Introduction to Katherine Braynard & Overview of the Episode
- Katherine’s role at Impact Foundation
- Her upcoming MBA at Oxford
- The purpose-driven focus on faith, finance, and generosity
- Connection to previous episodes and four-part series context
Impact Foundation and Katherine’s Role
- Katherine’s position as Director of Innovation
- Leading “the Table” – an educational impact investing cohort
- The concept’s origin and Katherine’s role in expanding it
Impact Investing: Definitions & Real-world Examples
- Explanation of impact investing and the quadruple bottom line (financial, social, environmental, spiritual returns)
- Examples of impact companies:
- Rwandan yogurt producer hiring Deaf workers using sign language
- A VR tech company bridging language gaps for refugees
Donor-Advised Funds and Unique Approach of Impact Foundation
- Overview of donor-advised funds (DAFs) and how National Christian Foundation (NCF) operates
- Impact Foundation’s innovative model for investing DAF dollars
- Process of investing, the circular nature of funds, and investment opportunities
Introduction to “The Table” – Structure & Experience
- Genesis of “The Table” by a group of Christian women
- Pooling funds to collectively evaluate and invest in impact companies
- Description of the learning journey: six-to-seven week sessions, pitches, analysis, voting, and final investments
- Comparison to giving circles and Shark Tank, but with a mission-driven, educational twist
Demystifying Impact Investing for Women
- Addressing intimidation and knowledge gaps (“foreign language” analogy)
- Learning together in community; building comfort with investment terms and analysis
- Emphasis on inclusivity regardless of investment capability
Katherine’s Personal Journey and Faith Background
- Growing up in St. Louis, MO in a financially insecure period
- Family’s conversion to Christianity, impact of generosity (scholarships, church support)
- How early experiences of receiving shaped her joyful approach to generosity
Katherine’s Mission Statement & Living Faith “On Mission”
- Personal mission: being the hands and feet of Jesus to the vulnerable and oppressed
- International missions experiences (Brazil, Thailand, and everyday opportunities)
- Living missionally wherever you are, not just abroad
Connecting Mission to Career and Global Impact
- Pursuing an MBA at Oxford with an impact focus
- Encouragement for Christians to “wake up” and invest in emerging/frontier markets
- The spiritual and practical call for Western Christians to steward resources globally
The Reality and Call to Serve in Developing Nations
- Personal reflections on mission trips and confronting poverty
- “Starfish” analogy: focusing on impacting even one life
- Each person and dollar matters in God’s global story
Women, Wealth, and the Biblical Example
- The “Great Wealth Transfer” and its relevance to women
- Historical significance of women funding ministry (Biblical references: Proverbs 31, Lydia)
- Calling modern women to generosity and gospel partnership
Practical Steps & Resources for Impact Investing
- Starting with educational podcasts and donor-advised fund strategies
- How to give more efficiently (capital gains, non-cash assets, etc.)
- Recommended resources and groups:
- Faith Driven Investors
- The Lion’s Den events (in-person and virtual)
- Praxis, Cenapis, Triga, and other global organizations
- Participating in “The Table” as a next step for hands-on impact investing
Personal Reflections: Katherine’s Favorites
- Favorite Bible verse: 1 Samuel 16:7
- Book recommendations:
- “A Voice in the Wind” by Francine Rivers
- “Endurance” by Alfred Lansing
- Bargain tip: Leveraging free or low-cost audiobooks (Libby, Spotify Premium)
Conclusion & Invitation
- Well-wishes for Katherine’s journey to Oxford
- Call to action for listeners to get involved, step into generosity, and next episode preview
