Welcome to the latest edition of the Social Capital Newsletter. Social Capital is an intangible asset at the heart of a new and dynamic view of success, one that is changing business and the world as we know it during one of the most difficult and turbulent times in recent history. In this week's lead feature, "Underwater Lab For-Profit Uncovering Secrets to Save Humanity," we look at a new venture dreamed up by Jacques Cousteau's grandson, Fabien Cousteau: the underwater habitat and research lab Proteus. Fabien teamed up with CEO Lisa Marrocchino, who started her career at Goldman Sachs in technology research, to launch this undersea equivalent to the International Space Station. They plan to build the facility off the coast of Curacao, an island off the Venezuela coast. To make it sustainable and scalable, they are seeking sponsors such as pharma companies. Private citizens will also potentially be able to experience living underwater and engage with the ocean at Proteus. And Proteus could be used for training astronauts, like Aquarius, an earlier underwater space station where Fabien worked. We consider Proteus an example of the type of sustainable collaboration that embodies the spirt of Social Capital. Don't miss our story or IBT Times Editor-at-Large Chris Benguhe's video interview with Marrocchino.

CEO Lisa Marrocchino taps into a well of revenue potential with visionary Fabien Cousteau.

Editors Picks 2022: These CEOs are saving the world one employee and customer at a time.

CEOs Who Share The Wealth
Success Is Really About Being Happy--And Hiring Happy People
Each Of Us Can Make A Global Social Impact. Here's How I Did.

 

This collection of essays by leaders such as Frances Hesselbein, Marshall Goldsmith and Sarah McArthur examines a central issue for people around the world: finding purpose at work. Unhappiness has been rising across the globe in recent years, a trend we examined in our recent feature "Gallup Knows Why Your Employees And Everyone Else Is Unhappy." As this powerful book shows, finding purpose at work is a powerful antidote, and it looks at how leaders can play an important role in nurturing that for all of their employees. The forward by Alan Mulally, former CEO of Boeing and Ford, include his principles and practices toward work, offering a handy roadmap for any Social Capital leader. If you've been searching for a way to bring the purpose back to your team, look no further. 

Many Social Capital leaders are back on the road, heading to business conferences, meetings with clients and other get-togethers that were put on hold during the pandemic. But all of that travel can wreak havoc on your fitness routine. Enter the Stakt folding exercise mat ($86.00), which made an appearance on Shark Tank. This lightweight, multi-activity model, made from a non-toxic foam called EVA, can be stowed in a suitcase and is a comfortable substitute for the carpet of your hotel room as you catch a fitness video. And when it wears out, you can return it to the company, which will up-cycle it for you. 

Financial Strength and Strength of Character –  Both Are Needed for Success: Northwestern Mutual CEO John Schlifske shares his secret formula for future-proofing your business. You can read more about this 165-year-old Social Capital company in "Relevance Brings Growth."

KPMG found in a recent survey that eight out of 10 CEOs predict a recession in the next 12 months. Meanwhile, 90% of Americans believe the country is facing a mental health crisis, according to new research by the Kaiser Family Foundation. With a recession likely to put intense strain on many workers who are already struggling to stay ahead of inflation, this confluence of stress is all the more reason for Social Capital companies to double down on their activities to support employees' wellness and mental health. Check out "Wellbeing Is Having Its Moment" for ideas on what your company can do to buoy your team. 

Many companies have embraced climate-related improvements as they pursue ESG (environmental, social and governance) goals. But as some critics of ESG have pointed out, social goals often take a backseat. Robert B Ford and Abbott are demonstrating how companies can embrace a people-centric agenda through actions such as benefits tailored to their life stage, including tuition assistance and a program to erase student debt, as you'll see in "Real Sustainability Is About People." Abbott's efforts extend to the community, as well, through extensive efforts to improve healthcare equity. If you're looking for new ways to make a difference, our exclusive interview with Ford is sure to energize you.

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