Business & Society with Senthil Nathan

In this episode, Nick Romeo, a journalist and an author, discusses some of the ideas from his recent book, The Alternative: How to Build a Just Economy. He discusses widening wealth inequality and the climate crisis and argues that these are urgent challenges with existing global solutions. He emphasizes that policy choices, not natural laws, shape economic systems and critiques business models relying on underpaid workers, advocating for fair wages and worker well-being as measures of success.

Nick highlights the importance of aligning economic systems with societal values, noting that many progressive policies have broad support. He also discusses "true pricing," which includes products' environmental and social costs, suggesting a gradual implementation for essentials like fuel to avoid unrest.

He argues that political choices and calls for effective regulation inherently shape markets. While acknowledging the successes of free-market economics in emerging economies, Nick questions whether these gains could be achieved without the associated negative impacts.

Nick critiques billionaire philanthropy, questioning the morality of wealth accumulation that exacerbates societal problems and calling for a reassessment of how wealth is generated and distributed.

Tune in for a rich dialogue that challenges conventional wisdom and proposes a more equitable and sustainable future with the potential for positive change.

More inspirations from Nick Romeo:
Link to his book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1541701593?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_au
New Yorker Articles: https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/nick-romeo
Website: https://www.nickromeowriter.com/

Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net, for more inspiration.

Can embedding sustainability into your business strategy really boost your bottom line? Join us as Tensie Whelan, an expert in sustainable business practices, reveals how the Return on Sustainability Investment (ROSI) framework can drive financial performance through operational efficiency, innovation, and risk mitigation. She shares compelling examples from the apparel and automotive sectors, demonstrating that genuine commitment to environmental and social issues isn't just good for the planet—it's good for business. This episode delves into whether we've reached peak ESG and why material issues remain critical for long-term competitive advantage.

Why aren't businesses measuring the impact of their sustainability efforts, and how can they start? Tensie tackles this paradox by highlighting the shortcomings of current accounting systems and the necessity of showcasing financial returns within a capitalist framework. We explore powerful case studies from industries like automotive and pulp and paper, illustrating the significant financial gains achievable through sustainable practices. Dive into the substantial benefits within supply chains, consumer trends favoring sustainably marketed products, and effective messaging that resonates across political divides. From sustainable sourcing to the importance of certifications, discover how to make a compelling business case for sustainability investments.

More inspirations from Tensie Whelan:

• Ongoing GreenBiz series
• Tensie's LinkedIn and NYU Center for Sustainable Business(CSB's) LinkedIn
• News and Insights page of CSB's website that has the latest publications from Tensie
• Free, online asynchronous course created by Tensie, How to Embed Sustainability Core to Business Strategy and Drive Competitive Advantage

Book Recommendation: Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth.

Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net, for more inspiration.

In Warming Up: How Businesses Should Respond to Climate Change, Professor Jonatan Pinkse discusses the challenges in green transition and the culture war at our doorstep. 

Why are some businesses reluctant to come aboard the green transition? Why is ESG facing pushback? How is the push for green transition helping the rise of the political right? 

Pinkse, professor of sustainable business at King's Business School (London), presents the business case for sustainability and explains why it is weaker now and why businesses are tip-toeing on sustainability today despite ESG becoming mainstream.

System transformation calls for focusing on people, not just technology. Pinkse shares his research on developing a workforce for the green transition and illustrates, with everyday examples, the challenges of reskilling. 

Be it sustainability or differences in academic life, Pinkse favors a pragmatic approach that recognizes hard realities and avoids disappointment from utopian ideas.

Links:
Jonatan Pinkse's research papers: https://scholar.google.nl/citations?user=7NNAku4AAAAJ&hl=nl
Book Recommendation: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/material-world-9780753559178 

Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net, for more inspiration.

Get ready to challenge your preconceptions about business and sustainability with our latest episode featuring Matt Morrison, co-founder of All Good Bananas and Karma Drinks. Learn how Matt and his team turned the hyper-competitive industries of bananas and soft drinks into platforms for good, emphasizing ethical practices and sustainable supply chains. Discover how their mission to be beneficial for both growers and the land has attracted a dedicated consumer base, proving that purpose-driven businesses can thrive even against industry giants.

Listen as we uncover the intricate balance between profit and purpose, navigating through the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Matt shares invaluable insights on transparent communication with consumers, managing compromises without losing sight of the mission, and the indispensable role of investor support. Hear about the relentless focus on product quality and the behind-the-scenes efforts to maintain sustainable supply chains, ensuring ethical practices from farm to table. This episode is packed with lessons on building trust and loyalty even during the toughest times.

