To celebrate the SRI360 podcast's 2nd anniversary, I've created a “best of” episode with some of my favorite responses from one of the most popular questions in my interviews: the lessons learned from investments that didn’t turn out as expected.This episode features:1. Bram Bos: Green Bonds Investing (02:12) Managing Director, Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Former Lead Portfolio Manager of Green, Social, and Impact Bonds at NN Investment Partners. Listen to his full episode.2. Jennifer Pryce: Community Investing (03:45) President and CEO of Calvert Impact Capital Listen to her full episode.3. Marisa Drew: Millennial Investing (05:00) Chief Sustainability Officer of the Standard Chartered Bank in LondonListen to her full episode.4. Mark Dowding: Fixed Income & Sovereign Bonds Investing (07:00) Chief Investment Officer at BlueBay Asset Management Listen to his full episode.5. Matt Patsky: Public Equities Investing (08:49)CEO & Lead Portfolio Manager of the Trillium ESG Global Equity StrategyListen to his full episode.6. Patrick Drum: Faith-Based Investing (09:57)Portfolio Manager of the Sustainable Fixed Income Fund  Listen to his full episode.7. Radha Kuppalli: Real Asset Investing (11:28) Former Managing Director of Impact and Advocacy at New ForestsListen to her full episode.8. Tammy Newmark: Biodiversity Impact Investing (13:53)CEO and Managing Partner of EcoEnterprises FundListen to her full episode.9. Chris Ailman: Sustainable Institutional Investing (15:44) Founder and CEO, Ailman Advisers. Former CIO of CalSTRSListen to his full episode.10. Martin Berg: Natural Capital Investing (16:49) CEO of Climate Asset ManagementListen to his full episode.11. Amy Novogratz: Sustainable Aquaculture Investing (18:52)Co-Founder of AquaSparkListen to her full episode.12. Ed Marcum: Supply Chain Impact Investing (21:12) Managing Director of Working Capital FundFull episode here.13. Karla Mora: Sustainable Fashion Investing (22:29)Founder and Managing Partner of Alante CapitalFull episode here.14. Sharon Vosmek: Venture Capital Investing (24:22) CEO of Astia, Managing Partner of the Astia FundFull episode here.15. Charlotte Kaiser: Impact-Driven Forestry Investing (26:27)Head of Impact Finance, BTG Pactual Timberland Investment GroupFull episode here.—Connect with SRI360°: Sign up for the free weekly email update.Visit the SRI360° PODCAST.Visit the SRI360° WEBSITE.Follow SRI360° on X.Follow SRI360° on FACEBOOK.

Have you ever thought about what happens with the clothes you toss out, or all the unsold items in malls? The apparel industry is a $3 trillion market that mass-produces tons of garments. Yet, a large portion of these items end up as waste without ever being sold.For many brands, it’s more cost-effective to write off unsold items as waste rather than consolidating and reselling them — a practice that leads to huge amounts of perfectly good merchandise being thrown away, along with the packaging waste that comes with it.So, how do we create more sustainability in the fashion industry? Today’s guest, Karla Mora, has the strategies for making this change happen.Karla is the visionary founder and managing partner of Alante Capital. With her extensive global experiences, including work on supply chain reform in Afghanistan and a dip into the coffee sector with the United Nations Sustainable Commodity Initiative, Karla has made a unique path in impact venture capital investing.Karla’s mission with Alante Capital is to drive real change within the fashion industry by investing in early-stage technology startup companies that champion circular, sustainable practices.In this episode, Karla breaks down the concept of the circular economy and how her firm invests in both material science and software solutions for a more efficient value chain. We also discuss the challenges of integrating sustainability into the apparel industry, the role of consumer consciousness, and the vast opportunities for innovation within the industry.Tune in now to learn more about impact investing strategies that are set to redefine the future of fashion. —Show notes: {link}—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes. In my interviews, I cover everything from their early personal journeys to insights into how they developed and executed their investment strategies and what challenges they face today. Each episode is a chance to go way below the surface with these impressive people and gain additional insights and useful lessons from professional investors.—Connect with SRI360°: Sign up for the free weekly email update.Visit the SRI360° PODCAST.Visit the SRI360° WEBSITE.Follow SRI360° on X.Follow SRI360° on FACEBOOK. —Key Takeaways:An introduction to Karla Mora and her extensive global experience (00:00)Karla’s transformative work experience in Afghanistan (19:05)Transition to Helios Investment Management and impact investing (27:57)The inspiration behind launching a circular-focused VC firm in the apparel industry (38:57)Founding Alante Capital and focusing on circularity (42:02)The three dimensions of impact and KPIs for measuring success (53:41)Alante Capital’s investment selection, decision process, and exit strategies (1:02:01)How to ensure investment in businesses maintains lasting impact post-exit (1:24:10)Investing in diverse founders and balancing sustainability and pricing (1:25:45)Rapid fire questions (1:37:55)—Additional ResourcesConnect with Karla on LinkedIn.Visit Alante Capital's website.

