Poetry of Impact

When people think about the legacies they leave behind for their families and communities after they pass away, many don't think beyond financial wealth. Intrinsically, we know that a legacy should be so much more. Today's guests specialize in finding the multidimensionality in legacy. Brandon Hatton is the president and CIO of Conscious Wealth®, an investment advisory firm rooted in the belief that money, when channeled correctly, can allow people to focus on what matters: a life of growth and fulfillment. Rehan Choudhry is the founder and CEO of Chptr, a digital platform that blends storytelling and multimedia to preserve memories in order to help communities commemorate milestones and honor loved ones. They discuss the human need to be remembered and the role of storytelling in connecting families and communities. This conversation unpacks profound questions about what essence of a person we can reliably hold onto when they pass on and how to go about capturing this in a world where people take for granted that we have more time.In this episode, Brandon and Rehan talk about:Why it's important to think about a legacy beyond finance and how we have lost sight of what's most important [03:20]What legacy means to them and how they reframe it for others to be more fulfilling [05:55]The legacy of affecting people's lives through your perspectives, character, actions, and purpose [07:37]Their methodologies for capturing someone's multidimensional legacy [12:16]What essence or truth of a person we can reliably hold onto when they pass on and grappling with what to forget or overlook [25:19]Their clients' understanding of why they come to them and the deeper reason that they really come to them [30:37]The cultural shifts that have led to a loss of generational storytelling, and how Brandon and Rehan are committed to reconnecting families to this practice [38:19]Pushing the envelope in their respective industries and leading the change to redefine what legacy means [42:18]Finding inspiration in the gray areas of life and letting go of the need to find an absolute Truth in the search for legacy [48:13]Resources:Conscious Wealth book by Brandon Hatton Conscious Wealth Conversations card gameDownload your free copy of the Conscious Wealth card game Nexus GlobalSubscribe and Review Poetry of ImpactWant to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes? Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player and you'll be the first to know when new episodes drop.Help us craft a memorable and meaningful experience! Click here to leave a review.

Impact strategist and systems designer, Laura François, joins us today as the Cofounder and Director of Awe Exchange, a nonprofit laboratory that champions the power of awe as a catalyst for genuine change, to relay the importance of awe in living a truly fulfilled life. We begin with the archetypal patterns of migration and transition and how this necessity to move and grow has informed Laura's work before diving into the wonders of awe and why we all need it as a constant. Then, we unpack Barbara Neuhofer's studies on behavioral change in Burning Man participants and how we can use awe to access the liminal space between zero inhibitions and legislating life, what South Africa's Lugongolo Foundation teaches us about creating micro-moments of awe, and how the presence of awe improves physical and mental wellness. To end, we discover why and how awe is not learned but rather a deep remembering of the very essence of life, how to lean on awe to galvanize your actions, and how to create awe environments everywhere around you.     In this episode, Laura François talks about: The role of migration and transition in living a full, thoughtful, and reflective life [01:52]Why awe matters [06:22]Burning Man heaven – the liminal space between zero inhibitions and legislating life [14:07]Her Awe-To-Action Framework: How to get your daily micro-dose of awe [19:48]The connection between awe and physical and mental wellness [28:27]Staying connected to awe while doing; allowing awe to inspire action [38:35]Creating an awe environment around you and everywhere you go [46:19]Resources: Nexus Global VUCAFrank WhiteSubscribe and Review Poetry of ImpactWant to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes? Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player and you'll be the first to know when new episodes drop.Help us craft a memorable and meaningful experience! Click here to leave a review.

Eliot Kotek and Jared Ruga are award-winning filmmakers who believe that media has the power to shift our perspective and behaviors in positive ways. Eliot is the Founder and CEO of The Nation of Artists, a production company and creative partner with social impact at its core, and Jared is the Founder and CEO of the socially conscious, ethos-driven media production house, Vavani Productions. They both know first-hand that filmmaking can be a powerful culture-building tool that amplifies voices and leverages storytelling for a cause. In this episode, we discuss the evolving role of media, from the digital renaissance of streaming to the disruptive influence of AI on content creation and consumption. We delve into the interplay between commercialism and philosophy in media and how content can change forms without losing its depth or impact. For content creators navigating the complexities of media consumption, this inspiring conversation offers practical insights and thought-provoking questions to ask yourself about the purpose and ethical dimensions of media, so be sure to tune in today!In this episode, Elliot and Jared talk about:The evolving role of media in a post-streaming world [03:16]How socially conscious filmmakers are responding creatively to changes in the market [14:15]Tools that The Nation of Artists uses to measure the impact of their documentaries [21:34]Personal traits and company mottos that augment the mission to amplify voices and leverage storytelling for a cause [23:40]What media means (commercially and philosophically) and what its limitations are [28:10]Why purpose and empathy are powerful components of storytelling for a cause [34:55]“Digital apnea” and the current evolutionary tipping point of media consumption [44:09]The future of media and how AI will impact content creation and consumption [50:04]Subscribe and Review Poetry of ImpactWant to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes? Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player and you'll be the first to know when new episodes drop.Help us craft a memorable and meaningful experience! Click here to leave a review.

