{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/63c456f471e5d10011f6075d/69c5453ff4bf09c59982c90d?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"S2 Ep3: Monica Brand Engel: EM Fintech as generational opportunity - secrets of a fund founder, author and curious human","description":"<p>In this episode of <em>Being Invested</em>, I sit down with <strong>Monica Brand Engel</strong>, Co-Founder of Quona Capital, to discuss the intersection of capital, technology, and social/financial inclusion. Monica shares her journey from the early days of microfinance to leading one of the world’s premier emerging market fintech funds. She’s based in Washington, DC, but her thinking and work is truly global.</p><p>We dive into:</p><ul><li><strong>The Power of Connection:</strong> How Monica uses her associative, multidisciplinary thinking to spot opportunities in markets like Brazil, India, and Africa.</li><li><strong>Wholesome Leadership:</strong> The challenge of maintaining \"fierce kindness\" and inclusivity in the often-aggressive world of VC.</li><li><strong>Life Design:</strong> How she balances raising twins and scaling a global firm by setting \"ruthless\" boundaries.</li><li><strong>The Future of Fintech:</strong> Why she views emerging markets as the \"Silicon Valley of the 1970s.\"</li></ul><p><br></p><p>We also talk about her book, “Rebalance: How Women Lead, Parent, Partner and Thrive” - a powerful compilation of learnings and practical insight that I recommend for successfully navigating personal and professional success.  <a href=\"https://amzn.eu/d/0cZmGqAJ\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://amzn.eu/d/0cZmGqAJ</a></p><p><br></p><p>Monica’s perspective is a refreshing reminder that being \"invested\" means more than just capital—it means being deeply committed to the people and systems we aim to transform. I hope you enjoy this first episode of 2026!</p><p><br></p><p>You can find Monica at Quona Capital (<a href=\"https://quona.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://quona.com/</a>) or on LinkedIn - <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicabrandengel?utm_source=share_via&amp;utm_content=profile&amp;utm_medium=member_ios\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicabrandengel?utm_source=share_via&amp;utm_content=profile&amp;utm_medium=member_ios</a></p><p><br></p><p>GUEST FAVES</p><p>Quote: “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to follow you.” (Ruth Bader Ginsburg) and \"I come as one, but I stand as 10,000\"&nbsp;(Maya Angelou)</p><p>Comedy: Amy Poehler</p><p>Book: The Innovators, Walter Isaacson</p><p><br></p><p>Please message me on LinkedIn with feedback or recs for future guests. I’m working on some new ideas that I am excited to share with you… stay tuned!</p><p><br></p><p>GRATITUDE</p><p>Sound: Alexander Russell, Design: Sophie Hardy, Music: Tom McKean</p>","author_name":"Susannah Nicklin"}