Joel Solomon’s career is somewhere between entrepreneur, philanthropist, and activist. His philosophy is that companies should focus on socially responsible growth – meaning they should care about their impact on their society and the environment, but not give up on making money. Since 1996, he’s been the president of Renewal Partners, a company focused on creating a “triple bottom line” economy. And he’s a pretty big dreamer – while most companies focus on a 10 or 20 year strategic plan, Joel has a 500-year vision about how the work of current generations is crucial. He was nice enough to share a bit about his plans and how you can play your part in changing the world.

TILE: What is socially responsible investing?
Joel: Socially Responsible Investing is about placing your money into companies whose products and services represent your values and beliefs. Every dollar you spend or invest is a direct vote by you for what matters in life and on the planet.

TILE: How can businesses make money and be socially responsible at the same time?
Joel: Business can make plenty of money by being good citizens of the environment – for their workers, and for the communities where they make products and in those where they sell them. Good ethics and planet-responsible behaviour* are fully compatible with making reasonable financial returns. In fact, clear values and true purpose, when combined with the tools of business and money, make a powerful combo that can drive social change.

TILE: Why do you do what you do?
Joel: My life is committed to respect for the hard work my ancestors did to give me my life, and to do everything I can to see that what matters most to me is available to future generations. Those commitments led me to make business and finance serve my long term goals. Every day I get to meet some of the brightest, most creative, most inspiring entrepreneurs and leaders in the world. That’s my reward for staying true to my values and purpose.

TILE: How do you think young people can play a role in philanthropy?
Joel: Young people with access to philanthropy should learn all they can about the issues of our times, especially those that touch your heart and mind the most. Ask lots of questions. Read. Get exposed. Volunteer in organizations you believe in. Find a career that expresses your true values. Learn all you can about the non-profit world. Ask for observer status at foundation meetings. Ask for a small grants budget so you can gain experience making decisions with donations. Seek mentors and experienced advisors. Attend conferences.

TILE: What’s the best advice you would give to your teenage self?
Joel: Commit to your own maximum potential to learn, lead, and live, such that your life and work make a positive impact for today and tomorrow. Follow your inner calling. Develop creativity. Do deep work on yourself, soon, and continually.
Develop pragmatic skills. Travel. Be compassionate.

* Please excuse our extra ‘u’s. Though he was born in Tennessee, Joel is now a resident of sunny Vancouver, Canada.

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