Episodes

Changing what you eat has an impact on the planet, but changing how you invest has an even bigger influence. Investing in plant-based innovations has become more accessible. And a new plant-based innovation ETF is bringing us closer to a more sustainable food system. This week on Deep Impact Investing, Elysabeth Alfano from VegTech Invest details how the firm supports individual investors and companies working with plants to replace animal products and some of the eye-opening foods and products ...

Many of us weren’t taught personal finance when we were growing up. But what happens when we decide to join households with our significant other? In this episode, Kim Griego-Kiel examines some must-know financial mishaps couples can avoid making while detailing the tips you need to start implementing good financial habits. Kim also unpacks the value of starting early and constructing a financial future together. Kim discusses: The value of talking about your financial past and your money belie...

Having access to better healthcare is not just a mission within our nation but also worldwide. So, how to work towards a better system? In this episode, Kim Griego-Kiel explores the current healthcare system and how it’s designed to be reactive instead of proactive. By sharing her own experiences and reviewing the different healthcare systems around the world, Kim explains the pros and cons of a universal and sustainable healthcare system and what those look like. Kim discusses: The importance ...

Water is life. But right now, water is also a messenger. If you’re following the news, you know about the current water shortage, and how this situation is a warning sign of climate change. In this episode, Kimberly Griego Kiel unpacks everything around the current water scarcity while detailing some must-know action items along with tips and tricks you can follow to make a difference. Kim discusses: The climate water and food nexus we’re currently facing How ground and above groundwater manage...

Not every bank or mutual fund we give our money to has our environmental impact values in mind. In this episode, Kim Griego-Kiel takes a deep dive into how you can be smarter about where your money is going and who you invest with. She talks about banking and insurance alternatives that share ESG values and prioritize what they invest in to make an impactful difference. Kim discusses: How alternate banking like community banks or credit unions can work for you The steps insurance companies are ...

Do you know where your financial health stands? In this episode of Deep Impact Investing, Kimberly Griego-Kiel talks about Horizons Sustainable Financial Services’ financial health quiz. She dives into all 15 questions for you to follow along and figure out your financial health score. Kim discusses: Why it’s important to not only know the value of your bank and investment accounts but also to check them regularly Why you should list your assets and liabilities or know where to find them The im...

The rising cost of living is not just affecting the working class, but also those who are using their assets to support themselves throughout retirement. In this episode, Kim Griego-Kiel provides you with the rundown you need to strengthen your financial roadmap. Kim starts by unpacking the most common misconceptions about money followed by highlighting how it can alter your financial freedom. Kim discusses: Three common myths about money Why making more money doesn’t equal a better financial f...

Everything from the environment to resources, and even sustainability, has been impacted by current events, which in turn bring market volatility. How should we react to this? Should we be scared? Should the ESG markets be worried? In this episode, Kimberly Griego-Kiel talks with Entelligent’s executive vice president for client & product development, Dr. Pooja Khosla. Dr. Khosla discusses some of the recent anti-ESG sentiments she has been hearing, along with things we can do to prioritize ESG ...

A lot is going on in the world today, from climate change to active wars. But, how does it all affect us? In this episode, Kimberly Griego-Kiel breaks down some of today’s hot topics in the news. In an educational discussion, Kim addresses how these industry-related topics impact financial advisors and investors while unveiling the role of ESG and the markets within these uncertain times. Kim discusses: The rapid increase in attacks on the ESG industry Ways advisors in the ESG arena can respond...

Looking at investing from a gender perspective uncovers the inequalities of the economy and reveals opportunities to create more effective and efficient systems. In this episode, Kimberly Griego-Kiel sits down with Kristin Hull, the founder, CEO & CIO of Nia Impact Capital. Kristin unveils the role gender plays in impact investing and highlights Nia’s portfolio and its contribution to environmental sustainability and social justice. Kristin discusses: The definition of gender lens investing The...

Over 15% of the world’s population lives with some kind of disability. However, disability issues and rights are often overlooked when we consider Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues. In this episode, Kim Griego-Kiel sheds light on disability rights and the lack of attention it receives in ESG conversations. She highlights why disability inclusion is critical for approaching ESG holistically and unveils how inclusion contributes to successful business operations. Kimberly discusse...

How do you hold individuals, investors, and larger companies accountable in a timely fashion when considering the conflict between Russia and Ukraine? Learn how you can support Ukrainians from an investing standpoint in this week’s episode of Deep Impact Investing. This week, Kimberly Griego-Kiel and Johann Klaassen welcome Sonia Kowal, President of Zevin Asset Management. Together, they talk about the Russian-Ukrainian situation while unveiling the importance of looking at corporate and individ...

