ESG Talk

In this bonus episode of ESG Talk, we throw back to a live recording of our sister show Off the Books. Charley Nelson is an environmental policy major who joined a technical accounting team at Etsy. Charley explains why that actually makes sense and what he's learned from working with accountants.

  We're hard at work creating the next evolution of the show and we want to hear from YOU! We want the show to be a resource that reflects what's most important to you. What's top of mind for you? What questions do you have? What issues are you facing that you think we should dive into? Is there a topic you wish you could ask a whole bunch of peers about to see what they're each doing? Whether you're looking for deeper insights, practical tips, or even guest speakers with expertise in your field, we're all ears. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out! You can contact us at press@workiva.com

Join Mandi McReynolds and an esteemed panel at UnDavos as they dive into the evolving role of Chief Sustainability Officers post-global elections. Featuring insights from top executives like Dr. Anna Gawlikowska, Co-Founder & CEO @ Swiss AI AG, Rainer Karcher, Founder & CEO of Heartprint GmbH, and Viktoriia Savitska, Chief of Sustainability and Strategic Engagement from EPICNTR Group, this discussion covers the essential values driving their sustainability strategies, the importance of collaboration, and the innovative use of AI to tackle sustainability challenges. Tune in to discover how industry leaders are navigating regulatory landscapes, business performance, and environmental impact to build a sustainable future.

This week, Deanna Bratter, Chief Sustainability Officer at Crocs, Inc., joins Alyssa Zucker to talk about the company's pioneering initiatives in the circular economy. They discuss Crocs, Inc.'s introduction of the Keep It Going Classic Clog, made with 25% recycled content, and the 2023 launch of their retail take-back program. Tune in for highlights of the challenges and strategies associated with the program, including customer reactions and scalability. Plus, Crocs, Inc.'s social responsibility initiatives within their supply chain, and so much more! 

In this episode of ESG Talk, Cassandra Garber, chief sustainability officer at Dell Technologies joins host Mandi McReynolds. Listen in as Cassandra and Mandi discuss how the global technology leader incorporates the measurement, management, and governance of ESG priorities into both its operations and product offerings.

This week, Mandi McReynolds, along with co-hosts Steve, Andie, and Alyssa, discuss the latest findings from Workiva's Executive Benchmark survey that explores the intersection of finance and sustainability amidst global political complexities. Highlighting the importance of integrated reporting, they address the impact of European legislation, ISSB standards, and U.S. state-level regulations. The conversation delves into the strategic value creation of sustainability reporting and offers practical advice for engaging with the C-suite.
 Read the 2025 Executive Benchmark on Integrated Reporting.  00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:35 Executive Benchmark Survey Insights 01:51 Impact of European Legislation on Companies 05:04 Global Implementation of ISSB Standards 07:48 State-Level Climate Regulations in the US 13:40 Value Creation Through Sustainability Reporting 18:52 Practical Tips and Humorous Insights 28:58 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

This episode of ESG Talk is a special crossover with the accounting and finance podcast, Off The Books! The momentum behind sustainability is changing around the world. How are companies adjusting their environmental, social, and governance programs as the political landscape shifts? Steve and Catherine ask Brandon Buhler, Chief Accounting Officer for Playa Hotels and Resorts, and Esther Toth, Senior Industry Principal at Workiva, about the future of sustainability. Read some original research on this topic here.

In this episode of ESG Talk, Amy Brachio, global vice chair of sustainability at EY, and Michael Goldhaber, a senior research scholar at New York University's Stern Center for Business and Human Rights, join the show with Alyssa Zucker. Listen in as they explore how shareholder advocacy is evolving on environmental and social issues and what it means for companies.

In this special bonus episode of ESG Talk recorded live at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mandi McReynolds sits down with Jill Klindt, CFO of Workiva, to discuss the interplay between sustainability and financial performance. They explore how emerging tech like generative AI is revolutionizing regulatory compliance and business processes, the evolving roles of chief sustainability officers, and the importance of integrating non-financial data in achieving company goals. Tune in for insights on sustainable innovation, growth strategies, and the future of ESG reporting.

ESG Talk hosts Mandi McReynolds, Steve Soter, Andie Wood, and Alyssa Zucker come together for the season four premiere to reflect on the transformative year of 2024 and discuss the key sustainability, governance, and technological trends shaping 2025. Listen in for actionable insights for turning complexity into opportunity in the year ahead!

In this special episode of ESG Talk, Mandi McReynolds reflects on pivotal climate conversations leading up to Davos, revisiting key discussions from Climate Week NYC and COP29 in Azerbaijan. Joined by Steve Soter and Mike Gravagno, they dive into insights from professionals across industries, exploring the goals, challenges, and outcomes of these critical conferences. Tune in for a look at how these global events are shaping the future of sustainability initiatives.  

Our final ESG Talk replay features two engaging episodes, featuring Alison Taylor, clinical associate professor at NYU Stern School of Business, and Tarynn Zenk, vice president of accounting and ESG controller at Mastercard. In part one, Tarynn highlights the growing role of ESG controllers, focusing on how their work at the intersection of finance and sustainability ensures the credibility of corporate ESG disclosures. In part two, Alison discusses the role of business in society and the use of data and technology to create long-term value.

In this episode of ESG Talk, we're replaying the last two segments from the Climate Week series. Frank Koch, CEO of Swiss Steel Group, and Alberto Carrillo Pineda, CTO of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), discuss long-term decarbonization strategies and the importance of emissions transparency. Nancy Mahon, chief sustainability officer of the Estée Lauder Companies, adds to the conversation with her expertise on Scope 3 measurement and the unique challenges of driving sustainability across a diverse brand portfolio.

In this episode, ESG Talk revisits key segments from the Climate Week series, spotlighting actionable solutions and industry insights. First, join hosts Steve Soter, Andie Wood, and Alyssa Zucker as they demystify greenhouse gas emissions and explore practical approaches to carbon accounting. Then, hear from Amelia DeLuca, Delta Air Lines' chief sustainability officer, as she discusses Delta's innovative strategies for reducing direct carbon emissions and advancing sustainable aviation fuel production in the airline industry.

In this episode of ESG Talk, Mandi McReynolds is onsite in Baku at COP29 with Linda-Eling Lee, head of the Sustainability Institute at MSCI, to explore the evolving role of businesses in tackling global climate challenges. Listen in as they discuss key themes from COP29, including the rise of transition finance, the complexities of operating in a global economy, and the integration of AI into sustainability strategies. Read more about the Sustainability Institute's research here: https://www.msci-institute.com/.

In this replay episode of ESG Talk, we bring together our two-part series featuring Amalgamated Bank's CEO, Priscilla Sims Brown, CFO Jason Darby, and special guest host Kim Huffman, CIO of Workiva. Learn how Amalgamated Bank leverages technology to advance its mission-driven business model and actionable strategies for organizations looking to make an impact.

In this episode of ESG Talk, Mandi McReynolds welcomes Kristen Siemen, former chief sustainability officer at General Motors to the show. Listen in as they discuss how one of the world's largest automakers is integrating electrification, sustainability, and innovation into its culture. This episode was recorded prior to Siemen's departure from GM.  

Ann Tracy, chief sustainability officer, and Lauren Richardson, chief procurement officer, of Colgate-Palmolive, join ESG Talk with Alyssa Zucker to discuss how collaboration and innovation drive sustainability in the CPG industry. They share insights on Colgate-Palmolive's journey as the first multinational consumer company to have net-zero goals approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and how teamwork and creativity help reach sustainability goals.

During Climate Week NYC, Workiva released a report with research on how companies are getting ready for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and how practitioners feel about it. Dig into the findings in this crossover episode with ESG Talk host Mandi McReynolds, Off the Books host Steve Soter, and Workiva Industry Principals Alyssa Zucker and Esther Toth. Check out the full report.

In this episode of ESG Talk, Caitlin Leibert, vice president of sustainability at Whole Foods Market, joins host Alyssa Zucker to explore how technology, supply chain engagement, and industry partnerships are driving sustainability strategies. The duo discuss key takeaways from Whole Foods' 2023 Impact Report, highlighting the company's commitment to responsible stewardship, sustainable sourcing, and transparency. 

This week's ESG Talk episode features Michael Littenberg and Marc Rotter of Ropes & Gray, one of the world's premier law firms with over 1,500 attorneys worldwide. The duo joins Andie Wood to discuss the complexities of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and explore its far-reaching implications for businesses in Europe and beyond.

In this week's episode of ESG Talk, Anke Ehlers, managing director of international sustainability at the ALDI SOUTH Group, joins Workiva's Andie Wood to discuss the complexities of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Tune in as they discuss what this new regulation means for European companies and the steps the ALDI SOUTH Group, one of the world's largest supermarket chains, is taking to prepare for its implementation.