Have you ever stopped to think how we’re treating biodiversity like it’s free to use? Our planet’s biodiversity does a great service for all humankind, and it's time we give it the financial value it deserves.This is the core of natural capital investing, and today’s guest, Martin Berg, is here to share its inner workings.He is the CEO of Climate Asset Management, and he made his way into climate finance at the UN’s first Climate Change Conference following the Kyoto Protocol. Martin's commitment to climate and nature-based solutions has led him through several leadership and strategy positions over the past two decades, integrating natural capital investing and carbon finance across both private and public sectors at organizations like the European Investment Bank, Merrill Lynch, RNK Capital, and the OECD.Martin shares how Climate Asset Management started off as a joint venture between HSBC and Pollination. With $650 million of AUM raised after just 18 months, the company has become a global asset management leader in the field of natural capital investing, carbon offsets, and innovative financial vehicles that bridge the two. The company is now investing across all asset classes, themes, and geographies, and even managing capital on behalf of high profile corporates such as Apple, among other large institutional investors.In this episode, Martin shares his thoughts on how natural capital investing not only addresses climate change but also offers significant, long-term financial returns. He emphasizes the importance of moving large amounts of capital to this space for our planet’s future, and delivers a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in natural capital and carbon finance.Tune in to learn how nature’s value can turn into real financial gains that drive positive environmental impact. —Show notes—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes. In my interviews, I cover everything from their early personal journeys to insights into how they developed and executed their investment strategies and what challenges they face today. Each episode is a chance to go way below the surface with these impressive people and gain additional insights and useful lessons from professional investors.—Connect with SRI360°: Sign up for the free weekly email update.Visit the SRI360° PODCAST.Visit the SRI360° WEBSITE.Follow SRI360° on X.Follow SRI360° on FACEBOOK. —Key TakeawaysMeet Martin Berg & his early experiences at the UN & OECD (00:00)Becoming a Carbon Finance Specialist at RNK Capital in New York (13:15)Martin’s time at Merrill Lynch, the European Investment Bank, & Pollination (21:26)An overview of Climate Asset Management (42:19)Martin defines what natural capital investment is (48:50)Climate Asset Management's theory of change & investment examples (53:35)What makes a strong nature-based investment? (01:02:45)The investment process at Climate Asset Management (01:10:00)Apple’s Restore Fund  & The Future of Natural Capital Investing (01:23:53)Rapid fire questions (01:32:14)—Additional ResourcesListen to the episode about Tammy Newmark & her Eco Enterprises Fund.Learn more about Climate Asset Managemen

Research shows that 81% of adults would like their investments to do some good as well as provide a financial return. However, the skepticism surrounding impact investing and limited awareness of the tools, standards, and regulations that support it holds many investors back in their impact journey.What the world needs now is greater advocacy for integrating social good into mainstream investment practices, which is precisely what we're going to explore with today’s guest, Kieron Boyle. Kieron Boyle is a visionary leader working on shaping policy around impact investing for social good. Currently, he’s the Chief Executive of the Impact Investing Institute in London, an independent, non-profit organization with the goal of making capital markets fairer and better aligned with the UK’s and the world’s current social and environmental needs.Prior to the Impact Investing Institute, Kieron served as the Chief Executive of Guy's and St. Thomas' Foundation for seven years, managing their £1 billion foundation investment arm. His highly distinguished career spans several influential roles, including a senior advisor role at No. 10 Downing Street, which led to this Cabinet Office role as Head of Impact Investment and as a non-executive director at the world's first social investment bank — Better Society Capital.With this breadth of experience, Kieron has consistently driven real-world change through innovative financial strategies focused on urban health and social good.Our conversation delivers insights into Kieron’s goal of shaping investment frameworks that not only yield financial returns but also address crucial global challenges surrounding health and climate change. We discuss his achievements in his most prominent roles and also his efforts in establishing major initiatives like the Long-term Investors in People's Health (LIPH), a $7 trillion global alliance of institutional investors working to improve people's health.Tune in to learn more about how you can contribute to societal change while also achieving financial growth. —Show notes.—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes. —Connect with SRI360°: Sign up for the free weekly email update.Visit the SRI360° PODCAST.Visit the SRI360° WEBSITE.Follow SRI360° on X.Follow SRI360° on FACEBOOK. —Key TakeawaysMeet Kieron Boyle, his early life, & formative experiences (00:00)Kieron’s beginnings in strategy consulting (18:38)The world's first social investment bank, Big Society Capital (35:28)Kieron’s time at Guy’s and St. Thomas' Foundation (45:15)Transition to the Impact Investing Institute & their theory of change (01:14:16)Kieron’s plans for the Impact Investing Institute (01:22:41)Rapid fire questions (01:29:02)—Additional ResourcesLearn more about Kieron here or connect with him on LinkedIn and X.  Visit the Impact Investing Institute website here.Visit Big Society Capital here.

Portfolios looking to make a real-world impact are increasingly considering real assets as part of their investment strategies.With a trillion-dollar investment gap in our global infrastructure, this seems like a smart move. Real asset investing is not only driving progress worldwide, it’s also a smart long-term investment to secure our planet’s future.But some may ask… what is the real extent of impact that real assets can generate? In this episode, we’re going to find out. My guest is Anish Majmudar, the Head of Real Assets at M&G plc whose team focuses on investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and nature-based solutions. He studied economics at University College London and entered the world of finance and asset management in 2012 thanks to the graduate program at M&G.Anish is here to share his remarkable insights on overseeing a vast portfolio that amounts to nearly $400 billion in assets across public and private markets.His curiosity for alternative assets ultimately led to a crucial role in growing Prudential Assurance Company’s real assets portfolio division. In this episode, Anish and I lay out all the opportunities and challenges within the real asset impact investing space, an area that M&G is opening up for a broader range of investors, having previously been the preserve of large institutional pools of capital. These investments aim to bridge the massive infrastructure spending gap with sustainable solutions, focusing on energy transition, responsible consumption and production, and social and economic inclusion.We also discuss how this strategic approach is about much more than just capital investment for returns; it's about leveraging private capital and M&G’s expertise to create clean energy, improve biodiversity, and open doors for underserved communities, thereby driving decarbonization and advancing global sustainability.Tune in to gain a better understanding of the deep impact that strategic investments in real assets can bring to our world.  —Show notes—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes. —Connect with SRI360°: Sign up for the free weekly email update.Visit the SRI360° PODCAST.Visit the SRI360° WEBSITE.Follow SRI360° on X.Follow SRI360° on FACEBOOK.—Key TakeawaysMeet Anish Majmudar & his start in asset management (02:58)An overview of M&G plc & Anish’s focus on real asset impact investing (16:45)Zoning in on M&G’s real asset impact fund (21:53)M&G’s focus on energy transition, responsible consumption, & social inclusion projects (30:35)How M&G identifies investment targets, impact washing, & investment exits (46:04)Measuring impact & examples of M&G’s investment methodology (56:10)Carbon and biodiversity credits & their competitive edge in real asset investing (01:06:35)Rapid fire questions (01:11:50)—Additional ResourcesConnect with Anish on LinkedIn. Learn more about M&G plc here.

When you think of the circular economy, it’s inevitable to also bring up the significant challenges in the transition to this model, such as high transition costs, logistical complexities, inconsistent regulatory support, and low business and consumer participation. Regardless of its complexities, there’s hope in impact venture capital. To share how venture capital investing is playing a huge role in overcoming these barriers is today’s guest, Lucy Mortimer, a founding partner of Archipelago Eco Investors and Archipelago Ventures. She’s a visionary force who is paving the way towards a circular economy through funding innovative solutions and technologies that drive systemic change in the way we manage and use materials.With a career spanning over two decades, Lucy has cultivated a rich expertise in climate finance, renewable energy, and ESG. Her early days as an emissions broker at CantorCO2e and her experience in founding Galápagos Environmental Consulting exposed her to plastic waste innovations, inspiring the birth of Archipelago Eco Investors in 2020.Archipelago’s mission is to tackle the challenges in waste management at material recovery facilities (MRFs), particularly plastics and microplastics  — a sector full of inefficiencies and a disappointingly low rate of material reuse. They do it by supporting tech startups focused on plastic waste, from seed to Series B, aiming to increase the amount of material that remains within the circular economy while reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact.In this episode, Lucy shares real examples of how Archipelago is revolutionizing the circular economy, digging into exciting projects and ideas in enzymatic recycling, pre-fill products, and bio-based materials. She also highlights the firm’s three-way investment strategy: the Future of Plastics Fund, the Circular Plastics Accelerator, and the Oceans Plastic and Microplastic Accelerator. Join the conversation to learn how visionary investors like Lucy are not just betting on technology but are actively funding the transition towards a circular economy.  —Show notes: {link}—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes. —Connect with SRI360°: Sign up for the free weekly email update.Visit the SRI360° PODCAST.Visit the SRI360° WEBSITE.Follow SRI360° on X.Follow SRI360° on FACEBOOK.—Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Meet Lucy Mortimer & her path into finance & sustainability (03:13)An overview of Archipelago Eco Investors & Archipelago Ventures (30:25)What the circular economy is and the economics of plastic recycling (43:47)Lucy’s focus on AI-enabled separation technologies (55:06)Archipelago Eco Investors’ theory of change (01:02:33)Examples of Archipelago’s investment strategy & expected market returns (01:09:29)How Archipelago invests and measures impact outcomes (01:21:01)Impact washing & improving recycling’s profitability (01:32:30)Rapid fire questions (01:50:14)—Additional ResourcesLearn more about Archipelago Ventures here. Connect with Lucy Mortimer on LinkedIn.Learn more about Grey Parrot & The Global Plastics Treat

Traditional timberland investing has historically attracted those with long investment horizons, drawn by its reputation as a solid inflation hedge and ability to deliver cash yields competitive with public equities over the long term. But imagine investing in forests not just for profit, but as a powerful agent of global sustainability and conservation. It’s a powerful win-win!This episode is all about impact-driven timberland investments and my guest is Charlotte Kaiser, a visionary leading the charge at BTG Pactual’s Timberland Investment Group (TIG) as the Head of Impact Finance.After her first job in community development banking in Borneo with a USAID project for the Biodiversity Conservation Network, she moved to The Nature Conservancy, becoming Deputy Managing Director in the creation of NatureVest. Charlotte scaled their impact investment portfolio to over $2.5 billion, focusing on conservation-driven strategies that benefit both people and the planet.Charlotte now oversees TIG’s $6 billion portfolio, creating impact strategies to hit production objectives, create financial returns, and support water, biodiversity, and climate conservation at scale through their core timberland assets.We also touch on how Charlotte generates impactful results for ecosystems and communities through key alliances with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, all through real asset impact investing, as well as her thoughts on carbon offsets, reforestation, and biodiversity protection initiatives across the continent.Tune in to learn how Charlotte and TIG are redefining sustainable forestry with impact-driven strategies.—Show Notes—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes. —Connect with SRI360°: Sign up for the free weekly email update.Visit the SRI360° PODCAST.Visit the SRI360° WEBSITE.Follow SRI360° on X.Follow SRI360° on FACEBOOK.—Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Meet Charlotte Kaiser and early interest in conservation (01:02)Charlotte’s 13-years at The Nature Conservancy/NatureVest (17:29)Carbon offsets explained & their effectiveness in reducing emissions (23:51)Strategic partnerships with corporate giants. Is it greenwashing? (33:03)Charlotte’s transition to BTG Pactual’s Timberland Investment Group (35:45)The role of traditional forestry in investor portfolios (40:30)TIG’S impact investing strategy, measuring impact & main risks (45:44)Sustainable forestry’s role in climate change & biodiversity (56:34)The competitive advantage of sustainable forestry & tech innovation (01:01:27)Rapid fire questions (01:03:47)—Additional ResourcesLearn more about Charlotte Kaiser & Timberland Investment Group:Charlotte’s BioTIG’s WebsiteTIG’s LinkedInLearn more about NatureVest here.Connect with Charlotte Kaiser on LinkedIn.Find the book mentioned "Nature's Keepers" here.

