jacqueline novogratz by anne decourcy conlin
TRANSCRIPT
Jacqueline NovogratzF O U N D E R A N D D I R E C T O R O F A C U M E N F U N D
“ A R I C H L I F E I S O N E W H E R E YO U A R E
S T R E TC H I N G YO U RS E L F TO WO R K O N T H E
WO R L D ’ S TO U G H E S T P RO B L E M S A N D
F O C U S I N G O N OT H E R S ”
– J A C Q U E L I N E N O V O G R AT Z
A N N E C O N L I NM G M T 7 9 1 4 / 1 / 1 4
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Early Life – valuing responsibility and community
Born in 1961; spent childhood in Upstate New York and Detroit
Eldest of seven children in a military familyFather did several tours in Vietnam, and was
responsible for helping dead soldiers families – shared his stress about economic inequality with his family
Inculcated with family and community responsibility through Catholic school and family values: “If there was a family ethic, it was to work hard, go to church, be good to your family, and live out loud”
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Early work experience – experimenting and exploring
Attended UVA where she studied Economics and International Relations
At graduation, wanted to bartend, ski, and see the world but her parents encouraged her to recruit
After bring promised travel, accepted with Chase Bank and began “three of the best years of my life”
“Chase trained me in finance and cash flow and how companies work, and I did work in 40 countries. It was a gift from the universe
and the perfect beginning of a career”
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Founding Acumen – authentic leadership
Banking taught her that she could have greatest community impact via improving financial access – left Chase for Rwanda where she started country’s first MFI
In 2001, founded Acumen Fund, a non-profit venture fund that invests “patient capital” in financially sustainable businesses that provide goods and services to low income people in developing countries
Leadership style – and Acumen’s organizational values – reflects her values and personality outside work
“We think about our values in pairs, and there is a tension or a balance between them. We talk about listening and leadership; accountability and generosity;
humility and audacity”
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Personal life – an intellectual partnership
Married Chris Anderson, owner/curator of TED in 2001; have three children
Both share values and want to use work to impact community, but have adopted different missions and platforms
“There’s an extraordinary sense of mutual respect; we both feel we want to change the world”
Provide mutual support: Chris was a frequent editor for Jacqueline’s bestseller The Blue Sweater and Jacqueline regularly contributes to TED
Live in New York within walking distance of her siblings
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Four circle integration
Work
Self
HomeCommunity
Work serves broader global
community
Has built Acumen into an
organization that reflects her
values, leads authentically
Marriage provides mutual career support, both
careers support community
Balances hectic work schedule with family
time
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I chose Jacqueline because she embodies several things I would like for myself
Pragmatic career choices – realized she would gain necessary training at large private sector professional services firm
Foundation in the private sector – began career as a banker
Devoted career to innovation for social impact – through Acumen Fund
Inspiring personal life – marriage is an intellectual partnership, views her life as a system she can change
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Lessons
Be real: find work in which you can have impact outside yourself
Bring your personal values to bear as a leader
Be whole: Build an organizational culture that you personally find satisfying
Find a partner with complimentary passions
Be innovative: Balance adventure and growth with being grounded