Adapting to Evolving ESG Challenges: Strategies for Resilience in a Changing World
As the geopolitical landscape continues to reshape corporate responsibility and sustainability strategy, businesses must navigate increasing fragmentation, evolving regulatory demands, and changing stakeholder expectations. Strategic foresight and adaptable planning have become essential for executives guiding their organizations through this complex period of transition. In this episode, Laurent Lhopitallier of Sanofi and Richard Gardiner of World Benchmarking Alliance explore the intricate and fast-evolving world of ESG reporting and strategy. We shed light on how companies can effectively adapt to new sustainability standards, align with established global frameworks, and leverage double materiality to enhance risk management and drive long-term value creation.Key learnings from this podcast:Gain clarity on the current state and future trajectory of ESG reporting, including the growing role of governance and data integrity.Understand the challenges posed by shifting regulations, such as the Omnibus Act, and how companies can plan strategically amidst uncertainty.Explore how ESG ratings are shaping investment strategies, the complexity of data quality and the need for methodology standardization.Learn how companies can leverage sustainability reporting frameworks to enhance sustainability efforts and stakeholder trust.Discover how assessing both financial materiality and impact materiality can transform risk management, inform strategic decisions, and support sustainable growth.Host:David Metcalfe, CEO, VerdantixGuests: Richard Gardiner, Strategic Public Policy Lead, World Benchmarking AllianceLaurent Lhopitallier, Head of ESG Performance, SanofiEnjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.
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46:22
From Obligation to Opportunity: Turning Sustainability into Business Value
With the regulatory spotlight on sustainability brighter than ever, most forward-thinking companies have long recognized that sustainability creates business value and opportunity far beyond compliance. By embedding opportunity-driven transformation into their core strategy, organizations are unlocking new growth avenues, fuelling innovation, and building long-term resilience.In this episode, Juan Aguiriano of Kerry Group and Mike Colarossi from Avery Dennison, challenge the view of sustainability as a compliance requirement and reveal how it can be a powerful driver of market opportunity and resilience. We explore the practical steps to embedding sustainability into your organization’s DNA. From critical governance and cultural shifts, to moving beyond top-down mandates and cultivating a purpose-driven culture that engages everyone from the boardroom to the frontlines.Key learnings from this podcast: Learn how to transform sustainability into a competitive advantage Discover strategies that drive meaningful and measurable sustainability change within your organizationUnderstand the pivotal role of strategic investments in accelerating sustainability progressHost:David Metcalfe, CEO, VerdantixGuests:Juan Aguiriano, Group Head of Sustainability at Kerry GroupMike Colarossi, Head of Enterprise Sustainability at Avery DennisonEnjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.
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49:06
Digitizing Sustainability: The AI-Powered Transformation of Business
The convergence of AI and other cutting-edge technological advancements with escalating sustainability concerns has placed digital transformation at the forefront of every organization's agenda.In this episode R. Mukund of Benchmark Gensuite and Lori Coombs, former NASA Sr. Principal Technical Manager and current DHS Sr. Networking Engineer, explore the critical intersection of digital innovation and sustainability, moving beyond buzzwords to offer practical guidance for Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) and business leaders. We examine the transformative potential of digital solutions, particularly AI, while addressing the crucial need for responsible implementation and a balanced approach to adoption.Key learnings from this podcast:Learn how AI empowers companies to analyze vast datasets, improve ESG reporting, and enhance disclosures, while addressing the challenges of AI adoption.Explore why enhanced data, robust governance, and streamlined processes are essential for sustainability success.Discover how organizations are moving beyond siloed approaches to embrace integrated strategies connecting finance, EHS, and sustainability.Understand how CSOs can engage diverse generations in sustainability and tailor AI-driven strategies for maximum impact.Host:David Metcalfe, CEO, VerdantixGuests:Lori D. Coombs, CEO at WWCM and former NASA Sr. Principal Technical ManagerR Mukund, CEO at Benchmark GensuiteEnjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.
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41:26
From Talk to Walk: Turning Net Zero Pledges into Real-World Impact
The era of ambiguous net zero pledges is over. It’s time for organizations to translate their commitments into concrete action plans and measurable results.In this episode Stuart Wright of Aviva and Simin Zhou from UL Solutions share their insights on tackling one of the most pressing challenges for sustainability and net-zero leaders: moving from setting ambitious targets to achieving tangible outcomes. We explore the practical steps, strategies, and innovations required to effectively implement sustainability programs and deliver real-world impact. Key learnings from this podcast:Explore the intersection of finance, governance and sustainability, and the increasingly important role financial departments play in driving sustainability initiatives.Discover how to set ambitious yet achievable targets, while ensuring transparency and accountability to stakeholders.Learn actionable steps firms can take to secure funding and deliver meaningful results that align with their 2030 net-zero targets.Understand the critical role of data, comparable metrics and performance-based reporting in driving sustainability and attracting investment. Host:David Metcalfe, CEO, VerdantixGuests:Stuart Wright, Operations Net Zero Delivery Director at AvivaSimin Zhou, Vice President, Strategy, Sustainability and Development, Software & Advisory – UL SolutionsEnjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.
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42:16
From Strategy to Impact: Accelerating the CSO’s Mission in 2025
As the clock ticks down and the window for action narrows, the next 5-10 years are critical for shaping the future of our planet. With 2050 climate goals looming, all eyes are on 2025 as the year for Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) to take immediate, measurable action in driving real change in global climate outcomes. The challenge, however, no longer belongs to CSOs alone—it demands full-scale collaboration across business functions to reduce risks, seize critical opportunities, and drive meaningful impact for the planet.In this episode, the CSOs of Virgin and Deloitte delve into the evolving priorities and critical challenges facing sustainability leaders as they prepare for 2025. They share valuable insights on balancing short-term demands with long-term strategies, embedding sustainability into core business operations, and leveraging technology to accelerate progress.Key Learnings from this podcast:From Vision to Action: Discover how CSOs are prioritizing immediate actions without compromising long-term sustainability vision.Securing Organizational Buy-In: Learn how CSOs are successfully integrating sustainability into organizational strategy. The Power of Storytelling: Understand the importance of impactful communication in engaging stakeholders, building trust, and driving organizational commitment to sustainability.Integrating Financial Risks: Explore the growing urgency of addressing climate-related financial risks and embedding them into fiscal planning for a more resilient future. Utilizing innovative tools to accelerate sustainability efforts and measure progress.Host:David Metcalfe, CEO, VerdantixGuests:Darshana Myronidis, Group Director of Sustainability at VirginSmruti Naik-Jones, Chief Sustainability Officer - North and South Europe & UK. Deloitte LLPEnjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.
Dedicated to exploring the scale, shape and velocity of change in the business world as our economic system adapts to sustainability challenges and climate risk, this podcast brings together leading change-makers for meaningful, in-depth debate.
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