The world of finance has proven that it has the power to drive the global decarbonization effort and advance interest in ESG investments. ⁤⁤Learn how this is happening with one of the architects of the Green Bond Principles. ⁤Today's guest is Marilyn Ceci, a titan in the world of sustainable finance. ⁤She started in interest rate sales at JP Morgan, making her way to Head of ESG Debt Capital Market, and is now the Managing Director and Senior Advisor to the Center for Carbon Transition. ⁤⁤With over three decades of experience, Marilyn spearheaded ESG debt capital market growth and co-authored the Green Bond Principles, a cornerstone in the development of the green bond market worldwide. She also steered JP Morgan to become the #1 Global Sustainable Bond Underwriter multiple years in a row.⁤Marilyn is a major force in driving the global sustainability agenda forward, earning her several awards and recognitions such as Wall Street's Green Bond Warrior by Reuters and GlobalCapital's Top Most Impressive Green/SRI Investment Banker. ⁤In this episode, I dig into the origins of the Green Bond Principles and their evolution. ⁤⁤Marilyn also shares how green bonds differ from traditional bonds, the role of bonds and fixed income in driving long-term ESG impact, and more. ⁤⁤Join me in this powerful discussion on the transformative power of green bonds and how Marilyn’s work is sustainably financing the carbon transition. —Show notes —About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes. —Connect with SRI360°: Sign up for the free weekly email update.Visit the SRI360° PODCAST.Visit the SRI360° WEBSITE. Follow SRI360° on X.Follow SRI360° on FACEBOOK.—Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Meet Marilyn Ceci (02:31)An overview of JP Morgan and their ESG debt strategy (07:48)From interest rate sales to kickstarting the green bond market (12:07)Incentives for issuing a green bond vs. a traditional bond & examples (23:36)Insights on co-authoring the green bond principles & their evolution (29:50)The role of bonds and fixed income in driving long-term ESG impact (39:25)Supporting biodiversity, stakeholder engagement, & greenwashing (45:18)Marilyn’s take on the new European green bond regulation (51:27)Marilyn’s role at JP Morgan's Center for Carbon Transition (55:14)The future of fossil fuel-related projects at JP Morgan (01:03:24)Experience with teaching at Duke University (01:04:58)Rapid fire questions (01:06:48)—Additional Resources:JP Morgan's Center for Carbon TransitionJP Morgan's Carbon Compass OverviewJP Morgan's Carbon Compass MethodologyJP Morgan’s 2023 Climate ReportPlanet Tracker Green Washing Report Connect with Marilyn Ceci on " rel="nofollow">

Emerging and frontier markets are full of opportunities often overlooked by the mainstream investment community.Today’s guest will help us understand these markets and prove how systematic investing in publicly listed equities can unlock their potential for alpha and impact generation.Meet Asha Mehta, the managing partner & CIO at Global Delta Capital, a US-based equity long-only investment manager focused on harnessing the power of capital to fuel social and economic development in international, emerging, and frontier markets.With a background that begins with medical and anthropological studies at Stanford and a well-traveled upbringing, Asha developed an interest in microfinance lending in India after witnessing its extreme poverty in the late 90s. This experience led her to pioneering roles in sustainable and quant investing, making a mark on the international investment scene.Recognized as one of the Top 10 Women in Asset Management and dubbed a "Brilliant Quant" by Forbes, Asha’s career highlights include leading emerging market strategies at Acadian Asset Management, where she launched the first quantitative/systematic frontier fund.At the core of this episode is Global Delta Capital’s combination of systematic stock selection and a fundamental thematic overlay on the opportunities present in emerging and frontier markets. Asha and her team are not just seeking high returns; they're using their combined expertise to leverage ESG data and make a tangible impact on the world’s financial, environmental, and social landscape.We also discuss a range of topics, including the importance of financial literacy, quantitative investing, examples of emerging markets that Global Delta Capital has invested in, and Asha’s take on the future of investment in developing economies.If you’re intrigued by the power of capital to drive global change and want to learn from one of the leading voices in the field, this is an episode you cannot miss.Tune in and be inspired by this adventure capitalist. —Show notes: {link}—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes. —Connect with SRI360°: Sign up for the free weekly email update.Visit the SRI360° PODCAST.Visit the SRI360° WEBSITE.Follow SRI360° on X.Follow SRI360° on FACEBOOK.—Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Asha Mehta’s background and transition into finance (02:47) Founding Global Delta Capital (24:43)Overview of Global Delta Capital's strategy and focus areas (35:06)Asha explains quantitative investing & strategies for sourcing reliable data (41:07)The investment process at Global Delta Capital (55:16)Discovering opportunities in the emerging markets: Saudi Arabia’s case (01:03:52)Shareholder engagement, risk management, & examples of impact  (01:11:39)Asha’s book “Power of Capital” & emerging market predictions (01:21:03)Rapid fire questions (01:32:45)—Additional Resources Find Asha’s book “Power of Capital” here.Learn more about Global Delta Capital here: WebsiteLinkedInConnect with Asha Mehta on LinkedIn.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are that of Asha Mehta’s only,

Millennials care much more about how their investments affect the world around them. Since they’re set to inherit the largest wealth transfer in history, we’re seeing a shift toward impact investing.Today’s episode is proof.My guest is Liesel Pritzker Simmons, a millennial who’s rewriting the rules of wealth management with her single-family office, Blue Haven Initiative. It’s one of the world’s first family offices to go all-in with impact investing across all asset classes, transforming their wealth into catalysts for social and environmental impact through strategic investments. We begin the conversation with her transition from Hollywood's silver screens to the forefront of private wealth investing. Born into a lineage renowned for its philanthropic and entrepreneurial ventures, Liesel's journey is not just one of inheriting wealth but of redefining its purpose.Through her acting work and her time at Columbia University, Liesel developed a diverse background that laid the groundwork for co-founding the Blue Haven Initiative with her husband in 2012.At BHI, Liesel oversees a diverse portfolio that spans several asset classes, including traditional equities, private equity, and philanthropic programs, all structured to generate financial returns while addressing social and environmental challenges. Liesel also works closely with organizations that support and advance the field of impact investing, co-founding The ImPact, a network of families committed to the conscientious stewardship of wealth, and serving as a board member of Activate, the IDP Foundation, and ImpactAssets.Blue Haven Initiative demonstrates that a single-family office can do more than just manage wealth; it can wield it as a force for good through strategic placements in sustainable ventures and innovative startups. Our conversation also explores topics of social responsibility, investing in fintech in Sub-Saharan Africa, the power of civic engagement, and catalytic and philanthropic capital.Ready to learn how you can also transform your wealth into a force for positive change? Listen in.—Show notes here.—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes. —Connect with SRI360°: Sign up for the free weekly email update.Visit the SRI360° PODCAST.Visit the SRI360° WEBSITE.Follow SRI360° on X. Follow SRI360° on FACEBOOK.—Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Liesel’s transition from child actor to impact investor (02:37)A Millennial’s POV on investing (22:11)What the Blue Haven Initiative is & their investment approach (25:48)Blue Haven’s impact goals and strategies (40:30)A few examples of Blue Haven’s investments (56:17)Investing in the youth vote (01:04:28)Thoughts on impact washing, catalytic capital, and philanthropic capital (01:10:39)Rapid fire questions (01:23:14)—Additional Resources Learn more about Liesel’s foundation. Learn more about the five dimensions of impact here.Learn more about the Blue Haven Initiative.Connect with Liesel Pritzker Simmons:LinkedIn

