Sustainable Edge

Join us for the final episode of The Sustainable Edge Podcast in 2024, where host Joachim takes us on a journey through a transformative year in sustainability. Featuring highlights from key conversations and forward-looking insights, this special episode is the perfect way to cap off the year and set your sights on 2025.

In this episode:

Revisit the year’s pivotal moments in sustainability, from groundbreaking policy shifts to innovative strategies that redefined what’s possible. Relive segments from the most impactful episodes of 2024, featuring thought leaders and trailblazers who are shaping the future.

Learn about:

• Lessons from leaders: Insights from our favorite guests on navigating the complexities of sustainability in a rapidly changing world.

• Innovation in action: How companies are driving value creation through bold sustainability commitments.

• Evolving regulations: Recap the critical compliance and reporting updates that defined the year.

Looking ahead to 2025:

As we round off the year, our host Joachim Nahem takes the chance to look ahead as well, exploring the challenges and opportunities that are on the horizon for sustainability. Learn about the trends and strategies that will shape sustainability efforts in 2025 and beyond.

 

In this special episode of Sustainable Edge, your host Joachim Nahem, Executive Chairman at Position Green, interviews David Carlin, founder of Cambium Global Solutions and head of Climate Risk and TCFD for UNEP FI.

 

In this episode

David Carlin brings his wealth of expertise to explore the multifaceted impacts of climate risk and the urgency for action.This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in understanding the intersections of climate science, business resilience, and sustainable finance.

 

Learn about:

• Understanding climate risk: The diversity of physical and transition risks, from water scarcity to the energy transition, and how they cascade across industries and societies.

• Scenarios and surprises: Insights into unexpected developments, such as geopolitical shifts and non-linear climate dynamics, that reshape strategies.

• The future of commitments: A candid discussion about the limitations and potential of net-zero pledges, emphasizing the importance of credible, actionable plans over hollow promises.

• Global perspectives: How countries like Vietnam and India are balancing development and sustainability, and why emerging markets are crucial to solving the climate challenge.

 

About David Carlin

David Carlin is a globally recognized authority on climate risk and ESG integration. As founder of Cambium Global Solutions and head of Climate Risk and TCFD at UNEP FI, he has worked with over 100 financial institutions worldwide. A thought leader on sustainable finance, David champions the importance of credible climate commitments and actionable transition plans. His work spans advising governments, corporates, and financial institutions, shaping the future of climate governance.

 

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/position-green

In a special episode filmed live at Position Meet, our podcast host Joachim Nahem, Executive Chairman at Position Green engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Claus Meyer, the celebrated co-founder of Noma, and a passionate advocate for sustainable food systems.

Claus Meyer shares his unique perspective on transforming the food industry to support planetary health, his experience in co-founding Noma, and his ongoing commitment to sustainable food production.

 

Learn about:

• The Shift to Plant-Based Eating: The importance of reducing meat consumption and adopting more plant-based diets to combat climate change.

• Sustainability in Fine Dining: How high-end cuisine can both influence and lead a more sustainable approach to food systems.

• Claus's Global Initiatives: Learn about Claus’s Melting Pot Foundation, which establishes food programs that empower local communities around the world.

• The Role of Technology in Food Production: Hear about the future of food tech, including Claus’s vision for fungi-based foods and local agricultural systems to reduce waste and foster healthier communities.

 

Join us for an engaging conversation on the latest episode of "Sustainable Edge," where we explore the intersection of sustainability, impact investing, and technology. Host Joachim Nahem, Executive Chairman of Position Green, is joined live at PG Meet by Gustav Stenbeck, a unique figure who has evolved from being an environmental activist to a venture capitalist.

 

Meet Gustav Stenbeck, a former Head of Sustainability at Strawberry, the largest Nordic hotel chain, and ex-CEO of Mestro, a SaaS platform for energy efficiency in real estate. Now a venture capitalist, Gustav shares his remarkable journey and insights on leveraging investment to drive meaningful environmental change. He discusses his philosophy of balancing profit with purpose and the complex challenges and opportunities in the sustainability sector today.

 

Learn about:

• The evolution of the sustainability profession over the past decade and its integration into business strategies.

• How impact investing can drive both financial returns and positive environmental outcomes.

• The potential of tech solutions, including AI, to optimize energy efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of buildings.

