Genesis

Tag: Corporate Governance

  • Philanthropist and Business Leader Jon Berger’s Impact on Society

    Philanthropist and Business Leader Jon Berger’s Impact on Society

    An accomplished CEO and board member, Jonathon Berger is a well-respected figure in the business world and a dedicated philanthropist. Over the years, Berger has exhibited exceptional leadership skills while making significant contributions across the myriad industries that he has engaged with and developed.

    From overseeing a publicly traded specialty contracting company with worldwide operations to serving as chairman of Audit and Compensation committees, Berger’s expertise and experience have earned him an esteemed reputation over the course of his career. 

    In executive positions, Berger has consistently displayed cohesive management skills that have guided company operations on a global scale, leading to a range of successes. Utilizing a keen eye for business, Berger has implemented an array of strategies, which, in conjunction with his ability to navigate complex market dynamics has continually allocated him pivotal roles in achieving company objectives.

    Extending beyond his role as a CEO, Berger has also served on the boards of two public companies, fulfilling the responsibilities of a board member with utmost diligence. As chairman of both the Audit and Compensation committees, he has proven his ability to oversee, ensure governance compliance, and drive positive change within organizations.

    A Commitment to Education and Personal Development

    Before establishing himself as a successful CEO and board member, Berger began his journey at Cornell University where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology & Human Development. Following this he continued his academic pursuits to obtain the knowledge required to shape his early career, achieving a Master’s in Business Administration from Emory University.

    Leaving education Berger would continuously develop himself, first making significant contributions to the middle market investment banking sector. His involvement in sell-side transactions, capital raises at all stages of the capital structure, and due diligence processes showcased his financial acumen and understanding of market dynamics. The expertise he developed during this period later enabled him to build two successful investment banking departments, leaving a lasting impact on the organizations he worked with.

    Philanthropic Roots

    Beyond his professional achievements, Jon Berger is also well-known for his strong commitment to philanthropy. He has diligently supported causes that are close to his heart, and his contributions have made a tangible difference in the lives of many. 

    One area of particular focus for Berger has been his support for Israel. His long-standing friendship with the nation showcases his deep appreciation for its culture, historical significance, and the challenges it faces. Through various initiatives, Berger has worked tirelessly to strengthen ties between the United States and Israel, fostering collaboration and unity.

    The multifaceted individual that is Jonathon Berger is the epitome of a Genesis Business Humanity Club board member and we are proud to call him a partner. Berger will be named an honoree during our October 26th Miami Event for his support of many important causes in Israel over the last decade alongside his continued service today as an expert and commentator during the Israel-Hamas war. As an esteemed figure in the business world and a long-time friend of Israel, Jon Berger continues to make a lasting impact and serves as an inspiration to others.

  • Putting People and the Planet First Drives Sustainable Profitability

    Putting People and the Planet First Drives Sustainable Profitability

    Much has been written about the “Triple Bottom-Line” since the term was coined in the mid-1980’s.

    A lot has changed since then. Four decades later, society continues to face existential threats, from climate change and social engineering to geopolitical polarization, pandemics unlike any we’ve seen before, and a sharp rise in violence in what we perceived as the most peaceful and safe communities.

    The general goal of a sustainable business strategy is to positively impact the environment, society, or both, while also benefiting shareholders, but until now, the tensions between profitability and progress when it comes to a more equitable and peaceful society have left too many Triple Bottom-Line initiatives unrealized.

    The triple bottom line is a business concept that suggests businesses should commit to measuring their social and environmental impact—in addition to their financial performance—rather than solely focusing on generating profit, or the standard “bottom line.”

    This has evolved into ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance), which is an approach to investing that recommends taking environmental, social, and governance issues into account when deciding which companies to invest in. ESG now forms the bedrock of most sustainable investing processes.

    Those of us at Genesis who continue to build a platform for supporting innovative companies whose potential to change the game is significant appreciate the metrics that have emerged from Triple Bottom-Line to ESG and turn to those metrics in our decision-making processes.

    The triple bottom line can be broken down into “three Ps”:

    1. Profit
    2. People
    3. Planet

    In a capitalist economy, a firm’s success most heavily depends on its financial performance, or the profit it generates for shareholders.

    In the past, many firms’ goals have solely focused on economic growth. Now, purpose-driven leaders are discovering they have the power to use their businesses to effect positive change in the world without hampering financial performance. In many cases, adopting sustainability initiatives has proven to drive business success.

    When it comes to people, traditionally, businesses have favored shareholder value as the success driver and measurement.

    As businesses have increasingly embraced sustainability, they are continuing to shift their focus toward creating value for all stakeholders impacted by business decisions, including customers, employees, and community members.

    When we consider an investment in a company, we drill down into how the company is making an impact on people, include ensuring fair hiring practices, ensuring equal pay for equal work, and encouraging volunteerism in the workplace. We also explore how companies are forging successful strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations that share a common purpose-driven goal.

    When it comes to the planet, we assess how companies are committing to net-zero carbon emissions. Since the birth of the Industrial Revolution, large corporations have contributed a staggering amount of pollution to the environment. While awareness and programs are growing more popular, a recent report by the International Energy Agency found that the global energy industry released 135 million tons of methane into the atmosphere in 2022. Adjustments like using ethically sourced materials, cutting down on energy consumption, and streamlining shipping practices are steps in the right direction toward long-term sustainability.

    Proof Positive: Innovative companies have shown time and again that it’s possible to do well by doing good.

    In our work with startups, we’ve proven over and again that it is entirely possible to do the right thing and make money at the same time. In fact, we support startup entrepreneurs who understand, as we do, that solving the world’s problems presents trillions of dollars’ worth of economic opportunity.

    We’d love to hear what you think, and to see what you are seeing out there in the real world. We’re always on the lookout for inspired entrepreneurs and teams who genuinely seek to do all they can to improve life on the planet, while measuring and managing their company’s own practices in responsible and sustainable ways.

    Our bar is high, but so are the stakes.

    If you admire a company that fits our criteria, let’s engage! Share here.

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