Field Guides

In this episode of The Hopeful Pioneers, Ali sits down with Jolyne Caruso-FitzGerald—Chair of Align Impact’s Board, former UBS Vice Chair, and a powerful advocate for women and next-gen leadership.Jolyne reflects on four decades in finance, from the early days of hedge funds to advising billionaire family offices today. She shares her front-row insights on the great wealth transfer, the evolving role of financial advisors, and why family legacies must be built on intention, not just inheritance.You’ll hear about:* The professionalization of family offices—and where they’re headed* How women are shifting the private wealth landscape* The future of wealth advisory in the age of AI* Why impact investing isn’t a trend—it’s the future* And what it looks like to pass the baton across generationsThis conversation is a powerful reminder that legacy isn’t just about what we leave behind—it’s about how we show up now.Listen now and join the conversation about what’s possible when we steward power with purpose, invest in the next generation, and treat legacy as something we live—not just something we leave.The Hopeful Pioneers is produced by Align Impact, a firm dedicated to helping families and executives align their resources with their values to create meaningful change.Also available on Apple Podcast and SpotifyDisclaimer: The personal ideas and opinions expressed on The Hopeful Pioneers podcast and Substack may not reflect the views of Align Impact. All content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon or construed as investment, legal, tax, financial or other advice. Likewise, nothing should be construed as a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by Align Impact to buy or sell securities or other financial instruments. Information posted is subject to change at any time without notice or obligation to update. Investment in securities involves the risk of loss, and there is no guarantee of future returns. A professional advisor should be consulted if you have investment questions. Align Impact does not provide personalized investment advice through podcasts or social media. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fieldguidespod.substack.com

What does it mean to create art that doesn’t just represent stories, but returns agency to the people at the center of them?In this episode of The Hopeful Pioneers, Ali sits down with Spandita Malik, a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores gender, power, and collective authorship.Spandita shares her journey growing up in India, choosing a creative path within cultural structures that didn’t always encourage it, and how her work has evolved over time. Now splitting her time between New York and rural communities across India, Spandita works closely with women who have survived gender-based violence. Through photography and embroidery, she invites participants to shape their own representation—redistributing power and returning authorship to the women themselves.You’ll hear about:* How anger and shame evolved into care, trust, and collaboration* How the camera can be a shield, and photography as a source of strength* Why shared authorship and embroidery are central to her work with survivors* Where Spandita finds hope in the midst of heavy, complex storiesListen now and join the conversation about power, agency, and what it looks like to make art with responsibility and care. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fieldguidespod.substack.com

In this episode, Ali sits down with Laura Rog, Chief Service Officer of New York City. Laura leads NYC Service, the Mayor’s Office of Service and Volunteerism.She shares how volunteerism functions as essential, often unseen infrastructure of the city — supporting nonprofits, strengthening communities, and helping New Yorkers feel more connected to one another in a city that can feel overwhelming at times. Drawing on her experience working across city agencies, nonprofits, and community partners, she reflects on how service builds agency, belonging, and trust at the local level.Laura shares about:* How service brings people power into government* The growing pull toward hyper-local engagement* The role volunteering plays in addressing loneliness and polarization* And why people remain our greatest assetListen now and join the conversation about what’s possible when service becomes a shared responsibility, community is built through action, and hope is found in the everyday acts that hold a city together. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fieldguidespod.substack.com

There are parts of life we rarely talk about — not because they aren’t important, but because they are uncomfortable to address. Human waste is one of them. It’s universal, it’s everyday, and yet it remains one of the most overlooked systems shaping our environment.I first came across Taylor Zehren, Founder & CEO of Wasted, when I saw her pitch last month, and I remember thinking how skillfully she got the uncomfortable giggles out of the room. Porta-potties aren’t exactly cocktail-hour conversation… but within minutes, she had everyone leaning in. She took a taboo topic, and reframed it as an overlooked opportunity for circularity, climate action, and community wellbeing.In under 30 minutes, we cover:* Why nature doesn’t create “waste” — and how Wasted is modeling that in the real world* The surprising nutrient value in our wastewater* How circular systems can solve both environmental and economic challenges* What it looks like to build a values-driven business in a very unexpected industryTaylor brings clarity, humor, and a refreshing dose of possibility to a topic most people avoid.Hope you enjoy this one — it’s a reminder that innovation often starts in the places we overlook most. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fieldguidespod.substack.com

What happens when success stops being enough?In this episode, Ali sits down with Caleb Campbell — Inspirational Keynote Speaker, Coach, Military Veteran, and Former NFL Athlete — for a raw and moving conversation about transformation, surrender, and the courage it takes to stop performing and start becoming.From the NFL to the U.S. Army to life after the uniform, Caleb shares how chasing achievement nearly cost him everything—and how choosing truth over performance became the doorway to a deeper, freer way of living. Together, he and Ali explore what it means to let an old version of yourself die so a new one can emerge, and how real leadership begins when we stop striving for belonging and start living from love instead of fear.Tune in to hear:* How surrender can become your greatest strength* The difference between striving and becoming* What real courage looks like beyond achievement* Why breaking open can lead to deeper wholeness* How faith, leadership, and healing intersect in growthThis conversation is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and remember that sometimes the breakdown is the beginning.Listen now and join the conversation about how we might show up when we stop performing for belonging, tell the truth about who we are, and let authenticity—not achievement—lead the way. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fieldguidespod.substack.com

