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High Net Purpose

Author: Islandbridge

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Most of us are in pursuit of purpose, but it can be especially hard to bring purpose into your business. On this show, we invite growing businesses and industry leaders to share their purpose and give us ‘the pitch’. 

 

We want to find out how entrepreneurs and global leaders in our network are allocating capital in a more responsible and purposeful way. But more importantly, we want to know what isn’t in the pitch deck. Joe McCarthy hits his guests with the hard questions in order to find the paradoxes and nuances in their pitches.

 

High Net Purpose is hosted by Joe McCarthy, founder of Islandbridge, a company focused on helping highly successful people allocate their capital in a meaningful way. Whilst traditional investing is often solely focused on the accruement of more wealth, Joe has been working hard to shift the focus to purpose-led investing and show that’s it’s not black and white, but it is worth it.


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26 Episodes
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The most enduring companies aren’t just built on strategy, they’re built on culture. For over two decades, Ric Lewis, founder of Tristan Capital Partners, has been showing what that really looks like. His firm has grown into one of Europe’s leading real-estate investment platforms, managing over $16bn in assets. Ric was also ranked #1 on the Powerlist 2019, recognising him as the UK’s most influential person of African or Afro-Caribbean heritage . In this episode, Ric reveals the cultural architecture behind Tristan: the balance between what he calls the “Ministry of Science” and the “Ministry of Magic” - the discipline to execute and the imagination to differentiate . In this episode, you will learn:How to build a culture that becomes a competitive advantage.Why authenticity and integrity can unleash high performance.Insights into some of Ric’s most important leadership principles.Ric's golden rule for managing time efficiently.Why radical candour is the most important thing in mentorship. If you want to understand what it really takes to build high-performance culture, this conversation is essential listening.Chapters:01:33 Building Tristan Capital Partners02:11 Ric's Personal Philosophy and Purpose10:03 Lessons from Competitive Sports12:04 The Journey to Building a Real Estate Empire17:55 Creating a Unique Company Culture25:42 Challenges and Strategies in Real Estate Investment27:56 Balancing Time and Saying No29:19 The Importance of Self-Care30:09 Finding Time to Think31:38 The Journey of Philanthropy40:21 Challenges in Mentorship42:11 Staying Authentic and Honest49:57 Next Generation and Succession52:55 Maintaining Health and Wellness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if the only way to save nature was to run it like a business?In this episode, we sit down with Peter Fearnhead, CEO and co-founder of African Parks, the organisation protecting more of Africa’s wild landscapes than any other. Under his leadership, African Parks now manages 24 national parks across 13 countries, covering over 20 million hectares - a model that proves conservation can be financially sustainable, socially empowering, and ecologically transformative.Peter shares how he’s built one of the most ambitious conservation networks on Earth - from turning near-bankrupt parks into thriving ecosystems, to uniting governments, investors, and local communities behind a single mission. Along the way, we explore why conservation may hold the key to tackling wider economic, humanitarian, and climate crises, and what true leadership looks like in some of the world’s most hostile environments.This is the story of how business strategy is saving the wild. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to High Net Purpose00:42 Meet Peter Fern: CEO of African Parks02:17 Peter's Early Life and Passion for Nature04:51 Founding African Parks and Early Challenges07:17 The Public-Private Partnership Model11:35 Conservation Strategies and Law Enforcement14:25 Community Engagement and Economic Impact18:10 Restocking Wildlife and Park Success Stories24:07 Scaling African Parks and Future Goals26:09 Competition and Collaboration in Conservation29:12 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership30:44 Inspiring Individuals in Conservation33:16 Challenges in Selecting the Right People34:43 Managing Media and Mistakes in Conservation36:57 Complex Trade-offs in Conservation Efforts47:51 Translocation and Conservation Strategies56:00 Personal Reflections and Advice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The next wave of billion-dollar companies aren’t being built in Silicon Valley – but everywhere else.For nearly three decades, Linda Rottenberg co-founder and CEO of Endeavor, has been at the centre of that shift. Known as “The Entrepreneur Whisperer,” she’s backed over 350 companies (64 of them unicorns), created “mafias” of founders paying it forward, and built a global movement that’s reshaping economies across 45+ countries.In this episode, recorded at Trinity College, Cambridge, Linda shares:How to scale a business while staying true to your mission.The secret underestimated multiplier behind entrepreneurship.Why the next generation of entrepreneurs will become more women dominant. What makes female founders different.The inside view on emerging frontiers and regions to watch.Linda shows how purpose-driven founders everywhere can scale big - without losing sight of their people or their values.If you want to understand how high-growth entrepreneurship is being redefined beyond Silicon Valley - and why it matters for the future of innovation - this conversation is a must-listen.