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VOE Podcast Articles

Making ESG Sustainable

Making ESG Sustainable

She had a comfortable job with a six-figure salary in a familiar industry, but Taylor Iascone (MS 2017) wasn’t happy with where she was. Her gut told her she needed to do more for herself—and for the environment. So Iascone changed course, moving to Denver to pursue a degree from the Burns School of Construction Management and a career in sustainability. As the senior ESG manager at Verdani Partners, she works with companies, investors to decarbonize the built environment. On the Voices of Experience podcast, Iascone reflects on the politicization of ESG, the future of sustainable building and finding the courage to change course.

Table of Contents

1:14 What is ESG?
3:02 Changing careers
7:30 Refusing to settle
10:19 Working at Verdani Partners
11:31 The future of sustainable building
14:10 SEC regulations, preventing greenwashing
18:09 The politicization of ESG
20:45 Advice for starting over
23:13 Finding the right career
27:11 “Follow your instincts”
27:52 Show notes and credits

Why Clean and Green Muddy the Energy Transition

Why Clean and Green Muddy the Energy Transition

The first time the spotlight found Arjun Murti, he didn’t like it very much. An analyst at Goldman Sachs, Murti (BSBA 1992) had made a bold—but ultimately correct—prediction about a “super spike” in the price of oil, and his career would never be the same. He shied from the limelight and finished his career in mostly private-facing roles. But now, he’s raising his voice, hoping it can change the way the country talks about a transition away from fossil fuels. On the Voices of Experience podcast, Murti explains what the labels “clean” and “green” energy overlook, dissects the Inflation Reduction Act, and offers advice on starting a career and finding a mentor in the business world.

Table of Contents:
1:47 From Cornell to DU
2:19 The “Super-Spiked” prediction and its aftermath
9:34 What’s wrong with the energy transition discussion?
13:43 “Nothing is clean, green or brown.”
15:45 Evaluating the Inflation Reduction Act
19:27 The importance of mentorship
21:14 Picking your career path
25:29 Choosing work-life balance
28:24 Show notes and credits

Talent Acquisition and Retention

Talent Acquisition and Retention

Korn Ferry estimates that by 2030, 80 million high-skilled jobs will go unfilled globally. This means companies will have to compete for talent—more than they already are. Yet, the CEO of ICIMS says there's currently a lack of qualified employers. What...

From Lawyer to Tech CEO

From Lawyer to Tech CEO

Bryan Leach took an unorthodox path to becoming the founder and CEO of Denver-based Ibotta, beginning his career as a lawyer. After a lightbulb moment and swift career change, Leach has led the cashback technology company for a decade, guiding it to more...

Why Community Commitment Isn’t Optional

Why Community Commitment Isn’t Optional

The practice of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has come a long way during Helen Drexler's career. What started as some charitable donations and the occasional volunteer project has become a nonstop, comprehensive commitment to the community and its...

Sustainability Talk on Earth Day 2022

Sustainability Talk on Earth Day 2022

The VOE Podcast is focusing on Earth Day, Friday, April 22. We're talking to a leader in the sustainability arena, to someone who is really hoping to drive results in this space. That person is Kathleen Pitre, president of Beverage Packaging in North and...

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day

We're looking ahead to International Women's Day which is Tuesday, March 8 as we discuss the glass cliff, a phenomenon where women often get promoted during times of crisis. That very thing has happened to Chief Operating Officer Andrea Westcott Passman....

Operations at United Airlines

Operations at United Airlines

The COVID-19 pandemic had a dramatic impact on the airline industry as travel advisories and bans grounded planes across the globe. As travel opened up, airlines took on new challenges with health and safety concerns. And, today, airlines, like other...

Investing in Human Capital

Investing in Human Capital

Welcome back to the VOE Podcast! In our latest episode, we dive into the importance of human capital investment and effective human resources management with Amy Blair (MBA 1998)—senior vice president and chief people officer for Liberty Global, a world...