CSO Impact Podcast

In this episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, Ann Tracy, Chief Sustainability Officer of Colgate-Palmolive, talks to Harald Neidhardt about her extensive career in sustainability, the challenges faced by the consumer goods industry, and the initiatives Colgate is undertaking to reduce plastic waste and promote oral health.

Tracy emphasises the importance of collaboration, data management, and the role of women in leadership within sustainability. She also offers advice for the next generation looking to enter the field, highlighting that every function within a company can contribute to sustainability efforts.

In this episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, Marisa Drew, Chief Sustainability Officer at Standard Chartered, talks to host Harald Neidhardt about the bank's mission to promote sustainability in financial services, the challenges faced in transitioning to sustainable practices, and the importance of innovation in addressing these challenges.

She emphasises the role of banks in supporting clients through their sustainability journeys, the need for private sector involvement in nature conservation, and her journey to becoming a CSO. Marisa also shares insights on the evolving role of CSOs and offers guidance for young professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in sustainability.

In this episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, host Harold Neidhardt talks to Katie McGinty, VP and Chief Sustainability Officer at Johnson Controls, and winner of the Silver CSO Award Europe 2025. They discuss the company's commitment to sustainability, focusing on reducing emissions in the built environment, innovative technologies like heat pumps and digital platforms, and the importance of collaboration with architects and engineers.

Katie shares insights on global initiatives, including a waste heat campaign aimed at harnessing untapped energy resources to drive significant reductions in emissions and energy costs. She shares her unexpected journey into sustainability leadership, highlighting her passion for technology and environmental policy, emphasising the importance of collaboration and leadership from all levels within an organisation.

In this episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, host Harald Neidhardt speaks with Sophie Beckham, VP and Chief Sustainability Officer at International Paper, and winner of the Bronze CSO Award North America. They discuss the company's transformation into a global packaging leader, the sustainability initiatives being implemented, and the challenges faced in the industry.

Sophie shares insights on biodiversity, forest management, and the importance of engaging with private landowners. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of the CSO and the need to inspire the next generation of sustainability leaders.

In this episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, host Harald Neidhardt speaks with Claire Lund, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability at GSK, who shares her journey and insights into sustainability leadership.

Claire discusses GSK's ambitious environmental goals, including setting targets for climate and nature, and the innovative initiatives the company is undertaking to reduce its environmental impact. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, curiosity, and resilience in sustainability leadership, and offers advice for future generations looking to make an impact in the field.

This is a special episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, recorded during the Sustainable Investment Forum at the Futur/io House, in Davos. Host Harald Neidhardt moderates a panel with three CSOs: Elena Morettini, Global Head of Sustainable Business at Globant, Nick Heine, CCO & CSO at IntegrityNext, and Julian Fieres, VP & Head of Strategy, Transformation, Sustainability & Digital at ZF Electrified Powertrain, ZF Group.

They discuss the role of Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) and the challenges faced in the corporate world regarding sustainability. The panellists share insights on their respective companies' approaches to sustainability, the importance of data in supply chains, and the integration of technology in achieving sustainability goals. They also reflect on the future of sustainability in the corporate sector and the need for collaboration to overcome challenges.

In this episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, host Harald Neidhardt speaks with Jan Artem Henriksson, executive director of the Inner Development Goals (IDGs). They explore the IDGs framework, which aims to enhance sustainability efforts through inner development, and discuss Jan's personal journey from the Soviet Union to Sweden, and leading a global initiative.
The conversation covers the importance of leadership culture, the challenges faced by chief sustainability officers, and the need for emotional maturity in leadership. Jan shares insights from the IDG summit and highlights the organization's global reach and upcoming initiatives.

This is a special episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, recorded during the Ethical AI Salon at the Futur/io House, in Davos. Our host Harald Neidhardt moderates a panel with experts Anna Gawlikowska (Swiss AI), Daniel Barcay (Center for Humane Technology), Danny Herrmann (Dynex Moonshots) and Daniel Erasmus (ClimateGPT and Club of Rome). They discuss the ethical implications of AI, a crucial topic for Chief Sustainability Officers, corporate leaders and every person who is working towards desirable futures.

The conversation delves into the intersection of ethical AI, climate change, and the role of technology in shaping a sustainable world. The speakers discuss the importance of embedding ethics in AI development, the potential of AI to address climate challenges, and the need for collaboration over competition in the tech industry. They emphasise the urgency of public awareness and policy changes to ensure that technological advancements benefit society as a whole.

To know more about the Futur/io House in Davos, and the other events that took place there, go to: https://www.futur.io/futur-io-house

In this episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, host Harald Neidhardt speaks with Anke Ehlers, Managing Director of International Sustainability at Aldi Süd Group. They discuss the evolution of sustainability in the corporate world, Aldi's pioneering initiatives in making sustainability affordable, and the challenges and achievements in the field.

Anke shares her journey in sustainability, the importance of transparency in supply chains, and the leadership qualities necessary for driving sustainability efforts. The conversation also touches on the future of sustainability roles and advice for aspiring sustainability leaders.

In the first episode of the 2025 season of the CSO Impact Podcast, we have a special guest: Michael Kobori, former Chief Sustainability Officer of Starbucks, and winner of the Gold CSO Award North America 2024.

Michael talks to Harald Neidhardt about his career journey, the evolution of corporate sustainability, and the importance of integrating social and environmental impact into business practices.

He shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in the fashion industry, innovative approaches to packaging waste, and the significance of investing in climate justice. He emphasizes the need for effective communication of sustainability efforts to consumers and discusses the essential leadership qualities for professionals in this field.

