ESG Decoded Podcast

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/

Get ready for a riveting episode as Kaitlyn Allen sits down with Peter Majeranowski, President and Co-Founder of Circ—a trailblazing company reshaping the fashion industry's environmental impact through innovative recycling technology for mixed fabric textiles. Before Circ, Peter made waves in finance, spearheading early-stage projects in Eastern Europe and serving in the C-Suite of various portfolio companies. A true hero, he also dedicated 6 years as a US Naval Officer with deployments to Iraq and the Middle East—our heartfelt thanks for his service! Beyond his remarkable achievements, Peter finds joy in tennis, water activities, and giving back as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Loyal listeners already know Kaitlyn as our resident ESG fashionista, passionate about minimizing textiles' environmental footprint. Brace yourself for eye-opening facts—only 15% of textiles are reused, and a mere 1% is recycled from textile to textile. Kaitlyn and Peter delve into the circular economy, exploring Circ's solutions to transform the industry. Peter shares insights into the molecular breakdown of textiles, shedding light on the fashion industry's unique sustainability challenges. He emphasizes the urgency for improved clothing recycling processes, driven by cutting-edge technologies to scale the effort. By the end of this thought-provoking episode, you'll be more mindful of the clothes you wear and how to recycle them responsibly. Retailers are catching on, realizing consumers want eco-conscious fashion. Let's reward brands doing right by our planet! And hold on for the big reveal—a thrilling Circ collaboration launching the world's FIRST line of clothing made from polycotton waste! Tune in now for an engaging and professional exploration of sustainable fashion's exciting future. With Circ and Kaitlyn leading the way, we're one step closer to a greener, more responsible fashion industry! 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!

In this episode, Amanda Hsieh engages in an enlightening conversation with Michele Demers, the brilliant mind behind Boundless Impact Research & Analytics. Boundless is a cutting-edge environmental research and analytics firm, transforming the way investors, companies, and funds approach cleantech and the ongoing energy transition. Michele's impressive 25+ years of business expertise have led to the creation of innovative solutions that bring about genuine, positive impact and measurable market returns. Before delving into the boundless world of environmental research, Michele's journey was marked by remarkable achievements. She crafted a knowledge platform on philanthropic best practices, which became the go-to resource for a vast network of 1200 family offices at Foundation Source. Additionally, Michele served as the Director of Communications for Humanity United, a philanthropic entity with strong ties to the illustrious Pam Omidyar and eBay founder, Pierre Omidyar. Not stopping there, Michele played a pivotal role in the success of more than two-dozen startups, establishing herself as an authority in environmental impact measurement and innovative thinking. Here, the spotlight falls on Rapid Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), an innovative tool used to evaluate the sustainability performance of products and services. They discuss how independent industry experts contribute to the process, adding credibility and thoroughness to the assessments. Boundless is not merely content with providing valuable data; they strive to revolutionize industries by standardizing sustainability data. Their efforts aim to empower investors and stakeholders, guiding their decision-making towards a more sustainable and responsible future. Throughout the episode, Michele sheds light on how Rapid LCAs can unveil eye-opening surprises, both favorable and unfavorable, related to a product's sustainability performance. These insights are bound to spark curiosity and encourage listeners to consider the broader implications of their choices. If you're eager to learn more about Boundless and Michele's inspiring motivations, the episode offers a wealth of valuable resources. Tune in to discover the world of product sustainability performance. Prepare to be inspired! 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 Boundless’ Methodology: https://www.boundlessimpact.net/boundless-methodology Additional Insights and Motivations: https://www.mcjcollective.com/my-climate-journey-podcast/michele-demers

In this episode, Amanda Hsieh is joined by Dr. Garry Cooper, the Co-founder and CEO of Rheaply. This Chicago-based tech company helps Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and universities better visualize, quantify, and utilize their physical resources. Dr. Garry Cooper is a renowned entrepreneur and neuroscientist with a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Northwestern University and two Bachelors from Indiana University. He has a diverse background with experience at Northwestern University and Ernst & Young and has received recognition from Forbes, Chicago magazine, Crain's, and Goldman Sachs. Dr. Cooper has also published in high-impact, peer-reviewed, international journals and holds a U.S. patent. Listen as Amanda and Garry reflect on the importance of reuse in a local circular economy as they discuss the need for consumers to be more thoughtful about their purchase and waste decisions.  Scaling our reuse ability largely depends on supporting and aligning technology, infrastructure, and public policy. Doing so creates a paradigm shift in economies that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and addresses environmental justice. Cities worldwide are poised to play a crucial role in this effort that can be a true game-changer for an inclusive transition to a low-carbon economy. 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 Garry’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrycooperphd/  Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/  Rheaply Website: https://rheaply.com/  Garry’s TED Talk: https://rebrand.ly/GarryTedTalk 

In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Jonathan Colbert, Vice President of Marketing for Voltera, a turnkey charging infrastructure provider focused on electric vehicle fleets. Jonathan is an executive passionate about leveraging technology to build powerful relationships between people and brands. Previously he spent time at Rivian as the Director of the Waypoints Network and was responsible for the go-to-market strategy and planned deployment of over 10,000 charging stations supporting key initiatives. Some of the initiatives he was involved with were the Transamerica Trail Drive with MotorTrend and Yosemite National Park. Before Rivian, Jonathan was a founding member of the Mercedes-Benz USA CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared + Services, Electric) Team as North America's Charging and Infrastructure Lead. He led the ramp-up of charging infrastructure at Mercedes-Benz dealerships and Daimler facilities, along with customer-focused charging mobility and home installation services. Before Mercedes-Benz USA, Jonathan was a Director of Marketing at Techtronic Industries, N.A., integrating brand marketing efforts for RIDGID® Power Tools, HART™ Hand Tools, and Arctic Cove™. He attended Florida State University and earned an MBA in Management of Technology at Georgia Tech's Scheller College of Business.  Listen as Jonathan demystifies Voltera's process to create and scale the implementation of charging stations to keep up with the demand that will soon be on our roads. He explains 'charging as a service' and 'fleet as a service' and contrasts those concepts with Voltera's service. This conversation reminds us of all the moving parts to achieve electrification and you will share in Jonathan's excitement as he describes Voltera's mission to serve zero-emission vehicle fleets and its quest to improve this entire industry. Check out Voltera's Playbook 1 (the first in a series of 5) to address the value proposition of charging infrastructure. This edition focuses on the biggest challenges of real estate site acquisition and power procurement. Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, YouTube, and social media so that you're notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!