When traditional finance falls short, where can changemakers turn? Host Justin Charles talks with Jim Casselberry of Known about how impact investing directs capital to overlooked communities and ideas. Gain insight, clarity, and real stories of money making the economy more inclusive.
When traditional finance closes its doors to bold ideas and underrepresented communities, where can visionaries turn for the resources they need to thrive? In this compelling episode, host Justin Charles sits down with Jim Casselberry, CEO and Co-Founder of Known, to explore how impact investing is not only challenging the norms of capital allocation but actively building a more equitable financial system.
Together, they dive deep into how this values-driven approach to investing intentionally directs capital toward entrepreneurs, communities, and innovations that have long been excluded from mainstream financial opportunities. Jim breaks down what impact investing really means in practice—beyond buzzwords—and shares powerful, real-world stories of what happens when capital is used as a force for good.
From grassroots economic empowerment to scalable business models rooted in justice and sustainability, this episode paints a vivid picture of what’s possible when money aligns with mission. Whether you’re an investor looking to make more meaningful decisions, a small business owner navigating limited financial pathways, or simply someone curious about how finance can serve people and planet, this conversation offers clarity, inspiration, and a practical look at the future of inclusive capital.
Defining Impact Investing and the Mission of Known:
Jim Casselberry redefines investing to include social and environmental outcomes, explaining that Known was founded to align capital with justice, equity, and ownership for communities historically excluded from the formal economy.
Sectors and Case Studies in Action:
From education and housing to agriculture and healthcare, Jim shares examples like Black Star Stability, Partners in Equity, and South Carolina’s loan portfolio to illustrate how impact investing creates tangible, long-term benefits for communities and investors alike.
Challenges and Pushback in the Financial Sector:
He discusses the cultural and institutional resistance to mission-aligned investing, rooted in traditional views of shareholder value and compounded by a lack of incentives for innovation within financial institutions.
Historical Context and Moral Imperative:
He situates impact investing within the broader context of American economic history, arguing that justice requires returning value to Black and Indigenous communities who built the foundation of the economy without reward.
Advice and Call to Action for Aspiring Impact Investors:
Jim urges listeners to take personal agency, seek aligned advisors and mentors, and align their financial decisions with their values—encouraging each person to “be their own Rosa Parks.”
“We are what we do. And our hope is that... all communities [benefit] from proven financial tactics untethered by the limitations and the obstacles that have historically and unfairly limited growth and well-being.”
“We used to live in a world where we got in the car without seatbelts. And we thought that was okay... One day, we’re going to say, ‘Do you remember when we just invested for financial return and we didn’t care about anything else?'”
“Investing the right way is beneficial to all—to the investor, to the community, to the individuals, to the environment. It’s just, we can do this right.”
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