ESG Decoded Podcast

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Ling-Ling Nie and Hilary Donnell of Aura, a leading provider of proactive all-in-one digital safety. Ling-Ling is Deputy General Counsel, Chief Compliance & ESG Officer, and Head of Government Affairs. Hilary is Aura's Head of Corporate Social Responsibility & Public Affairs and established the company's efforts to diversify the technology industry and help protect communities especially vulnerable to digital threats. Listen as Kaitlyn, Ling-Ling, and Hilary discuss the unique services that Aura provides as a centralized solution for online safety and the proactive prevention of identity theft and fraud – relating online safety’s connection to ESG. Given the correlation between hybrid/work-from-home arrangements and enterprise security breaches, their offerings are even more critical today. As a startup, Aura is proof that a mission-driven company of any size can implement a growth strategy with sustainability in mind. Hilary and Ling-Ling share their work with key organizational stakeholders for alignment on ESG data collection and their commitment to carbon neutrality. As our listeners know, there is no cookie-cutter approach to careers in ESG. Ling-Ling and Hilary share their career trajectories with sound advice on how to create an ESG opportunity with your current organization as opposed to thinking you have to move to another company to pursue this impactful work. More About Ling Ling & Hilary Ling Ling previously served as General Counsel and Vice President for Ethics & Compliance at the Georgia Institute of Technology and as Chief Compliance Officer & Assistant General Counsel at Panasonic Corporation of North America. In 2021, she received the General Counsel award from the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Georgia's Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel. In 2019, Ling Ling was selected as a "40 Under 40" honoree by both the Atlanta Business Chronicle and the University of Georgia. She received the Women's Leadership Award from the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association (GAPABA). Ling Ling is a University of Georgia graduate who received her law degree from Washington and Lee University's School of Law –  licensed to practice in Georgia and Virginia.  Hilary also oversees the Aura Innovation Fund, the company's ethical investment platform for early-stage startups evolving the intelligent safety ecosystem, led by underrepresented individuals in technology or building online safety solutions for especially vulnerable communities. Before Aura, Hilary served as Vice President at national consultancy FleishmanHillard, where she led corporate reputation, CSR, and environmental, social governance (ESG)-related efforts for Fortune 500 companies. Hilary earned her B.A. from American University in Public Communications, Public Policy, & Justice. 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!

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Leela Ramnath, Senior VP and Head of ESG at Warburg Pincus, a leading global private equity firm. Leela leads global ESG strategy, collaborates with investment teams and portfolio companies to drive and optimize implementation, and manages vital partnerships for the firm. She has 20 years of experience working across capital markets, emerging markets, and ESG. Before joining Warburg Pincus, she led innovation and sustainability at an impact-focused investment firm, and previously worked at Barclays covering emerging markets and at a global insurer focused on securitized products. She serves on ClimeCo’s Board of Managers and on the board of the nonprofit Ownership Works a former Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master of Arts in International Relations from the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. Listen as Kaitlyn and Leela discuss the private equity vs. the public markets perspective on ESG. As a baseline for this conversation, Leela reminds us what defines ESG. She explores the three overarching trends for ESG: regulation, climate, and ESG data plus provides insights from work done by the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) Private Equity Task Force (link below). Like many of the previous guests on this podcast, the ESG-related path was not straight but one filled with exciting adventures that prepared Leela for the positive impacts she makes today. Make sure to hit the subscribe button to be notified of future episodes and subscribe to ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platform! Enjoy tuning in! Episode Resource Links ESG Metrics in Private Equity: https://a.storyblok.com/f/109506/x/42de72c1ca/esg-metrics-in-private-equity.pdf Leela’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leela-ramnath-4869b5/ Warburg Pincus Website: https://warburgpincus.com/ Disclaimer for Anchor Goals are aspirational and not guarantees or promises that all goals will be met. Certain information contained herein relating to any goals, targets, intentions or expectations (collectively, “initiatives”) is subject to change. The ESG or impact initiatives discussed herein are purely voluntary and are not binding on investment decisions and/or Warburg Pincus's management of investments. Warburg Pincus may in the future establish, certain ESG or impact initiatives, or cease participating in any working group. Warburg Pincus assumes no obligation to update the information herein. Participation in the Sustainable Markets Initiative (“SMI”), including the SMI Private Equity Taskforce (“PESMIT”) and/or any PESMIT Working Group, is not intended to convey current or intended alignment with or endorsement or approval of the information contained in any SMI Report (“Reports”). Except where expressly specified, any ESG or impact-related initiative or improvement trajectories published by the Private Equity Sustainable Markets Initiative Taskforce are not being marketed to investors or promoted and do not bind any investment decisions made in respect of, or the management or stewardship of, any funds managed by Warburg Pincus LLC for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 on sustainability-related disclosures in the financial services sector.