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if compassion wasn’t just a virtue, but a science that could rewire your brain, reduce stress, and even extend your life expectancy?This conversation is one of our earliest recordings, now released for the first time, with the late Dr. James Doty: Stanford neurosurgeon, New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and founder of Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE).Recorded in our early days but never shared until now, this conversation captures Dr. Doty’s extraordinary wisdom on the science and practice of compassion. He explains how compassion rewires the brain, simple self-compassion techniques to silence the inner critic, and why compassionate organisations consistently outperform those built on fear.Along the way, he reflects on his own journey - from losing $80 million at the height of success to finding true fulfilment in service, and the role the Dalai Lama played in shaping his work at Stanford.Dr. Doty’s life was devoted to proving that compassion is not soft, but the foundation of human flourishing. We’re honoured to share this conversation from our archives as a tribute to his enduring legacy.To learn more about Dr Doty's life and legacy, visit: https://www.jamesrdotymd.com/Follow High Net Purpose on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highnetpurpose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Everyone’s talking about ChatGPT—but what if the real threat from AI is happening elsewhere?Kristian Rönn is the co-founder of Lucid, a company helping governments track the movement and usage of AI chips globally. He previously founded Normative, the carbon accounting platform that helped shape EU and UK climate disclosure rules—and began his career researching existential risk at Oxford’s Future of Humanity Institute.He’s also the author of The Darwinian Trap, a bestselling book that explores how misaligned incentives—and short-term thinking—can push systems toward catastrophic outcomes. It’s a framework he now applies to AI, arguing that without global coordination, the very infrastructure powering this technology could spiral out of control.In this conversation, he explains why AI’s biggest risks aren’t in the models—but in the chips, supply chains, and silent diffusion happening behind the scenes.We explore:• Why frontier models are a distraction from the real governance challenge• The one global policy move governments must make before it’s too late• What a chicken sandwich teaches us about AI’s hidden complexity• And what carbon accounting taught Kristian about building systems that actually scaleIf you care about who’s really in control of AI—and how we avoid losing the plot—this is essential listening.Chapters00:00 – Intro: Welcome to High Net Purpose00:29 – Kristian Rönn: From Philosopher to AI Safety Pioneer01:31 – Early Life: What Shaped Kristian’s Worldview04:29 – The Impact of Peter Singer and Utilitarian Thinking08:31 – Exploring Existential Risks and the Road to AI13:20 – Building Normative: The Startup That Changed Carbon Accounting21:29 – Why Kristian Left Climate Tech for AI Governance23:22 – The Darwinian Trap: Why Good Incentives Lead to Bad Outcomes25:36 – Darwinian Demons vs. Cooperative Systems34:47 – The Challenge of Global AI Governance35:23 – Centralization vs. Decentralization in AI Control37:33 – The Chicken Sandwich Analogy: AI and Hidden Value Chains39:28 – Can Decentralized Governance Actually Work?40:49 – Enlightenment Thinking and Biological Drives45:11 – AI Assurance, Risk Management, and Value Chain Complexity48:27 – Who Should Govern AI? Security, Policy, and Global Standards53:09 – What the Future of AI Regulation Could Look Like01:05:18 – Final Thoughts: Purpose, Power, and What Comes Next Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if the most powerful secrets shaping our world were hidden in plain sight?Annie Jacobsen is America’s most fearless investigative journalist. A seven-time bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize finalist, she’s spent decades uncovering the truth behind the CIA, covert military operations, nuclear war planning, and the government’s deepest classified programs - from Area 51 to assassination missions you were never meant to know about.Annie pulls back the curtain on stories that challenge what we think we know about power, secrecy, and war. She shares