Poetry of Impact: Recent Episodes

Gino Borges

Poetry of Impact brings to life the ebb and flow inherent on the path of impact, illuminating the interior journey of the hearts and minds of today’s top leaders in impact. Here, you’ll hear the intimate stories of those who push forward to overcome self-limitations and societal barriers to co-create a world where, one day, all people and planet can thrive together.

Join us on the Poetry of Impact podcast as we welcome Kate Nevin, President and Portfolio Manager of TSWII, and Kate Horin, VC at H/L Ventures and City Rock Venture Partners. These two impact investors have a shared mission to promote diverse founders and portfolio managers in the investment space, and in this episode, they share their parallel paths to impact investing, despite their different backgrounds, and their hopeful outlook on diversity. We talk about the importance of bringing multidimensionality into your career (and the toxicity of work as identity) as well as the power of finding like-minded individuals and building a supportive community. Both Kates share their insights into how they stay motivated and support one another in their mission and why fostering diversity needs to be a collective effort. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with two women pouring their whole selves into making a difference.

Karine Sarkissian is a founding partner at Tamar Capital, a single-family office based between the Middle East, the UK, and the US. She co-founded Le Studio as a part of Tamar capital to actively support portfolio companies and investors through design. In this episode, Karine talks about exploring her identity and finding her voice through art. She tells us about the endless possibilities that can arise when design and art are integrated with impact. She also shares how she and her brothers are transforming the family legacy through the family office and how she works to maintain balance in the everyday.

Dr. Renee Lertzman is a pioneer and leader at the intersection of psychology, climate and environment. Renee is a climate psychologist on a mission to infuse as much literacy about the complexity of the human psyche, particularly paired with our present-day challenges in climate. In this episode, you’ll hear how Renee places emphasis on cultivating alignment and accessing our internal resources as we navigate living in an ever-changing world amid ecological crises.

Josef Abramowitz is the CEO of Gigawatt Global, a green energy impact platform building solar fields in some of the world’s poorest countries. He has been named one of the planet’s top Green Pioneers by CNN and nominated by 12 African countries for the Nobel Peace Prize for his solar work. In this episode, Josef takes us along for some of his wildest adventures, illustrating just how much he is willing to risk in order to make the most impact for the most impoverished communities around the world. He reminds us of the urgency to address climate change at full-force and gives us proof that change is possible even right now in the present.

Chintan Panchal is a Founding Partner of RPCK, a global boutique law firm that integrates the foundations of impact into its practice. In this episode, Chintan talks about a third-dimension of resources that extends beyond time and money – life energy. He questions how we can harness and apply our life energy in intentional ways through passion and purpose. Chintan grounds his work by staying close to the qualitative effects on those around him and finds his life energy is regenerative when involved in meaningful enterprises.

Tom & Alden Stoner are a collaborative father & daughter team who together lead Nature Sacred, an organization that builds urban sanctuaries that reduce stress, improve health, and strengthen communities. Tom is the Co-Founder and Alden is the CEO of Nature Sacred. In this episode, Tom & Alden tell the story of Nature Sacred’s evolution over the last few decades and how they anchor their success in ‘joy.’ It’s obvious in this conversation that their shared passion for elevating the human spirit enriches their relationship as father and daughter as well as the many, many others whom their work has touched.

Sam Adams, CEO and co-founder ofVert Asset Management, shares the entanglement of his love for the natural world and his joint desire for efficiency and justice. Sam talks about writing his first book, raising a family, and finding deep purpose in his work in sustainable investing. He believes that bringing people closer to more palpable experiences of climate change will be the ultimate game changer in shifting capital towards solutions. What’s apparent in this conversation is that Sam is committed to sustainability at every level of his life, from his day-to-day micro-actions to his macro-work in impact investing.

Jenna Nicholas, CEO of Impact Experience, has always had a strong connection with spirit and this connection has continued to be a through line in her life and in her work in race inequality. She talks about the importance of integrating individuals’ stories and the broader socio-cultural context with data to ground our understanding of historical and present injustices. Jenna hopes to bring more people and organizations face-to-face with the realities of social and race injustices and to have their own visceral experiences that could then inform our current narrative.

Aunnie Patton Power is the founder of Intelligent Impact. Aunnie is a reformed investment banker whose work is now solely focused on impact as academic, an author, an advisor and an angel investor. In this episode, Aunnie talks about transitioning to and building a life close to impact in South Africa. She shares her insights into what’s holding us back and how we might actualize our goals of revolutionizing the impact space. Aunnie has a unique and successful approach that’s highlighted in her first book called Adventure Finance.

Aaron & Andrea Lee-Zucker are both deeply dedicated to self-work and helping others access their own regenerative energy. Aaron is the Founder & CEO of collab.health where he’s into biohacking & coaching. Andrea is a coach, artist, activist, and impact investor on a journey to live with love and creativity in every layer of life. Between their many shared projects and individual endeavors, Aaron & Andrea illustrate their own capacity to drop into the invisible world to manifest a balanced, optimal life experience and invite us to do the same!

Euler Bropleh, Founder of VestedWorld, brings us a story unlike anything we’ve heard on The Poetry of Impact Podcast so far. Though we all have our reasons for choosing impact, Euler’s journey to impact is uniquely rooted in his home country in Africa and the direct experience of hardship during his upbringing in Liberia during its first civil war. If not for an intuitive decision by his mother, Euler’s life could have taken a drastically different path. Euler talks about immigrating to the US and his desires, along with the limitations, of serving his home country. He details his transition from politics to impact investing and shares his wisdom for those seeking to enter the impact space.

Rachel Robasciotti, Founder & CEO of Adasina, takes us through her experiences as a Black woman in America. She shares stories of tragedy and segregation in her youth as well as her personal successes in overcoming multiple-systems failure to graduate at 15 and go to college. She talks about the history of slavery, forced arbitration and police violence and illustrates how she skillfully integrates her attunement to truth to turn finance into a tool of cooperation in service of those who need it most.

Bec & Adam Milgrom, Co-Founders of Tripple Ventures, talk all about sibling dynamics in the workspace and how their shared goals in impact amplify their familial relationships. Adam & Bec tell us about the immense feelings of responsibility, urgency, uncomfortableness and simultaneous joy in their roles of guiding capital. By deploying all the tools in their boxes, Adam & Bec take very practical yet immediate action to solve the most urgent issues we face today. They remind us that we don’t have to have all of the answers to start making a difference.

James Sternlicht, CEO & Founder of The Peace Department, shares what it’s like to grow up with privilege and he uses his circumstances to bring about positive change for others and the planet. James has a unique way of looking at the world as he integrates his interests with impact and seeks larger-scale, more permanent solutions as opposed to the fragmentation he sees in the market.

Reetu & Suraj Gupta, brother and sister duo, run the Easton’s Group of Hotels, Canada’s largest private hotel development firm and an early stage venture fund: Rogue Insights. The two share stories of growing up Indian in Canada with their successful entrepreneurial parents. They talk about the family dynamics involved in reshaping the family business to be sustainable and successful through multiple generations and the role of integrating impact at all levels in their company. Reetu & Suraj both share a wild, palpable spirit for entrepreneurship that comes through in this episode.

Oliver Libby, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of H/L Ventures, takes us on a tour of his optimistically skeptical mind, stringing together his family’s history in medicine and science, tales of late antiquity and modern-day stories of human connection. Not only does Oliver have a brilliant way of looking at the world, he is greatly skilled in applying the appropriate tools to bring real change to individuals and communities. Oliver brings openness, authenticity and, most of all, heart into his life and work.

Jill Soffer, Co-Founder of Banking for Climate, offers up deep reflections on how her upbringing amidst a unique family structure, the loss of her mother in her teenage years and her experiences in nature have informed her path over the years, leading to the co-creation of Banking for Climate. She further outlines what needs to happen in these conversations around banking, fossil fuels, and climate so we can amplify the movement to critical mass. Jill shows up with a fierce femininity committed to caring for Earth and all its inhabitants.

In this episode, Jill talks about:

Her family dynamics growing up
Finding herself by exploring her interests & making decisions for herself
Taking actions that feel authentic to her
How the experience of her mother’s passing influenced her sense of time
Her close relationship with Nature carried on from her childhood
The importance of using one’s voice as power
Banking for Climate and how the initiative works

Resource Links

Banking for Climate an initiative of high net-worth individuals and families asking our banks to stop financing fossil fuel expansion
NEXUS uniting next gen philanthropists, impact investors, and social entrepreneurs to bring about the most promising global solutions of our generation

Will Weisman, Founder of KittyHawk Ventures, talks about his hunger for success early in his career and how this hunger has transformed through self-work over the last decade. He shares his journey to find contentment, neutrality and a sense of enoughness while still remaining highly engaged and excited about his work in venture capital. Will is an exemplification of how the work we do each day to make the world a better place simultaneously works on us to become our best selves.

In this episode, Will talks about:

The constant dance of finding balance [2:06]
His desire to become a healthier, better version of himself [6:30]
Setting aside his own agenda to connect with people as ‘people’ first [11:35]
The existential threats to humanity and opportunities to improve quality of life [16:00]
His approach to exploring and learning cutting-edge topics [22:41]
Singularity University [27:31]
Moving from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance for all [31:06]

Resource Links

KittyHawk Ventures investing in early stage companies that are solving hard technical problems to create sustainable, high growth businesses
Singularity University helping leaders adapt to a world of accelerating change and empower them to leverage tech to improve the lives of one billion people over the next five years
NEXUS uniting next gen philanthropists, impact investors, and social entrepreneurs to bring about the most promising global solutions of our generation

Milo Runkle, founder of Mercy for Animals, takes us on a journey through the many pivotal moments that have shaped his present thinking. From finding his voice in animal activism and the passing of his mother to transformation through plant medicine and stepping down from the board of Mercy for Animals, Milo offers deep insights around spiritual healing, identity, and connection that naturally energizes and excites the heart.

In this episode, Milo talks about:

The origins of his connections to the natural world and his empathy for other non-human beings[1:40]
His exposure to animal rights activism in his youth and choosing to take a stand to say ‘We can do better for animals’ [4:00]
The spiritual wound of his mother’s passing in his late teens [9:27]
The difference between activism triggered by anger or triggered by love [15:07]
Addressing trauma through plant medicine & ceremony [21:50]
The birthing of Mercy for Animals & The Good Food Institute [28:20]
Stepping down from leading organizations & diving into his entrepreneurial spirit [31:00]
What’s at the heart of his activism [35:18]

Resource Links

Mercy for Animals dedicated to eradicating this cruel food system and replacing it with one that is not just kind to animals but essential for the future of our planet and all who share it
The Good Food Institute a nonprofit working internationally to accelerate alternative protein innovation
NEXUS uniting next gen philanthropists, impact investors, and social entrepreneurs to bring about the most promising global solutions of our generation

Winston Ibrahim, Founder and CEO of Hydros, shares his perspectives on how innovations in health and wellness have the power to positively impact human potential. Winston talks about his relationship with water and single-use plastics and opens up about his deep desire to pursue his own passions amidst familial pressure. He emphasizes the importance of simplicity when it comes to health and wellness and reminds us that ‘biohacking’ is really nothing new. Winston leaves us with the wisdom of how to be our best selves in today’s sometimes overstimulating world.

In this episode, Winston talks about:

The series of events that led him to founding Hydros [2:08]
Making ice baths a part of his wellness routine [3:50]
The origins and the ‘why’ of biohacking [8:37]
Diverging from traditional finance and forging his own path [14:41]
His focus to scale health and wellness innovations as an activist investor [17:10]
“The Lazy Environmentalist” [26:45]
The role of trust and intuition in work relationships [35:53]
Bringing your most authentic self to life [40:53]

Resource Links

Hydros an innovative water filtration startup seeking to eradicate single-use plastics
Morozko Forge Ice Baths a life-changing improvement in your personal health
NEXUS uniting next gen philanthropists, impact investors, and social entrepreneurs to bring about the most promising global solutions of our generation

Marcus Whitney, Founding Partner of Jumpstart Health Investors, synthesizes his life experiences from raising his two children, practicing martial arts, being Black in America and establishing himself as an innovator in healthcare venture capital. Marcus shares the many transitions that have led him to more long-term thinking, recognizing that big visions take time. He naturally weaves the principles of martial arts into his work and offers insight into how our society can rewrite the narratives around inequality, politics, and business.

In this episode, Marcus talks about:

This transitional moment in his life towards longer-term thinking [3:40]
The experience of raising his sons and reflecting on the feeling of time [5:05]
His perspectives as a Black American [11:30]
His attraction to work with solutions-oriented people [18:56]
The intersection of technology and healthcare [28:04]
Crafting our societal narrative around technology [34:00]
His vision of the not-so-distant future and how to get there [44:50]

Resource Links

Marcuswhitney.com Learn more about Marcus’s past and present endeavors in investing, writing, speaking, and creating
Create and Orchestrate Marcus’s latest book on demystifying what keeps people from pursuing entrepreneurship
NEXUS uniting next gen philanthropists, impact investors, and social entrepreneurs to bring about the most promising global solutions of our generation

Jochen Wermuth, co-founder of Wermuth Asset Management, brings a level of depth and honesty on how environmental policy directly affects individuals. He shares the stories of growing up near Chernobyl and later his experiences in Northern Russia amidst an oil spill. Jochen shares his pain-points in the impact world and the candid conversations he has with his children about allocating their inheritance to impact. Jochen has a deep desire to make an impact in all areas of his life and to be the most effective he can be through a life of honesty and modesty.

In this episode, Jochen talks about:

How environment policy had a big impact on the individuals near the Chernobyl Disaster [1:39]
His eye-opening visit to Northern Russia in 2011 that led to a realization that oil has a way of killing people in a brutal fashion [4:50]
Failure in the early years of impact investing [8:45]
The pain points of impact investing, particularly his disappointment in human nature [12:20]
Paying the cost of climate change and his desire to scale thinking around climate solutions [21:10]
Candid conversations with his children around the future of their inheritance [24:30]
Becoming more effective by living modestly [28:31]
His negative perceptions of the rich and wealthy based on his German heritage [30:00]

Resource Links

Wermuth Asset Management Asset management with a focus on high risk-adjusted financial returns alongside positive environmental impact
Greenpeace Using non-violent creative action to pave the way towards a greener, more peaceful world, and to confront the systems that threaten our environment
Fridays for Future A youth-led and -organized movement to protest against the lack of action on the climate crisis

Sheri Sobrato, a member of the Sobrato Family Foundation, and her husband, Eric Brisson, share how their early experiences in life have shaped their goals in impact. Sheri details her life as a young adult, regularly in and out of hospitals, as she was diagnosed with a brain tumor in her early 20s. Eric talks about his upbringing in the outdoors and how his reverence for the natural world propels him to take action. The two discuss how they integrate emotional intelligence into their relationship, their parenting, and their investments.

In this episode, Sheri & Eric talk about:

Sheri’s experiences of young adulthood coping with a brain tumor [2:46]
Building emotional intelligence to help young people to feel, express, and find a passion [12:05]
Sheri & Eric’s different approaches to emotional intelligence within their own family [15:00]
The need for tools and guidance along the path of self-discovery [19:30]
Directly connecting with nature in order to better one’s behavior towards the planet [23:00]
Teaching children emotional intelligence through constant exposure to different experiences [27:44]
Framing decisions based on adaptability and flexibility, knowing that it’s okay for things to change [32:50]
Taking action without being paralyzed by fear or doubt [33:00]

Resource Links

The Sobrato Organization a family dedicated to creating and sustaining a strong and vibrant Silicon Valley community and to inspiring current and future generations to steward family resources in service of others
Shadow’s Edge the first free self-help mobile game designed for teens and young adults to tap into their healing power of self-expression

SV2 a community of more than 200 individuals and families who have come together to learn about effective giving and pool our resources to support innovative social ventures

Ron & Marty Cordes, Founders of The Cordes Foundation, share their journey of transforming their conventional portfolio to 100% impact investing and philanthropy. Both Ron and Marty detail the origins of their desire to extend the use of their traditional finance skills to directly help those in need. The couple talk about encouraging and integrating family and children into the impact process by exposing them to age-appropriate philanthropy and by including them into the decision making process. They share their excitement about the millennial generation engaging deeply in impact.

In this episode, Ron & Marty talk about:

How they met in college at Cal Berkeley over a philanthropic cause [5:10]
The catalyst for forming a foundation based around social enterprises and economic opportunities for women [6:25]
The road from a 100% conventional portfolio to a 100% impact portfolio [12:11]
Helping their daughter develop impact interests of her own through exposure [15:53]
The dance of integrating their daughter’s passions around sustainable fashion into the Foundation [19:00]
Marty’s first-hand experience of gender inequality at a traditional BBQ in Africa [24:45]
Ron’s eye-opening interaction that formed the basis for why he has dedicated his work to impact and philanthropy [29:30]
How to encourage children to be a part of the philanthropic and impact goals as a family [38:35]

Resource Links

Cordes Foundation connecting social entrepreneurs with the resources they need, convening events to strengthen the ecosystems of impact investing and social entrepreneurship, and catalyzing 100% of our balance sheet for impact.

Brent Kessel, co-founder and CEO of Abacus Wealth Partners, explores his motivation for excess and his quest for the origins of the desire for more. Brent details his personal, never-ending journey towards enough - enough capital, enough time, enough work, enough energy. He openly shares his somatic experiences of attachment, loss, and aging, feeling into the truth of his own impermanence. Brent encourages humble curiosity around the myth of scarcity.

In this episode, Brent talks about:

The origins of his quest for enoughness [4:30]
His present inquiry into enough “time” [5:53]
Leveling off his consumption and quantifying the surplus to be used for the benefit of others [8:23]
Feeling older than expected and the implications of pushing too hard [11:00]
Processing the loss of his father and a shifting perspective of time [15:50]
How no amount of money can bring permanent security [22:22]
Imbibing the truth of impermanence [23:41]
The role of vulnerability in building trust [30:00]
Heeding a friend’s advice to never resist a generous impulse [39:10]

Resource Links

Abacus Wealth Partners a $3 billion impact wealth management firm whose mission is to expand what’s possible with money.
The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life by Boyd Varty
Executive Coaching with Aiko Bethea, RARE Coaching & Consulting
Toniic a global community of asset owners seeking deeper positive net impact across the spectrum of capital

The Lion Tracker's Guide To Life

Jennifer Kenning, CEO & co-founder of Align Impact, openly shares her experiences with loss and how these painful experiences have transformed her day-to-day work. With a recognition of the finitude of time, she delves into what is truly worthy of her time and energy. Jennifer reflects on her past addiction to “time” that is now guided by a connection with the inner voice guiding her to slow down and enjoy the journey. Jennifer applies this deep self-knowledge to impact investing, encouraging the collective to embrace inclusivity and remember that human relationships are at the center of impact.

