Tag: Horizon Sustainable Financial Services

FEATURED IMAGE
The Truth About Food Systems Within the Impact Investing & Climate Change Industry (Ep.64)

The Truth About Food Systems Within the Impact Investing & Climate Change Industry (Ep.64)

By |

There is no question that climate change is affecting how we live on a global scale.

The food and agriculture systems are no exception. They are connected to every area of impact investing. As food systems become less resilient, they will create bigger problems for our global markets. 

In this episode, Kimberly Griego-Kiel explains what is wrong with our food and agricultural systems, why they are dying, and why it is in the best interest for investors to take part in making a change.

Kimberly discusses:

  • The serious threat of extinction to cacao, corn, wheat, rice, and coffee
  • The social, environmental, and financial cost of a deteriorating food system 
  • How seed saving, slow food, and organic production processes can help make a change in our food systems
  • The importance of highlighting the food system’s market and impact to investors to generate change
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect With Kimberly Griego-Kiel

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

FEATURED IMAGE
Looking Towards a Positive 2022 with Aarón Garza and Johann Klaassen (Ep. 60)

Looking Towards a Positive 2022 with Aarón Garza and Johann Klaassen (Ep. 60)

By |

As the new year brings you new opportunities and goals, remember to look toward the positive in both your personal and professional life.

In this episode, Kimberly Griego-Kiel sits down with Aarón Garza, vice president for operations and compliance at Horizons Sustainable Financial Services. Kim and Aarón discuss his family, his professional background, and ways his new role will contribute to the team at the office. 

Additionally, the firm’s chief investment officer, Johann Klaassen, sits down with Kim to review the economic and market data from 2021 and what’s to come for 2022. 

Kimberly, Aarón, and Johann discuss:

  • Their exciting goals, projects, and potential professional and personal opportunities for 2022
  • Aaron’s background, family, and role
  • Potential for 2022 based on the economic and market standpoint successes of 2021 
  • Positive indicators of clean energy and its performance compared to carbon energy
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Aarón Garza 

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen:

About Aarón Garza:

Aarón joined Horizons Sustainable Financial Services from the world of higher education administration, where he was involved in making sure that the offices, departments, and activities of a large university remained in compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations related to non-discriminatory practices. 

Aarón is from El Paso, Texas. He earned his B.A. from St. John’s College and his J.D. from the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. Aaron is also a former U.S. Army infantryman and a combat veteran of the Persian Gulf War.

About Johann Klaassen:

Johann is Horizons Sustainable Financial Services’ executive vice president and chief investment officer. Here 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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

FEATURED IMAGE
58. Bridging the Gap Between the ESG Investing and the Financial Industry With Jim Horlacher and Reem Fatayerji

58. Bridging the Gap Between the ESG Investing and the Financial Industry With Jim Horlacher and Reem Fatayerji

By |

The gap between the mainstream financial world and the socially responsible investing arena may seem vast. 

But, believe it or not, there are ways to bridge the two. This is exactly what Kimberly Griego-Kiel discusses with her guests in this fourth and final episode of the ESG for Impact! miniseries.

This week, Kimberly sits down with First Affirmative Financial Network’s investment advisor, Jim Horlacher, to outline how the financial industry is blending into the socially responsible investing field, the reasons why he’s passionate about the industry, and how the ESG for Impact! conference is shaping the future of ESG investing.

Duke University MBA student Reem Fatayerji also joins Kim to highlight ways the ESG investing arena can be more impactful and the barriers the industry needs to overcome to grow its impact.

Kim, Jim, and Reem discuss:

  • The cultural differences between the financial world and the socially responsible investing field
  • Why impactful investing can be rewarding for you and your client
  • Three ways ESG investing can be more impactful
  • The interesting conversations and relationships built throughout the ESG for Impact! conference
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect With Jim Horlacher:

Connect with Reem Fatayerji:

Connect With Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

About Jim Horlacher:

Jim helps socially and environmentally conscious investors manage their money to make a positive impact on their lives and our whole world. With over 25 years of experience, he is deeply committed to social justice and sustainability. Jim is focused on helping clients develop clear, disciplined financial strategies that take into account our shared Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet, and Profits. He holds an AIF Professional, Accredited Investment Fiduciary, an MBA from the University of Edinburgh (Scotland, UK), and a BS in Business, Economics, and Computer Science, Baker University (USA). Jim also volunteers with and financially supports a wide variety of progressive organizations and campaigns locally, nationally, and internationally, and has served in leadership positions in many of them. He participates in several networks including, the First Affirmative Financial Network, LLC, Green America / Green Business Network, US SIF, The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment.

