Reflections from an Impact Investing Advisor

I was in the prime of my wealth management career. About to turn 30, I managed investments for 20-plus multigenerational high-networth families. I'd spent several years climbing the corporate ladder, and finding “success.” And then the epiphany struck—success wasn't about titles and more money; there had to be something deeper. I started to see a clear separation between people of wealth and people of scarcity—the poor and struggling individuals with whom I came in contact from volunteering. I realized I could bridge the gap, and that I had the empathy, passion and skill-set to help.

It took me until age 33 to fulfill one particular goal, to travel in Africa. It marked an entry into impact investing, a process by which people define their values—what they care about, the change they want to see—and link them to both their financial goals.

I entered this business because I truly believe there is enough money to change the world, it simply needs to be allocated effectively. With the rise of impact investing, we have the power to utilize our money to not only garner a financial return, but change a life in the process. I challenge each of you reading to close your eyes and imagine the one issue that means the most to you. Whether it be with time, money or personal resources, I invite you to invest in that issue in whatever way you can at this moment to welcome you into the world of impact investing.

Investment Strategy Approach

How is an effective impact strategy built? It involves the following four elements:

1. Uncover Values and Goals

Impact investing is similar to traditional investing, just a step or two deeper. Traditional investing fundamentals are carried through to an impact investing strategy. The process is designed to identify the issues investors care about it, and the methods they'll employ to effect change.

It begins by asking two questions: