The Worthy 100 2024

ON THE COVER: (TOP TO BOTTOM) VIOLA DAVIS (GETTY), ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (GETTY), DEBRA LANGFORD, ALOE BLACC (GETTY), DEMIS HASSABIS, ARIAN SIMONE, HUGH JACKMAN, SAL KHAN, DR. FEI-FEI LI, DR. KIMBERLY NETTLES, GAYLE BENSON, KIMBERLY QUARTY, ADAM NASH, MARLEY DIAS (PHOTO

BY BEN-JETHRO PIERRE)

CHAIRMAN

Jim McCann

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Josh Kampel

PRESIDENT

Paul Stamoulis

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

STAFF EDITOR

ASSISTANT EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Dan Costa

Eva Crouse

Gabrielle Doré

Nicole Dudka

Chris Albritton, Jason Allen Ashlock, Cait Bazemore, Kirsten Cluthe, Gordon Feller, Deborah Grayson, Max Isaacman, Chidinma Iwu, Pam Kreuger, Jonathan Russo, Tim Stevens, Paul Trumposky

PARTNERSHIPS, ADVERTISING & EVENTS

VP OF PARTNERSHIPS & DIRECTOR, LEADING ADVISORS

VP OF SALES & MARKETING

VP OF PARTNERSHIPS

VP OF LEADING ADVISORS

JEWELRY & WATCH SALES DIRECTOR

Greg Licciardi

Kendall Wyckoff

Al Torres

Kevin Haniffy

Heather Hanson

PRODUCT, OPERATIONS & FINANCE

HEAD OF MARKETING

DIRECTOR OF HOSPITALITY

Clyde Lee III

Kimberly Anderson-Marichal

Our Mission Is Building Worth Beyond Wealth

Worth helps our influential, successful community better invest their time and money. We believe business is a lever for social and economic progress. From practical financial advice to exclusive profiles of industry leaders, Worth inspires our readers to lead more purpose-driven lives. Through our conferences, digital channels, and quarterly print publication, we connect the people and companies that are building the future. We showcase products and services that are indulgent, luxurious, and sustainable.

Nestled in the heart of the Lowcountry, Palmetto Bluffs’ 20,000 acres and 32 miles of coastline are yours to explore. Roam through centuries-old live oaks canopied over Mother Nature’s inspired creations and historical landmarks. Here, the land pulls you towards something familiar and inviting – the discovery that home isn’t just a place to live; it’s a place that makes you feel alive.

Building Wealth, Making Change: Honoring the Worthy 100

Choosing my favorite magazine edition is like being asked to choose your favorite child. If I had to, it would be this annual Worthy 100 issue. It epitomizes our “Worth beyond Wealth” mantra, celebrating how people use their success and influence to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges. It’s emblematic of our mission to recognize that profits and purpose are not mutually exclusive but can go hand in hand. To that extent, this year, we launched our Impact 150 list to celebrate how companies of all sizes align their financial and societal goals.

We accomplished a lot this year. One of our significant achievements was launching the Millennial Mindset report in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group. This report provides valuable insights into how millennials earn, invest, and spend. These insights not only shape our con-

tent but also help our partners better engage with this crucial demographic.

We partnered with the Milken Institute, an organization that I have always admired for its commitment to meaningful topics related to healthcare, philanthropy, and innovation. I am excited to continue this partnership with our 2025 special edition for the Milken Institute Global Conference.

We relaunched our Leading Advisors list to recognize some of the top independent wealth advisors. This group has always been an integral part of the Worth community, so I was happy to resurrect this program and look forward to expanding it in the future.

We hosted events at the Superbowl and the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Miami, showing our commitment to covering the intersection of business and sports. Next year, we will convene athletes and business leaders to discuss all aspects of team

ownership, brand integration, entrepreneurship, and beyond. We couldn’t have accomplished this without the support of our Chairman Jim McCann, the entire Worth team, our corporate partners, and you. As part of our growing community, you are integral to what motivates us to produce the highest quality content and events.

I look forward to continuing to build upon our foundation and getting you more involved. I encourage you to reach out with ideas and ways that you’d be interested in becoming more engaged.

As you delve into this issue, I eagerly await your thoughts and feedback. Your engagement is what drives us to continue delivering high-quality content and events.

— Josh Kampel CEO, WORTH MEDIA josh.kampel@worth.com

Facing the Unknown, The Worthy 100 Offer Hope

In uncertain times, we found the leaders, entrepreneurs, and thinkers who shape resilience and real-world impact.

BY DAN COSTA

I’m writing this six days before the U.S. Presidential election. The stories in this issue were assigned months ago, submitted weeks ago, and are now in the final copyediting stages. Ironically, we will upload the file to the printer on election day, next Tuesday by 5pm. At that point, polls will still be open. And given our sketchy history with such things, it could be days or even weeks before the results are finalized. All the polls say it is a coin flip. The only other thing everyone agrees on is that the polls can be wrong. There is no comfort or clarity to be found there.

Even taking the editor-inchief’s privilege of waiting until the last possible moment to hand in copy, what exactly am I supposed to say now? Where will the world be when you ready this?

By the time you read this, the president of the United States will be Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, although it

seems likely that result will be rejected by nearly half the country. It is hard to imagine a more significant fork in the road. Remember when Barack Obama and John McCain seemed radically different? A few years later, McCain went maverick and saved the Affordable Care Act—we are a different place now.

Worth doesn’t pick partisan sides, we aren’t a news outlet or opinion journal. But it also doesn’t align with our focus on “Worth Beyond Wealth.” This is partly because the solutions on the extreme right and the extreme left leave no room for real-world contradictions. Can you be a profit-driven corporation and reduce your carbon footprint? Can you travel the world without being an awful tourist? Can we build the next generation of AI tools without creating massive societal inequities? Can you invest your money so that it improves the future of your family, your community, and even people you have never met? Again, I have no certainty. If the election is a coin flip, I’d say the odds are about the same for all those other noble goals—maybe less, depending on who wins. What I do know is that we have to try. And for

that, we will need inspiration. In this issue, Worth selects its Worthy 100 for 2024. There are artists, inventors, activists, investors, founders, and CEOs. There are not many politicians, which is a good and a bad thing, but I think we can agree we don’t need more of that right now. Worth has done this series for four years now. We asked for nominations from past winners and thought leaders. The Worth editorial team chose the final honorees. I think it is our best list yet.

I’m looking forward to Techonomy 24: Leading with Intelligence in New York City on November 19th, where we’ll bring together minds shaping the AI revolution. I’m looking forward to CES, where the world’s technology firms will bring their latest innovations. I’m looking forward to Davos, where world leaders and visionaries will converge to wrestle with the challenge of building an economy that truly works for everyone. I hope to see you there.

The only thing I’m not looking forward to is next Tuesday.

— Dan Costa EDITORIAL DIRECTOR dan.costa@worth.com

Pam Krueger is a recognized investor advocate and awardwinning personal finance journalist and author. She is the founder and CEO of Wealthramp, which helps consumers find vetted fiduciary, fee-only financial advisors. It is the only service that protects people from unwanted solicitations by putting the consumer in control of when and how they talk to their referred advisor. Since 2019, Wealthramp has paired more than 20,000 people with advisors they can trust.

Oliver Rist

Oliver Rist is a long-time journalist specializing in all kinds of technology. Though he lives in Connecticut, he’s traveled the world, usually on a motorcycle. Riding like this, he’s motored up and down Route 66, negotiated an ocean of switchbacks across the Alps touching Germany, France, and Italy; whizzed through the Andalusians; traveled the length of the Pacific Coast Highway down to Cabo San Lucas in Baja; even dragged a modified Norton up the Tribhuvan Highway in Nepal back when he was younger, dumber, and didn’t yet suffer from altitude sickness. His current rides are a Ducati Diavel and an aging, but nevertheless awesome, BMW K1200S. Since seeing Curtiss Motorcycles’ electric flagship, however, he’s started dreaming about one of those and maybe figuring out how to EV restomod a ‘69 Mustang Mach 1.

Chidinma Iwu

Chidinma Divine Iwu is a Nigerian-based freelance journalist who spends a lot of time producing datadriven analyses, feature stories, opinion pieces, and reports. Her work centers on developments and trends in the future of technology, gender, culture, and sustainability; and she’s very keen on making her coverage of these beats human centric. Some of her best pieces have been published in The Daily Dot, Forbes Advisor, Shondaland, Paste, The Daily Mail, Container Magazine, and more.

