Send us a text

Sarah Martinez is the VP of ESG at Prime Data Centers. She has also held sustainability leadership positions at Target, Clorox, and Disney. Prime Data Centers is an international co-location data center provider at the center of a fast-growing industry. That means they build, own, and operate data centers for tech companies, cloud providers, and AI companies, among others. 

Sarah discussed what she’s learned from various roles, companies, and industries, and how those experiences inform her work in the rapidly evolving sustainability landscape. Needless to say, she has keen insights on how to scale up sustainability programs successfully. 

Here’s a glimpse of some of the key insights Sarah shared:

• In all her roles, the issue most often discussed — and in the greatest depth — has been related to energy, climate and renewable power.
• Data centers are essential for digital infrastructure, and most of the companies that rely on these have energy/climate commitments.
• AI significantly increases energy consumption; we need to create a society where AI is enabling our growth and our knowledge, but in a way that meets the realities of the climate constraints that we face as a society.
• Sustainability roles are evolving to be more integrated and leadership support is crucial for sustainability success.
• When it comes to sustainability, curiosity and openness to learning are the traits that benefit corporate leadership the most.
• Building internal relationships is key for sustainability leaders.
• If we’re going to achieve the sustainability goals that were set 10-15 years ago, it’s imperative that sustainability has a seat at the decision-making table today.
• Spend time understanding the issues you should be focused on, what makes the most business sense, and the environmental and social impacts of your decisions.

Links associated with our conversation:

• Sarah Martinez - Sarah on LinkedIn
• Prime Data Centers - Data center real estate developers
• iMasons Climate Accord - Achieving carbon neutrality in digital infrastructure 
• Canary Media - Clean energy journalism for a cooler tomorrow

Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.

Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.

#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #careers #leadership #professional #scale #advice #thinkparallax #success #esg #management

Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us a text

Cristina Lobo Guerrero is a third year climate change and sustainability consultant at the Big Four consulting firm, EY. Growing up in Colombia, Christina had parents who introduced her to the joys of nature and scuba diving, and since then she was sure she’d work in this field.

While creating her specialized major in environment and sustainability at the University of Texas, and then pursuing a Masters Degree in Sustainability Management at Columbia University, Cristina started networking with people already employed at EY. Six years later, she landed the job. 

During our conversation, Cristina shares her journey into the sustainability field, discussing her experiences at EY, the nature of her work, and the challenges she faces in driving change. In addition to offering advice for landing a job like this, Cristina reflects on the reality of working in sustainability, the growing need for climate and sustainability professionals, and her hope for continued education and awareness in addressing environmental issues that affect most businesses today.

Here are some of the key takeaways you’ll appreciate in this episode:

• While working at a Big Four firm never gets old, imposter syndrome is still a thing to be reckoned with.
• Consulting is rigorous and demanding, but it comes with its perks.
• A strong educational background will likely put you in the right spot, but it’s your network and persistence that will likely land you the job.
• Change makers take note: there’s only so much change you can drive from the outside of organizations.
• There’s a climate focus for every and any job. Know where your strengths and passion lie and integrate climate action into your skillset.
• Living and working in New York City can be awesome… if you’re up for all that comes along with it.

Links associated with our conversation:

• Cristina Lobo-Guerrero on LinkedIn
• EY Sustainability
• EY Four Futures immersive experience
• Columbia’s M.S. in Sustainability Management
• University of Texas, Austin, B.A. in Sustainability Studies

Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.

Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.

#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #careers #EY #Professional #Consulting #advice #thinkparallax #columbiauniversity #UTAustin

Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us a text

Mike Schwartz helps drive corporate sustainability at Republic Services, a Fortune 300 company with 42,000 employees, more than 13 million customers, 17,000 trucks, 5 million daily pickups, 75 recycling centers, 5 million tons of materials processed in recycling centers, and upwards of 73 renewable energy projects. Needless to say, Mike, a former sustainability analyst and consultant, keeps quite busy.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Recycling misconceptions 
• Recycling technology and innovations
• Renewable energy
• The importance of leadership and governance in driving sustainability initiatives

During our conversation, Mike shares the lessons he learned from his journey as a sustainability professional and his time at Republic — the wins, challenges, and opportunities ahead. We also touch on the importance of collaboration and partnerships, and the critical role of regulation in shaping the future of sustainability. 

Here are some of the key takeaways you’ll appreciate in this episode:

• Gaining leadership buy-in is crucial for sustainability initiatives
• Expect resource constraints and learn to work within them
• Engage and build alliances within the organization
• Sales and marketing are essential tools for sustainability advocates
• Leverage partnerships to enhance sustainability efforts
• Communicate the business case for sustainability effectively
• Continuously innovate and adapt to new sustainability challenges
• Stay informed about emerging sustainability regulations and standards

Links associated with our conversation:

• Mike Schwartz
• Republic Services
• Ecovadis - Business Sustainability Ratings
• UC Santa Barbara, Bren School of Environmental Science & Management
• Carbon Credit Capital | Practical Sustainability Solutions
• Blue Polymers - Plastics recycling from curbside to consumer packaging, and back again
• Republic Services and Archaea Energy Launch Landmark Joint Venture to Develop 39 New Renewable Natural Gas Projects Across U.S.

Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.

Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.

#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #recycling #leadership #SustainabilityInAction #Waste #reponsibility #thinkparallax #RepublicServices #corporateresponsibility

Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us a text

David C. Smith knows a thing or two about the evolving legal landscape that corporate sustainability is facing. As a law partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, and with a Masters of Law degree specializing in energy with a concentration in climate law, he is an expert on the risks, opportunities, and implications of recent climate legislation.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Climate policy and compliance
• The historical context of climate legislation
• The role of federal initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act
• The emerging climate mandates that require companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions 
• Climate-related mandates; specifically SB 253 and SB 261

During our wide-ranging conversation, David discusses the implications of California's new emissions regulations, the importance of understanding Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and the role of legal counsel in navigating compliance. 

Not only is this an inspiring perspective, it’s also an insightful legal perspective. So, if you’ve been wondering if these (and other) legal mandates or pending legislation might affect your company, this one’s for you. 

Here are some of the key takeaways you’ll appreciate in this episode:

• The landscape of corporate sustainability is rapidly evolving and if you’re not well on your way, it’s time to get started
• Peer pressure and investment are significant drivers for corporate engagement in sustainability
• Reputational risks are a major concern for companies not adhering to sustainability practices
• Climate mandates are transitioning from aspirations to legal requirements and California leads the way in climate legislation with some of the strictest ones
• Many companies will be required to disclose greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks by 2026 — is your business you one of them?

Links associated with our conversation:

• David Smith, LL.M.
• Manatt Energy & Environment
• CalGreen - California’s first green building code
• California Air Resources Board (CARB)
• CEQA: The California Environmental Quality Act
• SB 253, Wiener. Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act
• SB 261, Stern. Greenhouse gases: climate-related financial risk
• IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.

Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.

#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #legal #mandates #climate #energy #compliance #thinkparallax #sb253 #leadership #sb261 #climatelaw

Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us a text

Virgin Voyages isn’t like other cruise lines. They’ve set out to create an “Epic Sea Change For All.” As Virgin’s Sr. Director of Social Impact & Sustainability, Jill Stoneberg is captaining their purpose to make business a force for good and change the world for the better. 

In this episode of "Inspiring Perspectives,”Jill discusses everything that happens to make a voyage possible, “It's basically a small town floating on the water.” So, as you can imagine, strategizing how to make cruises more sustainable is challenging. A key component of Jill’s job is to work cross-functionally to make sure they are staying true to the company's purpose. Jill highlights the progress they’re making and the role that leadership plays in driving their vision forward.

Here are some of the key topics and takeaways you’ll appreciate in this episode:

• Creating a sustainability program requires a strong foundational vision. Collaboration across teams fosters ownership of the vision.
• Sustainability is an evolving field that requires continuous learning.
• Engagement with stakeholders is crucial for effective reporting.
• Transparency in reporting helps build trust with stakeholders.
• A strong culture and defined values are crucial for success.
• Leadership support is essential for driving climate action initiatives.
• Building trust and relationships enhances collaboration in sustainability efforts.
• Understanding the culture of the organization is vital for sustainability leaders.
• Sustainability reporting can set a strong foundation for future initiatives.
• Inspiration can come from peers and leaders within and outside the industry.

Links associated with our conversation:

• Jill Stoneberg, Sr. Director, Social Impact & Sustainability at Virgin Voyages
• Sustainability at Virgin Voyages
• Virgin Voyages’ Sea Change Impact Report 
• Virgin Voyages’ Climate Impact Plan
• Virgin Voyages - Sea Change Video on YouTube

Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.

Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.

#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #strategy #communications #culture #impact #virginvoyages #thinkparallax #advice #leadership #seachange #impactthinking

Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us a text

Sam Vionnet is the author of the book Impact Thinking and the founder and CEO of Valuing Impact. The impact measurement consulting company uses innovative methodologies, data, and expertise to help organizations and businesses integrate the value of human, social, and natural capital into decision-making processes and corporate strategies.

Sam says impact valuation is a means of capturing the interaction of businesses and their investment with society and monetizing it. They’ve developed an accounting framework clients can use to better understand and manage the more complete value that their businesses deliver to society.

In this episode, we chat about the ideas behind the book, Valuing Impact’s approach to accounting for material benefits, and what it takes to get started on the journey to uncovering the value of your company’s impact on society.

