Businesses are under immense pressure to not only ensure the continuity of their operations but also to demonstrate ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and long-term risk management. As supply chains stretch across borders and involve countless stakeholders, building resilient supply chains isn’t just about managing logistics—it’s about securing the future of both business and the communities they rely on.

In this episode, Kara Fulcher of Michelin and Tilmann Silber of Barry Callebaut Group share insights into how the rubber and cocoa industries are future-proofing their supply chains. From getting ahead of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to empowering smallholder farmers and leveraging digital tools, they reveal how long-term vision, data-driven approaches and cross-functional collaboration are reshaping value chains for impact and resilience.

Key learnings from this podcast:

• Discover how global sustainability leaders are proactively addressing new regulations like the EUDR to stay ahead of compliance pressures.
• Explore strategies for embedding resilience into supply chains through smallholder farmer empowerment, ecosystem protection, and long-term supply security.
• Uncover the critical role of cutting-edge digital tools in revolutionizing supply chain management, ensuring traceability, and guiding ethical sourcing decisions.
• Learn why community engagement and long-term planning is key to scaling climate action and driving meaningful decarbonization across global value chains.

Host:

• David Metcalfe, CEO, Verdantix

Guests:

• Kara Fulcher, Director of Sustainability Strategy, North America - Michelin
• Tilmann Silber, Head of Net Zero - Barry Callebaut Group

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Buildings contribute 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions, making the built environment one of the most critical frontiers in the fight against climate change. But as geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions grow more unpredictable, the urgency to decarbonize buildings has never been higher - not just to meet climate goals, but to safeguard operational continuity and long-term business resilience.

In this episode, Verdantix Research Director Claire Stephens and Senior Manager, Dayann Charles, unpack the critical intersection of building decarbonization and resilience, drawing on insights from the Verdantix Building Decarbonization Barometer report - a global study of 300 senior real estate, energy and sustainability executives globally, examining the rollout of decarbonization measures across their building portfolios - they explore why offices, retail spaces, and hospitals offer both a significant emissions challenge and a high-impact opportunity. We examine how strategic decarbonization can reduce risk exposure, enhance energy security, and what it truly takes to stay ahead in an era of tightening regulations and rising stakeholder expectations.

Key learnings from this podcast:

• Gain insights into the complexities of building decarbonization, and the impact of evolving regulations and stakeholder expectations on your sustainability strategy.
• Discover a robust five-part framework addressing operational tactics, energy supply chain electrification, and prioritizing high-impact areas for action.
• Understand investment trends and the risks of inaction, and why failing to decarbonize is becoming a financial and reputational liability.
• Identify practical decarbonization steps to achieve your sustainability goals, leveraging "low-hanging fruit" for quick wins.

Read the full report here.

Host:

• Ryan Skinner, Research Director, Net Zero & Energy Transition – Verdantix

Guests:

• Dayann Charles, Senior Manager – Verdantix
• Claire Stephens, Research Director, Real Estate & Built Environment – Verdantix

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As the geopolitical landscape continues to reshape corporate responsibility and sustainability strategy, businesses must navigate increasing fragmentation, evolving regulatory demands, and changing stakeholder expectations. Strategic foresight and adaptable planning have become essential for executives guiding their organizations through this complex period of transition.

In this episode, Laurent Lhopitallier of Sanofi and Richard Gardiner of World Benchmarking Alliance explore the intricate and fast-evolving world of ESG reporting and strategy. We shed light on how companies can effectively adapt to new sustainability standards, align with established global frameworks, and leverage double materiality to enhance risk management and drive long-term value creation.

Key learnings from this podcast:

• Gain clarity on the current state and future trajectory of ESG reporting, including the growing role of governance and data integrity.
• Understand the challenges posed by shifting regulations, such as the Omnibus Act, CSRD and CSDD, and how companies can plan strategically amidst uncertainty.
• Explore how ESG ratings are shaping investment strategies, the complexity of data quality and the need for methodology standardization.
• Learn how companies can leverage sustainability reporting frameworks to enhance sustainability efforts and stakeholder trust.
• Discover how assessing both financial materiality and impact materiality can transform risk management, inform strategic decisions, and support sustainable growth.

Host:

• David Metcalfe, CEO, Verdantix

Guests:

• Richard Gardiner, Strategic Public Policy Lead, World Benchmarking Alliance
• Laurent Lhopitallier, Head of ESG Performance, Sanofi

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Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.

With the regulatory spotlight on sustainability brighter than ever, most forward-thinking companies have long recognized that sustainability creates business value and opportunity far beyond compliance. By embedding opportunity-driven transformation into their core strategy, organizations are unlocking new growth avenues, fuelling innovation, and building long-term resilience.

In this episode, Juan Aguiriano of Kerry Group and Mike Colarossi from Avery Dennison, challenge the view of sustainability as a compliance requirement and reveal how it can be a powerful driver of market opportunity and resilience. We explore the practical steps to embedding sustainability into your organization’s DNA. From critical governance and cultural shifts, to moving beyond top-down mandates and cultivating a purpose-driven culture that engages everyone from the boardroom to the frontlines.