She is also a marketing and content strategist who has managed and designed several content strategies for over four years after discovering her obsession with growing her little humor blog. Her freelance writer community, Crealo Africa, has helped many young African writers find guidance and strong footing in navigating the deeply exploitative market of freelance writing. If she’s not writing or thinking or advocating for women, Chidinma is either on Netflix or doing some heavy reading. She’s not very keen on books, but bring all your essays, though!

Pam Krueger

Porsche’s Electric Journey

While their EV goals are sliding, Porsche’s hybrid offerings—like the new 911 GTS—aim to win you over.

BY TIM STEVENS

In 2022, Porsche made a bold proclamation: By 2030, 80% of its total sales would be electric. Yes, the heritage manufacturer of some of the planet’s most widely coveted sports cars was going (almost) all-in on EVs. I was excited after driving many of the company’s early EV efforts, including the four-door Taycan and an early prototype of Porsche’s all-electric racer, the track-only GT4 ePerformance.

Sadly, though, we are going to have to be patient. Porsche backed off those timelines in July of this year, saying it would react more cautiously to consumer demand rather than boldly forge ahead with progressive timelines.

At this year’s Monterey Car Week, a series of events worshiping the greatest in performance cars past and present, I sat down with Porsche North America’s new CEO, Timo Resch, to ask the biggest question on my mind: Why slow down on EVs?

EMBRACING CHOICE

Resch’s answer was equal parts predictable and understandable: the American market isn’t quite ready, so Porsche is going to keep covering its bases. “As a brand, we are best advised to always offer choice,” he told me. “I think that in this current market that’s really what is needed: more choice for customers with different variations so that they can really pick and choose.”

Resch pointed to everything from inconsistent charger deployments to uneven consumer demand while making the case for why Porsche needed to soften its goals.

So, what does that mean? The company’s all-electric Macan SUV is hitting dealerships soon, but the internal combustion version of the SUV will also be available “for the foreseeable future,” Resch said.

The company is also on track to deploy its all-electric successor to the 718 Boxster and Cayman, a production version of the prototype GT4 ePerformance I drove in 2024.

But the company’s hybrids will continue to play a big part, spreading into ever more models as Porsche (and the

rest of the industry) tries to convince skeptical buyers they need more electric motors in their lives.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE HYBRIDS

Porsche has been making hybrid variants of its four-door cars since 2010, starting with its biggest SUV, the Cayenne. It’s offered various implementations of hybrid technology over the years, some simple and some more complex, including ever-bigger batteries and plugs enabling some amount of emissions-free driving in many of its models.

However, the company’s most interesting hybrid, and surely its most controversial, is the upcoming 911 GTS. Yes, the new 911 is a hybrid, and

while I’m sure that statement will make many of you recoil, bear with me because this is among the most raucous of the company’s current offerings.

Traditionally, hybrid systems are there to increase fuel economy. The basic idea is to add an electric motor and a battery to a regular car that burns fuel in a regular way. Under braking, the car can use that electric motor to harvest momentum, convert that to electricity, and shove the resulting electrons into the battery.

Then, when it comes time to accelerate again, the process reverts. The battery discharges that power back to the electric motor and helps to accelerate the car. This not only saves fuel

“When you put your foot on the floor and nothing happens for a moment or two, that’s turbo lag.”

by reducing the engine demand, but it also reduces the amount of work on the brakes, making for a more efficient car overall.

It’s safe to say that most drivers of 911s aren’t particularly interested in fuel economy. However, they should be interested in efficiency. Racing is all about efficiency, after all.

The new GTS uses a fairly straightforward hybrid configuration on paper, with a 53-horsepower electric motor paired with a 3.6-liter flat-six engine. The total system power is 532 horsepower and 449 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to launch the car from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the old, non-hybrid GTS.

So the good news is already starting, and while the GTS is not a plug-in, and so cannot be driven for miles and miles emissions-free, it does have another trick up its system.

A HYBRID TURBOCHARGER

An electric motor in a car won’t do you much good without a high-voltage battery to power it. Having a highvoltage battery means Porsche’s engineers could get creative with some other performance-minded solutions to the problems that nag many modern, turbocharged sports cars.

One of the most annoying issues is turbo lag and the resulting poor throttle response. When you put your foot on the floor and nothing happens for a moment or two, that’s turbo lag. This happens because a turbocharger is literally a little fan spun by the exhaust gasses generated by internal combustion. That fan has momentum to overcome, so it takes time to get spinning quickly enough to generate power.

Porsche’s high-voltage solution was to split the turbocharger and put another electric motor right in the middle of it. In the new 911 GTS, when you put your foot to the floor the electric motor immediately zings the turbocharger up to a high RPM. Once spinning, it can immediately start to add power to the equation, making the car accelerate.

The result is a car with a smallerdisplacement engine with a big turbo and no lag, and it’s only possible thanks to that high-voltage hybrid system. Throttle response is nearinstantaneous, so sharp that I kept kicking the tail out repeatedly when I was wheeling one around Spain at the car’s recent launch. The power comes on so suddenly and abruptly that I had to recalibrate my right foot.

The GTS is equally good on track. That quick application of power made for thrilling exits from the slower, tighter corners at the Ascari Circuit in Málaga, Spain. However, that turbocharger still delivered huge power down the long, fast straights as we approached the car’s top speed of 194 mph.

AN ELECTRIFYING SUCCESS

So, the first hybrid 911 is a remarkable thing, but there are some compromises. To start, the new 911 GTS weighs 103 pounds more than the old one. I hate to see any

sports car get heavier, but Porsche’s engineers went to great lengths to keep that weight gain relatively low. Compared to the hundreds of pounds that plug-in sports cars from Mercedes-Benz and BMW are gaining, the 911’s gain here is quite slim, and the additional horsepower and acceleration help further salve the wound.

The other slight bummer is the extra complexity involved. While hybrids add efficiency, they also add many more components to an already complicated modern automobile, further increasing the likelihood of something going wrong. Compared to the beautiful simplicity of electric cars, plus the complete absence of routine maintenance that comes with them, that is a bit of a shame.

But that will come in time. Porsche’s all-electric Macan SUV is a firecracker, and its upcoming batterypowered 718 should be an absolute riot. Hopefully, they’ll continue to convert the masses, paving the way for an eventual all-electric 911.

“The GTS is equally good on the track. That made for thrilling exits from the slower, tighter corners on the track at the Ascari Circuit in Malaga Spain.”

BIGGER IS BET

Vanguard Charitable donors give 11 times more to disaster relief efforts than most Americans,* while continuing to support causes they love.

Our curated donor-advised fund solutions and trusted resources are designed for donors like you who want a better charitable giving plan that makes bigger philanthropic impacts possible.

For a personalized consultation, visit go.vanguardcharitable.org/meet-us

* Vanguard Charitable, 2024Why Giving Mattersreport: Responsive giving at donor-advised funds spurs greater total giving.

The Ritz-Carlton Superyacht Redefining Cruising

From moonlit balconies to Michelin-starred dining, the Ilma is a floating luxury hotel.

BY KIRSTEN CLUTHE

The first night at sea, I woke around 4 a.m., wanting to step onto my balcony. This was my first cruise, and the idea of drifting through the Mediterranean under a moonlit sky was too appealing to ignore, even if it was almost dawn. I slipped out of bed, and as my feet brushed the floor, a subtle light glowed at the base of the nightstand, illuminating my path to the door without disturbing my sleeping husband—a thoughtful touch that felt instinctive, reminding me that I wasn’t on a typical cruise but aboard Ilma, the newest superyacht from Ritz-Carlton.

With 224 suites, all with private balconies, Ilma is a more intimate environment than you’d expect on a cruise vacation, partly because the service is so incredibly personal. From the outset, I was greeted by a team of crew members who seemed to know not only my name but my favorite drink and how I took my coffee—small touches that felt wonderfully Ritz-Carlton, echoing the personalized service you’d find at one of their iconic hotels.

