Inspiring Perspectives

Send us Fan MailSarah Martinez is the VP of ESG at Prime Data Centers. She has also held sustainability leadership positions at Target, Clorox, and Disney. Prime Data Centers is an international co-location data center provider at the center of a fast-growing industry. That means they build, own, and operate data centers for tech companies, cloud providers, and AI companies, among others. Sarah discussed what she’s learned from various roles, companies, and industries, and how those experiences inform her work in the rapidly evolving sustainability landscape. Needless to say, she has keen insights on how to scale up sustainability programs successfully. Here’s a glimpse of some of the key insights Sarah shared:In all her roles, the issue most often discussed — and in the greatest depth — has been related to energy, climate and renewable power.Data centers are essential for digital infrastructure, and most of the companies that rely on these have energy/climate commitments.AI significantly increases energy consumption; we need to create a society where AI is enabling our growth and our knowledge, but in a way that meets the realities of the climate constraints that we face as a society.Sustainability roles are evolving to be more integrated and leadership support is crucial for sustainability success.When it comes to sustainability, curiosity and openness to learning are the traits that benefit corporate leadership the most.Building internal relationships is key for sustainability leaders.If we’re going to achieve the sustainability goals that were set 10-15 years ago, it’s imperative that sustainability has a seat at the decision-making table today.Spend time understanding the issues you should be focused on, what makes the most business sense, and the environmental and social impacts of your decisions.Links associated with our conversation:Sarah Martinez - Sarah on LinkedInPrime Data Centers - Data center real estate developersiMasons Climate Accord - Achieving carbon neutrality in digital infrastructure Canary Media - Clean energy journalism for a cooler tomorrowThanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #careers #leadership #professional #scale #advice #thinkparallax #success #esg #managementGot a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailCristina Lobo Guerrero is a third year climate change and sustainability consultant at the Big Four consulting firm, EY. Growing up in Colombia, Christina had parents who introduced her to the joys of nature and scuba diving, and since then she was sure she’d work in this field.While creating her specialized major in environment and sustainability at the University of Texas, and then pursuing a Masters Degree in Sustainability Management at Columbia University, Cristina started networking with people already employed at EY. Six years later, she landed the job. During our conversation, Cristina shares her journey into the sustainability field, discussing her experiences at EY, the nature of her work, and the challenges she faces in driving change. In addition to offering advice for landing a job like this, Cristina reflects on the reality of working in sustainability, the growing need for climate and sustainability professionals, and her hope for continued education and awareness in addressing environmental issues that affect most businesses today.Here are some of the key takeaways you’ll appreciate in this episode:While working at a Big Four firm never gets old, imposter syndrome is still a thing to be reckoned with.Consulting is rigorous and demanding, but it comes with its perks.A strong educational background will likely put you in the right spot, but it’s your network and persistence that will likely land you the job.Change makers take note: there’s only so much change you can drive from the outside of organizations.There’s a climate focus for every and any job. Know where your strengths and passion lie and integrate climate action into your skillset.Living and working in New York City can be awesome… if you’re up for all that comes along with it.Links associated with our conversation:Cristina Lobo-Guerrero on LinkedInEY SustainabilityEY Four Futures immersive experienceColumbia’s M.S. in Sustainability ManagementUniversity of Texas, Austin, B.A. in Sustainability StudiesThanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #careers #EY #Professional #Consulting #advice #thinkparallax #columbiauniversity #UTAustinGot a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailMike Schwartz helps drive corporate sustainability at Republic Services, a Fortune 300 company with 42,000 employees, more than 13 million customers, 17,000 trucks, 5 million daily pickups, 75 recycling centers, 5 million tons of materials processed in recycling centers, and upwards of 73 renewable energy projects. Needless to say, Mike, a former sustainability analyst and consultant, keeps quite busy.In this episode, we dive into:Recycling misconceptions Recycling technology and innovationsRenewable energyThe importance of leadership and governance in driving sustainability initiativesDuring our conversation, Mike shares the lessons he learned from his journey as a sustainability professional and his time at Republic — the wins, challenges, and opportunities ahead. We also touch on the importance of collaboration and partnerships, and the critical role of regulation in shaping the future of sustainability. Here are some of the key takeaways you’ll appreciate in this episode:Gaining leadership buy-in is crucial for sustainability initiativesExpect resource constraints and learn to work within themEngage and build alliances within the organizationSales and marketing are essential tools for sustainability advocatesLeverage partnerships to enhance sustainability effortsCommunicate the business case for sustainability effectivelyContinuously innovate and adapt to new sustainability challengesStay informed about emerging sustainability regulations and standardsLinks associated with our conversation:Mike SchwartzRepublic ServicesEcovadis - Business Sustainability RatingsUC Santa Barbara, Bren School of Environmental Science & ManagementCarbon Credit Capital | Practical Sustainability SolutionsBlue Polymers - Plastics recycling from curbside to consumer packaging, and back againRepublic Services and Archaea Energy Launch Landmark Joint Venture to Develop 39 New Renewable Natural Gas Projects Across U.S.Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #recycling #leadership #SustainabilityInAction #Waste #reponsibility #thinkparallax #RepublicServices #corporateresponsibilityGot a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailDavid C. Smith knows a thing or two about the evolving legal landscape that corporate sustainability is facing. As a law partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, and with a Masters of Law degree specializing in energy with a concentration in climate law, he is an expert on the risks, opportunities, and implications of recent climate legislation.In this episode, we dive into:Climate policy and complianceThe historical context of climate legislationThe role of federal initiatives like the Inflation Reduction ActThe emerging climate mandates that require companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions Climate-related mandates; specifically SB 253 and SB 261During our wide-ranging conversation, David discusses the implications of California's new emissions regulations, the importance of understanding Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and the role of legal counsel in navigating compliance. Not only is this an inspiring perspective, it’s also an insightful legal perspective. So, if you’ve been wondering if these (and other) legal mandates or pending legislation might affect your company, this one’s for you. Here are some of the key takeaways you’ll appreciate in this episode:The landscape of corporate sustainability is rapidly evolving and if you’re not well on your way, it’s time to get startedPeer pressure and investment are significant drivers for corporate engagement in sustainabilityReputational risks are a major concern for companies not adhering to sustainability practicesClimate mandates are transitioning from aspirations to legal requirements and California leads the way in climate legislation with some of the strictest onesMany companies will be required to disclose greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks by 2026 — is your business you one of them?Links associated with our conversation:David Smith, LL.M.Manatt Energy & EnvironmentCalGreen - California’s first green building codeCalifornia Air Resources Board (CARB)CEQA: The California Environmental Quality ActSB 253, Wiener. Climate Corporate Data Accountability ActSB 261, Stern. Greenhouse gases: climate-related financial riskIPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangeThanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #legal #mandates #climate #energy #compliance #thinkparallax #sb253 #leadership #sb261 #climatelawGot a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailVirgin Voyages isn’t like other cruise lines. They’ve set out to create an “Epic Sea Change For All.” As Virgin’s Sr. Director of Social Impact & Sustainability, Jill Stoneberg is captaining their purpose to make business a force for good and change the world for the better. In this episode of "Inspiring Perspectives,”Jill discusses everything that happens to make a voyage possible, “It's basically a small town floating on the water.” So, as you can imagine, strategizing how to make cruises more sustainable is challenging. A key component of Jill’s job is to work cross-functionally to make sure they are staying true to the company's purpose. Jill highlights the progress they’re making and the role that leadership plays in driving their vision forward.Here are some of the key topics and takeaways you’ll appreciate in this episode:Creating a sustainability program requires a strong foundational vision. Collaboration across teams fosters ownership of the vision.Sustainability is an evolving field that requires continuous learning.Engagement with stakeholders is crucial for effective reporting.Transparency in reporting helps build trust with stakeholders.A strong culture and defined values are crucial for success.Leadership support is essential for driving climate action initiatives.Building trust and relationships enhances collaboration in sustainability efforts.Understanding the culture of the organization is vital for sustainability leaders.Sustainability reporting can set a strong foundation for future initiatives.Inspiration can come from peers and leaders within and outside the industry.Links associated with our conversation:Jill Stoneberg, Sr. Director, Social Impact & Sustainability at Virgin VoyagesSustainability at Virgin VoyagesVirgin Voyages’ Sea Change Impact Report Virgin Voyages’ Climate Impact PlanVirgin Voyages - Sea Change Video on YouTubeThanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #strategy #communications #culture #impact #virginvoyages #thinkparallax #advice #leadership #seachange #impactthinkingGot a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailSam Vionnet is the author of the book Impact Thinking and the founder and CEO of Valuing Impact. The impact measurement consulting company uses innovative methodologies, data, and expertise to help organizations and businesses integrate the value of human, social, and natural capital into decision-making processes and corporate strategies.Sam says impact valuation is a means of capturing the interaction of businesses and their investment with society and monetizing it. They’ve developed an accounting framework clients can use to better understand and manage the more complete value that their businesses deliver to society.In this episode, we chat about the ideas behind the book, Valuing Impact’s approach to accounting for material benefits, and what it takes to get started on the journey to uncovering the value of your company’s impact on society.Here are some of the key topics and takeaways you’ll appreciate in this episode:Impact valuation is a methodology that allows companies to measure and quantify the social and environmental impact of their activities. It helps companies understand the value they create for society beyond financial profits. The utility of money varies across different countries and income levels, and impact valuation takes this into account.This field of impact valuation is evolving and is pushing companies to account for more than just their environmental impacts.; Valuing Impact accounts for social impacts at different parts of the value chain as well.Impact valuation builds on the existing LCA methodology and adds a layer of monetization so that the information becomes financial (think monetary units vs. metric tons). That's a language that the CEO and CFO will understand and perhaps be more inclined to act on.Your product’s environmental and social impacts often go well beyond the things you can see at the product’s finished stage and can be difficult to measure and account for. Look to experts for help.Companies can use impact valuation to prioritize their material impacts and make more informed decisions.Transparency and clear communication are essential when sharing impact valuation results.Links associated with our conversation:Sam’s book, Impact Thinking Valuing Impact’s eQALY Impact Valuation Method  Other resources from Valuing Impact Capitals Coalition The Value Balancing Alliance  International Foundation for Valuing Impacts Social Value UK, Social Return on Investment (SROI) Methodology  Social Value International, the Global Network for Social Value and Impact ManagementSocial Determinants of Health (SDH)Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #strategy #communications #valuingimpact #environmentalimpact #socialimpact #thinkparallax #advice #accounting #framework #impactthinkingGot a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailIn addition to being our Director, Communications Strategy here at thinkPARALLAX, Sami Grover is a communications strategist, branding expert, climate writer, and the author of the book We’re All Climate Hypocrites Now. In his recent article “Greenblushing: The Case for Honest Sustainability Communications,” Sami explains why companies (some of our clients included) are hesitant to be too bold, or to speak too loudly about their sustainability efforts—often for fear of inviting litigatory or even regulatory risk if something could be perceived as being misrepresented. You might have heard this referred to as “greenhushing.” What you may not have heard, is that Sami is credited with co-coining the term.In this episode, we discussed why he thinks there are several problems with this approach, and a better path forward: something he’s calling “greenblushing.” Here are some of the key topics and takeaways you’ll appreciate in this episode:First there was greenwashing, then came greenhushing, now Sami’s proposing companies start “greenblushing”Good sustainability communication is essential for cultural shiftsGreen hushing can hinder progress in sustainability efforts, hold your industry back, and leave money on the tableTransparency builds trust and drives real changeCompanies should embrace their imperfections in sustainability; as humans, we almost expect itMeet your audience where they are: engaging storytelling is crucial for effective communicationUnderstanding your handprint is more impactful than focusing solely on your footprintCollective, collaborative, and systemic efforts are necessary to tackle our biggest sustainability challengesGet more people on board—Sustainability should be a fun and engaging journeyLinks associated with our conversation:Sami Grover on LinkedInSami Grover, We’re All Climate Hypocrites Larry’s Coffee, Greenblushing example Ketan Joshi post on greenhushing as a trend New Climate Institute - “'Greenhushing': An emerging trend or sign of less greenwashing?” South Pole - Going green, then going dark – One in four companies are keeping quiet on science-based targets  The Potential Energy Coalition - Storytelling and marketing and to drive public demand and accelerate the global energy transition The Climate Advocacy Lab - Insights from climate justice leaders Good Energy - Climate stories for TV and film creators.Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #strategy #communications #greenwashing #greenhushing #greenblushing #thinkparallax #advice Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailAlyscia Raines is a workplace culture strategist and CEO at ADR Consulting Group, partnering with companies of all sizes to create an environment where every individual feels valued and empowered.Alyscia and her team are dedicated to fostering equitable workplace cultures that celebrate diversity and inclusivity—not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it's just good business.Whether you’re building a belonging and inclusivity program, considering one, or looking for ways to elevate the work you’ve already done, this episode is for you.Here are some of the key topics and takeaways you’ll appreciate in this episode:The risks associated with not integrating DEI into the mission and vision of the organizationCreating an inclusive and equitable workplace culture is essential for organizations to support their employees and improve performanceFor success, DEI initiatives should be tied back to strategy and align strongly with the overall business goals and mission of the organizationThe DEI space has evolved, with more organizations doubling down on their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion; even if they are re-labeling their programsThe evolution of the DEI space in corporate settingsThere are challenges and criticisms faced by DEI initiatives, but organizations should focus on the impact and outcomes of their work rather than the title or brandingStrategy and intentionality are key in DEI work, along with clear communication of purpose and goalsEmployee Resource Groups (ERGs) can bring value to organizations when well-run and aligned with the mission.Links associated with our conversation:ADR Consulting - https://adrconsultinggroup.com/ Alyscia Raines - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alysciaraines/ Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #dei #workplaceculture #strategy #sustainabilityadvice #diversity #thinkparallax #inclusion #belonging #people #equity #management #goodbusinessGot a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailBrittany Pettit is the Global Outbound Product Manager, ESG Management at ServiceNow, a cloud computing platform to help companies manage digital workflows for enterprise operations. With over 10 years of experience in the software industry, she knows a thing or two about the role of technology in the corporate sustainability space. We discussed the evolution of corporate sustainability and how it has grown in the footsteps of other more mature business functions like HR and finance; departments that have realized the importance of efficiency, good data, and recognized standards. The role of enterprise platforms in advancing sustainability and ESG reporting is rapidly evolving. We talked about how these powerful tools can streamline data collection, automate reporting, and provide valuable insights for sustainability