Mauro Cunha: Governance and Board Experience from Brazil.

The podcast dives into corporate governance, ESG practices, the impact of activism and the Lava Jato scandal, highlighting the challenges and successes in ensuring transparency and ethics in Brazilian companies, particularly Petrobras and Vale. The discussion emphasizes the significance of independent directors, collaboration among investors, and active engagement by owners in promoting responsible and sustainable practices. Takeaways • Independent directors are essential for transparent and ethical corporate governance, protecting minority shareholders and promoting better ESG practices. • Activism has played a vital role in improving corporate governance and combating corruption in Brazil, with AMEC serving as a hub for investors to exercise their rights. • The Lava Jato corruption scandal highlighted the importance of protecting minority investors and the need for collaboration among institutional investors to effect change. • The backlash against ESG in the United States, driven by the decoupling between the US and China, poses challenges for companies embracing responsible mining practices. • Owner engagement is crucial for promoting ESG practices, as it enforces the sustainability clause in contracts and holds management accountable for considering long-term interests. • The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical landscape, particularly the influence of Chinese investments, have implications for Brazil's position in the global supply chain. • Independent directors face challenges such as conforming to majority opinions and balancing expertise with the need for diversity in backgrounds. • Corporate governance is essential for ensuring responsible and sustainable management, with a focus on the G (governance) in ESG. • Directors should be well-educated and informed on critical areas such as climate, cyber, and artificial intelligence.