People Behind the Impact

Governing AI, Sustainability, and Responsible Business

In this episode of People Behind the Impact, Marc Siegel speaks with Andrew Jones, Principal Researcher at The Conference Board's Governance & Sustainability Center. Andrew discusses his path from academia and the World Bank to The Conference Board, and how his work brings together corporate governance, sustainability, disclosure, corporate citizenship, and AI.
The conversation explores how companies are navigating sustainability reporting in a polarized environment and whether sustainability disclosure is becoming more like financial reporting. Andrew also shares insights from his research on AI governance, including how companies are moving from AI principles to practical oversight, what boards should be asking management, and how businesses should think about both the environmental footprint of AI and the potential for AI to support sustainability performance.
Hosts and Executive Producers: Marc Siegel and Leigh Anne StatutoEpisode Producer: Hector Madera Jr.Additional Production: Victoria Ilano, Jeffrey HaynesCover Art: Leigh Anne StatutoMarketing: Paola Curcio-KleinmanWebsite: Wayne AndersonMusic by Dan Grbic

From Financial Reporting to Sustainability Reporting

In this episode of People Behind the Impact, Marc Siegel is joined by Jeff Hales, Professor of Accounting at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, Executive Director of the Global Sustainability Leadership Institute, and a member of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).
Together, they explore Jeff’s path from accounting academia and financial reporting standard setting to his leadership role in sustainability reporting, including his time as Chair of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). The conversation covers some of the key ingredients of responsible reporting: from academic research on how investors use financial information, the history and mission of SASB, the importance of industry-specific standards, the evolving meaning of materiality, the rise of double materiality in Europe, and the ISSB’s work toward a global baseline for sustainability disclosure.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that Jeff's comments reflect his own personal views, and not those of the staff, other ISSB Board Members, or the ISSB overall.
Hosts and Executive Producers: Marc Siegel and Leigh Anne StatutoEpisode Producers: Victoria Ilano, Hector Madera Jr.Additional Production: Victoria Ilano, Jeffrey HaynesCover Art: Leigh Anne StatutoMarketing: Paola Curcio-KleinmanWebsite: Wayne AndersonMusic by Dan Grbic

Building Responsible Business at Fordham

In this episode, Marc Siegel and Leigh Anne Statuto are joined by Associate Dean of the Graduate School at the Gabelli School of Business and Managing Director of the Responsible Business Center, Barbara Porco, PhD. Together they explored the creation of the Responsible Business Center and what a Jesuit perspective brings to the sustainability landscape. The overall theme of the episode is based upon the Jesuit principle of Cura Personalis, "care for the whole person," and how the Center encompasses this by focusing on responsible reporting, environmental stewardship, and societal health. Porco also shares her personal journey in sustainability, from her work with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) to her leadership in advancing the valuation and reporting of natural assets, offering a compelling look at the evolution of responsible business.
Hosts and Executive Producers: Marc Siegel and Leigh Anne StatutoEpisode Producer: Olakunle DaviesAdditional Production: Victoria Ilano, Jeffrey HaynesCover Art: Leigh Anne StatutoMarketing: Paola Curcio-KleinmanWebsite: Wayne AndersonMusic by Dan Grbic