In the pursuit of social change, every bit of investment can make a difference. Learn how Social Finance is leading the charge through social impact bonds.Today, I’m interviewing Adam Swersky, CEO of Social Finance (UK), the non-profit enterprise responsible for creating the world’s first social impact bond. He’s here to talk all about social impact bonds and has been at the forefront of designing solutions that bring together finance with social impact since he joined the organization in 2014. After studying economics at Cambridge, Adam became a project leader at the Boston Consulting Group, where he advised private, public, and not-for-profit organizations on strategy and transformation. There, he was seconded to the Clinton Health Access Initiative in West Africa to support Niger in accessing a subsidy for malaria medication.Now as CEO of Social Finance, Adam shares how this organization, which predates the term "impact investing," leads the effort of designing solutions to solve social challenges beyond mere investment.  He also details how they have broadened beyond investment to involve data collection and analysis, philanthropy, building new ventures, government advisory, and beyond. From the mechanics of how social impact bonds function to several real-life examples of social bonds at work, this episode delivers a deep look into social impact financing. We also touch on the capabilities and limitations of private capital in addressing social challenges, and Adam’s insights on leading an impact-focused business.This conversation is a deeper exploration of how social impact bonds serve as a partnership between social investors, governments, and providers to design solutions to social challenges.Feeling intrigued? Listen now to learn how Adam and Social Finance are pioneering the path for impactful investing. —Show notes: https://sri360.com/podcast/https-sri360-com-podcast-adam-swersky/—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes.—Connect with SRI360°: Sign up for the free weekly email update: https://sri360.com/newsletter/Visit the SRI360° PODCAST: https://sri360.com/podcast/Visit the SRI360° WEBSITE: https://sri360.com/Follow SRI360° on X: https://twitter.com/SRI360Growth/Follow SRI360° on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SRI360Growth/—Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Adam Swersky’s background and start at Boston Consulting Group (03:03)An overview of Social Finance: How they began & what they do (18:07)How Social Finance produces transformative social impact (30:11)A look into the world’s first social impact bond for Peterborough inmates (35:59)The Mental Health and Employment Partnership Program (45:51)A detailed look into the workings of social bonds (50:39)Measuring outcomes and managing risks for social impact bonds (57:58)The evolution of social impact bonds (01:07:57)Adam’s thoughts on leadership & rapid fire questions (01:19:54)—Additional Resources Learn more about Social Finance here. Connect with Adam Swersky:LinkedIn X/Twitter Medium

What if your investments could be a force for global change? At BlackRock, the world’s largest asset management company, they’re steering capital towards a sustainable future with green bonds and ESG fixed-income investing.In this episode, I’m speaking with Ashley Schulten, the Head of ESG Investment for Global Fixed Income at BlackRock. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, Ashley entered the world of finance as a bond trader at First Union. From there, she evolved in the financial world at institutions like BNP Paribas, J.P. Morgan, and Goldman Sachs, before landing at BlackRock. At BlackRock, where over 600 people manage more than $700 billion invested in sustainable strategies, Ashley oversees ESG investing and integration in the active fixed-income asset class.Besides driving the change toward a sustainable future within finance, her leadership extends beyond BlackRock to influential roles in the TCFD and the Executive Committee of the ICMA Green and Social Bond Principles.Ashley is also an Aspen Institute First Movers Fellow and sits on the board of the Mianus River Gorge, the first land conservancy project for the Nature Conservancy, which showcases her commitment to sustainability.This episode highlights the power of integrating ESG data into investment analysis and decision-making. Ashley also shares how she saw the birth and development of the green bonds market, explaining how they work, and how BlackRock was an early adopter of this transformative financial instrument.By leveraging green bonds, impact investing, and ESG data, BlackRock not only achieves its desired risk profiles and outcomes for investors but also drives meaningful change in the real economy.Ashley and I also discuss BlackRock’s PEXT/NEXT ESG framework that her team uses to evaluate, tag, and categorize investments based on their positive and negative externalities.Ready to learn the ins and outs of green bonds and ESG fixed-income investing? Tune in.Show notes:  https://sri360.com/podcast/ashley-schulten/About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes. Connect with SRI360°: Sign up for the free weekly email update Visit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on X/Twitter  Follow SRI360° on FACEBOOK Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Meet Ashley Schulten and learn about her background (03:00)Ashley’s evolution from options trader to Head of ESG of Global Fixed Income at BlackRock(13:22)An overview of BlackRock & its sustainable strategies (21:09)Green bonds & the role of publicly traded bonds in sustainability (25:50)ESG criteria in investment analysis & an explanation of PEXT/NEXT (34:31)ESG-integrated vs. ESG-tilted portfolios & examples of ESG fixed-income funds (46:58)The evolution of green bonds into a trillion-dollar market & their role in sustainable finance (57:32)Measuring impact on fixed-income portfolios & issuer engagement (01:05:22)Final thoughts & rapid fire questions (01:13:50)Additional Resources: Connect with Ashley: LinkedInConnect with BlackRock: Twitter Website