Cameron Williams and Zack Richner join us to share their insights on the reasons behind the disappearance of local newspapers in the United States and the consequences communities face. But it's not all doom and gloom! This conversation is filled with innovative solutions. While Cameron and Zack both grew up in the newspaper business, they're still bringing fresh perspectives to the industry. Cameron Williams is the Chief Revenue Officer at The Ogden Newspapers and the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Nutting Company. Also joining us is Zack Richner, the Founder and Managing Partner of Arrandale Ventures. If you care about the quality of journalism, you'll really enjoy this episode! Thanks for tuning in. In this episode, Cameron Williams and Zack Richner talk about:Differentiating between national, local, and global media and understanding the reasons certain types are favored. [02:58]Relativism in local media and reporting and aiming to make a difference on a federal level. [13:43]The opportunity to reinvent the business model in local news. [18:59]Navigating biases and allowing for various types of content, including user-generated stories.. [26:30]Prioritizing wellness in a challenging and high-pressure work environment. [34:04]What the real proven cost of the death of local news means for communities. [37:23]Resourcing challenges for small media businesses and how listeners can support local journalism. [40:33]Subscribe and Review Poetry of ImpactWant to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes? Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcast player and you'll be the first to know when new episodes drop.Help us craft a memorable and meaningful experience! Click here to leave a review.

Tillie Walton is an award-winning conservationist, hydrologist, river guide, and speaker. As the host of Wild Rivers with Tillie on PBS, she uses her knowledge and passion to help people connect more deeply to self, others, and nature. Join us today as Tillie tells us about the immersive nature experience in high school that ignited her deep and abiding love for rivers and what she learned from coming into contact with the margins of life through her immersion in backcountry living. She shares how these experiences inspired her to study waterways from both a scientific and an experiential perspective before giving her insights on the unique annual river trips she hosts for influential leaders. Tune in to learn about the profound shifts that occur when folks embrace the discomfort of the backcountry and give themselves over to river time. In this episode, Tillie Walton talks about:The journey that led her to the backcountry [03:13]Our profound connection to water and what it means to be fluid beings on earth [11:36]What inspired her to bring river experiences to others [20:03]Details about her annual group trip and the beautiful things that have come out of it [23:31]What she takes into account when putting a group together [26:41]Important facts about the Colorado River and the connection that Native American communities have to it [31:08]Learning to embrace harsh backcountry conditions and its impact on participants [33:02]A parting message of appreciation for the sublime nature of water and a reminder to consciously look out for moments of awe and wonder [36:34]Resources: Learn more about Tillie's annual river trip for influential leaders. Tune in to Wild Rivers with Tillie. Subscribe and Review Poetry of ImpactWant to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes? Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify , or your favorite podcast player and you'll be the first to know when new episodes drop.Help us craft a memorable and meaningful experience! Click here to leave a review.

