Impact Investing and AI Ethics: A Conversation with Jenna Nicholas

Impact Investing and AI Ethics: A Conversation with Jenna Nicholas

Author: Marcylle Combs June 24, 2026 Duration: 31:26

As we race towards an AI-driven future, it's crucial to consider the environmental impact. AI technologies, especially data centers, consume massive amounts of energy. But what if we could power them sustainably? Jenna Nicholas shares her journey from social entrepreneurship to impact investing, exploring the ethical and environmental implications of AI, and emphasizing the importance of relational and spiritual health in business. This conversation offers practical insights on sustainable AI development, bias mitigation, and fostering hope and resilience in organizations.

Jenna Nicholas is an impact investor, entrepreneur, andpresident of LightPost Capital. She has led initiatives that shifted billions of dollars toward sustainable solutions and bridged the gap between capital and underserved communities through Impact Experience. Nicholas has worked at the World Bank Treasury and Calvert Special Equities, and her angel investments support innovative ventures in fintech, health care, and climate solutions. Shehas been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur, Council on Foreign Relations member, Stanford Social Innovation Fellow, and Echoing Green Fellow. She holds BA and MBA degrees from Stanford and studied at Oxford. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Financial Times, and Forbes. Her new book is the Enlightened Bottom Line: Exploring the Intersection of Spirituality, Business, and Investing. 

Learn more at jenna-nicholas.com. 

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Hosted by Marcylle Combs, 50% with Marcylle Combs is built on the belief that women's voices and leadership are essential to every conversation. This podcast moves beyond surface-level interviews to explore the full spectrum of a leader's life. In each episode, Marcylle sits down with a woman who is actively shaping her field and community, delving into the real texture of her journey. You'll hear about the pivotal moments that defined her path, the obstacles that reshaped her direction, and the hard-won insights gathered along the way. These are not just success stories; they are honest accounts of professional and personal evolution, offering tangible advice for anyone looking to lead. By focusing on this depth, the podcast creates a platform where the diverse and inspiring narratives of women from various backgrounds, industries, and sectors take center stage. Tuning into this podcast means gaining access to a repository of experience, a source of solidarity, and a clearer understanding of what it means to build a meaningful career and life. It’s where ambition meets reflection, and where listening feels like joining a candid, necessary dialogue about progress and purpose.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

50% with Marcylle Combs: Women in Leadership
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