what it’s like to earn the trust of the world’s most dangerous men - and why the truth is often stranger, and scarier, than fiction.You’ll learn:How Annie went from earning $0 as a writer to breaking into national security reportingThe advice that changed her life — and how it led to bestselling investigationsWhat it takes to gain the trust of CIA operatives and intelligence insidersWhy “alpha individuals” survive — and what their psychology reveals about resilienceHow secrets stay buried despite being technically declassifiedWhy U.S. ICBMs don’t have the range to hit North Korea without flying over RussiaThe chilling truth behind the 72-minute nuclear war scenarioHow a single miscommunication between the U.S. and Russia could trigger World War IIIChapters:00:00 Welcome to High Net Purpose00:24 Meet Annie Jacobsen: Master of Government Secrets02:45 Annie’s Purpose: Telling Astonishing True Stories05:13 From Struggling Writer to National Security Reporter09:31 Billy Waugh: The CIA’s Most Legendary Spy16:31 Inside the Shadow World of Espionage22:02 The Secrets Behind Intelligence and Covert Ops25:49 The CIA’s First Hunt for Bin Laden26:23 Clinton, Bin Laden, and the Mission That Didn’t Happen27:59 Disguises, Deception & Espionage Tactics Revealed29:05 From Field Reporting to Bestseller Author29:53 The Lucky Break That Led to Area 5130:58 Nuclear War Planning: Too Real to Ignore36:56 NATO, Russia, and the Future of Global Security42:12 Writing About Dangerous Truths: The Personal Risks45:56 Staying Grounded in a World of High-Stakes Secrets49:51 Final Words for Future Truth Tellers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if everything you’ve been told about living longer was wrong?Dan Buettner has spent decades uncovering the truth. He’s the mastermind behind Blue Zones - the five places in the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives on Earth.His discovery of the Blue Zones sparked a global movement. Since then, he’s written four New York Times bestselling books, starred in a hit Netflix series, won 3 Emmy awards and helped over 70 cities redesign themselves for better public health - impacting more than 10 million lives for good.In this episode, Dan shares the powerful habits, community rituals, and environmental designs that make living well in to you 100s not just possible - but probable.You’ll learn:What every Blue Zone has in commonThe overlooked food that could add 4 years to your lifeThe ritual proven to reduce stress in minutesWhy purpose is a stronger predictor of longevity than any supplementHow cities are using design to make well-being the defaultChapters: 00:33 – Dan Buettner: Explorer, Author, Longevity Pioneer 01:52 – Ancient Wisdom, Modern Living 03:16 – His Global Quest for the Secrets of Long Life 08:06 – How the Blue Zones Were Born 09:42 – Why Where You Live Shapes How Long You Live 17:06 – What the Longest-Lived People Really Eat 23:27 – Purpose, Belonging & the Longevity Effect 25:02 – The Link Between Volunteering & Wellbeing 25:34 – Rethinking Public Health Through Urban Design 25:46 – Inside the Blue Zones Projects 28:10 – Longevity in Action: Real-World Results 31:01 – What Singapore Got Right About Health 34:00 – Love, Connection & Relationships That Last 35:41 – Loneliness: The New Public Health Crisis 37:04 – Food vs. Pharmaceuticals: What Works Best? 39:42 – How to Manage Stress Like a Blue Zoner 45:04 – Dan Buettner’s Playbook for a Longer, Better Life 46:36 – Final Reflections on Health, Happiness & Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
At 25, Martha Lane Fox co-founded the early internet disruptor lastminute.com and became one of Britain’s first true digital pioneers.But it was surviving a near-fatal accident that truly reshaped her life and sense of purpose.Today, Martha leads far beyond technology. She is President of the British Chambers of Commerce, a crossbench peer in the House of Lords, Chancellor of The Open University, and sits on the boards of British Airways, Chanel, and Multiverse.Her work is reshaping business, education, and the future of digital transformation.In this episode, Martha shares her extraordinary story of resilience, reinvention, and leadership - and what it really takes to create lasting impact.You'll learn:The 3-question framework to use before saying yes to anything.How a near-fatal car crash changed everything, and nothing.The brutal reality still facing female founders.What most leaders get wrong about digital transformation.What it really takes to change government systems.The one decision she regrets from the Lastminute.com journey.Why legacy isn't about status - it's about example.Chapters00:00 – Welcome to High Net Purpose00:26 – Martha Lane Fox: Tech Pioneer & Digital Leader02:00 – Her Decision-Making Framework for Purpose & Impact03:46 – Why Diversity Fuels Innovation in Tech05:06 – Navigating Change in a Rapidly Evolving Digital World07:46 – Founding Lastminute.com: Early Startup Lessons11:06 – Her Life-Changing Accident & New Perspective15:41 – Advice to Young Founders & Entrepreneurs20:45 – From Tech to Government: Driving Digital