The Power of Quiet Leadership—Action, Impact, and the Climate Crisis with Tenzin Seldon
May 7, 2025
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Tenzin Seldon, a global climate advocate and founder of Pulse Fund, shares her journey as a Tibetan-American leader. She emphasizes the importance of ritual and compassion in staying grounded while navigating activism. Tenzin discusses the intersection of personal narratives and cultural identity in addressing climate issues. With insights into sustainable investments, she advocates for merging financial returns with environmental impact. Her refreshing perspective encourages action rooted in values, moving beyond fear to create meaningful change.
Tenzin Seldon's journey from a Tibetan refugee to a climate advocate emphasizes the importance of personal stories in fostering impactful activism.
The discussion highlights that true urgency in climate action often involves consistent, quiet commitment rather than overt, loud demands for change.
Tenzin distinguishes between true compassion and mere sympathy, advocating for actionable change while maintaining personal boundaries and values in leadership.
Deep dives
The Role of Climate Advocacy
The conversation highlights the urgent necessity of protecting the environment, emphasizing that the Amazon rainforest is considered the world's lungs, yet questions who advocates for its protection. The guest, Tenzin Selden, a climate advocate, reflects on the inconsistency of urgency in climate activism, arguing that true urgency manifests as quiet, consistent action rather than loud demands. She shares her personal journey growing up as a Tibetan refugee, highlighting how such experiences shaped her perspective on activism and commitment to addressing climate issues. This backstory underlines the importance of consistent action in addressing environmental challenges, dispelling the notion that urgency must always be manifestly intense or boisterous.
Navigating Identity and Values
Tenzin discusses the complexities of identity shaped by her upbringing and education at prestigious institutions like Stanford and Oxford. She emphasizes the significance of treating individuals equitably and how this environment allowed her to thrive and explore her full potential. Unlike many who fear judgment based on their backgrounds, Tenzin felt empowered to embrace her individuality and capabilities. This underscores the idea that equitable treatment fosters growth and development, enabling individuals to realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to global issues.
The Importance of Compassionate Leadership
The discourse touches on the concept of compassion in leadership, which Tenzin elaborates on by distinguishing between empathy, sympathy, and true compassion, which requires actionable change. She explains that compassionate individuals set boundaries while maintaining their values, asserting the necessity of being firm on critical issues. This understanding of compassionate action has informed her approach to working within climate advocacy and venture capitalism, guiding her to create initiatives that are both ethical and impactful. By prioritizing compassion over complacency, Tenzin advocates for meaningful engagement and accountability in addressing climate action.
Climate Tech as a Viable Investment
Tenzin describes her role as a founder of a venture capital fund, Pulse Fund, dedicated to investing in scalable climate tech companies that promise significant financial returns alongside environmental benefits. She clarifies that their focus lies in finding high-growth, integrated businesses that promise market-rate returns rather than solely functioning as an impact fund. Her approach highlights the potential for profitability in climate tech, asserting that aligning financial success with environmental stewardship can attract investments. By emphasizing this dual focus, Tenzin aims to shift perceptions around climate funding, demonstrating that sustainability can be compatible with strong economic performance.
Confronting Global Climate Challenges
Tenzin articulates significant concerns regarding climate change, particularly regarding adaptation and mitigation strategies for displaced populations and ecosystems. She stresses that climate adaptation measures are crucial, as many regions face existential threats, including rising sea levels and the displacement of communities. Through storytelling, she sheds light on the traumatic experiences of refugees that arise as climate catastrophes unfold, urging the need for comprehensive planning. Tenzin encourages proactive solutions by integrating community insights into governance and decision-making, reinforcing the idea that localized, action-oriented strategies will be fundamental as we confront the climate crisis.
How do you lead with conviction—without losing your center?
Tenzin Seldon is a global climate advocate, human rights leader, and one of the first Tibetan-Americans to rise through the ranks of elite institutions like Stanford and Oxford. But her story isn’t about prestige—it’s about purpose.
Born to Tibetan refugee parents, Tenzin’s life has been shaped by activism, faith, and a deep connection to community. In this conversation, she shares what it means to be “the first,” how ritual and compassion help her stay grounded, and why indigenous wisdom is essential to solving the climate crisis.
We explore the inner practices that support outer impact, and the tension between ambition and integrity. Tenzin offers a refreshing perspective—one that moves beyond fear and toward meaningful action.
Originally recorded last fall, this episode feels more urgent than ever. As you listen, reflect on what it takes to stay rooted when the world feels uncertain—and how you show up when your values are tested.
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Learn more about Tenzin’s climate investment work at www.pulsefund.com
