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Episode 46 – Taking on ESG Initiatives Amidst Global Turmoil with Habib Subjally

Episode 46 – Taking on ESG Initiatives Amidst Global Turmoil with Habib Subjally

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Gas prices have spiked exponentially. Inflation is at 40-year highs. World peace is disrupted due to the war in Eastern Europe.

Amidst all of this global turmoil, how should investors think about  ESG investing? How can organizations advance mission-aligned initiatives?

Find out in this episode, as Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Habib Subjally, senior portfolio manager and head of global equities at RBC Global Asset Management. Habib shares thoughtful insights and strategies for effective ESG integration within an organization your organization and yoru portfolio.

You will learn:

  • Why the current momentum in ESG investing is here to stay
  • How ESG investing can lead to greater commercial success and financial returns
  • Ways to navigate the complexities of the current ESG landscape (and some trending investment themes)
  • How portfolio managers can adopt ESG initiatives despite a lack of standardized industry data
  • And more!

Tune in to learn more about incorporating ESG into your current investment process!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Habib Subjally on LinkedIn | RBC Global Asset Management | Fiducient Advisors’ Guide to Mission-Aligned Investing

About Our Guest:

Habib Subjally is a Senior Portfolio Manager and the Head of RBC Global Equity at RBC Global Asset Management, where he leads a team of 11 global sector specialists. Prior to joining the firm in 2014, Habib spent eight years managing global equities and building his team to its current structure. Previously, he held lead positions in small- and mid-cap equities as well as global and North American equities at other asset management firms.

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Episode 45 – How Can Mission-Driven Nonprofits Improve Performance in Today’s Environment? with Sally Blount

Episode 45 – How Can Mission-Driven Nonprofits Improve Performance in Today’s Environment? with Sally Blount

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Every organization must take the time to stop, reflect on its performance, and ask, “Are we doing the best we can with our current resources?”

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Sally Blount, president, and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, one of the largest human service providers in the Midwest serving more than 500,000 people annually. Sally sheds light on the current environment for nonprofits and strategies to advance your charitable mission.

You will learn:

  • The process of re-evaluating and enhancing your nonprofit’s performance
  • Caveats to keep in mind while scaling your organizational services
  • Factors that lead to effective governance and ideal committee structures
  • The importance of aligning your investment portfolio with your core values
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can help your organization prosper in the current environment!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Sally Blount on LinkedIn | Email Sally | Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago | Episode 42: “Investment Considerations, DEI, Nonprofit Leadership and More with Mellody Hobson” | Nonprofit Fundraising and Cryptocurrencies

About Our Guest:

Sally Blount is president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Moreover, she is the professor of strategy at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where she is also a proud alumna and former dean. An internationally recognized thought leader in management and business education, Blount is a highly rated professor and sought-after speaker on leadership development, board governance, and organizational transformation. From 2004-2010, Sally served as dean of the New York University undergraduate College of Business and vice dean of the Stern School of Business. In both deanships, Blount was a record-setting fundraiser, partnering with and leading teams that completed two capital campaigns that were transformational for their institutions, together raising more than $550M. Blount also sits on the board of two Fortune 500 companies, Abbott Laboratories and Ulta Beauty, as well as the boards of the Joyce Foundation and the Economic Club of Chicago.

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Episode 44 – Nonprofits in Higher-Ed: Current Outlook, Opportunities, and Challenges with Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich

Episode 44 – Nonprofits in Higher-Ed: Current Outlook, Opportunities, and Challenges with Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich

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This can be a challenging environment for nonprofit organizations, especially those in higher education, contending with investments, revenue, operations, and more.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, president at Concordia University-St. Paul. They discuss the current outlook for higher-ed organizations, including major opportunities and challenges facing them today.

You will learn:

  • Latest trends in enrollment, operations, and advancement in the higher education space
  • Reasons to focus on sustainability and long-term results while overseeing endowments
  • The impact of rising interest rates on an organization’s finances
  • Tips to help achieve greater alignment among committee and board members
  • And more!

