ESG Decoded Podcast

This episode celebrates Disability in Employment Awareness Month, acknowledging the valuable contributions of workers with disabilities and promoting inclusive employment policies, practices, and technologies that benefit both employers and employees. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are fundamental to our culture, encouraging all employees to leverage their unique perspectives and experiences to drive business growth and cultivate a culture where everyone and every idea is valued. In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Kelly Klein and Cristen Reat of the Easter Seals of Greater Houston (ESGH), a leading non-profit dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities and supporting service members, veterans, and their families. Their mission revolves around transforming lives through therapy, training, education, and unwavering support so that people with disabilities can actively participate in our various communities. Kelly has been with ESGH for 28 years and is pivotal in overseeing fundraising efforts, ensuring funds are available to assist over 14,500 families annually. Her connection to family members with disabilities fuels her passion for this work. Cristen is the Co-Founder and Program Director of BridgingApps.org, an ESGH program that provides valuable resources and education about apps and mobile devices. This initiative helps individuals with disabilities enhance their physical, social, and cognitive skills, ultimately reaching their full potential. Listen as they discuss ‘common language’ for conversations related to disabilities and highlight a few of the services ESGH offers, including BridgingApps. Employers are encouraged to leverage the resources provided by Easter Seals in support of their efforts to recruit and develop employees with disabilities. Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together! Episode Resource Links Kelly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-klein-1a573813/ Cristen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristen-carson-reat-55509232/ Yvonne’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ynharris/ BridgingApps: https://eastersealshouston.org/tech-tools/bridgingapps/

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen and David Prieto of ClimeCo are joined by Jonah Wagner, Chief Strategist at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO). Jonah's expertise lies in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) implementation and scaling clean energy technologies, having previously worked at McKinsey & Company and the New Zealand Treasury. He also played key roles in organizations like Delterra and Piramal Water LLC, focusing on sustainable business development and infrastructure. David, ClimeCo’s Sr. Director for Climate & Energy Advisory, specializes in helping companies transition to decarbonized business models, with a strong emphasis on climate risk, decarbonization strategy, environmental markets, and ESG disclosure.  Listen as Jonah and David discuss the work of the DOE LPO related to clean energy deployment and industrial decarbonization projects. They delve into the DOE LPO's unique role in taking investment risks from demonstration projects to accelerate the deployment of climate technologies financed by the private sector. With an average of 1.5 new applications per week, Jonah provides insights into the process of applying for LPO funding and clarifies the concept of conditional commitments. Additionally, they explore topics like the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program, Pathways to Commercial Liftoff, and ClimeCo's connection to the DOE. Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together! Episode Resource Links Monthly Application Activity Report: https://www.energy.gov/lpo/monthly-application-activity-report Title 17 Clean Energy Financing: https://www.energy.gov/lpo/title-17-clean-energy-financing Liftoff Reports: https://liftoff.energy.gov/  Jonah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonah-wagner-49434215/ David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidprieto1/ Careers at LPO: https://www.energy.gov/lpo/careers-loan-programs-office

In this brief episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Steven Okun, Founder and CEO of APAC Advisors. Steven has over 25 years of experience across government, public affairs, and communication.  Steven has lived and worked in Asia since 2003, serving as the Senior Advisor in ASEAN for EMPEA, formerly the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association, and is a member of their global ESG and impact working groups. He also created and led public affairs for KKR Asia Pacific from 2011-2017, including implementing their regional ESG policy. Listen as Kaitlyn and Steven announce ClimeCo’s expansion in Singapore, and check out the official press release to learn more. In addition, Steven discusses three ESG focal points for the region: 1) addressing the climate crisis, 2) tackling human rights and supply chain concerns, and 3) addressing the surge in cyber security threats and ransomware attacks. These issues resonate with key stakeholders, including investors, corporate leaders, employees, and customers. Steven briefly addresses the transition to a low carbon economy, particularly the investor impact, with Singapore’s carbon tax set to increase 5x next year. Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together! Episode Resource Links Steven’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenokun/ Kaitlyn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-allen-sustainability/ APAC Advisors’ Website: https://www.apacadvisors.com/about  ClimeCo’s Expansion in Singapore: https://climeco.com/climeco-expands-presence-in-singapore-with-the-hire-of-anna-stablum/ 

