Robert's Radical Truths

Impact and Hero

In keeping with a new tradition, I would like to highlight a true TBLI Hero. Dr. Rieki Crins is my best and dearest friend. She is the most authentic person I know and only follows her heart, which is massive. Throughout the early period of getting TBLI started and further developing our mission, she has been there every step of the way.

In 2007, we were holding our TBLI CONFERENCE ASIA in Bangkok. I had been ill for several months and no one could figure out why. Two days before leaving for Bangkok, I was diagnosed with endocarditis and had to be admitted to the hospital. The doctor said  I would have to stay for at least 6 weeks, perhaps up to 10 weeks to kill the infection, and then I would undergo surgery for a heart valve replacement. This was a major bodyblow to us all. Rieki had to go to Bangkok, with our 13 year old son, and run the entire event, while worrying if I would survive. She also had to find the funding to cover the costs of the conference venue on top of everything else. It was extremely tough on her and my son, but she took on the responsibility with grace, poise, class, tenacity and  leadership. I will never forget that, as most would never have been able to take on such a challenge and succeed.

It has often been a bumpy ride, as TBLI was trying to do what most didn’t want to do, change the financial system. Our mission has always been to create an inclusive values based economy, by highlighting the opportunities triple bottom line investing offers. Rieki has always worked with me at the coal face, and was instrumental in making TBLI a success and a household name. For that I am eternally grateful, as we all should be.  She doesn’t get the recognition that she richly deserves.  I would like to change that. Now, she is changing the hospitality sector through the launch of Bhutique
Hotel Group and the recently launched The Bongde Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (Bhutan Hotel School). She will succeed.

I am proud and honoured to call her my friend, an inspiration, a genius, and a true TBLI Hero. Oh yes, a great animal lover. Thank you.

Come to TBLI CONFERENCE EUROPE 2015, in Zurich November 19-20 and meet Rieki and many other TBLI Heroes and Champions.

TBLI Publication:

Family Office Elite published an article I wrote on ESG and Impact Investing for its wealth holder readership. Thought you might enjoy it. How wealth holders can engage with clients on ESG and Impact Investing? page 109-110.