Tune in to learn about the current opportunities and challenges for nonprofits, especially in higher education!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Brian Friedrich on LinkedIn | Email Brian Friedrich | Concordia University, St. Paul | Endowments & Foundations Consulting at Fiducient Advisors

About Our Guest:

The Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich is the 10th president of Concordia University, St. Paul. Prior to returning to his alma mater, Friedrich served as President of Concordia University, Nebraska from 2004-2019, holding several positions in development and administration. He was appointed as vice president for institutional advancement in 1997 and was named the president of Concordia Foundation, Inc. in 2003 before being named president in 2004. Friedrich is a vice president of the Concordia University System, member of the Colloquy Committee of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, trustee of Mill Neck Foundation and Lutheran Friends of the Deaf boards, a director of the Council of Independent Colleges of Nebraska, a director of the National Association of the Council of Independent Colleges and Universities, a member of the Seward Rotary Club and St. John Lutheran Church.

 

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Episode 43 – Nonprofit Governance: How to Effectively Build Committees, Craft Policies, and Fill Gaps with Julia Boisvert

Episode 43 – Nonprofit Governance: How to Effectively Build Committees, Craft Policies, and Fill Gaps with Julia Boisvert

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Effective governance is key to a nonprofit’s success. It provides strategic direction to your organization.

There are multiple factors to consider — board and committee structures, decision-making authority, and investment policies, to name a few.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Julia Boisvert, a member of Murtha Cullina LLP’s Health Care and Tax-Exempt Organizations Practice Groups. Together, they help nonprofit leaders improve their governance structure and overall operational efficiency.

You will learn:

  • How nonprofits can increase their investment reserves with innovative strategies
  • Key considerations while creating investment and spending policies
  • How committees and board members can collaborate more efficiently
  • How to ensure that gifts/donations align with your organization’s core values
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can establish effective governance at your charitable organization!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Julia Boisvert on LinkedIn | Contact Julia Boisvert | Murtha Cullina LLP

About Our Guest:

Julia Boisvert assists hospitals, physicians, physician practice groups, social service providers, and other for-profit and nonprofit health care providers with a variety of health care regulatory, corporate, and business issues. Julia has experience advising on corporate formation, governance matters, corporate transactions, employment matters, practitioner and facility licensure, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, HIPAA and privacy compliance, and fraud and abuse matters. She also has experience drafting a variety of agreements, including professional services agreements and employment agreements. For nonprofit providers, Julia also assists with filing for recognition of tax exemption, board management issues, charitable giving matters, and general operational issues.

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Episode 42 – Investment Considerations, DEI, Nonprofit Leadership, and More with Mellody Hobson

Episode 42 – Investment Considerations, DEI, Nonprofit Leadership, and More with Mellody Hobson

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How concerned should we be with market and economic trends? How can we improve our DEI efforts? What are opportunities and challenges should nonprofit leaders be focusing on? These are some of the pressing questions we hear from clients.

Join Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis as they speak with one of the most in-demand guests Mellody Hobson, co-CEO & president at Ariel Investments, a firm managing nearly $18 billion in assets. Mellody shares valuable insight into current investment trends, along with strategies to make your organization more diverse and inclusive.

You will learn:

  • Effectively diversifying your portfolio, given the recent performance of various asset classes
  • Ways to overcome the “unconscious bias” that sabotages your DEI efforts
  • How to evaluate investment managers and firms through a DEI lens
  • Valuable advice for nonprofit leaders to help them drive positive, systematic change
  • And more!

Tune in to hear Mellody Hobson’s expert insights on how investors, including nonprofit organizations, can thrive in the current environment!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Mellody Hobson on LinkedIn | Ariel Investments | “The Difference: How the Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups, Firms, Schools, and Societies” by Scott Page

About Our Guest:

As Co-CEO, Mellody Hobson is responsible for management, strategic planning, and growth for all areas of Ariel Investments outside of research and portfolio management. Outside of Ariel, Mellody is a nationally recognized voice on financial literacy. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of Starbucks Corporation and as a director of JPMorgan Chase. Previously, Mellody served as Chairman of the Board of DreamWorks Animation until the company’s sale and was also a long-standing board member of the Estée Lauder Companies. Mellody’s community outreach includes her role as Chairman of After School Matters, a Chicago non-profit that provides area teens with high-quality after school and summer programs. Additionally, she is vice chair of World Business Chicago; co-chair of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art; and a board member of the George Lucas Education Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies.

