Share

cover art for High Net Purpose: David Goldberg, Founders Pledge "The Giving Guru"

High Net Purpose

High Net Purpose: David Goldberg, Founders Pledge "The Giving Guru"

Ep. 4

In today's Christmas special and last episode of 2023, Joe McCarthy sits down with David Goldberg, Founder and CEO of Founders Pledge to delve in to the challenges, approaches and opportunities of effective philanthropic giving. He lays out how his global team works with founders to identify their goals, map out where they can have most impact and successfully implement.

 

David Goldberg is the Founder and CEO of Founders Pledge, a global non-profit organisation empowering entrepreneurs to do the most good with their charitable giving. To date, they have pledged over $10 billion to charity and donated over $1 billion and have been recognised as one of the most high-impact charities. Operating globally across 40 countries, with more than 2,000 members who have committed to donating a percentage of their personal proceeds upon exiting their businesses to charity.

 

In this conversation, David and Joe discuss the following topics:

  • The hardship of the entrepreneurial journey.
  • How philanthropy can help the world.
  • How to give and donate effectively.
  • Climate change as one of the great market failures.
  • The benefits of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs).
  • Emerging areas of giving.
  • The impact of collaboration.

 

Follow us on:

YouTube: @HighNetPurpose

Instagram: @highnetpurpose

LinkedIn: high-net-purpose

 

Find out more about Founders Pledge:

LinkedIn: Founders Pledge

Website: www.founderspledge.com

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 18. How Andrew White built FundApps from a spare room to monitoring $27 trillion in AUM without VC funding

    55:20||Ep. 18
    Andrew White is the founder of FundApps, one of Europe’s most under-the-radar success stories. Bootstrapped from a spare bedroom above a London pub, FundApps now monitors over $27 trillion in assets daily - roughly 17% of the world’s total AUM. Today, it’s a global reg-tech powerhouse, trusted by 5 of the world’s 10 largest hedge funds and several of North America’s biggest pension funds. Now, it’s on track to become Europe’s first reg-tech unicorn. This is the captivating story of how an independent thinker built a values-driven business from the ground up, scaled globally, and never compromised. Listen to hear:• Why he turned down external funding• How bootstrapping became a long-term strategic edge• The moment that reshaped his idea of success• Why he hires for mindset, not credentials• How FundApps embedded purpose at the heart of its culture• Why he avoids meetings and believes indecision is the real killer• What it takes to serve the world’s largest asset managers while staying true to your values
  • 17. Next Gen & Tech: Making Digital Childhood Safer with Alexandra Evans

    01:09:04||Ep. 17
    The next generation face a challenge their parents never did, a digital childhood that shapes their future.Alexandra Evans has spent her career fighting to make the digital space safer. From shaping human rights law at Mishcon de Reya to leading policy at TikTok and the British Board of Film Classification, she’s been at the forefront of child safety in a world where technology is evolving faster than regulation, and children are paying the price.Now, as the founder of the Digital Childhood Agency, Alexandra is working with policymakers, brands, and tech platforms to create a future where kids can thrive online—not just survive it.In this episode, you'll learn:How parents, policymakers, and businesses can take back control in a rapidly evolving digital world.Why screen addiction is not the biggest problem. How social media algorithms push kids towards riskier content. The real power and responsibility of tech companies in shaping digital childhood.The truth about banning smartphones in schools.Whether AI will become the biggest threat to childhood or a tool for protection.What needs to change for a safer digital future.
  • 16. The Recipe for Change: Henry Dimbleby, Co-Founder of LEON, on Food, Sustainability, and Systemic Solutions