Inclusion22:36 – Fixing the Digital Divide: Access, Jobs & Equity23:07 – How Tech Can Reconnect Local Communities24:16 – What Government Should Learn from Startups24:50 – Inside the Creation of GDS (Government Digital Service)25:57 – Lessons from Scaling Tech in the Public Sector26:16 – Why Prime Ministerial Backing is a Game-Changer27:15 – Building Effective Teams in High-Stakes Environments27:43 – Her Personal Growth Through Government Work29:25 – Joining the House of Lords: A New Platform for Change31:46 – The Real Role of Boards: Governance, Influence & Integrity34:51 – The Power of Mentorship in a Purpose-Driven Career37:47 – True Digital Transformation Starts with Culture39:26 – The Future: Climate, AI, and Diversity in Leadership41:55 – Family, Legacy & What Drives Her Now44:01 – Final Reflections from Martha Lane Fox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Andrew White is the founder of FundApps, one of Europe’s most under-the-radar success stories. Bootstrapped from a spare bedroom above a London pub, FundApps now monitors over $27 trillion in assets daily - roughly 17% of the world’s total AUM. Today, it’s a global reg-tech powerhouse, trusted by 5 of the world’s 10 largest hedge funds and several of North America’s biggest pension funds. Now, it’s on track to become Europe’s leading reg-tech unicorn. This is the captivating story of how an independent thinker built a values-driven business from the ground up, scaled globally, and never compromised. Listen to hear:• Why he turned down external funding• How bootstrapping became a long-term strategic edge• The moment that reshaped his idea of success• Why he hires for mindset, not credentials• How FundApps embedded purpose at the heart of its culture• Why he avoids meetings and believes indecision is the real killer• What it takes to serve the world’s largest asset managers while staying true to your valuesChapters:00:00 – Welcome to High Net Purpose 00:24 – Andrew White: The Quiet Disruptor 00:51 – Why He Never Fit the Mold 01:08 – From Pub to Product: Starting Fund Apps 01:23 – Becoming the UK’s First B Corp SaaS Company 02:00 – Finding Purpose in Code, Culture & Capital 03:09 – Growing Up Irish: Early Influences & Hustle 05:54 – How He Became a Reluctant Technologist 07:55 – One Backpack, One Year: Travel That Changed Everything 12:41 – How Fund Apps Was Born 16:22 – Bootstrapping to Success: Lessons from the Hard Way 18:07 – Playing the Long Game in a Fast World 21:11 – Selling to Banks? Here’s What No One Tells You 26:09 – Sticking to Your Vision (Even When It’s Hard) 28:54 – Scaling a Company Without Losing Soul 29:37 – How to Hire People Who Actually Fit 31:23 – The Secret to Retaining a High-Performing Team 32:33 – Why Purpose Beats Perks 37:25 – Fund Apps Goes Global 46:55 – Giving Back: A Founder’s Take on Philanthropy 53:04 – If He Could Start Again: Andrew’s Final Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The next generation face a challenge their parents never did, a digital childhood that shapes their future.Alexandra Evans has spent her career fighting to make the digital space safer. From shaping human rights law at Mishcon de Reya to leading policy at TikTok and the British Board of Film Classification, she’s been at the forefront of child safety in a world where technology is evolving faster than regulation, and children are paying the price.Now, as the founder of the Digital Childhood Agency, Alexandra is working with policymakers, brands, and tech platforms to create a future where kids can thrive online—not just survive it.You'll learn:How parents, policymakers, and businesses can take back control in a rapidly evolving digital world.Why screen addiction is not the biggest problem. How social media algorithms push kids towards riskier content. The real power and responsibility of tech companies in shaping digital childhood.The truth about banning smartphones in schools.Whether AI will become the biggest threat to childhood or a tool for protection.What needs to change for a safer digital future.Chapters:00:00 – Welcome to High Net Purpose 00:24 – Alexandra Evans: Protecting Kids in a Digital World 03:28 – Her Career Journey: Law, Policy & Purpose 05:27 – Tech and Child Safety: What’s Really at Stake 07:00 – Harm vs. Thrive: A New Way to Talk About Risk 10:51 – What Makes a Safe Childhood in the 21st Century? 15:42 – How Digital Transformation Is Reshaping Childhood 18:26 – Why Parents & Policymakers Are Struggling 27:27 – Real-Life Family Scenarios: The Digital Disconnect 34:56 – Why Kids Feel Socially Obligated Online 35:45 – Is Tech Changing How We Show Up for Each Other? 37:00 – Are We Addicted to Our Phones? 38:10 – Can Children Thrive with Technology? 40:08 – Should Schools Ban Smartphones? 