Amanda and Diane talk about PPG’s continued growth in ESG, focusing on providing sustainable solutions for their customers. PPG offers a myriad of products that help people and the environment. They create solutions that make food and beverage consumption safer and products that curb the spread of viruses on walls and other surfaces. PPG’s innovations contribute to fuel efficiency for airplanes and extend the life of assets by offering protection from erosion. As a practical best practice for other companies that intentionally solve their customers’ sustainability challenges, PPG hosts ‘innovation forums’ where scientists engage and learn first-hand how they can contribute to customers’ ESG goals and targets.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
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Resource Boost Links
PPG Website: https://www.ppg.com/
PPG Sustainability: https://sustainability.ppg.com/
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Lauren Mechak, ClimeCo’s Director of Program Development. Lauren leads ClimeCo’s efforts to evaluate new ideas for carbon offsets and other environmental commodities through technical, scientific, and financial feasibility. Lauren and the Program Development Team work through all aspects of early project development, including quantitative carbon offset methodology drafting with major registries, like the Climate Action Reserve and Verra. She has worked on projects ranging from industrial nitrous oxide abatement to nature-based solutions, such as reforestation. While Lauren’s work is primarily in the voluntary carbon offset space, she also has expertise in compliance markets, including California’s Cap-and-Trade and Low Carbon Fuel Standard. She received her Master of Environmental Management in Economics and Policy at Duke University. During her time at Duke, she worked with the university’s Carbon Offsets Initiative to help Duke achieve carbon neutrality and served as an Article Editor for Duke’s Environmental Law and Policy Forum. Before Duke, Lauren earned her B.Sc. from McGill University in Biology in 2013.
Listen as Amanda and Lauren define carbon offsets, and discuss their purpose. This is an interesting time for the carbon offset market. There are many new investors in this arena, which is complex and confusing to some. Learn more through Lauren’s recent article, Are we missing the point of offsets?.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
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In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Christine Tomas, Managing Director, Head of Business Development, and member of the Executive Leadership Team at iSelect Fund. Christine joined the iSelect Fund Executive Leadership Team in 2020, bringing over 25 years of global investment experience with institutional investors, family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and business owners. Christine previously served as Managing Director and trusted portfolio advisor at Goldman Sachs in London and New York. Christine is a bilingual Spanish speaker, also fluent in French and German. She received her M.B.A. from the MIT Sloan School of Management, and her B.A. Magna cum Laude from Harvard College. Christine is passionate about the investment opportunity created by technology’s transformation of AgTech, NutritionTech, and WellnessTech and loves to engage iSelect Fund’s current and prospective investors on the topic.
Listen as Amanda and Christine talk about how investments are helping to address sustainable challenges by transforming wellness and supply chain issues, driving increased productivity, and decreasing inflation. The information shared will support both novice and experienced investors who wish to create strategic investment strategies with long-term ESG impacts top-of-mind.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our YouTube Channel so you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on social media. Enjoy this episode!
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In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Mandi McReynolds, Head of Global ESG at Workiva. This connected cloud platform enables collaboration and integration into existing workstreams to simplify financial and ESG reporting. Mandi is also an award-winning author and host/executive producer for the video podcast series ESG Talk.
Listen as Amanda and Mandi talk about the rise of Workiva in the compliance and SEC filing space. They also discuss the most significant challenges with ESG reporting and share advice on how it can be more measurable and transparent.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
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In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with James Rasteh, the founder of Coast Capital, an investment management firm with an engaged approach to investing in public companies. Coast Capital works with a collection of leading CEOs and sector experts to identify, conduct due diligence on, and help create value from the companies it invests in. Coast actively works to improve the ESG metrics of its invested companies. Before starting Coast Capital, James was the founder of White Eagle Partners; a European event-driven fund started in partnership with a private equity firm. Previously, James was an International Portfolio Manager at JANA Partners, an event-driven and activist hedge fund in New York. He is a guest lecturer at Columbia University, Oxford and Warwick University.
Listen as Amanda and James take an in-depth look at the hot topic of ESG investing. In short, ESG investing is guiding the world down a more sustainable course by focusing on investments that bring about positive changes. Learn more about divestment vs. engagement, how companies can manage activist investors, and considerations for balancing the ‘E’, ‘S’, and ‘G’ in these investment portfolios.
James is a leader in the ESG investing space; therefore, this work is personal and it comes naturally to him. His passion for ESG-related work started in school, working on completing his volunteer service hours. James believes that ESG investing should be driven by those who care about these issues. We hope that this is true of ESG Decoded listeners.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
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In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Stephen Brown, Founder and CEO of the Clean Energy Fund of Texas, Inc., (TxCEF), which is focused on making the emerging green economy affordable and just for all Texans. TxCEF believes that an equitable transition to clean energy will help to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis, eliminate energy poverty, create green jobs and catalyze economic development opportunities in historically under-resourced communities. Stephen's career spans over 20 years of government relations, public affairs, and energy sustainability experience. He was the 2014 Democratic Nominee for Texas Railroad Commissioner, making him the youngest African American to win a statewide primary in Texas. Steve is also currently the President of Capital Assets Energy LLC, a successful clean energy development consulting firm specializing in financing retrofits of commercial, non-profit, and multi-family properties with energy-efficient and renewable energy improvements.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Stephen discuss the clean energy transition, emphasizing the impact on marginalized communities. Their conversation provides a solid foundation for this topic, including the key stakeholders and financial considerations, including green energy investment opportunities and wholesale lines of credit.
This episode highlights the intersection between the ‘E’ and the ‘S’ of ESG. It reminds us of the challenges we face as a global community to ensure that no one is ‘left behind’ as we adjust to meet current energy demands. Many of us may be familiar with situations when this was not the case; the information shared gives us hope that all communities can become winners in pursuing clean, sustainable energy sources.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of our vodcast episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
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In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Tim Kim, CEO of ibV Energy Partners and its direct affiliated companies. Before founding ibV Energy, Tim led closings on M&A transactions in the US and globally. ibV Energy Partners LLC is a privately held company based in Miami and direct investors and developers of large-scale solar and storage power plants across the US. Their customers include investor-owned utilities, power agencies, corporates, and municipalities engaged in procuring grid-connected clean energy. ibV was founded by a group of US military veterans.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Tim explain what Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are, how they work, and why more companies are bypassing utilities to work directly with developers to realize their ESG goals. They also explore the ESG-related risks of solar panels and the sourcing of minerals.
Tim is a proud veteran of the US Navy, and his military background and dedication to public service are driving forces for his life’s work. He shares his perspectives on why veterans should consider careers in the renewable energy industry and how their military skillsets are assets to this industry.
Drumroll… this is the first video podcast (Vodcast) for ESG Decoded! We are thrilled to offer a visual format to our audience for some of our future episodes moving forward.
Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platform, YouTube for our newest Vodcast, and as always, don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen welcomes back Erica Lasdon, Senior Director, Capital Markets for ClimeCo. Erica joined ClimeCo in 2021 after serving as a Senior Consultant with Global Affairs Associates, LLC. A seasoned ESG professional bringing over 20 years of experience from the investment and non-profit sectors, she specializes in ESG integration, materiality analysis, investment trends, and engagement strategy. Erica has deep expertise in multi-stakeholder engagement, proxy voting, and ESG data analysis and management across a wide range of asset classes. She served on the development team for the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board’s Level II exam for the inaugural FSA credential, the Steering Committee for the Intentional Endowments Network, and as an Advisory Committee Member for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Culture of Health for Business framework. Erica earned a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in History from the University of California, San Diego. She loves skiing, exploring new places, and any activity involving excellent food. As a reminder, the ‘G’ in ESG relates to governance. This is a broad term that is particularly important to top-level management and shareholders. Listen as Kaitlyn and Erica take us through some basic ‘blocking and tackling’ of the proxy season (April- June) and closely examine the trends behind the important topics. For example, climate issues have become far more in-depth than GHG footprint disclosures. Learn more about the top issues being addressed in shareholder resolutions as investors are emphasizing greater awareness of environmental and social issues, including DEI, human rights, and health issues in the wake of the pandemic. So, get ready to take notes, as this episode covers a lot of ground: a review of some SEC rules, the threshold for filing resolutions, advisory/non-binding votes, and more. This is excellent information for companies and investors alike and can serve as a reference throughout the year. Subscribe to ESG Decoded, where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
The ‘S’ in ESG relates to the people elements impacting organizations. This includes employee relations, organizational health, people culture, DEI, and community outreach. In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Catherine McLean, Founder and CEO of Dylan Green, a clean energy recruitment agency with extensive experience working with start-ups and corporate businesses operating in the clean energy and technology markets globally. Catherine is an experienced entrepreneur with a demonstrated history of working in the clean energy recruitment industry. She is a serial networker skilled in Sales & Marketing, Management, Negotiation, CSR, and ESG. Catherine is truly passionate about helping companies achieve their diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.
Listen as Yvonne and Catherine candidly discuss why it is essential to have more women, women of color, and people of color in Clean Energy/Tech/ESG careers. These recruitment efforts remain a challenge. They also explore practical tips on what organizations can do to make positive contributions to this effort and how individuals can be a catalyst for change.
Catherine shares her inspirational career journey that serves as a reminder to ask for what you want and how you can create a powerful intersection of your expertise and passion. She also speaks to the power of networking and shares practical tips on how to skill up in this space. After hearing this episode, you will understand why Catherine is a master at her craft.
Subscribe to ESG Decoded, where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Meagan Knowlton, Director of
Sustainability at Optoro, a returns technology company based in Washington, DC.
Meagan leads initiatives that enable retailers and brands to build circular business
models and reduce waste and emissions in the reverse supply chain. Prior to
Optoro, she managed sustainability programs in the Coca-Cola bottling system,
focusing on water, energy, and waste in manufacturing and logistics. Meagan holds
a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University and a B.S. in
Environmental Science from Tulane University.
What is a Reverse Supply Chain, you may ask? In the context of this episode, listen
as Kaitlyn and Meagan discuss merchandise returns in the retail industry. As
consumers, we are often concerned with returns from the perspective of a
company’s policy and the number of days we have to return a purchase. Many of us
do not consider the environmental concern our returns are causing, to the tune of
760 billion dollars’ worth of returns in the US in 2021. Retailers are still learning the
most effective ways to process returns without stretching the limits of human
capital and in the hopes of disrupting the new merchandise to landfill pipeline.
Learn measures that companies are taking to process returns with sustainability in
mind and discover how consumers can play a significant role in the solutions. The
data and information shared in this episode may cause you to take a hard look at
your purchasing and gift-giving habits to better align them with your ESG
perspectives. Resource Boosts include:
Optoro www.optoro.com
MendIt www.mendit.app
Bulq – www.bulq.com
Subscribe to ESG Decoded, where you consume your podcasts and connect via
social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Dave Henderson and Gary Yoder. Dave is the Vice President of Specialty Products for Asphalt Materials, Inc., a Heritage Group company. He has been in the asphalt industry for 30 years and has commercialized multiple asphalt technologies throughout the United States, China, and Brazil. Dave has an undergraduate degree in Finance and an MBA and lives in Zionsville, IN, with his wife, Dani. Gary is the Vice President of Environmental Services at ClimeCo. He has 30 years of experience primarily providing environmental compliance consulting services to industrial sector clients. Gary has been with ClimeCo for 8 years and currently supports and manages projects within their Sustainability, Policy, and Advisory team. He has a Master's in Meteorology and works out of Raleigh, North Carolina.
We invite our listeners to ‘get in the weeds’ on the topic ofLife Cycle Assessment (LCA) to understand what goes into this process and why companies undertake them, all centered around a case study that is a Resource Boost listed below. In short, an LCA is designed to answer the question: How sustainable is a product or process? This differs from a Life Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA), a project management tool that analyzes the most cost-effective options based on the desired outcomes.
Listen as Kaitlyn, Dave, and Gary guide us through the journey of a LCA through the lens of the asphalt industry (the most recycled material in the US by weight), discussing the what, the why, and the how, as it provides a solid foundation for this concept.
In typical ESG Decoded fashion, this discussion is chock full of valuable terms and acronyms, including J-band, LCCA, ISO, PCR, and EPD. This serves as a great foundation for the ESG novice and a helpful reminder for the seasoned ESG pro.
Check out the Resource Boosts for this episode:
· J-Band
· Asphalt Materials, Inc.
· Yoder & Sidhu (2022) “What is a Life Cycle Assessment?” ClimeCo.
· EPD – Environmental Product Declarations (The EPD Registry)
· ISO 14040:2006 - Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Principles and framework
· ISO 14044:2006 - Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Requirements and guidelines
Subscribe to ESG Decoded, where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
The ‘S’ in ESG relates to the people elements impacting organizations. This includes employee relations, organizational health, people culture, DEI, and community outreach. In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Erin Urban, a certified Executive Leadership Coach who partners with high-achieving leaders and teams to elevate their impact and influence without sacrificing their wellbeing. Erin is an international speaker and a self-proclaimed neuroscience nerd. She is also the author of the bestselling book, Elevate Your Career: More Impact + More Income. Erin is a Forbes Coaches Council Member, certified in Leadership Psychology, and a ‘recovering perfectionist’ with over a decade in mentoring and coaching successful professional transformations through 1:1 coaching and group workshops.
Operating during a pandemic did not alleviate the pressure for companies to meet their short-term and long-term business goals. Listen as Yvonne and Erin discuss how organizations drive results in this era of pandemic recovery and address performance expectations at the organization and team levels. There are many factors to consider regarding performance, including how to evolve the acumen of current leaders, the best paths to identify new leaders, and how to leverage hybrid working conditions and DEI considerations to further aid efforts to meet performance targets.
In this season, when things are “never normal,” how do leaders need to manage their teams to increase retention, decrease burnout, and foster cultures that thrive even with constant and compounding pressure?
Subscribe to ESG Decoded, where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
ESG Decoded isthe podcast powered by ClimeCo to share relevant updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.
To excel in today’s competitive business environment, a successful ESG Leader needs a balance of compliance, sustainability, and project management skills - backed by robust policy design expertise. In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Dr. Monique Cunningham, who has over 15 years of experience leading strategic ESG projects for multiple high-profile organizations, including St. Thomas University, the City of Tallahassee, and the Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America, Inc. (OICA). She is the rare professional with experience across the E, S AND G of ESG. In addition to her vast professional experience as a risk management and compliance professional, Dr. Cunningham holds a Doctorate in law and policy from Northeastern, an MBA from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor’s in biology from Barry University.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Monique remind us that the ‘G’ in ESG is foundational – you cannot have the ‘E’ and the ‘S’ without Governance. The oversight and implementation of any ESG program or policy cannot occur in isolation; all ESG priorities must be interlaced throughout the organization. This is where governance becomes an elevated component of the process. The approach to governance must be in tandem with an organization’s mission and values while aligning with its approaches to compliance and risk mitigation matters.
Monique possesses a wealth of knowledge for all things ESG. In the ESG landscape, she sees the forest and the trees. She has experience across all pillars, and she understands the governance best practices that drive stakeholder value and mitigate risk. Better still, Monique explains concepts in a way that is easy to understand.
Take your time with this topic, and reference the resource boosts below:
Dr. Cunningham
(1) Monique Cunningham, LP.D, MBA, CSM, CCEP | LinkedIn
(2) Florida and the Clean Power Plan: a state, a federal regulation and a climate situation. (northeastern.edu) – Dissertation by Dr. Monique Cunningham
Compliance Professional Resources
(1) CCEP | SCCE Official Site (corporatecompliance.org)
(2) Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer (CESCO) | NREP
Isle de Jean Charles Resources
(3) HUD Action Plan for Isle de Jean Charles, LA
(4) Isle De Jean Charles Resettlement Project | IsleDeJeanCharles.la.gov
King Tides Resources
(1) King Tides and High Tides | City of Fort Lauderdale, FL
(2) King Tides and Climate Change | US EPA
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In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Angie Martin, Senior Vice President at Heritage Environmental Services overseeing national emergency response, waste allocation, sustainability, and customer training efforts. Heritage Environmental is in the business of eliminating industrial waste and establishing improvement measures that make the world a cleaner and safer place. Angie is currently the Vice President of the Spill Control Association of America, the President of The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance, represents Heritage on the Environmental Technology Council, and is a member of the Purdue University Environmental and Ecological Engineering External Advisory Council. Angie has participated in many national scale emergency response efforts, leads Heritage's rapid response team, and frequently speaks on emerging regulatory trends and challenges including sustainability, PFAS, and various RCRA-related topics. Angie comes from a family of engineers; her passion for this work in her DNA.
Kaitlyn and Angie have a shared passion for waste. (You don’t hear that too often!) Listen as they discuss how emergency response and critical incident risk management are critical ESG issues for many industries, often showing up on enterprise risk assessments. It is important to note that most secondary emergency response is privatized and not handled by government agencies in the US. In addition, Angie explains hazardous waste management—another often critical “E” issue—which by law may require incineration, and how this fact complicates decarbonization for the waste management sector.
This episode will cause you to view emergency response from a different vantage point. During an incident, the initial focus is on the immediate impact to our families and businesses. The information shared here allows us to better understand the big picture mechanics of responses, corporations’ role in responses, and how environmental protection fits into decision-making.
While the work that Angie does is a natural fit for her, she also advocates for STEM education for young women who are at risk of losing interest in science and engineering at a very early age.
Resource boosts for this episode are:
· Heritage® Environmental Services
· Spill Control Association of America
· The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance
· Environmental Technology Council
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ESG Decoded isthe podcast powered by Global Affairs Associates, a ClimeCo company, to share relevant updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a manner that is clear and actionable.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Kyle Lukianuk, Managing Director of UpMetrics, a company that brings technology and humanity together in service of social good. Prior to joining UpMetrics in 2021, Kyle spent nearly a decade in the impact investing and social finance sector and is currently serving as a board member of Good Returns, an impact firm focused on designing, implementing, and managing unique global impact investment portfolios. He has led efforts across all aspects of impact investing - from due diligence to portfolio management to impact measurement and reporting.
Amanda and Kyle met previously at an impact investing conference. Listen as they discuss a wide range of developments in this space as support for social entrepreneurs is increasingly viewed through an investment lens, with ESG filters…. particularly the ‘E’ and the ‘S’ areas. There is great fluidity in the movement of capital from corporations to social enterprises, with emphasis on collaboration and risk mitigation. Good Returns has opened up new channels for community development financial institutions to expand access to low interest lines of credit and interest-free loans for social entrepreneurs. The benefactors for this support run the gamut, from those in need of housing, to women entrepreneurs. Kyle also describes the (positive) role that the pandemic may have played in the evolutions associated with impact investing.
As you reflect on this episode, we hope you will be inspired by the new possibilities that are manifesting in impact investing and corporate giving. These advancements are a long time coming. Now ask yourself, what value can you or your organization add to these new solutions that are forming?
Explore the following resource boosts:
1) Good Returns Good Returns
2) UpMetrics UPMETRICS - UpMetrics: Because data is meaningless without a story.
3) SJF Ventures case study
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ESG Decoded, Episode #1
“The Genesis of the ESG Decoded Podcast”
Welcome to ESG Decoded, the podcast powered by Climeco to share relevant updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a manner that is clear and actionable.
Kaitlyn Allen and Amanda Hsieh guide thoughtful, nuanced conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts that explore the complexities about the risks and opportunities connected to ESG.
In this episode, Kaitlyn and Amanda share why started the podcast and what’s in store for listeners. They are experts in this space, and excited to share their knowledge and resources with other business leaders.
You do not have to be an ESG guru to appreciate the topics discussed on ESG Decoded.
Novices are welcome, as this podcast unpacks seemingly difficult topics into easily digestible modules. Stay tuned for future topics, including:
*ESG Investing Trends
*Decarbonization – Risks & Opportunities
*Circular Economy
*Evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility and Stakeholder Capitalism
*Climate Action from the Business Point of View (Capital Markets, Commercial)
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Enjoy this episode
ESG Decoded isthe podcast powered by Global Affairs Associates, a ClimeCo company, to share relevant updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a manner that is clear and actionable.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Bill Davis, founder of Stance Capital. The firm was established in 2016 to bring to market investment portfolios that mitigate material environmental, social, and governance risks and generate excess returns, while at the same time allowing investors to align their portfolios with their belief systems. Bill has a BA from Connecticut College, and he has taught or been a guest lecturer at Columbia University, Harvard College & Harvard Business School, MIT & MIT Sloan, and Vanderbilt University. Bill also serves on the boards of Ceres and the Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation.
For context, in the early 2010’s, asset management firms with “ESG” products really were not in the business of portfolio construction; they were more activist shareholders, using investment fees to pay for future activism. Bill knew there was a better way to align investments with values and generate alpha through rigorous portfolio construction, which led to the establishment of Stance Capital.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Bill clarify some common ESG-related terms including: ESG investing vs. impact investing, and greenwashing. They also remind us that the genesis for intentional focus on ESG data gathering started with voluntary CSR reports filed by companies. (At present, the vast majority of S&P 500 companies are now preparing these filings.) Bill and Kaitlyn also cover the three key elements of portfolio construction, coupled with the importance of having industry-specific comparisons and measurements.
As a point of what we hope is inspiration to our listeners, Bill’s road to this innovation within sustainability stemmed from an epiphany at a transfer station in Winchester, Massachusetts. Another reminder, that amazing things happen for people, business, industries, and society when we dare to lean into seemingly wild ideas!
Be sure to check out the resource boosts for this episode:
· Stance’s Investment Performance Summary | Stance Capital
· Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF (stancefunds.com)
· ESG ETFs, Sustainable Investments | Stance Capital
· Children's Environmental Literacy Foundation - Children's Environmental Literacy Foundation (celfeducation.org)
· Ceres
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ESG Decoded isthe podcast powered by Global Affairs Associates, a ClimeCo company, to share relevant updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a manner that is clear and actionable.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Didem Cataloglu, CEO of DIREXYON,a high-tech company specializing in advanced financial modelling tools. Didem brings strong technology and customer centricity to the DIREXYON team as the company looks to rapidly expand. She joined DIREXYON in 2020 as Chief Revenue Officer prior to her appointment of CEO in December 2020. As CEO, Cataloglu oversees a sales and marketing team, delivers exceptional customer experiences, and manages the company's global expansion. Before DIREXYON Technologies, Didem was vice president of global services for Nakisa, a provider of enterprise solutions for organizational design and lease management. Didem holds a BSc in Computer Science from University of Ottawa and an MBA in Management and Information Technology from Bayes Business School.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Didem discuss how more advanced financial modeling solutions are empowering leaders in asset intensive organizations (i.e., utilities, transportation, and infrastructure) to make better decisions, with sustainability efforts top of mind. These evolving financial models better equip leaders to establish appropriate long-range goals.
They also ‘shout out’ the “three D’s” - decarbonization, digitalization and decentralization - and remind us of the integral roles these concepts will play in financial decisions moving forward. Considerations on how to decarbonize over the next few decades will be focused on integrated processes and automation of decentralized operations, as well as increasingly sophisticated analytics to predict disruptions before they occur. All of this information, and a couple of acronyms to review: NPV (net present value) and DER (distributed energy resources).
On a fun note, Kaitlyn and Didem discuss their shared love for the Turkish culture. Kaitlyn studied in Turkey and reveals some of her language skills. They also talk about some of their favorite Turkish cuisine. If you are hungry while listening to this episode, they may actually give you inspiration for your next meal. Iskender kebap, anyone?
Resource boosts for this episode include:
· Direxyon Technologies
· Institute of Asset Management IAM - Home (theiam.org)
Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
ESG Decoded is the podcast powered by Global Affairs Associates, a ClimeCo company to share relevant updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a manner that is clear and actionable.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Ryan Calvert, Head of ESG Strategy & Implementation at Kairos Aerospace. Kairos builds instruments that pull data from the physical world and refine it into data products. The company’s hardware and software, attached to Cessna airplanes, focuses on the largest methane leaks in oil and gas operations. Ryan has had an exciting career in the ESG space with focus in social enterprise, venture capital, and due diligence/governance. Previously, Ryan was a researcher for NBC Sports and had a financial operations role with the New York Yankees baseball team. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and holds two degrees from Stanford University.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Ryan discuss the origins of Kairos Aerospace and the uniqueness of its technology. They highlight the importance of the quantification of methane emissions and fixing leaks that the human eye cannot see. Because methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases, it’s critical to reduce methane in order to reach net zero. We also learn how Cessna airplanes play a key role in Kairos’ work. Kaitlyn also engages Ryan on his personal adventures.
Check out ESG Decoded at the link below and let us know your feedback in the comments. Enjoy this episode!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6f64OzGZmBSwJSE6gEAbjr?si=c75217292b444160[LB1]
ESG Decoded isthe podcast powered by Global Affairs Associates, a ClimeCo company to share relevant updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a manner that is clear and actionable.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Chris Parker, Director of the Plastics Program at ClimeCo. Chris joined ClimeCo in 2021 with 20+ years of experience in energy and commodity markets, sustainability, conservation, and ESG. He leads ClimeCo’s plastic market program, which partners with projects worldwide to recover and recycle plastic waste. This program expands financing mechanisms to scale the transition to a closed-loop economy while providing companies with ESG & CSR solutions that support ecosystem restoration. Before joining ClimeCo, Chris consulted and led projects in both the corporate and environmental non-profit sectors to create business solutions for a sustainable economy.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Finance & Investment Management from the University of Alabama.
Plastic credits are an exciting new environmental commodity meant to clean up oceans! Plastic credits allow companies to offset their plastic footprint as they represent the recovery and recycling of one ton of plastic material, which can be transferred between companies and organizations. Through ClimeCo Green, individuals can even purchase their own plastic credits to offset their household’s plastic use. Listen as Kaitlyn and Chris talk about the projects and certifications supporting plastic currency, the positive social co-benefits for communities, and why this should matter to companies and investors.
