Shows
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 29: Climate-Aligned Finance ActIn this episode, ED4S CEO Maria Maisuradze sits down with Senator Rosa Galvez, the leading voice behind the Climate-Aligned Finance Act (CAFA). As Canada faces increasing economic volatility, Senator Galvez explains why legislative "alignment" is the key to moving beyond disclosure toward real-world impact. The discussion explores how CAFA acts as a foundational pillar, harmonizing with existing frameworks like OSFI's Guideline B-15 and ISSB S2 standards and upcoming taxonomy, illustrating how these regulations provide a clear roadmap for capital allocation. By creating a standardized "rulebook," Canada can mitigate systemic risk and ensure our financial system is built for long-term res...
2026-01-1330 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 28: Careers in SustainabilityWhat does it really take to build a career in corporate sustainability and sustainable finance in 2025? In this episode, Maria Maisuradze, Founder of ED4S, sits down with Nawar Alsaadi, Co-Founder of Kanata Q, for a candid, no-nonsense conversation about the realities behind ESG roles—beyond the buzzwords and glossy reports. Drawing on experiences across startups, NGOs, and institutional environments, Nawar shares how sustainability careers rarely follow a straight line—and why that's often a strength rather than a weakness. Together, Maria and Nawar unpack whether a "typical" sustainability career path even exists, where professionals are...
2025-12-2229 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 27: Outcomes-Based ESG DataIn this episode, Maria Maisuradze is joined by a leading voice in global sustainability and governance, Pyarali Jamal. Pyarali has been in sustainability space for over 22 years. He is a member of ICAEW Sustainability Committee, advisor to Ivey Business School, and Smith School of Business. His career bridges finance, regulation, and ESG strategy. We begin with Pyarali's personal journey: how he transitioned from traditional finance into sustainability long before ESG became mainstream, and what convinced him that ESG performance would shift from a CSR afterthought to a core financial and governance imperative. We b...
2025-11-2535 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 26: Business Case for BanksIn this episode, we sit down with Jason Taylor, founder of Climate Finance Advisors, who shares his remarkable journey building a profitable sustainability division within a major Canadian bank. What started as a one-person experiment quickly scaled into a full-fledged team, proving that banks aren't embracing sustainability for philanthropy, but because it's good business. Jason walks us through the economics behind green bond issuance, the skills financial professionals need to stay relevant in this fast-evolving field, and how the generational wealth transfer is reshaping sustainable investing opportunities. Tune in for a candi...
2025-10-2133 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 25: Advising with Purpose: Sustainability in Focus We talk to Lorraine Wilson, founder of Blue Horizon and former CSO at Novata, and a board advisor to ED4S. We talk about the challenges facing financial advisors in providing sustainability advice and sustainable products to clients. We discuss the sustainability knowledge gaps in the advisor space and the state of sustainability training for advisors.
2025-09-2227 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 24: The Blue EconomyWe talk with Rolando Morillo, Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager of Thematic Investment Strategies at Rockefeller Capital Managment. We talk about how investors can value, and invest in the Blue Economy, and how this can help drive conservation of the Ocean. We discuss the metrics used to value the health of our oceans and how improving them can drive opportunity for both investment and ocean restoration. Disclosures: The information presented herein are for educational purposes only. The views and opinions are the views and opinions of the senior investment professionals of...
2025-09-0226 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 23: Climate Risk in AsiaWai-Shin Chan joins us to discuss the complexities of advancing sustainability and managing climate risk across Asia. As Sustainability Advisor to Metis ESG, Director of Research at Asia Research and Engagement, and former Global Head of ESG Research at HSBC, Wai-Shin brings deep expertise to the conversation. We explore: The challenges of sustainability in a region with diverse cultures, languages, and legal systems Where Asian markets are leading on climate action Key areas where progress is still needed Tune in for insights on ESG trends and climate risk in...
2025-08-0526 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 22: GreenwashingWe talked with Helen Neal, Founder and CEO of HN Communications, a sustainability communications company that helps companies effectively navigate a complicated sustainability landscape. We discuss greenwashing, greenhushing and how companies can best tell their sustainability story.
