Dear Follower, This month, we revealed our new identify as The Sustainability Board. Formerly known as The Sustainability Board Report, we are excited to announce our new name. As our organisation has evolved and grown, we now embrace a broader mission as a comprehensive resource for policy and research, thought leadership, and intelligence services supporting sustainable leadership and governance. While we initially gained recognition through our groundbreaking report on ESG engagement of boards, our new identity as 'The Sustainability Board' reflects our commitment to go beyond reporting. Our vision is to foster a community of sustainable leaders, empowering them to drive positive change. As we embark on this journey, we look forward to offering invaluable insights, innovative solutions, and a forthcoming membership programme that focuses on cultivating and nurturing sustainable leadership. Thank you for joining us in this exciting phase, and we invite you to explore our enriched platform as we continue our dedicated efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient future. News Bloomberg CEOs Sharpen ESG Positions as Conservative Backlash Intensifies In the US, executives from Home Depot, Booking(dot)com, and other corporations have faced significant investor pushback on their ESG policies this proxy season. While some companies downplayed their ESG commitments due to backlash, a phenomenon termed 'greenhushing', others robustly defended their strategies. Experts emphasize the importance of linking ESG initiatives directly to shareholder value. The rise of virtual investor meetings has broadened shareholder participation, leading to diverse queries for executives. ESG Today Over Half of M&A Dealmakers Have Cancelled Deals on ESG Due Diligence Findings: KPMG Survey A recent KPMG survey indicates that ESG factors are playing a pivotal role in M&A decisions. Over half of the surveyed M&A professionals cancelled deals due to significant findings during ESG due diligence. Furthermore, around 60% of investors are ready to pay a premium for companies demonstrating advanced ESG maturity. The study also revealed that the frequency of ESG due diligence is likely to rise, with challenges including data robustness and understanding the scope of ESG evaluations. KPMG underscores that sustainable practices are now essential for business resilience and growth. Climate Governance Initiative SEC Climate Disclosure Proposal: Key Insights In March 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed that US public companies incorporate climate-related disclosures in registration statements and periodic reports. This move emphasises corporate boards' role in ensuring transparent climate-disclosures to stakeholders. The rule mandates directors to embed climate change within corporate strategy, oversight, and disclosure. Key board concerns include readiness for mandatory disclosures, clarity on climate-related risks and impacts, board oversight on climate-related assessments, and reporting capabilities. The SEC's initiative aligns with its responsibility to provide timely material information to investors and counteracts greenwashing. The proposal mirrors global disclosure frameworks like TCFD and GHG Protocol. The rule is currently under review with a decision anticipated in Autumn 2023. TSB Thought Leadership Upcoming Webinar 31st of August 2023 11am ET / 4pm BST Business Resilience and Adaptation in an Era of Extreme Heat Events As the mercury rises across the globe, extreme heat events are becoming a new normal. It's not just an environmental crisis; it's a business one, too. From disrupted supply chains and operational challenges to increased employee health risks, the impact of extreme heat on business operations is significant and far reaching. Adapting to these changes is not a choice but a necessity for businesses. But what does adaptation look like in the context of extreme heat? What role do business leaders and boards play in fostering resilience, and how can these adaptation strategies be implemented across various industries? Podcast Leadership Conversations Live: Building a Sustainability Culture In the first live session of our podcast we discuss the secrets to 'Building a Sustainability Culture'. We explore the highlights and insights from a new report with Paul Washington from The Conference Board' and Srinand Yalamanchili from Baker Tilly. We discuss how boards, management, and the entire organisation play crucial roles in shaping this culture, as well as the role of purpose and incentives. Leadership Conversations by TSBR Beth Sasfai of Cooley on Ambitious Sustainability Goals In this episode we speak to Beth Sasfai, Partner at the renowned law firm Cooley. We talk about the challenge of sustainability reporting requirements and how most companies have lost the idea of big ambitious goals. We also discuss the difference in sustainability governance and ESG strategy between public and private businesses, and common blind spots in start-ups that create risk. Beth talks about her personal experiences counselling for clients on ESG; which stakeholders she considers to be the most influential right now; and she shares her recommendations for sustainability oversight on board level. Our new Membership (available soon) Our memberships will be tiered into 'corporate' and 'individual' with distinct benefits. Both tiers will enjoy member-only thought leadership, insights, and best practice as well as preferred access to our policy and research. Our individual membership is tailored to empower executives and board directors, equipping them with essential sustainable leadership skills and the capacity to effectively implement and oversee stakeholder driven ESG agendas. We will aid in personal leadership transformation and provide custom coaching sessions through our advisor network.

This article was first published in Board Agenda in August 2023. The board has a crucial role in identifying, assessing, and monitoring sustainability strategy, including ESG, technology and diversity. We live in a time marked by high levels of uncertainty across various domains, including geopolitics, technological advancements, and environmental and social concerns. These factors, in combination with the rapid pace of change, have led to the emergence of new realities for businesses. One critical response to this evolving landscape is the implementation of a solid sustainability strategy, informed by the principles of ESG (environmental, social and governance). In the present context, we would also urge boards to consider the impacts of technology. Boards need to be able to identify, assess and monitor all that will impact stakeholders, be they shareholders, clients, employees or others. To add to the complexity, sustainability is not only multidimensional but also transformative. Boards ought to keep a short and long term perspective. We recommend the following approach to structure an informed and cogent approach to sustainability: Step 1: Identify ESG engagement of boards: over the past four years, The Sustainability Board reported a material acceleration in ESG engagement of boards, from 16% in 2019 to 45% in 2022. This means that there is a recognition of boards to seek an ESG/sustainability knowledge base. It is important to understand who the specific knowledge owners are, and the overall ESG competence level of the entire board, including its chair. AI has been a hot topic on earnings calls lately and we expect this trend to endure. Technology, a sustainability issue: in addition to climate and social concerns, we have seen concerns emerge about cybersecurity and technology such as artificial intelligence (AI). For instance, AI has a been hot topic on earnings calls lately and we expect this trend to endure and evolve with constantly emerging technology. Diversity and gender equality: Although women have been found to drive the sustainability agenda, they are still underrepresented on most boards, typically by 50%. Research by The Sustainability Board indicates that female board directors tend to be 60% more likely to be engaged in ESG matters than their male peers. Therefore, by increasing female representation on the board and within leadership teams, organisations can naturally enhance their commitment to sustainability. After identifying key sustainability issues, the board’s next step is to assess the potential impacts of these issues, both from a short- and long-term perspective. Step 2: Assess Board directors should acquire a deeper understanding of sustainability related issues and technological innovations. This may require them to upskill and, more importantly, regularly inform themselves about new developments in areas such as AI and cybersecurity, climate change, natural capital, and social values. Scenario planning is a useful exercise to imagine plausible futures within these areas. If a lack of diversity is identified, boards should implement a strategy to change their culture and add gender and ethnic diversity. It is essential to have a mix of individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences who have managed to break through traditional barriers in their respective contexts to foster ‘out of the box’ thinking and consider wider perspectives. The most clear-cut case, however, is for empowering women. Although women have been found to drive the sustainability agenda, they are still underrepresented on most boards. As a third step, boards might need to put a new governance framework in place that will allow them to monitor closely the implementation of sustainability commitments, as well as the progress of culture changes that inevitably come with it. Step 3: Monitor Seek a reality check by identifying the organisation’s position in key areas previously identified and assessed. These might include climate change, technology, social equity, and assurance of the governance structure’s soundness. It is advisable to mandate an independent third party to provide an assessment of the current oversight processes. This snapshot could be used as starting point to build the implementation plan and its monitoring framework. KPIs for sustainability commitments: To monitor the implementation or operationalisation of an organisation’s sustainability commitments, boards should employ quantitative and qualitative key performance indicators (KPIs). These can be designed to help identify any gaps or discrepancies in the business’s efforts to implement the board’s strategy. Qualitative KPIs should, further, be designed to capture the necessary evolution of the organisation’s culture, as this will underpin all transformation. It is advisable to mandate an independent third party to provide an assessment of the current oversight processes. Frequency of monitoring: boards might want to closely and more frequently monitor the strategy and its implementation. This will detect hurdles and hidden obstacles in the organisation’s actions early on, such as red flags in client engagement, or dubious products. Most boards still only meet four times a year. Considering the urgency and impact of the sustainability challenge—and, specifically, climate-related issues—meeting frequency might need to be increased. It might also be necessary to give directors access to ‘aides’ sitting in different divisions of the organisation, and to external educational and other resources. With governments and regulators worldwide imposing stricter rules for companies to address sustainability risks and demonstrate responsible practices, the onus is on board directors to ensure compliance with these evolving legal and regulatory requirements. Their strategy should include frequent and continuous monitoring, independent assurance, and fostering diverse perspectives. As such, it is time for boards to stay attuned to external global dynamics and internal realities, make informed decisions, seize opportunities amid uncertainty, and lead the charge towards a more sustainable future for all. About the Authors Frederik Otto is the founder and executive director of The Sustainability Board an independent think tank, supporting sustainable leadership and governance. Frederik is a leader in consulting multinational companies on organisation and human capital strategy with a focus on sustainability and ESG. He is also a member of the Council for Inclusive Capitalism and a fellow of Salzburg Global Seminar. Fatima Hadj is a senior executive in the banking and asset management industry, with experience in scaling businesses across financial services that have a positive impact for investors. Fatima is a member at ChapterZero, the Chair of the Principles for Responsible Investments (PRI)’s committee for ESG integration in securitised products, and was named a Goalkeeper of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

In this episode we speak with Frank White, a space philosopher. Frank has coined the term ‘The Overview effect’ which describes the awe-inspiring experience of viewing the Earth from space. He has found that with great consistency, this experience profoundly affects space travellers’ perceptions of themselves, our world, and our future. He talks to us about the magnitude of overview effect experiences, sustainable space migration, and why all his narratives aim to create a sustainable future on earth. Frank also suggests we need an 18th UN Sustainable Development Goal: Space. Listen to the podcast here: Apple Podcasts Spotify Soundcloud About Frank White Frank White is an educator, writer, and communications consultant. He has authored or coauthored numerous books on topics ranging from space exploration to artificial intelligence to Zen Buddhism. His best-known work is The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution. He is the co-founder, president, and board chair of The Human Space Program, Inc. www.humanspaceprogram.org www.frankwhiteauthor.com About 'Leadership Conversations by TSB' The Sustainability Board is an independent non-profit organisation, supporting sustainable leadership and governance through research, thought leadership, and intelligence services. We believe that poor leadership is a systemic risk, and that business is a powerful vehicle for positive change. Our reports, intelligence, dialogues, and community aim to drive accountability for a sustainable future. Leadership Conversations is the podcast of TSB. In this interview series we interview global leaders who advocate for more positive societal impact and responsible business. Leadership Conversations is hosted by Frederik Otto.

In this episode of Leadership Conversations by TSB, we speak with Alison Taylor, Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Stern School of Business and Executive Director at Ethical Systems. She discusses the current state of sustainable business, particularly in the U.S., exploring the polarised perspectives and the impact of political and social dynamics on corporate ethics. Alison challenges common myths and misconceptions about business sustainability and ethics. She emphasises the need for a strategic, limited, and authentic approach to sustainability, criticising both overly ambitious corporate promises and the unrealistic expectations placed on businesses. The episode offers a critical look at the narratives surrounding sustainable business practices. Alison also gives a sneak peek into her upcoming book, "Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World," which aims to provide practical advice for corporate leaders grappling with ethical challenges in the 21st century. Listen to the podcast here: Apple Podcasts Spotify Soundcloud About Alison Taylor In this episode of Leadership Conversations by TSB, we speak with Alison Taylor, Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Stern School of Business and Executive Director at Ethical Systems. She discusses the current state of sustainable business, particularly in the U.S., exploring the polarised perspectives and the impact of political and social dynamics on corporate ethics. Alison challenges common myths and misconceptions about business sustainability and ethics. She emphasises the need for a strategic, limited, and authentic approach to sustainability, criticising both overly ambitious corporate promises and the unrealistic expectations placed on businesses. The episode offers a critical look at the narratives surrounding sustainable business practices. Alison also gives a sneak peek into her upcoming book, "Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World," which aims to provide practical advice for corporate leaders grappling with ethical challenges in the 21st century. About 'Leadership Conversations by TSB' The Sustainability Board (TSB) is an independent think tank. We believe that poor leadership is a systemic risk, and that business is a powerful vehicle for positive change. As such, we aim to advance sustainable practices in leadership and governance by providing research, thought leadership, intelligence, and education programmes. Leadership Conversations is the podcast of TSB. In this interview series we interview global leaders who advocate for more positive societal impact and responsible business. Leadership Conversations is hosted by Frederik Otto.