This may be a new topic for even the most season ESG professional, so there are several resource boosts for this episode:
--Verra - https://verra.org/
--Ocean bound plastics certification by Zero Plastic Oceans - Certifications for Oceans' Protection - Ocean Bound Plastic Certification (obpcert.org)
--TonToTon – Vietnam plastic credits project TONTOTON - Neutralize Plastic Footprint, ONE TON AT A TIME !
--ClimeCo Green – offset your own plastic footprint ClimeCo Green - Carbon offsets | Carbon footprint | Carbon calculator
When Chris takes a break from being a true thought leader and innovator in the ESG space, he enjoys his time at home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with his wife, two daughters, and two rescue dogs. He also practices Kendo and looks forward to free time spent surfing, climbing, fishing, and playing chess.
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ESG Decoded isthe podcast powered by Global Affairs Associates, a ClimeCo company to share relevant updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a manner that is clear and actionable.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Ben Metz, Executive Director of The Chancery Lane Project (TCLP) which is working to rewire contractual law to fight climate change. Prior to TCLP, Ben was a founding member of Big Lottery Funds Community Recycling and Economic Development, Director for Ashoka in the UK, and a multi-faceted consultant in the ESG space. Ben is energized by assisting people to create systems and networks that enable them to shape the world around them for the better.
Listen as Amanda and Ben discuss the origins of TCLP, its mission and its work. TCLP is a collaborative effort of legal professionals from across the globe whose vision is a world where every contract enables solutions to climate change. They create new, practical contractual clauses ready to incorporate into law firm precedents and commercial agreements to deliver climate solutions. TCLP then works with lawyers to ensure effective and impactful implementation of the clauses, across industries, practice areas and jurisdictions. Once you hear more about the work, you will want to get involved!
Resource boosts for this episode:
Toolkit | The Chancery Lane Project
Net Zero Toolkit
Clauses (which enable lawyers to align their work with a decarbonized economy)
Salesforce & Practical Law US (case studies of TCLP’s work with international companies)
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In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Ian Van Der Vlugt, VP of Product & Research for Datamaran, a software analytics platform that monitors external ESG risks in real-time and brings a data-driven business process for materiality analysis. Ian manages product development, working with internal and external stakeholders to deliver the greatest product value for clients. He also oversees the creation of product-related data, content, and research. Before joining Datamaran, Ian was the head of the data team at CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), managing the organization's data cleaning and modeling work and associated projects, primarily through a climate change lens. He also previously worked at the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), growing its Sustainability Disclosure Database, and bridging technical and content work.
In the space of ESG reporting, policy and technology, things are evolving quickly. From remote sensing, to blockchain, to AI, there is a lot to know…but ESG Decoded has you covered! Listen as Amanda and Ian review the concept of materiality from an ESG perspective and discuss how AI is improving the materiality assessment process and increasing efficiencies related to disclosures and reporting. As with other ESG/Sustainability topics, the views on these issues may vary based on the region of the world.
As a resource boost for this episode, it was recently announced that Deloitte & Touche SpA is also using Datamaran to expand their research and analytics capabilities in conducting assurance of sustainability disclosure by providing evidence-based insights.
Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
ESG Decoded is the podcast powered by Global Affairs Associates, a ClimeCo
company to share relevant updates related to business innovation and
sustainability in a manner that is clear and actionable.
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Fariyal Khanbabi, Dialight Group CEO &
Chairman of Dialight Foundation. Dialight is the world leader in LED industrial
lighting technology (listed on the London Stock Exchange) with millions of LED
fixtures installed worldwide. It launched its first LED product 51 years ago and
continues to innovate in LED lighting technology. Fariyal is the 2020 winner of Silver
Stevie® Award in the Woman of the Year – Manufacturing category. Prior to
Dialight, she held the positions of Chief Financial Officer for Blue Ocean Group Ltd.
and Chief Financial Officer at Britannia Bulk Holdings, Inc., and Chief Financial
Officer at Britannia Bulk Plc (a subsidiary of Britannia Bulk Holdings, Inc.). Fariyal
received an undergraduate degree from the University of Leeds.
Listen as Amanda and Fariyal discuss how Dialight is helping its customers meet
their environmental and safety goals by focusing on fully recyclable products and
lighting designs that reduce pollution. We are reminded of ‘other’ benefits of
sustainability: 1) how it can increase employee engagement and strengthen
company culture and 2) it can be a driver in meeting company financial goals.
They also discuss a topic that has received increasing airplay in the past few years,
gender-balanced boards. Unlike many other companies, Dialight did not just talk
about gender-balanced boards, they took action! This topic is important for men
and women. While women are navigating the path to leadership opportunities, men
need to know how to show up as allies on the journey. We want to engage with you
about this episode. Share your best practices related to gender-balanced boards.
We still have a lot of ground to cover.
As a resource boost, learn more about Dialight Foundation which is dedicated to
transforming the lives of people in need in the communities around Dialight
facilities, with a focus on children and youth, providing them with the resources to
become beacons of light. http://www.dialight.com/dialight-foundation/
Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via
social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Erica Lasdon, Senior Director, Capital
Markets for ClimeCo. Erica joined ClimeCo in 2021 after serving as a Senior
Consultant with Global Affairs Associates, LLC. A seasoned ESG professional
bringing over 20 years of experience from the investment and non-profit sectors,
she specializes in ESG integration, materiality analysis, investment trends, and
engagement strategy. Erica has deep expertise in multi-stakeholder engagement,
proxy voting, and ESG data analysis and management across a wide range of asset
classes. She served on the development team for the Sustainability Accounting
Standards Board’s Level II exam for the inaugural FSA credential, the Steering
Committee for the Intentional Endowments Network, and as an Advisory Committee
Member for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Culture of Health for Business
framework. Erica earned a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in History from the University
of California, San Diego. She loves skiing, exploring new places, and any activity
involving excellent food.
The topic of ESG has come a long way in a short period of time. Establishing an
actionable ESG strategy has evolved from a nice-to-have to a business imperative.
While this process may appear to be a complicated undertaking, listen as Kaitlyn
and Erica provide guidance on how to approach this strategic development
exercise...which may be a great way to start the new year. Erica lends her
expertise on areas of focus for planning, frameworks and benchmarks to consider
for impact measurement, and the connective tissue between ESG strategy and
other corporate strategies. There is also discussion on ‘green finance’ which are
financial instruments created for a better environmental outcome.
We hope that this episode will decode the complexities related to ESG strategic
planning and serve as a helpful resource for key stakeholders for these short-term
and long-term plans. Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your
podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic
suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Jason Roe. Jason is CEO & President of
EcoVapor Recovery Systems, a company dedicated to helping industries improve
their environmental and financial sustainability with innovative technology. Prior to
joining EcoVapor, Jason was CEO of Avitas, a Baker Hughes venture focused on
emissions monitoring and detection strategies enabled through robotics, AI, and
digital techniques. Before that, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer
of XACT Downhole Telemetry. Jason received his B.S. in Finance from the Leeds
School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Flaring and venting of natural gas during oil and gas production operations results
in the release of methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases. Sometimes,
flaring is necessary for safety, such as to prevent blowouts. But routine flaring is
problematic for a few reasons: harmful releases of methane to the environment,
waste of a non-renewable resource, and loss of revenue. Companies are looking for
ways to reduce or eliminate routine flaring, as is prescribed by the World Economic
Forum, to reduce the impact of methane releases to the environment, reduce scope
1 emissions, and sell instead of waste a product that currently heats homes and
powers stoves. Listen as Kaitlyn and Jason discuss Ecovapor’s technology which
helps oil and gas companies to reduce their Scope 1 emissions (direct emissions
from company-controlled resources). Their conversation also touches on:
That natural gas is still a fuel source in the International Energy Agency
(IEA) Sustainable Development Scenario, so we need to make it
operationally carbon neutral.
Shared technology from the oil field across other forms of energy
Renewable natural gas
How carbon reduction goals can go hand in hand with poverty reduction
goals.
The information shared in this episode is solutions-focused with the intention to
educate on how we can all make the most impact, especially as we enter in the new
year.
Resource Boost:
--Ecovapor Recovery Systems - ecovaporrs.com
--International Energy Agency Sustainable Development Scenario –
https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-model/sustainable-development-scenario-
sds
--Goldman Sachs Carbonomics Report:
https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/pages/gs-research/carbonomics-f/
report.pdf
Thanks to everyone who connected to ESG Decoded this year! It’s been a great year
and we look forward to all that is to come in 2022. Subscribe to ESG Decoded
where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your
feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
Get ready for some great news! This is a monumental episode for ESG Decoded as
GAA announces its acquisition by ClimeCo, a leader in the management and
development of environmental commodities and deployment of sustainability
solutions. To mark this exciting development, Kaitlyn Allen is joined by **Bill
Flederbach and Emily Damon**.
