The COVID-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on the level of health inequity in the US, where access to health care can depend on a person’s zip code, income, insurance, and contacts in the medical profession. This podcast discusses the role that companies – and, specifically, boards of directors – can play in helping to address this problem, which accounts for approximately $320 billion in the US. The discussion makes clear that all companies – not just those in the health sector – can play a role through the health and other benefits they provide to their employees; and that boards can ensure tha ..read more

The ESG reporting landscape is quickly evolving. Not only is it cluttered with an ever-growing number of rating agencies, initiatives to harmonize reporting frameworks and standards are underway, and regulations are rapidly arising in many jurisdictions – making ESG disclosure a business reality rather than a passing fad. So what’s a company to do?   In this podcast, Merel Spierings, Corporate Governance Researcher at the ESG Center, speaks with Andrew Fowler, Partner at the law firm of Hughes Hubbard & Reed about how companies can prepare for upcoming disclosure requirements – specif ..read more

Natural disasters are increasing in both frequency and intensity. Yet, only 22 percent of corporate citizenship executives say their number one priority is preparedness – taking action to mitigate the effects of a natural disaster before it occurs. Only 3 percent of corporate citizenship executives prioritize long-term recovery and reconstruction. In this podcast, Patty McIIreavy, President and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy speaks with Lindsay Beltzer and Jeff Hoffman from The Conference Board ESG Center to discuss the impact of Hurricane Ian and why the traditional playbook of r ..read more

Only 29 percent of C-suite executives rate their board’s effectiveness as good or excellent.  And 74 percent of executives say two or more of their directors should be replaced. That’s despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of C-suite executives say their boards understand the company’s strategy, risks and opportunities, and competitive landscape -- and that nearly 90 percent say their directors have independent judgment and are willing to challenge management.  In this podcast, Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center, speaks with Leah Malone, Director of the G ..read more

Join Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Congressman Ken Buck (R-CO) and Gretchen Carlson, the woman whose lawsuit helped ignite the #MeToo movement and who co-founded the non-profit Lift Our Voices, to discuss the recent groundbreaking bipartisan legislation, The Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act. Passed with strong bipartisan support in February, the legislation marks one of the most significant workplace reforms in the last 50 years. Under the legislation, employers would be prohibited from requiring workers to settle discrimi ..read more

Traditionally, corporate board members played a limited – and only occasional – role in discussions with investors. But now investors expect to hear from independent directors on the board’s oversight of ESG issues.  And companies are recognizing that involving their directors in discussions with investors can have significant near-term and long-term benefits.     In this podcast, Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center, speaks Bill Ultan, Managing Director at Morrow Sodali, to discuss what’s happening, why, the do’s and don’ts of effective engagement, and how ..read more

For the year ahead, what are the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities of business leaders around the world? This year’s annual survey of the C-suite provides fascinating ESG insights. Listen to this ESG News and Views podcast as Chuck Mitchell, Executive Director of Content Quality, unpacks the findings with Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center ..read more

Many have viewed corporate political activity with skepticism, if not suspicion.  In 2021, companies faced a combination of surprises and scrutiny that made their political activity exponentially more difficult . . . and 2022 promises to be equally, if not more, challenging.  In this podcast, Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center, speaks with experts, Adie Olsen and Jason Abel, Partners at Steptoe and Johnson, and Bruce Freed, President of the Center for Political Accountability, to address some of the myths and misunderstandings about corporate political activity, th ..read more

While there is a lot of focus today on companies’ role in addressing environmental and social issues, less attention is being paid to companies’ role in with respect to traditional economic challenges. Yet, through their business operations, almost all companies can have more direct impact on issues of economic opportunity and fairness than they can on the environment or on social legislation. And there’s an additional imperative: a recent survey by The Conference Board’s Marketing & Communications Center, along with the Harris Poll, on consumers’ views on sustainability, found that fair w ..read more

Prudential has been a pillar in the city of Newark for more than 140 years. Established in 1875, it provides financial wellness services to retail and institutional customers throughout the United States and over 40 countries worldwide. As an “anchor” organization in Newark, along with corporations such as Audible, United Airlines, Mars, PSEG, the company plays a vital role in working with community groups, nonprofits, and government officials in creating a more vibrant city – helping to make Newark a top destination for employers, workers, residents, and visitors alike. Prudential also provid ..read more