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Episode 32 – Become a Confident Leader with Dr. Karyn Gordon

Episode 32 – Become a Confident Leader with Dr. Karyn Gordon

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Dr. Karyn Gordon has rightly said, “Great leaders drive communication, performance, and engagement.”

But how can you become a great leader at your nonprofit organization?

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis are joined by Dr. Karyn Gordon to answer this question. Dr. Karyn is the CEO of DK Leadership, a leadership and relationship expert, and a sought-after media personality. They reveal the skills required to become a confident leader and lead your nonprofit to success.

You will learn:

  • The importance of finding your purpose –– both for organizations and individuals
  • The three types of leaders: insecure, arrogant, and confident
  • Effective conflict resolution tips for investment committees 
  • How to improve your organization’s team dynamics by mastering five EQ skills
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how to become a confident nonprofit leader!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Dr. Karyn Gordon on LinkedIn | DK Leadership | “The Three Chairs: How Great Leaders Drive Communication, Performance, and Engagement” by Dr. Karyn Gordon | “Start With Why” by Simon Sinek | “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable” by Patrick Lencioni | “The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate The Three Essential Virtues” by Patrick Lencioni | The Next Chapter in the Active versus Passive Debate

About Our Guest:

Dr. Karyn Gordon is the CEO of DK Leadership, a leadership & relationship expert, entrepreneur, dynamic speaker, executive and family coach, TV personality (Good Morning America | USA and Cityline | Canada) and author of “The Three Chairs: How Great Leaders Drive Communication, Performance & Engagement.” In 2021, Dr. Karyn was nominated for the 29th annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award.

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Episode 31 – Behind the Scenes of a Successful Foundation with Jay Ruderman

Episode 31 – Behind the Scenes of a Successful Foundation with Jay Ruderman

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Are you looking for proven strategies to help your foundation thrive?

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation. Jay reveals principles that have guided the Ruderman Family Foundation in making prudent management, investment, and strategic decisions, and explains how other foundations can emulate their success.

You will learn:

  • Why nonprofits should focus on both advocacy and funding to amplify their impact
  • An unconventional way to look at ESG investing that leads to “double impact”
  • How to identify unique charitable opportunities and avoid replication
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can lead your foundation to success!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Jay Ruderman on LinkedIn | Ruderman Family Foundation | All Inclusive With Jay Ruderman (Podcast) | How To Make Your Investment Committee More Effective

About Our Guest:

Jay Ruderman is the President of the Ruderman Family Foundation, which focuses on the inclusion of people with disabilities worldwide and educating Israeli leaders on the American Jewish community. He also has served on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Funders Network and is a member of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Executive Committee. In the fall of 2001, Jay became Deputy Director of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in New England. In 2005, Mr. Ruderman enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and became the liaison between the IDF and Diaspora Jewry. After his service in the IDF, he returned to AIPAC as the Leadership Director for AIPAC in Israel.

 

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Episode 30 – One Year Anniversary Special

Episode 30 – One Year Anniversary Special

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It’s been a year since Nonprofit Investment Stewards was launched!

A big thank you to all our wonderful listeners and guests who have been a part of this journey.

In this special episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis take a trip down the memory lane, highlighting some of their most memorable episodes. Then, they move on to share five invaluable – and timely – tips for nonprofit investment committees and other stakeholders who oversee endowments and foundations.

You will learn:

  • Key takeaways from some of our most-downloaded episodes
  • Many investment, governance and cost saving strategies to advance your nonprofit’s mission
  • How investment committees can think about lower expected returns
  • Bob’s and Devon’s favorite moments from the podcasting journey
  • And more!