2025-06-1033 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 21: Managing Sustainability RisksIn Episode 21 of Sustainability in Motion, Matt Orsagh and Maria Maisuradze speak with Jo Paisley, President of the GARP Risk Institute, about the evolving landscape of sustainability risk in the financial sector. With deep experience from the Bank of England to HSBC, Jo brings a unique lens on how financial professionals can better prepare for climate and nature-related challenges. We cover: Jo's journey from economist and regulator to sustainability thought leader What GARP and the GARP Risk Institute are doing to advance risk literacy in sustainability Key findings from their Nature Risk Management surveys—what...
2025-05-0934 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 20: The Boardroom IllusionIn this eye-opening episode, we unpack the quiet crisis in corporate governance: how boardrooms are often shaped by personal networks over real skills, leaving major ESG blind spots at the top. Guest Matt Moscardi, Co-founder of Free Float Analytics, joins us to explore signals that companies send by backtracking on their commitment and why treating investment stewardship as a cost center may be a costly mistake. We dive into the DEI backlash, flip-flopping climate commitments, and how surface-level sustainability reports (complete with curated optics) reveal more about a company's culture than they realize. Plus, what makes a great sustainability...
2025-04-0932 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 19: The Wellbeing EconomyWe talk with Victoria Hurth, a Pracademic (practitioner and academic) to help define and describe a well-being economy. We discuss how to get to a wellbeing economy from our current state, and what companies and investors need to do to move in that direction.
2025-03-1132 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 18: Income InequalityWe talk about the issue of income inequality and why understanding income inequality is important for investors. We discuss the causes of inequality, the ways that inequality impacts our economy and investments. Listeners can learn ways to measure income inequality, and how to integrate inequality analysis and analysis of other systemic issues into the investment process.
2025-02-1247 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 17: 2025 OutlookIn this episode, Matt, Maria, and Nawar reflect on their 2024 sustainability predictions and look ahead to what's coming in 2025. They discuss the ESG backlash, evolving sustainability regulations, and key trends shaping the future. Tune in as they analyze past forecasts and make bold predictions for the year ahead! 🎙️🌍
2025-01-2246 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 16: Systems Change Through InvestingIn this episode of the Sustainability in Motion podcast, hosts Matt Orsagh and Maria Maisuradze engage in an insightful discussion with William Burckart, CEO of the Investment Integration Project (TIIP), which helps investors integrate systems thinking in the investment process. The conversation explores the transformative concept of systems-level investing, a forward-thinking approach that integrates financial, social, environmental, and economic systems to address systemic risks such as climate change, inequality, and resource scarcity. Key highlights include: Introduction to Systems-Level Thinking: Bill explains the shift from traditional investment strategies to a holistic approach aimed at mitigating...
2024-12-1032 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 15: System Level InvestingEpisode Overview: In this episode, Matt Orsagh and Nawar Alsaadi of ED4S sit down with Jon Lukomnik, a leading figure in sustainable finance and co-author of Moving Beyond Modern Portfolio Theory. Jon explores the limitations of Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) in addressing long-term, systemic risks like climate change, highlighting the evolution toward "system-level investing." Key Takeaways: Limitations of MPT: MPT is designed for idiosyncratic risk (individual asset variance) but fails to account for systemic risks, which cannot be diversified away. Lukomnik notes that while MPT focuses on market-relative risk, it overlooks larger economic...
2024-11-1236 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 14: Stranded AssetsHosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Nawar Alsaadi, CEO of Kanata Advisors, Chief Advisor at ED4S Guest: Natasha Chaudhary, Research Fellow at The Institute for Climate Economics (I4CE) Episode Focus: The concept of stranded assets and a shift toward "assets at risk" to better support financial institutions in navigating climate-related financial risks. Key Takeaways: Stranded Assets Explained: Traditionally associated with fossil fuels, stranded assets refer to devalued resources due to regulatory, market, or physical climate changes. Current definitions often focus on oil, gas, and coal...