professionals. If you’re spending too much time manually collecting data, Brittany offers advice for getting buy-in from decision-makers, emphasizes the importance of finding a platform that is configurable and can grow with the organization's needs, and outlines the key steps you’ll need to take when finding a solution for your organization. And, we couldn't help but touch on the role of AI and other innovative technologies in enhancing your company’s sustainability efforts.Here are some of the key topics and takeaways you’ll appreciate:Technology can help sustainability professionals demonstrate the value and impact of their initiatives, including new revenue opportunities and risk reduction.While technology is advancing, it is still important for sustainability professionals to have a deep understanding of their data and be able to interpret and communicate its significance.Enterprise platforms can streamline data collection, automate reporting, and provide valuable insights for sustainability professionals.Technology can help sustainability professionals demonstrate the value and impact of their initiatives, including new revenue opportunities and risk reduction.What to look for when it’s time to start shopping for an enterprise resource platform.How to pitch the idea to your CFO/Purchasing Department and why they should support you.Links associated with our conversation:ServiceNow - https://www.servicenow.com/ Brittany Pettit - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanypettit/ Bard MBA in sustainability - https://gps.bard.edu/academics/mba-in-sustainability Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #esgmanagement #enterprisesolutions #data #sustainabilityadvice #servicenow #thinkparallax #CSRD #GRI #sustainabilityreporting #strategy #management–Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailBrad Stevenson is the founder and CEO of Premiums for the Planet, an insurance membership program that unites climate-conscious organizations into a force for change. Insurance? you’re wondering. Yes, insurance. Brad believes that we can—make that should—harness the power of insurance to save the world. In our conversation, he explains how insurance companies, with their trillions in assets, significantly influence what gets insured and, thus funded, making them a regulatory force as powerful as the government, operating at the speed of business. Brad highlights the need for organizations to align their insurance policies with their sustainability and climate goals and the importance of collective action in creating a market force for change. Premiums for the Planet, he describes, was created to facilitate that very action.Some of the takeaways you’ll appreciate:It’s time for climate finance to be on your radar; awareness is growing and its impact is undeniableYour insurance policy may unknowingly be funding and supporting activities that undermine your sustainability & climate effortsFinanced emissions, including insurance and banking, play a critical role in driving sustainability and climate action and need to be addressedThe power of insurance lies in its ability to fund and support projects and activities, making it a lever for change in our market economyIt’s time to include your finance department in the sustainability conversation so your finance decisions can be a key part of your sustainable supply chain strategyYour insurance premium, money currently seen as a purely administrative cost, has the power to reduce reputational risk, add brand value, and make you a part of a visible climate action communityIt’s time to eliminate the stereotype that sustainability comes with added expense and effort and instead create solutions that create a better product, a better experience, and a better business valueYou have the power to help shift the demand in the market, and that has the potential to create real systemic changeLinks associated with our conversation:Premiums for the Planet - https://premiumsfortheplanet.com/Brad Stevenson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradstevenson/ Peak 6198, the Fim - https://sparkpurpose.com/perseverance-the-film/ Topo Finance - https://www.topofinance.org/ Clean Creatives - https://cleancreatives.org/ The Carbon Bankroll - https://www.carbonbankroll.com/ RMI’s Center for Climate Aligned Finance - https://climatealignment.org/ Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #climatefinance #financedemissions #insurance #sustainabilityadvice #premiums #thinkparallax #climateaction #premiumsfortheplanet #bcorp Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailAimee Griffiths is the Head of Social Impact at MoneyGram, a global fintech company, providing money transfer and financial services around the world. During our conversation we discussed how MoneyGram’s business is all about remittances, which are a lifeline for over a billion people living on less than a dollar a day in low and middle-income countries, and also how the company's commitment to social impact and sustainability is at the heart of its strategy. Case in point: MoneyGram is focused on reducing remittance fees (in line with The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10) and ensuring the safety and protection of its customers, who in many cases, are their employees. Aimee has a unique perspective because she worked in the nonprofit space for years, helping to drive positive impact on people’s lives, and initially came to MoneyGram to run their foundation. She realized early on, however, that there was an opportunity to do more than just write a check and their Social Impact program was born.Here are some of the key takeaways from this episode:Your programs have the best chance for success when you make sustainability and/or social impact a true part of your business.MoneyGram's social impact program features four pillars of purpose: corporate citizenship, philanthropy, inclusion and belonging and employee engagement.There are things that you should just do because it's the right thing to do, but a strong social impact program goes beyond that (and even regulatory compliance) and does more to protect and improve the lives of stakeholders.Find the business case for your social impact program; a business case can be made for reputation, for brand, for customer relationships, and more. Align with great partners to strengthen your impact programs, and to amplify your impact.Be intentional when working with nonprofits;  make sure you’re