Imagine your portfolio as a catalyst for change, where each investment contributes to solving the world's most pressing social and environmental challenges. That's the promise of impact investing. Today, we're discussing everything you need to know about impact venture capital investing with a guest whose career trajectory embodies this ethos like no other—Gordon Eichhorst, a trailblazer in impact venture capital.Gordon's journey into investing begins unconventionally. While he studied both engineering and economics at UCLA, he started his professional life by designing and launching spacecraft as an aerospace engineer and member of the NASA Advisory Council. With the dip in aerospace developments in the '90s, Gordon found a renewed interest in economics, particularly in analytic finance, leading him to pursue an MBA from the University of Chicago. It was on this path that he positioned himself in leading roles as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs and later on, at Morgan Stanley, where he led the European technology banking team during the first internet bubble. After his time at HSBC as Global Head of the Industrial and Technology sectors, he settled down in London and set up an investment banking advisory boutique, which ultimately seeded the ideas for making a bigger impact on the world. As the founder of Impact Central, and a General Partner at Opto Impact Ventures, Gordon has been at the forefront of supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs and startups on their path to growth. Impact Central has nurtured over 50 startups through ten cohorts, proving that solving social and environmental problems can go hand-in-hand with generating profit. Today's episode explores Gordon's multifaceted career, from his early days as an engineer to his crucial role in shaping the arena of impact venture capital. If you’ve been meaning to invest in or start a business with a greater purpose, listen in and learn all about how Gordon’s VC fund and accelerator programs bring profit and sustainability together.Show notes: https://sri360.com/podcast/gordon-eichhorst/About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes.Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on X/TwitterFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOKKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Gordon Eichhorst’s trajectory from engineer to investment banker (02:34)Founding Opto Impact, Impact Central, and Chorus Network (11:10)Gordon’s approach to impact investing (23:46)Chorus Network, Opto Impact, and startup investing (36:02)Opportunities in consumer goods, public service providers, & Tech for Good (45:45)Gordon’s criteria for making an impact investment in an early-stage startup (51:11)A real-life example of a successful impact investment (01:04:36)Measuring  impact and looking out for impact-washing (01:19:40)Impact investing vs. other forms of impact investment (01:24:20)The types of investors at Opto Impact (01:27:44)Gordon’s thoughts on AI and final questions (01:33:35) Additional ResourcesConnect with Gordon Eichhorst Impact Central Website Opto Impact Website

Does your pension fund contribute to a more sustainable world? CalSTRS does and has been since the 1970s/80s. To lead this conversation is the very first pension fund guest for SRI 360°, Chris Ailman, one of the world’s most recognized and respected Chief Investment Officers. Multiple award winner, Chris currently acts as CIO of CalSTRS, managing its $311.5 billion portfolio, making it the second-largest pension fund in the United States and the largest educational pension fund in the world.With over 39 years of expertise in institutional investment, Chris has become a thought leader in incorporating ESG criteria into his long-term, “patient” capital investing approach.His journey began with an early fascination with the stock market, leading him from the role of registered rep at Dean Witter to becoming a certified financial planner from USC. His interest in institutional investment carried him through pivotal roles, from Sacramento's county retirement system to the Washington State Investment Board, before landing at CalSTRS in 2000. Chris has not only placed CalSTRS as a beacon of sustainable investing but has also been recognized globally for his innovative investment approach. He’s also the mind behind the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, the chair of the 300 Club, and co-chair of the Milken Global Capital Markets Committee.In this episode, Chris and I reflect on the evolution of ESG investing and its critical role in shaping our planet’s future. His narrative is not just about investment; it's a testament to his belief in the power of long-term investing and the need for a sustainable approach to wealth management.We also explore the challenges of integrating ESG into traditional investment frameworks, the importance of shareholder engagement and corporate governance, and the future of sustainable investing. Tune in to this conversation to gain valuable insights from one of the world’s most influential figures in pension fund management and sustainable investing. Show notes: https://sri360.com/podcast/chris-ailman/About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes.Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on X/TwitterFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOKKey TakeawaysAn overview of the CalSTRS portfolio (17:14)Chris’ theory of change on long-term capital investing (24:09)The ins and outs of ESG investing strategy (25:40)Sustainable investing, shareholder engagement, and corporate governance (40:26)The CalSTRS net-zero emissions pledge (49:13)Chris’ thoughts on nuclear power (55:00)Differences between how Europe & USA view ESG (59:26)Sectors making progress towards global sustainability (01:06:01)Sustainability initiatives that Chris is involved in (01:12:13)Final questions for Chris (01:15:42)Additional Resources Connect with Chris Ailman on LinkedInCalSTRS WebsiteCalSTRS Sustainable InvestingCalSTRS Path to Net ZeroCalSTRS LinkedI