Financial services are constantly evolving and becoming increasingly digital. Trading digital assets — whether it is ESG data, crypto, or other financial products (across centralized and decentralized finance platforms) — is starting to change the overall investment process. In this episode, Kimberly Griego-Kiel sits down with returning guest David Bennell, advisor at Transformational Investing in Food Systems (TIFS). Together, they talk about the standardization of impact investing in the gover...

While we may not see the effects of climate change in our everyday lives, its impact on our environment is increasing across the globe. In this episode, Kim Griego-Kiel sheds light on vulnerability and adaptation as two key points of the UN’s 2022 Climate Change Report. This report assesses the impacts of climate change, looking at ecosystems, biodiversity, and human communities at global and regional levels. It also reviews vulnerabilities and the capacities and limits of the natural world and ...

There is no question that climate change is affecting how we live on a global scale. The food and agriculture systems are no exception. They are connected to every area of impact investing. As food systems become less resilient, they will create bigger problems for our global markets. In this episode, Kimberly Griego-Kiel explains what is wrong with our food and agricultural systems, why they are dying, and why it is in the best interest for investors to take part in making a change. Kimberly di...

Supporting women extends beyond bridging the gender inequality gap. It is also critical to support women to create sustainable developments and social change. In this episode, Kimberly Griego-Kiel talks about the importance of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. Along with that, Kim highlights the different ways it relates to impact investing. Kim teaches you how important it is to focus on breaking down female inequality for the sustainable development of the world and discusse...

It’s no secret that we rely on nature to survive. Hence, putting in measures to save our environment and allow the cycle to continue is extremely important for not only our own future, but also for the future of the generations to come. In this episode, Kimberly Griego-Kiel sits down with Vicki Benjamin, co-founder and CEO of Karner Blue Capital. Vicki explains what her company does for nature and the environment and how they are utilizing data collection and their own ESG process to combat natu...

2021 was a great year for sustainable and ESG investing and its ability to outperform traditional markets. However, it is important to understand the difference between ESG and impact investing when creating your portfolio. In this episode, Kimberly explores the main differences between SRI, ESG, and impact investing. Plus, she explains the importance of understanding their roles in the market when building your portfolio. Kim discusses: Differentiating impact and ESG investing and ways they wo...

As the new year brings you new opportunities and goals, remember to look toward the positive in both your personal and professional life. In this episode, Kimberly Griego-Kiel sits down with Aarón Garza, vice president for operations and compliance at Horizons Sustainable Financial Services. Kim and Aarón discuss his family, his professional background, and ways his new role will contribute to the team at the office. Additionally, the firm’s chief investment officer, Johann Klaassen, sits down w...

Have you ever dreamed about changing careers and moving across the world? Priscilla Plummer, the founder of Global Sojourns Giving Circle (GSGC), made that dream her reality in 1990 when she moved across the world and traveled throughout the African continent. Using her travel experience and passion for philanthropy, she works to create an effective impact on Western and African female communities. In this week’s episode, Priscilla joins Kimberly Griego-Kiel to detail her journey from working fo...

The gap between the mainstream financial world and the socially responsible investing arena may seem vast. But, believe it or not, there are ways to bridge the two. This is exactly what Kimberly Griego-Kiel discusses with her guests in this fourth and final episode of the ESG for Impact! miniseries. This week, Kimberly sits down with First Affirmative Financial Network’s investment advisor, Jim Horlacher, to outline how the financial industry is blending into the socially responsible investing f...

For this episode of the four-part ESG for Impact! miniseries, Kimberly invites three difference-makers in sustainable shareholder advocacy to outline their unique focus on ESG investing and mutual funds. This week, Leslie Samuelrich, the president of Green Century Funds, and Kim explore plastic pollution, recycling, climate change, sustainable supply chains and how Leslie’s campaigns are pushing for change in these areas. Additionally, Vert Asset Management’s Chief Executive Officer, Sam Adams, ...

In October 2021, Kimberly Griego-Kiel took part in the ESG For Impact! Conference in Colorado Springs. Now back with part two of her ESG for Impact! miniseries, Kim welcomes George Gay, the CEO of First Affirmative Financial Network, and Ebony Perkins, Self-Help Credit Union’s Vice President and Director of Investor Relations. George and Kim explore George’s military background and ways to gain leadership within the environmental, social, and governance investing arena, while Ebony reviews every...

In October 2021, Kimberly Griego-Kiel took part in the ESG For Impact! conference in Colorado Springs. During this two-day conference, Kim attended sessions focused on SRI investments, strategies, and concepts while connecting with like-minded professionals and industry leaders. One of those leaders was Rex Raimond, the director of The Transformational Investing in Food Systems (TIFS) Initiative. In the first part of the ESG for Impact! miniseries, Rex joins Kim to explain everything around inve...