Here are some of the key topics and takeaways you’ll appreciate in this episode:

• Impact valuation is a methodology that allows companies to measure and quantify the social and environmental impact of their activities. It helps companies understand the value they create for society beyond financial profits. 
• The utility of money varies across different countries and income levels, and impact valuation takes this into account.
• This field of impact valuation is evolving and is pushing companies to account for more than just their environmental impacts.; Valuing Impact accounts for social impacts at different parts of the value chain as well.
• Impact valuation builds on the existing LCA methodology and adds a layer of monetization so that the information becomes financial (think monetary units vs. metric tons). That's a language that the CEO and CFO will understand and perhaps be more inclined to act on.
• Your product’s environmental and social impacts often go well beyond the things you can see at the product’s finished stage and can be difficult to measure and account for. Look to experts for help.
• Companies can use impact valuation to prioritize their material impacts and make more informed decisions.
• Transparency and clear communication are essential when sharing impact valuation results.

Links associated with our conversation:

• Sam’s book, Impact Thinking 
• Valuing Impact’s eQALY Impact Valuation Method  
• Other resources from Valuing Impact 
• Capitals Coalition 
• The Value Balancing Alliance  
• International Foundation for Valuing Impacts 
• Social Value UK, Social Return on Investment (SROI) Methodology  
• Social Value International, the Global Network for Social Value and Impact Management
• Social Determinants of Health (SDH)

Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.

Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.

#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #strategy #communications #valuingimpact #environmentalimpact #socialimpact #thinkparallax #advice #accounting #framework #impactthinking

Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us a text

In addition to being our Director, Communications Strategy here at thinkPARALLAX, Sami Grover is a communications strategist, branding expert, climate writer, and the author of the book We’re All Climate Hypocrites Now. 

In his recent article “Greenblushing: The Case for Honest Sustainability Communications,” Sami explains why companies (some of our clients included) are hesitant to be too bold, or to speak too loudly about their sustainability efforts—often for fear of inviting litigatory or even regulatory risk if something could be perceived as being misrepresented. You might have heard this referred to as “greenhushing.” What you may not have heard, is that Sami is credited with co-coining the term.

In this episode, we discussed why he thinks there are several problems with this approach, and a better path forward: something he’s calling “greenblushing.” 

Here are some of the key topics and takeaways you’ll appreciate in this episode:

• First there was greenwashing, then came greenhushing, now Sami’s proposing companies start “greenblushing”
• Good sustainability communication is essential for cultural shifts
• Green hushing can hinder progress in sustainability efforts, hold your industry back, and leave money on the table
• Transparency builds trust and drives real change
• Companies should embrace their imperfections in sustainability; as humans, we almost expect it
• Meet your audience where they are: engaging storytelling is crucial for effective communication
• Understanding your handprint is more impactful than focusing solely on your footprint
• Collective, collaborative, and systemic efforts are necessary to tackle our biggest sustainability challenges
• Get more people on board—Sustainability should be a fun and engaging journey

Links associated with our conversation:

• Sami Grover on LinkedIn
• Sami Grover, We’re All Climate Hypocrites 
• Larry’s Coffee, Greenblushing example 
• Ketan Joshi post on greenhushing as a trend 
• New Climate Institute - “'Greenhushing': An emerging trend or sign of less greenwashing?” 
• South Pole - Going green, then going dark – One in four companies are keeping quiet on science-based targets  
• The Potential Energy Coalition - Storytelling and marketing and to drive public demand and accelerate the global energy transition 
• The Climate Advocacy Lab - Insights from climate justice leaders 
• Good Energy - Climate stories for TV and film creators.

Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.

Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.

#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #strategy #communications #greenwashing #greenhushing #greenblushing #thinkpa

Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us a text

Alyscia Raines is a workplace culture strategist and CEO at ADR Consulting Group, partnering with companies of all sizes to create an environment where every individual feels valued and empowered.

Alyscia and her team are dedicated to fostering equitable workplace cultures that celebrate diversity and inclusivity—not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it's just good business.

Whether you’re building a belonging and inclusivity program, considering one, or looking for ways to elevate the work you’ve already done, this episode is for you.

Here are some of the key topics and takeaways you’ll appreciate in this episode:

• The risks associated with not integrating DEI into the mission and vision of the organization
• Creating an inclusive and equitable workplace culture is essential for organizations to support their employees and improve performance
• For success, DEI initiatives should be tied back to strategy and align strongly with the overall business goals and mission of the organization
• The DEI space has evolved, with more organizations doubling down on their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion; even if they are re-labeling their programs
• The evolution of the DEI space in corporate settings
• There are challenges and criticisms faced by DEI initiatives, but organizations should focus on the impact and outcomes of their work rather than the title or branding
• Strategy and intentionality are key in DEI work, along with clear communication of purpose and goals
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) can bring value to organizations when well-run and aligned with the mission.