Recorded live at Amplify Americas, this special episode of ESG Talk features Ron Insana, award-winning journalist from CNBC, moderating an insightful discussion with industry leaders: Katherine Neebe, Chief Sustainability Officer at Duke Energy; Alexander Davis, Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Pie Insurance; Maura Hodge, KPMG's U.S. sustainability leader; and Kim Huffman, Chief Information Officer at Workiva. Together, they explore how reporting professionals can leverage data and foster cross-functional collaboration to effectively navigate the rapid changes shaping the ESG landscape.

In this episode of ESG Talk, Tom Rayner, founder of Sillion, a transition consultancy focused on corporate ESG, and Ian Plummer, the commercial director of Auto Trader Group, the largest automotive marketplace in the United Kingdom join Andie Wood. Tune in as they discuss the sustainability skills gap and share practical advice and lessons learned from successfully implementing a carbon literacy program for over 1,000 professionals.

In this episode of ESG Talk, Sara Kappelmark, Co-CEO of Norrsken Foundation, and host Mandi McReynolds explore how startups are driving transformative change across industries. Sara shares insights from the foundation's 2024 Impact 100 list, highlighting groundbreaking solutions in renewable energy, carbon-free cement, and healthcare.

In the fourth and final episode of the ESG Talk Climate Week series, Nancy Mahon, chief sustainability officer of the Estée Lauder Companies, joins host Alyssa Zucker to discuss the company's approach to Scope 3 measurement and reporting. They cover the impact of consumer sustainability preferences and the unique challenges of leading sustainability efforts across a diverse portfolio of brands.

In the third installment of ESG Talk's Climate Week series, Frank Koch, CEO of Swiss Steel Group, and Alberto Carrillo Pineda, CTO of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), join Mandi McReynolds to discuss long-term decarbonization strategies, the steel industry's commitment to sustainable production, and the importance of full emissions transparency.  

In the second episode of the ESG Talk Climate Week series, Amelia DeLuca, Delta Air Lines' chief sustainability officer, speaks with Andie Wood about Delta Air Lines' strategies for reducing its direct carbon emissions and efforts to increase sustainable aviation fuel production within the airline industry.

In this special Climate Week episode, ESG Talk and The Week in Sustainability team up to demystify greenhouse gas emissions. Join us as hosts Steve Soter, Andie Wood, and Alyssa Zucker kick off a four-part series focused on practical solutions for carbon accounting, management, and achieving net-zero goals.

In part two of this special 100th episode series of  ESG Talk, we continue our conversation with Amalgamated Bank's CEO, Priscilla Sims Brown, and CFO, Jason Darby, to discuss how they use technology to drive the company's mission-driven business model and share actionable insights for other organizations.

In this special 100th episode of ESG Talk, we kick off a two-part series with Priscilla Sims Brown, CEO of Amalgamated Bank, Jason Darby, CFO, and special guest host Kim Huffman, CIO of Workiva. Discover how the bank has aligned its entire organization around a century-old mission, while driving a modern, socially responsible business.

In the second installment of a series exploring sustainable finance, co-host Andie Wood meets with Maria Lettini, CEO of the US Sustainable Investment Forum (SIF), and Kevin Thomas, CEO of the Shareholder Association for Research and Education (SHARE), to discuss how sustainable investors influence corporate sustainability strategy and ESG reporting.

The first installment of a two-part series, this episode explores sustainable finance from the perspective of Germany's leading bank. Jörg Eigendorf, Deutsche Bank's Chief Sustainability Officer, joins co-host Mandi McReynolds to discuss the organization's sustainability strategy, its sustainable finance framework and how the bank supports its clients with their transitions.

Michael Schor, partner in Deloitte & Touche LLP's Risk & Financial Advisory practice, and Grant Ostler, GRC industry principal at Workiva, join co-host Steve Soter for the latest episode of ESG Talk. The group explores the risks of unintentional greenwashing, external pressure on sustainability reporting, and how good governance builds truth and transparency. 

Julia Binder, professor of sustainable innovation and business transformation at IMD Business School, and Manuel Braun, director of Systemiq and lecturer at the Technical University of Munich, join co-host Andie Wood to share how businesses can integrate circularity into existing frameworks, illustrated by successful, real-world case studies.

Matt Kelly, editor and CEO of Radical Compliance, and Matthew Williams, ESG solutions lead at Clearview, join co-host Steve Soter to explore how cybersecurity and ESG intersect. Together, they discuss the challenges of assessing the importance of cybersecurity events, a year after the SEC introduced new rules on disclosing such incidents.

Bhushan Sethi, partner in PwC's Strategy& consulting business and adjunct professor at NYU Stern School of Business, returns to the show alongside best-selling author and keynote speaker Stan Phelps. Stan, Bhushan, and co-host Mandi McReynolds discuss the significance of trust and transparency in employee engagement and the relationship between well-being and financial performance.