About Reem Fatayerji:

Reem is completing her MBA at Duke University, where she is a speakers/events coordinator for the impact investing cohort after earning her bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Economics at the University of California, Davis. She previously worked in a consulting firm supporting nonprofits in impact management, finance, and strategy, and as an analyst with an investment consulting firm.

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

FEATURED IMAGE
54. 2021 Year-End Planning With Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen

54. 2021 Year-End Planning With Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen

By |

Yes, it’s that time of the year already. It’s time to think about year-end planning! 

To kick-start your year-end planning, join Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen for this information-packed episode as they discuss why a yearly plan is so important for your finances. With rules constantly changing, find out the benefits of having review sessions with your financial advisor to ensure you are not being penalized. 

Plus, discover why early retirement planning is your ticket to becoming financially free in the future!

Kimberly and Johann discuss:

  • How to make the most out of your retirement account
  • Efficient ways to save on taxes
  • The two certain things in life
  • Reasons to have a will in place
  • And more!

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen:

About Johann Klaassen:

As Horizons Sustainable Financial Services’ Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Johann supports investors who focus their efforts on environmental, social, and corporate governance issues. He also helps clients vote with their dollars for a positive transformation of our economy and society toward a socially just and environmentally sustainable world. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

FEATURED IMAGE
53. Fishy Fish: What You Should Really Know About Sustainable Seafood

53. Fishy Fish: What You Should Really Know About Sustainable Seafood

By |

Regardless of whether you enjoy seafood, the truth is, it’s important to be informed about seafood’s sustainable and unsustainable components.

That’s exactly what Kim Griego-Kiel is here to help you learn in this week’s episode.

Join in as Kim reveals how understanding seafood sustainability can help you make conscious decisions as a consumer. Plus, learn how you, too, can mitigate the harm caused to the environment when these marine creatures are extracted from their natural habitat.

Kim discusses:

  • The definition of sustainably harvested seafood 
  • The role of regulatory agencies within the industry 
  • What bycatch is and why it should be eliminated
  • Ways to find labels and certifications for sustainable seafood
  • Easy ways to support sustainable seafood
  • Consequences of fishes being in the wrong habitat
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

FEATURED IMAGE
52. Investing for Climate Risk and Gender Equality With Pooja Khosla

52. Investing for Climate Risk and Gender Equality With Pooja Khosla

By |

Many of us want to be informed investors, putting our money towards companies and causes that will positively impact our earth and societies.

But finding the information we need to make these decisions can be a challenging task.

That’s why companies like Entelligent are working to give investors the data they need to invest according to their values.

In this episode, econometrician and Entelligent’s executive vice president for client & product development, Pooja Khosla, joins Kimberly Griego-Kiel to discuss just how the company helps investors engage in impact investing. She talks about investment solutions that are climate-aligned and explains how her investment tools translate the projections from climate change models into simple rankings, which can be used to build climate-resilient portfolios.

Pooja discusses:

  • What an econometrician is
  • How Entelligent helps investors engage in ESG investing
  • Sustainable impact investing
  • How climate change and inequality are linked
  • Gender equality in financial services and how the pandemic has empowered women
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Pooja Khosla:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

About our Guest:

Pooja Khosla Ph.D. is Vice President of Client Development at Entelligent. Dr. Khosla is an economist, econometrician, and mathematician who has deep knowledge to build investing solutions. She has extensive experience in predictive modeling, microfinance, and designing impact investment tools and has been working on impact solutions since 2003, both nationally and internationally. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

FEATURED IMAGE
51. What’s Risk Got to Do With It? With Johann Klaassen

51. What’s Risk Got to Do With It? With Johann Klaassen

By |

Fear is a double-edged sword:

It can hold you back from doing something you should do and can also make you do something you normally wouldn’t do — especially when it comes to your investments.

In this week’s episode, Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen discuss the different risks that involve the investment arena. Drawing from client and prospect concerns, Kim and Johann address must-know considerations around risks so that you, too, can learn how to make better financial decisions. 

