Seth Levine Share: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Seth Levine Co-author, The New Builders: Face to Face With the True Future of Business; Co-founder and Managing Director, Foundry Group—When Seth Levine talks about a tipping point, he isn’t referring to the innovations he supports in his work at the Foundry Group helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses. He isn’t talking about the next generation of founders he writes about in his recent book, The New Builders. He’s talking about how the drive for greater equity is necessitating a new look at the role capitalism plays in the economy. Uncommon Voices 2021 Q: Why is now the time, and what do we “double-down” on to leverage this moment to take strides for long-lasting change? This is a unique opportunity to reconsider the role capitalism and capital plays in our economy and to create a more equal, equitable, and sustainable economy. We are at an unprecedented moment to reconsider and reimagine the form of capitalism that drives our economy. Since the late 1970’s our view of capitalism has been largely driven by the thinking of Milton Friedman and the idea that companies should exist only to maximize shareholder value and profits. This thinking was not only misguided, it was unsustainable. I believe we are at a tipping point for reimagining capitalism. To broaden the view of corporate responsibility to include not only shareholders but all stakeholders. To consider that the responsibility of companies extends to their employees, customers, vendors, and community. This is a unique opportunity to reconsider the role capitalism and capital plays in our economy and to create a more equal, equitable, and sustainable economy. Q: For real systems change to happen, how must perspectives, and how we approach the economy and education, shift to meet the needs of an inclusive, equitable economy? If the last 40 years has been characterized by the idea of “I,” my hope is that the next 40 will be characterized by the notion of “we.” We can see this more inclusive tone taking shape across our economy already – perhaps accelerated by coronavirus and the large societal changes that it precipitated. This is not just a recognition of our interconnectedness but also an awakening to the notion that individual success is rarely the product of a single person, but rather the culmination of effort from a larger community. Q: Where do you find hope in the work, conversations, and shifts you see happening, and how does that shape your thinking? I often look to the stories of individual entrepreneurs – especially to New Builders (the women and people of color who are defining the next generation of entrepreneurship in America) – as role models for new capitalism. In them I see the potential for a new, inclusive, and community-oriented way to create and grow businesses. And to do so in ways that are in harmony with their communities and less extractive and destructive to our environment. Inspiration curation: Share who or what you look to for inspiration. Some groups and individuals who inspire me: Collab Capital Camelback Collective Makisha Boothe You may also be interested in: To launch the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators in finance need to step up > Explore other 2021 Uncommon Voice Q&As Q&A withDred Scott Q&A withVanessa Roanhorse Q&A with DarronLamonte Edwards