aligned.Give the nonprofits you work with a safe space to negotiate (and always send a donation with your volunteers :) The talent pool in this space is evolving - universities and colleges now offer social impact and/or philanthropy as a focus or a major, so people are coming into the job market with awareness and expertise.When building an impact program, move forward with intention and purpose, but be sure to always innovate, bring others along, and be decisive. Links associated with the conversation:Aimee Griffiths - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimeegriffiths/ Social impact at MoneyGram - https://corporate.moneygram.com/social-impact/UNSDG 10 - https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal10 Stellar Development - https://stellar.org/foundationRedRose - Empowering the Humanitarian Sector - https://www.redrose.io/  UNHCR - The UN Refugee Agency - https://www.unhcr.org/us/ Global Giving - Helping fellow nonprofits access the funding, tools, training, and support they need to serve their communities - https://www.globalgiving.org/ Save the Children - https://www.savethechildren.org/ Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailSheila Ongie, is our Head of Sustainability Strategy here at thinkPARALLAX and we thought this would be a good time, before we get too deep into the second half of 2024, to tap into her 15yrs of corporate sustainability experience to get a sense of what she’s seeing and hearing this year.In this episode we tackled a bunch of your corporate sustainability questions that are likely on your mind. We dove into topics like:How do you think clients are feeling about their sustainability programs/progress right now? What's stood out since the beginning of the year?What should practitioners keep an eye on as we head into the back half of the year?What’s the general mood in sustainability, CSR, and ESG?What's something you've seen this year that's making you optimistic? Is there anything that's got you down?What do you think sustainability pros are struggling with the most right now?What are you most excited about right now?For sustainability pros building next year's budget, what’s a “must include”?During the course of our 40 minute conversation, we uncovered Sheila’s thoughts on those topics and more. Sheila draws on her 15 years of experience in corporate sustainability in a brand, at a co-op, and at multiple sustainability consulting companies, nonprofits and industry groups to offer us a well-rounded perspective on what happened, what’s happening, and where we might be headed.Here are some links for topics that came up during our chat:Follow Sheila Ongie on LinkedInWRI State of Climate Action 2023 ReportTNFD (Task Force on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures)CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive)Convention on Biodiversity (COP16 Colombia)Produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #CSR #ESG #impact #sustainabilityadvice #corporatesustainability #thinkparallax #community #careers #consutlting #agency #careeradvice #strategy #communications– Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailKelem Butts is the VP of CSR Strategy at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and he believes that today’s most effective nonprofit-corporate relationships are not built on transactional exchanges, but instead long-term, strategic partnerships. Kelem’s perspective on his role and this topic is unique, because he looks at it through the lens of his 22 years at AT&T, where he spent most of that managing sustainability and charitable operations and partnering with the very organization he works for today.It’s likely that your sustainability program contains a community or philanthropic component, and if you’re not already, it’s time to look at it strategically. Your program should be both aligned with your company focus areas and goals, and be good for the community. In this episode, Kelem gives you permission to do something good, and be self-serving at the same time.Here are some of the key takeaways from this episode:With a strategic non-profit partnership you're helping your community and you're helping your company at the same timeThink of your charitable work as and investment, not charityAttitudes continue to evolve, the values of a company are much more important to Gen Z and MillennialsA strong connection between your CSR work and the goals of the company will engage more employees and lead to more meaningful impactIt’s important to keep track of the important data points you can use to understand your impact and the benefits to your companyTrust the nonprofits to be the expert in the field, consider them your community impact consultantsA strategic CSR program can help mitigate risk and strengthen reputationRelated links you may find interesting:United Way United Way, Metropolitan Dallas Aspire United 2030 Goals United Way - Digital Bridges United Way - A Q&A with Kelem Butts, our new vice president of CSR strategy Produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #CSR #Philanthropy #impact #sustainabilityadvice #investment #thinkparallax #community #charity #donations #unitedway #careeradvice #csrstrategyGot a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.– Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailOur guest this week, Ramsay Siegal, has worked in a variety of roles in the energy and climate space for the past 15+ years, and while she has watched it all evolve, she now views the sector from a unique vantage point; early stage investor. And one thing we learned in this conversation (and that gives us a bit of hope) is that Ramsay is excited about the future of climate tech.A partner at Earthshot Ventures, the $94 million climate tech venture capital firm investing across the climate spectrum - think energy, mobility, food and agriculture, industry and carbon - Ramsay has seen some very bold and innovative ideas come through their doors; some that won over investors, and others that failed to do so for any number of reasons. In this week’s show we sat down with Ramsay and asked her to share some advice for founders, sustainability pros, and those who might want to jump into the space.Here are a few of the things covered in our conversation:Everyone should learn to be a salespersonThe importance of good design (it could make or break your business)Staying out of the valley of death: Get buy-in and traction as soon as possibleThe correlation between revenue