42:27 – Inside Trust & Safety Teams at Big Tech 45:51 – What Age-Appropriate Design Really Means 47:38 – Why Age Verification Is So Hard (and So Crucial) 58:42 – Generative AI & The Future of Childhood 01:05:33 – Final Reflections from Alexandra Evans Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does it take to fix a food system that’s making us, and the planet, sick? Henry Dimbleby, co-founder of LEON, architect of the National Food Strategy, and author of the Sunday Times bestseller Ravenous, is doing just that. From launching a fast-food revolution to shaping the UK’s policies on food, health, and sustainability, Henry’s career is a masterclass in bold ideas and transformative action. Now, through his latest venture, Bramble Partners, he’s supporting the next generation of food innovators determined to fix the system. You'll learn: The truth about ultra-processed foods: why they dominate our diets and how they’re designed to keep us hooked.The systemic challenges of fixing a broken food system—and why it requires more than just individual action.How purpose-driven companies are fixing our food system while delivering profits and impact.How the National Food Strategy is tackling inequality, climate change, and what’s next.Where investments can transform the food system for good.Practical steps you can take today to shape the future of food.How AI and technology are rewriting the rules of food production and fighting waste. Chapters:00:00 – Welcome to High Net Purpose 00:33 – Henry Dimbleby: From Food Startups to Government Policy 02:13 – Finding Purpose: What Drives Henry Today 04:38 – How Our Food System Is Failing—and What Can Change It 09:29 – Inside the Broken Economics of What We Eat 17:05 – Health, Climate & the Hidden Costs of Food 23:03 – Food and Climate: The Second Big Transition 25:58 – Why Food 2.0 Is a Massive Investment Opportunity 28:51 – Rethinking Agriculture: From Soil to Supply Chain 29:08 – The Rise of Asset-Heavy Food Ventures 29:55 – What’s Really Blocking Regenerative Farming? 32:32 – Can Tech Revolutionize Farming? 34:07 – Personalized Nutrition: The Next Frontier 35:11 – Ultra-Processed Foods, Appetite Drugs & the Junk Food Cycle 38:20 – AI, Gut Biomes & the Future of Food Science 41:37 – Waste Less, Grow More: Circular Thinking in Food 45:06 – Where Smart Food Capital Is Going Next 46:34 – Inside Bramble Partners: Purpose-Driven Investing 52:18 – How Henry Stays Energized (Without Burning Out) 53:34 – What He’d Tell His Younger Self 54:32 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
00:00 – Welcome to High Net Purpose 00:33 – Meet David Claydon: From Banking to Climate Strategy 00:49 – His Unusual Journey Through Finance and Government 01:18 – Why Business Must Lead on Decarbonization 01:34 – How Family-Owned Firms Could Drive Climate Action 01:57 – David’s Purpose: Capital, Policy & Long-Term Impact 03:48 – From Wall Street to Westminster 06:02 – Founding Macro Advisory Partners 07:54 – Why He Shifted to Climate Strategy 09:59 – What’s Blocking Climate Progress in Business & Policy 22:45 – Can AI Help Solve the Climate Crisis? 31:06 – The Supply Chain Problem No One Wants to Face 34:20 – China’s Energy Storage & Renewables Dominance 35:34 – Emissions, Strategy & the China Debate 37:41 – The Critical Minerals War Is Already Underway 40:07 – Inside the Complexity of the Energy Transition 44:24 – Where to Invest in Carbon Removal 48:54 – Long-Term Thinking: The Family Business Advantage 54:15 – Banks, Finance & Their Real Emissions Footprint 59:50 – Why Global Collaboration on Climate Is So Hard 01:05:44 – David Claydon’s Final Advice for the FutureWhat does it take to leave a high-flying career in finance and tackle one of the world’s greatest challenges—climate change?David Claydon, Founding Partner of Kaya Partners, has made it his mission to turn bold climate ambitions into real-world impact. From leadership roles at J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley to advising the UK Foreign Secretary, David has spent his career shaping strategies at the intersection of finance, policy, and geopolitics. Now, he’s helping corporations navigate the complex path to net zero with no-nonsense pragmatism and innovative thinking.You'll learn: ·      How businesses and policymakers can align to accelerate decarbonisation.·      Why modular nuclear reactors could transform global energy strategy.·      How to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals and build resilient supply chains.·      Why family-owned businesses might hold the key to driving multigenerational climate action.Chapters: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if building a multi-billion-dollar company started with just €5,000, a vision for better mobility, and a relentless commitment to resourcefulness? Markus Villig, Founder of Bolt, is Europe’s youngest self-made billionaire. From humble beginnings in Estonia, Markus transformed a small idea into a global powerhouse valued at $8 billion. Bolt now serves over 200 million customers across 50 countries, redefining transportation with ride-hailing, e-scooters, and car rentals. In this episode, Markus shares his inspiring journey from coding as a teenager to scaling a company that’s revolutionizing urban mobility. He discusses the influence of Estonia’s tech ecosystem, the challenges of entering markets like South Africa, and the core principles—frugality, purpose, and integrity—that continue to shape Bolt’s culture. We explore:Why a frugal mindset is the ultimate advantage.How purpose has been the foundation of Bolt’s success.The challenges of scaling while staying true to your values.Estonia’s tech revolution and what it means for global entrepreneurship.The future of transportation and sustainable mobility.How to sustain high-performance. Chapters:00:00 Welcome to High Net Purpose 00:31 Who Is Markus Villig? From Teen Founder to Billion-Dollar CEO 00:37 How Markus Started Bolt at 19 – The Early Hustle 01:06 Building Bolt: The Toughest Challenges and Biggest Wins 01:44 What Makes a Great Leader? Markus on Purpose-Driven Innovation 02:19 The Vision Behind Bolt – And What Drives Markus Today 04:26 Why Estonia Became Europe’s Unexpected Tech Powerhouse 06:26 How Bolt Became a Global Mobility Giant 10:07 Why Frugality Is a Superpower in Business 21:01 Scaling Bolt: From Ride-Hailing to Grocery to E-Scooters 24:58 The Strategy Behind Bolt’s Global Expansion 26:48 How Markus Navigated Bolt’s Funding Challenges 27:22 Breaking Into Africa: Lessons from Expanding Across the Continent 29:07 Smart, Scrappy Market Entry Strategies That Actually Work 31:53 The Secret to Hiring Great People at Speed 36:34 What Markus Wishes He’d Invested In 38:31 The Future of Mobility: Super Apps, Sustainability & Speed 46:40 Leadership Lessons from Scaling a Company at 21 52:08 Advice for Young Founders (and a Look Ahead) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if we told you that your brain has the power to completely transform how you think - at any age?We travel to Dublin and sit down with Professor Ian Robertson, a world-leading neuroscientist who has dedicated his career to helping individuals harness control over their mental processes. He is also a professor of psychology at Trinity College Dublin, where he draws on his ground-breaking research into brain plasticity to provide valuable insights into how our brains can adapt and change, even later in life. Ian is also the author of the bestselling books: How Confidence Works, The Winner Effect, and The Stress Test (amongst many others!) which further explore the concepts we discuss in this enlightening conversation.From his humble beginnings in Glasgow to becoming a top figure in clinical psychology, Ian shares his challenges to traditional psychology and expresses his mission to help others realize the control they have over their minds. We dive into the science of confidence, exploring why it’s built through small wins, how anxiety and control impact mental health, and how purpose and values can reduce stress and enhance resilience.You’ll learn: How confidence is built through small successes and failures.The brain’s neuroplasticity and ability to change how you think.Tips for managing anxiety.The role of purpose and values in reducing stress.The dangers of overconfidence.Gender differences in confidence.Building values and purpose into wealth transition.Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to High Net Purpose 00:36 – Professor Ian Robertson: The Science of Confidence 01:19 – What Really Builds Confidence 01:51 – How His Personal Story Led to Brain Science 04:25 – Helping Kids (and Adults) Grow True Confidence 07:30 – Why Success and Failure Are Both Essential 16:08 – The Dangers of Overconfidence 21:06 – Your Brain’s Tug-of-War: Approach vs. Avoidance 23:16 – Is Overprotective Parenting Undermining Resilience? 25:07 – Training Your Attention to Build Confidence 26:42 – The Role of Mindset in Transformation 28:24 – Why Gender Still Shapes Confidence Differently 30:59 – How Confidence and Happiness Are Linked 32:12 – Wellbeing, Status & the Confidence Gap 33:31 – Confidence and the Challenge of Wealth Transfer 41:40 – Why Values and Purpose Matter More Than Ever 44:39 – Final Thoughts from Ian Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, we talk with Vicky Reynal, the UK’s first financial psychotherapist, who has pioneered a unique approach combining psychodynamic therapy with financial counselling. Her acclaimed book, "Money on your Mind," is now translated into eight languages and sold in over 20 countries. Vicky’s story spans an Ivy-League education, an MBA from London Business School, and a career across three continents. She helps clients—from ultra-high-net-worth individuals to those facing financial challenges—understand and reshape their emotional relationships with money. We explore:The emotional roots of financial behaviour.Wealth transfer to the next generation.How wealth impacts personality and family dynamics.Gender differences in financial decisions.Strategies for managing financial anxiety. Chapters:00:00 – Welcome to High Net Purpose 00:26 – Meet Vicky Reynal: Inside the Mind of a Financial Psychotherapist 01:17 – How She Found Her Way to Money Psychology 01:58 – Why Financial Emotional Awareness Changes Everything 02:51 – What Your Money Habits Say About You 04:20 – The Overlooked Role of Therapy in Financial Health 05:53 – Healthy vs. Unhealthy Money Relationships 09:32 – When Money Becomes Symbolic in Love & Family 11:16 – Wealth, Personality & Power Dynamics 22:54 – The Hidden