No Budget-New Year Resolution

No Budget

A great New Year Resolution would be a solution to the cryptic answer given by companies. “Sorry, we would love to support what you are doing, but we have no budget.” What does that mean? How does someone create a budget? Where do budgets come from? Not complex. You fight for it. Unfortunately, with all the downsizing going on, especially in the financial sector, most staff don’t want to increase their profile by demanding more money, so they might be more effective at their job. The last thing most employees for large financial institution want is to draw too much attention to themselves, so most don’t fight for anything, fearing being let go with the next downsizing. The strategy becomes,  keep your head down and don’t draw too much attention to yourself.

My question is “how is that strategy working out for the employer and employee?”. Are you selling more, getting more clients, inspiring staff, or is everyone in defensive, survival mode. That approach will not bring out greatness of staff. Don’t be  afraid to fight for the tools you need to do your job or for things that should be done. Otherwise you are just coasting through and trying to achieve the minimum and not attracting too much attention to yourself. This strategy won’t help you or your company. “No budget” means you are not willing to ask or work for achieving that budget. You might surprise yourself by going for it. Perhaps you will learn that you are in the wrong place, or your superiors will be impressed with your initiative. Either way you win. Believe me.

Tribute Robert Rubinstein

Several of you asked me to repost this. During the last TBLI Conference in Stockholm, last week, my wife, Rieki Crins, gave me a beautiful surprise. In secret, which is not easy, she had been colleting testimonials from various friends and thought leaders. I was totally surprised and overwhelmed with such a beautiful gesture. Thank you to all who participated.

For those interested, you can find the book here. We have received several more testimonials since publishing the book, so we will update it. If you would like to add one to the book, send via this mail

January 2, 2018 2018 No Comments on No Budget-New Year Resolution

Show me the money!

TBLI has worked for the last 20 years to educate asset owners and managers about ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) and Impact Investing. Through our conferences, seminars, salons, private dinners, lectures, MBA programs, we have been able to build capacity and get “buy in” around sustainable investment. This capacity building is essential but thankless. There is no great ribbon cutting ceremony. It is about digging holes and not cutting ribbons. The process is farming not hunting. It takes time.

Throughout the 20 years of capacity building, I have always been asked for more research about ESG and Impact  by the financial industry. I often wonder will more research unlock more money flows towards ESG and Impact. I am not that convinced that that is the main bottleneck. The financial sector is quite predictable. If they see self interest, opportunity and money flows, they will invest. Does more research achieve that? On its own, I don’t believe so. It helps, but many investors use this as excuse for not investing.

Take a look at the financial crisis of 2007-2008. There were many reasons for the collapse. One particular product that triggered the melt down; namely, subprime collateralized debt obligations backed by financially unsound mortgages. How much research was done on that product as a risk? I couldn’t find very much. That didn’t stop the massive tsunami of money that went into it.

Research is important and it needs to be continued. However, we need to strengthen its impact by aligning with the drivers of the financial sector; self interests, opportunities and money flows. This can be achieved through continued efforts on research, seminars, editorials, investor salons, conferences, retreats, learning journeys, inspirational talks, private dinners, and other forms of capacity building. TBLI will continue these capacity building efforts on ESG and Impact  Investing.

Nearly all phone calls I receive from mega banks or institutional investors is not about the latest research, but “what is my competitor doing”. To paraphrase Rod from Jerry Maguire “SHOW ME THE MONEY”.

Help us increase our capacity building by making a donation to TBLI Foundation.

March 10, 2016 2016 1 Comment on Show me the money!

How to educate staff and clients about ESG and Impact Investing?

Recently I was talking to a leading data provider who was interested in using TBLI as an ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) and Impact Investing educational platform for their global organisation. They asked me who has used TBLI in the past to educate staff and who has sponsored. I started listing the names and she was quite surprised that so many of the leading organisations have supported us. I had forgotten the number of institutions that have supported our events. Thank you to all those institutions that have supported TBLI to further educate clients and staff. Contact TBLI to discuss our educational package on  ESG and Impact Investing.

