Show Notes
To kick off the first episode of ‘The Conscious Finance Podcast’, Leo sits down with Matt Johnson – VP of Finance for Kaluza, a sustainable energy technology company. They focus on the importance of embedding core values in the way a business runs and practical actions that mission-led companies can implement.
Matt sets out some of the influences he had in his early years that shaped his value-driven way of living, heavily influenced by growing up in South Africa and his father who was involved in the anti-Apartheid movement.
He turns to his professional life and explains why it’s important to work for a purpose-led business and breaks down exactly what Kaluza does to achieve this.
They explore the energy crisis, and Matt explains the obstacles that lie ahead. He assesses what a post-energy crisis world looks like and what needs to be done to ensure an efficient transition towards a sustainable future.
The pair acknowledge the fact that the UK is going through its own transition, and how we can break down barriers to support developing countries with their substantiality journey.
Leo and Matt also discuss the future of the finance department and answer the big question of how finance leaders can drive positive change from an ESG perspective, and how to influence business leaders when the initial appetite for meaningful change isn’t yet there.
This episode is a solid insight into the practical actions that businesses take to make a real change in the world. Fundamentally, we agree with Matt – we want to leave the world a better place. After listening, you will hopefully gain some inspiration in ways in which you can work to positively impact society and the environment, whilst challenging the way you perceive the role of finance within any organisation.
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