One of the most interesting parts of my author journey has been meeting other authors and discovering their books.
Here are my current recommended titles – and authors! – writing on social change investing.
(Please note: The body of literature in the clean money movement is longer than I can cover. Sincere apologies if I’ve neglected obvious titles, especially by my colleagues in the field.)
Drawdown by Paul Hawken (2017)
Paul Hawken has done it again. Drawdown maps out tangible solutions to climate change in an engaging and hopeful way. His highlighting that investment in women and children is the top solution, is heartening and makes complete sense.
Real Impact by Morgan Simon (2017)
Morgan opens eyes and strategies for social justice investing. A long time leader in several change movements, her work in the reorientation of money is crucially important. Too few are thinking this way and Morgan helps open the practicalities and importance of doing so.
The Unfinished Social Entrepreneur by Jonathan Lewis (2017)
A brilliant strategist/organizer, Jonathan Lewis is key to the movement building around social enterprise. His astute understanding of electoral politics grounds his insights. The Unfinished Social Entrepreneur is part memoir and part handbook for change-makers pursuing a social justice career in business.
The Regenerative Business by Carol Sanford (2017)
Carol Sanford is an icon of regenerative business, based on natural world principles, and an advisor to genius entrepreneurs. Her book reimagines work and leadership to increase performance, impact, and long-term value. Natural systems are the essential core.
The Color of Wealth: The Story Behind the U.S. Racial Wealth Divide by Meizhu Lui, Barbara Robles, Betsy Leondar-Wright, Rose Brewer, Rebecca Adamson (2006)
Visionary Native American financial pioneer Rebecca Adamson and her colleagues in this book, have influenced the growing global emergence of indigenous and other finance and empowerment for underserved communities, that must be included in contemporary economy. The Color of Wealth is an important history lesson on racism in finance.
The Innovation Blind Spot: Why We Back the Wrong Ideas and What to do about It by Ross Baird (2017)
Ross Baird is a savvy social entrepreneur working globally to keep the heart and spirit of international development through business rooted in deep, meaningful values. In his book he explores the importance of aligning our work with our values, and action steps to make it happen.
The Impact Investor: Lessons in Leadership and Strategy for Collaborative Capitalism by Jed Emerson (2014)
Thought leader and influencer supreme, Jed Emerson is embedded in the DNA of clean money, with his early “blended value” framework. The Impact Investor is a valuable resource for anyone interested in leadership and collaborative capitalism. Jed’s influence on the field makes him a must read.
One Mile Radius: Building Community From The Core by Mark Deutschmann (2017)
Mark Deutschmann offers a hands-on playbook for building a business with deep community impact that almost any entrepreneur in any type of enterprise can take practical inspiration from. Mark brings the lofty ideas down to day to day practicality. He tells good stories, too.
Gender Lens Investing: Uncovering Opportunities for Growth, Returns, and Impact by Joseph Quinlan and Jackie VanderBrug (2016)
Jackie Vanderbrug is a powerful activator in shifting perspectives on women’s leadership in world-changing financial activity. Gender Lens Investing supports the growing theory that the best strategy to fight climate change and make the world better, is to invest in women. Jackie’s career is a model of steadily increasing influence in rethinking wealth management.
The Power of Impact Investing: Putting Markets to Work for Profit and Global Good by Judith Rodin and Margot Brandenburg (2014)
Judith Rodin is an important articulator of the need to go beyond philanthropy into impact investing so that we all can do our part to address the challenges of our time. Her book shares success stories to inspire future investors.
Integrated Investing: Impact Investing with Head, Heart, Body, and Soul by Bonnie Foley-Wong (2016)
Able to map and describe in accessible terms how to build a change making business, Bonnie’s toolkit empowers legions of new-thought businesses to success. She provides an ethical mindset and financial techniques, that help you feel good about the money you generate while making change.
Invest Like You Give a Damn by Marc de Sousa-Shields (2017)
Marc has been influential in this field for decades, first in Canada, now internationally. He has a sharp mind and is very knowledgeable and in his book he tells real life stories of people who have chosen to align their money with their values.
Raise Capital On Your Own Terms: How to Fund Your Business Without Selling Your Soul by Jenny Kassen (2017)
Jenny is an experienced business attorney with the know-how to raise mission-aligned capital. Her book is a valuable manual for all social entrepreneurs. Jenny provides insight on less known financing strategies that can open minds to more direct alternatives.