Boarding in Barcelona for a three-day journey was as seamless as checking into a boutique hotel— no rush, crowds, or hustle typical of most cruises. Glasses of champagne or refreshing non-alcoholic cocktails were offered upon checkin, then again as we boarded the yacht with our guest services attendant. Aboard Ilma, every detail is curated to embody the yachting lifestyle, from luxurious fabrics and fine art to custom furnishings and refined culinary options. The yacht is a marvel of architecture, with floor-to-ceiling windows in every public area, immersing guests in a constant connection to the surrounding sea and landscapes.

Ilma offers a stunning selection of suites, each designed with the sophistication of a high-end RitzCarlton property. Mine was the Grand Suite, which had two chairs, a table, a lounger on a balcony overlooking the sea, a bedroom with more storage than I could fill, and a plush bed layered with highthread-count Frette linens. There was a dining and living area, a bathroom with two vanities, a full-size tub, a heated towel rack, and a spacious shower. The also room comes with a personal host for each guest who introduces her or himself once checked in and makes everything from unpacking to arranging inroom dining feel effortless.

True to the Ritz-Carlton brand, dining on Ilma was a highlight, with six onboard dining venues.

From Seta Su, a premier restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Fabio Trabocchi, offering an exquisite tasting menu in a cozy 40-seat

setting, to Beach House, a Pan-Latin option by another Michelin-starred chef, Michael Mina, there are options for every palate and mood. The menus are diverse and cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring that every guest’s culinary needs are met.

There’s a perception that cruises involve a non-stop schedule of activities and excursions, but not here. Guests are encouraged to unwind at their own pace at one of two pools -- a larger top deck pool with plenty of lounge chair seating so you’re not vying for a place to sit at 8 am and a smaller infinity pool near the beach house where you might hear a live saxophonist or DJ in the middle of the afternoon as I did.

For a touch of zen, a visit to the spa is a must. Treatments are customized in one of the 11 spacious treatment rooms, making you forget you’re even on a yacht. With the highest space-perguest ratio in the cruising industry,

Ilma also offers a salon and barber shop featuring products by Italian grooming brand Pisterzi, with scents created by perfumer Joelle Lerioux Patris, whom Worth has profiled previously.

Our port stop in St. Tropez allowed us to explore one of the Mediterranean’s most glamorous destinations. Disembarking was seamless—no long lines or delays, just a short ride on the ship’s tender to the heart of this storied port town. Guests can take advantage of curated port excursions - visits to local wineries, a chef’s dinner at a local restaurant, and in St Tropez, a pastry class to learn how to make their world-famous Tarte tropézienne. The concierge will also create a custom excursion - as with anything Ritz Carlton, all you have to do is ask.

Evenings on Ilma are a celebration in themselves. While one could relax on the balcony with a cocktail at sunset, the allure of the Living Room—a lounge that transforms from a coffee bar by day to a lively nightspot—was irresistible. There is a library in one corner and a

live band that plays hits every night and takes a few requests from well-heeled travelers. We chatted with the band every night between sets and found a lovely group of musicians worldwide.

The staff are as accommodating and service-oriented as expected from the Ritz Carlton. Welcoming, friendly, not overbearing, anticipating, and available whenever needed. When we arrived, our clothes were rumpled, and we needed something blue to wear for the launch party. Our attendant was able to get our clothes pressed and ready for the evening, and in the process, he took care of a few of the other items in our closet just because he could. Like the band, the staff hail from around the world. All were experienced, having worked on other cruise lines or other Ritz Carlton ships, and all expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for being able to work on Ilma.

On our final night, cruising from St. Tropez to Monte Carlo, I awoke again at 4 am and stepped onto the balcony for some air. I wondered what the disembarkation process would be -- would we all tender to the shore? With almost 300 guests on board, that seemed difficult, but I knew that Ritz Carlton would find a way to make even the most challenging experience as seamless as possible. I went back to bed, and when my alarm woke me up a few hours later, I opened the drapes to see a breathtaking sight— Monaco shimmering in a soft rose-gold morning light. Somehow, in the early dawn, while I drifted between sleep and wakefulness, we had smoothly made our way to port.

Before we disembarked, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, our luggage discreetly collected and taken ashore. Our travel concierge had arranged ground transportation, and just like that, we were off Ilma and on our way to Nice for the next leg of our adventure. Seamless. Ilma isn’t merely a superyacht; it’s a floating Ritz-Carlton, a luxury hotel where the views change daily, but the commitment to quality and comfort remains constant. For travelers hesitant about cruising, concerned it may lack sophistication or tranquility, Ilma offers a refined alternative. It’s an ideal luxury experience for the modern traveler.

Mount Gay’s Vintage Rum Adventure

Tasting the second edition of Mount Gay’s Single Estate series.

BY DAN COSTA

Earlier this summer, I traveled 2,090 miles for a sip of rum. The Mount Gay Estate in St. Lucy, Barbados, is the world’s oldest-running rum distillery, stretching back over 320 years. Today, I was here to experience something truly special—the second expression of their Single Estate Series, the 24_02_ Vt18d2. (And yes, that is what they call it.) My taste came straight from the cask, but you can now find it in better liquor stores for about $400 a bottle.

FIRST, LET’S DECODE THE NAME 24_02_VT18D2

“24”: Indicates the release year, which is 2024.

“02”: Represents the release number within the Single Estate Series, signifying that this is the second edition.

“Vt18”: Stands for “Vintage 18,” referencing the 2018 sugar cane harvest used to produce this rum.

“d2”: Signifies that the rum is a blend of distillates from two distinct pot still distillations.

The rise of terroir-driven rums marks a shift towards artisanal production where distillers control every aspect of the process, from cultivating their sugarcane to fermentation, distillation, and aging. This approach allows them to craft a rum that genuinely embodies the unique characteristics of its origin, much like single-estate wines or single-malt whiskies. Terroir-driven rums capture the essence of their region’s soil, climate, and geography, resulting in a product that tells a story of place and tradition.

By contrast, most rums are blended from sugarcane molasses sourced from various regions across the Caribbean. While often consistent and high-quality, these rums lack the distinctive, localized flavor profile that terroir-driven rums can offer. By focusing on the unique attributes of their environment, distillers of terroir-driven rums are creating a more personalized and expressive spirit that stands out in the increasingly crowded rum market.

“What makes 24_02 different and special is that it is the first vintage in the Single Estate Series,” says Master Blender Trudiann Branker of this year’s edition.

Unlike the previous blend of two harvest years, this expression was crafted entirely from sugarcane harvested in 2018. This single-year venture showcases the unique character of Mount Gay’s estate.

The estate itself is a sight to behold. Acquired in 2015, the 324 acres of historical Mount Gay and Oxford Estates are more than just land— they are the soul of this rum. For the first time in centuries, Mount Gay has been able to produce rum from cane to bottle entirely on its estate. This vertically integrated process adds complexity and authenticity to the final product.

Estate-grown sugarcane and the unusually long nine-day fermentation process allows for a depth of flavor that’s unmistakably Bajan. This approach to fermentation,

paired with the terroir of Barbados, gives the rum a distinctive character that sets it apart from others.

Seated in the tasting room, I worked through the Mount Gay lineup and was eventually presented with a glass of the 24_02_ Vt18d2. It was as rich and complex as any aged Scotch I have had. Bold citrus and sweet fruit notes wafted from the glass, blending grapefruit, sweet plums, and banana.

What struck me most was the profound impact of using only estate-grown sugarcane on the final product. While touring the factory I could sample both the local sugar cane and the blended cane that is important from other islands. The local cane was both sweeter and more complex.. The terroir of the Mount Gay Estate—the soil, the climate, and even the air—imprinted itself on this liquid, creating a connection between the rum and its birthplace that was palpable with every sip.

The eco-designed packaging echoed Mount Gay’s commitment to sustainability, featuring 70% recycled glass bottles and minimal ink on the labels. The Caribbean blue label was a striking homage to the Bajan summer skies, and each bottle included a QR code for a deeper dive into the rum-making journey.

With only 5,418 bottles produced worldwide and a mere 1,200 available in the U.S., the 24_02_Vt18d2 is a rare gem, priced at $400 for a 70 cl bottle. This rum isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience, a narrative of Barbados’ rich heritage and Mount Gay’s dedication to preserving and celebrating that legacy.

