In this special live episode of ESG Decoded, recorded before an audience at The Nest Campus during Climate Week NYC 2026, host Emma Cox speaks with two leaders shaping how globally recognized brands communicate sustainability. Assile Beydoun, Global Sustainability Director for Communications, Partnerships, and Advocacy at Procter & Gamble, brings more than 16 years of experience working across P&G brands, regions, and functions. Her work connects P&G with NGOs, innovation partners, and industry groups—bringing external perspectives into the business while sharing lessons beyond it. Chris Gaither, Head of Sustainability Engagement and Storytelling at General Motors, has spent more than two decades leading global programs and advising senior executives at organizations including Apple, Google, and the Los Angeles Times. He also brings experience as a leadership and communications coach. As companies face rising scrutiny of climate commitments, ESG claims, and sustainability marketing, the question is not simply whether to speak up or stay quiet. It is how to communicate with evidence, relevance, and accountability. Emma, Assile, and Chris discuss: How to lead sustainability communications with proof How to adapt one sustainability narrative for employees, customers, investors, policymakers, and other audiences Why transparency about delayed targets and imperfect progress can build trust When the strongest sustainability story is not framed as a sustainability story at all The sustainability communications phrases that signal credibility, and the ones that should raise red flags Listen for practical guidance on communicating sustainability efforts without greenwashing, earning stakeholder trust, and turning complex progress into stories people can understand and act on. Don't miss an episode: subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social for the latest updates! Episode Resources The Rockefeller Foundation: Climate Support Strong Across Leading Democracies, But Words Matter: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/news/new-potential-energy-study-commissioned-by-rockefeller-foundation-climate-support-strong-across-democracies-but-words-matter/ Anthesis Group’s Report - Hugging the Bear: https://www.anthesisgroup.com/insights/hugging-the-bear/ P&G Accelerates Action on Climate Change Toward Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2040: https://us.pg.com/blogs/net-zero-by-2040/ P&G 2026 TCFD Report: https://s204.q4cdn.com/332108499/files/doc_downloads/2026/09/02/PG_TCFD_Report_2026_R2.pdf General Motor’s Sustainability: https://www.gm.com/impact/sustainability - About ESG Decoded ESG Decoded, powered by ClimeCo, is a podcast for business leaders navigating sustainability, innovation, and the evolving expectations shaping organizations today. Hosted by Emma Cox, Erika Schiller, and Anna Stablum, the show features candid conversations with sustainability leaders and subject-matter experts across industries. Each episode cuts through the noise to explore the ideas, challenges, and actions moving sustainability forward—giving listeners practical insights to turn ambition into meaningful impact. ESG Decoded Resource Links Site: https://www.climeco.com/podcast-series/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esg-decoded/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/esgdecoded/ *This episode was produced by Singing Land Studio About ClimeCo ClimeCo is an award-winning leader in decarbonization, empowering global organizations with customized sustainability pathways. Our respected scientists and industry experts collaborate with companies, governments, and capital markets to develop tailored ESG and decarbonization solutions. Recognized for creating high-quality, impactful projects, ClimeCo is committed to helping clients achieve their goals, maximize environmental assets, and enhance their brand.
