Sustainable Edge

The Sustainable Edge podcast returns with a bite-sized episode that cuts through the noise on impact investing. Host Joachim Nahem sits down with renowned finance professor Alex Edmans to explore what it really means to invest for impact—and the caveats leaders and investors need to keep in mind.   This 9-minute listen is packed with bold perspectives and practical reflections for anyone navigating the evolving ESG and sustainability space.   Key highlights: Why some impact investing claims are overstated—and how to spot it The double-edged sword of ESG: long-term value vs. marketing hype Alex’s bold prediction: the end of ESG as a term—and why that might be a good thing

In this episode Jan Erik Saugestad shares his candid views on the role of investors in navigating today’s sustainability landscape — from the limitations of exclusion to the power of long-term engagement. With over €120 billion under management, Storebrand’s approach is rooted in the belief that sustainability isn’t a trade-off — it’s a strategic advantage. Learn about: Sustainable returns in a polarized world – How Storebrand is balancing investment risk with values, even as global commitments to sustainability diverge. The power of influence – Why nudging companies (and governments) can be more effective than divestment alone. The evolving ESG data dilemma – How to avoid investing only in good reporters, and instead focus on real-world impact. Nature, net-zero and next steps – How Storebrand is working to integrate biodiversity risks and solutions across its investment universe. Why values matter – How standing firm on sustainability is not just the right thing to do — it's a competitive advantage in today’s market. About Jan Erik Saugestad Jan Erik Saugestad is the CEO of Storebrand Asset Management, one of the leading asset managers in the Nordics with over €120 billion under management. With nearly 30 years of experience integrating sustainability into investment decision-making, Jan Erik is widely recognized as a champion for responsible capital and long-term value creation. Under his leadership, Storebrand continues to raise the bar for sustainable investing on the global stage.  

In this episode Simon Mundy brings a global perspective on the urgent realities of climate change and the business opportunities emerging in response, built from a long career covering the sector’s development. This discussion is ideal for business leaders navigating a world where sustainability is no longer a compliance commitment, but a competitive imperative. Learn about: The real climate front line – What Simon witnessed in communities from India to Greenland and why climate change is already reshaping economies. The collapse of the ESG bubble – Why major corporations and financial institutions are retreating from net-zero alliances—and why that may be a good thing. Cutting through the green noise – How businesses can move beyond empty sustainability pledges and focus on real impact. The US-China sustainability race – Why the battle for leadership in green technology is shaping global markets. The business case for climate action – How companies are leveraging carbon accounting, risk management, and innovation to drive profitability and resilience. About Simon Mundy Simon Mundy is an award-winning journalist and the editor of Moral Money at the Financial Times. As the author of The race for tomorrow, he spent two years traveling the world to document how climate change is transforming industries, economies, and societies. His work offers a rare, on-the-ground perspective into the winners and losers of the sustainability transition.

In this inaugural 2025 episode of Sustainable Edge, your host Joachim Nahem, Executive Chairman at Position Green, is joined by peer and colleague, Julia Staunig, Chief Growth Officer at Position Green. Together, they dive into the biggest lessons from 2024 and In This Episode: Julia Staunig draws from her impressive career in sustainability and finance to deliver actionable insights on navigating the current ESG landscape, even as it shifts and changes. This conversation is essential for business leaders who want to rise above the ESG “hype” and focus on what really drives value in today’s evolving market. About Julia Staunig: Julia Staunig is a seasoned sustainability leader with extensive experience in finance, consulting, and policy. From advising businesses on sustainable finance in Brazil to leading Position Green’s growth in the heart of the EU in Brussels, Julia has been at the forefront of driving meaningful change in how businesses approach sustainability. Her expertise bridges strategy, regulation, and actionable business solutions, making her a trusted voice in the field. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/position-green #esgpodcast #sustainability #sustainablebusiness

Join us for the final episode of The Sustainable Edge Podcast in 2024, where host Joachim takes us on a journey through a transformative year in sustainability. Featuring highlights from key conversations and forward-looking insights, this special episode is the perfect way to cap off the year and set your sights on 2025. In this episode: Revisit the year’s pivotal moments in sustainability, from groundbreaking policy shifts to innovative strategies that redefined what’s possible. Relive segments from the most impactful episodes of 2024, featuring thought leaders and trailblazers who are shaping the future. Learn about: Lessons from leaders: Insights from our favorite guests on navigating the complexities of sustainability in a rapidly changing world. Innovation in action: How companies are driving value creation through bold sustainability commitments. Evolving regulations: Recap the critical compliance and reporting updates that defined the year. Looking ahead to 2025: As we round off the year, our host Joachim Nahem takes the chance to look ahead as well, exploring the challenges and opportunities that are on the horizon for sustainability. Learn about the trends and strategies that will shape sustainability efforts in 2025 and beyond.  