• The importance of transparency and accountability in public procurement to combat corruption and enhance public trust.

• Gustav's unique investment approach, balancing impact with profitability and scalability.

 

About Gustav Stenbeck

Gustav Stenbeck is a venture capitalist who started his career as an environmental activist. As the former Head of Sustainability at Strawberry and CEO of Mestro, Gustav has extensive experience in integrating sustainability into business models. His investment philosophy is driven by a desire to support companies that can both make money and contribute positively to the world. Gustav’s bold approach is built on the belief that true innovation should have the power to change the world for both the better and the worse, ensuring that the impact is significant and far-reaching.

 

Tune in to the latest episode of Sustainable Edge, where we’re delving into the challenges CEOs are facing in order to champion environmental and social goals, as well as the strategies they should adopt to overcome them. Your podcast host, Position Green’s Executive Chairman, Joachim Nahem, is accompanied by Alison Taylor. 

In this episode 

Meet Alison Taylor, a seasoned expert in corporate ethics, as she shares her journey navigating complex business landscapes, building strong organizational cultures, and understanding the evolving role of sustainability, both in the U.S. and Europe. Discover what it looks like for businesses to truly do the right thing.

 

Learn about: 

• How CEOs can define clear environmental and social priorities.

• Building a healthy and ethical organizational culture amidst societal divisions.

• Navigating the large-scale shifts in corporate values whilst building trust.

• Comparing ESG approaches and regulation differences between the U.S. and Europe.

• The role of human rights frameworks in shaping corporate ethics.

• Challenges faced by Chief Sustainability Officers and board members in integrating sustainability into business strategies.

• The impact of transparency on accountability and strategic decision-making.

 

About Alison Taylor

Alison is a Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Stern School of Business and former Executive Director of Ethical Systems. In her new book Higher Ground, Alison provides a practical and grounded guide to help companies navigate the evolving ethical challenges and pitfalls in today's corporate landscape. She has spent the past two decades consulting with multinational companies on risk, anti-corruption, sustainability, human rights, culture and behavior, stakeholder engagement, ESG, as well as ethics and compliance.

 

In this episode 

Meet Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance at London Business School, TED Talk speaker and bestselling author. Together with podcast host Joachim Nahem, he dives into subjects such as why ESG matters but should not be exaggerated when it comes to long-term value creation and why confirmation bias can be problematic. Listen to partake in his expertise and insights gained from years of research. 

 

Learn about: 

• Why ESG matters but should not be overstated in the pursuit of long-term value creation

• The effectiveness of financial policies like carbon taxes compared to mandatory ESG disclosures 

• The role of confirmation bias and how a lack of solid evidence can harm the ESG movement

• How arguments from both ESG skeptics and evangelists are often flawed

• The growing student interest in ESG and its integration into business education

 

About Alex Edmans

Alex Edmans is Professor of Finance at London Business School, TED Talk speaker and author, listed in the Financial Times Best Business Books. He has spoken at the World Economic Forum in Davos, testified in the UK Parliament and has written for the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and Harvard Business Review. His recent book May Contain Lies. How stories, statistics and studies exploit our biases — and what we can do about it is quoted as a “much needed antidote” and is listed as an Amazon #1 category bestseller in the UK and US.

In this episode of Sustainable Edge, our host Joachim Nahem is accompanied by Nina Rawal, Partner at Trill Impact Advisory and Co-Head of Impact Ventures. They delve into the challenges and opportunities in impact investing, the role of venture capital in driving innovation, and the importance of measuring impact through frameworks like the theory of change. Nina emphasizes the need for transformative technologies to address health inequalities and improve access to healthcare globally. Listen in to hear about the transformative potential of impact investing.