    55:22||Ep. 16
    What does it take to fix a food system that’s making us, and the planet, sick? Henry Dimbleby, co-founder of LEON, architect of the National Food Strategy, and author of the Sunday Times bestseller Ravenous, is doing just that. From launching a fast-food revolution to shaping the UK’s policies on food, health, and sustainability, Henry’s career is a masterclass in bold ideas and transformative action. Now, through his latest venture, Bramble Partners, he’s supporting the next generation of food innovators determined to fix the system. In this episode, we explore: The truth about ultra-processed foods: why they dominate our diets and how they’re designed to keep us hooked. The systemic challenges of fixing a broken food system—and why it requires more than just individual action.How purpose-driven companies are fixing our food system while delivering profits and impact.How the National Food Strategy is tackling inequality, climate change, and what’s next.Where investments can transform the food system for good.Practical steps you can take today to shape the future of food.How AI and technology are rewriting the rules of food production and fighting waste. This episode isn’t just about understanding the problem; it’s about finding solutions and being inspired to act. Tune in to discover how Henry is shaping the future of food—and why his work could change the way we eat, live, and thrive.
  • 15. Shaping the Future of Climate Policy with David Claydon

    01:09:00||Ep. 15
    What does it take to leave a high-flying career in finance and tackle one of the world’s greatest challenges—climate change?David Claydon, Founding Partner of Kaya Partners, has made it his mission to turn bold climate ambitions into real-world impact. From leadership roles at J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley to advising the UK Foreign Secretary, David has spent his career shaping strategies at the intersection of finance, policy, and geopolitics. Now, he’s helping corporations navigate the complex path to net zero with no-nonsense pragmatism and innovative thinking.In this episode, David pulls back the curtain on the most pressing questions of our time:·      How businesses and policymakers can align to accelerate decarbonisation.·      Why modular nuclear reactors could transform global energy strategy.·      How to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals and build resilient supply chains.·      Why family-owned businesses might hold the key to driving multigenerational climate action.With decades of experience and a sharp focus on solutions, David breaks down what it really takes to bridge the gap between climate ambition and reality.Tune in to discover how finance, policy, and leadership can converge to reshape the future of our planet.
  • 14. Converting €5k to $8 Billion – The Incredible Story of Markus Villig, Founder & CEO of Bolt

    53:35||Ep. 14
    What if building a multi-billion-dollar company started with just €5,000, a vision for better mobility, and a relentless commitment to resourcefulness? Markus Villig, Founder of Bolt, is Europe’s youngest self-made billionaire. From humble beginnings in Estonia, Markus transformed a small idea into a global powerhouse valued at $8 billion. Bolt now serves over 200 million customers across 50 countries, redefining transportation with ride-hailing, e-scooters, and car rentals. In this episode, Markus shares his inspiring journey from coding as a teenager to scaling a company that’s revolutionizing urban mobility. He discusses the influence of Estonia’s tech ecosystem, the challenges of entering markets like South Africa, and the core principles—frugality, purpose, and integrity—that continue to shape Bolt’s culture. We explore:Why a frugal mindset is the ultimate advantage.How purpose has been the foundation of Bolt’s success.The challenges of scaling while staying true to your values.Estonia’s tech revolution and what it means for global entrepreneurship.The future of transportation and sustainable mobility.How to sustain high-performance. Tune in to hear how Markus is transforming the way we move and making an impact worldwide.
  • 13. The Psychology of Purpose: How to Build Confidence and Transform Your Life with Ian Robertson.

    45:34||Ep. 13
    What if we told you that your brain has the power to completely transform how you think—at any age?In this episode, we travel to Dublin and sit down with Professor Ian Robinson. Ian is a world-leading neuroscientist who has dedicated his career to helping individuals harness control over their mental processes. He is also a professor of psychology at Trinity College Dublin, where he draws on his ground-breaking research into brain plasticity to provide valuable insights into how our brains can adapt and change, even later in life. Ian is also the author of the bestselling books: How Confidence Works, The Winner Effect, and The Stress Test (amongst many others!) which further explore the concepts we discuss in this enlightening conversation.From his humble beginnings in Glasgow to becoming a top figure in clinical psychology, Ian shares his challenges to traditional psychology and expresses his mission to help others realize the control they have over their minds. We dive into the science of confidence, exploring why it’s built through small wins, how anxiety and control impact mental health, and how purpose and values can reduce stress and enhance resilience.In this episode, we cover: How confidence is built through small successes and failures.The brain’s neuroplasticity and ability to change how you think.Tips for managing anxiety.The role of purpose and values in reducing stress.The dangers of overconfidence.Gender differences in confidence.Building values and purpose into wealth transition.This conversation is a masterclass in personal development, confidence-building, and harnessing your brain’s potential to drive success. Tune in as we dive deep into the psychology and neuroscience that could change the way you think about yourself—and your future.
  • 12. Money on Your Mind: exploring the psychology of wealth with Vicky Reynal