To be honest, I had more than one sip of rum on my trip to Barbados, most of it was far less sophisticated than the 24_02_Vt18d2. (Some of the boutique editions I sampled are listed on the right.) Even so, I returned from the trip with a new appreciation for the variety of rums and a profound respect for the craft of rummaking.

MOUNT GAY’S RUM IS MORE VARIED THAN JUST ECLIPSE

1. Mount Gay Eclipse: This was Mount Gay’s first branded rum and remains a popular choice. It is known for its floral and fruity character, with vanilla and hints of banana and spice. The finish is smooth with a subtle smokiness.

2. Mount Gay Black Barrel: A bold and rich rum, Black Barrel is characterized by notes of spice and oak. It is aged in heavily charred Bourbon barrels, which impart a deeper flavor profile, including hints of caramel and toasted wood.

3. Mount Gay XO: This blend of rums aged between 8 and 15 years offers a complex palate of caramel, toffee, and spices. There are also dried fruit and oak notes, delivering a rich and velvety finish.

4. Mount Gay Silver: A lighter, more delicate rum, Silver is known for its fresh and crisp notes. Its subtle sweetness, with hints of citrus and mint, makes it ideal for cocktails.

5. Single Estate Series 23_01: This rum, the first in the Single Estate Series, blends the 2016 and 2017 harvests. It offers aromas of pear, plum, and fresh-cut flowers, with flavors of pineapple, sea salt, and leather on the palate. The finish is rich and complex, highlighting the terroir of the Mount Gay Estate.

6. Single Estate Series 24_02: The latest release in the Single Estate Series, this vintage rum from the 2018 harvest presents bold citrus and sweet fruit aromas. On the palate, it offers a combination of brown sugar, oak, grapefruit, and floral notes, with a slightly salty smokiness.

7. Limited Editions: Mount Gay also offers a range of limitededition rums, including the Coffey Still Expression, Eclipse Navy Strength, The PX Sherry Cask Expression, and more. These special releases showcase unique aging processes and flavor profiles, such as the XO: Peat Smoke Expression, which has a smoky finish reminiscent of Scotch.

Moving Beyond Five Stars

How LVH Homes is redefining luxury with ‘super homes’ and exclusive experiences.

BY KIRSTEN CLUTHE

For discerning travelers, the meaning of luxury travel has evolved. It’s no longer just about five-star accommodations; it’s about exclusive access, unforgettable experiences, and a place that feels like yours. At the heart of this shift is LVH Homes, a company redefining high-end property rentals. Founded in 2016, LVH offers an unparalleled collection of “super homes” designed to cater to the most refined tastes and highest expectations.

Accessing an LVH property isn’t simply a matter of booking online. Instead, LVH’s elite clientele often arrive through referrals from top-tier luxury travel partners, like Virtuoso and American Express, or from existing clients. Each home is carefully vetted to meet LVH’s stringent standards, offering amenities like private chefs, 24/7 concierge service, and breathtaking locations. “Our homes don’t just come with high-end interiors,” says CEO Hugh Barton. “They come with an entire team dedicated to making every stay unforgettable.”

LVH goes beyond traditional luxury rentals, creating a private network where ultra-wealthy families find meticulously selected homes that feel personal. This approach is intentional; Barton describes LVH as an exclusive community that requires a unique level of trust and shared standards. “By managing these homes with exceptional care, we offer our clients the unique opportunity to enjoy properties as if they were their own,” he explains.

A commitment to consistency across its properties—from Aspen to St. Tropez—means that every guest gets the same level of service. Homes include full-time housekeeping, concierge services, and, frequently, personal chefs. From the initial inquiry to the moment clients leave, every experience is customized. Many clients arrive with a trip in mind— whether it’s skiing in the Alps or a surfing in the Maldives—and LVH’s team curates the details. For example, an exclusive, global surf guide reveals prime surf destinations paired with luxury home options. “We aim to provide experiences and homes clients wouldn’t find anywhere else,” says Barton.

The very thorough onboarding process provides the team with plenty of intel to truly personalize your experiences. After the initial vetting, each client is paired with a relations manager who oversees every aspect of their booking. The result is a high-touch service catering to your preferences, from communication style to property selection.

As the travel industry rebounds post-pandemic, Barton has noticed a shift: Families are treating vacations more like relocations, extending stays, or opting to live abroad temporarily. LVH’s homes cater to this lifestyle change by creating a seamless transition between vacation and daily life. For Barton, offering extended stays in high-end homes isn’t just a business strategy—it’s a way to meet the evolving needs of a younger generation of wealth, who often seek flexibility and financial benefit from their assets.

For these clients, owning or renting a “super home” is more than a luxury—it’s part of a lifestyle and financial strategy. By chartering luxury properties, owners can generate income and, in some cases, treat the property as a depreciable asset. For affluent families who invest in multiple properties, it’s a way to maximize their wealth.

“Our goal is to become that longtime partner, providing a level of care and attention so remarkable that clients will return.”

To celebrate their innovative approach to luxury R&R, LVH released a book that showcases their premier properties beautifully. The inspiration came from the superyacht industry, where luxury catalogs highlight the finest vessels available. It’s both a gift and a bridge, allowing new and existing clients a window into LVH’s world of exclusive residences. “It’s not just a portfolio,” Barton explains. “It’s a gift and a symbol of the experiences LVH creates.”

Looking toward future growth, Barton is focused on partnerships that build awareness among new clients. His vision? To foster relationships that span generations, creating a trusted legacy of exceptional service and care. “Our goal is to become that long-term partner, providing a level of care and attention so remarkable that clients will return—and maybe even trust us with the care of their children’s or grandchildren’s properties,” Barton says.

Maine’s Luxury Yacht-Building Comeback

With centuries of shipbuilding history on their side, Sabre Yachts has emerged as a leader in modern yachting.

BY JONATHAN RUSSO

It’s hard to imagine the ubiquity of shipbuilding that took place in Maine starting in the early 17th century. Hundreds of shipyards employed tens of thousands of craftspeople engaged in scores of trades along “Down East’s” 3,000-mile coast. From sea captains and navigators to riggers, loggers, sawmill operators, plank steamers, carpenters, metal fabricators, sailmakers, and painters, the sights and sounds of marine construction rang out loud and clear for hundreds of years. For a while, they were nearly silenced by Post WWII market forces. Now, they’re heard again and Sabre Yachts is leading the way.

In 1608, the first ocean-going ship, built by the English in America, was from Maine. The Virginia made two trans-Atlantic crossings, which was a bold move at the time.

Abundant hardwood from northern forests, many in Maine, allowed the colonists to start an industry that would make America the preeminent maritime power in both commerce and war.

Before the American Revolution, several Maine shipyards were turning out large vessels used for coastal trade. Later, these same yards built the fledgling fleets that became the U.S. Navy. The Maritime War of 1812 saw legendary ships like the USS Enterprise defeat British warships off the southern coast of Maine.

Maine shipbuilding authority Nathan Lipfert, in his encyclopedic book Two Centuries of Maine Shipbuilding, sums it up. “Maine’s dominance in the shipbuilding industry came about for three reasons: in the beginning, the presence of large forests of shipbuilding timber; Maine’s 3,000 miles of tidal coastline, much of which is suitable for building ves-

sels and launching them into deep water; and a large workforce (built up over the years) of people highly skilled in all the trades needed to construct some of the largest wooden vessels ever built.”

With peace came the formation of the Hodgdon yard in East Boothbay in 1816. That yard, the oldest continuously operating shipyard in America, is still thriving and is currently working with Maserati to co-producea series of the sexiest electric yacht tenders imaginable.

In the 1850s, when the world relied on maritime trade, the largest, fastest clipper ship the world had ever seen, the legendary Red Jacket, was built in Rockland, Maine. Hundreds of others followed, and the state continued to lead the nation in this luxury craft.

Thousands of smaller boats also came out of these yards— fishing smacks, lobster boats, and small coastal schooners. Heavy duty “stone sloops” brought Maine granite to be used as the foundations of buildings across America’s burgeoning cities.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the continuance of commercial and military shipbuilding. In 1890, the first steel vessel was built in Bath, Maine, a place called “the city of ships.” WWII saw the Bath yard (and others) lend a hand to the war effort by converting to building destroyers, supply ships, and submarines. Over a thousand were launched. Today, Bath remains an important yard for the U.S. Navy and receives significant defense budget appropriations.

