logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2024
22m 26s

S5 E9: Why Corporate Communicators Must ...

Public Relations Global Network
About this episode

The European Union's new regulatory landscape is setting the stage for transformative changes in how companies report sustainability.

With pending regulations set by the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), companies are facing new challenges in how they report on sustainability and environmental impact.

Michael Diegelmann, co-founder of the Global ESG Monitor, discusses the challenges and responsibilities of corporate communications in this new era of transparency and accountability that affects not just European entities but businesses across the globe.

At the core of this evolution is the need for nuanced, ethical communications that not only meet regulatory expectations but reflect a true commitment to sustainability and equity.

Key Takeaways

  • New European regulations will significantly impact global corporations and require a new approach to sustainability communications.
  • Businesses must perform materiality assessments to identify environmental and social topics that are crucial to their operations and align their reporting accordingly.
  • Corporate communications must evolve alongside new regulations to effectively convey the context of sustainability data to stakeholders and avoid greenwashing.
  • While the US is beginning to implement its own regulations, American businesses must adapt to meet EU standards to maintain their European operations.
  • Non-compliance or misleading sustainability reports can lead to severe consequences, including legal liability and reputational damage.

About the Guest

Michael Diegelmann is co-founder of the Global ESG Monitor and founder and CEO of cometis AG. In his 25-year career he has gained a wealth of experience across the entire spectrum of investor relations. His specialties include IPOs, capital raises, ESG consultations, hostile and friendly takeovers (cross border), bond issues as well as corporate crises and all aspects of investor relations and financial media relations. Michael has a long-standing network of contacts to media, analysts, fund managers and many opinion leaders in the financial community. In addition, he is co-author of numerous specialist publications, including the bestseller “100 Financial Ratios” with more than 300,000 copies sold.

About the Host

Abbie Fink is president of HMA Public Relations in Phoenix, Arizona and a founding member of PRGN. Her marketing communications background includes skills in media relations, digital communications, social media strategies, special event management, crisis communications, community relations, issues management, and marketing promotions for both the private and public sectors, including such industries as healthcare, financial services, professional services, government affairs and tribal affairs, as well as not-for-profit organizations.

PRGN Presents is brought to you by Public Relations Global Network, the world’s local public relations agency. Our executive producer is Adrian McIntyre.

Follow the Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow PRGN Presents in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Thursday. To have them delivered automatically and free of charge, just choose your preferred podcast player from this list, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” or “Subscribe” to the show: https://prgnpodcast.com/listen

Need to hire a PR firm?

Leading a business effectively in today's fast-paced world requires expert guidance and a strong communications strategy. No matter where you do business, PRGN has a member agency in your region with the deep industry expertise, international experience, and local market knowledge you need to connect with your target audience and achieve your goals. Find a PR firm near you »

Up next
Sep 25
S6 E12: Influence in Latin America: The View from Brazil with Rogério Artoni of Race Communications
In our final episode on PRGN's 2025 Influence Insights research, Rogério Artoni discusses the significance of cultural and social values in public relations, especially in the Latin American context, with a sharp focus on Brazil. Download PRGN's whitepaper on insights from the 20 ... Show More
28m 8s
Aug 14
S6 E11: Drivers of Brand Influence in the Asia-Pacific Region with Andy See
Andy See discusses PRGN's 2025 Influence Insights survey results from an APAC perspective, highlighting the distinct challenges and opportunities for brands in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Andy, Bill, and Adrian talk about how cultural, regulatory, and market dynamics impact b ... Show More
32m 23s
Jul 2025
S6 E10: Drivers of Brand Influence in the European Context with Joaquín Fernández
In this episode we continue to unpack the findings of the PRGN Influence Insights research study, which surveyed 550 business, marketing, and communications leaders in over 40 countries to uncover their priorities in public relations and communications.Bill Southard and Joaquín F ... Show More
26m 42s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
Transformational Leadership
Welcome to another insightful episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth." Today, we're thrilled to have Brenda Neckvatal, a two-time best-selling author, award-winning HR professional, and serial entrepreneur featured in prominent publications like Forbes and Fast Company. Bren ... Show More
34m 54s
Oct 2024
Effective Leadership and Conflict Management
Welcome to another enlightening episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! Today, Diane Helbig is joined by Julie Holunga, a leadership advisor dedicated to amplifying influence and impact within professional teams. Julie's expertise spans the law, accounting, and investment sec ... Show More
27m 39s
Sep 2024
The important role of internal communications
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/593338/open_sms">Send us a text</a></p><p><b>Our Guest:</b></p><p>Linda Beltran is vice president of corporate communications at Holiday Inn Club Vacations, a leading vacation ownership company with more ... Show More
38m 14s
Aug 2024
Becoming a Leader People will Follow with Jenni Field
Jenni Field is the Founder of Redefining Communications, author, podcaster, international speaker, and business communications strategist. She has worked in communications for almost 20 years, specializing in helping teams and leaders use communication to take people and the orga ... Show More
43m 47s
Jul 2025
The Power of Feedback: Building Trust and Leadership
Lauren Fast, chief people officer at iS Clinical, highlights the critical role of feedback, empathy, and trust in today’s workplace. Fast discusses how HR leaders can navigate challenges like layoffs, cost reductions, and employee disengagement while maintaining cultural alignmen ... Show More
30m 15s
Nov 2024
Achieve Business Goals
Welcome to another episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! In today's insightful discussion, our host Diane Helbig sits down with leadership expert Ron Karr to explore how to turn your vision into reality through effective leadership and employee engagement. Ron emphasizes in ... Show More
38m 8s
Jul 2024
The Ultimate Guide to a People-First Workplace with Liz Ryan
Episode 148 of The Business Development Podcast features an insightful discussion with Liz Ryan, a renowned expert on workplace culture and human resources. In this episode, Liz delves into the concept of a people-first workplace, emphasizing the importance of valuing employees a ... Show More
1h 16m
Jan 2025
521: Ex-Accenture Global CEO on Transformation: Human-Powered Leadership in a Disrupted World
<p dir="ltr">Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 521, an interview with the author of <em>Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts are Creating a New Human Powered Leadership,</em> Dr. Christie Smith.</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">In this episode, C ... Show More
52m 32s
Sep 9
Dr. Colin M. Fisher: The Hidden Science of Group Dynamics | Strategy and Leadership Podcast
How do you build teams that truly work together instead of falling into dysfunction? In this Strategy and Leadership podcast, Dr. Colin M. Fisher—Associate Professor of Organizations and Innovation at UCL School of Management and author of The Collective Edge—shares two decades o ... Show More
25m 15s