What would society look like if we recognized the care economy as essential infrastructure?In this episode of The Hopeful Pioneers, Ali sits down with Courtney Leimkuhler—Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Springbank—to explore the urgent and overlooked role of the care economy.From childcare to eldercare, from families stretched thin to the structural reasons women continue to leave the workforce, she brings clear conviction to a conversation that impacts us all.Tune in to hear:* 3 crazy stats you should be paying attention to—and what they reveal about the future of care* Why our economy depends on valuing care as essential infrastructure* How tech and innovation can ease the burden of caregiving* The role of men, culture, and policy in reshaping care* Stories of companies building real solutions, from parental leave insurance to teacher support toolsThis conversation is both personal and systemic—offering a vision for how we can reimagine care not as a private burden, but as a shared responsibility and a pillar of a thriving economy.Also available on Apple Podcast and Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fieldguidespod.substack.com

In this episode, Ali sits down with Dan Churchill—celebrity chef, entrepreneur, performance athlete, and author who has made his mark on the New York food scene through Charlie Street café and a celebrated residency at the 1 Hotel Brooklyn.Dan reflects on his journey from growing up on Sydney’s northern beaches to building a global culinary career centered on connection, community, and wellbeing. He shares how food became his North Star, why shared rituals like breaking bread matter, and the responsibility he feels in creating spaces where people—especially men—can open up and belong.You’ll hear about:* What it means to orient your life around a “North Star”* Lessons from co-founding Charlie Street and his recent 1 Hotel residency* How food creates community across cultures and languages* Why men’s mental health requires safe, shared spacesAli and Dan have fun in this conversation, while touching on some really meaningful topics—reminding us that food is more than fuel. It’s a bridge, a ritual, and a way to create belonging in a world that feels more divided than ever.Also available on Apple Podcast and Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fieldguidespod.substack.com

Episode 7 is a conversation about art, redemption, and becoming.In this episode, Ali sits down with Halim Flowers—multidisciplinary artist, author, entrepreneur, and human rights advocate—for a powerful conversation on resilience, reinvention, and how love might be the most powerful driver of all.At 16, Halim was sentenced to two life terms for a crime he didn’t commit. But instead of letting that be the end of his story, he began to write. From solitary confinement, he started publishing poetry and eventually released 17 books, transforming his pain into purpose and becoming a powerful force for change, creativity, and collective healing.Today, his work spans fine art, fashion, music, and criminal justice reform - and his life is a living reminder that your past doesn’t define you. What you choose to do next does.Tune in to hear:* How creativity became Halim’s act of resistance and renewal* Why authenticity and non-judgment anchor his worldview* What it means to live as a “weapon of mass construction”Listen now and join the conversation about what’s possible when we lead with love, live with truth, and begin again—on our own terms.Also available on Apple Podcast and Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fieldguidespod.substack.com

No Map, Just Conviction: What Jenn Kenning Taught Me About LeadershipSome leaders show up with charisma, bold vision, and a strong public voice. Jenn Kenning is all of that—but what’s always struck me most is what’s underneath it: some serious conviction.Not ambition for its own sake. Not growth for the sake of growth. But a deep belief in the world Align Impact is building.That conviction drives every decision she makes—even, as she shared in our latest Hopeful Pioneers episode, when it comes at a personal cost.She’s poured so much into Align over the last decade because she believes in what’s possible—not just for the company, but for the people, systems, and futures the firm is trying to shift.She’s also been willing to build slowly.When I joined Align over six years ago to work alongside Jenn, I expected to see the fruits of our work much sooner. Like many in my generation, I had internalized the idea that meaningful progress should happen fast. But building something that lasts—something with integrity, long-term sustainability, and genuine impact—takes time.Working alongside Jenn has helped me reframe what success looks like. It’s not always about immediate outcomes. Sometimes, it’s about laying foundations that future generations can stand on. That kind of leadership isn’t flashy—but it’s what slowly shifts the moral arc of the future.This episode meant a lot to me. It’s a conversation about impact, yes—but also about identity, faith, grief, and how we live out our values when no one’s watching.I hope you’ll give it a listen.Also available on Apple Podcast and Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fieldguidespod.substack.com