Joining us today are Josh Bernstein and Brett Howell, two founders with a passion for nature, problem-solving, and wild spaces. Josh is an explorer, educator, and storyteller, and the chair and founder of First Light Group, a collection of for-profit and nonprofit entities that elevate programming and content. Brett is the founder and executive director of Howell Conservation Fund, a company driving breakthrough solutions at the intersection of business, nonprofit work, and philanthropy. In today's conversation, we learn about the journeys that led these two out-of-the-box thinkers to their shared belief in combating the world's most pressing issues from a place of engagement, innovation, and solutions rather than a fear-based focus on problems. We delve into the profound impact of getting outside and spending time in the wild before learning how these two avid world travelers stay centered amidst the chaos of perpetual motion, and what they do to cultivate a curiosity-driven approach to collaboration across cultures. They also provide insight on how they managed to transcend traditional categories in their front-country work to create hybrid platforms that utilize diverse models of problem-solving, reflecting their deeply held beliefs on collaboration, innovation, and openness.In this episode, Josh and Brett talk about: Josh and Brett's work and their shared focus on solutions, not problems [03:01]Contrasting time around the campfire with modern-day screens and content [12:15]Our need for wildness and wild spaces as human beings [19:44]How our cultural production has outpaced our evolutionary presence [27:32]Josh and Brett's personal strategies for staying centered while being in motion [32:15]Traveling with an attitude of humility and openness to other cultures [37:15]Striking the tricky balance of managing modern business demands with working in wilderness spaces that don't have those same time pressures [42:01]How Josh and Brett established their hybrid platforms to transcend traditional secular boxes [47:04]Subscribe and Review Poetry of ImpactWant to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes? Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcast player and you'll be the first to know when new episodes drop.Help us craft a memorable and meaningful experience! Click here to leave a review.

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.

Bruce Friedrich is the founder and CEO of the Good Food Institute (GFI). As a child, hebecame profoundly aware of the poverty and starvation of others and was compelled to dosomething about it. He explains how this led him to found GFI to address global poverty andchallenge the industrialized food system. GFI does this while also supporting a work culture thatpromotes vocational self-actualization and avoids burnout. This conversation highlights Bruce'sbelief that making animal products without animals (plant-based and cellular agriculture) can doa huge amount to prevent climate change, preserve biodiversity, and mitigate existential risks.

Jennifer McFarlane, a strategic CFO at both public and venture-backed companies and a finance and climate justice expert with decades of experience shares her path towards a blended finance perspective that incorporates values. Jennifer talks about her journey through the climate crisis and her recognition that the West has not yet accepted responsibility for climate change in the Global South. She also gives examples of her work with SV2 Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund and NEXTracker, highlighting the critical importance of making economics work.

Elizabeth Funk is the co-founder and CEO of Dignity Moves, an organization tackling the issue of homelessness. In this episode, Elizabeth shares her experiences from the early days of the internet at Yahoo, her motivation to use her entrepreneurial spirit for philanthropy, and her current passion project of ending homelessness. The conversation highlights Elizabeth's knowledge and approach to impact investing, her belief in the power of capitalism to solve problems at scale, and how she navigates the ethics of this. 

Hedda Pahlson-Moller is the founder and CEO of Tiime, an advocacy, advisory, and education provider focused on impact investing. Her family also owns a forest in Luxembourg. In this episode, Hedda talks about her deep, personal connection to the forest, how she often feels that she is in conversation with it, and how it has taught her to slow down. Hedda shares her thoughts on the tension that exists between philanthropy and impact investing, where this tension comes from, and how we can move past it for the greater good. Hedda also shares to what degree deep self-work is a prerequisite for creating impact and how to help people feel the moral imperative of this personally.

Stef van Dongen is an innovator, an entrepreneur, and the founder of Pioneers of Our Time. While working with high-powered leaders and change-makers, he realized that they were making important decisions for the future of the world from a place of being disconnected from themselves, nature, and the consequences of their choices. In this episode, you'll hear how Stef discovered an attunement with nature that set him off on a journey to help change makers reconnect with themselves and nature while working to restore and regenerate the forest ecosystem and rural economy of the Muga Valley.  

Sam Teicher is the co-founder and Chief Reef Officer of Coral Vita, a mission-driven company that is restoring damaged coral reefs in the Bahamas. Inspired by the strength and peace he found in nature, Sam was moved to dedicate his energy to the wondrous ecosystem that sustains marine life and 1 billion human livelihoods. In this episode, he shares his story of being driven by a desire to do his part to “repair the world,” and how he maintains optimism in the face of environmental destruction. He also paints a majestic picture of the underwater world that evokes in him both immense joy and immense heartache. Sam reminds us of the power that lies in strengthening our connection with the natural world. 

Teal Brown Zimring is a partner at Galvanize Partners LLC and executive director of Lab to Land. Hari Balasubramanian is a managing partner at EcoAdvisors and co-founder of EcoInvestors Capital. In this episode, Teal & Hari come together to discuss the magnitude of the problems of climate change and what's causing the lags in addressing these problems. They illuminate their stories of how they individually arrived at nature as their focus. Teal & Hari talk about what stops capital from effectively addressing climate issues while providing a new perspective on how we might move forward. 

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 of Vert 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 

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 individualsiPAR  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 EqualityPaolo 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.