In this episode, Jennifer talks about:

Diving deeper into her own spirituality and preparing for her bat mitzvah at a later stage in life [2:17]
How she intentionally builds in self-care practices to her busy schedule [3:50]
The loss of a dear friend and how this experience called her deeper into her spiritual practices [9:10]
Her reflections as a result of knowing the finitude of time [15:12]
Deciphering what is worthy of her time and welcoming wisdom from those who have come before [17:30]
How she balances her work in impact with other non-goal-oriented activities [20:40]
The evolution of the impact space and encouraging a people-centered, inclusive ecosystem [33:06]

Resource Links

Align Impact a female-founded, owned, led and majority-staffed, asset management advisory, specializing in co-creating and implementing impact investing strategies with individuals, families, institutions, and advisors

Matthew Weatherley-White, Co-Founder of Caprock Group, details his early disillusionment with traditional investment firms that operated solely for financial profit. It’s evident that Matthew’s path is well-guided by a deep self-awareness. Matthew ponders the existential liberation of always wanting more, deep-rooted emotional responses to money, and how capitalism just might save us all.

In this episode, Matthew talks about:

Realizing socially responsible investing mirrored his own impact intentions [6:03]
Finding traditional investment firms viewed clients as revenue streams [9:42]
Growing weary of expanding his firm by sacrificing all his time and focus [14:26]
Helping families find alternative metrics to measure financial success [19:15]
Optimism that socially responsible investing is the future of capitalism [29:49]
Assisting families to navigate values-aligned investing [37:26]
Achieving peak professional productivity during a personal sabbatical [46:33]

Resource LinksCaprock is an SEC-registered investment firm providing objective financial advice to families and individuals

iPAR maintains a database of impact-oriented investments to provide transparency and assist investors in creating values-aligned portfolios

Tim Ring talks about his transition from CEO of a large medical technology company to co-founding TeamFund, catalyzed by an inquiry from his wife who asked “How do you feel that more than half of the world does not have access to the medical technology you make?” He tells us of the dissonance he felt as a human being and what’s expected as a company CEO which further motivated him to utilize his many years of expertise in business to chip away at the barriers to healthcare technology access in low-resource communities. Underlying all this, Tim’s story illustrates how our life partners can help us reveal a much greater purpose beyond ourselves.

In this episode, Tim talks about:

His motives for being in the healthcare industry [2:22]
Internal dissonance of what feels right as a human being versus what’s expected as a company CEO [5:15]
Taking a listening tour with his wife to find the gaps of healthcare access in low-resource communities [7:19]
How TeamFund works as a for-profit organization that invests in commercialized med-tech [12:14]
The need for med-tech in developing communities where doctors and nurses are not plentiful [15:10]
Opening the aperture to see existing gaps in access [23:25]
TeamFund’s mentorship program to match experts with companies facing strategic challenges [30:29]
Disarming cultural resistance though training [33:10]
How he is finding fulfillment in his role at TeamFund without profiting financially [38:49]

Resource Links

TeamFund expanding access to affordable, appropriate and sustainable medical technologies that address unmet health needs in the world’s most resource constrained populations

Nicole Systrom, a climate-change advocate and founder of Sutro Energy Group, details her advocacy efforts to tackle climate issues. Influenced by childhood visits to Yosemite National Park, she has become a messenger and advocate for Nature. She discusses how becoming a mother has caused her to reframe her thoughts on conservation, now viewing the climate crisis through the lens of human impact. Nicole insists the time is now to create positive change through climate-focused application of philanthropy, policy, and investing.

IN THIS EPISODE, NICOLE TALKS ABOUT

Identifying philanthropy’s role in environmental conservation [2:40]
Founding Sutro Energy Group to advocate for climate solutions [5:30]
Finding motivation in climate change’s threat to humans [8:31]
Optimism that coordinated climate efforts can yield solutions [14:24]
Strategies to funnel capital toward climate goals most effectively [23:07]
Remaining motivated while working to combat pervasive climate issues [33:06]

RESOURCE LINKS

Sutro Energy Group consults with climate innovators and philanthropists to articulate and meet their environmental impact goals
Energy Action Fund advocates for climate-forward policy and clean energy solutions

Amy Novogratz, Founder & Managing Partner of AquaSpark, fervidly details her vision to disrupt the fastest growing food industry in the world, aquaculture. She talks about the need for clarity around where our food comes from, especially in the aquaculture industry where, currently, the whole sector is out of sight. Amy seeks to realize the greatest potential in an industry that can be revolutionary to our food systems if care and transparency are embedded in every layer of production from feed and disease to technology. Amy’s passion, innovation, and creativity are at the core of her efforts to restore and reinvigorate an industry that has been long overlooked.

