Deep Impact Investing

If you’re a small business owner looking to contribute towards combating climate change while also strengthening your business, make sure to stream this week’s episode of Deep Impact Investing with Pooja Khosla, the Chief Innovation Officer at Entelligent.

This week, Pooja shares five ways small businesses can utilize government incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act to go green. Through her discussion on ‘greenflation’ and why it matters for our economy, Pooja emphasizes the value of proactively protecting our planet (as individuals and as businesses).

By providing practical suggestions, such as switching to renewable energy and investing in green technology, learn the strategies you need to take advantage of tax breaks while making positive environmental changes.

Pooja discusses:

Ways her article covers the Inflation Reduction Act and its benefits for small businesses

The government incentives for going green

What’s ‘greenflation’ and how it’s impacting our economy

 Five changes small businesses can make to benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act

And more!

Resources:

“Want to Be More Sustainable? 4 Ways To Take Advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act” by Pooja Khosla

Connect with Pooja Khosla:

LinkedIn: Pooja Khosla 

Entelligent

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen:

[email protected]  

LinkedIn: Kimberly Griego-Kiel

LinkedIn: Johann Klaassen

(505) 982-9661

Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

[email protected] 

Twitter: @HorizonsSustFin

Facebook: Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

About Our Guest:

Dr. Pooja Khosla is the Chief Innovation Officer at Entelligent. Dr. Khosla is an econometrician and data scientist with extensive experience in data analysis, predictive modeling, econometrics, statistics, microfinance, and mutual fund analysis. 

Dr. Khosla is one of the inventors of the patented Smart Climate® technology. She brings her international background in finance, academia, predictive modeling, and statistical software platforms to the company, leading product and client development. 

She has published articles and papers in trade journals, including Pensions & Investments, CFA NYC, and Morning Consult.

In part one of this conversation, you heard Ladé Araba and Hayley Mundeva talk about the AlphaMundi Foundation’s mission to strengthen the long-term commercial viability of small and middle-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa and Latin America.

This time, Ladé and Hayley are back to uncover fascinating stories while detailing the impact of supporting SMEs in these regions.

From increasing business performance to incorporating more women in the workforce, find out how the AMF is investing in SMEs to increase their commercial viability, which ultimately leads to strengthening African and Latin American communities.

Ladé and Hayley discuss:

The structured blended finance that the AlphaMundi Foundation (AMF) provides to small and middle-sized enterprises (SMEs)

AMF’s approach to gender and climate-smart technical assistance

Success stories of the recipients of their support and the positive impact the foundation is making in emerging African and Latin American markets

Ways the AlphaMundi Foundation is supporting the incorporation of more women into the workforce

The foundation’s long-term vision and how it’s closely related to the growth of SMEs

And more!

Resources:

Driving Economic Transformation In Africa & Latin America — Part I with Ladé Araba and Hayley Mundeva (Ep. 90) 

Kentaste

Anka

Agsol

Connect with Ladé Araba:

LinkedIn: Ladé Araba

AlphaMundi Foundation 

Twitter: @AlphaMundiFDN

Connect with Hayley Mundeva:

LinkedIn: Hayley Mundeva

AlphaMundi Foundation 

Twitter: @AlphaMundiFDN

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen:

[email protected]  

LinkedIn: Kimberly Griego-Kiel

LinkedIn: Johann Klaassen

(505) 982-9661

Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

[email protected] 

Twitter: @HorizonsSustFin

Facebook: Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

About Ladé Araba:

Ladé Araba is a highly-skilled, multilingual Development Finance Executive and Board Member experienced in blended finance, infrastructure/energy project finance, and public-private partnerships (PPP) with over 20 years of professional experience. 

Well-versed in deal origination, investment appraisal, and advising private investors and government stakeholders, Ladé is a strategic leader who is adept at building strong partnerships with private and public clients. 

About Hayley Mundeva:

Hayley Mundeva is a driven professional with a diverse background in Global Health and Development. With an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for storytelling, Hayley is dedicated to helping people and organizations achieve their goals and maximize their impact.

With extensive experience in communication strategy development, project management, and stakeholder engagement, Hayley has worked on a variety of projects and initiatives,

Have you heard of the AlphaMundi Foundation?

Also known as AMF, the AlphaMundi Foundation’s mission is to strengthen the long-term commercial viability of small and middle-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa and Latin America to drive economic transformation. 

In this week’s episode, Kim Griego-Kiel is joined by Hayley Mundeva, the communications lead, and Ladé Araba, the executive director at the AlphaMundi Foundation, to talk about SMEs and their critical role in female job creation, economic development, and innovation.

Tune in and learn how the AMF supports these enterprises through technical assistance and gender-inclusive policies leading to a positive social and environmental impact. 

Ladé and Hayley discuss:

The AlphaMundi Foundation’s vision and mission and how it supports SMEs in Africa and Latin America

Ways the foundation is investing in gender diversity, equity, and inclusion in African and Latin American small and middle-sized enterprises (SMEs)

How investors can contribute to the AMF

What you should know about the AMF’s Theory of Change 

Their approach to scaling gender and climate-smart practices

Why companies are not always ‘investable’

And more!

