In this episode, I meet with James Purcell, most recently a Managing Director and Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer at Credit Suisse, as well as the Co-Author of ‘Sustainable Investing in Practice’ and Sustainable Finance Course Lead and Lecturer for the highly acclaimed ESCP Business School in Berlin. 

James offers a refreshing and timely outlook on the practicalities of sustainable investing, removing emotion from the topic as we move into a new era for the sector, a current and future state analysis of ESG skills requirements and its likely application for growth in the private markets.

Timestamps:

(00:48) Getting into a sustainable investing career

(03:04) How the industry has evolved over the years

(06:04) Taking the emotion out of sustainable investing

(10:20) Regional differences in sustainability

(12:29) The changing role of ESG ratings and ideology

(17:01) Balancing different backgrounds in sustainability

(21:23) Upskilling and education in sustainability

(24:55) Connecting sustainability with commerciality

(30:40) The growth opportunity within private markets

(32:47) Common misconceptions and counter arguments

(37:51) Crucial role of identifying common goals in ESG

In this episode of the Leading Sustainability podcast, I meet with Mark Hays, Managing Director and Head of Sustainable and Impacting Investing at Glenmede Investment Management, a privately owned wealth and investment management business established in 1956 with $45 billion AUM serving clients across 50 states in the US.  

Mark is one of the first guests on the podcast with a pronounced focus within the impact sector specifically, and he brings some much needed insight into the different areas of thematic growth focus for those seeking a career in this sector, how the US political backlash has allowed for true impact investors to thrive and what we can expect from the US election outcome in November.

Timestamps:

(01:02) Getting into investing and the path to sustainability

(07:55) Correlation between impact and returns

(10:13) Areas of thematic expertise growth within the industry

(13:58) The importance of social issues as financially material

(17:18) Political backlash as a filter for authentic impact firms

(20:16) Managing expectations and misconceptions around impact

(23:03) The nuanced impact of US election outcomes on the industry

(27:50) Generational differences in the views on sustainability

(30:11) What level of impact to expect with a career in this industry

(35:34) Advice to those starting in the industry and lessons learned

(38:02) Handling opposing views vs. tribal approach to sustainability

(40:42) The importance of mentorship aligned with career growth

In this episode of the Leading Sustainability podcast, I meet with Paris Jordan, the Head of Responsible Investing at Charles Stanley, one of the UK’s leading wealth management firms. Paris has a deep love of mentorship and volunteering with charities like Rising Girl and has recently been shortlisted for the Investment Week 2024 ‘Sustainable and ESG Woman of the Year’.

This conversation really went deep into some important and personal topics, and I am so grateful for the level of honesty and humility that has been shown here reflecting on challenges that affect us all. There is some great insight around mental health in the workplace, the impacts of professional social media on career choices and reasons to keep pushing in the face of adversity. 

Timestamps:

(00:58) Getting into the sector from a non-financial background

(05:06) The power of female mentorship and volunteering

(08:41) Navigating challenges and difficult career decisions

(12:14) Asking the right questions to understand authenticity

(14:18) Dealing with preconceived notions about sustainability

(17:21) The elevator pitch for sustainability beyond the echo chamber

(20:23) Addressing misconceptions and scepticism in the industry

(24:16) Breaking into the sustainability sector without qualifications

(28:41) Confronting and managing mental health in your career

(35:41) The growing impact of social media on career decisions

(39:10) Managing the incidence of waning passion and purpose

(41:38) Finding ways to decompress at times of stress

In the sixth episode of #LeadingSustainability, I meet with James Corah, the Head of Sustainability and Member of the Executive Committee at CCLA Investment Management, the UK’s largest charity fund manager, working with charities, religious organisations, and the public sector.

James has been widely recognised for his contributions to the sustainability sector, featured in the Financial News ’50 Most Influential in Sustainable Finance’ and recipient of the Investment Week award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Sustainable Investment Industry’. 

We dig into the passion and purpose behind James’ evolution in this sector, discuss the different types of career trajectories for those from diverse backgrounds and what can be done to combat some of the misinformation and criticisms circling the industry right now.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Leading Sustainability podcast overview and introduction

(00:27) Getting into sustainability through vocational academics

(03:35) Advice breaking into the sector at a competitive time

(05:32) Personal and workplace evolution of purpose and motivation

(08:14) How businesses articulate what sustainability means to them

(11:00) The trajectory for the industry after recent recalibration

(12:51) Addressing career fears and challenges in sustainability

(15:36) Crucial traits and skills to be successful in this sector

(17:36) Financial and non-financial backgrounds in sustainability teams

(21:03) Nuances of matching the right individual to the right role 

(23:00) Combating sectoral misinformation and politicization 

(26:42) The value of sustainability qualifications and accreditations 

(28:46) The role of specialists versus generalists in the business

(31:50) Career progression as an individual contributor 

(33:57) Making the leap to leading a sustainable investment function

(35:45) Compliance infiltrating the day-to-day sustainability role

(38:04) The common perception of working in sustainable finance

(40:06) Options for an alternative career outside of sustainability 

(42:08) Reasons to be positive about the future in this sector

In this ‘post-summer’, fifth episode of Leading Sustainability, I meet with Justin Kew, the Sustainable Investing Lead for a US headquartered international multi-strategy hedge fund with $21 billion AUM. Previously, Justin oversaw ESG research at Carmignac as well as time spent at Schroders within quantitative equity. 

In a particularly interesting discussion, we cover the technical nature of sustainable investing within the hedge fund sector, a first for this podcast. We also take a deep look into the role of AI within sustainability, ESG stakeholder management across research and investment, and what in-demand skills are shaping the industry.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Leading Sustainability podcast overview and introduction

(00:29) Getting into sustainability through the oil and gas sector

(05:00) Sustainable investing in hedge funds vs institutional asset management

(09:58) Dealing with portfolio managers and potential misconceptions around ESG

(13:19) State of the industry right now for sustainability post-graduates 

(17:53) Deconstructing the differences between ESG ratings and ESG data

(23:33) The role of AI in supply chain sustainability and physical risk

(26:12) The future of skills shaping careers within sustainable finance

(30:07) Using AI for corporate engagement meetings and ESG research

(32:21) Building relationships with the business from a centralised SI team

(35:10) Upskilling at a firmwide level for success in sustainable investing

(37:58) Embracing ESG and sustainability within the private markets sector

(40:53) Moving from an ESG career in public markets to private markets

(43:05) Misconceptions from people about a career in sustainable investing

(46:36) Reasons to be encouraged about the industry over the next decade

This week on the Leading Sustainability podcast, we talk with Hannah Shoesmith, the Head of Engagement at Schroders. A fascinating discussion, this is the first guest we have had coming from a corporate sustainability background and Hannah offers some great takes on the transition into sustainable finance.

Previously a Director at Federated Hermes Limited within the EOS platform, Hannah spent a decade working in corporate responsibility and ethical trading at both Mothercare PLC and Arcadia Group Ltd, offering a fascinating insight into supply chain sustainability considerations in numerous locations across the globe.

Timestamps:

(00:00) TWS Search Partners podcast introduction
(00:54) Getting into sustainability and corporate responsibility
(02:50) Working on supply chains across different locations
(04:07) Transition from corporate sustainability into finance
(06:11) Lack of financial experience as a limitation in sustainability
(09:11) Balancing career progression against creating tangible impact
(12:18) Difference of opinions between generations on sustainability
(14:39) The potential for technology and AI across the sector
(17:26) The future of sustainable investment teams and hiring trends
(20:51) Biggest career misconceptions from friends and family
(23:11) Advice to younger professionals within sustainability
(25:56) Managing highly ambitious team members and their careers
(29:43) Balancing parenthood and professional advancement
(34:00) Staying encouraged and elevator pitch for sustainability 

In this episode, we meet with Guillaume Mascotto, the Managing Director for Sustainable Finance for U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, a subsidiary of U.S. Bank, a division that has been mobilising capital to create financial, social, and environmental returns for more than 35 years.

