ESG Decoded Podcast

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!

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