Month: June 2023

Welcome to a very special episode of the Climate Confident podcast, brought to you in partnership with SAP!

Today, we’ve got a truly fascinating conversation for you. We’re sitting down with Bhushan Nigale, the dynamic Lead for SAP’s Sustainability Development Program. He is at the forefront of SAP’s innovative Green Ledger project, an ambitious undertaking that is poised to revolutionize the way businesses handle their environmental and sustainability data.

In our chat, Bhushan explains how SAP is leveraging technology to create a sustainable future. He provides an in-depth view of the Green Ledger project – it’s not just about calculating carbon emissions, but also making this data easily accessible and actionable for businesses to help them make meaningful changes.

We delve into the ins and outs of ESG data, looking at different themes like emissions, water, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Bhushan shares how SAP aims to establish a common set of ESG themes to create a robust ESG data foundation. He talks about the importance of customizing solutions to specific organizations and regions, emphasizing that “one size does not fit all.”

Bhushan also gives us a glimpse into the future of the Green Ledger project, discussing its ongoing development and the vision to expand into other categories like water, land, and biodiversity. He highlights how crucial it is to keep a focus on the social side of sustainability – tackling issues like modern slavery, child labor, and creating a more equitable workplace.

I encourage you to give this episode a listen – it’s an enlightening look into how technology can help us tackle some of our most pressing environmental challenges. Bhushan’s passion for sustainable development and his deep understanding of the subject matter makes this an episode you won’t want to miss!

In the podcast Bhushan mentioned a paper that SAP published along with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development – you can find that here.

Enjoy the show – and don’t forget you can check out the video version of this podcast at https://youtu.be/uuUsV8owRNI!

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Lorcan SheehanHal GoodJerry SweeneyChristophe KottelatAndreas WernerRichard DelevanAnton Chupilko

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Credits
Music credit – Intro and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

Thanks for listening, and remember, stay healthy, stay safe, stay sane!

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Abby Losordo started her career at U.S. Bank five years ago as one of the original accessibility consultants.

Since then, Losordo has been instrumental in developing the U.S. Bank accessibility program (commonly abbreviated as “A11Y”) and building a strong collaboration model with her peers, director and the bank’s Experience Design team.

Today, she leads a team of some 15 consultants, spanning the consumer segment, who help ensure that the U.S. Bank Mobile App and other digital banking tools are accessible to all users, including those who need assistive technology.

Designers creating a digital product may not always be aware of potential roadblocks – such as color contrast not being high enough or pictures conveying meaning and don’t have alternative text – so screen-reader users have access to the information. That is where the Design Accessibility team provides feedback to remedy those concerns early in the process.

“A11Y consultants coach designers on how to design accessibly so our customers have a best-in-class experience,” Losordo said.

Losordo’s journey into accessibility started when she was providing counseling and support to cancer patients navigating the thickets of the American healthcare system.

After earning her master’s degree in counseling psychology and her license in mental health counseling, Losordo focused on helping cancer patients remove barriers to their treatment – whether it was connecting people through complex medical systems, arranging transportation to daily radiation appointments or helping to secure insurance coverage.

“My job was to ensure that my patients had access to all of the elements that are suddenly very important when you’re going through a medical crisis,” she said. “It can sometimes be overwhelming to deal with all of that, and one of these barriers can sometimes be what prevents someone from getting treatment.”

As a part of that work, Losordo consulted on the accessibility of many digital properties across the healthcare system and discovered that digital barriers exist in addition to the other common obstacles her patients encountered.

When she joined U.S. Bank, digital accessibility was still an emerging concept in the financial services world. But that changed as more banking tools shifted online.

In 2019, U.S. Bank unveiled an entirely rebuilt U.S. Bank Mobile App and has continued to add hundreds of new features ever since, and the digital accessibility team has been part of that journey the entire way.

Today, there are consultants working on accessibility across the bank, and they are regarded as a world-class practice and model for other companies to follow.

Earlier this year Deque gave the bank a Native Mobility Accessibility Award for its commitment to ensuring the U.S. Bank mobile app is easy for people with disabilities to use. U.S. Bank also ranked as a 2023 DiversityInc Top Company for people with disabilities.

While Losordo’s counseling background may be an unconventional path to her role, she has found it to be invaluable – especially in the area she is most enthusiastic about: managing her team.

“My passion is growing people, shining a spotlight on them and their accomplishments, and helping them understand the strategy behind what we are doing and why we are doing it,” she said. “I love what I do so, so much. It is especially important to me that people find meaning in their work and they are happy here.”

Be empowered to create your own path and accelerate your career by visiting the U.S. Bank career site.

