Can businesses grow without losing sight of sustainability and impact?
In this episode of the ‘Portfolio Executive Podcast’ Rene Bonomi shares with Gareth Wax and Valerie Merrill his journey from Brazil to Cornell and explores the ideas that have shaped his approach to sustainable finance, impact entrepreneurship, and global business.
From biotech startups and European accelerator programmes to founding ‘Bonomics’, Rene discusses how financial education, sustainability, and strong communities can help entrepreneurs build businesses that are designed not just for growth, but for lasting impact.
We explore why understanding your numbers is essential before making business decisions, how businesses can balance growth with sustainability, and what entrepreneurs can learn from working across different cultures. Rene also shares his experiences supporting impactful projects spanning charities, NGOs, startups, and entrepreneurial communities.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, founder, or business leader, this conversation offers practical insights into building sustainable businesses and creating meaningful impact.
You'll discover:
• How Rene Bonomi’s journey from Brazil to Cornell shaped his perspective on business and impact
• Why sustainability is essential for long-term business growth
• How to balance ambitious growth with sustainable business practices
• Why entrepreneurs need to understand their numbers before making important decisions
• How financial education can empower entrepreneurs to build stronger businesses
• The role of cross-cultural understanding in successful international business
• Key differences between doing business in Brazil, the US, and other cultural environments
• How strong relationships and community support can create meaningful opportunities
• What Rene has learned from working with charities, NGOs, startups, and impact projects
• How a fractional CFO can help businesses make more informed financial decisions
Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction to Rene Bonomi and his background
02:02 Rene’s journey from Brazil to Cornell and his focus on impact
03:53 Experience in biotech startups and European accelerator programmes
05:38 The founding of Bonomics and its mission
07:04 Balancing growth and sustainability in business
08:31 Rene’s training academy and its practical approach
11:00 Impactful projects and community building
12:35 Cross-cultural business insights between the US and Brazil
14:00 Adapting to different cultural environments
15:53 Key financial advice for business owners
16:51 Rene’s vision for his role as a fractional CFO
Guest & Host Links:
Rene Bonomi: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/rene-bonomi/
Valerie Merrill: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/valerie-merrill/
Gareth Wax: https://portfolioexecutive.biz/executive/gareth-wax/
Explore the Portfolio Executive community, learn how to step into fractional leadership, and stay tuned for more insights in upcoming episodes.
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