Smit Naik of Sorenson Impact Institute joined the pod last fall to talk about his previous work at Gary Community Ventures, where he served as its Director of Impact Investing. We talked about the importance of deploying the right capital, at the right time, for the right purpose; how philanthropies leave so much potential impact on the table; and why even investors should approach their work with human-centered design. Smit’s new title is Managing Director of Impact Investing at the Sorenson Impact Institute where he oversees their early-stage venture capital investment strategy.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Bridging the Gap: Understanding Community Needs
• 01:06 Smitt Naik's Journey into Impact Investing
• 02:21 The Role of Listening in Impact Investing
• 04:46 Gary Community Ventures: A Theory of Change
• 09:00 Innovative Approaches to Community Investment
• 12:06 MySpark: Empowering Youth through Financial Choice
• 15:39 The Unique Approach of Gary Community Ventures
• 19:01 Innovating Foundations: Moving Wealth and Power
• 20:28 A Day in the Life of an Impact Investor
• 23:41 Advice for Future Impact Investors

Links:

• Smit’s Linkedin
• Sorenson Impact Institute website
• Gary Community Ventures website
• Eric’s Linkedin
• Lucas’ Linkedin