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FRANKLY SPEAKING PODCAST

Frankly Speaking - Podcast on Responsible Business

Every two weeks, we discuss the latest political, legal, and business developments in the field of ESG, business and human rights, and corporate reporting.
Host Richard Howitt is a pioneer in the field of corporate disclosure and former Member of the European Parliament.

He speaks frankly and personally about what moves policy makers, business and activists to make responsible business the norm and last but not least - redefine business!
“The transition to sustainable business is often described as a ‘journey’. Wherever you are on that journey and whichever role you have, we hope that ‘Frankly Speaking’ will be a guide, a vehicle and a source of inspiration to move forward.”

Richard Howitt, Frankly Speaking Host

latest episode

#82 Kate Lewis & Francesca Mangano: How Supply Chain Due Diligence Can Work For All

What impact is effective supply chain due diligence already having on the lives of workers across the world? Listen to Kate Lewis, Head of Membership at the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) and Francesca Mangano, Head of CSR and Sustainability at TFG London

“Thanks for this very interesting podcast. It is encouraging that a serious and comprehensive approach to the issue of child labour results in a financially profitable and sustainable business”

Eckart von Malsen about Episode #40

"Very interesting conversation! At Learning and Knowledge Development Facility we are also thinking about systemic barriers for upstream sustainability. One of the transformations that need to take place in growth and business models is how we look at sustainability skills."

Alisa Herrero Cangas about Episode #39

“For anyone struggling with the day to day challenges of ESRS disclosures, I thoroughly recommend this wonderful conversation between Caroline Rees and Richard Howitt that reminds us of WHY this is all so very important.”

Francis West about Episode #36 

“Thank you for an excellent and highly informative episode and of course the brilliant work conducted by TNFD. I am looking forward to hearing more from TNFD about (tailored) sector guidance in the LEAP approach when available.”

Pia Horttanainen Croxford about Episode #35

“Great to get voices from the global south into the discussion- as it seems this is only addressed from a “burden” perspective in the EU and not from an opportunity and justice perspective !”

Christian Honoré about  Episode #34

“Another very helpful Frankly Speaking podcast from Richard Howitt, this time with his guest Filip Gregor on how to unpack the EU’s new standards for corporate sustainability reporting. The spaghetti soup is starting to unravel…”

Vanessa Zimmerman about  Episode #29

Past episodes

35:56

#81 Tsvetelina Kuzmanova: How Eastern European Businesses Can Deliver the Sustainability Transition

How is the green transition unfolding in Central and Eastern Europe? Listen to Tsvetelina Kuzmanova, Sustainable Finance Policy Lead, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership

33:28

#80: Sébastien Mandron: CSRD is Already Redesigning Corporate Sustainability in France

What has been the experience of French businesses implenting the CSRD? Listen to Sébastien Mandron, Board Member at C3D

40:11

#79 Michael H. Posner: Lessons from the Most Severe Cases of Corporate Humans Rights Abuse

How have business and human rights evolved over the past 50 years? Listen to Michael H. Posner, Director of the NYU Stern Center for Business and Human Rights

34:48

#78 Fritz Putzhammer: Has Germany Turned Against Sustainability?

Are German companies becoming more sustainable? Listen to Fritz Putzhammer, Project Manager at Bertelsmann Stiftung

27:41

#77 Nana Li: Has China Become the World Leader on Sustainability?

Is China leading the way on ESG and sustainability? Listen to Nana Li, Head of Sustainability and Stewardship, Asia-Pacific at Impax Asset Management

39:52

#76 Ludovic Flandin: Does Business Really Want Sustainability Simplified?

What are businesses really saying about EU sustainability legislation? Listen to Ludovic Flandin, Vice-President of WeAreEurope

32:26

#59 Laura Gitman: Which Future for Sustainability Leadership in the Company?

Is the role of the corporate chief sustainability officer at a crossroads? Listen to Laura Gitman, Chief Impact Officer at BSR.

33:58

#45 Sarah Dadush: Can Contracts Support Promoting Responsible Business?

Listen to Sarah Dadush, founder of the Responsible Contracting Project, writer and professor in business and human rights at Rutgers Law School

Key contacts

Sarah Chenoun

Communications Officer