HAMILTON, Bermuda, June 1, 2023 /3BL Media/ — Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, announces the appointment of Alicia Enciso to the Company’s Board of Directors.

Alicia brings more than 30 years of experience with multinational Fortune 100 Companies in the Food and Beverages sectors with roles as General Manager, President, Chief Marketing Officer, and E-Business Officer. Since 2017, she has served as Chief Marketing Officer of Nestlé USA and previously served as President of the Beverages Division. She recently announced her retirement from Nestlé. Prior roles include Principal Consultant and Managing Director of Zyman Group, a subsidiary of MDC Partners and various marketing leadership roles at Procter & Gamble and Estée Lauder.

“Alicia is a well-rounded business leader and global marketer who has presided over some of the world’s best-known brands,” says Facundo L. Bacardi, Chairman of Bacardi Limited and fifth-generation family member. “Her enthusiasm for modern marketing and building sustainable brands are a great complement to our long-term business ambitions and to continuing the family legacy for generations to come.”

Originally from Mexico, Alicia has been recognized as one of “Most Influential 100 Latinas” by Latino Leaders Magazine and named “Latino Marketer of the Year” by the Hispanic Marketing Council. Alicia also serves on the Executive Board for the Association of National Advertisers and the Board of the Alliance for Multicultural & Inclusive Marketing. She previously sat on the Advisory Board of Google 21st Century Marketing.

The Bacardi Limited Board of Directors is comprised of 13 members.

About Bacardi Limited
Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held international spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, PATRÓN® tequila, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur, and ERISTOFF® vodka. Founded more than 162 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs approximately 9,000, operates production facilities in 10 countries, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter.

Media Contacts:
Jessica Merz, VP Global Corporate Communications, jmerz@bacardi.com

Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric unique among energy management companies in extent of recognition receivedEcoXpert Partner Program awarded five-stars for a seventh consecutive year, while the Panel Builders Program receives a third straight five-star ratingRecognition reflects the company’s enduring commitment to nurturing robust channel partnerships for a more digitized and sustainable future

BOSTON /3BL Media/ – Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has been has been recognized by CRN with four prestigious five-star ratings in its 2023 Partner Program Guide.

The annual guide offers essential information to solution providers such as managed service providers (MSPs), value-added resellers (VARs), systems integrators, and strategic service providers as they explore technology manufacturers’ partner programs to identify the vendors that will best support their business needs. The five-star rating is awarded to the companies that go above and beyond in their commitment to nurturing strong, profitable and successful channel partnerships.

The programs awarded five-star recognition are:

mySchneider Panel Builders Program: supports partners to evolve by enabling and training them to sell the latest Schneider Panel Building Solutions and industry-leading innovations.mySchneider Contractor Program: provides all the necessary tools to build, install, commission, and deliver solutions that allow contractors to collaborate with other electrical peers and scale-up their business.EcoXpert Partner Program: an industry-unique global, cross-expertise ecosystem of solution providers which delivers best-in-class automation and digital solutions for efficiency and sustainability.mySchneider IT Partner Program: supports IT partners across diverse business models, including by simplifying benefits and requirements, capturing new opportunities, upholding channel-centric practices, and providing agility for future growth.

In addition, Schneider Electric’s mySchneider Designers, Engineers & Consultants Program was selected for recommendation in the Program Guide. The program provides tools and support to enable engineering consultants and designers to simplify jobs and save time, as well as consultancy to help their clients achieve sustainability and efficiency goals.

Cumulatively, these recognitions reflect Schneider Electric’s ongoing commitment to nurturing enduring channel partnerships and to providing partners with the knowledge and tools required to drive growth, enhance sustainability, and accelerate digital transformation. The Partnering for Sustainability initiative, an aspect of the Partnerships of the Future program, similarly attests to the organization’s ongoing dedication to leveraging its ecosystem in service of a more sustainable future.

To further accelerate these efforts, Schneider Electric also recently launched its Sustainability School, which enables partners to access critical resources needed to accelerate climate action.

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About Schneider Electric

Schneider’s purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.

We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, end-point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.

We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.

Life moves very fast for everyone, but it sometimes feels like warp speed to many moms. In 2016, Pamela Pekerman was a busy entrepreneur and mom trying to find the balance between her career and kids. One day she woke up and thought, “Why doesn’t this feel great? I was active in the creation of this life I have, so why doesn’t it fit anymore?” This thought transferred to a realization that something needed to change, which is how Hustle Like A Mom started. This multi-media and events-driven brand is focused on empowering, educating and supporting moms who want to align personal and professional aspirations.

