Book 2, Post 1: Resilient

For Book 2, I chose to read "Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness" by Rick Hanson. At first, I was skeptical of "self-help" books, so I initially overlooked it. However, I decided to give this one a chance because I was drawn to the promise that the book offers evidence based on neuroscience to explain how these techniques actually change our brain chemistry.

This book promises tools to build resilience amid daily stress and life's inevitable challenges. From the introduction, I hope to learn how to heal from my past, cope with the present, and build a better, happier future - not just for myself, but to be at my best for others too. I'm looking for concrete techniques I can use during difficult times, as well as regular habits to maintain resilience when life throws curveballs.

I'm currently in the first section, "Recognizing," which begins with the chapter on Compassion. A quote from Rabbi Hillel really struck me: "If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? If not now, when?" This highlighted that while I could wait to develop these skills as I get older, building better habits will only become harder with time.

The Compassion chapter points out how we're often better at supporting others in their suffering than ourselves. But having empathy for our own struggles can be the first step toward addressing them. I especially appreciate how Dr. Hanson includes neuroscience reasoning throughout the book - this objective perspective makes the techniques more credible to me than typical self-help advice based solely on feelings or intangible benefits.

Overall, I'm finding value in this book and bookmarking key sections to revisit these techniques later.

*uploaded late after blog post got stuck in the drafts*

ADMP Investment Proposal

 Brambles Ltd Investment Proposal

TO: Clark Hansen, CEO, Anima Mundi Development Partners 

FROM: Tara Shinde, Research & Development

DATE: Wed Oct 16, 2024 

SUBJECT: Investment Opportunity: Brambles Ltd

As part of AMDP's Research and Development team, my job is to seek investments that balance profitability with social and environmental responsibility. I strongly recommend Brambles Ltd, a supply-chain logistics company whose sustainable, circular business model of reusable pallets and containers aligns with our investment criteria.

AMDP Standards 

Before I discuss Brambles Ltd, I want to reiterate the standards of AMDP when considering possible investments.

• Triple Bottom Line: AMDP evaluates a company using the TBL sustainability framework to measure a company's social, environmental, and financial impact. It focuses on three key areas: 

• “Profit” is the traditional measure comparing revenues and costs. 

• “People” takes into account the social responsibilities of the company – how it treats its employees, customers, and community. 

• “Planet” measures the company’s environmental awareness and what it does to protect the planet.

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): The CSR model is used to determine what initiatives businesses are taking to consider the environmental and social impacts of their decisions in order to reduce harm where possible, beyond just maximizing profit (HBR).

• Social Enterprise: A social enterprise is a business primarily aimed at addressing social issues. These enterprises prioritize social goals alongside profit, using their earnings to maximize improvements in societal and environmental well-being (Investopedia).  

• Carbon Footprint: 

• Carbon Footprint: A measure of total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from an entity's activities (Britannica). Companies track emissions across product lifecycles and operations (ClimateTrade). Reducing carbon footprints mitigates climate change while driving health benefits, energy security, and economic innovation through improved efficiency (ClimateTrade).

Brambles: Company Overview

Established in 1875, Brambles Ltd is an Australian supply-chain logistics company that operates the world's largest pool of reusable pallets and containers. Originally a butchery business, it evolved into a global logistics leader serving diverse sectors including consumer goods, food and beverage, automotive, and pharmaceuticals (Brambles). 

The company employs over 12,000 people and manages approximately 360 million pallets, crates, and containers through 750+ service centers across 60 countries, with primary operations in North America and Western Europe (CHEP).

Pioneer of the Sharing Economy: 

As pioneers of the sharing economy, Brambles' circular business model enables the share and reuse of pallets, crates, and containers across global supply chains (Brambles). This approach delivers operational and financial efficiencies while minimizing environmental impact, offering advantages that single-use alternatives cannot match. The company helps customers reduce waste and improve supply chain safety through its end-to-end logistics solutions.

Sustainability Strategy:

Brambles generates value through a ‘share and reuse’ model that leverages its scale, density and expertise to achieve superior operational efficiencies (Brambles). These efficiencies in turn generate cash flow that can either be returned to shareholders or reinvested in the business to fund growth, innovation, the development of its people and build a more resilient business. 

Brambles sustainability strategy organises the company’s sustainability activities and goals under three broad programs: Better Business; Better Planet; and Better Communities. 

