Four female professionals of South Asian heritage share stories of their family, their upbringing, and their careers in the UK. Along the way, they discuss the battles fought and won, and take an unflinching look at the challenges still ahead. Ashurst PR Manager Varsha Patel leads a discussion about the past, present and future for people of South Asian Heritage in the United Kingdom. As the episode unfolds, Sunita Harley from Collective Insight and Ashurst colleagues Rabinder Sokhi and Aisha Azim, each share the stories of how their families came to be in the UK. Together, the women marvel at their parents’ struggles and triumphs; reflect on their own upbringings and careers; and consider the life and career prospects for the next generation coming up behind them. Their conversation also explores the ongoing challenges of racism, the importance of education, and the need for representation and equality in the workplace. Finally, the group picks out some of their favourite South Asian role models – from famous trailblazers to close family members. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it possible to transform financial markets to reward organisations for positive impacts on people and planet? Absolutely, explains filmmaker and social entrepreneur Rupert Pearce. To conclude Ashurst’s 30 For Net Zero 30 podcast series, we’ve saved one of the best for last. Our final special guest is Rupert Pearce, who is seeking to rewire the financial markets to reward organisations for positive impacts on people and planet. Together with regular host Anna Marie Slot, Rupert reflects on how to drive behavioural change among corporates, governments, and individuals to achieve social and environmental progress. Along the way, they talk about how to harness technology, education, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and more. Rupert also shares his learnings from working on the first Olympic Ceremony to be co-produced by a group of individuals with learning disabilities. He explains how Rewired.earth is building consensus for sustainable action in financial markets. And he emphasises the need for a shared language for ESG that gives people a voice – and businesses a reason – to change. Listen back to the complete 30 For Net Zero 30 series – featuring an array of inspiring change makers – by  subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. This is the thirtieth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Jeff Ovens, Managing Director UK, Europe and Middle East a Fulcrum BioEnergy joins Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot. Fulcrum BioEnergy is a clean energy company pioneering the creation of renewable drop-in sustainable aviation fuel from landfill waste. Jeff talks about his interest in the aviation sector with a focus on sustainable fuel for the last decade, the progress of energy transition in Asia and the impact of Covid-19 on sustainability. This is the twenty-nineth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ashurst's Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot is joined by James Harayda, skipper and team principal at the Gentoo Sailing team. James is the youngest skipper currently entered in the next Vendee Globe race, and in November, 2024 will become the youngest competitor to embark from France on this 25,000 nautical mile solo nonstop round the world yacht race. Not only is James going to skippering throughout this competition but also taking water samples to collect data for scientific research to help provide a greater understanding of what's happening with our waters and help give scientists fundamentals, to decide what actions we really need to take, the combat the adverse impacts of humans. James and Anna-Marie discuss what sustainability means to him as a sailor, the importance of learning more about the ocean for sustainability purposes and what needs to happen around ocean stewardship. Ashurst are delighted to have partnered with Gentoo Sailing Team whose innovative vision and sustainability ambitions reflect our own. To find out more about our partnership, visit our partnership page. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashurst First Nations Lead, Trent Wallace, turns the tables and interviews one of Australia's most distinguished and respected journalists, Kerry O'Brien, to discuss Kerry's allyship origins, his new book co-authored with Thomas Mayo, "The Voice to Parliament Handbook: All the Detail You Need", and the media's role in mitigating risk to First Nations societies. In this special Let's Yarn episode, Trent talks with Kerry O'Brien about his allyship origins, his new handbook with Thomas Mayo about The Voice, and the media's role in mitigating risk to First Nations societies. The conversation also includes Kerry's personal experience in witnessing key moments of Australian history up close, from how the governments of the past have tried to provide an Indigenous Voice to Government, being in the room when Hawke announced the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, thoughts about past referendums, his reporting of land rights, Mabo, the ATSIC establishment and abolishment, to witnessing the Whitlam Dismissal. All of which have shaped and influenced Kerry's interest in Indigenous issues in Australia. This is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashurst First Nations Lead Trent Wallace continues his yarn with advocate and trailblazer The Honourable Judge Dina Yehia SC. They discuss high-profile cases, diversity in law, and a refreshing new approach to sentencing. In the second part of this illuminating podcast interview, Justice Dina Yehia SC reflects on her practice in the Supreme Court, which included murder and terrorism trials. In 2013, she appeared as lead counsel in the High Court case of The Queen v Bugmy. “We wanted to move the law along,” she explains. “We wanted to say [that] the High Court should endorse a position whereby judges should take into account – when sentencing an Indigenous person – the systemic disadvantage brought about by colonisation and dispossession.” Justice Yehia also talks about the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in custody and her work to establish an Indigenous sentencing court