CSO Impact Podcast

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.

In this episode, Harald Neidhardt interviews Tobias Wollermann, the VP of Corporate Responsibility at the Otto Group. They discuss the sustainability initiatives and strategies of the Otto Group, a value-driven family-owned company with a long tradition of integrating sustainability into its business practices. Tobias shares his professional journey, coming from a career focused in music and cultural projects. He talks about some of the projects he is currently working on, including the revision and development of the company's corporate responsibility strategy, the implementation of a new data architecture, and the development of a new climate strategy. He also highlights the challenges of data management and the overwhelming wave of regulations in the sustainability field. Tobias emphasises the importance of being a good listener, having analytical skills, and being able to inspire and engage colleagues as a CSO. He envisions a future where sustainability is embedded in the core processes of the entire company.

In this episode, Harald Neidhardt interviews Melanie Kubin-Hardewig, Vice President of Group Corporate Responsibility at Deutsche Telekom. They discuss the projects Melanie is working on, including climate engagement and circularity. Melanie shares her journey to her current role and highlights the challenges and rewards of being a CSO. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, communication, and collaboration. Melanie also talks about the future of the CSO role and the need for integration and engagement within corporations. She shares her proud moments and challenges in her career and offers advice for those interested in pursuing a career in sustainability.

In this episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, Harald Neidhardt interviews John Elkington, founder and chief pollinator at Volans, author of 21 books, and member of the Grand Jury of the CSO Awards North America. They talk about John’s most recent book, Tickling Sharks, and discuss the evolution of sustainability over the past 50 years. John talks about the role of the Chief Sustainability Officer and the future of economic markets. He shares his insights on the triple bottom line framework, a concept that he created in 1994 to define the necessary integration across social, environmental, and economic dimensions. Finally, he emphasises the importance of self-care for sustainability leaders, asking questions rather than providing answers, and getting out of comfort zones to experience the real world.

n this episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, host Harald Neidhardt interviews Nick Heine, Chief Customer Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer at IntegrityNext. They discuss the role of IntegrityNext as a supply chain sustainability platform and the importance of sustainability in procurement and supply chain management. Nick shares his journey into the role and highlights the challenges and achievements of IntegrityNext. They also explore the evolving role of the Chief Sustainability Officer and the need for alignment between legislators and the economy in driving sustainability initiatives.

In this episode, Harald Neithard interviews Andreas Wade, Head of Sustainability at Viessmann Climate Solutions, about his role and the projects he is working on. Andreas discusses the company's focus on decarbonization, sustainable design, and upskilling. He also shares his journey in sustainability, from studying Environmental Engineering to working in the renewable energy industry. Andreas highlights the challenges of building bridges between sustainability and the current business environment. He predicts that the role of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) will evolve to become more accountable and regulated, with a focus on sustainability accounting. Andreas also compares the sustainability landscape in Europe and the US and offers advice to newcomers in the field.

In this episode, Harald Neidhardt interviews Daniella Vega, SVP for Health and Sustainability at Ahold Delhaize. They discuss the role of a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) and the focus on health and sustainability in the food retail industry. Daniella shares some of the challenges in achieving sustainability targets, such as transitioning to a circular system and reducing food waste. She also highlights the opportunities in the food system to inspire customers to make healthier and more sustainable choices. Daniella reflects on her previous experience in the fashion industry and how fashion can become more sustainable. Lastly, she discusses the evolving role of the CSO and the importance of systems thinking and business transformation.

In this episode, Harald Neidhardt interviews Nicola Kimm, Chief Sustainability Officer at Heidelberg Materials, about their sustainability initiatives in the cement industry. Heidelberg Materials is one of the world's largest producers of cement, concrete, and aggregates. Nicola discusses their sustainability commitments for 2030, including achieving net zero by 2050 and capturing 10 million tons of CO2 by 2030. She explains that cement is responsible for about 8 % of global CO2 emissions, which makes it critically important to decarbonize the industry. Nicola mentions the three levers they use to reduce the environmental impact of cement production: product optimization, process optimization, and carbon capture. She also shares her career journey and the challenges she has faced as a CSO. She shares insights and advice for individuals starting as Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs), emphasizing the importance of working across the organization, understanding challenges, and exercising leadership. Nicola also discusses the role of the CSO in driving critical topics and the importance of having an outside-in perspective. She highlights the impact of circularity initiatives, such as fully recycled concrete. To know more about Nicola's ideas and trajectory, read her essay in our book "Leadership for Sustainable Futures". Keywords CSO, Chief Sustainability Officer, sustainability, cement industry, net zero, carbon capture, circularity, product optimization, process optimization, career journey, leadership, challenges Takeaways Heidelberg Materials has launched sustainability commitments for 2030, including achieving net zero by 2050 and capturing 10 million tons of CO2 by 2030. The three levers to reduce the environmental impact of cement production are product optimization, process optimization, and carbon capture. Nicola Kimm started her career as a manufacturing engineer and has worked in various industries, bringing sustainability knowledge and building strong sustainability strategies. The role of the CSO is evolving to become a board topic and requires T leadership, involving working broadly in the organization and adding value to the overall company. CSOs need skills in learning, building strong teams, influencing, and determining the right sustainability approach based on the company's challenges and maturity. Building a sustainability team requires the right experts and connections. Having an outside-in perspective and listening to external stakeholders is important for CSOs. Challenges for CSOs include the CSRD, EU taxonomy, and determining KPIs. Circularity initiatives, such as fully recycled concrete, can have a significant impact. Better access to concrete demolition waste and governance are needed to drive circular products.

In this episode, host Harald Neidhardt interviews Marc Buckley, founder of the ALOHAS Regenerative Foundation and a leader in climate activism and sustainability development. They discuss the evolution of the role of Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) and the increasing engagement of corporates in sustainability. They also explore the concept of a regenerative economy and the different ecological economic models that can be applied. Marc and Harald explore the concept of future fitness in regenerative economies, and the importance of sustainability as a mindset that should be integrated into all aspects of life and work. They also talk about Marc’s contribution to Futur/io’s latest book, “Leadership for Sustainable Futures” and about Marc's podcast, "Inside Ideas" https://www.futur.io/books/leadership-for-sustainable-futures https://www.insideideas.org/

In this episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, Harald interviews Márcia Balisciano, the Chief Sustainability Officer at RELX, about her role and the projects she is working on. Márcia discusses the RELX SDG Resource Center, a platform that provides information on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She also highlights the importance of integrating sustainability into all aspects of the business and the role of the CSO in the next five years. Márcia shares her journey in the field of sustainability and the challenges she has faced. She emphasises the importance of community building and collaboration among CSOs and offers advice for those starting in the field.

In this episode of the CSO Impact Podcast, we talk to Arthur Schneider, Head of Sustainability Management at the Bechtle Group. We discuss the role of the CSO in driving sustainability and the challenges and achievements of implementing sustainability practices in a corporate setting. Arthur emphasizes the importance of understanding the organization and building a network within it, as well as making oneself visible and showcasing the value of sustainability. They also touch on the role of IT in sustainability and the need for circularity and repairability in the industry. Arthur highlights the power of the sustainability community and the inspiration that comes from collaborating with peers in the field. Takeaways Understanding the organization and building a network within it are key to success as a CSO. Making oneself visible and showcasing the value of sustainability is important for gaining support and influence. The role of IT in sustainability is crucial, and there is a need for circularity and repairability in the industry. Policy making should be proactive in addressing sustainability challenges, such as AI's impact on energy consumption and resource use. The sustainability community is a powerful source of inspiration and collaboration.