Who has sponsored TBLI in the Past?Blog sponsor

Why do so many sponsor TBLI and use it as educational tool?

  • Best and longest running event that covers all aspects of ESG and Impact Investing
  • For Investors by investors
  • Cutting edge content
  • Best opportunity to meet peers
  • Many asset owners and industry thought leaders attending
  • TBLI is the best curator in creating an event that resonates
  • Deals get done as well as education.

TBLI Europe 2014, Amsterdam October 28-29

Investors Receive 50% discount.

All Investors will pay Euros 495, instead of Euros 995. Contact us for discount code to see if you qualify.

TBLI CONFERENCE USA 2014 Video Series

Michael Eckhart speaking at TBLI CONFERENCE USA 2014 on Green Bonds and other Capital Market Instruments

Headline News!

Mark Carney: Most fossil fuel reserves can’t be burned

Bank of England governor lends his support to ‘carbon bubble’ theory that coal, gas and oil assets are at risk.

TBLI Foundation

We want to thank several new supporters of our Foundation. Become a Founder of TBLI Foundation. Support the TBLI Foundation to help expand our educational outreach, and create a community of ESG and Impact Investors.  Learn more about TBLI Foundation and our work.

October 14, 2014 2014, Impact Investing, Sustainability, TBLI Conference 1 Comment on How to educate staff and clients about ESG and Impact Investing?

TBLI Milestone 23x

Who would have thought that when I started TBLI CONFERENCE, over 15 years ago, that we would be celebrating our 23 event. Actually, 24, if you count the time we organized an event for the EU. It has been an exciting ride and the best part of the journey is yet to come. I am really looking forward to greeting you in Zurich Nov. 14-15, 2013. I think it is our best event until now.

If you haven’t registered, please do so now as there are only 3 days left. Register Now!

Social Media:

Help us promote TBLI CONFERENCE by tweeting about TBLI using #TBLI. I would be very grateful

TBLI Roadshow:

Had extremely busy 2 weeks. Met with various thought leaders and potential sponsors in NY, then spoke at SRI in Rockies (Colorado Springs), German Family Forum (Zurich), International Asset Owners Summity (Hong Kong). Met fantastic people. Most memorable part was how everyone knew TBLI and reminded me of our great reputation. That was great to hear.

THAI Demonstrations:

Took a few days of R&R in Bangkok, before returning to Zurich for TBLI CONFERENCE EUROPE New peaceful demonstrations in Bangkok against the govt and the fact that Thaksin Shinawatra is running things behind the scene. A new reconciliation law to allow Thaksin to come back is being contested and supported by large crowds. In typical style, the Thai know how to have a good time even while demonstrating.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dxbzjfel93l17q4/2013-11-11%2014.00.32.mov

ESG Leaders Awards

The winners of ESG Leaders Awards will be announced Nov. 14th at TBLI CONFERENCE EUROPE, in Zurich. Visit our website to see who is nominated:

Warsaw Climate Change Conference – November 2013

Caring for Climate, the world’s largest initiative for business leadership on climate change, will organize the first annual Caring for Climate Business Forum: Innovation, Ambition, Collaboration on 19-20 November 2013 in Warsaw, Poland.

The first day of the Forum – held at the Sofitel in Warsaw – will feature focused thematic sessions designed to spur climate action and inspire collaboration centered on the themes of mitigation, adaptation, technology and finance. On Day 2, a high-level meeting – held at the National Stadium – will bring together chief and senior executives of Caring for Climate and UNEP-FI signatories with Ministers, Heads of UN Agencies and civil society. To learn more, please visit website
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Writing for Blog

If you want to write for TBLI Blog, please send to robert@tbligroup.com. We have formed partnership with Thomson Reuters to increase outreach of TBLI.

November 11, 2013 2013, Impact Investing, Sustainability, TBLI Conference 6 Comments on TBLI Milestone 23x