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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

#87 Julia Otten & Andreas Rasche: MEP Vote on EU Sustainability Omnibus – the Verdict

What will Omnibus 1 mean for the future of sustainability reporting in the EU and beyond? Listen to Julia Otten, Senior Policy Officer at Frank Bold and Andreas Rasche, Assistant Dean and Professor of Business in Society at Copenhagen Business School

“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

37:11

#86 Bernard Gouw & Jo Chidley: Will Every Company Become a B Corp?

Is this the start of a B Corps revolution? Listen to Bernard Gouw, Senior Social Standards Manager at B Lab Global, and founder of the natural skincare brand Beauty Kitchen, Jo Chidley

42:33

#85 Sandra Atler & Signe Lysgaard: Your Essential Guide to the New ESRS Sustainability Standards

What do the new revisions to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards actually mean for businesses, and how will they affect the EU's green transition? Listen to EFRAG TEG members Sandra Atler and Signe Lysgaard

39:54

#84 Akiko Sato: What Can We Learn from Japan’s Sustainability Journey?

What can traditional Japanese business practice teach us about corporate sustainability? Listen to Akiko Sato, Business and Human Rights Project Officer at the United Nations Development Programme and Special Adviser at the business and human rights NGO Pillar Two

33:52

#83 Chris Coulter & Mark Lee: Is Sustainability Facing An Existential Threat?

What is the future of sustainable business? Listen to Chris Coulter, CEO of Globescan and Mark Lee, Global Director of Thought Leadership at the SustainAbility Institute by ERM

37:17

#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

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

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, on parental leave