Maximizing Positive Social Impact and Minimizing Environmental Impact: An Interview with Ali Kenney of Burton Snowboards
 It’s almost impossible to upcycle used snowboards. Because their components—metal, wood, plastic, resin—are tightly fused during manufacturing, the best end-of-life outcome is usually chopped scrap that can be downcycled into fill. Which is why Burton is working with a new recyclable epoxy resin. ReRez allows used snowboards to be disassembled, and each material input to be reccyled into new life.
This focus on end-of-life innovation is just one of the ways that Burton is meeting its ambitious 2020 sustainability goals. From 100% Fair Labor Association compliance in its factories, to the carbon-neutral Burton US Open, to Chill, its youth development program, the company believes that succeeding as a business means succeding at sustainability.
The Bard MBA’s Cory Skuldt spoke with Ali Kenney, VP of Global Strategy and Insights at Burton, for The Impact Report. Kenney proposed and built Burton’s Global Sustainability Department and currently drives the sustainability strategy and platform for the company’s portfolio of brands.
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#108: Ali Kenney

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In this episode of The Impact Report, host Renay engages in a compelling conversation with recent Bard MBA graduate Antonio Castillo and researcher Karl Wienhold. Together, they discuss the critical issues smallholder coffee farmers face in the global coffee trade. Antonio and Karl share their extensive experience and research on power imbalances, colonial legacies, and the poverty cycles that trap farmers who produce the majority of the world's coffee. 
IN THE EPISODE: 
The episode sheds light on Karl’s findings related to economic structures that perpetuate injustice and stresses the need for solidarity and collective bargaining among farmers. Antonio reflects on his field research in El Salvador and the potential of direct trade and ethical consumerism in bringing equitable change. They leave the listeners with a clear understanding of the complex coffee value chain and practical actions consumers can take to support justice for coffee farmers.
Bard’s Graduate Programs in Sustainability cultivate leaders who break through existing systems, innovating solutions to critical social, environmental and economic challenges. 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class from M.S. in Environmental Policy degree at Bard CEP and the 10th graduating class from the Bard MBA in Sustainability program. The 2023 graduating MS EP, MS CSP, MEd and MBA classes will bring the Bard GPS alumni community to over 500!

#705 Karl Wienhold on Sustainable Coffee Practices: Bridging Research and Fair Trade

In this episode of The Impact Report, host Renay sits down with Kelly Burton, founder and CEO of the ESG Shop, and Stacey Jewell, a Bard MBA student with a keen focus on impact finance. Together, they discuss the intricacies of ESG strategies and their pivotal role in shaping responsible business practices.
 
In this Episode:
 
Kelly Burton’s Leadership Path: Kelly Burton recounts her multifaceted career journey, from advertising to digital transformation and eventually to sustainability. She shares the inception story of the ESG Shop and its mission to guide companies from pledges to tangible progress in responsible business practices.
 
Stacey Jewell’s Impact Finance Insights: Stacey Jewell discusses her passion for impact finance and how it intersects with ESG initiatives. As a Bard MBA student, she brings a fresh perspective on capital allocation and its critical role in fostering sustainable community development.
 
ESG in the Corporate World: The conversation delves into where ESG fits within an organization’s structure and the evolving roles of sustainability professionals. Kelly and Stacey explore the need for CEOs to become versed in sustainability and the potential for ESG to become integrated into strategic business planning.
 
Network Leadership and ESG: Stacey introduces the concept of network leadership and its effectiveness in ESG implementation. They discuss the importance of cross-functional collaboration and the potential of fractional services to provide the necessary expertise for companies embarking on sustainability journeys.
 
Join Renay, Kelly, and Stacey as they provide valuable insights into the ‘hows’ of ESG and the leadership required to drive sustainable change in the business world. Don’t miss this episode if you’re interested in the future of responsible business and the leaders who are paving the way.
 
Bard’s Graduate Programs in Sustainability cultivate leaders who break through existing systems, innovating solutions to critical social, environmental and economic challenges. 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class from M.S. in Environmental Policy degree at Bard CEP and the 10th graduating class from the Bard MBA in Sustainability program. The 2023 graduating MS EP, MS CSP, MEd and MBA classes will bring the Bard GPS alumni community to over 500!

#704 Kelly Burton on ESG Strategies: Crafting the Future of Responsible Business

Bard MBA candidate Damien Williamson welcomes Brad Stevenson, a lifelong activist, entrepreneur, and sustainability champion with over 30 years of experience in purpose-driven strategy, coaching, consulting, and facilitating programs for executives across various sectors.
Brad discusses his latest venture, “Premiums for the Planet,” a collective action movement aimed at leveraging the insurance industry for sustainability.
In this Episode


Brad’s Journey:
Brad shares his journey from a high school experience that shaped his worldview on racial diversity and privilege to his diverse career path.
He delves into his early work in diversity consulting, his strategic learning at the Boston Consulting Group, and his various roles in nonprofit consulting, media, global strategy, and movement building.
Brad’s eclectic journey led him to focus on sustainability in banking, which closely aligns with his current work.

 
Premiums for the Planet:
Brad explains that “Premiums for the Planet” addresses the powerful yet often overlooked influence of the insurance industry as a major money manager and decision-maker in what gets insured and how.
The initiative aims to redirect the industry’s power towards supporting global sustainability objectives and regenerative practices, contrasting the current trend where insurance investments often exacerbate climate-related problems.

The Insurance Industry’s Role:
Brad emphasizes the paradox where insurance companies protect assets on one hand while investing in activities that contribute to climate catastrophes on the other.
“Premiums for the Planet” seeks to transform insurers into a force that protects not just assets and people, but also the planet itself.

Bard’s Graduate Programs in Sustainability cultivate leaders who break through existing systems, innovating solutions to critical social, environmental and economic challenges. 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class from M.S. in Environmental Policy degree at Bard CEP and the 10th graduating class from the Bard MBA in Sustainability program. The 2023 graduating MS EP, MS CSP, MEd and MBA classes will bring the Bard GPS alumni community to over 500!

#703 Brad Stevenson on Harnessing Insurance for Sustainability: The Premiums for the Planet Initiative

Join us as we explore the creation of a circular economy through sustainability, technology, and business innovation with Andy Ruben, the visionary behind Trove. Discover how Trove is revolutionizing the retail industry by extending the product lifecycle and fostering brand loyalty through technology.
 
In This Episode
Introduction to Trove: Andy Ruben discusses his journey from Walmart to founding Trove, a company that’s reshaping the retail landscape by managing the lifecycle of products beyond the primary market.
The Role of Technology: Learn how Trove partners with brands like Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, and REI to track sold items, assess their condition, and facilitate resale, thus promoting a sustainable approach to consumerism.
Leadership and Business Values: Andy shares his insights on aligning business incentives with impactful change and the importance of creativity and challenging the status quo in business.
The B Corp Movement: Discover how Trove’s status as one of the first B Corps influences its business practices, investor relations, and commitment to long-term strategic decision-making.
Profitability and the Future of Retail: Andy addresses the financial landscape of retail, emphasizing the need for brands to consider customer acquisition costs and the longevity of their items in the world.

Don’t miss this insightful discussion on the future of retail and sustainability. Listen now and join the conversation on how technology and innovation can lead to a more sustainable world.
Bard’s Graduate Programs in Sustainability cultivate leaders who break through existing systems, innovating solutions to critical social, environmental and economic challenges. 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class from M.S. in Environmental Policy degree at Bard CEP and the 10th graduating class from the Bard MBA in Sustainability program. The 2023 graduating MS EP, MS CSP, MEd and MBA classes will bring the Bard GPS alumni community to over 500!

#702: Andy Ruben on Revolutionizing Retail: A Deep Dive into Circularity, Technology, and Innovation with Trove

Join us on this special Earth Week episode of The Impact Report as we introduce our new host, Professor Renay Loper. Renay shares her journey to becoming a pivotal voice in sustainability and gives us a glimpse into the transformative education at Bard College’s Graduate Programs in Sustainability.
In this episode:
Renay’s personal leadership path and her role at Bard’s MBA in sustainability program.
The significance of asking “How are you arriving?” and its impact on personal and organizational leadership.
Insights into the GPS journey toward justice, equity, diversity, and anti-racism.
A reflection on the essence of leadership in sustainability and the power of leading from where you are.
Renay’s diverse professional background, from consumer banking in the U.S. to teaching English in Japan and civic engagement in Greece, illustrates the multifaceted nature of sustainability leadership. Her experiences have shaped her approach to building cross-sector partnerships and fostering tri-sector collaborations globally.

Tune in to discover how sustainability leaders are driving change and how Bard’s MBA program is nurturing the next generation of innovative leaders. Let’s celebrate Earth Week by diving deep into the stories of those making a real impact.
*Bonus* If you're new to the podcast and want to get familiar with the show, check out this helpful episode from last spring featuring Eban Goodstein, an economist and Director of the Bard Graduate Programs in Sustainability. He discusses leading the expansion of Bard's environmental policy and sustainability programs, as well as coordinating national climate change education initiatives across thousands of academic institutions. LISTEN HERE
Bard’s Graduate Programs in Sustainability cultivate leaders who break through existing systems, innovating solutions to critical social, environmental and economic challenges. 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class from M.S. in Environmental Policy degree at Bard CEP and the 10th graduating class from the Bard MBA in Sustainability program. The 2023 graduating MS EP, MS CSP, MEd and MBA classes will bring the Bard GPS alumni community to over 500!
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#108: Ali Kenney

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