Better Business:

• Customers: Brambles enables enhanced customer experiences and innovative supply chain solutions through digital transformation and collaborative partnerships (Brambles)

• Shareholders: Brambles generates strong cash flow through operational efficiency, delivering dividends and strategic reinvestment in growth. Additionally, it has a strong FY23 revenue of $6.35B USD with 19% profit growth (Brambles).

• Employees: Brambles maintains Global Top Employer status by focusing on employee development, workplace safety, and diversity, with a target of 40% women in its workforce (Brambles).

Better Planet: 

Brambles takes nature-positive action through its circular business model, targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. The company promotes forest regeneration through sustainable wood sourcing and advances zero waste initiatives through product repurposing and water stewardship (Brambles).

Better Communities: 

Brambles makes strives in creating value for their communities by collaborating with food banks, advocating for the education of 1 million people in circular economy, and commitments to developing natural and social capital accounting approaches. 

Industry Opinions on Brambles Ltd's Sustainability Practices:

Brambles has consistently received recognition for its sustainability efforts:

1. Retained the top spot in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for the Commercial Services & Supplies category in 2023, marking its tenth consecutive year as a DJSI World constituent (Dow Jones Sustainability World Index).

2. Ranked third most sustainable company globally in Corporate Knights' Global 100 index for 2023 (Yahoo Finance).

However, industry experts have noted challenges:

1. Balancing rising operational costs with sustainable practices (GlobalData).

2. Maintaining profitability amid fluctuating demand and global supply chain disruptions (GlobalData).

These perspectives highlight both Brambles' leadership in sustainability and the ongoing challenges of scaling sustainable practices within a resource-intensive industry.

Recommendation:

Following your directive to identify a potential investment that aligns with Anima Mundi Development Partners' commitment to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and profitability, I am pleased to recommend Brambles Ltd. As a global leader in supply chain logistics solutions, Brambles exemplifies our investment criteria through its innovative and sustainable business practices.

References:

About. (2024). Brambles Corporate Site. Retrieved October 22, 2024, from https://www.brambles.com/about

Brambles announces changes to CHEP Americas leadership. (2024). CHEP USA. Retrieved October 22, 2024, from https://www.chep.com/us/en/brambles-announces-changes-chep-americas-leadership

Brambles Limited (BXB.AX) Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Ratings. (2024). Yahoo Finance. Retrieved October 22, 2024, from https://au.finance.yahoo.com/quote/BXB.AX/sustainability/

Brambles Limited (BXB). (2018). GlobalData plc. ProQuest. https://libproxy.usc.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/reports/brambles-limited-bxb/docview/2214941646/se-2

Conservation International. (n.d.). What is a carbon footprint? Retrieved October 22, 2024, from https://www.conservation.org/stories/what-is-a-carbon-footprint

Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. (2024). S&P Dow Jones Indices. Retrieved October 22, 2024, from https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/sustainability/dow-jones-sustainability-world-index/#overview

Key Financials. (2024). Brambles Corporate Site. Retrieved October 22, 2024, from https://www.brambles.com/key-financials

Plasencia, J. (2022, August 18). The evolution of carbon footprint measurement. ClimateTrade. https://climatetrade.com/the-evolution-of-carbon-footprint-measurement/

Reducing emissions to lessen climate change would yield dramatic health benefits by 2030. (2021, November 30). Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet. https://climate.nasa.gov/news/3134/reducing-emissions-to-lessen-climate-change-would-yield-dramatic-health-benefits-by-2030/

Research, Z. E. (2024, August 28). What makes Brambles (BXBLY) a new strong buy stock. Yahoo. https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/makes-brambles-bxbly-strong-buy-160010387.html

Scott, M. (2023, January 18). The 100 most sustainable companies of 2023. Corporate Knights. https://www.corporateknights.com/rankings/global-100-rankings/2023-global-100-rankings/2023-global-100-most-sustainable-companies/

Selin, N. E. (2010, May 25). Carbon footprint. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/carbon-footprint

The Investopedia Team. (2014, September 25). Social enterprise: What it is, how it works, and examples. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/social-enterprise.asp

What is corporate social responsibility? 4 types. (2021, April 8). Business Insights Blog. https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/types-of-corporate-social-responsibility

ADMP Investment Proposal (First Draft): Brambles Ltd

 Below is a draft of the AMDP Investment Proposal assigment: 

TO: Clark Hansen, CEO, Anima Mundi Development Partners 

FROM: Tara Shinde, Research & Development

DATE: Wed Oct 16, 2024 

SUBJECT: Investment Opportunity: Brambles Ltd

My job as part of the Research and Development team here at AMDP is to find companies for AMDP to invest in. These companies should not only be financially profitable, but also socially and environmentally responsible. After extensive research, I highly recommend investing in Brambles Ltd.  

