Peter Greer: CEO of Hope International | Investing Charitable Capital For Economic and Spiritual Transformation

Peter Greer is the president and CEO of HOPE International, a global Christ-centered economic development organization serving throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.

Before joining HOPE, Peter worked internationally as a microfinance adviser in Cambodia and Zimbabwe and as managing director for Urwego Bank in Rwanda. As an advocate for the Church’s role in missions and alleviating extreme poverty, Peter has authored fourteen books, including Mission Drift, Rooting for Rivals, and is releasing The Gift of Disillusionment in 2022.

Peter joins me on the podcast this week to share why he feels that his life of purpose lies in bringing HOPE to others and helping others experience working and earning and providing for themselves and their communities. He describes why his favorite part of his role is listening to the stories that the entrepreneurs HOPE serves share about their journey into entrepreneurship and the joy they feel that HOPE believes in their fledgling businesses. Peter also shares his core leadership principles, why they are non-negotiable, and how they help his team grow.

“Because it's not just business success in places of poverty. It's not; it’s then watching individuals that then take that and use that in their community. And generosity is not something that is confined to those with massive bank accounts. We see incredible generosity around the world.” - Peter Greer

“...receiving an investment is a strong message of saying, We believe in your capacity, we see that.” - Peter Greer

“When you show up and walk with someone when you care for them in a long-term way, there is so much good that comes from that.” - Peter Greer

 This Week on The Wow Factor

• How the concept of microenterprise development works to alleviate extreme poverty
• What Peter learned from his time working in Africa
• What Peter learned at Harvard that prompted his interest in microfinance around the globe
• How he came to join HOPE International and some of the things he has done during his 17 years with them
• How the process of engaging with HOPE works for people who need help, and how the generosity ripples out across the community
• The key performance indicators that HOPE measures to understand their impact
• The importance of culture, and why HOPE incorporate prayer into their culture
• The three attributes that leaders who engage with HOPE International have in common

Peter Greer’s Words of Wisdom:

Live with a we, not me mentality. Live as if you're not the center of the story and appreciate that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. That we, not me mentality increases joy; it increases the ability to have an outward focus. I believe that's where the inspiring work is happening in our world — with an outward focusing mindset.

Connect with Peter Greer:  

• HOPE International Website
• HOPE International on Instagram
• HOPE International on Facebook
• Rooting for Rivals by Peter Greer
• Peter Greer’s Blog & Books

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life by Brad Formsma
• Words of Wisdom Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn</