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Purpose 360 episode 142

What Is Happening with ESG?

ESG — which stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance — has become increasingly important as businesses recognize their responsibility to prioritize environmental and social investments.

Over the past few months, ESG has come under fire as politicians challenge whether ESG factors should be considered by investment managers and state pension funds. With the threat of being labeled “woke,” companies are looking for counsel on how they can maintain their commitments to environmental and social impact without being brought into the ESG fray.

We invited two business leaders to explain the ESG controversy and provide their insight to business leaders: Judy Samuelson, VP, Founder, and Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Business and Society Program; and David Young, Managing Director and Senior Partner of Boston Consulting Group.

Listen for insights on:

  • Why the ESG controversy is happening now
  • How the industry can shift the conversation away from politics and to better business
  • How businesses can hold themselves accountable with no single, accepted standard for ESG reporting
  • Why Boards are critical to advance ESG

Resources + Links:

Business is an unlikely hero: a force for good working to solve society’s most pressing challenges, while boosting bottom line. This is social purpose at work. And it’s a dynamic journey.

Purpose 360 is a masterclass in unlocking the potential of social purpose to ignite business and social impact. We illuminate the growing impacts of purpose, from engaging employees and fostering deeper consumer loyalty to inspiring product innovation and increasing market share.