ESG, Impact Investing and Shareholder Engagement with Sonia Kowal
What is the difference between ESG and impact investing, and how can investors use their influence to drive change at public companies?
In this episode of Investing and Other Stories, host Margarita Tr., CFA, speaks with Sonia Kowal, President of Zevin Asset Management, about the realities of responsible and impact investing and how the field continues to evolve.
Sonia shares the “aha” moment, deep in the Arctic Circle, that led her from traditional asset management to socially responsible investing. She explains the differences between ESG and impact investing, shares real-world examples of successful shareholder engagement, discusses which industries can be most resistant to investor pressure, and reflects on the opportunities and challenges facing sustainable investors today.
From “mean tweets about ESG” to what actually happens when shareholders engage with companies behind the scenes, the conversation offers a practical look at how investors can pursue financial goals while using their voice as owners to encourage corporate accountability.
Listen to the full conversation for Sonia’s perspective on ESG, impact investing, shareholder advocacy, and the changing landscape of responsible investment.