In this episode, Amy talks about:

Why the ocean & the urgency [2:40]
Digging deeper into aquaculture to find an industry in need of transformation at all levels [7:00]
What investing in aquaculture looks like from disease management to feed to technology [9:23]
Utilizing data to transform the industry where little to no data existed before [12:25]
The food chain: what are you eating when you eat farmed fish [17:02]
Limited benchmarks in understanding the relationship between climate change and aquaculture [22:50]
Bridging the gap of “disconnect” with the ocean [29:21]

Resource Links

AquaSpark developing an optimal aquaculture food system by investing in companies all along the aquaculture value chain working to solve industry challenges
eFishery an aquaculture intelligence company

Natasha & Alex Lamb eloquently dance back and forth about their beginnings as a couple together focused on sustainability. They each share stories of their youth that inevitably established the roots of impact and how their present partnership, personally and professionally, fuels their ability to fearlessly confront power for positive change.
IN THIS EPISODE, NATASHA & ALEX TALK ABOUT

Shifting paths and transitioning to sustainability as together as a couple [3:04]
Their role models who have greatly influenced their journey [10:57]
Discerning doubt and criticism in impact investing [19:54]
Their respective upbringings that influenced their choices to make a life of impact [25:50]
Facing their own barriers and paving a new path to move beyond those limitations [31:00]
The drive to confront power for positive change [34:12]
Their complementary professional and personal relationship as a catalyst [38:16]

RESOURCE LINKS

Arjuna Capital Asset management for high net-worth individuals, families and foundations to create a suite of sustainable investments that makes sense to and for the client
New Summit Investments Private market impact investment products
Threshold Foundation A multi-generational membership organization devoted to aligning our resources with our values while fostering a fertile training ground for the full and authentic expression of passions and purpose

Lisa Renstrom, Founder of ValuesAdvisor, details her adventures that led her down the path of impact. She shares her core values of building meaningful, authentic relationships and energizing money for good. Lisa explores intentionality over profit in her role helping others get to the root of “enoughness.” She encourages investors of every level to actively pursue financial opportunities that speak peace to their hearts and minds.

In this episode, Lisa talks about:

Her acquisition of financial resources that gives her the responsibility and privilege of being an impact investor [2:29]
Successfully campaigning to move billions of dollars out of the fossil fuel industry [8:27]
Moving beyond the typical transactional experience of financial advising to manifest deeper relationships with ValuesAdviors [12:17]
The power of money as an energy source for making good happen [19:01]
Exploring intentionality and enoughness [25:29]
Inviting everyone to sleep better at night by investing in things they are proud of [30:37]

Resource Links

ValuesAdvisor A curated collection of financial professionals suggested by peers in impact and philanthropic affinity groups who meet key values-aligned investing criteria
Invest for Better A nonprofit campaign on a mission to help women demystify impact investing, take control of their capital, and mobilize their money for good
Divest Invest A global network of individuals and organizations united in the belief that by using our collective influence as investors to divest from fossil fuels, and invest in climate solutions, we can accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon economy

If you liked this episode, check out...

Annie Chen on 100% Family Office

Geeta Aiyer on Social Justice & Gender Equality

Paolo Fresia on 100% Impact

Scott Saslow, Founder & CEO of OneWorld, shares his vision for widening the impact ecosystem by weaving social impact education and development throughout organizations, small and large. He confirms that impact investing is not black and white, but rather shades of grey that is fueled by the synergy of both financial gains and impact outcomes. Scott believes education, training, and strong relationships will be what tips the scale for a growing impact community.
IN THIS EPISODE, SCOTT TALKS ABOUT

Founding OneWorld to break down silos in social impact [2:08]
Scaling social impact at the organizational level [8:12]
How to raise the bar to see real change at the institutional level [16:55]
Providing an entry point for the “impact curious” investor [21:00]
Leveraging financial, human, and intellectual capital [34:01]

RESOURCE LINKS

OneWorld Training providing organizations training and capital to profitably increase their social impact
OneWorld Training Impact Directory a Directory of early-stage and sustainable startups, angel investors and VC funds that support Impact deals

Eva Yazhari, Co-Founder of Beyond Capital Fund, sends us down the rabbit hole, exploring the inextricable entanglement of service, creativity, inspiration and expression with her work in impact investing. She taps into ever-present abundance and talks about what it feels like – somatically – to contribute beyond oneself. Eva encourages us all to explore our inner worlds, liberate our authentic selves, and tune into what really makes us feel alive.

Liesbet Peeters, Founder of Volta Impact, shares her “why” for transcending mainstream finance to pursue something more meaningful, leading to her current work in Africa. She articulates the deep value of diversity and how she applies impact investing principles to human capital, providing opportunities for her team to develop their wholesome self. Liesbet is deliberate about building close relationships – near and far – inviting trust and humility into her work.

Ruth Shaber, Founder of Tara Health Foundation, shares the evolution of her career, working from within the healthcare system as a physician to later linking her personal mission with her investments for whole systems change. She talks about family planning as a catalyst for growth in all areas of impact – from climate change to clean water to access to jobs. Ruth interweaves her nurturing essence into all that she does, emphasizing self-care when funneling her energy into the spaces where she can be most impactful.