Johann discusses:

  • Reasons why you should report on your ESG criteria
  • How much risk should you take with your portfolio
  • Risk perception: How do you understand and measure risk 
  • The types of risks involved in the markets
  • And more

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen:

About Johann Klaassen:

As Horizons Sustainable Financial Services’ Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Johann supports investors who focus their efforts on environmental, social, and corporate governance issues. He also helps clients vote with their dollars for a positive transformation of our economy and society toward a socially just and environmentally sustainable world. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

FEATURED IMAGE
50. Gender Equality as Part of a Sustainable Planet with Alyssa Wright

50. Gender Equality as Part of a Sustainable Planet with Alyssa Wright

By |

Deep Impact Investing has reached its first big milestone — 50 episodes! 

And because milestone episodes deserve milestone guests, this week, Kimberly Griego-Kiel welcomes award-winning artist, social impact strategist, philanthropic advisor, and the Creative Action Institute’s board chair, Alyssa Wright.

In this episode, Kim and Alyssa not only reveal their new partnership but also discuss everything around gender equality and the ways we can contribute towards a more sustainable planet that cares about treating women and children fairly. 

Alyssa discusses:

  • The Creative Action Institute’s approach towards sustainable impact investing – and ways it resonates with HSFS’ vision 
  • Women and gender equality as something that affects everyone’s lives 
  • Elevating female leadership through the organization’s East African Girls’ Leadership Summit and Mentor Program (EAGLS) 
  • The role of the UN principles of investment when it comes to planet sustainability and gender equality 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Alyssa Wright:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

About our Guest:

Alyssa Wright is an award-winning artist, social impact strategist, philanthropic advisor, development coach, and writer. Having spent time as a human rights activist in Eastern Europe and Africa, Alyssa brings a decade of experience in international philanthropy to Alyssa F. Wright Consulting. As an accomplished consultant and coach, she builds new revenue streams, shifts cultural perspectives, and inspires people to believe that change is possible no matter what.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

FEATURED IMAGE
49. Investments That Positively Impact Society and the Environment With Alyssa Greenspan, CFA, and David Sand

49. Investments That Positively Impact Society and the Environment With Alyssa Greenspan, CFA, and David Sand

By |

Many investors who want to make a positive impact with their dollars find it difficult to identify investment opportunities that will help them accomplish this.

That’s where ESG investment companies like Community Capital Management can help.

Managing over $3 billion in assets and fully aligned with the UN sustainable development goals, Community Capital Management works to help clients develop investment strategies that contribute to positive environmental and social outcomes.

This week, CCM’s Alyssa Greenspan and David Sand join Kimberly Griego-Kiel to discuss the company’s client investing and reporting approach.

Alyssa and David discuss:

  • CCM’s annual impact report
  • How the firm’s work culture reflects their overall investment process 
  • CCM’s areas of investments 
  • How to use mortgage-backed securities to help communities in need
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Alyssa Greenspan and David Sand:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

About Alyssa Greenspan, CFA:

As Community Capital Management’s president and chief operating officer, Alyssa is responsible for strategic planning, human resources, and new product development. Alyssa is responsible for managing the day-to-day activities and operations of the firm. She also oversees risk management, including portfolio compliance and client service.

About David Sand:

As Community Capital Management’s chief impact strategist, David is responsible for furthering the scope of CCM’s impact analysis including metrics, outcomes, and reporting. As the firm’s subject matter expert on impact and ESG investing, he is involved in client relations and creating new impact and ESG investing strategies to meet the needs of existing and future clients.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

FEATURED IMAGE
48. Let’s Deconstruct Your Money Messages

48. Let’s Deconstruct Your Money Messages

By |

While money is certainly used to acquire goods and services, it is also often linked to the ways people feel, think, and behave.

That’s why Kimberly Griego-Kiel likes to consider money not only for its value, but also for the messages and meaning it can hold.

In this episode, Kimberly takes a deep dive into what money messages mean, why they are so meaningful, and how we can shift those money messages to create a new economic model.

Kim discusses:

  • Her experience with money messages throughout her life
  • A view of money messages from a psychology point of view
  • Reasons why couples, parents, and children should have money-related conversations 
  • The role our perspective play when judging good and bad money messages 
  • How to change the narrative around ESG money messages 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More