WHAT INSPIRED YOUR ENTRY INTO IMPACT INVESTING, AND WHAT HAS BEEN THE DEFINING HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?
The recognition that capital has no intention, but that owners of capital do. And that this intention can be applied how capital can be used as a means to an end. Every investment decision has an impact on society and nature. If we do not measure and steer on it, we remain unaware of externalities, even of positive ones.
WHAT DOES “IMPACT” MEAN TO YOU IN TODAY’S WORLD OF SHIFTING PRIORITIES AND GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY?
Every investment decision has an impact. Investing with and for positive impact means we strive to contribute to sustainable outcomes for people and planet, for the long term.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT HOW IMPACT INVESTING IS PERCEIVED GLOBALLY, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Wise people have said it before: impact is not an asset class, impact is a variable, just like risk and return. I hope the three dimensions will be seen more and more as equally important over time. Why? Because not taking it into account disregards a critically important aspect of every investment decision, even when it benefits all stakeholders alike.
GEOPOLITICAL TENSIONS AND ECONOMIC FRAGMENTATION ARE INFLUENCING CAPITAL FLOWS. HOW DO YOU THINK THIS WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE OF IMPACT INVESTING IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS?
The narrative may have shifted – at least temporarily - the relevance of long term win-win thinking has not. The economic system is embedded in societies which in turn depends on the carrying capacity of the Earth. When planetary boundaries remain surpassed and societies feel exploited, the system depending on them cannot thrive.
WHAT’S ONE BOLD IDEA OR INNOVATION YOU BELIEVE COULD REDEFINE IMPACT INVESTING?
Let’s not redefine it. I’d much rather scale it.
LOOKING BACK AT YOUR JOURNEY, WHAT’S A MOMENT THAT TRULY MADE YOU FEEL THE POWER OF IMPACT INVESTING?
The most tangible outcomes are lives touched. When you see how people’s livelihoods improve through for example becoming an electric motorcycle driver in the East of Africa.
WHAT’S A PRINCIPLE OR MANTRA YOU LIVE BY WHEN NAVIGATING COMPLEXITY IN YOUR WORK?
One step at a time – focus on our sphere of influence.
DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INVESTORS AND FUND MANAGERS STARTING THEIR IMPACT JOURNEY?
Amazing that you are joining. We can only succeed together. Feel free to reach out.