Staying ahead on sustainability and ESG strategies is crucial for the long-term success and viability of any organisation. Executive and board leaders have a special responsibility to stay on top of these considerations and lead from the top. Over the last five years The Sustainability Board has been dedicated to promoting sustainable leadership and corporate governance through insightful reports, expert discussions, intelligence, and community. Our work has been recognised by some of the world’s leading authorities on business and leadership and we’re now making our sustainability, leadership, and governance expertise available to individuals and organisations. ​ The Sustainable Leadership Preparedness Programme (SLPP) is our new membership programme designed to advance sustainable leadership and corporate governance, developed for executive leaders and non-executive directors and chairs. ​ The programme includes the Sustainable Leadership Preparedness Certificate (SLPC), the essential guide to senior leadership level ESG mastery. The course is comprehensive, concise, and contextual and was built to apply in a management and governance context. Participants will get all they need to know about sustainable business and leadership in approximately 25 hours of duration, and we accompany learners over 12 months with 4 interactive live sessions and roundtables to help them act on their commitments. On successful completion participants earn The Sustainability Board’s Sustainable Leadership Preparedness Certificate. Watch the programme trailer below: Further details about the programme as well as the corporate tier, and leadership development add-on can be found here.

In the first live session of our podcast that was held in August 2023 we discuss the secrets to 'Building a Sustainability Culture'. We explore the highlights and insights from a new report with Paul Washington from The Conference Board' and Srinand Yalamanchili from Baker Tilly. We discuss how boards, management, and the entire organisation play crucial roles in shaping this culture, as well as the role of purpose and incentives. The report 'Building a Sustainability Culture' can be downloaded here: https://www.conference-board.org/press/press-release-building-a-sustainability-culture Listen to the podcast here: Apple Podcasts Spotify Soundcloud About Paul Washington Paul Washington has led The Conference Board ESG Center, the premier US-based nonprofit think tank addressing corporate governance, sustainability, and citizenship, since 2019. Before joining The ESG Center, he served for nearly 20 years as an executive at Time Warner Inc., including as Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, as well as Chief of Staff for the company’s Chairman and CEO. In those roles, he was responsible not only for leading the company’s corporate governance practices, but also for an array of legal areas including antitrust, intellectual property, and regulatory and international law. He also played a key role in developing the company’s sustainability strategy and restructuring its corporate citizenship programs. Prior to Time Warner, Paul practiced law at the firm of Sidley & Austin and served as Vice President and Corporate Secretary of The Dime Savings Bank of New York. Paul’s career also includes extensive work in public service at the federal, state, and local levels and all three branches of government, including serving as a law clerk for former Supreme Court Associate Justice William Brennan and Associate Justice David Souter, and for Circuit Court Judge David Tatel. Paul also served as the lead staffer on tax matters for former Congressman Stanley Lundine and, later, as his principal speechwriter when Lundine served as New York’s Lieutenant Governor. A long-time, active Member of The Conference Board, Paul chaired its Advisory Board on Corporate/Investor Engagement from 2013–2014. Paul has also served on over two dozen boards of cultural, civic, and professional nonprofit organizations, including as the former Chairman of the Society for Corporate Governance. He also served as an adjunct professor at Fordham Law School where he taught corporate governance for over a decade and later served as a Resident Fellow. Paul graduated from Yale College and Fordham University School of Law. About Srinand Yalamanchili Srinand is a director with Baker Tilly in the strategy and management consulting advisory practice. With specific experience focusing on environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters, Srinand’s subject matter industries extend across the ESG landscape including climate change mitigation and ESG strategy, regulatory reporting requirements, net-zero strategy, materiality, and renewable energy incentives. His focus is industry-agnostic, centered on providing businesses revenue, operational and reputational benefit through the adoption of ESG principles. About 'Leadership Conversations by TSB' The Sustainability Board is an independent non-profit organisation, supporting sustainable leadership and governance through research, thought leadership, and intelligence services. We believe that poor leadership is a systemic risk, and that business is a powerful vehicle for positive change. Our reports, intelligence, dialogues, and community aim to drive accountability for a sustainable future. Leadership Conversations is the podcast of TSB. In this interview series we interview global leaders who advocate for more positive societal impact and responsible business. Leadership Conversations is hosted by Frederik Otto.

