TED: How to make a profit while making a difference | Audrey Choi

The speaker shares a personal story of overcoming institutional challenges, emphasizing the power individuals have to influence capital markets for social change. They argue that sustainable investing can be both profitable and impactful, debunking myths that values-based investing yields lower returns. Research and case studies support this, showing that companies focusing on sustainability often outperform others. The speaker calls for a shift in perspective, encouraging individuals to invest in ways that align with their values, making sustainable investing the new norm.

What personal experience influenced the speaker's view on institutions?

• Their mother's escape from North Korea

• Their education in Europe

• Their father's career in finance

• Their own experience in the military

How does the speaker describe the capital markets?

• As a small pond

• As a vast ocean

• As a narrow river

• As a calm lake

What percentage of people expressed interest in sustainable investing according to the survey?

• 50%

• 60%

• 71%

• 80%

Which companies are mentioned as examples of successful socially conscious businesses?

• Tesla and SpaceX

• Amazon and Google

• Burt's Bees and Ben & Jerry's

• Apple and Microsoft

What did Harvard Business School find about companies focusing on environmental and social issues?

• They went bankrupt

• They outperformed financially

• They performed the same as others

• They underperformed financially

What is the size of the sustainable investment market today?

• $30 trillion

• $10 trillion

• $20 trillion

• $40 trillion

What does the speaker suggest is the biggest obstacle to sustainable investing?

• Myths in our heads

• Government regulations

• High costs

• Lack of technology

What does the speaker encourage individuals to do with their investments?

• Invest in the change they want to see

• Focus only on short-term gains

• Invest in traditional stocks

• Ignore social issues

What does the speaker believe we need to drive change?

• Technological advancements

• Financial incentives

• Passionate clarity

• Government intervention

What is the speaker's final call to action?

• To ignore sustainable investing

• To change the fables and markets

• To focus on personal gain

• To rely on government policies