Podcast

ESG in Action

Putting ESG into practice through real conversations

ESG in Action is our podcast series exploring how values-driven leadership, sustainable thinking, and inclusive culture are shaping the business landscape.

Hosted by Alexandra Holsgrove Jones, Knowledge Partner and TLT’s ESG lead, each episode features a conversation with leaders who are driving ESG progress in their organisations, from charities to household brands.

Together, they discuss the actions that are already making a difference, what motivates them, and why this work matters. These are practical, honest conversations designed to offer fresh perspectives and inspiration for anyone looking to make ESG part of their everyday decision-making.

Listen to the latest episode

How to work well in high-pressure environments with the Mindful Business Charter

How can organisations create healthier, more productive workplaces without lowering professional standards? What does mindful working look like in practice and what is it really costing your business when you don’t get it right?

In this episode of ESG in Action, Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Richard Martin, CEO of the Mindful Business Charter to explore a different approach to workplace wellbeing, one that focuses not on just supporting people once they struggle, but on removing the root causes of unnecessary sources of workplace stress in the first place. They cover how small, practical changes in how we work can improve not just wellbeing, but also performance and quality, discussing:

Why wellbeing is a business issue – and why high performance depends on people being well
The hidden drivers of unnecessary stress – from email overload to meeting culture and client expectations
The role of clients, suppliers and professional relationships in creating healthier working cultures
Why leaders should look more closely at the data behind wellbeing, retention and productivity
Practical steps to reduce pressure, protect time and work more effectively day-to-day

Catch up with Season 2

Listen to the latest episodes in this season:

Turning clauses into climate action with The Chancery Lane Project

How can contracts help businesses manage sustainability risks, meet climate targets and support a just transition?

In this episode, Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Clarissa Lambourne, Principal Legal Engineer at The Chancery Lane Project, a UK non-profit using the power of contracts to support climate action.

From nice to necessary: The business case for wellbeing

Why is wellbeing about more than physical and mental health? And how can businesses prioritise their people’s wellbeing alongside commercial goals?

Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Helen Hodgkinson, Chief People Officer at TLT, to discuss why wellbeing is more than a nice to have: it sits at the foundation of a resilient business.

Financing change and changing finance with Triodos Bank

Do you know where your money goes – and why it matters?

In this episode of ESG in Action, we’re joined by Sian Williams, Chief Risk Officer at Triodos Bank UK. Triodos is a purpose-led sustainable bank, focused on delivering a positive impact for the environment, economy and society.

Triodos demonstrates its commitment to transparency by publishing its entire loan portfolio, and this transparency underpins everything that Triodos does.

Working better with Working Families: Flexibility in the workplace

Why should we 'parent out loud'/ in the workplace? And why is flexibility more than a 'warm fuzzy hug'?

Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Lottie Driver, Relationship Manager at Working Families, the UK’s national charity for working parents and carers.

This episode was recorded before the announcement that Working Families will be closing at the end of June 2026. We are grateful to Lottie Driver for contributing to this discussion and recognise the significant impact of Working Families’ work supporting parents, carers and employers.

The future starts at school: Embedding sustainability early with The Green Britain Foundation

What role do education and young people play in shaping a more sustainable future? And what can a sustainable education do for our young people?

We're joined by Helen Taylor, Trustee at The Green Britain Foundation, for a conversation on how education and empowerment can drive environmental and social change.

Catch up with Season 1

For our inaugural season, we're joined by guests from financial institutions, social mobility charities, leaders in the hospitality sector, and more. Catch up with the other episodes and meet our guests:

Inside the Government Legal Department's social mobility agenda

How does the Government Legal Department represent the communities it serves? And how does its social mobility programmes put students at the heart of government?

In this episode, Alex Holsgrove Jones is in conversation with Richard Cornish, Director General and Chief Operating Officer at the Government Legal Department .

Climate resilience in real terms: Breaking sustainability silos with Santander

What should you be doing to ensure your business is fit for the future? And what’s being overcomplicated in the journey to sustainability?

In this episode, we are joined by Wendy Whewell, Head of Sustainable Solutions and Finance in Corporate and Commercial Banking at Santander.

Hospitality and sustainability working together for future successes

How does sustainability lead to more engaged teams? And how do you navigate that among the pressures of everyday decision-making?

Alex is joined by Charlie Fisher and Sarah Waddington from Greene King, one of the UK's leading pub retailers and brewers, exploring how sustainability is being woven into the fabric of everyday decision-making across 2,700 pubs, restaurants and hotels.

Beyond returns: Inside the world of responsible investment

What’s the future of responsible investment in a landscape of ESG pushback and greenhushing? How can your ‘ABCs’ help make responsible investment decisions?

Alex is in conversation with Jaid Longmore, Responsible Investment Manager at Hymans Robertson, to discuss integrating ESG into financial decision-making, effective stewardship, and B Corp status.

Trailblazing with Ablaze: Helping young people succeed

How can you change a young person's attitude to education? And how can we create opportunities for young people in our communities?

Alex is joined by Gilly Samuddin, CEO of Ablaze. Ablaze is an independent charity that mobilises business volunteers to provide the support, insight and guidance to help young people thrive.

Power from the panels: Profit with Purpose with Eden Sustainable

Why is perceived complexity the biggest hurdle to the green energy transition? And how do you drive transparency in the solar panel supply chain?

We're joined by Justin Leger, Co-Managing Director of Eden Sustainable, one of the UK's leading developers of commercial and industrial solar energy solutions.

Top-down and bottom-up momentum: The next chapter of social mobility with SMBP

How do you build confidence in the next generation? And how can businesses increase social mobility in their local communities?

We're joined by Jess Clarkson, Managing Director at Social Mobility Business Partnership (SMBP), a charity helping young people from low-income backgrounds to access meaningful career pathways.

Balancing the basket with the British Retail Consortium

Why does the traditional retail model need to change? And why does the language of sustainability matter?

Alex chats to Sophie De Salis, Sustainability Policy Advisor at the British Retail Consortium, about the sustainability landscape of the retail industry.

Banking on biodiversity with Nationwide Building Society

How has Nationwide Building Society embedded sustainability across its operations - and what has an otter in the Nationwide House lake got to do with it?

‍Alex is joined by Amy Thomson, Head of Sustainability, and Andrew Martin, Facilities Consultant, at Nationwide.