In the second part of our Future Ready Board series we speak to Paul Washington, Executive Director of the Environmental, Social and Governance Center at The Conference Board. Paul explains to us how the relationship between NGOs, government and business has changed. We also speak about what makes a sustainable board and what challenges lie ahead. Paul gives us some examples of specific stakeholder groups and how the dynamics between these players has changed the corporation. Listen to the podcast here: Apple Podcasts Spotify Soundcloud All links to Paul’s cited research can be found below: Toward Stakeholder Capitalism: What the Shift Means for CEOs and the C-suite Board Composition: Diversity, Experience, and Effectiveness Telling Your Sustainability Story Six Questions Boards Should Ask About Their Company's Political Activity Strategy How Companies Can Make Decisions and a Difference on Social Issues About Paul Washington Executive Director, Environmental, Social and Governance Center The Conference Board Paul Washington is a recognized leader with a distinguished career in the ESG space. Before joining The Conference Board ESG Center, he served as Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Time Warner Inc. He also served as Chief of Staff for the company’s Chairman and CEO, after holding positions of Assistant General Counsel and Litigation Counsel. Prior to Time Warner, Washington practiced law at the firm of Sidley & Austin and served as Vice President and Corporate Secretary of The Dime Savings Bank of New York. Washington brings an in-depth understanding of The Conference Board and its offerings. A long-time active member of the organization, from 2013-2014 he chaired its Advisory Board on Corporate/Investor Engagement. Washington's distinguished career also includes extensive work in public service. He served as a law clerk for former Supreme Court Associate Justices William Brennan and David Souter, and for Circuit Court Judge David Tatel. In addition, he was the principal staffer on tax matters for former Congressman Stanley Lundine and, later, his principal speechwriter, when Lundine served as New York’s Lieutenant Governor. Washington has served on the boards of numerous cultural, civic, and professional non-profit organizations, including the Legal Aid Society and American Folk Art Museum. He also is the former Chairman of the Society for Corporate Governance. Washington graduated from Yale College and Fordham University School of Law; he is a Resident Fellow at the latter, where he has taught corporate governance for over a decade. About 'Leadership Conversations by TSBR' Leadership Conversations is a podcast by The Sustainability Board Report (TSBR), an independent not-for-profit project. We aim to showcase different dimensions of sustainable business leadership and corporate governance. In this podcast we interview global leaders who advocate for more positive societal impact and responsible business. Leadership Conversations is hosted by Frederik Otto and Helena Guðjónsdóttir.

Formerly known as 'The Sustainability Board Report,' we are excited to announce our new name. As our organisation has evolved and grown, we now embrace a broader mission as a comprehensive resource for policy and research, thought leadership, and intelligence services in the realm of sustainability. While we initially gained recognition through our groundbreaking report on ESG engagement of boards, our new identity as 'The Sustainability Board' reflects our commitment to go beyond reporting. Our vision is to foster a community of sustainable leaders, empowering them to drive positive change in the corporate world and beyond. As we embark on this journey, we look forward to offering invaluable insights, innovative solutions, and a forthcoming membership programme that focuses on cultivating and nurturing sustainable leadership. Thank you for joining us in this exciting phase, and we invite you to explore our enriched platform as we continue our dedicated efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient future.