Struggles in Wealth Transfer and Legacy 36:19 – Why Financial Literacy Isn’t Enough 41:23 – Final Reflections from Vicky Reynal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this month's episode, Joe McCarthy sits down for a thought-provoking conversation with Diego Piacentini, a global leader in the technology and business world whose journey from Apple to Amazon, to Government to Investor is nothing short of extraordinary. Recorded at Islandbridge’s offices in London, this conversation takes you behind the scenes of some of the most influential companies of our time.Diego's story is one of ambition, innovation and the relentless pursuit of purpose. From shaping Apple’s global expansion, to leading the rise of Amazon, Diego has seen it all. His transition from the private sector to a public service powerhouse as Italy’s Commissioner for Digital Transformation highlights his versatility and dedication to societal impact. Today, he’s a respected investor, board member, and mentor, shaping the future of entrepreneurship and innovation across the globe.You'll learn: What sets exceptional leaders apart.The invaluable lessons from Amazon.The unique challenges of moving from tech to public service.Why data-driven decisions are game-changers.Secrets to building and leading top-performing teams.How to balance high professional aspirations with personal fulfilment. Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to High Net Purpose 00:27 – Meet Diego Piacentini: From Silicon Valley to Civil Service 02:02 – Finding Purpose Through a Global Career 02:45 – His Early Move to the U.S. & Big Ambitions 05:14 – Climbing the Ranks at Apple and Amazon 12:41 – What Great Leaders Know About Risk 13:36 – Inside Amazon: Innovation, Obsession & Scale 21:16 – Data Over Ego: The Discipline of Truth-Seeking 28:04 – Culture Eats Strategy: Building Mechanisms That Work 30:27 – Who You Hire Matters: Missionaries vs. Mercenaries 34:40 – The Amazon Lesson: Separate Emotion from Execution 37:52 – Why He Left Big Tech to Digitize a Nation 45:45 – From Operator to Investor: Applying Big Tech Playbooks 52:07 – Balancing Drive with a Meaningful Life 55:35 – Advice for the Next Generation of Leaders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this month's episode, Joe McCarthy sits down for a high-energy conversation with Dave and Steve Flynn from The Happy Pear at Islandbridge's office in London. The dynamic duo ignited their plant-powered revolution in 2004, and what started as a humble local veg shop has exploded into a global phenomenon. Fast forward 20 years, and The Happy Pear now boasts a vibrant café and bakery in Greystones, Ireland. They've launched more than 15 transformative online courses that have inspired over 100,000 people, and their thriving recipe club continues to bring joy to food lovers everywhere. With six bestselling cookbooks under their belt, totalling an impressive 500,000 copies sold, Dave and Steve are redefining culinary wellness. They also run a 4-acre regenerative organic farm and a coffee roastery, all while cultivating a social media community of nearly 2 million passionate followers. Their impact on how we perceive food, health, and community is nothing short of revolutionary.We explore: Balancing business with your values.The food and farming industry.Community and the importance of relationships.Navigating the use of social media.The importance of health and wellness.Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to High Net Purpose 00:26 – Meet The Happy Pear: Dave & Steve Flynn 02:24 – How The Happy Pear Started (and Why It Took Off) 04:30 – Growing a Mission-Led Brand Without Selling Out 07:23 – The Highs and Lows of Building a Food Business 19:46 – Why Community Is the Secret Ingredient 25:25 – The Science Behind Plant-Based Living 26:06 – Loneliness, Belonging & The Power of Community 27:39 – Going Global: How Their Movement Grew 29:14 – The Sunrise Swim That Became a Ritual 34:09 – Navigating Social Media vs. Real Life 36:07 – Raising Kids in a Fast-Paced Digital World 38:28 – The Habits That Keep Them Happy and Healthy 41:20 – Turning Life’s Challenges Into Fuel for Joy 45:37 – Final Reflections from The Happy Pear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
David Miliband is President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Named in Fortune's list of the World's Greatest Leaders, and Top 100 Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy, David’s career is nothing short of extraordinary. From serving as the youngest Foreign Secretary in the United Kingdom since 1935, to leading one of the world’s most influential humanitarian organizations, he has invaluable insights into global leadership and humanitarian efforts. Today, we delve into the complexities of global politics and humanitarian aid. Join us for a compelling conversation that explores the intersection of strategic philanthropy, politics and global crisis. What we discuss:·       Philanthropy's role in addressing the refugee crisis.·       Impact evaluation - how to effectively allocate resources.·       The role of philanthropy where governments retreat.