The Conscious Entrepreneur | Leadership, Self-Awareness & Mindset EP 97: Invest Like You Mean It: Making Capital a Force for Good with Jennifer Kenning
Where does your money sleep at night, and is it working for the kind of world you want to live in?
Jennifer Kenning was managing the wealth of high-net-worth families by day and volunteering with unhoused communities in Los Angeles by night. That contrast raised a question that’s stuck with her ever since: What if capital could be a force for good, without giving up returns? Now the CEO and co-founder of Align Impact, Jennifer leads a registered investment advisory firm managing over $750 million.
Jennifer joins Sarah Lockwood to talk about values-based investing, conscious capitalism, and how we can all, regardless of portfolio size, be more intentional about where and how our money is working. Jennifer explains why impact investing isn’t charity, how ESG works (and where it falls short), and the practical steps anyone can take to align their investments with their values. She shares examples of funding solutions in climate change, affordable housing, sustainable agriculture, and why investing in women and underrepresented founders creates ripple effects that go far beyond profit. She also reflects on her leadership as the outgoing president of EO Colorado, the power of servant leadership, and how Align’s commitment to being a B Corp shapes the way they do business.
If you’re an entrepreneur rethinking how your capital is allocated, or simply curious about whether your investments align with your intentions, Sarah and Jennifer’s conversation will help you take a more conscious, empowered role in shaping your financial impact.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Jennifer Kenning’s Path to Impact Investing
03:15 Breaking the Myth: Do Values-Based Investments Sacrifice Returns?
07:34 How Align Measures Real-World Impact
10:29 Aligning Your 401(k) and Business Capital With Your Values
18:07 Why Align Impact Became a Certified B Corp
22:11 Bringing an Impact Lens to EO Colorado
25:15 Leading Peers and Evolving as a Servant Leader
30:05 Defining the Hopeful Pioneer and Investing for 2030
35:45 Staying Grounded: Purpose, Practice, and Long-Term Vision
38:06 Advice for Founders Committed to Conscious Capitalism
39:39 Empowerment Through Financial Awareness
Links
Connect with Jennifer Kenning:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennkenning/
Website: https://www.alignimpact.com/
Connect with Sarah Lockwood:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockwoodsarah/
Website: https://hivecast.fm
Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-entrepreneur/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscious_entrepreneur_summit/
Website: http://www.consciousentrepreneur.us
HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.