and impactWhy it’s a better time than ever to be in the climate solutions spaceWhy you should consider starting a climate-focused businessYou don’t have to have a technical degree to be active in the climate industryRelated links worth clicking on:Earthshot Ventures - Always looking for Pre-Seed to Series B stage opportunities across four main categories: Energy, Materials & Mobility, Food Systems, Industry & CarbonElemental Excelerator - A nonprofit investor focused on scaling climate technologies with deep community impact.Kanin Energy - Helpint heavy industry monetize their waste heat and decarbonize their operationsBreakthrough Energy Ventures - Inspiring the world to develop and scale the critical solutions we need to reach net-zero emissions—so everyone can enjoy affordable, abundant clean energy.Prime Coalition/Azolla Ventures - In June 2023, Azolla conducted its final close at $239MM, comprised of 1/3 catalytic capital and 2/3 impact-aligned investment capital.KoBold Metals - Finding the metals of the future with AI and HILilac Solutions - Scaling lithium supply for the electric eraMitra Chem - Innovating and commercializing iron-based cathode materials to enable mass-market electrification in transportation and energy storageCatalyst Podcast, by Canary Media - A weekly podcast with climatetech veteran Shayle Kann interviewing experts about the future of decarbonization.CTVC (Climate Tech VC) - Climate tech's leading perspectiveProduced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #climatetech #climatesolutions #venturecapital #sustainabilityadvice #investment #thinkparallax #earthshotventures #founders #policy #branding #marketing #gooddesign– Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailAdam Kotin is the managing director of the Soil & Climate Initiative, the first independent third-party regenerative agriculture commitment and verification program open to any farmer, in any production system.The Soil & Climate Initiative (SCI) is a commitment and verification program that empowers and incentivizes farmers and the agricultural supply chain to transition acres to regenerative management to maximize regenerative outcomes - soil health, biodiversity, water quality, climate resiliency and boost farm and rural community economics.We sat down with Adam to discuss the importance of regenerative agriculture and its role in addressing climate change across supply chains; perhaps even yours. SCI aims to catalyze the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices and provide tools and resources for farmers, brands, and consumers. During our chat, Adam emphasizes the significance of soil health and its connection to climate change mitigation and adaptation and builds a case for compelling storytelling opportunities. Here are some of the takeaways you’ll discover in our chat:Why Adam “would really like for everyone to meet a farmer.”Why regenerative agriculture offers a win-win-win opportunity by reducing emissions, drawing down carbon, and adapting supply chains to the future.How regenerative agriculture is a near perfect match to the definition of sustainability (as defined by the UN, Our Common Future).Engaging with agricultural supply chains is crucial for reducing emissions and addressing climate change.Consumers are increasingly interested in understanding where their food comes from and how it relates to the rest of life on Earth; be sure to play a role in that.How regenerative agriculture has been supported, and is currently being driven by brands themselves, companies that have set climate targets or nature targets, investors who are pushing them in that direction, and retailers too.Why engaging your agricultural supply chain is one of the few opportunities you have to reduce emissions and draw down carbon and adapt your supply chains to the future.How regenerative agriculture benefits can contribute to your scope 3 emissions strategyAnd much more…Related links worth clicking on:Soil Climate Initiative (SCI)About Wendell Berry (Pattern Thinking)Nutrient Density AllianceKiss the GroundThe Biggest Little FarmProduced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #regenerativeag #soilhealth #climatechange #sustainabilityadvice #sustainabilityleadership #thinkparallax #sequestration #carbon #farming #supplychain #communications #scopethreeGot a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailChristina Berger is Senior Director, Corporate Communications, ESG and Policy at ThredUp, the online resale platform that modernized the thrift store experience. On a mission to inspire the world to think secondhand first, ThredUp believes that thrifting can help solve the fashion waste crisis and move us one step closer to a circular fashion future.Whether you're an individual or a brand looking to resell your goods with years of life left in them, ThredUp has leveraged technology so that the process of buying and selling secondhand apparel, shoes, and accessories is easier than ever.In our conversation we spoke about ThredUp’s efforts to balance purpose and profit, and the myriad ways they are ensuring they can back up what they claim, and what (and how) they are communicating to their stakeholders.Specifically, we discussed:The fact that thrifting transcends generationsHow ThredUp uses life cycle assessments to quantify the environmental impact of buying secondhand and use that data to educate and engage customers. The challenges that have existed in building a complex reverse supply chain and processing infrastructure over its 15-year history. Why communications, public affairs, and policy work go hand in handThe importance of having credibility, trust and transparency in your communication and who’s holding them accountableHow ThredUp is engaging their audiences and bringing them along on their journeyWhy she thinks that sustainable fashion is the next frontier in policyAnd more…Related links worth clicking on:Impact at ThredUpThredUp NewsroomThredUp’s Annual Resale Report (Consumer study) - “most comprehensive measure of the secondhand market and resale industry”The Long Term Stock Exchange (LTSE)Greenstory.io - Transforming product sustainability data into commercial resultsAB 1305 Corporate Greenwashing bill, also known as the the Voluntary Carbon Market Disclosures Act,ACT - American Circular Textiles The Americas Trade and Investment Act, or Americas Act (Business of Fashion)Produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #sustainablefashion #circulareconomy #recommerce #sustainabilityadvice #sustainabilityleadership #thinkparallax #thredup #ESG #policy #communications #marketing #resaleGot a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailThis week, we sat down with Andrew Behar, CEO of As You Sow, to discuss the organization's work in shareholder advocacy and investing in alignment with values; two powerful concepts that can drive positive change and benefits for both shareholders and stakeholders. You’ll find the finer details in the show, but in general, As You Sow engages with companies (some of the biggest and most influential) to reduce material risk and improve their operations - thus improving their potential for revenue and yes, profits, but not at the expense of people or the planet. They file shareholder resolutions to initiate change and have had success in areas such as reducing ocean plastics, tackling climate change, and promoting diversity. And this isn’t just about institutional shareholders, we’re talking about small and individual owners of a public company as well.It’s a fascinating take on tackling sustainability from the outside in.Here are some of the key takeaways from our chat:Shareholders have power in holding companies accountable and driving positive changeWhile it seems daunting and sometimes confusing, individuals can invest and vote their proxies in alignment with their valuesShareholder resolutions have power and companies often respond positively to shareholder concernsYou have more power than you might know when it comes to making sure your money and your earnings are invested in line with your valuesFinding win-win opportunities is the best way to create the change you want to see (good for business, good for people and planet)Links for things we discussed:As You SowThe Clean200® - Research companies that are effectively balancing people, planet, and profit.Workplace Diversity & Financial Performance StudyAs You Sow work on Ocean PlasticsBusiness Roundtable, Purpose of a Coporation - An Economy That Serves All AmericansInvest Your Values online tool - See what's hidden inside your 401(k) or personal investmentsGoogle Employees Missed Out on $1 Billion Due to 401(k) Plan’s Investments in Fossil FuelsFossil Free Funds - Don't want your retirement savings invested in fossil fuels?Produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #corporatesustainability #esgadvice #shareholderadvocacy #sustainableinvesting #shareholders #shareholderresolutions #thinkparallax Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailAli Mize is the Senior Director of ESG, Belonging and Corporate Philanthropy at Neiman Marcus Group and while that might sound like a lot to juggle, Ali credits the group's sustainability advancements to a highly specific approach. And as you’ll hear, they’ve made some incredible progress.In our chat we discuss the importance of having buy-in from the top (and from investors) and a materiality assessment in place, and about scaling sustainability progress through partnerships. She highlights the socio-ecological model for change and emphasizes the need to consider individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and societal factors, and outlines step-by-step how they’re doing that very thing at NMG.Ali shares success stories, such as a unique dual reporting system they’ve put in place, the development of their Fashioned for Change and Conscious Curation edits they’ve rolled out across all shopping channels, a perhaps surprising partnership with the Humane Society of the United States, and more. There’s so much good advice in here, but here are some key takeaways:Scaling sustainability progress requires partnerships at various levels, including individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and societalEngaging customers as partners in sustainability efforts is crucial, and providing transparency and options for shopping in line with their values is keyPrioritization is essential in tackling sustainability challenges, and a materiality assessment can help identify the most impactful areas to focus onMaking difficult decisions (maybe stepping away from something old) often means there’s something new, and perhaps even more beneficial for the business right around the cornerThe socio-ecological model for change provides a framework for understanding and addressing the interplay between different factors that influence human behavior and changeCorporate political responsibility is an important topic that should be addressed in conversations about sustainability and ESGAli’s approach is thoughtful yet systematic, and ambitious yet achievable, and when you take a look at the progress they’re making across so many parts of the business, you’ll be inspired to get to work! And that’s exactly what she’s hoping.Related Links Worth Clicking:Neiman Marcus Fashioned for Change EditNeiman Marcus Group’s 2022 ESG ReportNeiman Marcus Group’s FY23 ESG ReportA source to learn more about the Socio-Ecological ModelSupplier Leadership on Climate Transition (SLOCT)Principles for Responsible Investing (UNPRI)The Sustainable Fashion ForumBergdorf Goodman Conscious CurationProduced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #corporatesustainability #esgadvice #sustainablefashion #sustainabilityadvice #sustainabilityleadership #thinkparallax #neimanmarcusgroup #valuechain #partnerships #change #retail #luxuryGot a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailDuncan Meisel is the Executive Director of Clean Creatives, a movement of advertisers, PR professionals, and their clients cutting ties with fossil fuels. Their pitch to creatives: fossil fuel clients represent a threat to our shared future. And since their founding, over 900 agencies have pledged to not work with them.In our conversation, we discuss how Clean Creatives - now a global movement - started after a realization that the creative industry plays a vital - even if sometimes unintentional - role in supporting the fossil fuel industry. Duncan highlights the importance of transparency and working with individuals and brands who are committed to climate action, and walks us through their Clean Creatives Pledge, their Smoke and Mirrors report, and the F-List. He offers advice for starting a movement and emphasizes the need to take the first step and learn from experts along the way.Dive into the episode to learn more and to hear advice and insights on:Why pledging not to work for fossil fuels polluters is the best way to show