Resources:

 Ep 81 – Empowering Stories From Zimbabwe and Zambia

 Ep 82 – What You Should Know About The Conservation Work in Southern Africa  

Connect with Ladé Araba:

LinkedIn: Ladé Araba

AlphaMundi Foundation 

Twitter: @AlphaMundiFDN

Connect with Hayley Mundeva:

LinkedIn: Hayley Mundeva

AlphaMundi Foundation 

Twitter: @AlphaMundiFDN

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen:

[email protected]  

LinkedIn: Kimberly Griego-Kiel

LinkedIn: Johann Klaassen

(505) 982-9661

Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

[email protected] 

Twitter: @HorizonsSustFin

Facebook: Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

About Ladé Araba:

Ladé Araba is a highly-skilled, multilingual Development Finance Executive and Board Member experienced in blended finance, infrastructure/energy project finance, and public-private partnerships (PPP) with over 20 years of professional experience. 

Well-versed in deal origination, investment appraisal, and advising private investors and government stakeholders, Ladé is a strategic leader who is adept at building strong partnerships with private and public clients. 

About Hayley Mundeva:

Hayley Mundeva is a driven professional with a diverse background in Global Health and Development. With an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for storytelling, Hayley is dedicated to helping people and organizations achieve their goals and maximize their impact.

With extensive experience in communication strategy development, project management, and stakeholder engagement, Hayley has worked on a variety of projects and initiatives, ranging from community-based health programs to internationa...

Are you interested in learning how to reduce poverty and create sustainable economic growth for everyone? 

You are in luck because that’s exactly what Kim Griego-Kiel talks about in this week’s episode of Deep Impact Investing.

Kim explains how poverty, decent work, and economic growth are part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SGD) while detailing the progress made towards achieving these goals and the challenges and setbacks faced.

Kim discusses:

The increase in poverty rates and unemployment due to the pandemic and the prevalence of global child labor

The progress made towards ending poverty and sustainable economic growth 

The role of inflation, the pandemic, and child labor when it comes to achieving these goals 

Digital technology and financial services as tools to improve the lives of people living in poverty

What you should know about microfinance 

The truth about consumer protection and credit card reward programs

And more!

Resources:

Ep 11 – The UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals — Part 1

Ep 14 – The UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals — Part 2

Ep 16 – The UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals — Part 3   

Tidbits with Kim: Sustainable Investing & Working Towards A Sustainable Economy (Ep. 88)

“The Dirty Little Secret of Credit Card Rewards Programs” by Chenzi Xu and Jeffrey Reppucci

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

LinkedIn: Kimberly Griego-Kiel

[email protected]  

(505) 982-9661

Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

[email protected] 

Twitter: @HorizonsSustFin

Facebook:  Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

Welcome to Kim Griego-Kiel’s new segment, ‘Tidbits with Kim!’

Every quarter, Kim will bring you the ins and outs of sustainable investing and handy action items to work towards a more sustainable economy.

In this week’s episode, Kim delves into the world of sustainable impact investing while exploring some exciting new developments in California’s fight against climate change. 

Listen in as Kim navigates the latest news on stricter vehicle requirements, proposed emission disclosure bills, and the benefits of hybrid and electric cars.

Kim discusses:

California’s implementation of stricter vehicle requirements to improve fuel efficiency and promote zero emissions

The two new bills being proposed in California aimed at holding corporations accountable for their impact on climate change

What you should know about carbon emissions and their role within different income brackets 

The United Nations’ predictions about the likelihood of animal pandemic being the leading cause of the next pandemic

The improvement of plant-based meat options in terms of quality, taste, and texture

And more!

Resources:

“Climate Forward” by Somini Sengupta

 Ep 79 – VegTech™ Invest, The Revolution in Plant-Based Innovation ETFs ⁠— Part 2 with Elysabeth Alfano

 Ep 78 – What You Should Know About Investing in Food & Plant-Based Innovation   

LinkedIn: Elysabeth Alfano 

California SB253 — Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

[email protected]  

(505) 982-9661

Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

[email protected] 

Twitter: @HorizonsSustFin

Facebook: Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

What do real estate and sustainability have in common?

This week, Sam Adams, the CEO and co-founder of Vert Asset Management, unpacks the ins and outs of sustainable investing and the need for more sustainability in the real estate arena.

Sam shares Vert’s approach to educating and encouraging companies to take the next step in their sustainability journey while highlighting how the firm advocates for more sustainability in the financial services industry.

Sam discusses:

Sustainable investing and the need for more sustainability in the real estate industry 

Some eye-opening ESG mistakes advisors might be making

The difference between ESG and SRI

Ways the real estate strategy fits into the sustainable investing model

An overview of the book he’s co-writing, “Your Essential Guide to Sustainable Investing” 

What you should know about the Vert Asset Management fund

And more!

