Category: Sustainable Investing

Beyond Profits: Investing for a Sustainable Tomorrow (Ep. 102)

Beyond Profits: Investing for a Sustainable Tomorrow (Ep. 102)

Is your investment portfolio merely a financial plan, or it’s just a catalyst for worldwide change?

Wondering how your investments can help save the planet?

Join Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen in a groundbreaking episode where they unravel the mysteries of a circular economy and regenerative capital. 

This pivotal discussion challenges traditional investment norms, introducing a new age of sustainable impact investing that aligns deeply with personal values and plays an active role in global environmental and societal rejuvenation.

Key discussion points include:

  • How a circular economy ties into everyday activities like recycling and reusing
  • Ways investments in regenerative capital can foster environmental and societal healing
  • The crucial role of regenerative agriculture in shaping sustainable agriculture and influencing future investment trends
  • Some challenges of transitioning to a green economy, with a special focus on crucial materials like copper for sustainable technologies
  • The ethical and cultural evolution in resource management and investment (crucial for crafting a sustainable future)
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen:

The Secret Sauce of Shareholder Engagement with Jonas Kron (Ep. 101)

The Secret Sauce of Shareholder Engagement with Jonas Kron (Ep. 101)

Are corporations genuinely keeping their promises?

In this revealing episode, Kimberly Griego-Kiel sits down with Jonas Kron, Chief Advocacy Officer at Trillium Asset Management, to unravel labor rights intricacies, shareholder proposal complexities, and how global companies are held accountable. 

Jonas, acclaimed by Fast Company for championing worker rights, explores the depths of Trillium’s advocacy, tracing its roots and confronting the challenges to make corporations accountable.

Throughout this interview, Kimberly and Jonas discuss:

  • How Trillium’s dedication to advocacy stood for LGBTQ rights way ahead of the curve
  • How shareholder resolutions truly work 
  • Why companies aren’t spending their money where they say they are 
  • How silenced voices are now echoing in boardrooms
  • What you don’t know about unionized battles and unsung worker challenges
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Jonas Kron:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen:

About Our Guest:

Jonas Kron, Senior Vice President and Director of Shareholder Advocacy, Trillium Asset Management

Jonas Kron is a senior vice president and Trillium’s Director of Shareholder Advocacy. With over fifteen years of experience in shareholder advocacy, Jonas is responsible for leading and coordinating Trillium’s extensive advocacy program, which works to engage companies on their environmental and social performance. His advocacy work includes direct communications with company leadership, investor education and awareness, shareholder proposals, and public policy advocacy at the municipal, state, and federal levels. Jonas is a member of the US SIF’s Policy Committee. As a recognized legal expert in the field and a leader in shareholder advocacy, Jonas regularly represents Trillium in the media, at public events, and with clients. Jonas holds a J.D. and master’s degree from Vermont Law School.

The Economic Principles of a Circular Economy (Ep. 100)

The Economic Principles of a Circular Economy (Ep. 100)

Did you ever imagine that your money could be the hero Earth needs?

Your dollar does more than you think.

From standout conversations to game-changing summits, discover what’s shaping the sustainable future in this informative TED Talk-style (milestone) episode! 🎉

In this celebratory 100th episode of the Deep Impact Investing Podcast, host Kimberly Griego-Kiel unveils the secrets of the sustainable circular economy. 

Think it’s just another buzzword? Think again. Kim is challenging the age-old norms of the ‘take-make-waste’ economy you’re so familiar with.

In this episode, Kimberly unlocks:

  • How we can end waste, boost product value, and revive nature
  • What cradle-to-cradle, biomimicry, and industrial symbiosis are and why they’re potential game-changers
  • How Equity, Resilience, and Transparency are reshaping Earth’s destiny
  • The 9R Framework and its ability to change the recycling game 
  • How to work toward an economy where individuals, corporations, and markets sync perfectly
  • What to do about our consumption habits
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen:

The Hidden Truths of Your Recycling Bin with Rose Griego-Kiel (Ep. 99)

The Hidden Truths of Your Recycling Bin with Rose Griego-Kiel (Ep. 99)

You think you’re green, but is your recycling bin lying to you?

In this compelling episode, Kimberly Griego-Kiel hosts a special conversation on the complex landscape of recycling with guest expert her wife, Rose Griego-Kiel. Together, they dig into the challenges, statistics, and potential solutions surrounding recycling systems, not just in the U.S. but globally.

Throughout the episode, Kimberly and Rose discuss:

  • A deep dive into alarming recycling statistics
  • A comparison of recycling systems around the world
  • The limitations and inefficiencies of current recycling systems, particularly in handling plastics
  • Consumer versus corporate responsibility in waste management, with an emphasis on sustainable packaging
  • Innovative solutions and educational platforms that creatively repurpose plastic waste
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Rose Griego-Kiel:

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About Our Guest:

Rose Griego-Kiel is a seasoned expert in accounting and financial analysis. Rose brings hands-on experience in both the corporate and non-profit worlds. She serves on multiple non-profit boards and is an advocate for financial transparency and ethical governance.

Your Quarterly Market Update with Johann Klaassen (Ep. 98)

Your Quarterly Market Update with Johann Klaassen (Ep. 98)

What’s new in the market? 

How’s the investment arena doing so far? What if we all started investing like we truly cared?

In this episode, Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen navigate the current markets while providing a snapshot of the economy and all things inflation and investing. They debunk common misconceptions surrounding gold as an investment and shed light on the increasingly popular concept of ‘green gold’ and its actual environmental impact. 

Kim and Johann leave no stone unturned! Listen in as they guide us through the uncharacteristic behaviors of bonds and the implications of investing in precious metals.

Throughout the episode, Kim and Johann discuss:

  • Advice for those concerned about their portfolio or the markets
  • The intriguing phenomenon of uncharacteristic bond behavior and its potential impact
  • The reality behind the allure of gold as an investment and those who stand to gain
  • What you need to know about ‘green gold’ and its environmental consequences
  • The hidden environmental and social costs of investing in precious metals
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen:

About Our Guest:

Johann A. Klaassen, Ph.D., is the CEO and Chief Investment Officer for Horizons Sustainable Financial Services, where he develops asset allocation strategies and oversees investment policy for Horizons’ individual and institutional clients. As a passionate advocate for SRI, a skilled navigator of its intricacies, and an enthusiastic early adopter of just about every new communication tool and technology, Johann is informed, informative, and far more accessible than his many commitments might imply. He directly serves clients across the nation, tending to specialize in serving unusual and special circumstances or needs.

W.T.F — What The Fahrenheit!? (Ep. 97)

W.T.F — What The Fahrenheit!? (Ep. 97)

Temperatures are rising, and extreme weather events are becoming way more frequent. 

So, what are we waiting to address this pressing issue head-on!?

In this episode, Kim Griego-Kiel explores the alarming rise in global temperatures and the consequences of climate change.

Join in as Kim shares eye-opening statistics about the effects of these rising temperatures on human health and ecosystems while reinforcing the urgency for collective action to combat climate change.

Kim discusses:

  • The correlation between rising temperatures and environmental degradation
  • The consequences of climate change on human health, ecosystems, and global stability
  • The importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting alternative energy sources
  • What you need to know about COP28 and its potential to drive change in the oil and gas industry
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen:

Here’s How Money Is Emotional with Christine Luken (Ep. 96)

Here’s How Money Is Emotional with Christine Luken (Ep. 96)

Ready to navigate the emotional side of money and how it can significantly impact our financial decisions?

This week, Christine Luken, Financial Dignity® Coach and author of the groundbreaking book “Money Is Emotional,” joins Kim Griego-Kiel to share her personal experiences and expertise as a financial coach to revolutionize your perspective and relationship with money.

Listen in as Kim and Christine delve into the profound connection between emotions and money, exploring how it can significantly shape our choices concerning personal finance and the financial decisions we make.

They discuss:

  • The emotional factors that influence our financial decisions
  • Practical techniques to increase your emotional intelligence around money
  • How to align your financial actions with your long-term goals
  • The impact of mindfulness on your financial well-being and decision-making process
  • The truth about money habits
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Christine Luken:

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About Our Guest:

Christine Luken is your go-to expert for mastering your finances and achieving true financial success. With her unwavering dedication as the Founder of the Financial Dignity® Movement and a Certified Financial Counselor, Christine has spent the last fourteen years empowering hundreds of high-earning professionals to conquer overwhelming debt and skyrocket their net worth.

With a prolific portfolio of three influential books—namely, “Money Is Emotional,” “Manage Money Like a Boss,” and “Financial Dignity® After Divorce”—Christine has garnered recognition through more than 100 appearances on prestigious platforms such as podcasts, TV shows, and radio interviews. Her expertise has solidified her position as the foremost authority on the intricate relationship between money and emotions.

Beyond her coaching endeavors from her esteemed office in Cincinnati, Christine’s passion for her craft extends to her roles as a Certified Divorce Specialist and a valued member of the Financial Therapy Association. When she’s not empowering her clients, you can find her indulging in the company of a captivating book accompanied by her beloved fluffy cat, all while savoring the aroma of a robust cup of coffee. With Christine Luken by your side, financial success and personal fulfillment are well within reach.

