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Author: Alan Foulkes, Christine Moore
The following is an extract from my (Alan Foulkes) conversation with talent lead, Christine Moore of DeepNet. Christine discusses how her new position as the chairperson for the Texas B Local organization is providing her a platform to raise awareness among businesses about the new Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) regulations in the U.S. The goal of these regulations is to ensure transparency so the wider public and investors can understand exactly what kind of footprint organizations leave on people and the planet, beyond just profits and dividends. Christine is on a mission to raise awareness of this throughout the Texas business community, in both the impact and non-impact sectors.
We’re super proud of the work she is doing and are excited to share her story!
Christine, as the chairperson for the Texas B local org, what are you aiming to achieve?
An example would be holding events like luncheons or seminars to inform people and provide them with the information they need to decide if they want to be impact-driven. Then, assisting them in that process to contribute more good to this world than we're taking from it. Also, as the policy chair, it's crucial for me to work with stakeholders, governance, and the government to advocate for policies that go beyond just meeting regulatory standards but push the envelope for societal betterment. I don't know if you're familiar with the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards in the United States. The European Union just passed a law, effective from January2024, requiring businesses with financial investors—basically, anyone participating in the stock market—to disclose their environmental impact.
The kind of information required varies, but it mainly revolves around the impact businesses have on the environment. For example, are you dumping into the ocean? If so, what are your mitigation measures? Many large companies resist disclosing such information, arguing it shouldn't influence investment decisions. However, those in the impact-driven sector insist it does matter. Why would we invest in a company harming our oceans?
So it's a counteraction to greenwashing, effectively?
Exactly. That's one of the policies I'm working to highlight and foster more discussions around, to raise awareness about what's happening. Unfortunately, in Texas, an anti-ESG law was passed allowing repercussions against businesses opposing oil or gas sales—completely contrary to our mission of ensuring environmental wellbeing.
It’s a bit sad that a policy, clearly aimed at improving standards for both humans and the wider planet, finds itself being politicized. Regarding the piece you're working on as part of the B Corp chair, are you having conversations with local government to raise these issues? Is that one of the activities you are engaged in on that board recently?
I agree, it’s crucial that businesses can speak out about these issues and are not silenced or intimidated. In terms of my audience? It’s about meeting with impact-driven businesses to encourage them to voice and support certain policies. So, it’s not only about talking to people in government but also discussing with companies about the impact they can make. It's widely believed, and rightly so, that companies significantly influence the decisions and regulations of our country. Hence, engaging with those who have substantial impact on numerous stakeholders and persuading them to uphold these values is what I've been focusing on.
That sounds really cool! Would you typically engage with organizations that are already B-corps, or are you reaching out to organizations that aren’t B-corps as well? Obviously, one group has already subscribed to what you're saying, and the others may not have, potentially leading to a shift in perspective. It's like redirecting the upturned heads in the right direction, for want of a better phrase. Are you focusing solely on B-corps, or are you trying to cast a wider net?
I aim to cast a wider net; anyone who will listen. It would be fantastic to draw in people who aren't already B-corps or impact-driven to consider how they can have a positive contribution to our planet while still performing well financially. I believe it's more effective to converse with people who aren't already on this path. However, even individuals within B-corps may lack awareness or resources, so I am open to discussing it with anyone willing to listen.
I like it. So, my next question, just to put you on the spot, is: how do you approach those organizations? I'm interested to understand because it seems like there's an element of—not sales, that's the wrong word—but a way of trying to get someone’s attention for a specific purpose, in this case, a very noble one. How are you going about trying to connect with those businesses, organizations, and individuals?
Right, great question. Really, I will try any way I can. Being a part of B Corp Local Texas, we have access to people who are interested in taking the B Corp assessment; people who aren't necessarily certified for B Corp but are in the process of, or are interested in it. So, I reach out via email, LinkedIn. We, the board of the B Local Texas group, are scheduling some luncheons and advertising them, sharing the information on our personal social media to see if anyone wants to join, essentially casting a wider net and seeing if it ripples out.
I also speak to colleges and college students because they're very receptive to these kinds of things and really care about the planet. They're the next generation; they're going to be the ones who take over the businesses or organizations. Getting them to listen and say, "hey, yeah, this is something I can stand behind too," means they will talk to their parents, their coworkers, their friends, and spread the message in general. I think this brings more people into the circle to have those types of conversations. So, I approach it in a lot of different ways.
Alan:
I totally hear you regarding the students. In our industry, we have a concept of technical debt that we accumulate over time; some naturally as a consequence of change, but also because of the way in which we evolve that system and its processes. I feel like we’re leaving those students with a significant amount of climate-based tech debt (my “two pennies/cents worth”). I think all of us at DeepNet are extremely proud of the work you’re doing; it’s truly inspirational for the rest of us! You actually got me thinking about our company-wide financial training sessions and the discussions about EBITDA and various financial measures that help us gauge and benchmark what is needed for our success as a business. You know, I think there are multiple currencies that represent a triple bottom line. The work you are doing is absolutely one of these currencies or measures; it embodies a key part of our measures of success. It also helps us grow because it provides opportunities to connect with prospects that we’d love to work with—I’d actually refer to it as B-Corp sales currency!
Yeah, 100%. I think there’s a better way to do business out there that a lot of people just haven’t jumped on board with yet, or maybe are just unaware of. I think when you get so busy doing everything, it almost feels like it’s another thing to try and take on board. But once you start doing it, I feel like it makes you feel a lot better. I’ve certainly enjoyed joining DeepNet and going down the direction we are. It makes me feel a lot better about coming to work.
It's really nice whenever your values align with your company's, and you're not just in it to make another dollar or just squeeze every penny out of somebody just because that's how business works. Like, there are other things that you should really factor in, and that’s the better way to do business—factoring in people and the planet. So, I'm all about it.
Keep beating that drum! Loving the work and energy – I know Jeremy is doing backflips too as it’s totally inline with where he’s taking us.