·       Climate change and vulnerable populations.·       How politics can learn from the humanitarian sector. Chapters:00:00 – Welcome to High Net Purpose 00:28 – David Miliband: From UK Politics to Global Humanitarianism 01:06 – What Shaped His Purpose and Philosophy 02:06 – Leading the International Rescue Committee 05:22 – How to Solve the Toughest Humanitarian Crises 13:45 – Why Funding with Independence Matters 17:51 – Global Poverty and Conflict: What’s Changing Now 21:03 – The Climate Crisis Is a Humanitarian Crisis 22:57 – Climate Refugees: What the Future Holds 23:44 – Migration Trends: What’s Coming Next 24:29 – Why Domestic Policy Drives Global Movement 25:43 – What the Media Gets Wrong About Refugees 27:26 – How to Manage a Modern Refugee Crisis 30:44 – Protecting Women and Girls in Conflict Zones 32:10 – Why Social + Economic Support Must Go Together 33:20 – Philanthropy, Politics, and Real Change 34:48 – The Atlas of Impunity: A Global Wake-Up Call 37:09 – Hope and Action: What Keeps Him Going 38:10 – The New Role of Business in Humanitarian Work 39:55 – What Effective Philanthropy Really Looks Like 42:28 – Final Reflections from David Miliband Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Venture into the realm of biotech entrepreneurship with Geoffrey von Maltzahn, the mastermind behind a multitude of ground-breaking companies that fuse biology and data science to revolutionize human health and sustainability. Named among Bloomberg's 50 Ones to Watch, Business Insider's 30 Biotech Leaders under 40 and noted as one of Codex's World's Top 50 Innovators, Geoffrey stands as a prominent figure in the realm of biotech entrepreneurship. He has co-founded companies which have massed over $10 billion in market capitalization, including: Flagship Pioneering, Generate Biomedicines, Quotient Therapeutics, Tessera Therapeutics’, the list goes on. As the current CEO of six of these ventures, he is shaping industries with cutting edge technologies like Gene Writing™️ and carbon farming.We explore: - Harnessing the power of AI.- The intersection of biology and technology.- Entrepreneurial success.- The future of human health.- Gene editing and personalised medicine. - Achieving your peak performance. Chapters:00:00 – Welcome to High Net Purpose00:18 – Meet Geoffrey von Maltzahn: Biotech Visionary & Builder00:37 – The Dawn of a New Era in Medical Discovery01:23 – His Purpose: Reimagining Human Health Through Science02:52 – What Biological Engineering Will Mean for the World03:09 – From MIT to Flagship: Geoffrey’s Foundational Journey14:44 – Creating Generate Biomedicines: AI Meets Drug Discovery25:41 – Gene Writing: How Tessera Is Rewriting the Rules33:44 – Building Breakthrough Teams & Navigating Setbacks44:49 – What’s Next: Future Vision and Big Bets51:32 – Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We head to San Francisco and sit down with Tom Steyer, Wall Street giant and visionary behind Galvanize Climate Solutions and Farallon Capital Management.Transitioning from finance to climate activism in 2012, he safeguarded California's Global Warming Solutions Act and founded NextGen America, rallying record youth voters. Co-founder of Beneficial State Bank and TomKat Ranch, Steyer champions sustainability and justice. His 2020 presidential bid and leadership roles with Governor Newsom and Vice President Biden showcase his influence. Steyer blends financial acumen with environmental passion, offering unparalleled insights at the intersection of finance and climate activism.We discuss:Early life experiences and their influence.How a trip to Alaska changed everything.The secret's behind Farallon's success.Movement capitalism: where profit meets purpose.Impactful global leadership and it's influence.The role of family wealth in addressing climate change.Impact investing and the emphasis of profitable investments in renewable energy.Chapters:00:00 – Welcome to High Net Purpose 00:51 – Tom Steyer’s Mission: Climate, Capital & Conscience 03:46 – Early Life Lessons That Shaped His Worldview 07:13 – Wall Street Origins: Learning at Goldman Sachs 09:49 – Founding Farallon: Risk, Reward & Investment Mastery 17:28 – The Moment He Shifted to Climate Activism 22:24 – Movement Capitalism: A New Model for Climate Solutions 27:38 – Building Galvanize: Where Capital Meets Climate Impact 28:04 – What He Looks for in Early-Stage Founders 29:46 – Inside His Climate Investment Strategy 31:07 – Managing Risk While Tackling the Planet’s Biggest Problem 33:15 – Where He Sees Opportunity in Climate Tech 34:23 – Why Better Information Could Unlock the Future 36:45 – Agriculture, Sequestration & Natural Solutions 38:20 – What’s Slowing Down Climate Innovation 39:39 – The Realities of the Green Premium 41:10 – Can Public Markets Deliver Real Impact? 43:08 – Fossil Fuels, Transition Plans & Honest Timelines 47:34 – Investing Family Wealth With Purpose 50:54 – Reflections on a Life in Finance and Climate 55:22 – Final Thoughts & Closing  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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