Key Learning from this episode:

• Listen to innovative examples of how impact investments are making a difference

• Learn about the frameworks and metrics used to ensure that investments are not only profitable but also create measurable social impact 

• Discover how venture capital is pioneering advancements in therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics, and medical devices, with a special focus on historically overlooked geographies

About Nina Rawal:

Nina Rawal, Partner at Trill Impact Advisory and Co-Head of Impact Ventures, brings extensive experience from leadership roles at Industrifonden and Gambro, alongside consulting with Boston Consulting Group. With an academic background in Biomedicine and Molecular Neurobiology from Karolinska Institutet, her contributions extend to serving on boards like Cinclus Pharma and Stockholms Sjukhem, earning recognition as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

 

In this episode of the Sustainable Edge podcast, host Joachim Nahem explores why Gen Z is flocking to sustainability careers. This months guest Pola Nachyla shares her journey into sustainability, driven by the Japanese concept of ikigai. They discuss the shift towards pragmatic sustainability and how Pola's role as a Senior Associate and Sustainability Manager aligns with her passion and purpose. From personal lifestyle choices to tracking Position Green's impact, Pola emphasizes consistency over perfection in sustainability. Tune in for insights on driving change and living purposefully.

 

Pola is a sustainability professional working at Position Green on various projects including sustainability strategy, reporting and climate target setting and actions. Sectors she worked in include logistics, finance, luxury goods and technology. She is also responsible for Position Green’s own sustainability practices and reporting.

Previously she worked in impact investing and academia in the areas of sustainability. Pola is a graduate of two top business schools: IE University (Spain) and HEC Paris (France). She has stayed one foot in the academic world as she is a published author and a guest lecturer in impact investing at IE Business School. She also has Law in Sustainability education from Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment and is a certified IEMA Environmental Management Practicioner.

Pia Heidenmark Cook, acclaimed sustainability leader and former CSO at IKEA, sits down with Position Green Executive Chair Joachim Nahem in our latest episode.

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Listen to one of the world’s top sustainability influencers give advice on effective change management and how to ‘interpret the outside for the inside’ in driving your company’s strategic transformation. Pia shares insights from her time as Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA and discusses the untapped potential of sustainability reporting. Can double materiality be used as a tool for building a more robust and competitive business?

 

About Pia Heidenmark Cook

Pia is a senior ESG and sustainability leader, executive and advisor with over 25 years of global industry experience spanning multiple sectors, including professional services, healthcare, sports retail, sustainable materials and hospitality. During her tenure as IKEA’s Chief Sustainability Officer in 2017-2021, it became one of the top three sustainability brands ranked by Globescan.

Pia is also a frequent keynote speaker at high-profile conferences and events including for the UN, World Economic Forum and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. She has been named one of the top 10 female leaders in sustainability by the WBCSD and one of the top 20 sustainability influencers on LinkedIn by the CEO Magazine.

Andreas Rasche, Professor at the Centre for Sustainability at Copenhagen Business School, joins host and Position Green Executive Chair Joachim Nahem for this latest episode.

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How can companies turn the perceived burden of ESG reporting into a benefit? And does sustainability performance actually pay at the end of the day? Acclaimed thought leader Andreas Rasche shares unique insights on the shifting compliance landscape and how sustainability is being talked about behind boardroom doors. As ESG moves further into the hard law domain, can a proactive mindset in the boardroom be the key to unlocking long-term business value?

 

About Andreas Rasche

Andreas is a Professor of Business in Society at the Centre for Sustainability, Copenhagen Business School, where he conducts research and teaching on corporate sustainability with a focus on ESG, governance and sustainable finance. He also serves as Associate Dean for the CBS Full-Time MBA program. Andreas has worked for and collaborated with the UN Global Compact on a number of projects, and he currently serves as Associate Editor of Business Ethics Quarterly.

Read more at http://www.arasche.com/

In our new episode, Kiran Aziz, Head of Responsible Investments at KLP, sits down with Joachim Nahem, Executive Chair at Position Green.

In this episode

Kicking the can down to 2050 is not enough. Listen as Kiran reveals the art of the long game in responsible investment, where long- and short-term sustainability goals are a must in the investment considerations of pensions behemoth KLP. Hear how dynamic engagement with board and management can nurture ESG strategies across more than 7,000 companies. And find out how a good grasp of long-term value drivers can prove invaluable in your corporate ESG journey.

About KLP

KLP is Norway's largest life insurance company. It manages the pension assets of over 550,000 Norwegians and has over $70 billion of assets under management. KLP has embedded ESG in its investment strategy for more than 20 years and is seen as a leading actor on responsible investments.