In this episode we speak to Beth Sasfai, Partner at the renowned law firm Cooley. We talk about the challenge of sustainability reporting requirements and how most companies have lost the idea of big ambitious goals. We also discuss the difference in sustainability governance and ESG strategy between public and private businesses, and common blind spots in start-ups that create risk. Beth talks about her personal experiences counselling for clients on ESG; which stakeholders she considers to be the most influential right now; and she shares her recommendations for sustainability oversight on board level. Listen to the podcast here: Apple Podcasts Spotify Soundcloud Amazon Music About Beth Sasfai Beth’s practice focuses on advising public and private companies, investment funds and their boards in a broad range of corporate matters, with an emphasis on their ESG matters, including sustainability reporting, board oversight and disclosure controls, and shareholder and stakeholder engagement. She has extensive experience developing robust environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies and driving forward a wide range of ESG initiatives, from corporate governance and board affairs to ESG reporting and shareholder engagement issues – and more. Before joining Cooley, Beth served as Verizon’s senior vice president, governance and chief ESG officer. While at Verizon, she was responsible for the company’s ESG strategy, disclosure and related stakeholder advocacy while leading a cross-functional team of lawyers and sustainability professionals responsible for corporate governance policy and board affairs; ESG commitments, reporting and engagement; business and human rights; digital trust and safety; compliance with corporate and securities laws; legal support to investor relations and external reporting; and advising on other general corporate matters. She also served as a management liaison to the Corporate Governance and Policy Committee of the Verizon board of directors, the committee charged with overseeing sustainability, governance, public policy and reputational risk. Previously, Beth was vice president and associate general counsel, litigation for Verizon corporate. In that role, she was responsible for litigation and dispute resolution nationally for Verizon’s corporate, wireline, wireless, and enterprise and government businesses. Beth has more than 20 years of experience, including a strong background in regulatory, governance, public policy and corporate litigation. Before joining Verizon, Beth also practiced in the corporate and litigation groups of prominent New York City law firms. About 'Leadership Conversations by TSB' The Sustainability Board is an independent non-profit organisation, supporting sustainable leadership and governance through research, thought leadership, and intelligence services. We believe that poor leadership is a systemic risk, and that business is a powerful vehicle for positive change. Our reports, intelligence, dialogues, and community aim to drive accountability for a sustainable future. Leadership Conversations is the podcast of TSB. In this interview series we interview global leaders who advocate for more positive societal impact and responsible business. Leadership Conversations is hosted by Frederik Otto.

Dear Follower, Last month, we hosted a webinar on the impact of biodiversity loss and the depletion of natural capital to corporate governance and ESG. The event was a fascinating conversation that produced foundational guidance for board directors on how to move forward on this topic. Our three expert panelists were Robert Walker, Sustainability Policy Manager at the International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN); Julie Nash, Senior Director of the Food and Forests Program at Ceres, and Jenni Ramos, Lawyer Corporate/Finance and Biodiversity at the Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative (CCLI). ​ You can now catch-up on the recording. News The Conference Board Sustainability Culture Deeply Embedded in Just 13% of Firms The report, Building a Sustainability Culture, by The Conference Board and Baker Tilly, found that only 13% of executives say sustainability is deeply embedded into their company culture. Most companies are at the early to middle stages of building a sustainability culture, with 49% saying it is moderately embedded and 37% saying it is slightly embedded. The report provides insights into how companies can build a sustainability culture, including the importance of linking sustainability to the company's business strategy, creating a sense of ownership among employees, and using a variety of methods to motivate progress. EY How can effective governance unlock value from sustainability? A new report by EY found that companies with effective sustainability governance are more likely to achieve their sustainability goals and deliver long-term value. The report also found that there is still a long way to go in terms of sustainability governance, and that companies need to focus on board dynamics, remuneration, and reporting in order to create a more systematic, accountable, and authentic approach to sustainability. Chatham House Preparing NATO for climate-related security challenges A research paper by Chatham House finds that climate change is a security threat that NATO cannot ignore. The report outlines a number of ways that NATO can adapt to the impacts of climate change, including strengthening its political and institutional structures, its mechanisms for anticipating climate risks, and its operational resilience. The report also calls on NATO to address its own carbon footprint and work with allies to reduce and report on their military emissions. Leadership Conversations by TSBR Andrew Behar on sustainable shareholder advocacy In this episode we speak with Andrew Behar, the CEO of As You Sow, the United States’ leading non-profit practitioner of shareholder advocacy and engagement. We talk about how As You Sow engages with boards and management teams on issues like climate change; toxins in the food system; ocean plastics; diversity, equity, and inclusion; racial justice; and wage equity. TSBR Webinar Nature in the Boardroom – Implications of Biodiversity Loss for Corporate Governance The webinar began with a discussion of the profound implications that biodiversity loss and the depletion of natural capital have for our society. The speakers highlighted the fact that these issues are not just environmental concerns, but also social, economic and legal concerns. They also discussed the challenges that businesses face in reconciling profit-driven operations with their responsibility to protect and preserve the very environment that sustains us all. iTSBR Intelligence Our new Intelligence Unit provides customised research and analysis We create custom reports and analysis to assess organisations' sustainability commitments and approach to accountability. These tailored assessments include recommendations, market comaprisons and scores with an emphasis on ESG strategy, leadership, and governance. ​ Our reports are useful as additional inputs for board effectiveness exercises, audits, investor analysis and ESG performance assessments beyond traditional ESG ratings.

