ESG vs Sustainability are very different things, you know.

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ESG and sustainability are often used interchangeably, but they are actually very different. Sustainability roles focus on improving operational efficiency, such as energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and implementing circular economy practices. On the other hand, ESG roles are more externally oriented, involving the creation of enterprise-wide strategies and policies, working with regulators and investors, and integrating ESG frameworks into different business units. The increasing seniority of ESG leaders is driven by the need to influence a wide range of stakeholders, from the board and CEO to supply chain vendors, regulators, investors, clients, and internal business leaders.

Sustainability and ESG have evolved significantly in recent years — and alongside this change, recruiting in the space has also changed. In this Labor Day weekend episode of the ESG Insider podcast, we go behind the scenes of ESG recruiting in an interview with Kurt Harrison, a Partner with the global executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates where he is Co-Head of the Global Sustainability Practice.

Kurt says the demand for ESG talent is “insatiable.” He gives us insight into the kinds of questions he gets from job candidates, and also the kinds of things companies are looking for in their sustainability hires.

To listen to our interview with Ravi Menon, the Chair of the Network for Greening the Financial System, or NGFS, click here: https://www.spglobal.com/esg/podcasts/how-central-banks-help-combat-climate-change-an-interview-with-ngfs-chair-ravi-menon

To listen to the episode where we discuss the evolving role of the Chief Sustainability Officer, click here: https://www.spglobal.com/esg/podcasts/how-chief-sustainability-officers-are-becoming-a-must-have-for-companies

To register for the event S&P Global Sustainable1 is hosting during Climate Week, click here: https://events.spglobal.com/EWG92g?rt=suGjbadFj0uCGwHKysKQtQ&RefId=social

We'd love to hear from you. To give us feedback on this episode or share ideas for future episodes, please contact hosts Lindsey Hall (lindsey.hall@spglobal.com) and Esther Whieldon (esther.whieldon@spglobal.com).

Photo credit: Getty Images

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