Season 5, Episode 9: The No BS Approach to ESG (with James Bellerjeau)

Notes To My (Legal) Self

Tune in to this fascinating episode as James Bellerjeau, former General Counsel and Head of Global Sustainability for an S&P 500 company, delves into the unexpected and unconventional paths that led him from a traditional legal role into the vanguard of corporate sustainability. Discover how a chance advertisement in a newspaper extended his career in Europe and pivoted it towards impactful environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.

James shares the myriad challenges and revelations he encountered along the way, including his battles with stakeholders and his transition from a skeptic to a strategic leader in sustainability. His unique perspective on ESG, informed by his extensive background in corporate law and his engagement with Stoic philosophy, provides deep insights into the practicalities and pitfalls of managing sustainability in a global business context.

Listeners will gain a rich understanding of:

1. The real-world application of Stoic principles to leadership and satisfaction in high-stakes roles.
2. Strategies for overcoming internal and external resistance to sustainable practices.
3. The essential nature of embracing unexpected career opportunities as a pathway to personal and professional growth.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of law, business, and sustainability, offering actionable advice for navigating the complexities of ESG in today's corporate world. James's story is a powerful testament to the impact that one person can have on steering a multinational corporation toward a more sustainable future.