In this thought-provoking episode of It’s Not All About the Numbers, hosts Chris and Mike are joined by David Ray — finance leader, ESG expert, and author of The Power of Potential. The conversation dives deep into how ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations are evolving from a “nice to have” to an essential element of long-term business success. David shares insights from his work across global boardrooms and policy forums, drawing on real-world examples to explain how finance and sustainability are increasingly intertwined. He argues that while ESG is often approached as a compliance burden, its real value lies in unlocking competitive advantage — if leaders can connect it meaningfully to long-term profitability.
The trio go on to explore big themes like silos, leadership, data transformation, and the cognitive dissonance around change. David’s passion for purpose-led leadership shines through, especially as he recounts his journey from CFO to author and advocate for responsible business. With thoughtful nods to climate reality, forced labor, and the role of data in ethical decision-making, the conversation highlights how finance leaders can — and must — step up as agents of change. Balancing realism with optimism, the episode is ultimately a rallying cry for integrated thinking, authentic leadership, and business models that work for people and the planet.
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