Finally, be inspired by the bold strategies that led to All Good’s breakthrough in New Zealand, from importing massive quantities of bananas without secured buyers to gaining support from community groups. Matt’s stories of persistence and community-building offer practical takeaways for entrepreneurs looking to integrate purpose with commercial success. Don’t miss out on Matt’s recommended readings and captivating anecdotes that provide a fresh perspective on running a purpose-driven business. Tune in and join the conversation on how to align business with ethics and sustainability.

Link to All Good website           - https://all-good.co.nz/
Link to Karma Drinks website   - https://karmadrinks.co.nz/

Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net, for more inspiration.

Sustainability in the coffee industry is more complicated than it seems. Join us as we uncover coffee supply chains with Carl Cervone, a leading authority on coffee sustainability. From the unique perishability of freshly harvested beans to the long-lasting nature of processed green coffee, Carl takes us through the journey of coffee from farm to cup. Learn about the significant impact of smallholder farmers and understand the economic landscape they navigate.

We touch on the key sustainability risks in coffee supply chains, the progress, and stringent European regulations such as EUDR and CSDDD, which, while aiming to curb deforestation, could paradoxically worsen economic conditions for small-scale producers. 

Discover how technology and digitalization could help bridge the gap between traditional farming practices and modern advancements, providing new opportunities for connectivity and innovation. We delve into the challenges and benefits of digitalization, from geomapping technologies to data ownership and interoperability. 

Carl shares his perspective on the importance of being open to diverse perspectives and acknowledging and learning from failures. His recommended skills for social entrepreneurs and a book that influenced his recent thinking will inspire many. This episode is packed with actionable insights and practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in coffee supply chain sustainability. 

Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net, for more inspiration.

Ever wonder how corporate sustainability has evolved from a fringe concept to a core business strategy? Join me as I engage in a compelling conversation with Chris Coulter, Chief Executive of GlobeScan. Chris takes us through the transformative journey from the foundational 1987 Brundtland Report to groundbreaking initiatives like Marks and Spencer's Plan A and Unilever's Sustainable Living Plan. Chris provides an insider's perspective on how companies have transitioned from merely minimising harm to actively creating value, aligning with environmental and social values in today’s purpose-driven business era.

In this episode, we delve into the complex dynamics of sustainable value creation, addressing the significant challenges businesses encounter in balancing immediate shareholder returns with long-term sustainability goals. We examine the growing anti-ESG sentiments and the crucial role of robust internal commitment and supportive policy environments. Chris and I explore the impact of global crises like COVID-19 and inflation on consumer behaviour and climate awareness, underlining the importance of consistent messaging to drive sustainable consumption. Tune in to gain practical insights into the future of corporate sustainability and discover how businesses can effectively engage stakeholders in their sustainability journey.

Link to Chris Coulter's books: https://allinbook.net

To listen to Chris Coulter's All In: The Sustainable Business Podcast: https://all-in-the-sustainable-business-podcast.simplecast.com

Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net, for more inspiration.

Embark on a journey of discovery with Professor Jeffrey Sachs, a luminary in the realm of sustainable development, as we discuss the transformative role businesses must adopt in our rapidly changing world. This podcast delves into the necessity for companies to transcend their traditional profit-centric paradigms and wholeheartedly embrace social equity, environmental preservation, and global collaboration. Sachs eloquently challenges the dated Milton Friedman doctrine, advocating for a corporate accountability that extends well beyond the bottom line and into the heart of societal welfare and planetary health.

As we traverse the nuanced landscape of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Professor Sachs sheds light on the intricate relationship between these global aims and the private sector's potential to foster change. From confronting the criticism of 'woke capitalism' to addressing the sly tactics of greenwashing, we uncover the authentic vision of business practices that genuinely contribute to our collective goal of sustainable progress. It's a revelation of how forward-thinking companies can support fundamental initiatives, such as educational advancement in less affluent nations and the conservation of our precious marine life.

Concluding our enriching exchange, we explore the profound intersection of sustainable advancement and spiritual wisdom, tapping into the moral and intellectual virtues that underpin both the individual's growth and society's advancement. Professor Sachs's insights inspire us to consider the ethical imperatives that guide our behavior and the significance of personal development in crafting a harmonious global community. This is more than a conversation; it's an invitation to engage in the ongoing discourse on the critical role of business in shaping a future that we can all be proud of.

Additional inspirations from Professor Jeffrey Sachs:
•Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs :
    Apple -  https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/book-club-with-jeffrey-sachs/id1555300202
   Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtBgoV7nNBPjQFzAGuIjH?si=387ddb8985fd420f

Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net, for more inspiration.

Welcome to the Business and Society Podcast, where we discuss the role of business in society with influential thinkers. 

We are a monthly podcast, launching our inaugural episode on the 14th of May, 2024.  Please don’t forget to subscribe to the show on Spotify and Apple. See you soon!

Please visit our website, www.businessandsociety.net, for more inspiration.