AboutTermsPrivacyContact
 
Updating
Principles of Benevolence: Build, Lead, Invest with Purpose

Principles of Benevolence: Build, Lead, Invest with Purpose

Released: 2026-03-18
© 2026
Principles of Benevolence: Build, Lead, Invest with Purpose - QR Code
5 Episodes
Audio
Listen on Apple Podcasts
5 Episodes
Audio
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Released: 2026-03-18
© 2026
Most Recent Episode
Harvard Professor On How to Find Meaningful Work

Harvard Professor On How to Find Meaningful Work

Key topics: Brian's journey from nonprofit work to impact investing and academia How purpose and profit can coexist in business models The decision framework between starting a nonprofit or a for-profit social enterprise Principles of impact investing
Time: 42:55
Key topics:
Brian's journey from nonprofit work to impact investing and academia How purpose and profit can coexist in business models The decision framework between starting a nonprofit or a for-profit social enterprise Principles of impact investing and market readiness Leadership and ethics principles from Harvard Business School The ALI program for late-career leaders seeking purpose Navigating philanthropy, impact investing, and entrepreneurial persistence Strategies for incorporating purpose into existing careers and boards Systems thinking approach to solving societal problems Tips for testing ideas, engaging with communities, and building meaningful relationships Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Principles of Benevolence and guest Brian Trelstad
00:45 - Brian's background and interest in purpose-driven business 01:12 - Impact of social entrepreneurship on societal change
02:10 - How Brian and Ebony know each other through impact capital organizations
03:03 - The case study of Meaningful Gigs in Harvard Business School
04:44 - Challenging the notion that profit and purpose are mutually exclusive
05:19 - Transition from nonprofit sector to impact investing
06:13 - The evolution of impact investing and purpose using profit
07:36 - Brian's work in impact investing in different countries
08:01 - Moving to Harvard and teaching social entrepreneurship
09:29 - Roles of Brian at Harvard and impact beyond venture capital
12:51 - Leadership and corporate accountability course themes
14:57 - Ethical decision-making in emerging sectors like AI and unregulated markets
16:44 - The significance of the ALI program for late-career leaders
18:32 - Defining purpose in the third chapter of life and work
19:48 - Framework: Person, Problem, Pathway for purpose exploration
22:18 - How to research societal problems beyond Harvard
24:55 - Narrowing focus: Education, environment, health, etc.
26:49 - Validating ideas through user interviews and field research
28:39 - Deciding whether to launch a nonprofit or for-profit social enterprise
30:23 - Market readiness, economic viability, capital environment as decision factors
33:27 - Access to privileged resources through organizational form
35:19 - Making decisions under uncertainty and the importance of conviction
36:48 - Persistence fueled by deep commitment to the problem
37:35 - Incorporating purpose into current roles via volunteering, boards, and community engagement
40:33 - Final words on taking action to make a difference
41:06 - How to discover your cause through personal stories or experimentation
Resources & Links:
HarvardX Social Entrepreneurship Course Harvard Business School Case on Meaningful Gigs HBR Article | Should Your Start-up Be Non-Profit or For-Profit Sarah Lawrence Lightfoot's "The Third Chapter" Julie Battilana and the Person, Problem, Pathway framework Impact Capital Managers Connect with Brian Trelstad:
[LinkedIn]
Episode ID: 1000755957096
GUID: bbc13c5d-dee3-40f2-a8ad-e065b271ef25
Release Date: 18/03/2026, 18:00:00

Description

You don't have to choose between making money and making a difference.
Principles of Benevolence is a podcast for anyone building wealth with purpose—whether you're managing $100K or $100M. Host Ebony Brown, a venture capitalist with over a decade of experience, sits down with entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders who prove that purpose and profit aren't enemies—they're partners.
What you'll learn:
- How to align your investments and business with your core values—without sacrificing returns
- Strategic frameworks for deploying capital across the full spectrum: from venture capital to patient capital to strategic philanthropy
- Real stories from leaders who've raised millions, managed billion-dollar portfolios, IPO'd companies, and achieved billion-dollar exits—all while solving problems that matter
- Practical pathways for building businesses and careers that serve a purpose beyond yourself
Who this is for:
Aspiring and experienced investors, founders building purpose-driven companies, family office allocators, foundation leaders, and anyone who wants to steward resources responsibly while generating strong returns.
Each episode features candid conversations with people who've figured out how to marry purpose with profit—and actionable insights you can apply whether you're just starting out or managing institutional capital.
Hosted by Ebony Brown, a venture capitalist who's deployed millions into companies solving the world's biggest challenges—from workforce development to healthcare to education access. Ebony shares her own journey from Detroit to Silicon Valley, and the principles she's learned about building wealth while staying true to your values.
New episodes every Wednesday.
Subscribe now to join a community of purpose-driven builders, investors, and leaders who believe that benevolence isn't what you do after you've made it—it's how you make it.

Apple Podcasts: Customer Reviews

No Entry