Kiran is responsible for ownership and responsible investment activities at KLP. She is also a columnist for E24, which is Norway’s largest online newspaper for finance and business, and an Advisory board member for ESG for Boards. Prior to joining KLP, Kiran was a lawyer, lecturer and researcher and she currently sits on the board of the Norwegian Refugee Council, one of the world`s largest humanitarian organisations for displaced people.

 

Christina Downend, Head of Climate Change and Sustainability at Dunelm, joins host Joachim Nahem for our latest episode

In this episode

Christina delves into the give and take at the forefront of supply chain sustainability and whether ESG regulations are a case of the tail wagging the dog. Get unique insights on why delivering sustainability in an affordable way to consumers has become mission-critical for net zero targets. This episode also unpacks the question: Is the inherent ambition of sustainability professionals to not be needed in the future? Listen in to hear how retail giant Dunelm is innovating on the front line of sustainable enterprise.

About Dunelm

Dunelm is one of the largest UK homeware retail companies. Listed on the FTSE250 index of the London Stock Exchange and with an annual revenue of over £1.64bn, Dunelm is one of the most recognisable British household names, with hundreds of superstores across the country.

Christina has been responsible for co-creating Dunelm's first credible environmental sustainability strategy and has led the submission of their net zero and 2030 carbon reduction targets which have been validated by the SBTi. In her previous role, Christina headed the project that in 2017 saw Tesco become the first British company to set an SBTi-approved carbon reduction target aligned to the 1.5-degree limit.

 

In this episode

Alexandra shares her insights on the ESG cultural (re)evolution for fund managers and whether sustainability actually means anything for the bottom line of companies. This episode gives you further answers to: Where has the finance industry come up short in ESG integration? Is engaging rather than excluding companies the key to creating actual impact from an investor perspective? Get fresh takes on why ESG training is crucial for portfolio managers and how Alexandra has spearheaded an industry initiative to increase female leadership within finance.

 

About SKAGEN Funds

SKAGEN Funds is a Norwegian fund management company and global investor with a long and successful history of managing equity and fixed income funds. They currently have around EUR 6.6 billion under management and have incorporated ESG into their investment process since 2002. SKAGEN’s objective is to provide the best possible risk-adjusted returns, communication and service.

Alexandra Morris is Investment Director at SKAGEN and has overall responsibility for the portfolio team and the investments in SKAGEN’s funds. She is responsible for ensuring that SKAGEN’s value-based investment philosophy is adhered to. Alexandra actively promotes the finance industry as an attractive career for women through multiple channels as Leader of KIFF Women in Front-end Finance, speaking engagements and op-eds.

 

In this episode, your host Joachim Nahem sits down with Hugo Munthe-Kaas, Head of Compliance at DLA Piper Norway.

With a spotlight on the tsunami of new ESG regulations in the EU and beyond, Joachim and Hugo discuss the challenge of compliance across multiple jurisdictions for global companies, the growing focus on supply chain due diligence, and the EU’s role in setting a global standard. Do we need single jurisdiction laws in Europe given the potential for overarching global standards? And is ESG reporting at risk of becoming a box-ticking exercise with no real-world impact? Get unique insights into the path ahead for sustainable business.

About DLA Piper

DLA Piper is a global law firm that assists with corporate law legal services for national and international companies, organisations and public administration. They are committed to taking action on climate change and managing the firm’s sustainability with a strong focus on energy, carbon emissions, waste and procurement.

Hugo Munthe-Kaas heads DLA Piper Norway’s compliance and risk management group. He advises both Norwegian and multinational companies on issues related to international trade, economic sanctions, ESG, anti-corruption, AML, FDI and export control. Hugo is also ranked as one of Norway's leading lawyers within compliance with both Chambers & Partners and Finansavisen’s Lawyer Survey.

DLP Piper was a co-organiser of the 2023 ESG100 analysis and launch event.

In this inaugural episode of Sustainable Edge, your host Joachim Nahem is joined by Hege Marie Norheim, Executive VP at FREYR Battery. Delving into the heart of the green transition, they explore how FREYR aims to provide industrial scale clean battery solutions to reduce global emissions. Hege Marie shares the company's journey from conception to listing on the New York Stock Exchange, their commitment to a sustainable value chain, and why having a green product is not enough to make the future green.

Listen in as they tackle topics ranging from ESG materiality, human rights in supply chains, and global regulations to the Inflation Reduction Act and the rise of green energy infrastructure.