ESG Decoded Podcast

The ‘S’ in ESG relates to the people elements which can include employee relations, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), company culture, and community outreach. Organizations are investing more in this space as they work to rebuild after the pandemic. Many Talent Development Leaders are prioritizing employee engagement efforts that will address their current pain points and challenges related to decreasing levels of employee morale stemming from blurred lines between work and personal life, exacerbated by a year spent working from home. In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Julianne Miles, SPHR. Julianne is a HR Leader with extensive experience in talent acquisition, university recruiting and relations, and Talent Development.  She shares her insights about a path forward for business leaders and HR teams that considers investments in training and DEI strategies.  Julianne’s advice is practical, actionable, and translatableacross industries. Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!

There is a present-day workforce renaissance underway as many organizations create new talent models, which are very different from pre-pandemic constructs. This fresh start in the realm of talent acquisition is causing many jobs to be redefined and is driving the creation of new jobs.  This evolution affords businesses the opportunity to reassess what candidate skills best align with job specifications, view recruits through a new lens and tap into underutilized pools of talent. In this episode Yvonne Harris talks with Anna McKay, a Certified Coach and Founder of Parents Pivot.  Parents Pivot is a coaching company with a unique impact in the recruitment and workforce space.  It focuses on supporting the return-to-work transition for candidates who paused their careers for parenthood.  These ‘returners’ often bring unique talents to the workforce which have strong alignment to today’s job expectations.  Listen as Anna describes the DEPTH of ‘returners’ and why they should be on the radar for hiring managers.  Additionally, Anna discusses data related to the workforce shifts that impacted millions in 2020. As a resource boost for business leaders and those seeking to return to the workforce, checkout https://www.parentspivot.com/. Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect viasocial media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!

In this episode Amanda Hsieh chats with Dr. Paige Marie Morse.  Paige is the Industry Marketing Director at Aspen Technology, where she provides insight and guidance on digital transformation to chemical companies worldwide.  Paige has worked for leading companies in strategic planning and portfolio management in chemicals and energy markets including Shell, Dow, Sunoco, and Clariant.  Paige has also worked in R&D, commercial and strategy roles in the US and Europe, and she earned her PhD in chemistry from the University of Illinois and undergraduate degree from Kenyon College. Paige touts that she is still a chemist at heart! Amanda and Paige discuss the connective tissue between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainability.  AI is a key driver in the achievement of ESG goals as it supports the software capability that can help improve operations and make processes safer for people and the environment.  Guiding towards the right decisions, not just profit-driven decisions.  Paige also explains the concept of Industrial AI. As an example of great efforts in the space of circular economy, Aspen Technology is a part of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste.  Companies across the value chain are collaborating to find solutions to this problem. As a resource boost for this episode, checkout the Aspen-sponsored event, www.optimize2021.com, an Industrial AI conference where leaders came together (virtually) to share solutions, with heavy focus on metrics.  You may still register to watch conference replays through the end of June. Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!

In this episode Kaitlyn Allen chats with Soojin Kim. Soojin currently heads the global ESG research initiative at Preqin, the leading data provider for all Alternatives Data, providing insight and analysis on firms across every asset class for fundraising, performance, and deal information.  At Preqin, Soonjin also participates on the Asset Class Think Tanks and the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Awareness (IDEA) Committee. Kaitlyn and Soojin discuss Preqin’s recently released ESG Module for the companies on its platform which provides guidance on transparency and disclosure, and risks within portfolio companies.  This tool was created to keep a pulse on market expectations and evolving standards as it relates to reporting.  There is a healthy dose of ‘alphabet soup’ in this episode, but Kaitlyn and Soojin explain it all with ease. You can’t help but to feel Soojin’s fresh energy as she explains her involvement with Preqin’s IDEA Committee, where she helps to lead efforts that support and address issues important to women, people of color, LGBTQ, and the subject of mental health.  Soojin also talks about her path to starting a career in ESG, powered by her willingness to accept new challenges and work with teams. " I just kept. raising my hand" This is a great listen for those curious about how ESG is measured in alternatives markets, as well as those seeking a career in ESG. Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!

In this episode Kaitlyn Allen chats with Megan Parks, an entrepreneur focused on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and climate change. She is co-founder and Executive Vice President of Grassroots Carbon, a public benefit company that helps leading organizations remove and store massive amounts of carbon in healthy soils across America's millions of acres of grazing lands. Megan previously worked for nearly two decades as an environmental leader in the energy industry.  In addition to her work at Grassroots Carbon, she owns AMB Parks Consulting, an independent environmental consulting firm providing environmental services to a variety of corporate clients across various industries such as chemicals, manufacturing, and energy services.  Megan is a thought leader on the topic of ecological design and its intersection with sustainability. If you have not heard of the term ‘regenerative grazing’, you are not alone.  Kaitlyn and Megan provide a comparative overview of conventional agriculture and regenerative grazing, and their differential impacts on our climate.  While they discuss growing food and raising meat in ways that are symbiotic with nature and beneficial to people and the planet, Megan reminds us that the term "regenerative" is not rooted in practices; it is a mindset that prioritizes our partnership with nature. This episode will really get you thinking….and not just about regenerative grazing, but about how and why carbon markets - and buyers of soil carbon storage like Shoptify and Marathon Oil - enable a scalable solution to remove excessive carbon from the atmosphere. Soil carbon storage can help businesses and countries to meet their climate commitments, while also restoring ecological health to America's grazing lands and injecting capital into rural economies.   As a resource boost for this episode, check out the Netflix documentary, Kiss the Ground, Peter Byck's Carbon Cowboys, and the resources page at www.buildgrassroots.com Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!

In this episode Yvonne Harris chats with Anton Rushakov, a Senior Consultant with Global Affairs Associates.  Anton is an ESG practitioner with 20+ years’ experience in the international oil and gas industry and the non-profit sector. He specializes in corporate sustainability and stakeholder relations with the focus on climate change and energy transition communications and engagement.  Anton has worked in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Far East Russia, and he holds a Masters of Political Science and African Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Masters of International Public Policy from the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. As you will learn in this episode, Anton is a skilled educator with a knack for communicating technical information to non-technical audiences. So, as we dive into discussion on climate-related corporate reporting and the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) reporting framework and recommendations, you will realize that you are in very capable hands! Moving toward standardized transparency is one of the tools the financial system has to price economic externalities—the risks of climate change—into markets. That’s why the Financial Stability Board of the G20 countries created the TCFD to provide recommendations for effective evaluation and disclosure of the “actual and potential impacts of climate-related risks and opportunities on the organization's businesses, strategy, and financial planning where such information is material.” While at first blush this may sound like ‘amped up alphabet soup’, Anton explains the nuts and bolts of the TCFD framework, scenario analysis and the reporting framework in an easily digestible manner for business leaders and those tuning into this topic for the first time. Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!

This is ESG Decoded, the podcast powered by Global Affairs Associates to share relevant updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a manner that is clear and actionable. In this episode Yvonne Harris chats with Carol Liffman, Senior Consultant with Global Affairs Associates.  Carol started her career in oil and gas as a geoscientist.  Her work on complex projects around the world in the energy sector helped her develop a broad skill set tied together by the management of risk and uncertainty.  A few years ago, the mounting evidence for climate change and new perspectives on corporate responsibility began leading Carol in a new direction. She complemented her graduate degrees in geology and business with a Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability at the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto and earned credentials as a Sustainability Excellence Associate through the International Society of Sustainability Professionals and the Sustainability and Climate Risk Certificate through the Global Association of Risk Professionals. While stating that Carol’s degrees are impressive feels like an understatement, equally as impressive is her love for her work.  She does not see the services that she provides to her client as work; it is her purpose. This is a great listen for someone considering a career in ESG or contemplating how an ESG Consultant can bring value to your organization’s efforts. Over the past year, Carol has become a fan of MasterClass (of course a master wants to learn from other masters!), and as soon as it is feasible, she looks forward to seeing her mom and traveling to Australia. Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!

In this episode Kaitlyn Allen (Global Affairs Associates President & CEO) is joined by Pavel Molchanov, a Director with Raymond James & Associates and an expert in Renewable Energy and Clean Technology with nearly two decades’ experience following energy at Raymond James.  Pavel’s work spans all aspects of sustainability-themed technologies, including solar, wind, biofuels, electric vehicles, hydrogen, power storage, grid modernization, and water technology. Within the energy research team, he writes about the broader topics of geopolitical and regulatory issues, climate change, and ESG investing. Kaitlyn and Pavel explore the topic of ESG rating/ranking tools to measure an organization’s effectiveness. Pavel makes a helpful comparison to credit ratings agencies when asked how he uses popular ESG raters such as MSCI, Sustainalytics, et al. Pavel, however, surprises Kaitlyn with his observation as to which corporate reporting framework is the most ideal, leading to an interesting discussion on how markets are aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN SDGs“…provide(s) a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.”  Kaitlyn and Pavel specifically explore SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Beingand SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, and their connectedness to Pavel’s work. They also discuss the recent growth in the number of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs), and any ESG correlations with how they function.   In a light moment, Pavel reveals his Trekkie-side and love for Star Trek.  He is the second admitted Trekkie to join this podcast.  Is there a connection with ESG and Star Trek fans?!? Live long and prosper…and enjoy this episode!

In this episode Kaitlyn Allen is joined by Moji Karimi, Co-Founder and CEO of Cemvita Factory.  Moji is an engineer who is a whiz at ideation and the development of breakthrough technologies.  Cemvita Factory develops carbon-negative technologies to decarbonize heavy industries and create a climate-positive future. Kaitlyn and Moji’s recent chat happened during CERAWeek® by IHS Markit ™, an A-list conference for leaders of all areas of the energy industry.  They discuss the key aspects of Cemvita’s value proposition, which are all derived from technologies inspired by nature, and why companies like BHP Billiton and Oxy have backed Cemvita. The great thing about this episode is the ease that Moji breaks down complicated topics such as underground refineries and carbon as an asset.  You may even get some ideas for the Elon Musk carbon capture competition! Kaitlyn and Moji also share laughs about being in business with family, and the randomness of Freeport, Texas, as a beach destination. As an added resource boost, Moji presented at CERAWeek®, so in addition to this podcast, check out his presentation here (beginning at the 2:30:30 time mark):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAb9aX84rbI Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!

In this episode Kaitlyn Allen (Global Affairs Associates President & CEO) is joined by Jackie Lyles, CEO of the Jackie Lyles Group.  Jackie is a futurist and best-sellingauthor.  As a business champion, Jackie’s professional journey has taken her deep into the world of environmental, social and governance issues shaping the business world today. In the shadow of the recent winter storm that brought the Texas power grid to a halt and impacted the lives of millions in this state, Kaitlyn and Jackie have a practical discussion about infrastructure; how it works and the roles the stakeholders play in the process. Their thoughtful discussion explores concepts around worst-case planning scenarios and the path forward for the Texas power sector...without the blame game and finger pointing...but with proper consider of stakeholder collaboration. This may also be the first podcast to mention Governor Greg Abbott and comedian Dave Chappelle in the same episode! Subscribe to ESG Decoded where you consume your podcasts and connect via social media to share your feedback and topic suggestions. Enjoy this episode!