Nick Green is the co-founder and CEO of Thrive Market, an online market on a mission to make healthy living easy and accessible for every budget, lifestyle, and geography. Nick describes himself as an accidental entrepreneur who fell off the constructed, artificial path laid out by his early years in formal education. The inequalities of access to education struck him at his core, igniting his entrepreneurial spirit. Nick talks about embracing vulnerability, uncertainty, and rejection, using failure as a fuel for expanding his purpose to something much larger than himself.

Bruce Campbell, Founder and “Chief Happiness Officer” of Blue Dot Law, a law firm representing entrepreneurs, NGOs, and investors solely in impact transactions explores the resistance to love within the business world and shares how he seeks to integrate love and happiness into a field where emotion is often neglected. He discusses the cooperative, consensus-based model that makes his impact law firm unique and touches on his inner dialogue between power and humility.

Paolo Fresia, Founder of 100% Sustainability, recounts the story of his inheritance and how his relationship with loss has led to an expansion of his impact imagination. He takes us through the somatic experiences that have illuminated his path in impact, from a panic attack during the financial crisis to the center of a cholera outbreak in Haiti to an eye-opening visit of a poultry processing factory in China. Paolo’s encounters around the globe have taught him to prioritize the areas that are most neglected when it comes to his investments and philanthropic endeavors.

Geeta Aiyer, Founder of Boston Common Assets, fluidly migrates between the grammar and poetry of impact as she lends us a depth of knowledge around finance while sharing stories of past and present that continue to motivate her work in impact. She emphasizes shareholder engagement in order to change the foundations of corporations and the urgency behind transitioning to responsible investing practices. Geeta acknowledges many eternal topics, most notably power, affirming that our current economic system is only operating at a fraction of its capacity to regenerate individuals, the environment, and society at large.

Tripp Baird, co-founder and managing partner of The Builders Fund, eloquently shares how his occupation in business is deeply intertwined with his journey through Right Livelihood. He recognized early on that he couldn’t build a career around something he wasn’t passionate about, pivoting away from big bureaucracy towards purpose-driven business. Tripp details the competitive advantages of a purpose-driven business model that holds transparency, respect, and open communication at its core while creating value for all stakeholders.

Jesse Fink, co-founder of MissionPoint Capital Partners, shares his approach to catalyzing impact through the fusion of multiple forms of capital and through systems-wide analysis. He takes us on a ride through his endeavors with his wife, Betsy, from local, family farming to mapping food waste, on a quest to find global solutions to climate change. Jesse reveals the natural progression of his impact journey as a result of nurturing human capital. Jesse and his family continue to work from the ground up, supporting, mentoring, and learning from entrepreneurs, artists, farmers, researchers, and many others living intentional lives.

Linda Solomon Wood, CEO of Observer Media Group and founder and editor-in-chief of Canada’s National Observer, talks candidly about why investigative and in-depth journalism matters more today than ever amidst a lot of storytelling narratives that have no relationship to facts. Linda knows that millions and millions of people are eager for the truth. She emphasizes that it should be the media’s job to present facts untainted by personal will or ego and that good reporting is incredibly valuable to society to expose corruption and to serve justice. And… good reporting starts with deep listening…

Denise Hearn takes us into the world of liminality straddling the worlds of grammar and poetry. She talks about transcending paradigms, taking comfort in the paradoxical nature of life, and tapping into life force energy to find fulfillment in our daily work.

With over 25 years experience in the start-up world, Luni Libes shares his passion for funding impact ventures. Emphasizing experience over intuition, Luni's success hinges on the patterns he's observed over the last 30 years and his ability to filter out start-ups that are likely to fail by pinpointing the holes in a given business model.

Ariel Nessel & Birju Pandya are the hearts and minds behind Mobius, a capital allocation office using an integrated capital approach to develop multiple forms of wealth focused on redeveloping habitable spaces, abating suffering, and inclining well-being. In this episode, Ariel & Birju emphasize the integration of multiple forms of capital while inviting others to the benefits of living generously through opportunities to grow in compassion and wisdom.

Damon Gameau shares his journey through vulnerability, arriving at his most recent production, 2040, a documentary exploring new solutions to climate change. Damon explains his approach to storytelling as a means of connecting through authenticity and empathy in order to mobilize new approaches to long-existing challenges.

Matthew Moore, Co-Founder of Greenbelt Hospitality, shares how his background in farming and art has provided the tools for navigating the COVID-19 crisis and entrepreneurship, itself. Matthew also details the process of a public-private partnership in efforts to democratize the farm-to-table movement.

Berry Liberman, Founder of Dumbo Feather & Co-Founder of Small Giants AU, illumines the realities of crises in Australia between the recent wildfires and the COVID pandemic. She shares a story of optimism and hope, springing from her dedication to love and service.

Ron Gonen, Co-founder & CEO of Closed Loop Partners, details the benefits of a circular economy. He explains the difficulties of facing the long-lived linear economic system and how we can approach these challenges through inquiry and confidence.

Morgan Simon, author of Real Impact: The New Economics of Social Change, details how the COVID crisis reveals how our current broken economic system leads social injustice. Morgan continues to provide hope along with concrete strategies for combating social injustice as a financial activist.