Tune in to revisit some of our best episodes, as well as gain fresh insights on how to make your nonprofit thrive!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Endowment Investment Considerations for Today’s Market — With Brad Long | Your Guide to Endowment Spending Policy – With Devon Francis | How Nonprofit Leaders Can Overcome Today’s Challenges – with Dennis Morrone | Effective Investment Strategies for Healthcare Systems — With Russ Gronewold | 10 Habits of Effective Investment Committees | How the 2020 Elections Could Impact Nonprofit Investors — With Frank Kelly

 

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Episode 29 – Nonprofits and Private Equity — With Matt Kaminski

Episode 29 – Nonprofits and Private Equity — With Matt Kaminski

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With public equity markets reaching all-time highs in 2021, many investment committees are concerned about future returns.

Consequently, they are exploring or adding allocations to alternative investments, such as private equity.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Matt Kaminski, partner and research director at Fiducient Advisors, who directs the firm’s Global Private Markets Group. Matt shares valuable insights to how nonprofit organizations can make private equity investments an integral part of their portfolio.

You will learn:

  • Key updates on private equity markets (past performance and future considerations)
  • Factors a nonprofit must consider when investing in PE
  • The potential benefits and pitfalls of private equity investments in today’s markets
  • Why private equity may not only be right for large endowments or foundations
  • And more!

Tune in to learn strategies for effectively investing in private equity markets!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | LinkedIn: Matt Kaminski | Matt Kaminski | Private Markets Updates: Growth and New Highs

About Our Guest:

As Partner and Research Director, Matt Kaminski directs Fiducient Advisors’ Global Private Markets Group, overseeing investment research and due diligence efforts. He is also a member of the firm’s Investment Committee, Research Forum, and Trustee-Direct Discretionary Committee. Matt joined Fiduciary Investment Advisors, LLC in 2009, which combined with Fiducient Advisors in 2020. Prior to joining the firm, he was an Investment Analyst and member of the Consultant Relations team at Fidelity Investments. Matt received a BSBA from Stonehill College, is a CFA® charterholder, and a member of the CFA Institute and the Hartford CFA Society. With his free time, Matt is on the Finance & Audit Committee for Foodshare, Inc. (a nonprofit anti-hunger organization in the greater Hartford area). His personal interests include fishing and biking.

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Episode 28 – How Nonprofits Can Drive Results Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion — With Cynthia Primo Martin

Episode 28 – How Nonprofits Can Drive Results Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion — With Cynthia Primo Martin

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Focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is more than just the “right thing to do.” It can help your nonprofit make better decisions and achieve greater results.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Cynthia Primo Martin, founder of the Trustees of Color initiative. They discuss actionable strategies to create diverse investment committees, overcome common DEI challenges, and leverage DEI initiatives to achieve your core organizational mission.

You will learn:

  • Top recruitment and selection practices for nonprofit boards and investment committees
  • Why nonprofit leaders should be intentional with their DEI efforts
  • How “board readiness” helps you overcome personal biases & become more accessible
  • How diverse committees are more likely to achieve better investment returns
  • And more!

Tune in to gain valuable insights into how DEI plays an important role in charitable organizations.

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Cynthia Primo Martin on LinkedIn | Contact Cynthia: (302) 540-0196 or CPrimo@comcast.net | “Handbook for Nonprofit Leadership: Recruiting, Training and Engaging Trustees of Color” by Cynthia Primo Martin | “Diversity of Asset Managers In Philanthropy” by Global Economy Group | “Madam C. J. Walker’s Gospel of Giving: Black Women’s Philanthropy during Jim Crow” by Dr. Tyrone McKinley Freeman | “Focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” by Devon Francis

About Our Guest:

Cynthia Primo Martin is the founder of the Trustees of Color initiative, whose mission is to ensure that nonprofit boards are inclusive of people of color. Cynthia has served as a director and trustee of many nonprofit organizations, including the University of Delaware, Delaware Symphony Association, African-American Endowment Fund at DCF, and the Waterson Family Foundation. Earlier in her career, she served as human resources and equal employment opportunity director for a major insurance company. Cynthia is also the author of “Handbook for Nonprofit Leadership: Recruiting, Training and Engaging Trustees of Color.”

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