The transition from traditional investment in energy production to renewable energy represents a significant shift in addressing climate change challenges.To help us understand the intricacies of investing in renewables and utility-scale battery energy storage systems, I am joined by Ben Guest, the Managing Director of Gresham House New Energy Division.Ben has over 29 years of investment experience that spans the investment spectrum across infrastructure, technology, public equities, and venture capital asset classes.He has been a pioneer investor in battery energy storage systems since the early development days of the sector.Ben's upbringing was truly global, with parents from Argentina and Africa, leading to diverse educational experiences in France, Japan, Sweden, and the UK.  He holds a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College.Beginning his fund management career in 1994 at Lazard Asset Management, Ben later founded Hazel Capital in 2007. The acquisition of Hazel Capital in 2017 transformed it into Gresham House New Energy Division, where Ben manages substantial assets, including the Gresham House Energy Storage Fund Plc.The conversation delves into Ben's expertise—in the renewable energy sector, particularly battery energy storage systems. He discusses the challenges of real-time supply and demand balancing, highlighting the vital role batteries can play in not only stabilizing the grid but also providing the key to transitioning the electrical grid to predominately renewable energy.Ben breaks down the complexities of battery energy storage systems revenue models, addressing challenges posed by supply and demand fluctuations. He also shares his thoughts on the future of renewable energy infrastructure, emphasizing sustainability, carbon emissions reduction through battery energy storage systems, and the evolving landscape of the energy transition.I hope you enjoy my conversation with Ben as much as I did!Show notes: https://sri360.com/podcast/ben-guest/ About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes.Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on X/TwitterFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Ben Guest's background and career path (02:24)The shift from traditional to sustainable energy investments (15:24)The role of battery storage in renewable energy (38:32)Energy trading and battery management (47:22)Assembling project rights for energy storage infrastructure (52:23)Renewable energy investments and impact metrics (59:55)Primary investors at Gresham House (01:05:58)Risks facing battery energy storage systems investments (01:10:18)Challenges around battery production and usage (01:15:10)Additional ResourcesBen Guest’s LinkedInGresham HouseGresham House New EnergyLazard Asset ManagementHazel Capital InvestmentCantillon Capital Management LLP

In this episode, I speak with Paul Miller, Managing Partner and CEO at Bethnal Green Ventures, which has invested in over 150 startups that aim to create a more sustainable planet, an inclusive society, and healthy lives. Paul is a trailblazer who spearheaded early-stage impact venture capital investing in the early 2010s at a time when this was highly unusual for VCs to do.He was awarded an Officer of the British Empire award for services to startup investment in 2020.Miller's early exposure to social and environmental issues, thanks to his parents' activism, laid the foundation for a unique perspective later in his career. His stint as a policy advisor at Forum for the Future marked a pivotal period, working on sustainability with tech giants like Amazon and Vodafone.This experience fueled a desire for a more direct impact, leading Miller to venture into the startup scene. In 2006, the School of Everything was born – a groundbreaking attempt to revolutionize adult education. Around 2012, as the School of Everything continued to pioneer adult education, Miller's focus expanded to co-founding Bethnal Green Ventures. Securing an initial investment of approximately £150,000 from Nesta, a UK foundation, Bethnal Green Ventures took flight.Google provided office space, and the venture attracted mentors and contacts to nurture the startups. Paul’s venture into impact venture capital with Bethnal Green Ventures was a pioneering move, especially considering the prevailing industry norms around 2012.At a time when impact investing was in its nascent stages, Paul brought a level of authenticity and maturity to the venture capital landscape.Today, he'll be taking us through his 'Tech for Good’ approach, investing in early-stage companies aiming for both high growth and positive social or environmental impact.I hope you enjoy my conversation with Paul as much as I did! Show notes: https://sri360.com/podcast/paul-miller/About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes.Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on X/TwitterFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Paul Miller’s academic and professional background (04:29)How Bethnal Green Ventures came about (20:18)Bring a level of authenticity and maturity to venture capital (23:36)An overview of Bethnal Green Ventures (29:33)Tech for Good  Concept (32:22)Theory of Change at Bethnal  (35:00)Impact VC Vs. other impact investing (37:59)Examples of impact investments by Bethnal (50:09)Measuring impact at early-stage businesses (58:38)Role of AI in Tech for Good paradigm (1:08:41) Additional ResourcesBethnal Green VenturesBethnal Green Ventures on LinkedInBethnal Green Ventures on TwitterPaul Miller’s LinkedInSchool of EverythingForum for the FutureDemos

In the fast-evolving world of impact investing, few individuals stand out as prominently as Michael O'Leary. Recently appointed as a Partner and Co-Head of L Catterton Impact Fund, Michael has a wealth of experience and a compelling vision for responsible capitalism.Formerly a Managing Director at Engine No. 1, Michael made headlines globally by orchestrating one of the most successful impact-focused activism campaigns in history.Despite holding a mere 0.02% of share capital, Engine No. 1 successfully replaced three members of Exxon's board, underscoring the potency of impact activism.He was also on the founding team of Bain Capital's impact fund and invested in consumer, industrial, and technology companies through Bain Capital's private equity fund.Now, at L Catterton, one of the world's foremost private equity funds specializing in consumer brands, Michael leads the charge in integrating sustainability and impact considerations into the firm's investments. Michael's co-authorship of 'Accountable: The Rise of Citizen Capitalism' further illustrates his commitment to shaping the future of capitalism. The book delves into the promises and challenges of the sustainable investing movement.With a solid educational background, including a BA in Philosophy from Harvard University and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Michael combines academic rigor with real-world impact. In this episode, he shared a lot of insights into- Shareholder activism for sustainability and development- Citizen capitalism- Impact investing in the public markets- Impact investing in the consumer sector- And much more.I really learned a lot from my discussion with Michael, and I hope you will too!Show notes: https://sri360.com/podcast/michael-oleary/About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes. Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on X/TwitterFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOKKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Michael O'Leary’s background (01:43)Impact investment thesis (11:44)Citizen Capitalism  (14:14)Exxon shareholder activism campaign (30:36)Using shareholder activism for long-term sustainable development (47:33)Does impact investing have any impact on public markets (50:43)Impact investing in the consumer sector (57:22)The biggest challenge to impact investing (01:16:45)Additional ResourcesMichael O'Leary’s LinkedInL Catterton Website Accountable: The Rise of Citizen Capitalism Book and Featured PublicationsOther Links MentionedBain CapitalEngine No. 1Deval PatrickWarren ValdmanisExxonAn ESG Reckoning Is Coming