2024-10-1532 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 13: Operationalizing Sustainability in the Financial SectorHosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Maria Maisuradze, Founder and CEO of ED4S Nawar Alsaadi, CEO of Kanata Advisors, Senior Advisor to ED4S Episode Focus: A discussion on ED4S's new paper, "Operationalizing Sustainability: Eight Key Roles in Finance," which offers practical guidance for embedding sustainability in financial roles. Key Takeaways: Purpose of the Paper: This paper addresses how financial professionals can operationalize sustainability in their day-to-day roles. As organizations mature in ESG, there is a need to integrate sustainability practices within various job functions. Roles...
2024-10-0136 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 12: The Sustainable Stock Exchanges InitiativeSustainability in Motion Podcast – Episode: Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative Hosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Maria Maisuradze, Founder and CEO at ED4S Guests: Tiffany Grabski, Head of SSE Academy Anthony Miller, Coordinator of the Sustainable Stock Exchange (SSE) Initiative Episode Focus: This episode explores the Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) initiative's role in advancing sustainable finance and how the SSE Academy supports education and training in sustainability for exchanges and market participants globally. Key Takeaways: Overview of SSE and SSE Academy Launched in 2009 by the UN...
2024-09-1033 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 11: Are companies ready for the polycrisis?Sustainability in Motion Podcast - Episode 11: Are companies ready for the polycrisis? In this episode of the Sustainability in Motion Podcast, Matt Orsagh and Maria Maisuradze of ED4S talks with Alice Krogh, founder of arkH3, about corporate systemic leadership, ecological overshoot, and the role of businesses in driving sustainability. arkH3 advocates for a model where companies lead systemic change and embed sustainability into strategy, rather than treating it as a side project. Key Takeaways: Corporate Systemic Leadership: Alice introduces corporate systemic leadership, a form of action where companies take the lead in...
2024-08-1338 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 10: The Corporate Sustainability Reporting DirectiveSustainability in Motion Podcast –Episode 10: The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive Hosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Nawar Alsaadi, Founder and CEO of Kanata Advisors and Chief Adviser to ED4S Guest: Erin Knowles, Manager at Position Green Episode Overview: In this episode, Matt and Nawar discuss the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) with Erin Nolles from Position Green, diving into what it means for companies inside and outside of the EU, and the preparation necessary for compliance. Erin provides insights on Position Green's approach to helping companies align with th...
2024-07-1621 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 09: ESG from a Legal PerspectiveSustainability in Motion Podcast – Episode 09: ESG from a Legal Perspective Hosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Nawar Alsaadi, Founder and CEO of Kanata Advisors and Chief Adviser to ED4S Guest: Christine Uri, Founder of ESG for In-House Counsel Episode Overview: In this episode, Matt and Nawar are joined by Christine Uri, founder of ESG for In-House Counsel, to explore the role of legal teams in managing ESG risks and opportunities. Christine discusses the evolving ESG landscape, including the growing importance of compliance, managing climate litigation, and strategies for building su...
2024-06-1830 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 08: Sustainability TrainingSustainability in Motion Podcast – Episode 08: Sustainability Training Hosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Maria Maisuradze, CEO at ED4S Guest: Terry Thornton, Founder of Educate Ethos ESG Episode Overview: In this episode, Matt and Maria are joined by Terry Thornton, a seasoned sustainability educator and founder of Educate Ethos ESG. They discuss the importance of sustainability training, the evolving motivations behind it, and how organizations can better equip their employees to meet growing ESG demands. Terry shares insights on how companies can shift from reactive compliance to proactive, impact-driven sustainability strategies....
2024-05-2827 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 07: How well are financial advisors serving client sustainability needs?Sustainability in Motion Podcast – Episode 7: How well are financial advisors serving client sustainability needs? Hosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Maria Maisuradze, CEO of ED4S Guest: Stephen Kibsey, Analyst, Portfolio Manager, and Lecturer Episode Overview: This episode dives into ED4S's latest report from a "secret shopper" campaign, evaluating how well financial advisers across Canada handle client interest in sustainable investing. ED4S engaged financial advisers from various firms to understand their readiness to meet clients' ESG and sustainability goals. Joined by secret shopper Stephen Kibsey, the discussion unpacks the fi...
