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What if your work could be more about deep, cultural, spiritual, and educational work than financial gain? In this conversation with Alexa Firmenich, founder of Naia Trust and host of the Lifeworlds Podcast, we explore how to balance returns with impact and tradition with transformation in the investment industry. She explains that 100% of global GDP is dependent on nature, and if we’re not supporting nature, we’re not supporting the economy.
Alexa tells us all about her company, Naia Trust and what sets them apart in the investment world before sharing how they approach investment while prioritizing an overall respect and appreciation for nature. She explores how they measure returns from more than just a financial perspective and shares her favorite part of her work at Naia Trust. Finally, she tells us all about her podcast, Lifeworlds Podcast.
No matter what your connection is to the economy, this episode provides powerful insights into overlooked issues that can make or break the future of the global economy. Be sure to tune in now to hear all this and more!
Key Points From This Episode:
How Alexa’s background shaped who she is and her career today. [0:01:35]
Alexa tells us about Naia Trust and what animism is. [0:05:29]
The power of language and the importance of investing in nature. [0:10:53]
Alexa explains Naia Trust’s approach in the investment world. [0:15:35]
How Alexa is trying to incorporate her own version of systems investing. [0:22:55]
Alexa tells us about the notion of returns and how Naia Trust approaches it. [0:30:07]
The part of her work at Naia Trust that Alexa loves the most. [0:39:52]
Alexa encourages listeners to listen to her podcast and tells us all about it. [0:41:22]
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Quotes:
“Language shapes realities and our narratives are profoundly important.” — @Alexa_Firmenich [0:11:02]
“As someone who loves language and writing, I’m trying to remain – accountable to how I speak about the thing that means the most in the world to me, that I see as profoundly sacred.” — @Alexa_Firmenich [0:11:42]
“For many projects to be self-sustaining, you need the return; otherwise, you’re just pumping philanthropic money in.” — @Alexa_Firmenich [0:30:23]
“I think there are really cool ways of measuring your impact today that are more comprehensive and expansive than just the financial return.” — @Alexa_Firmenich [0:33:31]
“I wouldn’t say we’re trailblazing, I’d say that a lot of what we’re doing feels like common sense, but we try to be conscientious with our language and our approach.” — @Alexa_Firmenich [0:40:43]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Alexa Firmenich: https://www.alexafirmenich.com/
Alexa Firmenich on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexafirmenich/
Alexa Firmenich on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexafirmenich
Alexa Firmenich on X: https://x.com/alexa_firmenich
Lifeworlds Podcast: https://www.lifeworld.earth/episodes-blog/
Naia Trust: https://www.naiatrust.com/
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