The Pre-Read
Workiva
Just like the slides you get before a big meeting, The Pre-Read gets CFOs and other decision-makers ready for what’s next. This is the global podcast built for the modern office of the CFO, where finance, sustainability, audit, and risk come together.
Designed for financial leaders navigating transformation at scale, the show features sharp, unfiltered conversations with insiders at the forefront of business, regulation, and enterprise strategy. Each week, hosts Alyssa Zucker and Steve Soter, along with our bench of expert segment reporters, connect the dots between financial performance, regulatory demands, and long-term value creation.
From new disclosure mandates to AI and assurance readiness, The Pre-Read helps you track the forces reshaping business. We cover what matters globally, cross-functionally, and with just enough candor to keep it real. If you’re making decisions at scale, or need to understand the leaders who are, you’re in the right place.
Designed for financial leaders navigating transformation at scale, the show features sharp, unfiltered conversations with insiders at the forefront of business, regulation, and enterprise strategy. Each week, hosts Alyssa Zucker and Steve Soter, along with our bench of expert segment reporters, connect the dots between financial performance, regulatory demands, and long-term value creation.
From new disclosure mandates to AI and assurance readiness, The Pre-Read helps you track the forces reshaping business. We cover what matters globally, cross-functionally, and with just enough candor to keep it real. If you’re making decisions at scale, or need to understand the leaders who are, you’re in the right place.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 7, 2025 • 32min
The Evolution of Shareholder Advocacy
In this episode of ESG Talk, Amy Brachio, global vice chair of sustainability at EY, and Michael Goldhaber, a senior research scholar at New York University’s Stern Center for Business and Human Rights, join the show with Alyssa Zucker. Listen in as they explore how shareholder advocacy is evolving on environmental and social issues and what it means for companies.
Jan 31, 2025 • 10min
Dispatch from Davos: CFOs and CSOs Unite for Sustainable Growth
In this special bonus episode of ESG Talk recorded live at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mandi McReynolds sits down with Jill Klindt, CFO of Workiva, to discuss the interplay between sustainability and financial performance. They explore how emerging tech like generative AI is revolutionizing regulatory compliance and business processes, the evolving roles of chief sustainability officers, and the importance of integrating non-financial data in achieving company goals. Tune in for insights on sustainable innovation, growth strategies, and the future of ESG reporting.
Jan 24, 2025 • 30min
ESG in 2025: Turning Complexity into Opportunity
ESG Talk hosts Mandi McReynolds, Steve Soter, Andie Wood, and Alyssa Zucker come together for the season four premiere to reflect on the transformative year of 2024 and discuss the key sustainability, governance, and technological trends shaping 2025. Listen in for actionable insights for turning complexity into opportunity in the year ahead!
Jan 17, 2025 • 43min
From NYC to Baku to Davos: Climate Conversations That Matter
In this special episode of ESG Talk, Mandi McReynolds reflects on pivotal climate conversations leading up to Davos, revisiting key discussions from Climate Week NYC and COP29 in Azerbaijan. Joined by Steve Soter and Mike Gravagno, they dive into insights from professionals across industries, exploring the goals, challenges, and outcomes of these critical conferences. Tune in for a look at how these global events are shaping the future of sustainability initiatives.
Dec 27, 2024 • 57min
ESG's Role in Value Creation
Alison Taylor, a clinical associate professor at NYU Stern and author of 'Higher Ground', teams up with Tarynn Zenk, Mastercard's ESG controller. They dive into the crucial emerging role of ESG controllers in ensuring credible corporate disclosures. Tarynn highlights the need for reliable data management to meet growing scrutiny. Alison discusses the shift from shareholder to stakeholder capitalism and the importance of honest engagement with societal issues. Together, they emphasize the rising power of employee activism and the need for businesses to adapt their approaches for sustainability.
Dec 20, 2024 • 55min
Unpacking Scope 2 and Scope 3 Emissions
Frank Koch, CEO of Swiss Steel Group, discusses decarbonization strategies crucial for the steel industry's impact on climate change. Alberto Carrillo Pineda, CTO of the Science Based Targets initiative, emphasizes emissions transparency to meet scientific targets. Nancy Mahon, Chief Sustainability Officer at Estée Lauder, shares insights on tackling Scope 3 emissions and the unique challenges in the cosmetics sector. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration and innovative approaches to drive sustainability across diverse industries.
Dec 13, 2024 • 52min
Carbon Solutions and Sustainable Aviation
In this episode, ESG Talk revisits key segments from the Climate Week series, spotlighting actionable solutions and industry insights. First, join hosts Steve Soter, Andie Wood, and Alyssa Zucker as they demystify greenhouse gas emissions and explore practical approaches to carbon accounting. Then, hear from Amelia DeLuca, Delta Air Lines’ chief sustainability officer, as she discusses Delta’s innovative strategies for reducing direct carbon emissions and advancing sustainable aviation fuel production in the airline industry.
Dec 6, 2024 • 20min
COP29: Business and Policy in the New Economy
Linda-Eling Lee, Head of the Sustainability Institute at MSCI, emphasizes the evolving role of businesses in climate action. They discuss the critical need for transition finance and the complexities of the global economy at COP29. Lee highlights the challenges of carbon markets and the necessity of international cooperation for capital investment in emerging markets. The conversation also covers the transformative potential of AI in sustainability strategies, urging businesses to adapt to new regulatory landscapes as they navigate future trends.
Nov 29, 2024 • 46min
Amalgamated Bank: AI, Strategy, and Social Responsibility
In this replay episode of ESG Talk, we bring together our two-part series featuring Amalgamated Bank's CEO, Priscilla Sims Brown, CFO Jason Darby, and special guest host Kim Huffman, CIO of Workiva. Learn how Amalgamated Bank leverages technology to advance its mission-driven business model and actionable strategies for organizations looking to make an impact.
Nov 22, 2024 • 26min
GM’s Drive Toward Zero Emissions
In this episode of ESG Talk, Mandi McReynolds welcomes Kristen Siemen, former chief sustainability officer at General Motors to the show. Listen in as they discuss how one of the world’s largest automakers is integrating electrification, sustainability, and innovation into its culture. This episode was recorded prior to Siemen’s departure from GM.
