#66: Jags Walia on ESG Investing Philosophy and Processs

We are in a time in which ESG or multi-stakeholder investing, the real process of it, the real ‘how to” is actively being defined. Its defined by doing it. And though the marketers already have great tag lines out in the market and Regulators are having their say in what they want to highlight,   investors will also create the market by putting their stake in the ground, by having their own process and their own philosophies. 

This is why speaking with Jags today is so helpful, so inspiring, and so grounding. 

Jags is really a great pioneer: he is so willing to explore what ESG investing really implies for how he does his work. This has led him to incorporate ESG in ways that most of you might not anticipate. He meets with people you may not have ever considered vital to your process. He has a clear understanding of his core beliefs which guide his decision-making. 

Notably, Jags is not considered an ESG specialist! He is a portfolio manager. 

We’ll discuss so much in this conversation, from core beliefs, to his voting record, to why he doesn't use the term engagement anymore and finally, how all of this comes down to the day-to-day business including communicating his work to clients.  I think it will give you a view into how he does multi-stakeholder in a more holistic sense than many, and hopefully it might spark some ideas that are resonant for your ESG philosophy and process. I hope you enjoy it.