Bill is ClimeCo’s President and CEO. He co-founded ClimeCo in 2009 and three
years later acquired all company shares to assume full ownership. Under his charge,
ClimeCo has grown rapidly from a pioneer in N2O abatement projects to a respected
leader in the environmental commodities market.
Emily is VP of Sustainability, Policy and Advisory, leading the consulting business
unit at ClimeCo. Emily specializes in ESG performance and disclosure. She also has
deep expertise in corporate climate strategy, including greenhouse gas accounting,
target-setting, abatement strategy, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.
Before joining ClimeCo in early 2021, Emily spent over a dozen years in
sustainability consulting, most recently leading Guidehouse’s ESG practice in North
America.
This newly formed powerhouse team provides an overview of ClimeCo’s three
business units – Project Development, Environmental Credits, and ESG Advisory--
leading to a robust discussion about the thesis of the acquisition. To put it briefly,
GAA’s clients need ClimeCo, and ClimeCo’s clients need GAA.
Finally, hear directly from Bill about his experience at COP26 in Glasgow and why—
despite anti-offset sentiment—voluntary environmental markets are crucial for
rebalancing ecosystems and getting to net zero with more fairness. Of course,
Kaitlyn also has some fun questions for Bill and Emily.
Congratulations to Kaitlyn, Amanda, and the entire GAA family on this new
adventure and the start of an amazing next chapter! 2022 will be their best year
yet!
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Enjoy this episode
This is an exciting episode featuring Kaitlyn Allen, Carol Liffman, and Dr. Ivonne Cruz. Carol is aSenior Consultant with Global Affairs Associates who started her career in oil and gas as a geoscientist. She was also the featured expert on episode #6 of this podcast. Dr. Cruz holds a Doctorate and Masters degree in Sustainability. She serves as the Puentes Consortium Administrator, a Resident Scholar for the Center for the U.S. and Mexico at the Baker Institute and conducts research on climate change and social issues. Most recently, Dr. Cruz was a faculty member of the Master in Global Affairs program where she teaches sustainability and global Issues. She has been in academia as associate researcher in countries such as Spain, U.K and the U.S. She has experience as a consultant working on projects with international agencies, nonprofits and public and private entities. Dr. Cruz has published several papers and book chapters on the social dimensions of environmental change, and she has collaborated in the elaboration of sustainability reports for private companies and local governments.
The information shared was recorded by Dr. Cruz for her students, and we wanted to share it on the podcast also. As Dr. Cruz points out, today’s students are very engaged in the topic of sustainability. They understand the importance of clean energy and conservation, and many are familiar with the UN SDGs.
Their conversation covers a variety of topics from how much waste we generate today, to today’s unconventional energy sources that may be more mainstream in the future, to carbon capture and enhanced oil recovery. Remember, everyone organization or company needs to define what ESG means to them, and the innovative solutions will be, in large part, local strategies.
The discussion these three experts have is like a mix ‘ESG 101’ and a high-level review of previous episodes. So, whether you are new to the topic of ESG or a faithful follower of this podcast, this information is for you. As a resource boost for this episode, check out Project Drawdown.
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In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Mark Williams. Mark is responsible for the sales strategy across the United States, Canada, and Latin America for Datasite, a leading SaaS provider for the M&A industry. Prior to joining Datasite, Mark held several sales leadership roles in a variety of SaaS companies including Chief Revenue Officer at SmartFocus and Vice President of Sales for Kno Mark graduated with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Humberside University, England.
ESG data is no longer a differentiator or ‘nice to have.’ ESG disclosure is moving into the mainstream expectations for this process. Depending on the industry, more emphasis may be given to efforts associated with the ‘E,’ ‘S,’ or ‘G.’ (Carbon neutral is a current hot topic.) Listen as Amanda and Mark discuss ESG-related reporting trends for mergers and acquisitions, and how ESG impacts the overall valuation process.
To ground us in this conversation, Amanda reminds us about the concept of ESG materiality. She is such a great teacher! It should come as no surprise that she is currently a guest lecturer at Rice University and the University of St. Thomas. Super congrats, Amanda! Those students are so lucky to learn from your expertise.
Resource Boost:
Climate Change’s Impact on M&A by Datasite https://www.datasite.com/us/en/insights/visualization/infographics/climate-change-s-impact-on-m-a.html
Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your perspectives. Enjoy this episode!
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Jennifer Guidry, Vice President, Global
Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) and Environmental Social Governance (ESG)
for Precision Drilling, a company known to deliver high performance, high value
products and services to its customers in the oil and gas industry. With 25 years of
global experience leading change in the upstream oil and gas, heavy construction,
and environmental remediation, Jennifer is known for creating industry leading
strategies that drive culture change in organizations.
Listen as Kaitlyn and Jennifer discuss the evolution of HSE and its connection to
ESG. HSE tends to be more compliance-driven; while ESG is more strategic. They
share their insights as to how perspectives related to energy transition have shifted
in the oil and gas sector. Jennifer also provides updates related to opportunities in
oil field services (OFS) to reduce emissions and source alternate forms of energy to
power rigs, sharing concrete examples from Precision Drilling’s journey.
Much of Jennifer’s niche expertise centers in her authentic ability to bring to life the
‘S’ in ESG. She speaks to the value of ESG programs in a way that motivates
leaders and employees to focus on long-term solutions. She is a champion for
Diversity & Inclusion (D&I), which she cites as a game changer for businesses
seeking to drive innovation, with diversity of thought serving as the fuel. Moreover,
she reflects on her own leadership journey, sharing that the key to success as a
business leader--and in life--is to treat others with “humanity and grace.”
As you listen to Kaitlyn and Jennifer, they sound like long-time friends chatting over
coffee. (Listen for Jennifer’s story about the sticky note left on her car!) Their
shared passion for ESG and travel has been a point of common interest for both
through the years. There is a lot that will inform and inspire you in this episode.
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social media to share your perspectives.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Rob West, Founder of Thunder Said Energy,a research consultancy for energy technologies and energy transition. Prior to Thunder Said, Rob built up the energy practice at Redburn, among the world’s leading, independent equity-research firms. He was responsible for the team’s energy strategy and commodity market research, while covering Super-Majors. Rob is also a Research Associate at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.
Kaitlyn follows Rob’s research, and believes he is one of the best energy transition analysts in the field. Listen as they discuss the biggest opportunities for meeting the world’s energy needs while achieving net zero carbon emissions. This topic is more complicated than most will admit. Think about it: when have you gone one day without consuming fossil fuels, especially in light of the fact that two-thirds of CO2 emissions are embedded in “stuff”?
Loyal listeners of this podcast have learned that ESG has connective tissue to so many other topics. In this case, it is so neat to learn that the name Thunder Said is derived from the T.S. Eliot poem, The Waste Land Part V – What the Thunder Said. A perfect side note for our poetry junkies. Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your perspectives.
Resource Boosts
Thunder Said Energy’s Roadmap to complete decarbonization of the global energy system by 2050 at an average CO2 cost of $42/ton: https://thundersaidenergy.com/2020/12/10/decarbonizing-global-energy-the-route-to-net-zero/
Thunder Said Energy www.thundersaidenergy.com
Thunder Said Energy on Twitter https://twitter.com/energy_said?lang=en
ESG Decoded isthe podcast powered by Global Affairs Associates to share relevant updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a manner that is clear and actionable.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Steven Okun, Founder and CEO of APAC Advisors, which offers clients hybrid expertise in government relations, policy, and sustainability empowering them to operate at the intersection of business, government, and media. Stevenhas more than 25 years’ experience across government, public affairs, and communications and has lived and worked in Asia since 2003. He consults on sustainability and ESG in the financial services industry, specifically for private equity firms based in Asia. Steve is also Senior Advisor for geostrategic consultancy McLarty Associates, a frequent analyst for CNBC, Channel News Asia, and The Straits Times, and serves as Senior Advisor in Southeast Asia for the Global Private Capital Association.
This episode is intended to provide listeners with ESG perspectives that are not centered around US or European constructs. Listen as Steven covers a range of sustainability topics from an Asian vantage point. He discusses energy-related social, access, and poverty reduction issues that are often left out of the conversation about energy transition in developed nations. He also explains how investment decisions can differ in emerging markets, with consideration given to a company’s current ESG mindset and its sustainability potential over time (as opposed to factoring in track record and current performance).
Steven only intended to live in Singapore for 5 years. Thank goodness he stayed and became an expert in the region’s sustainability issues. Kaitlyn and Steven have both been fellows with a diplomatic initiative by the National Committee on US-China Relations, called the Young Leaders Forum. It is great to have them collaborate on this episode. Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your perspectives.
