ESG Talk

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

Ann Tracy, chief sustainability officer, and Lauren Richardson, chief procurement officer, of Colgate-Palmolive, join ESG Talk with Alyssa Zucker to discuss how collaboration and innovation drive sustainability in the CPG industry. They share insights on Colgate-Palmolive's journey as the first multinational consumer company to have net-zero goals approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and how teamwork and creativity help reach sustainability goals.

During Climate Week NYC, Workiva released a report with research on how companies are getting ready for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and how practitioners feel about it. Dig into the findings in this crossover episode with ESG Talk host Mandi McReynolds, Off the Books host Steve Soter, and Workiva Industry Principals Alyssa Zucker and Esther Toth. Check out the full report.

In this episode of ESG Talk, Caitlin Leibert, vice president of sustainability at Whole Foods Market, joins host Alyssa Zucker to explore how technology, supply chain engagement, and industry partnerships are driving sustainability strategies. The duo discuss key takeaways from Whole Foods' 2023 Impact Report, highlighting the company’s commitment to responsible stewardship, sustainable sourcing, and transparency.