The Soul Of Impact

AN EXPLORATION OF IMPACT INVESTING – ‘CAN CAPITAL HELP SHAPE A BETTER HUMANITY?’

film in conjunction with Gratitude Railroad

FILM SUMMARY

If we had a long term view on investment and humanity we would likely be impact investors.

Impact Investing seeks to generate financial returns alongside enduring social and environmental impact.

For those who have become aware of their part in this significant change in the way capital could be used, it is their most important work. There is a deep seated desire not to remain a bystander.

With privilege comes responsibility.

Capital is a critical path way. Vital in getting world changing ideas and innovations to become a norm for civilization. Impact investments need to out compete existing supply.

There is strong momentum, a growing appreciation and evidence that such investments can and do make a difference and deliver return.

There is so much money and power tied up in the capital markets, we have to move money in a different way. Business holds a major key.

It is easier to do nothing, and to turn the other way. But this sea change needs to happen and we have the opportunity to play a part. We are not alone in this, though it may seem that we are. There are many who have taken action. It is a rich and fulfilling path and a significant contribution to humanity.

Many have resources and the feeling that they should do something differently but cannot see the path forward. But there is a path. There is more than the simple metrics of ROI, and this MORE is what so many would love to be a part of.

Can capital help shape a better humanity? Yes, but it will take awareness, courage, action and community.

THIS PAGE WILL RECEIVE UPDATES AND NEW CONTENT

do see the slide show at the foot of the page

Portraits taken at the Gratitude Railroad Impact Investment Community Annual Gathering 2023

INTRODUCTION TO A SIGNIFICANT EVOLUTION AND OUR PART IN IT

THIS WORLD REQUIRES THIS

I imagine us to require an evolution in awareness. A conscious change in where we are caused to act from, and for whom we are caused to act for. I imagine that we now require a world that considers the well being of all. It is time.

Awareness, and such a world is the focus of my camera.

I work in many arenas in which the underlying predicament is similar. Without the deep experience of awareness we do not travel the significant distance required to translate a good idea into the demonstrable action that will transform the fabric of the world.

Impact Investing is one such arena. It is the focus of this monochrome film.

Nic Askew. Film Maker, Educator, Speaker

IMPACT INVESTING

Impact Investing seeks to generate financial returns alongside enduring social and environmental impact.

The sectors are listed in the film (at 0.58).

Gratitude Railroad are an Impact Investing organization central in this arena. They have gathered a community of impact investors and entrepreneurs to help move this work practically into the world.

I spent time with them at their 2023 Impact Community Gathering. I was a keynote speaker and filmed live on stage, and then undertook days of witnessing (filming) of the deep observations of investors and entrepreneurs concerning the challenges and possibilities of Impact Investing. In many ways, this film is an overarching conclusion.

note: I could not include all the many courageous subjects in this short eight minute piece. I imagine there will be more content to come.

AWARENESS IS CRITICAL

In many arenas I’ve noticed that ideas alone do not change anything substantial. However, alongside the experience of awareness they stand a chance. Awareness defined as moments in which one has a very real sense that we are somehow all connected and therefore not separate. Such moments imbue a person with the courage to explore the edges.

Most of those I witnessed with the camera here had experienced such moments of awareness. Moments in which they became aware of this connectedness. Moments brought on by a myriad of encounters – from large scale events (911, Pandemic, 2008 recession) to illness, to loss, to the observation of their own children’s outlook, to consciously following an aware path, to quiet unexpected moments, to this just being encoded in the way they were raised.

THE INVITATION

So my invitation to you is to let the words in this film find you. And to ask this question of yourself – ‘For whom do I act?’

And I invite you to consider not being a bystander, in any aspect of life, including where and how your capital is used.