Resource Boosts
APAC Advisors https://www.apacadvisors.com/
National Committee on US-China Relations https://www.ncuscr.org/
CDC Group ESG Toolkit for Emerging Markets https://toolkit.cdcgroup.com/
Monetary Authority of Singapore https://www.mas.gov.sg/
In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Jillian (Jill) Evanko, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director for Chart Industries, a leading independent global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment servicing multiple applications in the Energy and Industrial Gas markets. 2020 was an award-winning year for Jill as she received the ExxonMobil PowerPlay Rainmaker Award, the S&P Global Platts Energy Award for Chief Trailblazer, and the World LNG Executive of the Year honors. Way to go, Jill!
The topics discussed in this episode are as diverse as the ESG landscape, great for those who want a brief touchpoint on a myriad of sustainability issues from the energy transition, water, board diversity and ESG’s role in M&A. Listen as Amanda and Jill discuss the nexus of clean energy, water, food, and industrials. Jill cites that the topic of ESG and sustainability is not lip service; it is important on a global scale, across industries and regions. (Another reason not to miss an episode of this podcast!) Innovative ESG solutions, however, are often cultivated at the regional/local level.
They talk about hydrogen and carbon capture as solutions to reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that still need to become scalable and more cost effective. And achieving 2030 targets will not be the result of one dominant energy source; it will take a multitude of solutions to meet our future needs.
Amanda and Jill will inspire you to grab a cold beer as their conversation brings to light a myriad of possibilities in the sustainability space. So, kick back and enjoy this episode!
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In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Robert M. ‘Bob’ Pilko, Strategic Relationships Director for Blade Energy Partners, an independent consulting company that provides leading-edge expertise to solve subsurface, drilling, completion, production, and materials challenges. Bob has extensive experience in many facets of the upstream gas and oil industry domestic and internationally. Since 2003, Bob has been key to Blade's expansion from a small consultancy providing niche oil & gas drilling expertise to a global technological leader in complex and critical wells and integrated projects. His projects included: designs to drill to Earth’s mantle; confirming deepwater technology advances; HPHT well design issues and mitigation; managed pressure drilling applications; geothermal deep wells & energy development; and most recently, CCUS, hydrogen, and water production, use, limitations, and reduction from source to release.
Listen as Amanda and Bob discuss the growing interest in geothermal energy by the oil and gas industry. Geothermal energy is generated from the heat deep in the earth’s crust. As true geothermal advocate, Bob calls it, “the energy underneath our feet.” In a few short years, geothermal energy has evolved from being the “other” energy (as compared to solar and wind energy) to the new “it” energy and a commercially viable greenhouse gas reduction solution for energy companies.
This is a good geothermal energy 101 episode which will challenge how you used to think about this energy source vs. what modern, closed loop geothermal really is, and its benefits as a baseload renewable resource.
Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Emmanuelle Palikuca, Senior Sustainability Advisor, Special Projects Team with ISS Corporate Solutions (ICS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS). ICS provides industry standard solutions in corporate governance, executive compensation, and sustainability.Emmanuelle works with corporate issuers across industries to develop their ESG strategies and improve sustainability-related disclosures and programs. She provides insight and guidance on alignment with ESG ratings, global frameworks and standards and is the lead Materiality Assessments advisor on the ICS team. Emmanuelle holds an M.S. in Sustainability Management from American University’s Kogod School of Business.
Kaitlyn and Emmanuelle discuss the challenges that many companies face in determining which ratings and rankings best support their ESG goals, and matter to their investors. From a practical perspective, ratings for any industry should provide a consistent measure as to how a company is performing against certain standards. In the ESG space, this is not always that that clear cut. As such, there is a call for increasing transparency surrounding the various rating structures, with greater clarity on what they are designed to measure. This allows for companies to make more informed decisions around which constructs work best for them.
Emmanuelle’s expertise brings clarity to the utility of some of the different ratings related to sustainability performance, and we are reminded that ESG ratings serve as signals to investors…they are not the end all, be all for their decision making. Conversely, to a company, an ESG rating is not just a score, it should serve to guide implementation of solutions that support sustainability goals.
Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
Episode Resource Boost:
MIT Sloane Sustainability Initiative, The Aggregate Confusion Project
https://mitsloan.mit.edu/sustainability-initiative/aggregate-confusion-project
ESG Decoded isthe podcast powered by Global Affairs Associates to share relevant updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a manner that is clear and actionable.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen discusses a myriad of topics with Dr. Matthew Berg, Founder, CEO and Principal Scientist of Simfero Consultants. Simfero is a science-based water and natural resources risk management and stakeholder engagement firm, generating high-impact analyses to guide industry strategy and public policy. Dr. Berg is sought-after by policy makers, public agencies, private companies and the media for his multi-disciplinary expertise. He holds a PhD in Hydrology, an MS in Ecosystem Science, and a BS in Biology/Coastal Ecology from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Berg fit right into ESG Decoded with his natural knack for making difficult topics easier to understand. Listen as he and Kaitlyn discuss the energy-water-climate nexus and why it matters to companies, financial institutions, and the everyday person. He also speaks to the importance of collaboration amongst the stakeholders in this space to collectively problem solve and mitigate risk. And Kaitlyn keeps Dr. Berg on his toes with some interesting questions related to water and sustainability issues.
Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
Episode Resource Links:
Office of the State Climatologist: https://climatexas.tamu.edu/
Simfero: https://www.simferousa.com/
Houston Business Journal 40 Under 40: https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2021/04/21/hbj-names-40-under-40-class-of-2021-honorees.html
Latest public research article (2020 in Texas Water Journal):
https://journals.tdl.org/twj/index.php/twj/article/view/7101
ESG Decoded isthe podcast powered by Global Affairs Associates to share relevant updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a manner that is clear and actionable.
In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen switches things up by starting with some fun. We learn some really neat facts about Andrew Bruce before diving into the topic of smart contracts. Andrew is the Founder and CEO of Data Gumbo, a Houston-based technology company that has developed GumboNet™, the interconnected, industrial smart contract network powered andsecured by blockchain. Andrew created Data Gumbo after spotting an opportunity to eliminate a sizable cost inefficiency between an oil supermajor and one of its suppliers. Andrew and Data Gumbo have not gone unnoticed. Andrew was named a 2020 finalist for Ernst &Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Gulf Coast Area; Data Gumbo was recognized in the Forbes 2020 Energy Awards, with industrial customers around the world.
Kaitlyn and Andrew start by defining what a smart contract is and highlight how many of us engage in them in our daily lives…we just may not use the term. The pay-at-the-pump gas transaction is an example of a smart contract.
They then explore smart contacts’ practical applications in businesses and their connection to sustainability measurements and ESG reporting. As always, Kaitlyn does a super job of clarifying the ‘ESG alphabet gumbo,’ ensuring that we don’t get lost in the acronyms that relate to this topic.
Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
Within the spaces of ESG, technology, and innovation, the topic of waste management is often an afterthought. Well, this is not the case for this episode as Kaitlyn Allen and Rachel Meidl, LP.D., CHMM bring the subject of waste management to the forefront with their energized, informative discussion. For our ESG Decoded listeners, the episode does a great job of clarifying the actual meaning of terms that are used incorrectly far too often. We clarify definitions for ‘circular economy’ and ‘sustainability’ and their interconnectedness to waste management and life cycle impacts. One key takeaway: Sustainability is a feature of an overall system in its entirety, and individual parts can’t be optimized without optimizing the whole.
Dr. Meidl is a rockstar on the waste management stage. She is the fellow in energy and environment at Rice University's Baker Institute. Her research focuses on sustainability; the circular economy; domestic and international policy and law as it relates to life cycle management of hazardous wastes; safety and environmental regulations of the treatment, storage, disposal, and transportation of chemicals within and outside the U.S.; assessing plastics, plastic recycling technologies, advanced electronics, and alternative energy applications from a sustainability and life cycle perspective to understand the environmental, economic, and social impacts across the supply chain; among many other topics.
Waste management is a complex field of work. In Dr. Meidl’s 20+ years’ experience, she has observed the correlation between growing economies, their increasing volume of waste, and corresponding policies that do not keep pace with the changes.
If you one day hear Dr. Meidl giving a TED Talk on this topic, just remember that you received a great primer on this podcast. Learn more about Dr. Meidl and her research and publications here.
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Many of us overlook the important role that financial institutions play in creating positive social and climate impacts. Listen as
Kaitlyn Allen and Jeff Dangremond discuss the role of banks in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) landscape. Jeff is a Senior Consultant and Capital Markets Specialist with Global Affairs Associates who guides companies, individuals, and financial institutions to set their strategic and tactical financial direction while incorporating ESG goals and initiatives. He is particularly focused on the ability of financial institutions to communicate their ESG activities and performance to stakeholders and how to leverage ESG programs to provide differentiation from competitors and broaden access to clients and capital.