The US Forum for Sustainable Investment’s (US SIF) Hill Day Wrap-Up with Rachel Curley (Ep. 95)

The US Forum for Sustainable Investment’s (US SIF) Hill Day Wrap-Up with Rachel Curley (Ep. 95)

Kim Griego-Kiel was recently a part of the US Forum for Sustainable Investment’s (US SIF) Hill Day in Washington, D.C. 

This event was all about educating policymakers about sustainable investing and representing the critical need for sustainable investment advisors and industry professionals to engage with our legislators and voice what truly matters.

This week, Rachel Curley, the director of policy and programs at US SIF, joins Kim to share her valuable insights and experiences from this significant gathering. Kim and Rachel reveal the takeaways from the meetings they attended while emphasizing the value of ongoing dialogue when it comes to policy decisions designed to shape the future of ESG and sustainable investing.

They cover:

  • The purpose of Hill Day and its significance in shaping ESG and sustainable investment policies 
  • The role of the Congressional Sustainable Investment Caucus in providing vital support for sustainable investing initiatives
  • The importance of educating policymakers about sustainable investing 
  • Why it’s important to dispel misconceptions surrounding anti-ESG campaigns
  • The ongoing efforts to promote climate risk disclosures 
  • The value of participating in US SIF efforts 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Rachel Curley:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen:

About Our Guest:

Rachel Curley leads US SIF’s policy and programming work to advance the interests and perspective of the sustainable investment community with policymakers and stakeholders. Rachel brings significant organizing, coalition-building, and public policy experience to the role.

Before joining US SIF, Rachel worked for seven years as a democracy advocate for Public Citizen’s Congress Watch division, where she supported Public Citizen’s work on democracy and investor protection issues. In this role, she led advocacy coalitions supporting corporate political spending and ESG disclosure.

Rachel started her career as the program coordinator for Doctors for America, where she led the charge on several of the organization’s major campaigns. Rachel graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy.

Emotional Finance: Advisors & Investors, Here’s How To Deal With Market Volatility (Ep. 94)

Emotional Finance: Advisors & Investors, Here’s How To Deal With Market Volatility (Ep. 94)

Understanding the practical and emotional aspects of investing is essential for every investor. 

Whether you lean towards practical thinking or find yourself more aligned with emotional thinking, this episode will provide valuable guidance to help you thrive in this ever-changing market.

This week, Kim Griego-Kiel explores the fascinating world of emotional finance while uncovering tips and tricks you can use to tackle fear and anxiety when it comes to market volatility. 

We all know that investing in the markets can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but understanding how to manage volatility is key to achieving long-term financial success.

Kim discusses:

  • Practical strategies for capitalizing on market downturns and finding investment opportunities during times of volatility
  • The importance of creating a well-defined investment plan and sticking with it for long-term financial growth
  •  How to analyze your current portfolio and make informed investment decisions
  • Ways to manage emotions in response to market fluctuations
  • And more!

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen:

Achieving Climate Targets: Here’s Why Failure Leads to Lessons & Changes with Pooja Khosla — Part II (Ep. 93)

Achieving Climate Targets: Here’s Why Failure Leads to Lessons & Changes with Pooja Khosla — Part II (Ep. 93)

Climate change is not a fantasy. It is an undeniable reality, impacting us in ways we cannot ignore. 

In fact, it’s believed that we will likely not make it to our goal of limiting the planet’s warming by 1.5 degrees in the next six years.

This week,  Pooja Khosla, the Chief Innovation Officer at Entelligent, is back to chat with Kim Griego-Kiel about climate change and strategies chief operating officers (COO) of companies can implement to facilitate climate change-related improvements within their own practices. 

Together, they unpack the importance of setting achievable goals and making small, incremental changes to various systems, processes, and policies.

Pooja discusses:

  • Reasons businesses need to focus on green policies while transitioning to renewable energy sources to make the planet more sustainable
  • The value of achieving climate targets and the relevancy of the situation
  • The possibility of achieving climate targets in less than 80 years
  • Five principle-based initiatives chief operating officers (COO) should consider when it comes to supporting climate change and ESG strategies
  • How to avoid greenwashing
  • The role of banks and financial professionals when it comes to sustainability and supply chain initiatives 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Pooja Khosla:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen:

About Our Guest:

Dr. Pooja Khosla is the Chief Innovation Officer at Entelligent. Dr. Khosla is an econometrician and data scientist with extensive experience in data analysis, predictive modeling, econometrics, statistics, microfinance, and mutual fund analysis. 

Dr. Khosla is one of the inventors of the patented Smart Climate® technology. She brings her international background in finance, academia, predictive modeling, and statistical software platforms to the company, leading product and client development. 

She has published articles and papers in trade journals, including Pensions & Investments, CFA NYC, and Morning Consult.