What a fantastic journey! We are thrilled to be celebrating 100 episodes of ESG Decoded! We want to thank everyone who made this podcast an impactful resource in the ESG community: our loyal listeners, expert guests, ClimeCo, and 21 Media.  To honor this milestone, founding hosts, Kaitlyn Allen and Amanda Hsieh share some very exciting news… Erika Schiller is joining the podcast as Co-host! Erika is Senior VP, Project Development at ClimeCo. She specializes in energy transformation acceleration, understanding the challenges and opportunities in the hard-to-abate sectors that drive our economy. She is helping evolve solutions for the hard–to–abate sector, including expanding industrial gas abatement to a broader customer base. Her focus is to offer solutions in Carbon Capture Use and Storage (CCUS) and hydrogen markets. Erika’s team also develops insetting services to support customers in enabling and monetizing supply chain emissions reductions. Before ClimeCo, Erika worked in the low-carbon energy industry for 10 years, spanning energy storage to renewable fuels and carbon capture use & storage with Chevron. She launched the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) business, forming two joint ventures in dairy RNG production. She then moved to their strategy and sustainability team, where she led the commercial strategy for a new Carbon Capture Use and Storage (CCUS) global business line and started up  Chevron’s New Energies. Erika earned her Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business, and her Bachelor of Science from Vanderbilt University. She enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, running, snowboarding, and taking her children to the park. Stay tuned for Erika’s big debut! Join us in celebrating Episode 100, as the Hosts field questions via a live Q&A webinar (recorded June 13, 2023) and designed to engage listeners and previous guests in real-time. We look forward to all that is to come for this podcast, continued education on current ESG trends, insightful guests, and actionable takeaways for ESG professionals and businesses. We’d also like to shoutout Yvonne Harris, who has supported the team as a co-host and producer, You can check out her latest episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jdKZ1pfwLc. Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and social media so that you’re notified of new episodes. Cheers to the next 100 episodes! Episode Resource Links Erika Schiller’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-schiller-2773a52/ Erika’s Bio: https://climeco.com/erika-schiller/ Kaitlyn Allen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-allen-sustainability/ Kaitlyn’s Bio: https://climeco.com/kaitlyn-allen/ Amanda Hsieh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/ Amanda’s Bio: https://climeco.com/amanda-hsieh/

This episode of our podcast honors Pride Month, celebrating the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community and recognizing the call for unity, greater visibility, and equity. ClimeCo, which powers this podcast, believes that supporting Pride Month aligns with its core values, particularly that of Stewardship. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is integral to our culture and we encourage all employees to use their unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas to help advance business outcomes and foster a space where everyone feels their viewpoint is valued. In this episode,  Yvonne Harris talks with Miriam Lopez, Founder of SeEQmore Consulting Group. Miriam is a strategic leader with over 20 years of visible achievements in business transformation, human resources, and performance management. Her passion for providing accelerated transformation, empowering individuals, and developing top-performing teams allows them to reach their highest potential. She is a lifelong learner trained in LEAN, Six Sigma, and Dare to Lead™. Born in Mexico City, Miriam holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing and Technical Communications from the University of Houston. Listen as Yvonne and Miriam discuss the investments that companies are making in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).. Miriam discusses why pronoun usage is essential and how leaders and organizations can facilitate this topic. Addressing someone by their correct pronouns is not just a formality but an acknowledgment that drives a more profound sense of inclusion and belonging to the individual and "people culture." How can corporations show greater support for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month and beyond? Tune in to find out!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!