Post WWII, everything in Maine, including farming and manufacturing, experienced a dramatically steep decline because affluent America tooled up for mass production of everything, including recreational boats. Some of the largest shipyards went to the Midwest and south in search of bigger facilities and cheaper labor. Factory-produced yacht builders like Chris-Craft were the antithesis of the custom-built quality yards that were the hallmark of Maine.

For decades, boat manufacturers producing commercial fishing, recreational, and pleasure boats have relied on the Carolinas and Florida as ideal hubs for mass production. Plus, the lucrative American market was targeted by overseas boatbuilders, specifically Taiwan, which brought scores of models to our shores, both power and sail. Today, China and Malaysia are the bases of several luxury brands, like HH Catamarans, Palm Beach Yachts, and Grand Banks. These changes left Maine yards in a depressed state. Hundreds closed their doors, and the remaining ones cut back, trying to survive on commercial craft for the local fishing and ferry industries.

Seeds of renewal started in the late 1960s when Maine experimented with fiberglass and aluminum. Innovative builders, like Hinckley, switched from wooden to fiberglass hulls for their iconic Bill Tripp-designed Bermuda 40 sailboats.

Others followed. Sabre, founded by the energetic and innovative Roger Hewson in 1970, had the seemingly disparate goals of producing a fiberglass sailboat that was “crafted in the Maine tradition.” They succeeded…thousands were built, from 28 - 45ft. The enterprise finally stopped in 2011 when it became unprofitable.

Fortunately, however, Saberline 36, their first powerboat—a fast trawler—debuted in 1989. She quickly became the foundation of the company’s survival.

Today, with business-oriented professional managers and engineers (chairman Daniel Zilkha has both an engineering degree from Princeton and an MBA from Harvard), Sabre is thriving.

Long gone are the days when boat design was done by rule of thumb lofting (a technique made outdated by technology). In the face of relentless cost advantages from places with cheaper everything (labor, energy, overhead), intelligent production is what makes Sabre’s yachts competitive.

As respected yacht broker, Chris Fairfax of Wellington Yacht Sales told Worth at the Newport Boat Show, “I think they do an amazing job giving people what they are looking for. Sabre offers tremendous value. Their warranty work is second to none, and their dealerships are top-line. They are always one step ahead of the competition.”

“In the face of relentless cost advantages from places with cheaper everything (labor, energy, overhead), intelligent production is what makes Sabre’s Yachts competitive.”

Since price is often an issue and Sabre experienced the loss of market share to less expensive, offshore-built boats, in 2003, they launched the Back Cove line. At a lower price point, they have simpler engine systems and a less fussy interior. Back Cove was an immediate success and, as a standalone, would be a major yacht brand. Sharing some of the same management and design teams amortizes overhead.

With over 350 Sabre/Back Cove employees, all sharing the Madein-Maine ethos, they are the largest yacht builder in the state.

Ken Burns, the VP of design and product development for Sabre and Back Cove, explained to Worth, “Downeast style for us is an evolutionary approach to design that was born from the proportions and sensibilities of Maine’s working lobster boats. Form and function are completely intertwined. The low profiles, flared bows, and thoughtfully curved sheer lines all serve very practical functions but are also beautiful. New technologies ensure they meet the ‘nautical sensibility’ benchmarks Sabre has developed over many decades.”

Currently, Sabre offers seven models ranging from 38 - 58ft. Most are the Express version, i.e., without a topside navigation station. The entry price for a Back Cove is around $800,000, while the largest Sabre is around $3,500,000.

Boat size can be deceptive—longer vessels have exponentially more volume. Unlike a stretch limo, a 58-foot yacht is far more complex to operate than a 38-foot one, with additional systems and challenges. Many yachts at this size require a captain or professional crew to manage them.

The competition mimicked the Downeast style, and, to the casual observer, it would be hard to tell a boat made in Malaysia from one made in Maine. However, according to Ken, “What they don’t have

is Maine’s centuries-old boat building culture with their dyed-in-thewool familiarity with (and passion for) boats. It bleeds into every hull built in our state.”

Sabre has no plans to expand beyond Maine. As Aaron Crawford, Sabre’s President and CEO put it, “We have a culture of building boats. For 55 years, Sabre has continued to refine those traditions including attention to detail and nautical sensibility. Starting with the iconic Sabre 28 sailboat and continuing to our modern range of luxury motor yachts, we remain committed to our legacy of innovation and timeless craftsmanship in Maine.”

There are other successful yacht builders in Maine today. The state continually forges ahead in innovation, like 3D boat printing,

and cutting-edge composite use. Yards like Hinckley have an enthusiastic following and reputation for luxury with classic design. Lyman Morse continually turns out state-of-the-art power and sailboats for the custom and semicustom market. They are also out front in electric boat development. Southport Boats makes a range of fishing and day boats well known for quality. Then there are the truly bespoke yards like John Williams, Front Street, Wilber, Ellis, SW Boatworks, and others. Maine yacht designers, including Stephens Waring and Chuck Paine, have well-deserved stellar reputations.

So, what’s old is new again. Maine is leading the nation in the construction of world-class boats. Sabre is a big part of the story.

Brad Benbow

John Beyer

Jack Craven

John Craven

Robert Courser

& Olivier Aries

Phil Daniels

Gloria Feldt

Andy Fullmer

Brian Fullmer

Andrew DeJoy

Andrew DeJoy Fullmer

Dottie Herman

Herman

Kuba Jewgieniew

Kuba

Silver Kung

Silver Kung

Patience Marime-Ball

Jim McCann

& George S. Everly

McCann & S.

Sarah Samuels

Zach Schaefer

Bill McKendry

Tucker Perkins

Illana Raia

Leslie A. Rubin

& Daniel J. Mitchell

Bill & J

Ruth MD

Ruth Shaber, MD

Janet Sherlund

Janet

Dr. Stefano Sinicropi

Dr Stefano

Jacob Werksman

Misha Zelinsky

Misha

Southern Style and Sounds at the Billy Reid Shindig

\For one weekend each year, Florence, Alabama, becomes the center of the fashion, food, and music scene. Worth went down south to see what the fuss was about.

BY DAN COSTA

Designers hold a unique position in the pantheon of artists, celebrities, and creatives. You can love Taylor Swift’s music, respect Jose Andres’ humanitarian work, or envy Elon Musk’s wealth, but you can’t adopt their lifestyle. You don’t have the talent, the heart, or the intelligence. But designers let you take their style creatively and make it your own. The best transcend apparel, turning their name into a brand that signals an unmistakable aesthetic. Ralph Lauren, John Varvatos, Coco Chanel, or Tom Ford. Billy Reid isn’t as well known yet, but after 20 years in the business his influence is approaching that level. He is also the only designer who regularly invites a few hundred friends to his Alabama headquarters every year for a weekend of fashion, food, music, and more than a few cocktails.

It’s a hot, buzzing weekend in October. Florence, Alabama, is once again home to a celebration that only Billy Reid could imagine—a sprawling mix of Southern hospitality, fashion, music, and culinary artistry known simply as the Shindig. Reid’s annual Shindig has become less of a gathering and more of an institution, drawing fashion enthusiasts, musicians, and chefs from across the country to revel in an unmistakably Southern experience.

A WEEKEND OF SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

Reid’s Shindig grew out of wanting to share Florence’s unique culture with a broader audience. The early days were modest, but word quickly spread, bringing in press and new friends from across the country. Reid recalls those beginnings fondly, saying, “We brought editors in from New York and L.A. and entertained them... cooked incredible food, threw a great party on a small scale.” It worked; the press coverage and the crowds soon followed.

Today, the Shindig attracts a loyal following, with attendees coming to experience Florence’s small-town charm and Reid’s deeply rooted

hospitality. Reid’s vision has always included fostering a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. “My mom had this incredible little women’s store that was in my grandmother’s old house... it was all about hospitality,” he remembers. He brings this warmth to the Shindig, where the town’s layout—just a few compact blocks— makes it easy to move between performances, shops, and gatherings, creating a cohesive sense of community.

