Welcome to Highly Sensitive Money, a podcast dedicated to exploring financial empowerment and social justice through the lens of highly sensitive individuals. In our latest episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nicole Middleton Holloway, a financial advisor and social justice advocate. Nicole provides valuable insights into her professional journey and how her dedication to equitable wealth distribution and community investing has shaped her career.
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A Journey Rooted in Activism
Nicole Middleton Holloway’s journey into finance is both compelling and inspirational. With a background in media and entertainment, she initially began her career working at FX and later with actor and activist Danny Glover. Her role included union and political activism, which provided her with a unique perspective on social justice.
When asked about the transition from her first career to finance, Nicole shared, “This is my second career. My first career was in media and entertainment, focusing on issues of social justice. It took me stepping away from the United States to realize the opportunities I was taking for granted and to see the larger picture regarding economic empowerment.” This experience significantly influenced her shift towards a career in finance, where she could focus on wealth inequality and ownership.
Building a Finance Practice with Impact
Nicole co-founded Strategy Squad, a firm dedicated to financial planning and community investing. The decision to start this venture was partly inspired by her family background; both her parents were CPAs who operated their business from home. “Growing up, I saw my parents work round the clock from the house. My relationship to money was always associated with hard work,” she explained.
At Strategy Squad, Nicole emphasizes the importance of blending financial planning with community investments that bring about social change. During our conversation, it was evident that her passion for community-focused investments stems from personal experience and a deep-seated belief in equitable wealth distribution.
Community Investing: A Path to Regeneration
One of the major highlights of our discussion was Nicole’s emphasis on community investing. Unlike traditional investments, community investing focuses on providing capital to underserved communities, often resulting in direct, visible impacts. “Community investing is about supporting the growth of communities. It’s not meant to be extractive but rather to provide social and financial returns,” Nicole shared.
She stressed that community investing allows investors to align their portfolios with their values, offering tangible benefits to marginalized groups. Nicole provided examples of funds such as Seed Commons, Shared Capital, and the Black Farmer Fund, which are designed to funnel resources into vital community-led projects.
The Role of Relationships and Influence
Nicole’s approach to sourcing investment opportunities is deeply relational. Whether attending conferences, serving on boards, or nurturing personal connections, she ensures that Strategy Squad’s investments are deeply integrated into the communities they aim to support. “We are here to support, not to extract. We try to assist with the growth of community investment leaders whenever we can,” she explained.
Balancing Financial Goals and Social Justice
One recurring theme in our conversation was the challenge of balancing personal financial goals with a commitment to social justice. Nicole acknowledged that, given her background, she must focus on building her own wealth while also advocating for more equitable investment practices. “I don’t come from generational wealth, so I have to focus on building my wealth. But that doesn’t mean I can’t do community investing,” she said.
For those looking to dip their toes into community investing, Nicole advises starting small. Allocating even 10% of a portfolio to community investments can make a significant impact. Her experience with her Quaker meeting’s endowment in Philadelphia, which is now moving towards community-focused investments, serves as a testament to the potential for change.
Conclusion
Nicole Middleton Holloway’s story is a powerful reminder that wealth can be a tool for social good. By integrating financial planning with community investment, she is redefining what it means to be a financial advisor. As she eloquently put it, “We’re all just trying to do as much good as we can. It’s important to consider what power and influence you have and use it in a positive way.”
Throughout the podcast, Nicole and the host, Diana Yañez, stress the relational nature of community investing and the importance of building trust and understanding between investors, fund managers, and communities. They also discuss the growing interest in sustainable and impact investing, particularly among millennials and women, and how this shift is changing the future of finance.
For those interested in learning more about community investing or seeking resources on socially responsible investing, Strategy Squad is a valuable touchstone. This interview serves as an inspiring guide for anyone looking to align their financial goals with their values, creating a legacy of positive change.
Ready to Build a Just Economy?
Are you inspired by Nicole’s journey and interested in community investing? Reach out to Strategy Squad for guidance and resources to make your investments matter.
Resources:
Strategy Sqauad
Adasina
allthecolors.net for the Money Archetypes quiz