Unlocking Impact

In this episode, Sara speaks with Amanda Lukof about how Impact Investing can benefit the special needs Autism community in particular, whether through diagnostic, vocational or other support.   Amanda discusses the hesitations by some to accept a mode of supporting this community that is outside of the non-profit model, and explains the power of impact investing and her hope for the different parts of this important community to collaborate and work in tandem.   The conversation also covers the opportunities for the business community to support the neurodivergent community members and caregivers.   Amanda is an attorney and graduate of Fordham University School of Law in NYC. In 2020, after practicing law for nearly six years, Amanda left legal practice to pursue opportunities in the special needs impact investing and startup space. Amanda currently serves on the Board of Trustee for the Cooke School in New York City, and is also a Strategic Advisor for the Autism Impact Fund and an Advisory Board Member for Smile Farms. You can learn more about our guest and her story at: https://www.worth.com/personal-impact-of-special-needs/.   Learn more about impact investing and other links discussed during the podcast at:  Autism Impact Fund (AIF): https://autismimpact.fund/  Auticon: https://auticon.us/  Difference Partners: https://www.differencepartners.com/ Multiple: https://www.multiplehub.org/    This episode is brought to you by The Trade Impact LLC. Certain materials used in today's podcast were contributed by The Trade Impact Foundation.   Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this episode constitutes legal advice. Information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from any party. Music provided by EdvardGares / Pond5.

In this episode, Sara speaks with Benjamin Ryan Nathan about the misconceptions we have about labor trafficking in the US and how we can increase awareness of this important issue. The discussion also covers the concept of modern slavery and the importance of transparency in our supply chains.    Benjamin is an award-winning filmmaker and founder of All Of Us Films. He has produced and directed hundreds of documentary projects, short films, commercials and viral videos, and served as editor on a series of over 70 short films created with renowned documentarian Ken Burns. He is currently directing a feature documentary on Labor Trafficking in the United States, "To Be Free" (https://www.allofusfilms.com/to-be-free-film). The film will be produced by Ben's production company, ALL OF US FILMS, and is Executive Produced by actor and activist Martin Sheen.   Founded in 2012, ALL OF US FILMS works all over the globe, and has collaborated with major organizations including the UN Environment Programme, Sesame Street, the President's Committee on the Arts & Humanities (Obama Administration), American Cancer Society, Natural Resources Defense Council, and National Center for Learning Disabilities. The company has covered topics such as the electoral college and global plastic pollution, and has worked with top celebrity talent including Sir David Attenborough, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Meryl Streep, Don Cheadle, James Corden, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Debra Messing, Adrian Grenier, Bill Nye, Billie Eilish, Blythe Danner, Gisele Bündchen, and James Cromwell.   You can learn more about our guest and his work at https://www.allofusfilms.com/.   Learn more about labor trafficking in the US at polarisproject.org and 3strandsglobalfoundation.org. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is (888) 373-7888.    This episode is brought to you by The Trade Impact LLC. Certain materials used in today's podcast were contributed by The Trade Impact Foundation. Music provided by EdvardGares / Pond5.     Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this episode constitutes legal advice. Information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from any party.

Announcing the launch of Trade Impact Academy!  

In this episode, Sara speaks with Alexian "Ali" Wines about how to be an inclusive leader and why fostering an inclusive culture is beneficial to any organization. The discussion includes practical tips for supporting the mental health of any team.   Ali currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at BowerGroupAsia, a strategic advisory firm that specializes in the Asia-Pacific. Ali previously served at the White House for eight years, working under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush where she was a member of the National Security Council. Ali is passionate about working with students and leadership teams, and is a regular motivational speaker for high school and college students.    You can follow our guest on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexian-semkow-b52b83130/.  This episode is brought to you by The Trade Impact LLC. Certain materials used in today's podcast were contributed by The Trade Impact Foundation. Music provided by EdvardGares / Pond5.     Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this episode constitutes legal advice. Information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from any party.

We hear the terms "carbon footprint," and “carbon neutrality” used endlessly by companies, universities, and even countries. But what do claims of “carbon neutrality” really mean, and can we validate these claims?   In this episode Sara covers how we can calculate our own carbon footprint - and the limitations of our ability to do so. She also explains why claims of "carbon neutrality" or "zero carbon" can often be misleading, and talks through an example of misleading advertising statements with regards to carbon zero and carbon neutrality.   EPA website providing (direct) carbon footprint calculator: https://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/   This episode is brought to you by The Trade Impact LLC. Certain materials used in today's podcast were contributed by The Trade Impact Foundation. Music provided by EdvardGares / Pond5.     Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this episode constitutes legal advice. Information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from any party.

What is ESG? In this episode, Sara discusses what ESG is, why it's important today, and how we can become more informed about the companies we are supporting.   Sara breaks down each ESG category - Environmental, Social and Governance, and explains what ratings really reflect as well as how we can navigate the challenges we face when relying on these factors to evaluate a company.   This episode is brought to you by The Trade Impact LLC. Certain materials used in today's podcast were contributed by The Trade Impact Foundation. Music provided by EdvardGares / Pond5.     Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this episode constitutes legal advice. Information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from any party.

What is the impact of your denim? In this episode, Sara discusses the social and environmental implications of creating a pair of jeans, and how we can shop for more sustainable denim.    Sara breaks down relevant issues that arise from both the cultivation and manufacturing process, touching on water consumption, the use of toxic chemicals, and forced labor.    This episode is brought to you by The Trade Impact LLC. Certain materials used in today's podcast were contributed by The Trade Impact Foundation. Music provided by EdvardGares / Pond5.     Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this episode constitutes legal advice. Information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from any party.  

In this episode, Sara speaks with Kholofelo Kugler, international trade lawyer and PhD fellow at the University of Lucerne, Switzerland. Kholo has served on the Advisory Centre of WTO Law, where she provided legal advice on international trade law issues, represented Members in World Trade Organization disputes, and conducted training on various WTO law topics.    In this conversation, Kholo discusses the influence of artificial intelligence and how both countries and companies understand and regulate it. The discussion covers who has access to our data, as well as the power held by those who control the flow of information around the world.   Sara and Kholo talk about how the regulation of AI and the experience of the local population varies in countries such as Russia, China and certain African nations, versus Europe, the US, and other regions. ⁠   You can follow our guest, Kholofelo Kugler at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kholofelo-kugler-95a2761a/ on LinkedIn.   This episode is brought to you by The Trade Impact LLC. Certain materials used in today's podcast were contributed by The Trade Impact Foundation. Music provided by EdvardGares / Pond5.    Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this episode constitutes legal advice. Information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from any party.

In this episode, Sara speaks with Deanna Clark-Esposito about diversity and inclusion in the workplace and how we can improve our conversations on this important and oftentimes difficult topic. The discussion also covers how the education system can be a powerful tool in expanding representation across industries and professions. Deanna is the Founder and Managing Attorney of the international trade law firm, Clark-Esposito Law. Deanna has served on the Diversity Council at the Fashion Institute of Technology and has also served as the President of the NY Chapter of the Organization of Women in International Trade.  You can follow our guest, Deanna Clark-Esposito on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/businesslawimportexportfda/. This episode is brought to you by The Trade Impact LLC. Certain materials used in today's podcast were contributed by The Trade Impact Foundation. Music provided by EdvardGares / Pond5.   Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this episode constitutes legal advice. Information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from any party.

What is Unlocking Impact? In this recap episode Sara highlights some of her takeaways from past episodes and talks about the aims of the Unlocking Impact podcast. This episode is brought to you by The Trade Impact LLC.  Certain materials used in today's podcast were contributed by The Trade Impact Foundation.  Music provided by EdvardGares / Pond5.  Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this episode constitutes legal advice.  Information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from any party.