Jeff sees the world through the lens of risk which powers his ability to advise banks on how ESG risks connect to reputation and brand. All banks need to focus on ESG as it is an increasingly important component of reputational risk management. There are also various banking structures, and each approaches climate issues differently. The country where the financial institution operates plays a factor on where it falls on the climate action spectrum. Jeff also explains the Basel Accords and the Network for Greening the Financial System, important topics that correlate to this concept but may not be well known by many of our listeners.
Kaitlyn and Jeff’s conversation guides you through subject matter that may not yet be mainstream. What you learn will increase your ESG IQ, regardless of your industry. As an added bonus, Kaitlyn shares insights as to why she named her company Global Affairs Associates. (Inquiring minds always wanted to know!)
Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
We light-heartedly refer to this episode as “The Amanda Show” as Amanda Hsieh (Amanda H.) meets with Amanda Tullos (Amanda T.), the Founder and Principal of GreeNexus Consulting. GreeNexus has the mission to remove the barriers that surround implementing triple bottom line thinking (environmental impact, social responsibility, and economic value) into the built environment.
The Amanda H. and Amanda T. discuss the Living Building Challenge, which is currently the most rigorous performance building standard as it applies only to green buildings that “give more than they take.” This is a great topic for those who are new to the concept of regenerative design, and the importance of building with the community and the future in mind. There are many sustainability certifications in this space, which Amanda T. helps to shed light on. She also talks about the focus of the 2021 Living Building Conference hosted earlier this year by the Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI).
For all current and aspiring entrepreneurs, Amanda T. shares her 10-year journey as a sustainability consultant and speaks candidly about the lessons that accompany the small business owner’s journey. Her resilience paid off, as Amanda T. was recently named a Houston Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Honoree. We love it when great things happen to people, like Amanda T., who do great things for others!
Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
This episode sheds light on how ESG relates to energy transition. The "E" in ESG has connective tissue to the proper management of operational environment impacts and extends to the topic of climate change risk mitigation. Kaitlyn Allen welcomes two renewable energy experts, Kay McCall and Kevin Doffing, to explore the ramifications of the transition to a low carbon economy in the context of Houston.
Kay McCall currently serves as the President and Executive Director of the Renewable Energy Alliance Houston, Houston’s first renewable energy trade association committed to enabling the city to maintain its leadership role in the energy industry. She works to build bridges between companies and professionals in the hydrocarbon and renewables industries. Previously, Kay was President, CEO and board member of Noble Environmental Power, LLC, a wind energy company which operated windfarms in Texas and New York. Global Affairs Associates is honored to have Kay as an advisory board member.
Kevin Doffing is an advisor for several cleantech companies, and he provides market intelligence reports on the energy transition to larger firms including foreign consulates looking to advise their domestic firms on doing business in the energy sector. Kevin also serves as an Executive in Residence for Rice University’s Cleantech Accelerator, and he co-founded the Renewable Energy Alliance Houston.
With the proper stakeholder engagement, Houston can remain the Energy Capital of the World. Houston is a resilient city with a history of adaptability and embracing innovation. We simply need leaders from all aspects of the energy industry working in collaboration.
In this episode Yvonne Harris chats with Anton Rushakov, a Senior Consultant with Global Affairs Associates. Anton is an ESG practitioner with 20+ years’ experience in the international oil and gas industry and the non-profit sector. He specializes in corporate sustainability and stakeholder relations with the focus on climate change and energy transition communications and engagement. Anton has worked in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Far East Russia, and he holds a Masters of Political Science and African Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Masters of International Public Policy from the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.
As you will learn in this episode, Anton is a skilled educator with a knack for communicating technical information to non-technical audiences. So, as we dive into discussion on climate-related corporate reporting and the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) reporting framework and recommendations, you will realize that you are in very capable hands!
Moving toward standardized transparency is one of the tools the financial system has to price economic externalities—the risks of climate change—into markets. That’s why the Financial Stability Board of the G20 countries created the TCFD to provide recommendations for effective evaluation and disclosure of the “actual and potential impacts of climate-related risks and opportunities on the organization's businesses, strategy, and financial planning where such information is material.”
While at first blush this may sound like ‘amped up alphabet soup’, Anton explains the nuts and bolts of the TCFD framework, scenario analysis and the reporting framework in an easily digestible manner for business leaders and those tuning into this topic for the first time.
Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
The ‘S’ in ESG relates to the people elements which can include employee relations, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), company culture, and community outreach. Organizations are investing more in this space as they work to rebuild after the pandemic. Many Talent Development Leaders are prioritizing employee engagement efforts that will address their current pain points and challenges related to decreasing levels of employee morale stemming from blurred lines between work and personal life, exacerbated by a year spent working from home.
In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Julianne Miles, SPHR. Julianne is a HR Leader with extensive experience in talent acquisition, university recruiting and relations, and Talent Development. She shares her insights about a path forward for business leaders and HR teams that considers investments in training and DEI strategies. Julianne’s advice is practical, actionable, and translatableacross industries.
Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
There is a present-day workforce renaissance underway as many organizations create new talent models, which are very different from pre-pandemic constructs. This fresh start in the realm of talent acquisition is causing many jobs to be redefined and is driving the creation of new jobs. This evolution affords businesses the opportunity to reassess what candidate skills best align with job specifications, view recruits through a new lens and tap into underutilized pools of talent.
In this episode Yvonne Harris talks with Anna McKay, a Certified Coach and Founder of Parents Pivot. Parents Pivot is a coaching company with a unique impact in the recruitment and workforce space. It focuses on supporting the return-to-work transition for candidates who paused their careers for parenthood. These ‘returners’ often bring unique talents to the workforce which have strong alignment to today’s job expectations. Listen as Anna describes the DEPTH of ‘returners’ and why they should be on the radar for hiring managers. Additionally, Anna discusses data related to the workforce shifts that impacted millions in 2020.
As a resource boost for business leaders and those seeking to return to the workforce, checkout https://www.parentspivot.com/.
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In this episode Amanda Hsieh chats with Dr. Paige Marie Morse. Paige is the Industry Marketing Director at Aspen Technology, where she provides insight and guidance on digital transformation to chemical companies worldwide. Paige has worked for leading companies in strategic planning and portfolio management in chemicals and energy markets including Shell, Dow, Sunoco, and Clariant. Paige has also worked in R&D, commercial and strategy roles in the US and Europe, and she earned her PhD in chemistry from the University of Illinois and undergraduate degree from Kenyon College. Paige touts that she is still a chemist at heart!
Amanda and Paige discuss the connective tissue between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainability. AI is a key driver in the achievement of ESG goals as it supports the software capability that can help improve operations and make processes safer for people and the environment. Guiding towards the right decisions, not just profit-driven decisions. Paige also explains the concept of Industrial AI.
As an example of great efforts in the space of circular economy, Aspen Technology is a part of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste. Companies across the value chain are collaborating to find solutions to this problem.
As a resource boost for this episode, checkout the Aspen-sponsored event, www.optimize2021.com, an Industrial AI conference where leaders came together (virtually) to share solutions, with heavy focus on metrics. You may still register to watch conference replays through the end of June.
Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
In this episode Kaitlyn Allen chats with Soojin Kim. Soojin currently heads the global ESG research initiative at Preqin, the leading data provider for all Alternatives Data, providing insight and analysis on firms across every asset class for fundraising, performance, and deal information. At Preqin, Soonjin also participates on the Asset Class Think Tanks and the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Awareness (IDEA) Committee.
Kaitlyn and Soojin discuss Preqin’s recently released ESG Module for the companies on its platform which provides guidance on transparency and disclosure, and risks within portfolio companies. This tool was created to keep a pulse on market expectations and evolving standards as it relates to reporting. There is a healthy dose of ‘alphabet soup’ in this episode, but Kaitlyn and Soojin explain it all with ease.
You can’t help but to feel Soojin’s fresh energy as she explains her involvement with Preqin’s IDEA Committee, where she helps to lead efforts that support and address issues important to women, people of color, LGBTQ, and the subject of mental health. Soojin also talks about her path to starting a career in ESG, powered by her willingness to accept new challenges and work with teams. " I just kept. raising my hand"
This is a great listen for those curious about how ESG is measured in alternatives markets, as well as those seeking a career in ESG.
Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
In this episode Kaitlyn Allen chats with Megan Parks, an entrepreneur focused on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and climate change. She is co-founder and Executive Vice President of Grassroots Carbon, a public benefit company that helps leading organizations remove and store massive amounts of carbon in healthy soils across America's millions of acres of grazing lands. Megan previously worked for nearly two decades as an environmental leader in the energy industry. In addition to her work at Grassroots Carbon, she owns AMB Parks Consulting, an independent environmental consulting firm providing environmental services to a variety of corporate clients across various industries such as chemicals, manufacturing, and energy services. Megan is a thought leader on the topic of ecological design and its intersection with sustainability.
If you have not heard of the term ‘regenerative grazing’, you are not alone. Kaitlyn and Megan provide a comparative overview of conventional agriculture and regenerative grazing, and their differential impacts on our climate. While they discuss growing food and raising meat in ways that are symbiotic with nature and beneficial to people and the planet, Megan reminds us that the term "regenerative" is not rooted in practices; it is a mindset that prioritizes our partnership with nature.
This episode will really get you thinking….and not just about regenerative grazing, but about how and why carbon markets - and buyers of soil carbon storage like Shoptify and Marathon Oil - enable a scalable solution to remove excessive carbon from the atmosphere. Soil carbon storage can help businesses and countries to meet their climate commitments, while also restoring ecological health to America's grazing lands and injecting capital into rural economies.
As a resource boost for this episode, check out the Netflix documentary, Kiss the Ground, Peter Byck's Carbon Cowboys, and the resources page at www.buildgrassroots.com
Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
In this episode Yvonne Harris chats with Anton Rushakov, a Senior Consultant with Global Affairs Associates. Anton is an ESG practitioner with 20+ years’ experience in the international oil and gas industry and the non-profit sector. He specializes in corporate sustainability and stakeholder relations with the focus on climate change and energy transition communications and engagement. Anton has worked in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Far East Russia, and he holds a Masters of Political Science and African Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Masters of International Public Policy from the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.
As you will learn in this episode, Anton is a skilled educator with a knack for communicating technical information to non-technical audiences. So, as we dive into discussion on climate-related corporate reporting and the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) reporting framework and recommendations, you will realize that you are in very capable hands!
Moving toward standardized transparency is one of the tools the financial system has to price economic externalities—the risks of climate change—into markets. That’s why the Financial Stability Board of the G20 countries created the TCFD to provide recommendations for effective evaluation and disclosure of the “actual and potential impacts of climate-related risks and opportunities on the organization's businesses, strategy, and financial planning where such information is material.”
While at first blush this may sound like ‘amped up alphabet soup’, Anton explains the nuts and bolts of the TCFD framework, scenario analysis and the reporting framework in an easily digestible manner for business leaders and those tuning into this topic for the first time.
Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!
This isESG Decoded, the podcast powered by Global Affairs Associates to share relevant updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a manner that is clear and actionable.
In this episode Yvonne Harris chats with Carol Liffman, Senior Consultant with Global Affairs Associates. Carol started her career in oil and gas as a geoscientist. Her work on complex projects around the world in the energy sector helped her develop a broad skill set tied together by the management of risk and uncertainty. A few years ago, the mounting evidence for climate change and new perspectives on corporate responsibility began leading Carol in a new direction. She complemented her graduate degrees in geology and business with a Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability at the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto and earned credentials as a Sustainability Excellence Associate through the International Society of Sustainability Professionals and the Sustainability and Climate Risk Certificate through the Global Association of Risk Professionals.
While stating that Carol’s degrees are impressive feels like an understatement, equally as impressive is her love for her work. She does not see the services that she provides to her client as work; it is her purpose.
This is a great listen for someone considering a career in ESG or contemplating how an ESG Consultant can bring value to your organization’s efforts.
Over the past year, Carol has become a fan of MasterClass (of course a master wants to learn from other masters!), and as soon as it is feasible, she looks forward to seeing her mom and traveling to Australia.
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Enjoy this episode!
In this episode Kaitlyn Allen (Global Affairs Associates President & CEO) is joined by Pavel Molchanov, a Director with Raymond James & Associates and an expert inRenewable Energy and Clean Technology with nearly two decades’ experience following energy at Raymond James. Pavel’s work spans all aspects of sustainability-themed technologies, including solar, wind, biofuels, electric vehicles, hydrogen, power storage, grid modernization, and water technology. Within the energy research team, he writes about the broader topics of geopolitical and regulatory issues, climate change, and ESG investing.
Kaitlyn and Pavel explore the topic of ESG rating/ranking tools to measure an organization’s effectiveness. Pavel makes a helpful comparison to credit ratings agencies when asked how he uses popular ESG raters such as MSCI, Sustainalytics, et al.
Pavel, however, surprises Kaitlyn with his observation as to which corporate reporting framework is the most ideal, leading to an interesting discussion on how markets are aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN SDGs“…provide(s) a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.” Kaitlyn and Pavel specifically explore SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Beingand SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, and their connectedness to Pavel’s work.
They also discuss the recent growth in the number of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs), and any ESG correlations with how they function.
In a light moment, Pavel reveals his Trekkie-side and love for Star Trek. He is the second admitted Trekkie to join this podcast. Is there a connection with ESG and Star Trek fans?!?
Live long and prosper…and enjoy this episode!
In this episode Kaitlyn Allen is joined by Moji Karimi, Co-Founder and CEO of Cemvita Factory. Moji is an engineer who is a whiz at ideation and the development of breakthrough technologies. Cemvita Factory develops carbon-negative technologies to decarbonize heavy industries and create a climate-positive future.
Kaitlyn and Moji’s recent chat happened during CERAWeek® by IHS Markit ™, an A-list conference for leaders of all areas of the energy industry. They discuss the key aspects of Cemvita’s value proposition, which are all derived from technologies inspired by nature, and why companies like BHP Billiton and Oxy have backed Cemvita.
The great thing about this episode is the ease that Moji breaks down complicated topics such as underground refineries and carbon as an asset. You may even get some ideas for the Elon Musk carbon capture competition!
Kaitlyn and Moji also share laughs about being in business with family, and the randomness of Freeport, Texas, as a beach destination.
As an added resource boost, Moji presented at CERAWeek®, so in addition to this podcast, check out his presentation here (beginning at the 2:30:30 time mark):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAb9aX84rbI
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Enjoy this episode!
In this episode Kaitlyn Allen (Global Affairs Associates President & CEO) is joined by Jackie Lyles, CEO of the Jackie Lyles Group. Jackie is a futurist and best-sellingauthor. As a business champion, Jackie’s professional journey has taken her deep into the world of environmental, social and governance issues shaping the business world today.
In the shadow of the recent winter storm that brought the Texas power grid to a halt and impacted the lives of millions in this state, Kaitlyn and Jackie have a practical discussion about infrastructure; how it works and the roles the stakeholders play in the process.
Their thoughtful discussion explores concepts around worst-case planning scenarios and the path forward for the Texas power sector...without the blame game and finger pointing...but with proper consider of stakeholder collaboration.
This may also be the first podcast to mention Governor Greg Abbott and comedian Dave Chappelle in the same episode!
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Enjoy this episode!
This is ESG Decoded, the podcast powered by Global Affairs Associates to share relevant updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a manner that is clear and actionable.
In this episode Kaitlyn Allen (Global Affairs Associates President & CEO) is joined by Dr. Jamila Yamani, Senior Principal at Climate Impact Capital. Jamila is an expert in applying sustainable approaches and system design to solve traditional science and engineering challenges. She advocates for moving science out of the labs and into the commercial space.
Kaitlyn and Jamila, both self-proclaimed ‘waste nerds,’ understand the importance of addressing current sustainability challenges without creating new ones. Their discussion touches on a variety of topics including gateway technologies, the role of venture capitalism in helping business to achieve their goals, the power in networking for business, and work life balance...a topic that most of us relate to very differently since March 2020.
This is a great listen to pair with your morning coffee or tea! You will be inspired! Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions.
Enjoy this episode!
ESG Decoded, Episode #1
“The Genesis of the ESG Decoded Podcast”
Welcome to ESG Decoded, the podcast powered by Global Affairs Associates to share relevant updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a manner that is clear and actionable.
Kaitlyn Allen (Global Affairs Associates President & CEO) and Amanda Hsieh (Global Affairs Associates COO) guide thoughtful, nuanced conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts that explore the complexities about the risks and opportunities connected to ESG.
In this episode, Kaitlyn and Amanda share why started the podcast and what’s in store for listeners. They are experts in this space, and excited to share their knowledge and resources with other business leaders.
You do not have to be an ESG guru to appreciate the topics discussed on ESG Decoded.
Novices are welcome, as this podcast unpacks seemingly difficult topics into easily digestible modules. Stay tuned for future topics, including:
*ESG Investing Trends
*Decarbonization – Risks & Opportunities
*Circular Economy
*Evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility and Stakeholder Capitalism
*Climate Action from the Business Point of View (Capital Markets, Commercial)
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Enjoy this episode