Frankly Speaking Podcast

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

#95 Abrial Gilbert-d'Halluin & Michael Mehling: What the EU-US Trade Deal Means for Global Corporate Accountability

Why is the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive coming up against intense lobbying by US politicians and businesses? Listen to Abrial Gilbert-d'Halluin, Policy Advisor for MEP Raden Kanev and Professor Michael Mehling, Deputy Director of the Centre for Energy and Environmental Policy Research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

more about this episode

“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

Listen Frankly Speaking on

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Past episodes

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

34.:51

#75 Dr Daniel Klier: Why Carbon Markets Are a Vital Tool in the Sustainability Toolbox

How large a role should carbon markets play in the fight against climate change? Listen to Dr Daniel Klier, CEO of South Pole

‍

36:26

#74 Andrew Winston: How Can Business Leaders Find the Courage to Do the Right Thing on Sustainability?

In this midst of a current global climate that is very inhospitable to sustainability initiatives, how can business leaders cultivate the courage to continue the fight against climate change? Listen to Andrew Winston, author, speaker and advisor on sustainability

35:07

#73 Joeri de Wilde: What Does the Tariff War Mean for Sustainability?

What impact will the tariff war have on the global fight against climate change? Listen to Joeri de Wilde, Economist at Triodos Bank

34.29

#72 Ulrike Sapiro: Inside the First Wave - A Practitioner’s Perspective on EU Reporting

What has been the experience of first-wave practitioners implementing the EU's sustainability reporting legislation? Listen to Ulrike Sapiro, Chief Sustainability Officer at Henkel

‍

32.54

#71 Antoni Ballabriga: Why ESG investment is still a business winner

What impact will the Omnibus simplification proposals have on banks, and what is their message to European policymakers? Listen to Antoni Ballabriga, Global Head for Sustainability Intelligence and Advocacy at BBVA