Building Impact by Catalyzing Growth and Jobs Through Investing | Kirk Botula

What does it take to build businesses that last centuries and truly fuel human flourishing?

In this episode of the Real Returns Podcast, Andrewt and Dan welcome Kirk Botula, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer at InnovationWorks. Kirk shares his journey through technology commercialization, his views on the role of business in human flourishing, and the critical interplay between economic impact and job creation. The conversation dives into how InnovationWorks fosters entrepreneurial success, the philosophy behind patient capital, and the societal value of businesses that persist over time. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a startup founder, or someone curious about long-term economic impact, this episode offers fresh perspectives and actionable insights.

[00:01 - 07:04] A Life in Tech Commercialization

• Kirk's early experiences and career milestones
• His formative encounter with Pittsburgh's economic challenges
• The shift from nonprofit fundraising to technology commercialization

[07:05 - 14:19] A Philosophy of Business

• The fundamental role of work in human flourishing
• Why businesses are essential for community well-being
• Critique of shareholder value maximization

[14:20 - 21:26] Building Sustainable Impact

• InnovationWorks’ strategy in investing and ecosystem building
• The balance of job creation and return on investment
• Stories of businesses with long-term visions and impact

[21:27 - 28:21] The Challenge of Creating Persistent Businesses

• Historical examples of enduring businesses, like Congo Gumi
• The role of social capital in economic development
• Balancing investor returns with business longevity

[28:22 - 34:37] Defining Success and Navigating Growth

• Encouraging founders to define personal and business success
• The importance of predicting cash flow and aligning with investors
• Strategies for failing fast and learning quickly

Connect with Kirk!

https://www.innovationworks.org/

Key Quotes:

"Work is how we grow, leverage our gifts, and benefit the community." - Kirk Botula

"Business is to our communities what the sun is to life on earth—it makes everything possible." - Kirk Botula

Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor

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