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Taking a Look Inside Human Rights & Social Impact Consulting with Andrew - Ep 4

About the Podcast

This episode of the podcast features Andrew from KPMG's Banarra team discussing human rights and social impact consulting. Andrew shares his journey, the industry's key issues, and the role of technology and AI in promoting ethical practices.


Key Takeaways

  • Andrew was inspired to pursue a career in social impact consulting after learning about social justice issues like the Rana Plaza incident in Bangladesh during high school. He felt a responsibility to use his privilege to make a difference and found a path through organizations like KPMG Banarra.

  • The social impact and human rights consulting industry, under the ESG umbrella, focuses on environmental, social, and governance aspects. Businesses are increasingly expected to consider their impact on people and the planet, with stakeholders demanding ethical practices and social responsibility.

  • Key issues in human rights and social impact consulting include climate change, diversity and inclusion, indigenous rights, and responsible AI. Businesses are working to ensure a just transition, workplace equity, respect for Indigenous communities, and ethical AI governance.

  • Responsible AI practices are crucial to ensure ethical standards in the development and implementation of AI technologies. Andrew is focusing on responsible AI at KPMG Banarra to address these emerging challenges and maintain trust with clients and the community.

  • Creating accountability, structures, and processes ensures that AI solutions are developed and used responsibly to minimize potential harm. Teams are integrating their expertise into AI solutions to deliver impactful and innovative outcomes, potentially democratizing their work and scaling their impact.

  • Balancing ethics, morality, and the technical aspects of AI presents a significant opportunity for teams to make a positive impact. Leveraging their expertise and experience, they can scale their impact and contribute to the growing movement of ethical AI practices globally.

  • Starting as a graduate in consulting involves learning core consulting skills, engaging with clients, designing solutions, and eventually moving into a more strategic and innovative space. Graduates are expected to leverage skills acquired in university to engage with clients, analyze issues, and deliver meaningful insights and solutions.

  • For graduates entering the field of social impact and human rights consulting, key activities include leveraging research, analytical, and creative skills to uncover and address client problems. Balancing stakeholder considerations with the core objectives of social impact and human rights work is crucial.

  • The ESG movement is becoming common for clients, requiring a deep interest in business and human rights within the corporate context. A consultant needs a broad understanding of business operations, accounting, and finance, along with specialization and openness to new skills.

  • Social impact and human rights consulting focus on creating strategies that balance profit-making with positive impacts on people and the planet. This involves developing risk management approaches, governance structures, policies, and operationalizing strategies to create a sustainable impact.

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