“Net zero” is everywhere in today’s climate dialogue, but what does it truly mean for institutional investors? In this episode of Cambridge Conversations, we unpack the realities of climate impact investing—where ambition meets action.

Host and Investment Director Willis Wilson is joined by Dame Caroline Mason, Chief Executive Officer of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation (CA client), and Simon Hallett, Head of Climate Investing at Cambridge Associates. Together, they share how organizations can move from intention to implementation, channeling capital and influence to drive meaningful change.

We’ll discuss:

How Esmée Fairbairn Foundation aligns its mission and investments for climate impact
The importance of partnership and collaboration in tackling complex climate challenges
The value of progress over perfection in a rapidly evolving landscape
Practical steps for investors to start or further their net zero journey

Investment Leaders Exchange is intended for private families and institutional investors, and we invite CIOs, investment committee members, family principals, senior investment staff, and trustees to join us. Please note: Attendance is limited to clients and prospective clients of Cambridge Associates. There is no cost to attend, aside from travel expenses.

Cambridge Associates will also be hosting similar, shorter-format events in Singapore, Milan, and London in 2026, offering discussions on the key topics explored in Chicago. To learn more, email events@cambridgeassociates.com.

Cambridge Conversations is developed in partnership with PRX, an award-winning podcast media company.

Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm that works with endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, pension plans, and private clients to implement and manage custom investment portfolios that aim to generate outperformance and maximize their impact on the world. Cambridge Associates delivers a range of portfolio management services, including outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension, and asset class mandates.

Lessons in Climate Investing: The Journey of Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

Cambridge Conversations

Lessons in Climate Investing: The Journey of Esmée Fairbairn Foundation