In a wide-ranging discussion, we learn about the origins of Guillaume’s career in the forestry industry, the value to new entrants and graduates in ‘skipping steps’ to embrace new career opportunities, how to differentiate yourself in the market, and a quick Greek lesson about the origins of economics.  

Timestamps:

(00:00) Leading Sustainability podcast introduction

(00:35) Getting into the industry and academic challenges

(05:25) Millennial approach to climate and generational impact

(12:15) The different ways to approach a career in sustainability

(20:15) Interpreting ESG in the context of political backlash

(24:15) Fundamental reset in how firms approach sustainability risk

(27:25) Soft and hard skills for sustainability in the next few years

(33:10) Theoretical and numerical qualifications in the industry

(37:30) Misconceptions about a career in sustainability

(42:20) A career in sports management or fairer capitalism 

Jessica Robinson is a sustainable finance leader from the strategy consulting sector with a global career and particular focus on emerging markets. Jessica was previously a Partner and leader for MENA Sustainable Finance at EY-Parthenon and Head of Asia for the PRI. 

Timestamps:

(00:28) Navigating a non-linear career path

(02:19) Taking sustainability careers around the globe

(03:24) Regional differences in ESG adoption and greenwashing

(07:06) Authentic leadership in driving sustainability

(10:38) How leadership roles have changed within sustainability

(13:32) Impact strategies and defining sustainability 

(17:02) Female leadership nuances and collaboration

(19:48) Embracing generational diversity and future leaders

(21:17) The role of mentorship in career development

(25:01) Identifying talent from diverse backgrounds

(27:31) Reflecting on pivotal career lessons learned 

(30:12) Balancing a successful career with parenthood

(33:54) Managing burnout and discussing it openly

(36:42) Explaining a career in sustainability to friends

(39:09) Embracing opposing views and healthy debate

(41:59) Handing conflict when discussing sustainability

(43:55) A career in politics and a passion for vinyl

(45:35) Finding fulfilment through extracurricular hobbies

Claudia Wearmouth is the Global Head of Responsible Investment at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, a global asset management business with $650 billion AUM. 

Timestamps:

(00:20) Getting into the industry

(04:17) How the ESG role has evolved

(08:05) ESG specialists vs. generalists

(12:21) Challenges of growing a global team

(16:56) Retaining talent in an active market

(21:49) Managing ambitious employees

(27:12) Juggling personal and professional life

(30:31) Switching off from work and stress

(34:16) Misconceptions and ESG politicization 

(35:45) Skills evolution in the next five years

(38:04) How the political landscape impacts the sector

(41:44) Managing the noise and short termism

(42:50) Another career in another life

A trailer for the upcoming podcast, Leading Sustainability, which launched in July 2024, hosted by Tom Strelczak at TWS Search Partners.

Listen to this short clip to learn more about the podcast focused on interviewing luminaries within the field of sustainable and impact investing. 

In this landmark episode finally hitting double figures, I meet with Ashley Hamilton Claxton, the Head of Responsible Investment at Royal London Asset Management, a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal London, the UK’s largest mutual life and pensions company, with £170 billion AUM and deep roots within sustainable investing.

Ashley is a significant figurehead in the industry, but speaks with real honesty and humility about the experiences that shaped her career, including time spent on the ground handling real world impact for mining communities in Guatemala, navigating the rapid change within sustainability and tips for harnessing diversity in hiring practices of her own. 

Timestamps:

(01:14) The journey into sustainable finance and CSR

(07:20) The mining sector and real-world experiences

(14:31) Navigating career growth against rapid change

(20:50) Assessing diverse talent when hiring into the team

(27:46) Career impact from specialist vs. generalist roles

(35:57) Parenting shaping a view on impact and sustainability

(38:15) Curiosity from people outside the industry

(43:34) Advise to those starting out in the sector right now

(46:16) Fielding opposing views and how to process them

(49:38) If not sustainability, then what instead?