The G in ESG is Key

Featured Guests

Jasper von Brockel

CEO, RSF Social Finance

Jasper von Brockel is a leading voice in impact investing and sustainable finance, serving as CEO of RSF Social Finance since 2018. He spearheads RSF’s mission to revolutionize the relationship between people and money through catalytic capital focused on social, environmental, and economic challenges. Previously, Jasper was a partner at New Park Capital and an operating partner at Armonia, driving strategic growth for impact-driven companies. Originally from the Netherlands, Jasper’s 14 years at Wolita Group included global strategy leadership and CEO roles in North America. A Harvard Business School General Management Program graduate, he chairs boards including Gaia Herbs and serves on advisory boards focused on regenerative food systems. Jasper’s experience bridges private equity, mission-first investing, and transformative governance models that redefine how value and purpose coexist in business.

Key Insights From This Episode

Governance Is the Most Critical Part of ESG

Achieving true environmental and social outcomes depends on transforming who makes decisions and how governance aligns with long-term purpose beyond shareholder profit maximization.

Disentangle Ownership From Governance

Innovative models like perpetual purpose trusts and golden shares separate voting rights from equity ownership, enabling companies to balance profit with mission and stakeholder interests.

Stakeholder Capitalism Requires Fundamental Governance Overhaul

Listening to stakeholders is insufficient; sharing governance power with employees, customers, suppliers, and communities is essential for sustainable and impactful business.

B Corps and Public Benefit Corporations Signal Important Progress

These legal frameworks expand fiduciary duty to include social and environmental outcomes, moving companies toward broader responsibility beyond maximizing shareholder returns.

Competitive Markets Can Support Mission-Driven Companies

Benefit-focused governance can attract capital from investors seeking stable, risk-adjusted returns and long-term value, even if highest short-term returns are traded off.

Addressing Climate and Social Risks Is Now Core to Business Survival

With climate emergency realities impacting risk profiles worldwide, companies must adapt governance to mitigate diverse risks and leverage business as a force for good.