The conversation concludes with Michael's reflections on the future of the CSO role, advice for young professionals considering a career in sustainability, and with the annoucement that Michael will be part of the Grand Jury of the CSO Awards North America in 2025.

On our Christmas Special CSO Impact Podcast episode, we wrap up the year on a positive note! We will be back with new episodes of the CSO Impact Podcast in 2025. In the meantime, may all of us enjoy the holidays and rest and recover for an auspicious New Year! From snowy Canada, sustainability leaders Heather Deeth, Fanny Elias, and Laura Francois talk to Harald Neidhardt about the importance of emotional leadership, compassion, and community in driving change, while also addressing the challenges faced by Chief Sustainability Officers in their roles. They discuss their personal journeys in sustainability, the current needs of the world, and the evolving role of leadership in fostering sustainable practices. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of sustainability leadership and the hope for a more integrated approach to sustainability within organisations.

In this episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, host Harald Neidhardt speaks with Linda Freiner, Chief Sustainability Officer of Zurich Insurance Group. They discuss the critical role of sustainability in the insurance sector, the challenges posed by climate change, and the initiatives Zurich is undertaking to address these issues. She talks about the company’s transition plans, and how it was developed. Linda shares her journey to becoming a CSO, the importance of building a culture of sustainability within organisations, and the skills necessary for future leaders in this field. The conversation emphasises the need for collaboration, resilience, and optimism in driving meaningful change in sustainability practices.

In this episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, host Harald Neidhardt speaks with Rita Nabeiro, CEO of Adega Mayor and Director of Sustainability and Purpose at Grupo Nabeiro. They discuss the importance of sustainability in business, the legacy of Rita's grandfather, the founder of the family business, and the initiatives being implemented in the wine and coffee industries. Rita emphasises the need for collaboration, resilience, and a long-term vision in sustainability efforts, as well as the evolving role of Chief Sustainability Officers in organisations.

In this episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, host Harald Neidhardt speaks with Catharina Belfrage Sahlstrand, Chief Sustainability and Climate Officer at Handelsbanken. They discuss the unique business model of Handelsbanken, the integration of sustainability into banking practices, and Catharina’s journey to her current role. The conversation covers various sustainability initiatives, the challenges faced in the banking sector, and the evolving role of the CSO. Catharina shares insights on the importance of collaboration, the need for curiosity and diplomacy in leadership, and the emerging focus on biodiversity in sustainability efforts.

This is a special episode, in which we turned our book “Leadership for Sustainable Futures” into a podcast episode, using AI. The conversation explores the evolving role of Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) in modern businesses, highlighting their increasing influence and the challenges they face. It delves into how sustainability is being integrated into corporate culture, marketing strategies, and the importance of data in measuring sustainability efforts. The discussion emphasizes the need for continuous learning, collaboration, and personal connection to sustainability, ultimately encouraging listeners to reflect on their contributions to a sustainable future.

In this episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, host Harald Neidhardt speaks with Karen Pflug, Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA's Ingka Group. They discuss the various sustainability initiatives that IKEA has implemented, the importance of integrating sustainability into business practices, and the evolving role of the CSO. Karen shares her journey in sustainability, the challenges faced in transitioning to a more sustainable model, and offers advice for future leaders in the field. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration, innovation, and the need for businesses to take responsibility for their environmental impact.

In this episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, host Harald Neidhardt speaks with Inês Oom de Sousa, president of the Santander Foundation Portugal. They discuss the foundation's focus on education, its initiatives to support lifelong learning, and the importance of ESG literacy for companies. Inês shares her extensive career journey in the banking sector, talking about her previous role as Head of ESG Europe at Santander Bank, her achievements in establishing the foundation, and her vision for the future of education and sustainability. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of ESG leadership in corporations, the significance of biodiversity, and the essential qualities for future leaders in sustainability.

In this episode, Harald Neidhardt interviews Renee Lertzman, a psychologist and engagement strategist, about the intersection of psychology and sustainability. They explore how understanding human behaviour is crucial for effective climate action, the importance of emotional processing in leadership, and the need for resilience among sustainability leaders. Renee emphasises the role of community and relational dynamics in fostering meaningful change, and offers insights on how to create supportive environments for dialogue and connection at events.

In this episode, recorded at the Terra Tuscany Conference, in Italy, Harald Neidhardt interviews Sandrine Dixson-Declève, co-president of the Club of Rome and leader of the Earth for All movement. She talks about her journey in sustainability, the importance of policy, and the role of Chief Sustainability Officers. Sandrine emphasises the need for a moral compass in defining sustainability and highlights key turnarounds necessary for a sustainable future. The conversation also touches on the importance of hope and optimism in the face of climate challenges.

In this episode, Harald Neidhardt interviews Antoine Sautenet, Chief Sustainability Officer at Michelin. They discuss the role of the CSO at Michelin and the company's activities, including tire manufacturing, providing services to fleets, and promoting experiences through Michelin guides. Antoine talks about Michelin’s commitment to pay all employees a living wage: enough to “live in a proper way, and not only surviving,” as he says. Antoine also highlights the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in sustainability efforts. He discusses his background and career journey, as well as the challenges and achievements he has faced as a CSO, providing insights into the future of the CSO role and offers tips for those starting a career in sustainability. Antoine believes that geopolitics will be an important part of the role of the CSO. He concludes by discussing Michelin's initiatives to develop sustainable materials for tires, such as recycled carbon black and sustainable natural rubber.