as part of the NSW District Court. The Walama List commenced operating in the District Court on 31 January 2022. “It’s a very different approach to sentencing,” she explains, emphasising the involvement of Aboriginal people in several instrumental roles. “We conduct conversations that really are a deep dive into the underlying issues that give rise to people’s offending and, equally importantly, what do we do about it?” Her Honour also shares some advice for young lawyers and discusses her role as Chair of Diverse Women in Law, which encourages women from diverse backgrounds to enter, remain and progress in the legal profession. “I do believe that if you love the law [then] you need to give back,” she says. Note: The Hon. Justice Dina Yehia was appointed as a Supreme Court judge as of July 4 2022. References to Justice Yehia as "Her Honour Judge Dina Yehia SC" refers to her previous position at the District Court. We apologise for not using her new title. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashurst First Nations Lead Trent Wallace yarns with advocate and trailblazer, Justice Dina Yehia, where they discover they share a similar rebellious streak. In this episode, Justice Dina Yehia reflects on her life and times working in Australia’s criminal justice system and being an advocate for First Nations justice. In conversation with Ashurst First Nations Lead Trent Wallace, Justice Yehia explains how a rebellious, non-English-speaking girl from Egypt ended up pursuing criminal and social justice in remote Australia. The conversation covers her early career as a junior solicitor working in remote Australia, the late night bus journeys to Broken Hill, and defending Aboriginal people in court. “I don’t have any recollection of being apprehensive or scared or afraid of what might come,” she recalls. “I always got on that bus with a sense of excitement… We had some extraordinary Aboriginal people who filled positions at the Western Aboriginal Legal Service and they expected 100% of us, and rightly so.” As well as talking about self-doubt, camaraderie and persistence, Justice Yehia and Trent share a commitment to assisting mob and tackling gaps in justice – and both admit to having a bit of a rebellious streak!  Note: The Hon. Justice Dina Yehia was appointed as a Supreme Court judge as of July 4 2022. References to Justice Yehia as "Her Honour Judge Dina Yehia SC" refers to her previous position at the District Court. We apologise for not using her new title. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first episode of our new series on ESG Matters@Ashurst, David Katz, Founder and Chairman at Plastic Bank, an internationally recognised solution to ocean plastic joins Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot. One garbage truck full of plastic enters the ocean every minute and if plastic waste continues, by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. David is one of the key people in finding solutions to stop plastic from reaching the ocean. David discusses how and why he founded Plastic Bank, the relationship between plastic pollution and poverty and shares one actionable takeaway. This is the first episode in our game changers and transition makers series. In each episode, Ashurst partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with individuals from around the globe who are reimagining business and taking action now on climate transition. This series follows on from our 30 for Net Zero 30 series, where we spoke with thirty leaders from around the globe on actions to take now to deliver on 2030 goals. Find out more about our podcast channels at Ashurst.com/podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ndiarka Mbodji, Founder & CEO of Kowry Energy a Berlin-based sustainability driven decentralised energy service provider to independent energy suppliers in Sub-Saharan Africa, joins Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot. Ndiarka talks about how and why Kowry Energy was founded, the global shift she has seen in Energy Transition due to the insurge in climate related disasters and global changes. Ndiarka also touches upon Africa being at the front end of the global impact of climate change and how she’s working towards solutions. This is the twenty-eighth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashurst First Nations Adviser and proud Wongaibon and Palawa man, Trent Wallace, shares a timely yarn with Bridget Cama from the Uluru Dialogue about the upcoming Voice referendum. In this episode, you will hear Bridget talk with passionate about the work she's doing around the upcoming Voice. The yarn covers the work that has gone into the Voice, the challenges Bridget has faced and the reason why she decided to follow her Dad’s advice and pursue a career in law. “I was very fortunate to have a family that always supported me, always valued education. From a very young age, my dad said to me, if this is something you want to do, just go for it. Despite all the barriers that existed in front of me, he was very driven and focused on supporting me to get an education.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, José Pugas, a Partner and Head of Responsible Investments and Engagement at JGP Asset Management, based in Brazil joins Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot. José talks about the role of Brazil in being part of the challenge of climate change and part of the solution. Looking forward, diversity and nature are an intrinsic part of the wealth generation and no country is better positioned to discuss and lead the discussion than Brazil. José also discusses why we need to change the conversation perspective on diversity resources and the role Brazil will play within nature-based solutions. This is the twenty-seventh episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ulf Erlandsson, founder and CEO of the Anthropocene Fixed Income Institute, based in Sweden joins Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot to talk about fixed income markets and delivering transition. Ulf talks about the market shift he has seen around non-climate aligned assets, what he thinks are the most impactful steps investors can take in the next two to three years to help really