In this episode of The Impact Report, host Renay engages in a compelling conversation with recent Bard MBA graduate Antonio Castillo and researcher Karl Wienhold. Together, they discuss the critical issues smallholder coffee farmers face in the global coffee trade. Antonio and Karl share their extensive experience and research on power imbalances, colonial legacies, and the poverty cycles that trap farmers who produce the majority of the world's coffee.

IN THE EPISODE:

The episode sheds light on Karl’s findings related to economic structures that perpetuate injustice and stresses the need for solidarity and collective bargaining among farmers. Antonio reflects on his field research in El Salvador and the potential of direct trade and ethical consumerism in bringing equitable change. They leave the listeners with a clear understanding of the complex coffee value chain and practical actions consumers can take to support justice for coffee farmers.

Bard’s Graduate Programs in Sustainability cultivate leaders who break through existing systems, innovating solutions to critical social, environmental and economic challenges. 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class from M.S. in Environmental Policy degree at Bard CEP and the 10th graduating class from the Bard MBA in Sustainability program. The 2023 graduating MS EP, MS CSP, MEd and MBA classes will bring the Bard GPS alumni community to over 500!

In this episode of The Impact Report, host Renay sits down with Kelly Burton, founder and CEO of the ESG Shop, and Stacey Jewell, a Bard MBA student with a keen focus on impact finance. Together, they discuss the intricacies of ESG strategies and their pivotal role in shaping responsible business practices.

In this Episode:

Kelly Burton’s Leadership Path: Kelly Burton recounts her multifaceted career journey, from advertising to digital transformation and eventually to sustainability. She shares the inception story of the ESG Shop and its mission to guide companies from pledges to tangible progress in responsible business practices.

Stacey Jewell’s Impact Finance Insights: Stacey Jewell discusses her passion for impact finance and how it intersects with ESG initiatives. As a Bard MBA student, she brings a fresh perspective on capital allocation and its critical role in fostering sustainable community development.

ESG in the Corporate World: The conversation delves into where ESG fits within an organization’s structure and the evolving roles of sustainability professionals. Kelly and Stacey explore the need for CEOs to become versed in sustainability and the potential for ESG to become integrated into strategic business planning.

Network Leadership and ESG: Stacey introduces the concept of network leadership and its effectiveness in ESG implementation. They discuss the importance of cross-functional collaboration and the potential of fractional services to provide the necessary expertise for companies embarking on sustainability journeys.

Join Renay, Kelly, and Stacey as they provide valuable insights into the ‘hows’ of ESG and the leadership required to drive sustainable change in the business world. Don’t miss this episode if you’re interested in the future of responsible business and the leaders who are paving the way.

Bard’s Graduate Programs in Sustainability cultivate leaders who break through existing systems, innovating solutions to critical social, environmental and economic challenges. 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class from M.S. in Environmental Policy degree at Bard CEP and the 10th graduating class from the Bard MBA in Sustainability program. The 2023 graduating MS EP, MS CSP, MEd and MBA classes will bring the Bard GPS alumni community to over 500!

Bard MBA candidate Damien Williamson welcomes Brad Stevenson, a lifelong activist, entrepreneur, and sustainability champion with over 30 years of experience in purpose-driven strategy, coaching, consulting, and facilitating programs for executives across various sectors.

Brad discusses his latest venture, “Premiums for the Planet,” a collective action movement aimed at leveraging the insurance industry for sustainability.

In this Episode

Brad’s Journey:

• Brad shares his journey from a high school experience that shaped his worldview on racial diversity and privilege to his diverse career path.
• He delves into his early work in diversity consulting, his strategic learning at the Boston Consulting Group, and his various roles in nonprofit consulting, media, global strategy, and movement building.
• Brad’s eclectic journey led him to focus on sustainability in banking, which closely aligns with his current work.

Premiums for the Planet:

• Brad explains that “Premiums for the Planet” addresses the powerful yet often overlooked influence of the insurance industry as a major money manager and decision-maker in what gets insured and how.
• The initiative aims to redirect the industry’s power towards supporting global sustainability objectives and regenerative practices, contrasting the current trend where insurance investments often exacerbate climate-related problems.

The Insurance Industry’s Role:

• Brad emphasizes the paradox where insurance companies protect assets on one hand while investing in activities that contribute to climate catastrophes on the other.
• “Premiums for the Planet” seeks to transform insurers into a force that protects not just assets and people, but also the planet itself.

Bard’s Graduate Programs in Sustainability cultivate leaders who break through existing systems, innovating solutions to critical social, environmental and economic challenges. 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class from M.S. in Environmental Policy degree at Bard CEP and the 10th graduating class from the Bard MBA in Sustainability program. The 2023 graduating MS EP, MS CSP, MEd and MBA classes will bring the Bard GPS alumni community to over 500!