Overview (shorten): 

Brambles Ltd is a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, specializing in reusable pallets, crates, and containers. Their business model revolves around the circular economy, minimizing environmental impact through sustainable practices and regenerative supply chains. Brambles actively partners with companies across diverse sectors—such as consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture—providing eco-friendly solutions that reduce waste and carbon emissions. Their operations not only enhance efficiency and sustainability but also promote responsible consumption on a global scale.

In this memo, you will find the following:

• AMDP’s standards for investment

• The background, financials, and values of Brambles Ltd

• Critical appraisals of Brambles Ltd from industry sources

• My recommendation for why we should invest in Brambles Ltd

AMDP Standards

Before I discuss Brambles Ltd., I want to reiterate the standards of AMDP when considering possible investments.

• Triple Bottom Line: The Triple Bottom Line is a framework that encourages businesses to focus on three key areas:

1. Profit: The traditional measure of corporate profit and financial performance.

2. People: The impact a company has on its employees, customers, and the community.

3. Planet: The environmental responsibility and sustainability practices of the company.

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

• Corporate Social Responsibility is a self-regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. By practicing corporate social responsibility, companies can be conscious of the kind of impact they are having on all aspects of society, including economic, social, and environmental.

• Social Enterprise

• A social enterprise is an organization that applies commercial strategies to maximize improvements in financial, social and environmental well-being. This may include maximizing social impact alongside profits for external shareholders.

• Carbon Footprint

• What is a carbon footprint?

• A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions. It's usually measured in equivalent tons of CO2 per year.

• How do we measure it?

• A carbon footprint is a calculation of the amount of environmental harm that a business or organization inflicts on its surrounding area and the greater planet. It measures emissions of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and habitat destruction, expressed as “carbon dioxide equivalent” (source).

About Brambles Ltd

Background

Brambles Ltd, founded in 1875 in Australia, is a global leader in logistics and supply chain management, specializing in the pooling of reusable pallets, crates, and containers. Operating primarily under the CHEP brand, Brambles provides supply chain solutions to businesses across sectors like consumer goods, food and beverage, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. Their innovative model promotes a circular economy, helping companies reduce waste and improve operational efficiency by reusing durable materials.

Brambles aims to "create more sustainable supply chains that reduce waste and deliver life's essentials responsibly." Their commitment extends to regenerative supply chains, actively seeking to create positive impacts for both the environment and local communities.

Financials

In FY23, Brambles' total revenues reached $6.35 billion USD, reflecting 14% growth. This was driven by strategic price increases to cover inflation-related costs and expanded operations in key markets like the Americas and Asia-Pacific. While volume growth faced challenges due to pallet availability and shifting demand, Brambles retained major clients and secured new contracts in Latin America.

The company's focus on automation, asset durability, and digital solutions further strengthens its operational efficiency. Additionally, Brambles issued a €500 million green bond, becoming the first Australian company to align such a financial product with circular economy principles.

Industry Opinions on Brambles Ltd's Sustainability Practices

Brambles has consistently received recognition for its sustainability efforts:

1. Retained the top spot in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for the Commercial Services & Supplies category in 2023, marking its tenth consecutive year as a DJSI World constituent.

2. Ranked third most sustainable company globally in Corporate Knights' Global 100 index for 2023.

3. Issued a green bond designed to support circular economy initiatives, aligning financial and environmental goals.

However, industry experts have noted challenges:

1. Balancing rising operational costs with sustainable practices.

2. Maintaining profitability amid fluctuating demand and global supply chain disruptions.

These perspectives highlight both Brambles' leadership in sustainability and the ongoing challenges of scaling sustainable practices within a resource-intensive industry.

Recommendation: Invest in Brambles Ltd

Brambles Ltd is an ideal candidate for AMDP's investment, aligning with the principles of financial profitability, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility:

1. Financial Performance: Strong revenue of $6.35 billion USD in FY23 with profit growth of 19%, demonstrating resilience in a volatile market.

2. Environmental Leadership:

• Ranked first in its industry in the DJSI and third globally in the Corporate Knights' Global 100 index.

• Launched waste-positive initiatives, including recovering 10 million pallets and introducing post-consumer plastic platforms.

• Set ambitious sustainability goals, including reducing carbon emissions.

3. Social Responsibility:

• Aims to achieve a 40% female leadership ratio by 2025.

• Creates employment opportunities through environmental initiatives, such as forestry programs in underserved communities.

4. Innovation and Adaptation:

• Implementing automation and digital transformation initiatives to enhance long-term sustainability and profitability.

• Issued the first circular economy-focused green bond in Australia.

Despite challenges related to supply chain disruptions and rising operational costs, Brambles has proven its ability to adapt and innovate. By investing in Brambles, AMDP will support a global leader whose business model not only aligns with our mission but also generates tangible environmental and social impact.

Therefore, I strongly recommend that AMDP consider investing in Brambles Ltd.

Random Post 1: Lessons Learned from "Prisoners of Geography" by Tim Marshall

Have you ever wondered why certain countries seem destined for conflict while others enjoy relative peace? I was surprised to learn that the answer may lie beneath our feet... When it comes to geopolitics, much of what we are told is generated by pundits or news anchors, and other self-appointed experts who seemingly have neglected to refer to a map of the place in which they report on.

While reading "Prisoners of Geography," by Tim Marshall, I learned a lot about how the physical features of our planet, such as climates, seas, mountains, rivers, deserts, and borders, shape global politics in ways we rarely consider. I particularly chose this book for its relevance to our current global situation, and I was admittedly taken aback by how much I had yet to learn about this topic.

The book provides compelling answers to questions such as: Why has Russia historically been so concerned with buffer states? How has China's geography influenced its approach to maritime disputes? What role does the Mississippi River play in the United States' economic dominance? Why has Africa struggled with nation-building despite its resource wealth? How has the lack of navigable rivers affected the Middle East's development?

Here are some interesting things I have read so far:

United States:
I feel like I am late to learning this, but I found it interesting that the reason that the US, bordered by two oceans & with a mass of land well suited for various agricultural and mining endeavors, grew quickly to become the world's biggest economic power, then maritime power, then military force not to be reckoned with. I thought that was interesting because it highlights how geographical advantages can translate into global influence and power, shaping a nation's trajectory on the world stage.

Africa:
Additionally, I also found it interesting that many of the ethnic conflicts between Sudan, Somalia, Angola, Kenya, Congo, bear the weight of Europeans' lack of understanding of African geography and ignorance over its cultural diversity since they drew artificial borders without considering the complex tapestry of ethnic groups, languages, and historical territories. This oversight has led to ongoing tensions and conflicts, demonstrating the long-lasting impact of geographical decisions made by outsiders.

Europe:

Also another interesting lesson was that Europe is possibly the continent where most nations were created following geographical patterns. The continent's diverse landscape, from mountain ranges to river systems, has played a crucial role in shaping individual countries' development and their relationships with neighbors. This geographical diversity has influenced everything from economic growth to cultural identities across Europe.

Russia-Ukraine:

Additionally, reading about Russia and Ukraine was interesting as it provided a deeper understanding of the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. The book shed light on Russia's historical concerns about its western borders, its strategic interest in Crimea, and its military posture - all of which are deeply rooted in geographical considerations. This perspective offered insights that went beyond the typical media coverage, illustrating how geography continues to shape modern conflicts and international relations.

Final Thoughts:
While, “Prisoners of Geography” is a good read for understand the geography of geopolitics, I understand it is also important to note that geography is only one factor of international relations (IR), and there also other factors of power in IR that should not be overlooked: tech advances, chemical research, strategic planning, etc can shape the power balance as well.

Overall, I felt this book was a good way to expand on the theory that geography determines destiny and how it can fit with the theory of inclusive vs extractive institution, I am interested in reading more about the deeper history and factors of IR once I finish. I give this book a 9/10 for lessons learned and for style of writing that made seemingly complex topics easier for one to understand.

Book 1, Post 2: Love Loss and What We Ate by Padma Lakshmi

“Love, Loss, and What We Ate”, by Padma Lakshmi,

While I haven’t fully finished reading the memoir “Love, Loss, and What We Ate”, by Padma Lakshmi, the majority that I have read so far has been interesting, to say the least. I chose this book because Padma and I come from similar Indian backgrounds, with the difference that Padma was born in Chennai, in South India, and me being born in the US, and my family is from Pune (near New Delhi) in North India. Padma Lakshmi, model, actor, tv host, wife, lover, daughter of immigrants, and mother, was extremely candid and vulnerable in her memoir. While reading this book, I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. Overall, I enjoyed this book but I am critical of some parts. While I found myself often relating to her experiences as a South Asian, intrigued by her modeling and acting career, I frequently experienced frustration with her decisions in her romantic relationships and outlook on her seemingly thriving modeling career. 

The Good: 

One thing I particularly enjoyed about this memoir was reading about Padma’s experiences growing up as a South Asian in the United States and her vivid descriptions of her cooking, particularly of Indian food. I could relate to a lot of what she covered as many of our experiences overlapped, particularly those where she described her experiences with the extreme diversity of living in both Southern California and New York, as well as the embarrassment of our given names, as she went by “Angelique” instead of Padma at school, and I would hate when my parents would call my name in front of my friends– yelling “Tharra” in their Indian accident instead of  “Tahra” as Americans might say. 

I also enjoyed all the themes of food and her love for cooking, which came up throughout the book, with 10s of recipes dispersed throughout the book whenever a specific dish was mentioned. I don’t see myself making homemade yogurt anytime soon, but after reading her vivid description of the sounds, smells, and tastes of other traditional Indian recipes and feeling of nostalgia when describing dishes that my own mother and grandmother cooked for me as a child, I do feel somewhat compelled to return to the book to make the Kumquat chutney, if I ever get my hands on the ingredients. 

The Bad:

I was excited to read about her career as a model, chef, and actor, which was filled with opportunities that some girls dream of, I was disappointed in how she valued the opportunities she was given, often recounting feelings of boredom for modeling and resentment towards being a judge on top chef because of her weight gain, referring to this role on the show as a “pact with the devil”. 

I thought her experiences in Europe were exciting since I didn't have a chance to study abroad during my time at USC; however, the way she seemingly valued her modeling career, being confronted with the harsh realities of the industry, was slightly dissatisfying since she acted naive to what she signed up for. 

The Ugly: 

This naivety continued as a theme throughout her book, mostly coming up in the recounts of her romantic relationships. As mentioned in my previous blog post, the book starts with her tumultuous marriage with famous author Salman Rushdie. They were madly in love, or at least she was; however, it soon became clear that the challenges and unmet expectations of both parties, given her medical condition, made it difficult to fulfill the biological “needs” of her husband and her developing career as a TV show host that her husband made clear that he disapproved of. 

I noticed misogynistic themes throughout these first few chapters, in that she felt insecure when Rushdie’s fellow accomplished authors would attend dinner parties, but since she felt that she had nothing to offer or contribute to the conversation, she would stay in the kitchen until their conversations were over for the night. It also showed her extreme naivety in her pursuit of romantic partners with Rushdie and also two additional romances with Rick Schwartz and Teddy Forstmand, who she dated at the same time, in that she didn’t see all the red flags in the beginning. *Spoiler Alert*: She divorces Rushdie and ends up having an unplanned pregnancy with one of her suitors. 

Reflections:

My takeaway from what I have read so far is that Padma is naive, although she retrospectively experiences some insights and engages in candid reflections. She also seems ungrateful for the opportunities given to her, complaining that she wants to be taken seriously and more than just a pretty face, however doesn't value the opportunities that her modeling career afforded her. I also felt that the writing was “overcooked,” no pun intended, in that her recounts of her childhood seemed overindulged, and I often found myself wondering whether or not a ghostwriter was actually behind this memoir. 

I would recommend this book to certain individuals, specifically to South Asians who can relate to her story as a South Indian growing up in the US and to those who could learn from the lessons of her relationships. I also believe anyone who reads this book will gain a lot of insight into the South Asian experience since her vivid imagery of living in India and cooking traditional dishes is enough for anyone to understand the complexities of these experiences. 

Hopefully, when I finish this book, I will get some closure on her full life story, but so far I left off in one of her many recounts of her childhood. Overall, I would rate this book a 6/10.