Despite its growing popularity, the Shindig remains an intimate affair, as Florence can only accommodate a select number of guests. “It can only be so big; we only have so many hotel rooms,” Reid notes. This limitation, far from hindering the event, enhances its allure, making it feel like a personal invitation to Reid’s world, an intimate glimpse into the artistry that defines his brand.

“This is the greatest story in music that has never been told. So I took it upon myself to help tell that story.”

MUSIC AT THE HEART OF IT ALL

Musically, the Shindig is as eclectic as it is grounded. Florence sits near the fabled Muscle Shoals, which has left an indelible mark on American music. Reid taps into this legacy with a lineup that has included acts like The Kills, Phosphorescent, and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, each bringing a unique sound that resonates with the region’s musical history.

Music is integral to Reid’s vision, and the key to attracting people to Muscle Shoals. “This is the greatest story of music that’s never been told,” Reid says, “So I took it upon myself to help tell that story.”

His Shindig invites guests to engage with this rhythm firsthand. It’s not just about listening to the music but about feeling part of a lineage that spans decades. For Reid, music is less a performance and more an experience woven into the Southern landscape.

The Shindig’s lineup reflects this unique blend of reverence and exploration each year. The musicians, often selected for their storytelling ability, bring a soulful energy that feels tailor-made for Florence’s intimate settings. Rather than massive stages and flashy lights, the performances are often held in smaller venues, encouraging close listening and shared experience. This blend of reverence for the region’s musical history and exploration of new sounds will intrigue and excite the audience.

FASHION

A CULINARY CELEBRATION

The food at the Shindig is as carefully curated as the music, with a lineup of chefs who bring their spin on Southern cuisine. This year featured renowned chefs like Sean Brock and Vishwesh Bhatt, both known for pushing culinary boundaries while respecting traditional Southern flavors. Reid’s emphasis on food as a cultural experience is tied to his memories of family gatherings and his mother’s shop, which was more than a retail space—it was a community hub where people could “come by not just to shop but to talk, to share a meal.”

Reid’s commitment to fostering genuine connections is evident in every aspect of the Shindig’s culinary offerings. From smoked brisket, grits, and gumbo to vegetarian dishes that celebrate the southern garden, the food celebrates the region’s bounty and explores its evolving flavors.

FASHION FOR A WAY OF LIFE

At the core of the Shindig is, of course, Reid’s fashion, with his fall collection taking center stage.

Known for its timeless quality, Reid’s clothing reflects his philosophy of “American fashion, built to last.” His use of high-quality materials and his dedication to craftsmanship make his pieces as enduring as they are stylish. Reid sees his designs as furniture—built with care, meant to age gracefully. “They should be like a great leather chair that just sticks around, gets better as you wear it,” he says.

Reid’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond fabric choices.

“We try to develop all of our own textiles,” he explains, noting that he works with suppliers he trusts, some relationships spanning over 25 years. His vision is both practical and personal. Reid is less concerned with trends and more with longevity, wanting his clothes to be “relevant, 10 years down the road, still usable.”

His dedication to quality and sustainability echoes Shindig’s values, where each part of the event feels crafted with purpose.

Reid’s love for Florence is evident in his design sensibility, inspired by

the landscape and people around him. “I’ve always approached it as... it’s not regional,” he explains, describing how he sees the same pieces worn in Florence as in Paris or New York. It’s not about designing “Southern” clothes but creating pieces that resonate universally while rooted in Southern values.

Despite all this tradition and nostalgia, it would be a mistake to label Reid as conservative. The company recently bought Knot Standard and will focus on technology-enabled custom clothing. Reid acknowledges that custom clothing is “never easy,” but technology has “revolutionized that process and the accuracy.”

As Reid expands, his brand is becoming more than just a fashion label; it’s a way of life, capturing the spirit of community and craftsmanship that defines his vision. In a world of fast fashion, Reid stands out by building something that, in his own words, is “American style, built to last.”

Preview 2025

Worth has a long-standing history of convening a successful and distinguished audience. Our marquee events advance the conversation around key topics affecting business and society, while our custom salon dinners, VIP receptions, and media partnerships allow us to curate the most influential communities across business, innovation and impact.

MARQUEE EVENTS

March Groundbreaking Women Summit | NY, NY

May Accelerate Health | Boston, MA

September Climate & Sustainability Event | NY, NY

November Techonomy 25 | Bay Area, CA

December Worthy 100 | Miami, FL

For more information, visit worth.com/2025

CUSTOM EVENTS

January CES | Las Vegas, NV World Economic Forum | Davos, Switzerland

February Super Bowl | New Orleans, LA

March SXSW | Austin, TX Palm Beach Boat Show | Palm Beach, FL

April Lake Nona Impact Forum | Orlando, FL

May Milken Institute Conference | Beverly Hills, CA Formula 1 Race | Miami, FL

June Cannes Lions | Cannes, France

August Hamptons Classic | Hamptons, NY

September Sages & Scientists | Boston, MA

October Fort Lauderdale Boat Show | Ft Lauderdale, FL

December Art Basel | Miami, FL

More than

13,000 , of our employees are over 50

We aim to be the company for all generations.

The L’Oréal For All Generations program promotes intergenerational exchange and aims to enable employees of all ages to achieve professional fulfilment at every stage of their career.

THE WORTHY

PRESENTED BY

100

BY OLIVER RIST & WORTH

Each year, Worth spotlights individuals making an effective impact on social, environmental, and economic progress. The Worthy 100 honorees are representatives from many fields—from technology and finance to the arts and activism—but all share a commitment to using their influence and resources to create positive change. The 2024 list includes leaders like AI innovators, climate advocates, pioneers of sustainable business practices, and champions of equity. This year’s winners were nominated by Worth’s editorial staff, past Worthy 100 honorees, and speakers from Worth’s network. By showcasing their work, Worth aims to inspire readers with examples of how dedication to social good can reshape industries, uplift communities, and address the most pressing challenges of our time.

Amber Barbach

FOUNDER, GLIOBLASTOMA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION

In 2018, Amber Barbach decided to make her mark by founding the Glioblastoma Research Organization (GBMRO). The decision was a very personal one, namely the death of her father, who died while suffering from glioblastoma. Her organization funds bleeding-edge research to find a cure for glioblastoma, efforts that include awareness programs and research projects at many U.S. cancer centers, including UHealth at the University of Miami, the Cleveland Clinic, and the same place that fixed my broken toe, Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. She regularly hosts fundraisers for cancer research and partners with anyone willing to dedicate themselves to her cause. If you want to get involved, check out GBMRO’s cancer advocate community, the largest group in the U.S.

Jessica Bailey

PRESIDENT & CEO, NUVEEN GREEN CAPITAL

Jessica Bailey is the President and CEO of Nuveen Green Capital (NGC). Under her leadership, it’s become a force that loudly promotes the use of sustainable building materials in the commercial real estate industry. However, Jessica began working towards sustainability well before that when she helped bring C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing out of its infancy. That started when she worked for the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and expanded to her founding Greenworks Lending, which quickly became a primary C-PACE lender. On the way, it raised more than a billion dollars until it was acquired by Nuveen in 2021. She’s put more than $2.5 billion of private capital into various C-PACEfunded projects and is constantly working to enlarge that figure.

Alissa Baier-Lentz

CO-FOUNDER, KINTRA FIBERS

A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Alissa Baier-Lentz co-founded Kintra Fibers, which creates eco-friendly materials for the fashion industry. As COO, she’s led Kintra to partner with big names like H&M and Inditex, reducing emissions by 95% and energy use by 20%. Alissa passionately advocates circular fashion, sharing her insights at major forums like the UN and COP26. Her work has put Kintra on TIME’s list of top green manufacturers. Aside from managing Kintra, Alissa also hosts events for climate tech founders in LA and New York, always looking to maintain momentum for sustainable materials in the fashion industry.

Peter Bakker

PRESIDENT & CEO, WORLD BUSINESS COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Peter Bakker, a well-known Dutch business leader, has been running the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) since 2012. He’s helped make the WBCSD a premier global community with more than 230 leading sustainable businesses. His efforts aim to keep all of them working collectively towards a net zero, nature-positive, and equitable future. Before WBCSD, Peter was the CEO of TNT NV, a global transport, postal, and logistics company. He’s been recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s Top 100 Climate Leaders in Business. He has several other accolades, including the Clinton Global Citizen Award and the Sustainability Leadership Award.