Recently, KeyBank’s Key4Women sat down with Pamela to find out more about Hustle Like A Mom and its goal of helping others navigating the between drop off and pick up mompreneur lifestyle or figuring out how to align personal and professional aspirations in their chosen path.

Who is the audience for Hustle Like A Mom?

Myself! I wanted to know that I wasn’t alone, that other moms were trying to not really find balance, as that’s a false claim, but other moms that found themselves searching for harmonious career and lifestyle flows. So in 2016, I started to reach out to my professional friends and those around my age with kids and started asking questions. I began to put these conversations up on YouTube and essentially the brand was started. In 2019, I decided to bring together like-minded female entrepreneurs for an event in Manhattan. Of course, after the event wrapped, I quickly realized it was not convenient for these hustling mompreneurs to get to the city. That clarity led me to recognize it was time I started going to the suburbs to find our real audience and community. I am what I call “a suburban mom with an urban mindset,” meaning I left the high-rises of midtown Manhattan, but didn’t go too far.

What is the key to your success with Hustle Like A Mom?

The key was quickly realizing who I am. Who was my audience, client and community? I had to figure out what I like to do and how it fit with my dreams, but also with my schedule. I wasn’t chasing a customer; I was understanding my community. This is what got me through COVID. I narrowed my focus and did the work to find what mom entrepreneurs really needed. This is when Hustle Like A Mom really boomed. We got to know who our customer was. I even named her… Kristen. Throughout the process, I understood what Kristen’s morning routine looked like, what newsletters she liked to read, what she wanted to see on social media and much more. This allowed me to really connect and build the community I was trying to support. It allowed me to recognize a “Kristen” from a mile away, so I could immediately say, “That’s my girl.”

What are some challenges you faced?

Any small business comes with unique and not-so-unique challenges. My biggest challenge was knowing my worth, which I know many business owners struggle with, but women in particular. You have to take time to sit down and write out what you bring to the table. When you see it for yourself, you will determine what your product or service should be worth. If you undersell yourself, it will be hard to gain and retain the clients you deserve. Knowing your worth will help you and your business grow. I truly believe that we are our own doorstop. All too often, it is fear that holds us back from taking the leap, knocking on the door, or asking the questions. Go where the money is and do it! Moving past your doorstop can unlock unlimited potential.

How do you strategize your day now that you work less hours?

I have become a fiercely protector of my precious time. Thru COVID, I oversaw and supplemented virtual learning for nearly two years. At the same time, Hustle Like A Mom boomed – virtual summits, 1:1 coaching, group coaching programs. I took note of what time management and goal setting strategies worked for me, as well as my clients. I developed the Edit to Expand Method and Quarterly Planning Parties which considered your reality, financial needs, & professional plus personal desires. The Edit to Expand Method began to change lives and lead to not only business growth for clients, but an uptick in joy. In 2023, I published the Edit to Expand Planner, which sold out and was featured in Entrepreneur Magazine. We’re currently working on the 2024 planner and can’t wait to share it with women across the country!

How did you get introduced to Key4Women? 

I was on a panel with Elona Shape, a Co-Chair of Key4Women in the Hudson Valley. While I had been in business for over 18 years, I had always viewed my bank interaction as transactional, rather than a chance to build a relationship. But her talk made me curious, so we met for lunch, and it really showed me the value a group like Key4Women can offer. I believe Key4Women and Hustle Like A Mom align in that we want to empower female small business owners. We are walking the walk and not just talking the talk. We are holding hands with them to truly support our local economy by supporting women in business. So, I am working alongside Key4Women and together we host panels, events, Instagram Live chats, newsletters and more. Saying “yes” to a collaboration with Key4Women was easy because it was just so right in every aspect. I introduced my clients to Key4Women and KeyBank right away. The services KeyBank provides ideally fit our needs, and so I wanted to share these possibilities. It is a valued relationship, and I am so happy to put our tools and resources together to enhance our entrepreneurs’ success.

Any last thoughts? 

If someone would have told me I would eventually model my career on what I call the “drop-off and pick-up lifestyle,” that is, working smarter, not harder between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., I would have said they were talking to the wrong person. However, time changes you in many positive ways. Before, I was in a constant juggle of working, but also wondering who would pick up my kids if I was running late? What I someone gets sick and I have to cancel a TV shoot? This struggle wasn’t a life I was able to thrive in. I needed a new path, and I created it. I want to continue to support women and their dreams, and with the help of Key4Women, it just helps to make that path a little easier.

Pamela Pekerman- Hustle Like A Mom CEO- www.hustlelikeamom.com