In this episode, I am joined by Harald Walkate. Harald isn't just another voice in the sustainability space. He's a seasoned navigator, guiding us across the complex landscape of ESG and impact investing.With 25 years of experience, he's seen both sides of the table, working with major asset managers and corporations. This unique perspective fuels his passion for bridging the gap between good intentions and real-world impact. He's a champion of blended finance, a powerful tool that blends public and private resources to tackle urgent challenges like climate change and poverty.Born in Leiden, Netherlands, Harald Walkate studied law at Leiden University, later venturing into corporate law at Allen & Overy. After obtaining an MBA from the University of Chicago, Harald moved into business development at Bally Total Fitness, then shifted to Aegon, focusing on mergers and acquisitions.At Aegon, he became the Global Head of Responsible Investment, leading to a move to Natixis in 2019 as the Head of ESG. In 2022, he founded Finding Ways Ahead, and in 2023, he initiated Route 17, an SDG funding & blended finance advisory firm.In this enlightening conversation, we explore Harald's insights on ESG, impact investing, and the often misunderstood realm of blended finance.Show notes: https://sri360.com/podcast/harald-walkate/About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes.Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on X/TwitterFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOKKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Harald Walkate’s career journey (02:17)How impact investing can make a difference (14:54)Appreciation of the global financial markets (21:43)Topics most misunderstood in ESG and impact investing (26:27)ESG investing in the US (30:24)The best evidence that the EGS toolkit enhances return (34:35)Measuring the real-world impact of ESG investing (40:14)Sustainable finance vs financing sustainability (43:38)Blended finance for sustainable investing (01:04:51)Additional ResourcesHarald Walkate’s LinkedInRoute17 WebsiteFinding Ways AheadOther Links MentionedAllen and OveryBally Total FitnessAegon Asset ManagementNatixisCenter for Sustainable Finance and Private WealthUniversity of Chicago Booth School of BusinessFinancial Conduct AuthorityMarc AndreessenRobert W. van ZwietenJean Raby10 things every investor should know about Net Zero

In the world of hedge funds, where the focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors is often considered secondary, Nordis Capital stands out as a pioneer.Born in a small farming town near Montreal, François Bourdon's journey into sustainable investment is as unique as the hedge fund he co-founded. From working in agriculture to earning the moniker "Mr. Risk Manager" on the trading floor, Francois's diverse experiences shaped his path.After pursuing actuarial mathematics at Concordia University, François joined MetLife and later transitioned to risk management. Subsequently, he held diverse roles at Fiera Capital, ultimately becoming Chief Investment Officer.He later joined Sustainable Market Strategies (SMS) with the goal of creating Nordis, a hedge fund built from the ground up around responsible investing.Nordis Capital's mission is to contribute to the fight against climate change and social inequality through sustainable market strategies. What sets them apart is their commitment to long positions aligned with ESG megatrends and their unique approach of taking short positions against companies that fall short on sustainability metrics.Nordis Capital identifies five ESG megatrends that will transform economies and societies, forming the basis of their investment approach.Tune in to this episode to learn more about François Bourdon's journey and how Nordis Capital is pioneering responsible investing in the hedge fund landscape.Show notes: https://sri360.com/podcast/francois-bourdon/About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes.Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on X/TwitterFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOKKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Bourdon's journey into SRI (02:30)Nordis Capital's mission and strategies (18:31)Who are the investors of Nordis (21:29)5 ESG megatrends  (26:14)Nordis investment process (36:27)Double materiality analysis (47:08)Why are other players not pricing ESG (50:30)How sustainable investing impacts corporate behavior (53:40)The future of sustainable investing (01:00:27)Additional ResourcesFrançois Bourdon’s FacebookFrançois Bourdon’s LinkedInFrançois Bourdon’s Email: fbourdon@nordiscapital.comNordis Capital's WebsiteOther Links mentioned in this episode:Fiera CapitalMetLifeSustainable Market StrategiesAtlantis Capital GroupFrançois Boutin-DufresneFelix-A.BoudreaultThe Fourth Turning  by Neil HoweVIX futures

In this episode, we explore Ed Marcum's unique journey from Santa Cruz to leading the charge against labor exploitation as the Managing Director of Working Capital Fund.Marcum's career choices were heavily influenced by his parents' commitment to social activism. After studying political science at UC Berkeley, Marcum had a brief but impactful tennis career, instilling in him lessons of resilience and hard work.Following his tennis stint, Marcum recognized the need to integrate business skills into mission-driven work. Pursuing an MBA at Wharton broadened his skill set, opening the door to impact investing. This transition began at the Omidyar Network, working for Pierre & Pam Omidyar and focusing on human rights issues.Within Humanity United, Marcum spearheaded efforts against labor exploitation in multinational companies' supply chains. Identifying technological innovations to tackle supply chain issues, Marcum laid the groundwork for the Working Capital Fund. Initially incubated within Humanity United, the fund became an independent entity in 2020, marking a pivotal moment in its evolution.They invest in startups offering scalable solutions to enhance supply chain accountability, promoting a more equitable and sustainable global supply chain ecosystem. Marcum highlights a significant change in recent years – the global push for supply chain transparency. Companies must now take responsibility for knowing who is in their supply chain and ensuring responsible practices. This shift creates a vast and growing market for investments aimed at improving transparency and accountability.I enjoyed my discussion with Ed and learned a lot about the dark side of global supply chains.Please enjoy!Show notes: https://sri360.com/podcast/ed-marcum/About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes.Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on X/TwitterFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOKKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Ed Marcum's career journey (02:43)Working Capital Fund (09:39)Who is in the global supply chains? (16:30)The scale of the labor exploitation problem (21:27)What constitutes labor exploitation (24:34)Working Capital Fund's theory of change (28:20)How Working Capital Fund deploys capital (39:49)Investment selection process for the fund (41:33)Red flags to look out for in supply chains (55:03)Outro (01:06:29)Additional ResourcesEd Marcum’s LinkedInWorking Capital Fund Twitter/XCompany WebsiteOther links mentioned in this episodeGlobal Education PartnershipHumanity First InitiativeOmidyar NetworkPierre OmidyarPam OmidyarHumanity UnitedSave Darfur Advocacy Movement