Gayle Benson

OWNER, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS & PELICANS

Gayle Marie LaJaunie Bird Benson has a name almost as long as the list of all the businesses she’s founded or currently runs. She branched from real estate into sports, owning both the New Orleans Saints and the Pelicans. There’s more, including a brewing company and a thoroughbred racing stable, but her philanthropic endeavors get her into the Worthy 100. Here, the list is even longer, ranging from the Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium in Texas to ongoing health and cancer research donations culminating in the 343,000 square-foot Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital.

Kyle Bibby

CHIEF OF CAMPAIGNS, COLOR OF CHANGE

Kyle Bibby was a captain in the Marine Corps and served in Afghanistan. Since then, he’s devoted his considerable energies to empowering social change across various issues. For example, he’s a Political Partner with the Truman National Security Project, which develops leadership and intelligent solutions for national security. He currently serves as Chief of Campaigns at Color of Change, the country’s largest online racial justice organization; he co-founded the Black Veterans Project, a nonprofit that works to eliminate racial injustice in the military. In what little spare time he must have left, he’s served as a Presidential Management Fellow and directed the New Jersey Reentry Corp., which helps citizens integrate from incarceration into the community.

Juan Domingo Beckmann

CO-FOUNDER, GRAN CORAMINO TEQUILA

Juan Domingo Beckmann comes from a family making high-quality Mexican tequila for 11 generations. But what cements his place among the Worthy 100 is the Gran Coramino Tequila brand he founded with one of the world’s funniest (and shortest) entrepreneurs, Kevin Hart (see below). In association with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Gran Coramino has started the somewhat unimaginatively named Coramino Fund. The Fund works with LISC to make $10,000 grants available to Black and Latinx small business operators who don’t have enough growth capital. In the two years since its launch, the Fund has awarded grants to more than 100 small businesses, with another 50 on the way for 2024.

Pablo Barreiro

CO-FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN, FORTEC

Carrying more than 20 years of real estate experience, Pablo Barreiro co-founded Fortec, a company that transforms urban neighborhoods by building schools. As chairman, he focuses on bringing top school operators to rapidly growing communities with inadequate educational infrastructure. The idea behind Fortec is to revitalize abandoned sites into helpful new resources that can boost a neighborhood’s prosperity. Fortec has developed 20 schools and early childhood centers in just four years, completing over $170.4 million in real estate transactions across several states, with another $40 million presently underway.

George Butterfield

CO-FOUNDER, BUTTERFIELD AND ROBINSON

When I was blinking my first blinks in 1966, George Butterfield graduated from law school. But instead of buckling down behind a desk, he, his wife, and her brother decided to do the logical thing and lead bike tours around Europe. They did it immersively, including exposure to local culture, meeting the natives, and enjoying great food and wine. They loved how those trips went, named the technique “active luxury,” and formed Butterfield & Robinson around it. The company bills itself as a travel designer, and the model has worked well, considering it’s still around after 50 years. He’s cycled into the Worthy 100 for his considerable philanthropic efforts, including his work with Ontario College of Art and Design, through which he helped raise more than $40 million. He’s also worked with the Canadian Paraplegic Association, PEN Canada, and the Worldwide Fund for Nature.

Sara Blakely

FOUNDER, SPANX

There are likely millions of women worldwide who have felt a bit indebted to Sara Blakely since she founded Spanx. That makes her one of the most successful entrepreneurs, but it’s not the end of her contributions. She enters the Worthy 100 because she’s a dedicated philanthropist. She established the Sara Blakely Foundation, which empowers women through education, entrepreneurship, and the arts. 2013, she signed the Giving Pledge, donating half her wealth to charitable causes. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, her foundation launched the Red Backpack Fund, which gives female entrepreneurs $5 million in grants.

Aloe Blacc

MUSICIAN

Born Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III, Aloe Blacc understandably goes by a different moniker as a singer, songwriter, and rapper. He’s released several hit albums since his career hit the limelight, including Shine Through in 2006, the double platinum Good Things in 2010, and Lift Your Spirit in 2013. His entry into the Worthy 100 comes from his involvement with Malaria No More. This nonprofit organization works to end malaria in Africa by “engaging leaders, rallying the public, and delivering life-saving tools and education to families across Africa.”

Teniqua Broughton

FOUNDER, VERVESIMONE CONSULTING

Teniqua Broughton founded VerveSimone Consulting, an organization focusing on “advancing age and race diversification” throughout corporate America, especially nonprofit governance. She recently began working at The Governor’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in Arizona to help foster her vision for diversification and inclusion there. To do so, she curated seven statewide leadership development groups, from Valley Leadership to Arizona Center for Rural Leadership, committing to developing a shared curriculum on racial justice. She’s also worked hard to make changes in equitable grant-making practices as the commissioner chair of the City of Phoenix Arts and Culture Commission.

Auli’I Cravalho

ACTOR & ACTIVIST

If you recognize Auli’I Cravalho’s name, it’s most likely because of her starring role in Disney’s Moana. But the star is also involved in several advocacy and promotional activities, not the least of which is her vocal support for LGTBQ individuals when she came out as bisexual in 2020. She also puts her efforts toward improving her native Hawaiian community, including preserving its indigenous cultures and languages and a recent alliance with SPAM to restore Maui after the devastating wildfires of 2023. And if you haven’t yet treated yourself to a Hawaiian SPAM Musibi, take Cravalho’s word for it: they’re awesome.

Dr. Kate Crawford

CO-FOUNDER, AI NOW

Kate Crawford is a well-known force in the AI community because of her research, which blends technology with social insight. She’s a principal researcher at Microsoft Research in New York and co-founded the AI Now Institute at NYU. Her work is primarily a deep dive into how AI does and will impact society, especially around issues like bias and inequality. But she’s not just about the data; Kate’s also an artist. Her project “Calculating Empires” explores the history of tech and power since 1500. Plus, she’s exhibited at museums like MoMA and the V&A. Kate’s unique mix of research and creativity makes her a great addition to the Worthy 100.

Ami Dar

FOUNDER, IDEALIST.ORG

Ami Dar is an Israeli software executive who has devoted much of his life to solving environmental and social problems. After finishing his mandatory service as an Israeli paratrooper, Dar traveled to Central and South America, where he got his first real exposure to the issues of wealth distribution and social inequity. He responded by forming Idealist.org, a unique site that combines advocacy with a search engine dedicated to jobs with a social or sustainable focus, volunteer organizations and projects looking for members, and the flip side: individuals looking to connect with something worth their efforts. If you’re looking to find help a cause yourself, it’s an excellent place to start.

Lori Cashman

FOUNDER, VICTRESS CAPITAL

Lori Cashman, a Duke alum from the misty days of 1994, is a venture capitalist driven by a passion for supporting women. When she noticed the massive gap in venture capital funding for female-led businesses, she founded Victress Capital and decided that didn’t work for her. She organized Victress Capital to invest in gender-diverse companies, particularly sustainable businesses like Daily Harvest and Mented Cosmetics. Any VC with those priorities deserves their place in the Worthy 100.

Viola Davis

ACTRESS

One of Hollywood’s A-listers and the small and exclusive club of EGOT winners, Viola Davis is known for a long list of movies, including “Fences,” “The Help,” and “The Woman King.” But she’s also an author, an outspoken activist, and philanthropist, who just this year won the Jacqueline Avant HollyRod Humanitarian Award given by the HollyRod Foundation, which supports families affected by Parkinson’s disease and autism. She has also supported various charitable organizations that address causes ranging from cancer research to civil rights. That list includes Hunger Is, the Children’s Hunger Alliance, and Soles4Soles. You can learn more at her rather slowloading website, Simply Viola Davis.

Esther Duflo

FOUNDER, MIT POVERTY ACTION LAB

Esther Duflo won the Nobel Prize in 2019 for her pioneering work fighting global poverty. She’s out front because her work is about using actual field experiments to see what will work when you’re trying to make better lives for impoverished people. When she’s not in the field, she’s still active with projects like founding the MIT Poverty Action Lab and additional research to improve education, health, and agriculture for the entire planet. We try to populate the Worthy 100 with smart, game-changing people working for the betterment of everyone, and Esther Dublo is an inspirational example of that sort of person.

