Episode 238: Investing with Human Rights in Mind with William F. Schulz

Women's Money Wisdom

Curious about how corporate responsibility and ethical investing can help shape a better future? Join Melissa Joy, CFP®, as she sits down with William F. Schulz, former Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, to uncover how ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing has the potential to impact both business and society.

In this episode, Bill shares insights from his memoir Reversing the Rivers and discusses the pivotal moments in history that have fueled the rise of ESG investing—from the fight against apartheid to addressing the challenges of labor trafficking. Together, they explore why ethical practices in supply chains are not only morally right but also beneficial for long-term business success.

Melissa and Bill also dive into the performance and misconceptions surrounding ESG investing, comparing the returns of Vanguard’s ESG Investment Index (ESGV) with the Vanguard 500 Index. They break down the ethical considerations in industries like for-profit prisons and worker safety, and take a closer look at the growing prominence of responsible investing in Western Europe.

Listen and Learn:

• How corporate responsibility has evolved and influenced the rise of ESG investing
• Why ethical supply chains are both a moral and financial necessity for businesses
• The performance of ESG funds versus traditional index funds
• Misconceptions about ESG investing, including its impact on industries like for-profit prisons
• How responsible investing is gaining traction in Western Europe and beyond

This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you align your investments with your values, navigate ethical considerations in finance, and make informed financial decisions that support both your goals and the greater good.
Resources:

• Learn more about William here
• Order William's book "Reversing the Rivers"

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1. Episode 238: Investing with Human Rights in Mind with William F. Schulz (00:00:00)

2. Evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility (00:00:01)

3. Performance of ESG Investing Strategies (00:10:54)