In this episode of The Steward Chair, Michael Whelchel, Founder & CEO of Big Path Capital, shares his journey of transitioning from traditional private equity to impact investing, exploring how values-driven capitalism and purpose-led business drive meaningful, long-term success.

We discuss the launch of Big Path Capital on the precipice of the 2007 financial crisis, building a high-trust virtual culture, and how the Smarter Money framework and strategic convening create powerful ripple effects for both business and society. This conversation provides actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.

Key Takeaways
The Smarter Money framework for impact and returns: Aligning capital with values does not require sacrificing financial performance; maximizing both financial and social/environmental returns creates a structurally superior way to deploy wealth.
Building a remote, purpose-led culture: Operating a successful virtual organization relies on a foundation of high trust, personal flexibility, and direct, candid communication rather than rigid oversight.
The role of convening and community in leadership: Bringing purpose-driven leaders together through initiatives like the MO Summit fosters mutual resilience and sparks transformative partnerships that extend far beyond individual transactions.

Resources Mentioned
Visit https://www.bigpathcapital.com/
Follow Michael on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwhelchel/
Follow Big Path Capital on social media at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-path-capital/

Join the Conversation
The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:

Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. 

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Michael Whelchel, Founder &amp; CEO of Big Path Capital, shares his journey of transitioning from traditional private equity to impact investing, exploring how values-driven capitalism and purpose-led business drive meaningful, long-term success.
We discuss the launch of Big Path Capital on the precipice of the 2007 financial crisis, building a high-trust virtual culture, and how the Smarter Money framework and strategic convening create powerful ripple effects for both business and society. This conversation provides actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The Smarter Money framework for impact and returns: Aligning capital with values does not require sacrificing financial performance; maximizing both financial and social/environmental returns creates a structurally superior way to deploy wealth.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Building a remote, purpose-led culture: Operating a successful virtual organization relies on a foundation of high trust, personal flexibility, and direct, candid communication rather than rigid oversight.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The role of convening and community in leadership: Bringing purpose-driven leaders together through initiatives like the MO Summit fosters mutual resilience and sparks transformative partnerships that extend far beyond individual transactions.</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit https://www.bigpathcapital.com/</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Michael on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwhelchel/</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Big Path Capital on social media at:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-path-capital/</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Join the Conversation The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:
Chat With Leaders Media <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/</a> and End of the Line Productions <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/</a>.&nbsp;
Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com">ChatWithLeaders.com</a> to learn more about how we can help.

The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores business leadership as stewardship – the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well.

Through deep, candid conversations with CEOs, Presidents and Founders that have stood the test of time, we unpack the challenges, decisions, and strategies that define values-driven leadership. This is a space for leaders who recognize that success is about more than personal achievement – it’s about leaving a lasting, positive impact on their organizations and communities.

Each episode provides real-world insights on how to navigate key business decisions while maintaining ethical integrity, long-term sustainability, and a legacy-driven mindset.

This show is produced in collaboration between Chat With Leaders Media and End of the Line Productions. 

The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores business leadership as stewardship &ndash; the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well.
Through deep, candid conversations with CEOs, Presidents and Founders that have stood the test of time, we unpack the challenges, decisions, and strategies that define values-driven leadership. This is a space for leaders who recognize that success is about more than personal achievement &ndash; it&rsquo;s&nbsp;about leaving a lasting, positive impact on their organizations and communities.
Each episode provides real-world insights on how to navigate key business decisions while maintaining ethical integrity, long-term sustainability, and a legacy-driven mindset.
This show is produced in collaboration between <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com/">Chat With Leaders Media</a> and <a href="https://www.eotlproductions.com/">End of the Line Productions</a>.&nbsp;

The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores leadership as stewardship—the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well.

The Steward Chair

In a world defined by disconnection, human connection is your most powerful asset in building companies that last. At Chat With Leaders Media, we're dedicated to helping you unlock that power by delivering actionable insights from leaders who are leveraging business as a force for good.

Through our podcasts – The Steward Chair, The People Experience Pulse, and B The Change Georgia – we cut through the noise to bring you candid, real-world strategies for building a better business. We explore what it takes to elevate people, grow your business with integrity, and build a legacy that goes beyond the bottom line.

This isn't just about inspiration; it's about giving you the tools to elevate your influence and make a tangible impact on your organization and the world.

In a world defined by disconnection, human connection is your most powerful asset in building companies that last. At Chat With Leaders Media, we're dedicated to helping you unlock that power by delivering actionable insights from leaders who are leveraging business as a force for good.
Through our podcasts &ndash; The Steward Chair, The People Experience Pulse, and B The Change Georgia &ndash; we cut through the noise to bring you candid, real-world strategies for building a better business. We explore what it takes to elevate people, grow your business with integrity, and build a legacy that goes beyond the bottom line.
This isn't just about inspiration; it's about giving you the tools to elevate your influence and make a tangible impact on your organization and the world.