#512: Jacqueline Novogratz on Building Acumen, How to (Actually) Change the World, Speaking Your Truth, and The Incredible Power of “Dumb” Questions

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May 5, 2021

Jacqueline Novogratz, the founder and CEO of Acumen, discusses her impactful journey in social entrepreneurship. She emphasizes character as essential for success and the power of asking 'dumb' questions to drive change. The conversation touches on navigating cultural complexities in international work and the transformative impact of storytelling. She shares insights on impact investing, local manufacturing initiatives, and the importance of community engagement. Ultimately, Jacqueline advocates for actionable steps towards solving poverty through innovative, empathetic approaches.

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ANECDOTE

Novogratz Family Values

Jacqueline Novogratz grew up in a large family with seven siblings and entrepreneurial parents.
Her mother instilled a strong sense of identity and the importance of earning their own way.

ANECDOTE

Unintentional Banking Career

Jacqueline Novogratz reluctantly interviewed for a banking job after college, initially not wanting to be a banker.
She got the job after restarting the interview and traveled to 40 countries in three years.

ANECDOTE

Swiss Bank Discovery

While working in Switzerland, Jacqueline Novogratz uncovered flaws in a Swiss bank, despite being told she was naive.
The bank later failed, proving her right and highlighting the importance of speaking your truth.

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A Fine Balance

Rohinton Mistry

Set in an unnamed city by the sea in mid-1970s India, during a State of Internal Emergency, the novel follows the lives of Dina Dalal, a widowed seamstress; Ishvar and Omprakash Darji, tailors forced from their village; and Maneck Kohlah, a young student from the Himalayas. The story delves into their intertwined lives, their struggles with poverty, violence, and social upheaval, and their efforts to maintain a fine balance between hope and despair. The novel is a sweeping narrative that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and critiques the harsh realities of neoliberal economics and social injustice.

When Things Fall Apart

Heart Advice for Difficult Times

Pema Chödrön

In this book, Pema Chödrön offers life-changing tools for transforming suffering and negative patterns into habitual ease and boundless joy. Drawing from traditional Buddhist wisdom, she advises moving toward painful situations with friendliness and curiosity, rather than trying to escape them. The book emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty, impermanence, and groundlessness, and provides practical advice for dealing with difficult emotions like fear, anger, and sadness. Chödrön encourages readers to stay present with their feelings and to cultivate nonaggression and compassion, leading to deeper healing and understanding[1][3][5].

Man's Search for Meaning

Viktor Frankl

The book is divided into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945. He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners. The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure. Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering). The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.

Invisible Man

Ralph Ellison

In 'Invisible Man,' Ralph Ellison tells the story of a nameless black protagonist who navigates the surreal and often hostile world of 20th-century America. The novel begins with the narrator living in an underground room, reflecting on his life and the various ways he has experienced social invisibility. He recounts his journey from a small Southern town to Harlem, involving experiences with racism, a brutal 'battle royal,' and his involvement with the Brotherhood, a civil rights group. The narrative delves into themes of identity, power, and the struggle for self-definition in a society that refuses to see him. Through his experiences, the narrator grapples with the complexities of being a black man in America, ultimately leading to a profound exploration of invisibility and the search for one's true self[1][4][5].

The blue sweater

Jacqueline Novogratz

Jacqueline Novogratz's "The Blue Sweater" is a captivating memoir that chronicles her journey from a young banker to a leading social entrepreneur. The book interweaves personal narratives with insightful reflections on the challenges and rewards of working to alleviate poverty. Novogratz shares her experiences building microfinance institutions in Africa and founding Acumen, a global non-profit that invests in entrepreneurs tackling poverty. The book offers a compelling blend of personal storytelling and practical insights into the world of social impact investing.

Manifesto for a Moral Revolution

Jacqueline Novogratz

In 'Manifesto for a Moral Revolution', Jacqueline Novogratz shares inspiring stories from change-makers worldwide and reflects on her own experiences to guide leaders in creating positive change. The book offers principles for integrating purpose and profit, generosity and accountability, and emphasizes the importance of moral leadership in a divided world.

The Innocent Anthropologist

Notes from a Mud Hut

Nigel Barley

In 'The Innocent Anthropologist', Nigel Barley recounts his experiences as a young anthropologist studying the Dowayo tribe in North Cameroon during the late 1970s. The book offers a candid and humorous look at the challenges of fieldwork, cultural misunderstandings, and personal growth. Barley's narrative is both entertaining and thought-provoking, providing a unique perspective on anthropology and cultural differences.