Lead The Change

#807 Alexis Schwartz on Purpose-Driven Media: Breaking Down Paywalls and Amplifying Sustainability Stories

In this conversation, Alexis Schwartz, Head of Purpose Partnerships at The Guardian US, discusses how quality journalism can drive social impact and sustainability forward. She explains The Guardian's unique funding model that keeps journalism accessible by eliminating paywalls, which she argues breed inequity. Schwartz explores "the hush" - a recent phenomenon where brands have pulled back from publicly discussing DEI and sustainability initiatives due to fear of backlash and economic uncertainty. Through examples of The Guardian's partnerships with organizations like Doctors Without Borders and Bloomberg Philanthropies, she illustrates how media can effectively humanize sustainability and social justice stories. Schwartz emphasizes the importance of trusted media environments in combating misinformation and shares hope in seeing communities come together to address climate challenges.

#806 Francis Janes on Equitable Banking: Transforming Finance Through Moral Leadership

In this conversation, Francis Janes, Industry Relations Director at Beneficial State Foundation, explores how the financial services industry can drive meaningful change through diversity, equity, and inclusion. Drawing from Citibank's research on closing racial wealth gaps and his experience bridging grassroots organizations with banking institutions, he explains how banks must move beyond traditional models to actively engage with historically marginalized communities. Janes emphasizes the industry's responsibility to repair historical harms like redlining, advocating for a proactive approach where financial institutions enter communities to listen, build partnerships, and develop long-term economic solutions. Through personal insights and professional experience, he paints a vision of banking that prioritizes humanity and inclusion, while sharing hope in the next generation's capacity to drive systemic change.

#805 Kelly Beck on Radical Philanthropy: Building Trust, Moving Resources, and Getting Out of the Way

In this conversation with Kelly Beck, CEO of Greenlight Energy Group and founder of The Accomplis Collective, we explore the transformative journey from "recovering white feminist" to radical philanthropist. Kelly shares how she built a unique model for moving money equitably - without extraction or traditional philanthropic barriers - that has directed over $10 million to Black and Indigenous communities. Through personal stories, from driving water barrels to the Navajo Nation to challenging corporate sustainability practices, Kelly illuminates the critical difference between holding power and being in service. She advocates for a shift from individual success to collective action, emphasizing that true sustainability and social justice require us to build authentic relationships, center community needs, and sometimes simply "get out of the way" to let others lead.

#804 Steven Lichtin on Renewable Energy: Building Community Partnerships for Clean Power

In this episode of the Impact Report, current Bard MBA student Milo Keller speaks with Steven Lichtin, CEO of Advantage Renewables, about the evolving landscape of renewable energy development. Lichtin, a member of Bard's inaugural MBA cohort, shares his journey from Wall Street trading to renewable energy, discussing how the industry has transformed since 2010. The conversation explores critical challenges facing renewable energy projects today, particularly interconnection bottlenecks and community engagement. Lichtin emphasizes the importance of being a "good neighbor" through transparent communication and local presence, while also highlighting how policy, from FERC regulations to state-level initiatives, shapes the industry's growth. The discussion offers valuable insights into both the technical and human elements of scaling renewable energy infrastructure, including the critical balance between project development and community partnership.

#803 Brett Davis on Waste Prevention: Transforming Mardi Gras for a Sustainable Future

In this episode of The Impact Report, Bard MBA in Sustainability candidate Tricia Travis interviews Brett Davis, founding partner of the nonprofit Grounds Crew. They discuss the environmental challenges of New Orleans' Mardi Gras celebration, including the 2.6 million pounds of litter generated annually. Davis explains Grounds Crew's initiatives to make the festivities more sustainable, such as the Sustainable Throw Catalog and recycling programs. The conversation explores the economic and cultural complexities of changing Mardi Gras traditions, community engagement strategies, and signs of progress like one parade krewe banning plastic beads for 2025. Travis, who recently joined Grounds Crew, shares her perspective on the organization's educational outreach and the positive response from youth. Host Renay Loper joins for a follow-up discussion, delving deeper into the cultural significance of Mardi Gras and the hopeful signs for a more sustainable future in New Orleans.

#802 Jennifer Louie on Catalytic Capital: Accelerating Circular Economy Solutions

In this episode, Jennifer Louie, Managing Director at Closed Loop Partners, discusses her work in catalytic capital and circular economy investing with current Bard MBA student Hector Aguirre. She explains their approach to investing in resource recovery and circular input business models, emphasizing measurable impact and financial additionality. Jennifer shares insights on their due diligence process, the challenges of competing with virgin materials, and the role of policy in accelerating circular economy adoption. She also discusses balancing impact and financial returns in catalytic investments and offers advice for those entering the field of sustainable finance and circular economy.

#801 Libby Zemaitis on Climate Resilience: Connecting Communities and Driving Equitable Solutions

In this episode, Bard Alum Cate Byrnes sits down with Libby Zemaitis from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) about her work on climate resilience and social justice. Libby discusses the importance of inclusive community engagement in climate planning, strategies to address green gentrification, and the role of nature-based solutions in building resilience. She shares insights from C2ES's Climate Resilient Communities Accelerator program and highlights the value of public-private partnerships in advancing local climate initiatives. Libby also reflects on how her multidisciplinary background from Bard's environmental policy and MBA programs informs her approach to connecting diverse stakeholders in resilience efforts. This conversation offers valuable perspectives on creating equitable and effective climate adaptation strategies at the community level.

#705 Karl Wienhold on Sustainable Coffee Practices: Bridging Research and Fair Trade

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!

#704 Kelly Burton on ESG Strategies: Crafting the Future of Responsible Business

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!

#703 Brad Stevenson on Harnessing Insurance for Sustainability: The Premiums for the Planet Initiative

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!