Talking ESG: How companies can better meet investor expectations

Jun 22, 2023

PwC's podcast discusses the alignment between company leadership and investor expectations on ESG issues. They explore gaps in climate change perception, strategies to bridge gaps and increase investor engagement, challenges in communicating sustainability reporting, the CFO's role in addressing climate change, the importance of sustainability reporting for employees, and prioritizing ESG issues for thorough reporting.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

CEOs and Investors: Perceptions on Climate Change

01:58 • 13min

Bridging the Gap: Investor Expectations and Company Actions in Addressing Climate Change

15:14 • 2min

The Challenges of Communicating Sustainability Reporting and Climate Information to Investors

17:12 • 15min

The CFO's Role in Addressing Climate Change and Communicating with Investors

32:33 • 3min

The Importance of Sustainability Reporting for Employees

35:12 • 6min

Prioritizing ESG Issues and Thorough Reporting

40:49 • 3min

PwC recently conducted research based on our most recent Global CEO Survey and Global Investor Survey to understand a key question: how much alignment is there between company leadership and the expectations of investors on ESG issues? The results were insightful, and might even surprise you.

This week, Heather Horn was joined by Nadja Picard, PwC Global Reporting Leader, to break down the results and discuss the differing expectations between CEOs and investors. They also address how CFOs and their teams can help companies better meet investor expectations on sustainability.

In this episode, you’ll hear discussion of:

1:36 - The research: What the data from the Global Investor Survey and CEO Survey says
15:14 - Where there may be gaps in what investors are expecting, and the importance of creating a strategy to progress in closing the gaps
22:08 - How companies are embedding sustainability reporting in their processes and systems
32:30 - How CFOs and their organizations are leading in communicating progress on climate
38:06 - The reporting landscape: A look at other important sustainability topics (besides climate) that will drive action
42:16 - Final advice for companies looking for better alignment with investor expectations

Nadja Picard is PwC’s Global Reporting Leader. In this role, she leads PwC’s global initiative to help clients transform their corporate reporting to meet investor and stakeholder demands for trusted and assured reporting beyond financial reporting. Nadja also advises companies on the accounting, corporate reporting, and investor relations requirements in advance of capital markets transactions, especially IPOs.

Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

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