Links associated with our conversation:

• ADR Consulting - https://adrconsultinggroup.com/ 
• Alyscia Raines - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alysciaraines/ 

Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.

Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.

#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #dei #workplaceculture #strategy #sustainabilityadvice #diversity #thinkparallax #inclusion #belonging #people #equity #management #goodbusiness

Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us a text

Brittany Pettit is the Global Outbound Product Manager, ESG Management at ServiceNow, a cloud computing platform to help companies manage digital workflows for enterprise operations. With over 10 years of experience in the software industry, she knows a thing or two about the role of technology in the corporate sustainability space. 

We discussed the evolution of corporate sustainability and how it has grown in the footsteps of other more mature business functions like HR and finance; departments that have realized the importance of efficiency, good data, and recognized standards. The role of enterprise platforms in advancing sustainability and ESG reporting is rapidly evolving. We talked about how these powerful tools can streamline data collection, automate reporting, and provide valuable insights for sustainability professionals. 

If you’re spending too much time manually collecting data, Brittany offers advice for getting buy-in from decision-makers, emphasizes the importance of finding a platform that is configurable and can grow with the organization's needs, and outlines the key steps you’ll need to take when finding a solution for your organization. 

And, we couldn't help but touch on the role of AI and other innovative technologies in enhancing your company’s sustainability efforts.

Here are some of the key topics and takeaways you’ll appreciate:

• Technology can help sustainability professionals demonstrate the value and impact of their initiatives, including new revenue opportunities and risk reduction.
• While technology is advancing, it is still important for sustainability professionals to have a deep understanding of their data and be able to interpret and communicate its significance.
• Enterprise platforms can streamline data collection, automate reporting, and provide valuable insights for sustainability professionals.
• Technology can help sustainability professionals demonstrate the value and impact of their initiatives, including new revenue opportunities and risk reduction.
• What to look for when it’s time to start shopping for an enterprise resource platform.
• How to pitch the idea to your CFO/Purchasing Department and why they should support you.

Links associated with our conversation:

• ServiceNow - https://www.servicenow.com/ 
• Brittany Pettit - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanypettit/ 
• Bard MBA in sustainability - https://gps.bard.edu/academics/mba-in-sustainability 

Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.

Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.

#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #esgmanagement #enterprisesolutions #data #sustainabilityadvice #servicenow #thinkparallax #CSRD #GRI #sustainabilityreporting #strategy #management

–

Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Send us a text

Brad Stevenson is the founder and CEO of Premiums for the Planet, an insurance membership program that unites climate-conscious organizations into a force for change. Insurance? you’re wondering. Yes, insurance. 

Brad believes that we can—make that should—harness the power of insurance to save the world. In our conversation, he explains how insurance companies, with their trillions in assets, significantly influence what gets insured and, thus funded, making them a regulatory force as powerful as the government, operating at the speed of business. 

Brad highlights the need for organizations to align their insurance policies with their sustainability and climate goals and the importance of collective action in creating a market force for change. Premiums for the Planet, he describes, was created to facilitate that very action.

Some of the takeaways you’ll appreciate:

• It’s time for climate finance to be on your radar; awareness is growing and its impact is undeniable
• Your insurance policy may unknowingly be funding and supporting activities that undermine your sustainability & climate efforts
• Financed emissions, including insurance and banking, play a critical role in driving sustainability and climate action and need to be addressed
• The power of insurance lies in its ability to fund and support projects and activities, making it a lever for change in our market economy
• It’s time to include your finance department in the sustainability conversation so your finance decisions can be a key part of your sustainable supply chain strategy
• Your insurance premium, money currently seen as a purely administrative cost, has the power to reduce reputational risk, add brand value, and make you a part of a visible climate action community
• It’s time to eliminate the stereotype that sustainability comes with added expense and effort and instead create solutions that create a better product, a better experience, and a better business value
• You have the power to help shift the demand in the market, and that has the potential to create real systemic change

Links associated with our conversation:

• Premiums for the Planet - https://premiumsfortheplanet.com/
• Brad Stevenson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradstevenson/ 
• Peak 6198, the Fim - https://sparkpurpose.com/perseverance-the-film/ 
• Topo Finance - https://www.topofinance.org/ 
• Clean Creatives - https://cleancreatives.org/ 
• The Carbon Bankroll - https://www.carbonbankroll.com/ 
• RMI’s Center for Climate Aligned Finance - https://climatealignment.org/ 

Thanks for checking out our show! It was produced by our team of experts at thinkPARALLAX.

Intro/Outro music by QubeSounds from Pixabay.

#inspiringperspectives #sustainability #climatefinance #financedemissions #insurance #sustainabilityadvice #premiums #thinkparallax #climateaction #premiumsfortheplanet #bcorp 

Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.

Got a topic you’d like us to explore on the show? Get in touch with us at thinkparallax.com/podcast.