In this episode we speak with Andrew Behar, the CEO of As You Sow, the United States’ leading non-profit practitioner of shareholder advocacy and engagement. We talk about how As You Sow engages with boards and management teams on issues like climate change; toxins in the food system; ocean plastics; diversity, equity, and inclusion; racial justice; and wage equity. Andrew provides some fascinating statistics on how As You Sow’s reports and research are driving strategic initiatives with businesses on these issues. He also explains what toolkit they are using if a company is unreceptive to change, and his favourite engagement story of two large businesses in the food industry. Listen to the podcast here: Apple Podcasts Spotify Soundcloud Amazon Music About Andrew Behar Andrew Behar is CEO of As You Sow, the nation’s leading non-profit practitioner of shareholder advocacy and engagement. With a 30-year track record of success, As You Sow advances values-aligned investing and uses shareholder power to compel companies to reduce material risk on issues including climate change; toxins in the food system; ocean plastics; diversity, equity, and inclusion; racial justice; and wage equity. Previously Andrew was a documentary filmmaker and entrepreneur founding start-ups that developed innovative physiological monitoring devices and grid-scale fuel cells. He is an inventor on five patents and was recently named as one of the Purposeful-50 “true changemakers who deliver on social justice, environmental protection, diversity, inclusion, racial equality, and gender and pay equity.” He is currently on the board of the Responsible Sourcing Network. His book,The Shareholders Action Guide: Unleash Your Hidden Powers to Hold Corporations Accountable, was published by Berrett-Koehler. About 'Leadership Conversations by TSBR' The Sustainability Board Report (TSBR) is an independent, non-profit initiative aimed at highlighting various aspects of sustainable leadership and corporate governance. We are particularly interested how leaders and boards respond to the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda of their stakeholder ecosystem. Leadership Conversations is the podcast by TSBR. In this interview series we interview global leaders who advocate for more positive societal impact and responsible business. Leadership Conversations is hosted by Frederik Otto.

Dear Follower, This month we had our attention drawn to the impact of AI to corporate governance and ESG. We hosted our first webinar in our new thought leadership format which turned out to be a fascinating conversation that has produced foundational guidance for board directors on how to move forward on the topic. Our three expert panelists were Karen Silverman, CEO of The Cantellus Group, Professor Deirdre Ahern, Director of the Technologies at the Law and Society Research Group Trinity College Dublin Law School, and Mitra Best, Partner & Technology Impact Leader at PWC. ​ You can now catch-up on the recording. GreenBiz How the new EU directive will rewrite ESG reporting Europe has long been the trendsetter in policy and regulation around environmental, social and governance issues. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is the latest in a line of European Union policies intended to nudge economic and investment activity towards more sustainable outcomes. Agenda Investors Name and Shame Directors over Climate Concerns Investor group Climate Action 100+ and shareholder advocacy organisation Majority Action this month published lists of individual board directors whom the groups are recommending investors vote against during this year’s proxy season. The campaigns kick into high gear this month. Leadership Conversations by TSBR Rachel Youngman on the Power of Science In our latest episode we speak with Rachel Youngman, the deputy CEO at the Institute of Physics. We delve into Rachel's work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the world of science, including her focus on enabling non-dominant groups and girls to enter the field. Rachel inspires us to take career paths that can make a real difference in the world, and she offers practical insights into the power of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. TSBR Webinar What is the board's role in governing the business use of AI? At our online event on the 11th of May we explored the critical questions that boards must address to ensure that AI is used ethically, responsibly, and for the betterment of their organisations. Catch up on the recording as we examined the board's role in governing the business use of AI. iTSBR Intelligence Our new Intelligence Unit provides customised research and analysis We create custom reports and analysis to assess organisations' sustainability commitments and approach to accountability. These tailored assessments include recommendations, market comaprisons and scores with an emphasis on ESG strategy, leadership, and governance. ​ Our reports are useful as additional inputs for board effectiveness exercises, audits, investor analysis and ESG performance assessments beyond traditional ESG ratings.