In this special episode of Sustainable Edge, your host Joachim Nahem, Executive Chairman at Position Green, interviews David Carlin, founder of Cambium Global Solutions and head of Climate Risk and TCFD for UNEP FI.   In this episode David Carlin brings his wealth of expertise to explore the multifaceted impacts of climate risk and the urgency for action.This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in understanding the intersections of climate science, business resilience, and sustainable finance.   Learn about: Understanding climate risk: The diversity of physical and transition risks, from water scarcity to the energy transition, and how they cascade across industries and societies. Scenarios and surprises: Insights into unexpected developments, such as geopolitical shifts and non-linear climate dynamics, that reshape strategies. The future of commitments: A candid discussion about the limitations and potential of net-zero pledges, emphasizing the importance of credible, actionable plans over hollow promises. Global perspectives: How countries like Vietnam and India are balancing development and sustainability, and why emerging markets are crucial to solving the climate challenge.   About David Carlin David Carlin is a globally recognized authority on climate risk and ESG integration. As founder of Cambium Global Solutions and head of Climate Risk and TCFD at UNEP FI, he has worked with over 100 financial institutions worldwide. A thought leader on sustainable finance, David champions the importance of credible climate commitments and actionable transition plans. His work spans advising governments, corporates, and financial institutions, shaping the future of climate governance.   Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/position-green

In a special episode filmed live at Position Meet, our podcast host Joachim Nahem, Executive Chairman at Position Green engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Claus Meyer, the celebrated co-founder of Noma, and a passionate advocate for sustainable food systems. Claus Meyer shares his unique perspective on transforming the food industry to support planetary health, his experience in co-founding Noma, and his ongoing commitment to sustainable food production.   Learn about: The Shift to Plant-Based Eating: The importance of reducing meat consumption and adopting more plant-based diets to combat climate change. Sustainability in Fine Dining: How high-end cuisine can both influence and lead a more sustainable approach to food systems. Claus's Global Initiatives: Learn about Claus’s Melting Pot Foundation, which establishes food programs that empower local communities around the world. The Role of Technology in Food Production: Hear about the future of food tech, including Claus’s vision for fungi-based foods and local agricultural systems to reduce waste and foster healthier communities.  

Join us for an engaging conversation on the latest episode of "Sustainable Edge," where we explore the intersection of sustainability, impact investing, and technology. Host Joachim Nahem, Executive Chairman of Position Green, is joined live at PG Meet by Gustav Stenbeck, a unique figure who has evolved from being an environmental activist to a venture capitalist.   Meet Gustav Stenbeck, a former Head of Sustainability at Strawberry, the largest Nordic hotel chain, and ex-CEO of Mestro, a SaaS platform for energy efficiency in real estate. Now a venture capitalist, Gustav shares his remarkable journey and insights on leveraging investment to drive meaningful environmental change. He discusses his philosophy of balancing profit with purpose and the complex challenges and opportunities in the sustainability sector today.   Learn about: The evolution of the sustainability profession over the past decade and its integration into business strategies. How impact investing can drive both financial returns and positive environmental outcomes. The potential of tech solutions, including AI, to optimize energy efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of buildings. The importance of transparency and accountability in public procurement to combat corruption and enhance public trust. Gustav's unique investment approach, balancing impact with profitability and scalability.   About Gustav Stenbeck Gustav Stenbeck is a venture capitalist who started his career as an environmental activist. As the former Head of Sustainability at Strawberry and CEO of Mestro, Gustav has extensive experience in integrating sustainability into business models. His investment philosophy is driven by a desire to support companies that can both make money and contribute positively to the world. Gustav’s bold approach is built on the belief that true innovation should have the power to change the world for both the better and the worse, ensuring that the impact is significant and far-reaching.  

Tune in to the latest episode of Sustainable Edge, where we’re delving into the challenges CEOs are facing in order to champion environmental and social goals, as well as the strategies they should adopt to overcome them. Your podcast host, Position Green’s Executive Chairman, Joachim Nahem, is accompanied by Alison Taylor.  In this episode  Meet Alison Taylor, a seasoned expert in corporate ethics, as she shares her journey navigating complex business landscapes, building strong organizational cultures, and understanding the evolving role of sustainability, both in the U.S. and Europe. Discover what it looks like for businesses to truly do the right thing.   Learn about:  How CEOs can define clear environmental and social priorities. Building a healthy and ethical organizational culture amidst societal divisions. Navigating the large-scale shifts in corporate values whilst building trust. Comparing ESG approaches and regulation differences between the U.S. and Europe. The role of human rights frameworks in shaping corporate ethics. Challenges faced by Chief Sustainability Officers and board members in integrating sustainability into business strategies. The impact of transparency on accountability and strategic decision-making.   About Alison Taylor Alison is a Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Stern School of Business and former Executive Director of Ethical Systems. In her new book Higher Ground, Alison provides a practical and grounded guide to help companies navigate the evolving ethical challenges and pitfalls in today's corporate landscape. She has spent the past two decades consulting with multinational companies on risk, anti-corruption, sustainability, human rights, culture and behavior, stakeholder engagement, ESG, as well as ethics and compliance.  

In this episode  Meet Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance at London Business School, TED Talk speaker and bestselling author. Together with podcast host Joachim Nahem, he dives into subjects such as why ESG matters but should not be exaggerated when it comes to long-term value creation and why confirmation bias can be problematic. Listen to partake in his expertise and insights gained from years of research.    Learn about:  Why ESG matters but should not be overstated in the pursuit of long-term value creation The effectiveness of financial policies like carbon taxes compared to mandatory ESG disclosures  The role of confirmation bias and how a lack of solid evidence can harm the ESG movement How arguments from both ESG skeptics and evangelists are often flawed The growing student interest in ESG and its integration into business education   About Alex Edmans Alex Edmans is Professor of Finance at London Business School, TED Talk speaker and author, listed in the Financial Times Best Business Books. He has spoken at the World Economic Forum in Davos, testified in the UK Parliament and has written for the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and Harvard Business Review. His recent book May Contain Lies. How stories, statistics and studies exploit our biases — and what we can do about it is quoted as a “much needed antidote” and is listed as an Amazon #1 category bestseller in the UK and US.