Resources:

“The Top 5 ESG Mistakes Advisors Make” by Sam Adams

Ep 57 – Sustainable Shareholder Advocacy with Leslie Samuelrich, Sam Adams, and Sarah Adams – Part 3

USSIF Courses  

USSIF: Sustainable Investment Education

“Your Essential Guide to Sustainable Investing” by Larry E. Swedroe and Sam Adams

Ep 35 – 7 Tips For Choosing The Right Financial Advisor 

Connect with Sam Adams:

LinkedIn: Samuel Adams

Vert Asset Management   

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

[email protected]  

(505) 982-9661

Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

[email protected] 

Twitter: @HorizonsSustFin

 Facebook:  Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

About Our Guest: 

Samuel Adams is the CEO of Vert Asset Management. Sam is an environmentalist and a capitalist passionate about preserving and defending nature and has worked as an investment professional. He has 20 years of experience at Dimensional Fund Advisors, where he learned the power of the markets as an Investment Professional. Sam is passionate about making sustainable investing easier for financial advisors and their clients. He also holds a BA from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an MBA from UC Davis Graduate School of Management.

In this episode of Deep Impact Investing, Kimberly Griego-Kiel is all about unveiling the American financial reality.

This week, Kim takes listeners on a journey through the world of finance, from the history of the stock exchange to the current state of personal finances in the US. 

Kim covers a range of interesting and surprising areas of finance, providing insights into the world of the markets and even the daily financial reality of ordinary Americans.

Kim discusses:

When was the first stock exchange established

The cost of producing money

The truth about US debt

Ways financial security varies depending on race, culture, and households

What you should know about being financially healthy: Some must-know stats

And more!

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

[email protected]  

(505) 982-9661

Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

[email protected] 

Twitter: @HorizonsSustFin

 Facebook:  Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

How much do you know about corporate responsibility and sustainability?

This week, Andy Behar, the CEO of As You Sow, joins Kim Griego-Kiel to talk about the nonprofit organization’s role in shaking up the business world with its innovative environmental and social justice approach. 

Listen in as Andy details the ins and outs of creating a more sustainable and equitable future for this and the years to come.

Andy discusses:

As You Sow’s vision and mission  

The importance of climate action in the corporate resolution filings for 2023 

The value of more companies incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion

As You Sow’s role in helping companies minimize the dangers of pesticides in our food system

What you should know about company transparency and accountability 

Ways As You Sow is working to reduce plastic demand 

What you should know about stranded assets

And more!

Resources:

LinkedIn: Thomas Van Dyck

As You Sow 

As You Sow – Reports

Report: “Workplace Diversity and Financial Performance: An Analysis of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO-1) Data”

Books by Andy Behar

Invest Your Values

Connect with Andy Behar:

LinkedIn: Andrew Behar 

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

[email protected]  

(505) 982-9661

Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

[email protected] 

Twitter: @HorizonsSustFin

Facebook:  Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

About Our Guest:

Andy Behar is CEO of As You Sow, the nation’s leading non-profit practitioner of shareholder advocacy and engagement. With a 30-year track record of success, the organization advances values-aligned investing and uses shareholder power to compel companies to reduce material risk on issues including climate change; toxins in the food system; ocean plastics; diversity, equity, and inclusion; racial justice; and wage equity.

2022 was a year of market turmoil: The S&P 500 and the Russell 3000 were down by almost 19%, and the bond market also suffered a hit.

In this episode, Kim Griego-Kiel brings back one of our favorite guests, Johann Klaassen, the President and Chief Investment Officer at Horizons Sustainable Financial Services. Kim and Johann review the 2022 market performance while detailing the four areas that impacted the markets last year. 

Johann discusses:

The Federal Reserve’s efforts to control inflation 

The US dollar currency speculation

His market predictions for 2023

What you should know about diversification 

The market’s role in sustainable investing 

And more!

Connect with Johann Klaassen:

LinkedIn: Johann Klaassen 

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

[email protected]  

(505) 982-9661

Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

[email protected] 

Twitter: @HorizonsSustFin

 Facebook: Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

About Our Guest:

Johann A. Klaassen, Ph.D., is Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer for Horizons Sustainable Financial Services. His role is developing asset allocation strategies and overseeing investment policy for Horizons’ individual and institutional clients. As a passionate advocate for SRI, a skilled navigator of its intricacies, and an enthusiastic early adopter of just about every new communication tool and technology, Johann is informed, informative, and far more accessible than his many commitments might imply. He directly serves clients across the nation, tending to specialize in serving unusual and special circumstances or needs.

Honey bees are well-known and loved, but as the pollinator of 70% of the world’s food crops, their practical extinction is a cause for concern.

In this episode, Kim Griego-Kiel unpacks how optimizing plant and soil health with ecological agriculture can help preserve these essential insects. Kim shares the findings from her research into honey bees and explores the connection between environmental farming and the future of our most important pollinator — the honey bee.

Kim discusses:

Ways honey bees are contributing to our food systems

The truth about pesticides 

Tips to protect honey bees and our health

How ecological agriculture helps preserve wild habitats and the soil

And more!

Resources:

Greenpeace – Save The Bees 

Pesticide Drift – When Free Trade Dictates Thresholds 

About David Hackenberg

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel

[email protected] 

(505) 982-9661

Horizons Sustainable Financial Services

[email protected] 

Twitter: @HorizonsSustFin

Facebook:  Horizons Sustainable Financial Services