Purpose-Driven Investing, Innovation & the New Value Economy | DisrupTV Ep. 78

In DisrupTV Episode 78, hosts R “Ray” Wang and Vala Afshar are joined by:

  • Adrienne Fischer, CEO at Tinkerbots
  • Michael Sonnenfeldt, Founder & Chairman of TIGER 21 & Author
  • Larry Dignan, Editor-in-Chief at Constellation Research

They discuss how investors and entrepreneurs can build value in a changing world — especially where purpose, sustainable innovation, and meaning are becoming central to definitions of success. The episode covers topics like the evolving expectations of stakeholders, the intersection of entrepreneurship and societal benefit, and what leadership looks like when value is not just financial.

Key Takeaways

Investing with Purpose & Long-Term Perspective
Michael Sonnenfeldt emphasizes that modern investors are increasingly looking beyond short-term returns, considering societal impact, environmental sustainability, and long-term resilience as part of their portfolios.

Innovation Anchored in Meaning
Adrienne Fischer brings forward the idea that innovation works best when it is aligned with meaningful goals — goals that serve communities, solve problems, and improve people’s lives, not just novelty or disruption.

Redefining Value & Success Metrics
Larry Dignan and the other guests note that value creation isn’t just about revenue growth or scale. Stakeholders (employees, customers, communities) expect companies to show purpose, ethics, transparency, and impact.

Leadership Evolving to Embrace Stakeholder Expectations
Leadership is no longer just about profit, but about weaving in trust, purpose, and ethics into decision making. Clear communication of vision, shared values, and consistency are crucial.

The Role of Innovation Ecosystems & Community
Ecosystems (networks, mentorship, supportive investors, collaborators) are required for meaningful innovation. Fisher, Sonnenfeldt, and Dignan suggest that innovation that is both sustainable and meaningful often grows from strong communities, values alignment, and shared responsibility.

Final Thoughts

  • Purpose-driven investing and leadership are no longer niche; they are becoming central to how businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs define success and differentiation.
  • Innovation rooted in solving real problems — not just novelty — tends to endure. Products, services, or business models that contribute meaningfully to society tend to attract more trust, loyalty, and resilience.
  • Metrics of success are evolving. Financials remain important, but impact, sustainability, ethical practice, stakeholder engagement, and long-term effects are increasingly part of the equation.
  • Leaders and founders should explicitly embed values and purpose into their culture, governance, and strategy. Doing so not only meets expectations of today’s stakeholders but can also be a source of advantage.
  • Building strong ecosystems around innovation — supportive communities, aligned values, collaborative networks — helps amplify meaning, spread impact, and enable more resilient, responsible growth.

Related Episodes

 

Business Research Themes

Future of Work, Innovation and Product-led Growth, Tech Optimization

Roles

Chief Digital Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief People Officer, Chief Product Officer, Chief Technology Officer