The world is rapidly changing, and as we move further into the digital age, we're facing a paradox: more connected than ever online, yet increasingly isolated in real life. Ali Motroni sits down with Dane McCarthy, founder of The Athletic Clubs, who's pioneering a refreshingly analog solution to our digital disconnection.As online searches for "where to make friends" continue to rise and our personal connections dwindle, Dane offers something super simple: community built through consistency. Athletic Club’s "squad" approach brings the same people together twice weekly to train, creating the perfect environment for organic friendships to flourish outside our screens.Beyond fitness, this episode touches on deeper questions about the fabric of our social lives. How do we create spaces where people from different backgrounds naturally connect? What role can structured community play in addressing polarization? And what might we learn from watching diverse people form unexpected friendships when given the right environment?Dane's journey from Australia to NYC- already opening six gyms across multiple states- offers practical insights for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, community-building, or simply looking for light in a polarized world. His optimism about human nature – formed through watching countless strangers become friends – offers a compelling counternarrative to the division we often see in headlines. And he and The Athletic Clubs are just getting started.Also available on Apple Podcast and Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fieldguidespod.substack.com

There's something so moving about sitting across from an artist whose creative spirit remained unbroken through 18 years of incarceration. In our newest episode, I talk with Jared Owens, a remarkable artist whose journey from prison to a prestigious residency on the 28th floor of the World Trade Center will leave you both challenged and inspired.Jared is unfiltered in sharing about his journey, the meaning behind his distinctive stamp work, and his belief that "art should make you uncomfortable." He shares his desire to break down our proclivity towards ‘othering’ and some ideas around how to create better villages so all people can have the opportunity to thrive.I walked away from our conversation reminded that even in difficult places, creativity finds a way forward.Also available on Apple Podcast and Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fieldguidespod.substack.com

Today, Ali Motroni sits down with Sarah Yourgrau, 2x Emmy Award-winning Producer, TEDx Speaker, and Founder of Common Ground Studios, for a conversation about the transformative power of storytelling in our polarized world.Sarah shares her journey from studying social anthropology and conflict resolution to founding Common Ground Studios—a women-run storytelling agency dedicated to infusing more nuance and complexity into narratives that help people "imagine brighter futures." She reveals how "vicarious contact" through storytelling can change perceptions by almost 50% and discusses her experience traveling to over 150 different communities with Mike Rowe on "Returning the Favor," showcasing people creating positive change across America.Sarah’s work centers on creating space for complexity—especially in a media landscape that often rewards oversimplification. And as we face immense global challenges, this episode is a timely reminder that the way we tell our stories might just shape the world we’re building.If you’ve ever wrestled with how to hold space for both conviction and curiosity, or wondered how we scale connection in a divided world—this one’s for you.The episode offers powerful insights about embracing ambiguity, the healthy role of conflict as "a portal into real intimacy and connection," and how slowing down might be the rebellion we need in a world obsessed with quick fixes.The Hopeful Pioneers is produced by Align Impact, a firm dedicated to helping families and executives align their resources with their values to create meaningful change.Listen now and join the conversation about what's possible when we approach our differences with curiosity and a commitment to finding common ground.Subscribe for free to receive Hopeful Pioneers content!Also available on Apple Podcast and SpotifyKnow more about Sarah:People You Should Know: Watch it hereSarah's website: https://www.sarahyourgrau.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fieldguidespod.substack.com

Today, host Ali Motroni sits down with Julie Goldstein, Executive Director of Swaha Foundation, for an honest conversation about the evolving role of foundations in creating enduring change.Julie shares her journey from traditional grantmaking to leading a foundation that utilizes all of its resources as tools for systemic transformation.Whether you're a foundation leader, investor, or simply someone curious about how wealth can be leveraged for good or the inner workings of a family foundation, this episode offers both inspiration and practical insights.As with all episodes of The Hopeful Pioneers, we close with our signature question: "What brings you hope?" Julie's answer reminds us that even in challenging times, there are powerful reasons to remain optimistic about our collective future. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fieldguidespod.substack.com

The world is full of challenges that dominate our inboxes, social media feeds, and family dinner conversations, but it's also full of people quietly and courageously working to make it better.For our premiere episode of The Hopeful Pioneers, we're honored to welcome impact investing powerhouse Priya Parrish to the conversation. Priya is a seasoned investor, advisor, and educator committed to aligning capital with purpose. She currently serves as Partner and CIO at Impact Engine, a firm dedicated to scaling impact-driven businesses, and has spent her career proving that financial returns and social good can go hand in hand.Beyond her work in investing, Priya is also the author of The Little Book of Impact Investing, a guide designed to help investors of all levels understand how to make meaningful change through capital. Her ability to bridge the gap between traditional finance and impact-driven strategies makes her a true pioneer in the space.In this episode, we dive into Priya’s journey and how she found herself at the intersection of finance and impact. She shares key insights from her book, offering guidance on how investors can approach impact with confidence. We also discuss tangible ways financial systems can be rethought to drive change at scale and, most importantly, what brings Priya hope in today’s complex world.Perfect for your morning walk or commute, this 25-minute conversation will leave you energized and inspired about what’s possible when we approach challenges with courage and creativity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fieldguidespod.substack.com