About W. David Prescott: is a licensed geologist and environmental consultant with over 30 years of experience balancing environmental responsibility and economic growth. He holds a Master’s in Environmental Science, an MBA, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Agricultural Science. His expertise spans groundwater protection, site remediation, and regulatory compliance across complex projects nationwide.
A firm believer in market-driven sustainability, Prescott advocates for capitalism and meritocracy as drivers of innovation and ecological progress. He serves on multiple boards, shaping policy at both the community and state levels. Through leadership and scholarship, Prescott demonstrates how environmental stewardship and economic vitality can thrive together.
About Michael Ashley: A former Disney story consultant, Michael is a screenwriting professor at Chapman University. He has written over twenty books on numerous subjects, including four bestsellers. He recently co-authored Own the A.I. Revolution: Unlock Your Artificial Intelligence Strategy to Disrupt Your Competition (McGraw Hill). The United Nations hosted the book launch at its AI for Good Global Summit in May. It has since been named by Soundview as one of 2019’s top business books. Michael also recently published It’s Saturday Morning: Celebrating the Golden Era of Cartoons (becker&mayer).
A columnist with Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Green Entrepreneur, Michael began his career as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian. He has been featured in Entertainment Weekly, the National Examiner, the United Nations’ ITU News, the Orange County Business Journal, and the Orange County Register. Michael serves as a professional speaker, delivering keynotes to business groups and guests on thought leader panels.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode explores the importance of curiosity and thoughtful dialogue when navigating complex global issues. By remaining open to learning and engaging with diverse perspectives, individuals and leaders can better understand the forces shaping the world around them.
In this Episode, We Discuss:
- Lifelong Learning & Purposeful Careers
- Environmental Policy & Business Strategy
- Technology, AI, and Ethical Oversight
- ESG, Carbon Credits & Emerging Risks
Conversation Takeaways
- Continuous learning and intentional career shifts can unlock deeper professional impact and personal fulfillment.
- Understanding local and state environmental regulations is essential for strategic decision-making and operational success.
- AI enhances productivity but raises critical concerns around surveillance, automated scoring, and loss of individual agency.
- Scrutinize ESG frameworks and carbon markets for hidden agendas, while staying informed about evolving environmental threats like microplastics and PFAs.
A Quote To Remember
“The key to having any career in creatives is just to keep your mind open to as many different ideas as possible.” – Michael Ashley
Check out their book, “Creative Destruction: How ESG Mandates Are Destroying Capitalism, Costing You Money, and Wrecking America.”
Light Bulb Moments – Episode 87
Unraveling ESG – A Critical Conversation on Global Power Dynamics with W. David Prescott and Michael Ashley
The Light Bulb Moment of This Episode
Growth begins with curiosity and open-mindedness. When you commit to learning, stay open to new perspectives, and reflect on your own experiences, small insights can shape major shifts in how you understand the world.
Light Bulb Moments & Reflections from the Episode
- Be a constant learner.
Read widely and often to deepen your understanding of complex topics.
- Use technology as a learning tool.
Technology can expand how we gather and process information.
- Stay curious about emerging tools like AI.
Engage with new technology thoughtfully and respectfully.
- Simple moments can change your direction.
A single class or conversation can influence an entire career path.
- Listen carefully and absorb ideas.
Small insights can create major shifts in perspective.
- Reflect on your own life experiences.
Personal experiences shape how you interpret and understand the world.
- Creativity can emerge from reflection.
Writing and thinking about your experiences can lead to new ideas.
- Keep your mind open.
Open-mindedness allows you to learn from different viewpoints.
- Diversity of thought strengthens understanding.
Different perspectives help us better understand complex issues.
- Environmental challenges are part of our evolving world.
Society continues to adapt as it addresses environmental concerns.
- Progress comes from continued discussion and learning.
Conversations about difficult topics help society evolve.
Connect with W. David Prescott:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/w-david-prescott-p-g-b1600714/
Connect with Michael Ashley:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelashleywriter/
Connect with Me:
Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/
Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw