Active in business-shaping legislation and a thought leader in impact investing, Matthew Weatherly-White brings high energy and a commitment to having impact in leading his family office investment firm, Caprock.
Prior to co-founding Caprock, Matthew was a partner in The Owyhee Group, a boutique advisory team within Smith Barney. During his thirteen years with the company, he was a member of Citigroup’s elite Leadership Development Program and helped craft the firm’s Private Wealth Management platform. Matthew graduated from Dartmouth College, has competed internationally in five different sports and serves as Director for three non-profit organizations. When not working, Matthew can usually be found outside; running, skiing, mountaineering, cycling… and generally encouraging his family to enjoy wilderness with the same irrational exuberance he has embraced throughout his life.
4 Key Points
- Capitalism isn’t intrinsically good or bad – it depends on how it’s used.
- We bring a set of cognitive biases and they shape our perspective. This applies to investing too: people who may support environmental or social causes don’t necessarily apply that focus to how they make money.
- Meeting people where they are means not proselytizing.
- The government will continue to serve a role in creating a level playing field. It is the referee.
Quote
Impact investing is better investing.
What We Talked About
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- 01:18 – what is a family office?
- 2:46 – the Philosopher King of Impact Investing
- 6:25 – impact as the next evolution of capitalism
- 7:12 – Caprock’s mission
- 11:07 – ESG vs. impact investing
- 13:29 – is impact investing going to offer returns quickly enough?
- 18:55 – resistance to Caprock becoming a founding B corporation
- 25:18 – should we let Walmart or other multinationals become a B corp?
- 30:50 – the stigma of the word, ‘sustainability’
- 34:50 – meeting people where they are
- 36:29 – why be so distant from Wall Street and urban centers? Does that decision mean less impact?
- 39:00 – philanthropy vs. capital markets vs. government
- 44:45 – how do you continue to thrive?
Actionable Tips
- Intentionality matters: use intentionality to stay on course AND be profitable.
- Volunteer. Step forward. Be willing to do the work.
- Make sure the impact you want to have is operationally viable.
Resources Mentioned
- Caprock
- Michael Lewis’ Against the Rules: just societies need referees
Resources for Your Business
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Ursula Jorch, Host of The Impact Interviews
Ursula Jorch is a business coach, speaker, and podcaster who shows women leaders how to turn their businesses into profitable agents for lasting change, global impact, and a force for good in the world.