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen converses with Kurt Kipka, Chief Impact Officer of Apparel Impact Institute (Aii). Kurt manages the growth and longevity of global programs, including Clean by Design – a proven platform for improving the resource efficiency of textile mills in collaboration with multinational brands.  Before joining Aii, he spent three years at the environmental non-profit Natural Resources Defense Council, focusing on developing programs and tools to measure and improve the environmental performance of leading brands and retailers. Additionally, Kurt spent ten years in retail sourcing and has served as chair and active member of several retail industry councils and steering teams.  Join Kaitlyn and Kurt as they explore sustainability in the apparel industry and delve into the associated environmental concerns. Kurt walks us through the science-based approaches that allow Aii to zero in on environmental issues in apparel production, long-term road maps for process efficiencies, the work of the Fashion Climate Fund, and his unique path to a career in sustainability. Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together! Episode Resource Links Kurt’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-kipka-3551b917/ Aii 2022 Impact Report: https://www.apparelimpactreport.org/ Fashion Climate Fund: https://apparelimpact.org/fashion-climate-fund/ Climate Solutions Portfolio: https://apparelimpact.org/climate-solutions-portfolio/  The Updated Roadmap to Net Zero: https://apparelimpact.org/taking-stock-of-progress-report/

In this episode, Erika Schiller sits down with Ken Chlapik, Global Market Manager for Johnson Matthey (JM), a global leader in sustainable technologies. Ken is an expert in developing solutions that utilize JM's innovative low-carbon CLEANPACETM and ADVANCED REFORMINGTM technologies. Throughout his career, Ken has played a vital role in the growth of steam methane reforming (SMR) hydrogen utilization for clean fuel in the oil refining industry. During his tenure, the capacity of SMR-based hydrogen has tripled, and the hydrogen production is projected to increase dramatically in the next two decades as the world shifts towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Based in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, Ken holds a B.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. Ken is a respected representative of JM at the Institute of Clean Air Companies – ICAC and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) screening committee, which recognized Ken with the prestigious Peter G. Andrews Lifetime Service Award. He is a prolific author, having published several articles lately exploring the acceleration of decarbonization in existing refining and petrochemical facilities, providing invaluable insights on achieving “A Running Start to Net Zero." Industrial facilities are responsible for 50% of the world's CO2 emissions, equivalent to 20 gigatons. Listen along as Erika and Ken dive into the topic of industrial decarbonization, breaking down the complex terms and acronyms as they go. They also discuss JM's solutions and its partnership with ClimeCo to positively impact industrial decarbonization. Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together! Episode Resource Links Ken’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-chlapik-96ab6257/ Erika’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-schiller-2773a52/ JM’s Website: https://matthey.com/ JM’s Low-Carbon Solutions: https://rebrand.ly/LowCarbonSolutions  JM CLEANPACE Hydrogen Solutions: https://rebrand.ly/CLEANPACE  95% CO2 Reduction in Hydrogen Plants: https://rebrand.ly/ReductionForHydrogenPlants Running Start to Net-Zero: https://rebrand.ly/StartNetZero 

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen engages in an exciting conversation with Raffi Schieir, Founder of Bantam Materials UK Ltd. Raffi is a well-respected leader in the plastics space, having established a market-leading Prevented Ocean Plastic program that is shaping the future of ocean-bound plastics.  Originally from Canada, Raffi moved to the UK in 2011 to establish the UK division of Bantam Materials Inc. In his remarkable journey, Raffi has chaired Europe's prominent plastic recycling conference (ICIS 2017) and has been nominated as Recycling Ambassador of the Year in the UK and Europe.  Taking a hands-on approach to understanding the issues and opportunities around plastic pollution, Raffi partnered with leading supply experts to create a fully traceable supply chain for Prevented Ocean Plastic in 2019. Since then, this initiative has blossomed into an award-winning program that works with global brands and producers to create tangible change. Additionally, the Prevented Ocean Plastic Research Centre complements this work with evidence-based research.  Our planet is grappling with plastic waste valued at a staggering $100 billion. Nearly a billion bottles have been diverted from the ocean, and the number is rising exponentially as opportunities and solutions expand. Tune in as Kaitlyn and Raffi unpack how this waste can be transformed into a force for positive change, both socially and economically. Additionally, they explore the challenges of establishing collecting infrastructures in rural and coastal communities intricately tied to the '25 by 2025' initiative. This conversation is also a reminder of the connection between plastic and carbon footprints. While some companies have regressed in plastics recycling due to economic factors, others have taken bold strides forward with intentional commitments to this work. These businesses exemplify that doing good and generating profits need not be mutually exclusive. Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together! Episode Resource Links Raffi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raffi-schieir-83b4643a/  Prevented Ocean Plastic Website: https://www.preventedoceanplastic.com/ Prevented Ocean Plastic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/preventedoceanplastic/ Prevented Ocean Plastic Twitter: https://twitter.com/PreventOPlastic 25 by 2023 Initiative: https://www.preventedoceanplastic.com/prevented-ocean-plastic-on-a-mission-to-open-25-collection-centres-by-2025/ 

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Cate Lamb, Global Director of Water Security at CDP, the world's largest coalition of non-state actors committed to delivering a water secure future. Cate is responsible for ensuring that CDP’s Water Security program maintains its status as the gold standard for disclosure of corporate and city water-related information globally, while also driving swift changes in corporate and city behavior towards water. She is leading CDP’s work to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy by enhancing water-related transparency and associated due diligence in private finance.  Cate's efforts have resulted in the creation of the world's first portfolio water impacts reporting framework designed for banks, asset managers, asset owners, and insurance companies. She is now spearheading the development of a Water Action Pathway for Finance alongside OECD, WFN, and UNEP FI.  Beyond her work at CDP, Cate has served as the UNFCCC High Level Climate Champion Lead for Water for COP26, is Co-Chair of the Science-Based Targets Network, advisor to UNGC’s SDG Leadership network, knowledge partner of the TNFD, founder of the Fair Water Footprints Coalition, and one of Thomson Reuters 2023 Trailblazing Women working on Climate. Get ready as Kaitlyn and Cate dive into the important role of non-profits in the ESG space. Cate shares the CDP's process for collecting data for reporting frameworks, which are utilized by multiple stakeholders, including financial institutions, businesses, and academics.  Their work doesn't stop there - CDP's areas of focus have evolved from greenhouse gas emissions to its current work with plastics. Join the conversation as they review the Global Plastics Treaty which engages 200 countries in efforts to address the entire lifecycle of plastics, with a particular focus on stopping the flow of plastic waste into the ocean. When it comes to proper plastics recycling, the impact is far-reaching and affects a variety of industries, from petroleum to fashion. For those looking to dive deeper into this important issue, the United Nations Framework for the Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an excellent resource.  Unlock the world of corporate sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community, where we thoughtfully go in depth on complex issues. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below).  Episode Resource Links Cate’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catelamb/ CDP Website: https://www.cdp.net/en United Nations FCCC Website: https://unfccc.int/ 

In this episode, Yvonne Harris engages in an interesting conversation with John Shegerian, the Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of ERI, the largest electronic waste recycler in the United States. John is a serial social entrepreneur who co-founded Homeboy Industries, FinancialAid.com, Engage, and many other impactful organizations. As a leader in his field, John has played a pivotal role in paving the way for the electronic recycling, data protection, and ITAD industries as a whole. Under his stewardship, ERI has successfully expanded its operations to process over a billion pounds of electronic waste annually, with eight certified locations that cater to every ZIP Code throughout the US. Currently, John serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL) at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business. Additionally, he was recognized as the Clean Tech Entrepreneur of the Year for Northern California by Ernst & Young and was honored with a spot on City & State New York's esteemed "Responsible 100" list in the previous year. He is also a respected member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). Listen along as Yvonne and John discuss his career journey and how he channeled his innovation and passion for protecting the planet to focus on creating sustainable solutions for e-waste. John also shares his insights on the transformative changes that have occurred over time, making e-waste the fastest-growing waste stream on the planet.  The topic of responsible recycling is further explored as they reflect on how companies and individuals can responsibly recycle their e-waste and protect their data. This inspiring conversation may encourage individuals to consider more mindful consumption decisions. Do you really need the latest smartphone? As a thank-you gift to ESG Decoded listeners, we are happy to offer you a FREE copy of John Shegerian's book, The Insecurity of Everything: How Hardware Data Security is Becoming the Most Important Topic in the World.  Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together! Episode Resource Links John’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnshegerian/  Yvonne’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ynharris/  ERI Website: https://eridirect.com/  Check out John’s book, The Insecurity of Everything: https://eridirect.com/insecurity-of-everything-book/

Calling all soccer enthusiasts! In this episode, Amanda Hsieh immerses in an enlightening discussion with Jordan Enke, Senior Vice President of Stadium Operations at Austin FC in Austin, Texas. Jordan plays a pivotal role in the organization with a comprehensive scope that includes overseeing general operations, safety and security, event and guest services, parking and mobility, and sustainability initiatives. Having been a part of Austin FC since its early days in 2019, he was instrumental in various aspects, from site selection to the design and construction efforts of Q2 Stadium.  Q2 Stadium has garnered numerous accolades, including being certified as LEED Gold by the US Green Building Council. Its achievements also span receiving the Outstanding Construction Award from the Associated General Contractors (AGC) for the Austin Chapter in 2021, being recognized as a VenuesNow All-Star, securing the ULI Austin Impact Award for Most Influential Project in 2021, and earning a StadiumDB Nomination for Stadium of the Year in the same year. The stadium further received the Austin Business Journal Commercial Real Estate Award for Project of the Year in 2021 and the '21 Best Projects Award of Merit from Engineering News-Record in the Sports/Entertainment category for the Texas-Louisiana Region. In 2022, the MLSPA voted Q2 Stadium the Best Atmosphere and Best Field. Jordan's educational journey led him to a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from West Virginia University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2010. In addition to his academic achievements, he was also recognized as a Facility Management Professional in 2015, showcasing his dedication to excellence. This is our first ESG Decoded episode to feature a professional sports team. However, instead of talking about players and stats, Amanda and Jordan take a fresh approach by exploring sustainability. Keeping with the theme of 'firsts,' Austin FC is the first major professional sports team in Austin, a city that has long boasted some of the most passionate college sports fans in the country. Tune in as they unravel the intricacies of building a stadium, with a spotlight on site selection being a pivotal factor for sustainability advancements.  Considering the climate, Q2 Stadium's design cleverly harnesses natural breezes and integrates inventive stormwater management and passive cooling systems. In line with an eco-friendly approach, the stadium's intentional limited parking promotes public transportation usage. The Austin FC organization extends its influence beyond the field, serving as a unifying force in the community with targets for financial and ticket donations to deserving causes.  This conversation will offer a new perspective and an appreciation for the blend of sustainability and sportsmanship. After listening to this episode, we hope you never look at sports stadiums the same again. Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together! Episode Resource Links Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/ Jordan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-enke-04684145/  Austin FC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/austin-fc/ Austin FC Website: https://www.austinfc.com/

In this episode, join host Amanda Hsieh as she sits down with the dynamic Jonathan Hall, the Director of Belonging for Neiman Marcus Group. Get ready to be inspired as Jonathan takes us on a journey through the organization's rich history, deeply rooted in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) since its inception, and infused with an unwavering pioneering spirit. Belonging, as Jonathan eloquently explains, centers around Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, resonating with our innate desire for genuine connections, visibility, and appreciation. As part of his role, he is actively spearheading NMG's strategies to foster a culture of belonging and drive workforce diversity, workplace equity, and marketplace inclusion. One of their corporate goals is to increase racial diversity in leadership roles, aiming for 21% by 2025 and 28% by 2030. To achieve this, Jonathan has implemented inclusive hiring best practices, which involve diverse interview panels, candidate slates, and partnerships with professional organizations to expand the pool of talent. But the impact doesn't stop there! Jonathan also collaborates with merchandising and spend management teams to increase support for diverse-owned brands and businesses. Through their supplier diversity program, they track progress and continuously enhance their commitment to inclusivity. Throughout the episode, Amanda and Jonathan explore the essence of 'leading with love' in the DEIB space. They delve into the three key stakeholders driving their efforts: associates, customers, and brand partners, unveiling best practices tailored to each group. In a thought-provoking discussion, they debunk concerns about establishing DEIB metrics and benchmarks, emphasizing how these measurements are essential for driving meaningful change. Let the wisdom of Amanda and Jonathan ignite your passion for making a positive impact in the world. Happy listening! Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together! If you're eager to learn more and empower your organization with valuable resources, don't miss these resource links: Neiman Marcus Group Power of One People Report - Gain insights into NMG's dedication to DEIB through their comprehensive report: https://www.neimanmarcusgroup.com/People-report-2022 Neiman Marcus Group 2022 ESG Report - Explore NMG's 2022 ESG journey, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and inclusivity: https://www.neimanmarcusgroup.com/ESG-report-2022 "Bias Interrupted: Creating Inclusion for Real and for Good" by Joan C. Williams - A must-read book that sheds light on creating a truly inclusive environment: https://biasinterrupters.org/book/