you are committed to a sustainable future for the creative industry.Leaning on experts who are keeping up with these issues so that you don't have to do it all yourselfStarting small - As long as your taking the first steps, you’re on the journeyAligning your climate values with your client baseThe real reputational risks associated with working with problematic industriesClean Creatives is taking a unique approach to climate action, saying that Sustainability is about your clients, not your company. In order for us to transition off of fossil fuels, Duncan says we need to wake up advertising, marketing, PR firms and agencies to say, “Hey, you can't, I guess for lack of a better word, be complicit in this with them. We need you off of these projects, so that the story can die.”Related links worth clicking on:Clean Creatives F-List - https://cleancreatives.org/f-listClean Creatives Learning Resources - https://cleancreatives.org/learn-2023 Bill McKibben - https://billmckibben.com/Heated, Emily Atkin - https://heated.world/Volts w/ David Roberts - https://www.volts.wtf/ University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership - https://cisl-onlinecourses.getsmarter.com/presentations/lp/university-of-cambridge-business-sustainability-management-online-short-course/ Comms Declare, AU - https://commsdeclare.org/  Creators for Climate - https://www.creatorsforclimate.com/Climate Designers - https://www.climatedesigners.org/ Produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #corporatesustainability #esgadvice #climateaction #sustainabilityadvice #sustainabilityleadership #thinkparallax #renewableenergy #cleancreatives #cleanenergytransition #marketing #pr #agencyGot a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailMaisie Ganzler is the former Chief Strategy & Brand Officer at Bon Appétit Management Company and author of the new sustainability leadership book You Can't Market Manure at Lunchtime: And Other Lessons from the Food Industry for Creating a More Sustainable Company.An expert strategic advisor with deep experience in scaling organizations, branding, cross disciplinary management, forging supply chains, and sustainability, Maisie paints a picture of what it takes to not only embed sustainability into every aspect of a company, but to also (perhaps most importantly) get credit for it. Her advice: align systems, be radically transparent, and tell your story.Dive into the episode to learn more and to hear advice and insights on:What makes for an effective sustainability leader in an organizationEmbedding sustainability and ESG work into every department because, spoiler alert,  it’s not just the responsibility of a sustainability team (she argues you might not even need one)Why getting credit for sustainability efforts is important for both customers AND internal stakeholdersTurning sustainability costs into revenue driversCapitalizing on your sphere of influence for quick winsTackling the tough stuff head on (and there will be tough stuff along the way)If you’re looking for advice from someone who’s been there and has built programs that scale, consider this: Maisie has nearly three decades of leadership experience and helped grow Bon Appétit Management Company to over $1.7 billion in annual revenue. The company operates 1,000-plus cafés for corporations, universities, and cultural institutions in 33 states, serving more than 250 million meals per year! Related links worth clicking on:The book, You Can't Market Manure at Lunchtime: And Other Lessons from the Food Industry for Creating a More Sustainable CompanyMaisie Ganzler on LinkedInHow the Humane Sausage Gets Made: Maisie Greenawalt at TEDxManhattan 2013Maisie Ganzler, Bon Appétit Management Co.www.maisieganzler.com Produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #corporatesustainability #esgadvice #sustainabilityadvice #sustainabilityleadership #thinkparallax #esg #stakeholderengagement #sustainabilitystrategy #foodsystemsGot a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailKristine Richmond is Sr. Director, ESG & Sustainability Impact at WM and she’s all in on the idea that it’s time to move from data to action; from the what to the how.With an impressive background in corporate sustainability Kristine has seen what it takes to build and maintain strong programs, and bring the entire organization on board to help drive commitments forward.In this episode you’ll hear advice and insights on:Moving from data collection to action on that dataMaking sustainability relatable Dealing with the answer, “No”Finding allies in the organizationReaching employees where they’re atHow best to prepare for the future role of sustainability practitionerWM has been tracking and reporting on sustainability data for years and has a comprehensive program that’s focused on just 3 priority messages featuring 9 key words. Learn more about their commitment to building a world where material is repurposed, energy is renewable, and communities are thriving at sustainability.wm.com.Related links worth clicking on:Sustainability at WMKristine Richmond on LinkedIn ESG Resource Center (NYSE) The decade of action (SDGs)Produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #corporatesustainability #esgadvice #sustainabilityadvice #sustainabilityleadership #thinkparallax #esg #stakeholderengagement #sustainabilitystrategyGot a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us Fan MailFresh ideas on corporate sustainability from leaders at some of the world’s most respected companies. Hosted by Derek Sabori, produced by thinkPARALLAX.Regardless of where you're at on the journey, if you're in the corporate sustainability space, this show is for you...Inspiring Perspectives is a sustainability and ESG podcast featuring fresh takes, bold ideas, practical application, and real-world sustainability challenges and solutions as told by sustainability leaders from a variety of industries who are doing the work. Produced by the team of experts at the sustainability strategy and communications agency, thinkPARALLAX, Inspiring Perspectives gives you a sneak peak behind the sustainability scenes of some of the world’s most respected brands and companies. Hosted by Derek Sabori, a Senior Director at thinkPARALLAX, new episodes featuring valuable takeaways drop every other week.https://www.thinkparallax.com/podcast#sustainability #corporate #strategy #communications #triplebottomline #esgGot a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.