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. Humility is in short supply in the business world, where many leaders rely on a cult of personality to get things done. One of the most important gifts any Social Capital leader can give to their team is helping them to discover their superpower. Penny Pennington, CEO of Edward Jones, has made this her mission. "I see my life journey and my leadership journey as one of learning, of incredible vulnerability and humility that has come from being exposed and exposing myself to so many people and ideas and transformation of myself as a leader but also teams and organizations that I've been a part of," says Pennington. It's a journey to discover "what makes me who I am, why I believe what I do, and in fact eager to be in relationships with other people to understand what makes them who they are, what their superpower is, what they bring to the table, what they're excited about so that I can help unleash that for them." Read this week's feature, "Edward Jones CEO Leads With Vulnerability to Unleash the Strengths of Others," for an unforgettable window into the true meaning of being a Social Capital leader. 

Penny Pennington spells out her strategy for better relationship building.

Making jewelry the foundation for empowerment and philanthropy.

The Social Capital Reader Favorites for 2022
Cultivating Trust As A Leader
Brian Scudamore Takes Business Personally

One of the most important characteristics of any Social Capital team member is integrity. So how do you attract people with the highest character--and create a workplace that supports them? That's a question Ron Carucci, a veteran coach to senior executives at some of the world's best-known companies, explores in To Be Honest. He looks at how four factors--clear identity, accountability, governance and cross-functional relationships--can influence whether people are truthful at work, behave fairly and embrace a sense of purpose. It's chock full of valuable lessons for Social Capital leaders. Of course, the more open and honest you are, the more likely your employees will be to speak truth. Robert Glazer offers a roadmap for authentic communication in "Don't Lie To Your Employees When The Truth Hurts."

Monday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but many members of the Social Capital movement look for ways to honor his legacy year-round. One way is by supporting Black entrepreneurs, who have historically lacked access to capital. If you love great coffee, treat yourself to a  gourmet brew from BLK & Bold, a Black-owned coffee company known for its commitment to giving back. It pledges 5% of its proceeds to nonprofits that support the nation's youth. We love the Rise & GRND Medium Roast Blend ($14, 8 oz.). For ideas on how Social Capital companies are embracing diversity, equity & inclusion, see, "Discover Is Lifting Up An Entire Community In Southside Chicago."

Serving Our World: Marriott CEO Expands Commitment To Social Capital. Sign up for our weekly newsletter so you don't miss any stories like this here.

It's hard for workers who have been convicted of a felony to get a second chance in the employment market, and that's one reason many find it hard to reinvent their lives. However, one silver lining of today's challenging labor market is that more employers are willing to hire people with a criminal record. 4 in 10 businesses now say they would hire formerly incarcerated people, according to a recent experiment at Harvard Business School. And if you are interested in more inclusive hiring, be sure to read "Mike Brady: Why Social Justice Isn't Just Right -- It's Profitable." 

As many Social Capital leaders are realizing, embracing diversity, equity & inclusion isn't just a matter of instituting new hiring policies. Leaders need to look at their entire organizations to root out systemic inequality. There are many ways to do this, including opening offices in communities where good jobs are sorely needed. That is one of the many powerful lessons on how to get this right in "Discover Is Lifting Up An Entire Community In Southside Chicago."

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