In this episode of ESG Talk, Brett Weaver, tax leader for the ESG Practice at KPMG US, joins Workiva's Andie Wood to discuss everyone's favorite topic. Together they explore how tax acts as both a driver and measure of sustainability, taking advantage of green tax incentives, and the different approaches to tax policy in the United States and Europe.  

In this episode of ESG Talk, host Mandi McReynolds reflects on her conversation with AT&T's Chief Sustainability Officer, Charlene Lake. They discuss the importance of achieving audit-ready ESG data and the crucial role technology plays in tracking and reporting emissions data.

Laura Lane, chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer at UPS, joins Workiva's Andie Wood to explore how one of the world's largest package delivery companies is tackling emissions reduction. Listen in as they discuss the importance of leveraging data to drive down emissions, optimize investments, and achieve sustainability goals.

Jim Andrew, PepsiCo's chief sustainability officer, joins Workiva's Mandi McReynolds to discuss sustainable agriculture. Listen in as they explore forging trust and accountability in the supply chain, the concept of shared value, and the role of partnership in achieving ESG goals.

Tarynn Zenk, vice president of accounting and ESG controller at Mastercard, joins co-host Mandi McReynolds on the latest episode of ESG Talk to discuss the growing role of ESG controllers within companies. Discover how ESG controllers navigate the intersection of finance and sustainability, safeguarding the credibility of companies' ESG disclosures.

Garrett Quinn, group chief sustainability officer at Smurfit Kappa Group, one of the leading providers of paper-based packaging, and Robert Eccles, a leading authority on sustainability, join co-host Andie Wood on the latest ESG Talk episode. Listen in as they explore the intricacies of navigating sustainability and financial performance, achieving sustainability targets, and Smurfit Kappa's journey with implementing the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures.

Shivaram Rajgopal, chair of the accounting division at Columbia Business School, and Gihan Hyde, founder and CEO of Communique, join co-host Mandi McReynolds on the latest episode of ESG Talk. Listen in as they discuss their advice for current and emerging leaders as well as how sustainability adds soul to accounting and could attract more people to the profession.

Eric Alam, CEO of RPD Energy, and Chris Pennington, director of energy and sustainability for Iron Mountain, join co-host Mandi McReynolds on ESG Talk to discuss the journey to carbon-free data centers. Listen in as they explore the surging electricity demands of modern data centers and the decisions that led Iron Mountain to pursue 24x7 carbon-free energy.

John Turner, CEO of XBRL International, and Wes Bricker, vice chair and trust solutions co-leader at PwC US, join Workiva's Andie Wood to explore the impact of digitization on ESG reporting. Discover how XBRL taxonomies make it easier to share and analyze data and their role in corporate sustainability. 

In this episode of ESG Talk, Steve Manocchio, head of global financial compliance and risk management at Cisco, meets with Workiva's Steve Soter to discuss incorporating climate data into financial disclosures and how assurance, technology, and community advance ESG initiatives.

Anthony Pugliese, president and CEO of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), joins co-host Mandi McReynolds to discuss global internal audit standards and their impact on corporate governance, risk management, and ESG reporting. From enhancing collaboration among teams to leveraging technology for audit programs, tune in as they discuss how organizations can adapt to today's dynamic business environment. To register for IIA's Sustainability Audit Risk Assurance Virtual Conference on June 20, visit: https://www.theiia.org/en/events/conference/virtual-conferences/esg-virtual-conference/  

In this episode, we welcome back to the show Alex Edmans, professor of finance at London Business School and author of May Contain Lies, to discuss data blind spots, including ESG metrics, with co-host Andie Wood. They delve into the complexities of data interpretation, the nuances of ESG reporting, and the importance of contextualizing data within a broader narrative for effective communication and decision-making.

Julian Kölbel, assistant professor at the University of St. Gallen and a research affiliate at the MIT Sloan School of Management, joins co-host Mandi McReynolds for a discussion on ESG rating agencies. Listen in as they delve into his research on sustainable investing with a focus on ESG ratings, the disagreement between different rating agencies, and how it affects investors and companies. For more information on Julian's work, check out his research: Aggregate Confusion: The Divergence of ESG Ratings.

Miguel Sossa, vice president and sustainability GTM lead for Capgemini Americas, joins co-host Andie Wood to discuss the role supply chains play within ESG. They explore the pragmatic approaches necessary to advance towards a more sustainable world, tackling the urgent need for sustainable supply chains, and the challenge that Scope 3 emissions pose in measuring a company's carbon footprint.