    43:15||Ep. 12
    In this episode, we talk with Vicky Reynal, the UK’s first financial psychotherapist, who has pioneered a unique approach combining psychodynamic therapy with financial counselling. Her acclaimed book, "Money on your Mind," is now translated into eight languages and sold in over 20 countries. Vicky’s story spans an Ivy-League education, an MBA from London Business School, and a career across three continents. She helps clients—from ultra-high-net-worth individuals to those facing financial challenges—understand and reshape their emotional relationships with money. In this episode, we explore:The emotional roots of financial behaviour.Wealth transfer to the next generation. How wealth impacts personality and family dynamics.Gender differences in financial decisions.Strategies for managing financial anxiety. This episode is essential for anyone interested in the psychology of money and making more conscious financial choices.
  • 11. Diego Piacentini: Building Amazon and Beyond.. lessons in leadership, purpose and decision-making.

    57:57||Ep. 11
    In this month's episode, Joe McCarthy sits down for a thought-provoking conversation with Diego Piacentini, a global leader in the technology and business world whose journey from Apple to Amazon, to Government to Investor is nothing short of extraordinary. Recorded at Islandbridge’s offices in London, this conversation takes you behind the scenes of some of the most influential companies of our time.Diego's story is one of ambition, innovation and the relentless pursuit of purpose. From shaping Apple’s global expansion, to leading the rise of Amazon, Diego has seen it all. His transition from the private sector to a public service powerhouse as Italy’s Commissioner for Digital Transformation highlights his versatility and dedication to societal impact. Today, he’s a respected investor, board member, and mentor, shaping the future of entrepreneurship and innovation across the globe.In this episode, we dive deep into: What sets exceptional leaders apart.The invaluable lessons from Jeff Bezos and Amazon.The unique challenges of moving from tech to public service.Why data-driven decisions are game-changers.Secrets to building and leading top-performing teams.How to balance high professional aspirations with personal fulfilment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, innovation and the transformative power of purpose.
  • 10. The Happy Pear on purpose driven businesses, social media usage and staying true to your values and the importance of community.

    49:15||Ep. 10
    In this month's episode, Joe McCarthy sits down for a high-energy conversation with Dave and Steve Flynn from The Happy Pear at Islandbridge's office in London. The dynamic duo ignited their plant-powered revolution in 2004, and what started as a humble local veg shop has exploded into a global phenomenon. Fast forward 20 years, and The Happy Pear now boasts a vibrant café and bakery in Greystones, Ireland. They've launched more than 15 transformative online courses that have inspired over 100,000 people, and their thriving recipe club continues to bring joy to food lovers everywhere. With six bestselling cookbooks under their belt, totalling an impressive 500,000 copies sold, Dave and Steve are redefining culinary wellness. They also run a 4-acre regenerative organic farm and a coffee roastery, all while cultivating a social media community of nearly 2 million passionate followers. Their impact on how we perceive food, health, and community is nothing short of revolutionary.In today's episode, we dive deep into the minds of these inspiring entrepreneurs to explore:Balancing business with your values.The food and farming industry.Community and the importance of relationships.Navigating the use of social media.The importance of health and wellness.Stay in the loop by following us: YouTube: @HighNetPurposeInstagram: @highnetpurposeTwitter: @HighNetPurposeLinkedIn: high-net-purpose