How are the forests feeling amidst the Covid crisis? Bettina von Hagen of Ecotrust Forestry shares the deep value of investment in sustainable forestry along with her passions for biodiversity in the natural world that come from her rich childhood history.

Aaron Holm, Co-CEO of Blokable, shares how his real-estate development company has stepped in to support the coronavirus crisis in Washington State and how this crisis can shift our understanding of our current real estate paradigm.

Ibrahim Husseini, Founder & CEO of FullCycle, shares his personal experiences amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Husseini also tells of his inspiration around climate work and FullCycle's investment strategy for solving the climate crisis.

Laura Callanan, Founder of Upstart Co-Lab, shares her experiences that have led to the intersection of impact investing and the Creative Economy.

Cory Smith shares personal and professional stories that led to the creation of Wisdom Labs, a company working to reduce workplace stress, increase engagement, and build community within organizations, large and small.

Jonathan Rose, Founder of Jonathan Rose Companies, takes us through his beginnings in philanthropy and interests in affordable housing that started early in his childhood. He shares the foundations of strong, flourishing communities that are built sustainably, both from the environmental and social standpoint.

Sisters, Alexandra & Josephine Korjin, share their journey of their capital inheritance and how they have chosen to deploy capital for social and environmental change. The two give practical and proven advice on how to slowly integrate impact into a family office through love, non-judgment, and respect.

Rachel Gerrol, Co-founder of Nexus Global, highlights her strategies in bringing together like-minded, high-net worth individuals to build a strong, supportive network that can lead change in today's economy.

Founders of Gratitude Railroad, Howard Fischer & Eric Jacobsen share their serendipitous meeting at Harvard and the intentions that grew out of their business partnership. Howard discusses his application of a "Wall St attitude" in impact, and Eric tells about his goals of becoming 100% impact.

Annie Chen, Principal & Chair of RS Group Asia, highlights the current cultural roadblocks of impact investing in Asia today and the challenges of working within a family office. Annie shares what inspired her to make the transition to impact and delves into the question of "What is enough?"

Kristin Hull, Founder of Nia Impact Capital, outlines her journey from a school teacher in the Bay Area to a leader in impact finance. Kristin develops a strong case for diversity in the workplace and for building impact investments around a diversity and gender-lens, proving that these types of investments can year after year outperform the market.

Lisa Curtis, Founder of Kuli Kuli Foods, shares her journey from the Peace Corp to crowdfunding to building her own sustainable food company. She discusses the challenges of initial funding, transitioning and diversifying her staff, and balancing her business life and her personal life.

Sasha Dichter, Co-Founder of 60decibels, illustrates the power and the necessity of metrics in impact. He shares 60decibels strategy of collecting direct, first-hand stories for clients to truly understand the potential for impact in their work. Sasha makes a strong case for the continued use and development of metrics beyond numbers.

Stuart Williams, Founder of In Place Impact, shares a depth of knowledge along with concrete examples on how place-based investing can be a solution shaping the future of our economy.

Joe Sanberg, Co-Founder of Aspiration Bank, shares his journey from childhood poverty to eventually graduating from Harvard to finding solutions to bring individuals direct opportunities for impact through Aspiration Bank.

Liesel Pritzker Simmons of Blue Haven Initiative illustrates the internal struggle of capital abundance and how to transform capital for its best use through a 100% impact family office. Liesel talks about her period of deep introspection, her use of micro-financing as an impact tool, and her hopes for her family as impact leaders.

Erika Karp of Cornerstone Capital talks about her childhood, her maturation in the finance space, and the challenges and successes of raising a family while heading one of today's leading impact investing advisory firms.

Steve Glickman is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Develop LLC, the nation's leading advisory firm dedicated to building and supporting Opportunity Zone Funds. As one of the nation's top Opportunity Zones experts, Steve shares the A to Z on everything you need to know about OZs.

Joel Solomon illustrates the journey of a life well-lived amongst challenge after challenge. His message for us is to live with love and decency in every aspect of our lives. Joel has spent years contemplating the role of money and lays out his personal understanding of achieving clean money.

John Fullerton shares his visceral beginnings of transitioning from conventional Wall Street investing to impact investing. John delves deeply into his concept of regenerative capital as a means for making the world a better place.

Inspiring the masses to use empathy as a guide in business, Danny Almagor shares with us the depth of his love and understanding in how to create a better future for all. Through Impact Safaris and a unique business model, Danny has built Small Giants with his wife Berry Liberman in hopes to model the possibilities of the Next Economy.

Investing in the arts? Is it possible? Lorrie Meyercord outlines her unique journey to capital abundance and shares how she has found a way to support artists, beyond philanthropy, using impact investing.

Jed Emerson shares his story of transitioning from his early passion of not-for-profit social work to systems change through impact investing. Jed provides a framework for addressing some of our most pressing issues today, including self-discovery.