This episode is a part of the ESG Paradigm Shift Series, where we examine different angles of the ESG phenomenon and its broader implications for finance and prosperity.  In this episode,  Kaitlyn Allen talks with Dr. Shiva Rajgopal, the Kester and Byrnes Professor of Accounting and Auditing at Columbia Business School. He is the Departmental Editor of the Accounting Track of Management Science and an Associate Editor at the Journal of Accounting and Economics. Professor Rajgopal has also been a faculty member at Duke University, Emory University, and the University of Washington. His research interests span financial reporting, earnings quality, fraud, executive compensation, and corporate culture. Professor Rajgopal’s research is in popular press, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bloomberg, Fortune, Forbes, Financial Times, Business Week, and the Economist. He teaches fundamental analysis of financial statements for investors, managers, and entrepreneurs and a Ph.D. seminar on accounting regulation. Professor Rajgopal was awarded the 2006 and 2016 American Accounting Association (AAA) Notable Contribution to the Literature award, the 2006 and 2016 Graham and Dodd Scroll Prize given by the Financial Analysts Journal, and the 2008, 2012, and 2015 Glen McLaughlin Award for Research in Accounting Ethics.     This episode is a refreshing change of pace as we review academic perspectives and how they add value to the ESG conversation. Listen as Dr. Rajgopal (“Shiva”) explains ways to interpret the ESG trend through the accounting lens. Shiva admits that he was once an ESG skeptic, but through research has concluded that ESG is a response to the inadequacy of traditional financial reporting to capture material risks in a globalized economy. Research drives academic conversations relevant to ESG, but they often stay within academia; Shiva encourages academics to join the conversation. He shares his opinion that accounting models and standards must keep up with times. Shiva helps us to re-examine some of our ways of thinking. Who is the mythical shareholder that we always reference? Is ‘long washing’ the ultimate ESG idea? Tune in to learn more. Dr. Rajgopal Forbes columns:: https://www.forbes.com/sites/shivaramrajgopal/#2cf290cb2294 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!

This podcast honors Juneteenth, which recognizes emancipation from slavery and celebrates the spirit of freedom. ClimeCo, which powers this podcast, believes that supporting Juneteenth aligns with its core values, particularly that of Stewardship. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) is integral to our culture. Encouraging all employees to use their unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas to help advance business outcomes and foster a culture where everyone feels their viewpoint is valued. While many in the United States may be familiar with Juneteenth, this holiday has become more prominent over the past few years. Fueled by social justice issues in 2020, Juneteenth's enactment as a U.S. Federal holiday occurred in 2021. In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Jason Edwards, the President & C.E.O. of Juneteenth U.S.A., the oldest Juneteenth nonprofit advocacy organization in the United States.  Founded by his late Father, State Representative Al Edwards Sr., in 1985, Jason's purpose is to raise awareness of the Juneteenth Holiday, support events, the arts, and education for that purpose, and encourage state legislative bodies around the U.S. to take up the law in their state legislatures and pass it as a state holiday. In addition to his "passion work," Jason founded Providence Realty Investors and P.R.I. Asset Management, where he is responsible for the development, asset management, and capital markets for several high-net-worth and family office real estate portfolios in the Southeast. He is a founding board member of the Atlanta-based Grove Park Foundation and President of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management Alumni Club of Atlanta. Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Morehouse College and a Master of Business Administration from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.  Jason's vantage point on the evolution of the Juneteenth holiday is unique and personal, as his Dad is considered the "Father of Juneteenth." He was present with his family as a toddler on the steps of the Texas State Capitol when Governor Bill Clements signed the law making Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980. Listen as Yvonne and Jason discuss the meaning of the holiday and its renewed importance to many businesses and individuals. Jason also gives sound advice on how corporations can leverage Juneteenth to further their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) efforts and their need for courageous conversations about racial equity in the workplace. To support this episode, check out the Black Equity Index - Coqual, and share it with senior leaders and diversity officers. Linked below! 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! Episode Resource Links: Jason’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkedwards/ About Juneteenth: https://www.juneteenthusa.org/ Black Equity Index: https://coqual.org/black-equity-index/ Harvard Implicit Bias Test: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/user/agg/blindspot/indexrk.htm

ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.  In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with  Denise Vaughn, Vice President of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) for Ferguson, a $28.6B value-added distributor in North America providing expertise, solutions, and products from infrastructure, plumbing and appliances to HVAC, fire, fabrication and more. As a member of Ferguson’s Executive Leadership Team member, Denise is responsible for the company’s overarching ESG strategy, ensuring integration into business strategy and operations. She works cross-functionally to identify opportunities and partnerships to help Ferguson deliver on its short- and long-term ESG goals, maximize impact, and effectively communicate with all stakeholders. Denise holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications and strategic public relations from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is an alumnus of the 2010 Civic Leadership Institute. She has attended executive development programs at Harvard Business School, University of Virginia Darden School of Business, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, and Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech. Denise is a strong advocate of community service and is currently on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the Newport News Educational Foundation.  The African Proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” is a perfect adage to describe the community support that organizations provide each other in ESG. work. There is always an openness to share best practices and lessons; this podcast further supports that sentiment. Listen as Amanda and Denise review the leadingb practices asics for creating and implementing an ESG strategy. Whether your organization has a more mature ESG program or is just beginning, critical points in this episode will help get you started or create a pivot to power more measurable results. 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! Episode Resource Links  Ferguson - Environmental, Social and Governance

ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.  In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Robin Ferracone, Founder and CEO of Farient Advisors LLC, a leading independent executive compensation, performance, and corporate governance consultancy. Farient Advisors assists clients in designing and delivering executive compensation solutions that support business strategy, talent development, and value creation platforms. Robin has led the strategic development and expansion of the executive compensation, performance, and corporate governance advisory firm. With over 30 years of consulting experience, she advises clients on business and talent strategies, executive compensation, organization, value management, and performance measurement. Robin also authorizes Fair Pay Fair Play: Aligning Executive Performance and Pay (John Wiley & Sons, 2010), has authored numerous articles, is a regular contributor to Forbes.com and Directorship magazine, and is involved in various national publications. She frequently presents for prominent organizations such as the Council of Institutional Investors and the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). While executive compensation can be loaded, this topic is a window into the boardroom and a barometer for an organization's overall approach to corporate governance. Listen as Kaitlyn and Robin explore why executive compensation matters to corporations, boards, and investors. Robin discusses the major trends in corporate governance concerning executive compensation: pay, performance, and strategic alignments. Increasingly, compensation metrics have ties to ESG and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) goals. Robin also highlights a few do's and don'ts regarding executive compensation and encourages organizations to have pilot programs before implementing lasting changes that will affect pay structures. This episode's information will help organizations discover the 'art and science' components that are key to any impactful executive compensation program. 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! Episode Resource Links "2023 Global Trends in Stakeholder Incentives: The Staying Power of ESG," the sixth annual report by Farient and its partners in the Global Governance and Executive Compensation Group (GECN): https://farient.com/2022/11/17/esg‐measures‐here‐to‐stayfarient‐ global‐research‐finds/

ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.  In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Dean Slocum, Founder & President of Acorn International, Acorn delivers the expertise that global businesses need to thrive in high-risk environments amidst community opposition, environmental liabilities, and shareholder activism. Dean is a leading consultant to international extractive industries for social, environmental, and sustainable development management. He has 30 years of experience in social and environmental assessment and performance improvement programs for industries, investors, and governments worldwide. Among his international recognitions is selection by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) to be editor and committee chair of a 2009 publication on environmental, health, safety, and social management best practices for the international oil and gas industry and a 2010-2011 SPE Distinguished Lecturer on The Next Generation of Stakeholder Engagement. Listen as Amanda and Dean share an Environmental Justice (EJ) 101 lesson with our listeners. The concept of EJ emerged 30 years ago, but it is a new topic to many. Collectively, we are learning how to implement EJ in ways that move corporations forward. Getting the efforts right can help current and future success. Dean discusses why EJ has recently become more prominent, three factors to ensure the energy transition happens, and the relationship between EJ and social license to operate. This work may feel daunting at first, so Dean offers practical tips to companies beginning their EJ efforts.   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!  Episode Resource Links ISSUE 54: WHY THE ENERGY TRANSITION WILL FAIL WITHOUT GOOD SOCIAL SCIENCE EJScreen: Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool | US EPA Explore the map - Climate & Economic Justice Screening Tool (geoplatform.gov) WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Environmental Justice and Congressional Leaders, Advocates Applaud the New Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool | CEQ | The White House

ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner.  In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Wil Srubar, Ph.D., Founder & CTO of Minus Materials, Inc., a seed-stage start-up commercializing a carbon-negative cement derived from microalgae. Dr. Srubar holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University and BS and MS degrees from Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin, respectively. Along with his role at Minus Materials, he is an Associate Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and Principal Investigator of the Living Materials Laboratory. He has raised >$15M in funding for his research and commercialization efforts and has authored over 100 technical journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings. Dr. Srubar’s work and vision are fueled by his deep-seated passion for leveraging what nature provides, and stem from his upbringing on his family's farm.  Listen as they discuss the new frontier of construction biotech, and what inspired Minus Materials’ microalgae technology. Concrete is the second-most used material on earth after water, so creating a carbon-negative version is a priority. Dr. Srubar challenges us to think beyond the non-renewable resources used in construction and consider the possibilities that renewable materials can offer as high-performing building products. How can we find efficient ways to integrate them into the current supply chain? 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! Episode Resource Links https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/green-tech/a40785162/microalgae-carbon-neutral-cement/ https://www.fastcompany.com/90777102/this-starup-is-using-microalgae-to-make-carbon-neutral-cement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LcAlFoepuw