2024-05-1425 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 06: Sustainability and Proxy Season Sustainability in Motion Podcast – Episode 6: Sustainability and Proxy Season Hosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Nawar Alsaadi, CEO and Founder of Kanata Advisors, Chief Adviser at ED4S Guest: Heidi Welsh, Executive Director at the Sustainable Investments Institute Episode Overview: In this episode, Matt and Nawar speak with Heidi Welsh of the Sustainable Investments Institute to discuss key trends and issues in the current proxy season. They explore the impact of shareholder proposals, evolving topics within ESG, and the rise of anti-ESG movements that challenge the growing sustainability focus in proxy voti...
2024-04-3029 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 5: Beyond Box Checking: How to Embed Sustainability in Your CompanySustainability in Motion Podcast – Episode 5: Embedding Sustainability with IBM's "Beyond Checking the Box" Report Hosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Maria Maisuradze, CEO at ED4S Nawar Alsaadi, CEO and Founder of Kanata Advisors, Chief Adviser at ED4S Episode Overview: In this episode, the ED4S team dives into IBM's "Beyond Checking the Box" report, which explores how companies that embed sustainability into their core business operations and culture see greater profitability and growth. They discuss the importance of operationalizing sustainability and the critical role of corporate culture, training, and da...
2024-04-1631 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 4: Natural Capital and BiodiversityHosts: - Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S - Nawar Alsaadi, CEO of Kanata Advisors, Chief Advisor to ED4S Guest: - Pavan Sukhdev, CEO of GIST Impact, sustainability expert Episode Focus: The economic invisibility of nature, the importance of valuing environmental and social impacts, and the role of companies and regulators in driving sustainability. --- Key Takeaways: 1. Economic Invisibility of Nature: - Pavan highlights the importance of valuing natural and social impacts in corporate decision-making. Despite greater awareness, externalities like clean air, biodi...
2024-04-0230 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 3: How Investors Use Sustainability DataHosts: - Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S - Nawar Alsaadi, CEO and Founder of Kanata Advisors, Chief Advisor to ED4S Episode Focus: Understanding how investors use sustainability (ESG) data and discussing the nuances around financial materiality, investment strategies, and the impact of ESG in today's investment landscape. --- Key Takeaways: 1. Understanding Financially Material ESG Data: - Financially material data is defined as any ESG data point that impacts financial metrics (e.g., revenue, expenses, net income) and varies by industry. - For example, fuel costs are crucial...
2024-03-0129 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 2: ESG ReportingHost: Nawar Alsaadi, Founder and CEO of Kanata Advisors, Chief Advisor at ED4S Guest: Marie-Josée Privyk (MJ), Founder of Fincom Services, ESG Reporting Expert Episode Focus: An in-depth discussion on the evolving landscape of ESG reporting, its importance, challenges, and best practices for companies. --- Key Takeaways: 1. Importance of ESG Reporting: - ESG reporting is vital for meeting stakeholder demands—investors, customers, governments, and employees increasingly want transparency on companies' material environmental, social, and governance issues. - ESG considerations are integral to business management, translating into better...
2024-03-0130 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 1: 2024 OutlookSustainability in Motion Podcast – Episode 1: 2024 Outlook Hosts: - Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S - Maria Maisuradze, Founder and CEO at ED4S - Nawar Alsaadi, CEO of Kanata Advisors, Chief Advisor to ED4S Episode Focus: In this inaugural episode, the ED4S team dives into their sustainability predictions for 2024, exploring regulatory impacts, the future of sustainability roles, the rise of biodiversity investments, and the evolving landscape of climate commitments. --- Key Takeaways: 1. Regulatory Push Intensifies - As California and European regulatio...
2024-03-0131 min