ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) has been elevated in recent corporate discourse in an unprecedented way as investors, consumers, regulators, and other stakeholders have become increasingly aware of the role corporations can and do play in advancing (or impeding) environmental and social objectives across supply and value chains. While many ESG factors can seem rather subjective, the risks are very concrete. Both governmental and non-governmental organizations are working to provide more objective, credible metrics of a company’s performance in terms of ESG policies and actions. Moreover, the court of public opinion is as demanding as ever. Companies that find themselves out of step or overly optimistic may face punishing reputational consequences and existential litigation risk. On top of all that, a nascent anti-ESG movement is building, calling into question the motives behind companies’ proactive efforts. This presentation will provide an overview of the foundational ESG principles and accelerating key trends young leaders should understand.