deliver on the transition to Net Zero and how to get market fired up on delivering climate change. This is the twenty-sixth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cindy Torrens,  program manager at an Australian front-line agency, and Sean Callaghan, a researcher based in the UK, reflect on what more can be done to end violence against women and girls. The statistics are stark and confronting. One in three women globally will experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, most likely inflicted by an intimate partner. And more than 140 million girls and women alive today have experienced female genital cutting. In this episode of ESG Matters, we look at the causes and risks of violence against women and girls. We highlight the barriers to preventing this, and we look for signs that progress can be made. Ashurst pro bono lawyers Alison Elliott and Emma Minimbi hear a frontline account from Cindy Torrens, who manages the Throughcare team at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency in the Northern Territory. And they speak with Sean Callaghan from the Orchid Project, who conducts research into female genital cutting and provides data to organisations working to eliminate this practice. Support is available If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, you can contact these organisations for support: Australia: RespectUnited Kingdom: the National Domestic Abuse HelplineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Nick Ash, Associate Director at Arup joins Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot. Nick covers the importance of providing fair access to energy for the population as well as market frameworks that enable that change. Nick also shares the shift he has seen in the energy space over the past eighteen months and what he'd like to see come out of the discussions at COP27. This is the twenty-fifth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Denise Odaro, Head of ESG and Sustainability at PAI Partners joins Global Sustainability and ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot. Denise shares what she'd like to see come out of the discussions at COP27, whether the promises of COP26 have materialised and the changes she's seen over the past eighteen months. This is the twenty-fourth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, John Lang, Founder, Consult Climate and Net Zero Tracker lead, joins Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot. John covers the importance of data around delivery of Net Zero targets, the role of G7 countries and why leaders from the rich world must keep their promises to the developing world even in these bumpy times. John also shares his Net Zero anagram and what he's hoping to see be discussed at COP27. To remind yourself of what was discussed at COP26, click here to view John's visual guide. This is the twenty-third episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the second episode in a four-part series that examines the legacy of each of William's daughter’s, continuing with the Caroline Ashurst Award. Helena Yeaman, Social Impact Manager for Modern Slavery at Ashurst speaks with the three recipients of the Caroline Ashurst award, Conor Tarpey, Samantha Shannon and Adela Mackie. The Caroline Ashurst award supports future trainees to spend their time supporting Anti-Slavery International in the UK and Anti-Slavery Australia in Sydney before joining the firm. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Michael Pawlyn, Founder and Director of Exploration Architecture, a company that focuses on high performance buildings and solutions for the circular economy joins Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot. Michael talks through the difference between sustainable and regenerative and how to transform from one to the other. Michael also touches upon the role of our relationship with nature going forward and why we all need better integrated thinking. This is the twenty-second episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Cam Ross, CEO at Green Angel Syndicate, the UK's largest network of specialist investors fighting climate change and official Partner of Ashurst's Fintech Legal Labs accelerator programme joins Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot. Cam talks through the model of Green Angel Syndicate, the rise in the number of portfolios looking to increase funds and fight climate change and what needs to happen next to support the transformation of the business ecosystem at large. This is the twenty-first episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stakeholders are insisting on greater transparency around companies’ risks and strategies not just relating to ESG but also embedding corporate purpose and placing shared value at the centrepiece. Consideration of businesses’ role in society is moving from the periphery of boards’ agendas to main stream. Increasingly, investors, customers, employees and other stakeholders expect companies to understand the total impact of their strategy and actions. With a younger activist workforce on the move, there is a new landscape of expectations, calling for businesses to not only do more around ESG considerations but to show proactive leadership around key social issues to drive change. Many CEOs would like to take action but don’t know where to begin. Others have found ways to respond with creativity, energy and even optimism – attacking global, national and local problems with powerful ideas and new platforms for change that unleash human potential. In this episode Tamara Cannon, a lawyer in Ashurst's ESG practice with over 20 years commercial experience, discusses how to best embed purpose into corporate decision making with Audette Exel, Elena Lambros and Rob Hanley. Audette is a pioneer of social entrepreneurship in Australia. Almost 25 years ago she founded Adara Advisors, a for-profit business which seeks to alleviate extreme poverty and disadvantage. Audette is also a non-executive director of Westpac. Partner Elena Lambros leads Ashurst's climate change and sustainability practise, and partner Robert Hanley, who heads up Ashurst's legal governance advisory team. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.