According to the FT Advisor, enthusiasm for sustainable investing has dropped sharply this year, with interest in ESG funds reportedly down by 83%. Many investors are pulling back, citing underwhelming returns and ongoing issues with greenwashing. 

Meanwhile, the Financial Conduct Authority has introduced four new labels as part of its Sustainability Disclosure Requirements, or SDRs, to bring transparency to the often murky world of green investing.

For some, sustainable investing still represents the sector’s future, with potential for positive change. For others, however, the path forward is much less certain.

In this episode, I speak with Philip Spyropoulos, a legal expert and partner at Eversheds Sutherland who specialises in sustainable and responsible investing. We dive into the SDR framework and its aim to set realistic expectations for ESG and impact investing.

Did you know the average person now spends 6 hours and 37 minutes a day looking at screens? In the UK, that’s almost as much time as we spend sleeping.

All that screen time brings noise, distractions, and pressure—familiar challenges that affect our mental health.

In this episode, I talk with Gillian Calhoun about forest bathing—a way to unplug, be still, and reconnect with nature. It’s about finding quiet in a loud world.

I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Launching a business is exhilarating, but statistics can be daunting. Did you know, nearly 40,000 businesses launched last year? Yet roughly 20% face the harsh reality of failure within their first year. In a world inundated with startups, standing out and establishing credibility is paramount. Enter Dr. Norman Fraser, a seasoned entrepreneur with a knack for successfully navigating the business landscape. Join us as we delve into the concept of legitimation - the process of moving a groundbreaking idea from the fringes to the forefront. If you're a trailblazer in the startup realm, eager to challenge conventions and carve your niche in the market, this conversation is for you.

The American Poet Robert Frost said, “no tears in the writer, no tears in the reader”. Rob Self-Pierson from the Brand Language Studio suggests brands and marketing need to take a more artistic, creative approach to campaigns to make deep, memorable human connections. Listen to my conversation with Rob on why he believes seeing brand language as an art form matters.

Invest for change, not just cash. Danyal Satter, CEO of Big Issue Invest, urges us to rethink what makes a good return. He says it's time to broaden our view and appreciate the real impact all investments have. Listen in to my conversation with Danyal about why redefining returns is vital.

Being remembered is the heart of a good brand. Particularly at the point of purchase. And illustrations can be a good way for a brand to carve out a distinctive and memorable look. Zoe Barker is an established illustrator based in Norfolk. She has an enviable client list that includes the likes of Harrods, Cartier, The Telegraph, Radio Times, Red Bull and Virgin Atlantic, amongst many others.

There are over 1300 food banks across the UK. And the Trussell Trust are convinced they need to be closed. Not because they're no longer required, but because food banks are a symptom of more significant problems.

Makoto Fujimura is a leading contemporary artist, writer, and speaker recognised worldwide as a cultural influencer. He uses Kintsugi, the ancient Japanese craft of repairing broken ceramics with golden lacquer, as a metaphor to reflect on the state of our times.