Key learnings from this podcast:

• Learn how to transform sustainability into a competitive advantage
• Discover strategies that drive meaningful and measurable sustainability change within your organization
• Understand the pivotal role of strategic investments in accelerating sustainability progress

Host:

• David Metcalfe, CEO, Verdantix

Guests:

• Juan Aguiriano, Group Head of Sustainability at Kerry Group
• Mike Colarossi, Head of Enterprise Sustainability at Avery Dennison
  
  

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Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.

Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.

The convergence of AI and other cutting-edge technological advancements with escalating sustainability concerns has placed digital transformation at the forefront of every organization's agenda.

In this episode R. Mukund of Benchmark Gensuite and Lori Coombs, former NASA Sr. Principal Technical Manager and current DHS Sr. Networking Engineer, explore the critical intersection of digital innovation and sustainability, moving beyond buzzwords to offer practical guidance for Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) and business leaders. We examine the transformative potential of digital solutions, particularly AI, while addressing the crucial need for responsible implementation and a balanced approach to adoption.

Key learnings from this podcast:

• Learn how AI empowers companies to analyze vast datasets, improve ESG reporting, and enhance disclosures, while addressing the challenges of AI adoption.
• Explore why enhanced data, robust governance, and streamlined processes are essential for sustainability success.
• Discover how organizations are moving beyond siloed approaches to embrace integrated strategies connecting finance, EHS, and sustainability.
• Understand how CSOs can engage diverse generations in sustainability and tailor AI-driven strategies for maximum impact.

Host:

• David Metcalfe, CEO, Verdantix

Guests:

• Lori D. Coombs, CEO at WWCM and former NASA Sr. Principal Technical Manager
• R Mukund, CEO at Benchmark Gensuite

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Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.

The era of ambiguous net zero pledges is over. It’s time for organizations to translate their commitments into concrete action plans and measurable results.

In this episode Stuart Wright of Aviva and Simin Zhou from UL Solutions share their insights on tackling one of the most pressing challenges for sustainability and net-zero leaders: moving from setting ambitious targets to achieving tangible outcomes. We explore the practical steps, strategies, and innovations required to effectively implement sustainability programs and deliver real-world impact.

Key learnings from this podcast:

• Explore the intersection of finance, governance and sustainability, and the increasingly important role financial departments play in driving sustainability initiatives.
• Discover how to set ambitious yet achievable targets, while ensuring transparency and accountability to stakeholders.
• Learn actionable steps firms can take to secure funding and deliver meaningful results that align with their 2030 net-zero targets.
• Understand the critical role of data, comparable metrics and performance-based reporting in driving sustainability and attracting investment.

Host:

• David Metcalfe, CEO, Verdantix

Guests:

• Stuart Wright, Operations Net Zero Delivery Director at Aviva
• Simin Zhou, Vice President, Strategy, Sustainability and Development, Software & Advisory – UL Solutions

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As the clock ticks down and the window for action narrows, the next 5-10 years are critical for shaping the future of our planet. With 2050 climate goals looming, all eyes are on 2025 as the year for Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) to take immediate, measurable action in driving real change in global climate outcomes.

The challenge, however, no longer belongs to CSOs alone—it demands full-scale collaboration across business functions to reduce risks, seize critical opportunities, and drive meaningful impact for the planet.

In this episode, the CSOs of Virgin and Deloitte delve into the evolving priorities and critical challenges facing sustainability leaders as they prepare for 2025. They share valuable insights on balancing short-term demands with long-term strategies, embedding sustainability into core business operations, and leveraging technology to accelerate progress.

Key Learnings from this podcast:

• From Vision to Action: Discover how CSOs are prioritizing immediate actions without compromising long-term sustainability vision.
• Securing Organizational Buy-In: Learn how CSOs are successfully integrating sustainability into organizational strategy.
• The Power of Storytelling: Understand the importance of impactful communication in engaging stakeholders, building trust, and driving organizational commitment to sustainability.
• Integrating Financial Risks: Explore the growing urgency of addressing climate-related financial risks and embedding them into fiscal planning for a more resilient future. Utilizing innovative tools to accelerate sustainability efforts and measure progress.

Host:

• David Metcalfe, CEO, Verdantix

Guests:

• Darshana Myronidis, Group Director of Sustainability at Virgin
• Smruti Naik-Jones, Chief Sustainability Officer - North and South Europe & UK. Deloitte LLP

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Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.

With all eyes on next week’s election in the United States, Verdantix Principal Analyst Jessica Pransky provides a briefing on what the outcome will mean for sustainability leaders. Looking beyond the differing approaches of the two administrations, we dive into the impact of state level changes and the nuances that are often by the headlines.

Enjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com

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Connect with climate leaders and strategy-setters through our new Climate Innovation Network.