In this episode, Sara speaks with Ngozi Okaro, Founder of the Custom Collaborative, which trains mentors and advocates for low and no-income and immigrant women to build the skills necessary to achieve economic success in the sustainable fashion industry and broader society. Ngozi is an advocate for a fashion industry that honors both Planet and People. In the conversation, Ngozi explains why she founded the Custom Collaborative and how this unique model can be applied to the fashion industry at large. The discussion also covers what sustainable fashion encompasses and how we can adopt a more inclusive framework for the future. You can follow the Custom Collaborative on Instagram @customcolab, and our guest, Ngozi Okaro at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngoziokaro/ on LinkedIn. This episode is brought to you by The Trade Impact LLC.  Certain materials used in today's podcast were contributed by The Trade Impact Foundation.  Music provided by EdvardGares / Pond5.  Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this episode constitutes legal advice.  Information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from any party.

In a conversation that touches on recent events in Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and China, Sara speaks with economic sanctions expert Kian Meshkat regarding the role of international sanctions in addressing human rights violators, as well as the impact of those sanctions on the local population. You can follow our guest, Kian Meshkat on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kian-meshkat-6a738527. This episode is brought to you by The Trade Impact LLC. Certain materials used in today's podcast were contributed by The Trade Impact Foundation. Music provided by EdvardGares / Pond5. Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this episode constitutes legal advice. Information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from any party.

In the second half of their conversation, Sara and Ben discuss worldwide gender discrimination and the role of international trade in promoting global gender rights. Ben Shepherd is a trade economist and development consultant who has worked with the World Bank, the United Nations and more. You can follow our guest, Ben Shepherd on Twitter at @BenShepherdEcon. This episode is brought to you by The Trade Impact LLC. Certain materials used in today's podcast were contributed by The Trade Impact Foundation. Music provided by EdvardGares / Pond5.  Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this episode constitutes legal advice. Information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from any party.  

How can trade policy and economic development lead to positive impact on an individual level? In this episode, Sara speaks with Ben Shepherd, a trade economist and development consultant who has worked with organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations. Ben discusses the impact that trade policy has on the people living in a country, and how it can be used as a positive tool for development. You can follow our guest, Ben Shepherd on Twitter at @BenShepherdEcon. This episode is brought to you by The Trade Impact LLC. Certain materials used in today's podcast were contributed by The Trade Impact Foundation. Music provided by EdvardGares / Pond5.   Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this episode constitutes legal advice. Information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from any party.

Should you feel good about your purchases? Understanding the social and environmental footprint of the products you buy and brands you support is key to being a conscious consumer.  In this episode, Sara speaks to Todd Smith, founder and CEO of KYG Trade, the “Know Your Goods” blockchain platform and marketplace. They discuss the complexity of ESG and sustainability metrics, the risk of greenwashing, and the potential for blockchain technology to provide consumers with unprecedented transparency to the real impact behind their goods. You can follow our guest, Todd Smith at https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddrsmith/. This episode is brought to you by The Trade Impact LLC.  Certain materials used in today's podcast were contributed by The Trade Impact Foundation.  Music provided by EdvardGares / Pond5.  Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this episode constitutes legal advice.  Information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from any party.

In this episode, Sara talks to Luiza Romero, an expert in blockchain and taxes, about the potential to utilize blockchain technology to increase government transparency. Luiza first explains how blockchain works and how we pay taxes today, and then discusses (15:00) an exciting vision of how blockchain could transform our relationship with our government, by increasing public trust and government accountability. You can follow our guest, Luiza Romero at https://www.linkedin.com/in/luiza-romero/. This episode is brought to you by The Trade Impact LLC.  Certain materials used in today's podcast were contributed by The Trade Impact Foundation.  Music provided by EdvardGares / Pond5.  Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this episode constitutes legal advice.  Information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from any party.

In this episode, Sara talks to Andrea Reyes, Chair of the NYC Fair Trade Coalition about whether fast fashion can be sustainable.  The discussion covers the environmental impact of the fashion industry, the consequences of globalization, and the connection between mental health and consumption.  You can follow the NYC Fair Trade Coalition @nycfairtrade and our guest, Andrea Reyes @abernadette11 on Instagram. This episode is brought to you by The Trade Impact LLC.  Certain materials used in today's podcast were contributed by The Trade Impact Foundation.  Music provided by EdvardGares / Pond5.  Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this episode constitutes legal advice.  Information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from any party.