One of the highlights of 2023 for me was spending time and getting to know the Catholic Impact Investing Collaborative (CIIC). CIIC has a beautiful story in John and Jake coming to know each other and building a relationship and inviting others “on fire” with impact investing to join together. I loved learning the stories […]
In 2023, I was introduced to Adrienne Buller’s The Value of a Whale: On the Illusions of Green Capitalism. It’s an extraordinary take down of the dominant ways we are approaching climate change and ecological crisis. Since I worked as a consultant for oil & gas companies in 2009, I’ve been looking for somebody who […]
I got depressed when I first started reading Janelle Orsi’s analysis about tax-advantaged retirement plans (401(k)s, 403(b)s, Individual Retirement Accounts (Roth IRAs and Traditional)). But, in 2023, I wanted to set up a retirement benefit for myself and my colleagues at Francesco Collaborative, so I was pushed to figure out what our options were. After […]
I love the ruthless critique Scott Galloway levels against ESG investing. The clarity pierces. When capital and ideals clash, capital smothers ideals in their sleep. Prof. Scott Galloway – from “Mammon” – posted December 1, 2023 Here are a few excerpts: We are always ready, and want, to believe that this time it’s different, we […]
When I was younger, I used to get bothered by my mom. I specifically remember the phone ringing when I was 12 and becoming more self-aware. She answered the phone, recognized who it was, and then immediately launched into sharing what was on her heart and mind. She went on for what to me felt […]
Perhaps it’s the mystery inherent in new life. Or maybe it’s the persistent nagging on my conscience that my money still isn’t creating the world I believe is possible. Either way, I’m trying to attend more deeply to a sense of wonder. I want to pause and notice… to appreciate and be in awe more […]
A couple years ago, I was advising an organization that was transitioning to employee ownership. In that process of their senior leadership asking me questions, I shared this excerpt — which draws on my own organizational leadership experience and the deep resonance I’ve felt with Pope Francis’ concept of “overflow” — which has now (in […]
So much to chew on with the release of Francis’ new exhortation: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/20231004-laudate-deum.html To start with I’m offering this quick video reflection after my first read because I want to make a public commitment to you. There are no lasting changes without cultural changes. There are no cultural changes without personal changes. I love how […]
Being a person of faith and investing has been largely reduced to screening out bad things in your portfolio (ie producers of weapons, assault rifles, and others). Some of the more creative and thoughtful faith-based investors have pushed for more positive screening. I’m two years into learning the landscape and I’m struck by how few […]
With more than two years of anticipation, I was unsure what to expect. I think I was lowering my expectations so as not to be disappointed. But what I experienced today — the first day of the gathering — was full of surprises. Extraordinary Charisma + Track-record I noticed a Francisan cross on an African […]