Tag: Sustainable Investing
The Secret Sauce of Shareholder Engagement with Jonas Kron (Ep. 101)

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

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More
The Economic Principles of a Circular Economy (Ep. 100)

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

By |

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:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

FEATURED IMAGE
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)

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More
Ending Poverty and Achieving Economic Growth: Some Must-Know Sustainable Development Goals (Ep. 89)

Ending Poverty and Achieving Economic Growth: Some Must-Know Sustainable Development Goals (Ep. 89)

By |

Are you interested in learning how to reduce poverty and create sustainable economic growth for everyone? 

You are in luck because that’s exactly what Kim Griego-Kiel talks about in this week’s episode of Deep Impact Investing.

Kim explains how poverty, decent work, and economic growth are part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SGD) while detailing the progress made towards achieving these goals and the challenges and setbacks faced.

Kim discusses:

  • The increase in poverty rates and unemployment due to the pandemic and the prevalence of global child labor
  • The progress made towards ending poverty and sustainable economic growth 
  • The role of inflation, the pandemic, and child labor when it comes to achieving these goals 
  • Digital technology and financial services as tools to improve the lives of people living in poverty
  • What you should know about microfinance 
  • The truth about consumer protection and credit card reward programs
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More
Tidbits with Kim: Sustainable Investing & Working Towards A Sustainable Economy (Ep. 88)

Tidbits with Kim: Sustainable Investing & Working Towards A Sustainable Economy (Ep. 88)

By |

Welcome to Kim Griego-Kiel’s new segment, ‘Tidbits with Kim!’

Every quarter, Kim will bring you the ins and outs of sustainable investing and handy action items to work towards a more sustainable economy.

In this week’s episode, Kim delves into the world of sustainable impact investing while exploring some exciting new developments in California’s fight against climate change. 

Listen in as Kim navigates the latest news on stricter vehicle requirements, proposed emission disclosure bills, and the benefits of hybrid and electric cars.

Kim discusses:

  • California’s implementation of stricter vehicle requirements to improve fuel efficiency and promote zero emissions
  • The two new bills being proposed in California aimed at holding corporations accountable for their impact on climate change
  • What you should know about carbon emissions and their role within different income brackets 
  • The United Nations’ predictions about the likelihood of animal pandemic being the leading cause of the next pandemic
  • The improvement of plant-based meat options in terms of quality, taste, and texture
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

FEATURED IMAGE
Here’s What You Should Know About ESG Mistakes and Real Estate Sustainability with Sam Adams (Ep. 87)

Here’s What You Should Know About ESG Mistakes and Real Estate Sustainability with Sam Adams (Ep. 87)

By |

What do real estate and sustainability have in common?

This week, Sam Adams, the CEO and co-founder of Vert Asset Management, unpacks the ins and outs of sustainable investing and the need for more sustainability in the real estate arena.

Sam shares Vert’s approach to educating and encouraging companies to take the next step in their sustainability journey while highlighting how the firm advocates for more sustainability in the financial services industry.

Sam discusses:

  • Sustainable investing and the need for more sustainability in the real estate industry 
  • Some eye-opening ESG mistakes advisors might be making
  • The difference between ESG and SRI
  • Ways the real estate strategy fits into the sustainable investing model
  • An overview of the book he’s co-writing, “Your Essential Guide to Sustainable Investing” 
  • What you should know about the Vert Asset Management fund
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Sam Adams:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

About Our Guest: 

Samuel Adams is the CEO of Vert Asset Management. Sam is an environmentalist and a capitalist passionate about preserving and defending nature and has worked as an investment professional. He has 20 years of experience at Dimensional Fund Advisors, where he learned the power of the markets as an Investment Professional. Sam is passionate about making sustainable investing easier for financial advisors and their clients. He also holds a BA from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an MBA from UC Davis Graduate School of Management.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

FEATURED IMAGE
2022 Market Overview: Winners and Losers with Johann Klaassen (Ep. 84)

2022 Market Overview: Winners and Losers with Johann Klaassen (Ep. 84)

By |

2022 was a year of market turmoil: The S&P 500 and the Russell 3000 were down by almost 19%, and the bond market also suffered a hit.

In this episode, Kim Griego-Kiel brings back one of our favorite guests, Johann Klaassen, the President and Chief Investment Officer at Horizons Sustainable Financial Services. Kim and Johann review the 2022 market performance while detailing the four areas that impacted the markets last year. 

Johann discusses:

  • The Federal Reserve’s efforts to control inflation 
  • The US dollar currency speculation
  • His market predictions for 2023
  • What you should know about diversification 
  • The market’s role in sustainable investing 
  • And more!

Connect with Johann Klaassen:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

About Our Guest:

Johann A. Klaassen, Ph.D., is Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer for Horizons Sustainable Financial Services. His role is developing asset allocation strategies and overseeing 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
Episode 46: A Deep Dive into the US SIF Trends Report – With Farzana Hoque

Episode 46: A Deep Dive into the US SIF Trends Report – With Farzana Hoque

By |

What are the latest trends in sustainable investing?

Get ready to find out in this data-packed episode!

Join Kimberly Griego-Kiel and the Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment’s acting director of research, Farzana Hoque, as they sit down to shed some light on the US SIF Trends Report. This is a document that provides extensive data on the number of institutional asset owners, money management firms, and investment vehicles that are using sustainable investment strategies. 

You will learn:

  • What the US SIF Trends Report measures and why it’s so important for the sustainable and impact investing industry 
  • A trend comparison between the 1995 and 2020 report 
  • The reason for the exponential asset growth between 2018 and 2020
  • Who puts the document together and the stages of developing the Trends Report
  • And more!

Listen in today to explore the importance of the US SIF reports for current and future sustainable investing industry practitioners!

Resources:  Episode 43 | Episode 44 | Horizons Sustainable Financial Services: 505-982-9661 | info@horizonssfs.com | Facebook  | Kimberly Griego-Kiel | Farzana Hoque | The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment (US SIF) | US SIF 2020 Trends Report | Croatan Forum

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More