Marley Dias

ACTIVIST & WRITER

Marley Dias, an influential young activist, author, and student at Harvard, is best known for launching #1000BlackGirlBooks in 2015, a campaign that transformed youth literature by spotlighting books featuring Black female protagonists. Through this initiative, she has collected over 13,000 books for schools and libraries, challenging the underrepresentation of Black girls in children’s literature. In addition to advocacy, Dias serves as the National Education Association’s Read Across America Ambassador, using her platform to champion literacy and inclusion. In 2024, Dias’ impact continues to grow. As the Executive Producer and Host of Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices on Netflix, she curates readings of empowering stories for young audiences. Recognized by TIME, the Smithsonian, and the NAACP, Dias also amplifies other young activists’ voices, focusing on curriculum reform and broader representation.

Billie Eilish

MUSICIAN

Sure, she’s a world-famous singer who has trouble eating spicy hot wings, but Billie Eilish is also a prominent voice in climate activism. She co-founded the Overheated Climate Sustainability Conference, which had its inaugural event in London in 2022 and will host the current iteration on November 3 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. She sponsors Overheated with the plant-based food initiative Support+Feed, founded by her mother, Maggie Baird. Together, they’re reaching millions of fans while promoting sustainability and social empowerment.

Emilia Fazzalari

CO-FOUNDER, CINCORO TEQUILA

Making one of her marks as a trustee of the Giving|Grousbeck Fazzalari Foundation (a private funding organization that provides general grants), Emilia Fazzalari is also known for co-founding Cincoro Tequila, an organization that’s been lowering party inhibitions since 2016. Aside from her Foundation, she’s also deeply involved with the Boston Children’s Hospital and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, which work to ensure that children and women from all walks of life get the support and medical care they need. She makes many of these gifts with her husband, Wyc Grousbeck, who launched Bold Science, a research initiative working to find life-changing cures faster.

Henrietta Fore

EX EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UNICEF

You can’t really have a Worthy 100 list and pass over UNICEF, can you? Fortunately, Henrietta Fore, once its executive director, makes that pretty much impossible. Though she had to retire in 2021 to care for her husband full-time, her four-year stint at UNICEF proved her a tireless force that steered UNICEF to ensure that every child everywhere has the access they need to education, healthcare, and protection from violence. She worked to address the root causes in all these issues and used that knowledge to push for policies that prioritize them on behalf of kids everywhere. She’s been tireless in her pursuit of these goals and that makes her a noted member of the Worthy 100.

America Ferrera

ACTOR & ACTIVIST

Another celebrity using her star power for social good is America Ferrara, whose primary cause is immigration policy activism. She’s been highly outspoken on this topic, saying, when asked, that it’s due to her background as a first-generation Honduran-American. To see a first-hand example of her work in this arena, check out the documentary series she hosted called America Divided. If you do, get set for a natural close, and sometimes disturbing, look at a very long list of U.S. immigration issues. She’s also a Goodwill Ambassador for the International Organization for Migration, which looks to provide a more humane and opportunity-focused environment for migrants.

Jane Fonda

ACTOR & ACTIVIST

She may be 86, but Jane Fonda is still a force to be reckoned with, especially when it comes to climate activism. There’s the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, which works to elect leaders that will actually do something about climate issues (she has her work cut out for her this year!). Another way she promotes climate change activism is through Fire Drill Fridays, which brings climate activists together for direct action and to be part of a virtual show has amassed more than 12 million views. All in, she’s an inspiration for those of us who might be 30 years younger and thinking we don’t have enough energy to make a difference.

Kim Frankovich

VP OF SUSTAINABILITY, GRIFFITH FOODS

Kim Frankovich is a pioneer in the field of sustainable sourcing. When she worked at Mars Wrigley, she not only helped make my favorite candy bars, she also spearheaded the Cocoa for Generations program, which focuses on protecting children, preserving forests, and increasing the income of farmers everywhere. Her work with Cocoa for Generations has improved the lives of more than 180,000 women working in cocoa communities around the world. So, it makes sense that currently, she’s VP of Sustainability at Griffith Foods, a company that’s been working on delivering healthy, sustainable food ingredients for over 100 years.

Isabelle Freidheim

FOUNDER, ATHENA TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORP.

Isabelle Freidheim makes the Worthy 100 as a venture capitalist and entrepreneur. Though she chairs multiple special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), perhaps her most significant venture in that space is the Athena Technology Acquisition Corp., which she founded in 2021. As the name suggests (in case you’re familiar with Greek mythology), Freidheim has dedicated Athena to advancing women in finance, building the SPAC’s entire leadership, including management, the Board, and an advisory committee, from a carefully selected pool of highly capable female executives. She also made sure that the management team was filled only with exceptional immigrant leaders to help further the American dream as well as gender equality. Since its founding, the network has grown at an exceptional pace, already handling more than $3.9 billion in revenue, including 15 CEOs, and attracting 11 Fortune 100 CEOs to its board.

Aimee Gilbreath

PRESIDENT, PETSMART CHARITIES

If you happen to be a pet, then Aimee Gilbreath should be one of your heros. As president of PetSmart Charities, she’s done exceptional work towards animal welfare. With her background in non-profit and private sector business, she’s built up a catalytic grant portfolio that generates more than $50 million annually all aimed at making sure animals and the humans they care for have access to the veterinary resources they need. She’s also used her organization to drive upwards of 11 million pet adoptions and makes sure to partner with other charities to achieve even more long-term goals, including Meals on Wheels and Feeding America to address nourishment deficiencies as well as the Red Cross, which now has a pet planning and placement process.

Kevin Hart

ACTOR & CO-FOUNDER, GRAN CORAMINO FUND

I don’t know about you, but over the past couple of years, it seems like Kevin Hart’s face is popping up everywhere. That includes the philanthropic arena where he’s made another appearance, this time with tequila magnate, Juan Domingo Beckmann. Together they co-founded the Gran Coramino Fund, which supports small businesses, particularly those run by Black, Latino, and female entrepreneurs through a series of $10,000 grants and $1 from every purchase of Gran Coramino tequila.

Tristan Harris

CO-FOUNDER, CENTER FOR HUMANE TECHNOLOGY

Once a Google employee (Googler, Googalian, Goog? Never mind), Tristan Harris, left that behemoth corporation to cofound the Center for Humane Technology, which is basically about making tech work better for all of us. Harris and the CHT work to make sure that as technology bounds forwards so quickly, its use will be governed by common sense and ethics, and, yes, AI, we’re talking about you. He’s also advocated against screen time abuse and all kinds of technology addiction. If you want to know more about his work, you can get the detailed story by devoting some screen time to a documentary entitled The Social Dilemma available on Netflix.

Erik Helgesen

PRESIDENT, PAYMORE

As president of the slightly confusingly-named PayMore stores, Erik Helgesen has become a positive example for what can be done about electronic waste. Next time you’re upgrading to the latest smartphone, take your old one to a PayMore location. You’ll get paid what the item is worth whereupon PayMore will repurpose it so it doesn’t wind up clogging up yet another environmentally damaging landfill. PayMore’s work on sustainability in the electronics industry have so far diverted more than 15,000 pounds of electronics away from landfills while simultaneously building a profitable business. That kind of two-pronged approach to entrepreneurialism is a deserved path into the Worthy 100.

Demis Hassabis

CEO, DEEPMIND TECHNOLOGIES

Demis Hassabis, CEO of DeepMind, just took home a Nobel Prize—an acknowledgment not just of technical mastery but of his unique vision at the intersection of AI and biology. Since cofounding DeepMind, Hassabis has been driven by a combination of curiosity and problem-solving ambition. Projects like AlphaGo, which took on the ancient game of Go, and AlphaFold, which unveiled a breakthrough in proteinfolding prediction, showcase his team’s knack for tackling once-unsolvable problems. Hassabis isn’t just interested in building smart machines; he’s drawn to questions that get at the roots of intelligence, learning, and life itself. His work has profound implications across healthcare, science, and beyond, marking a fresh era where AI is not just about algorithms but about understanding and advancing human potential in ways we’re only beginning to grasp.

Dr. Stephanie J. Hull

PRESIDENT & CEO, GIRLS INC.

Dr. Stephanie J. Hull is the President and CEO of Girls Inc., an international organization empowering over 100,000 girls across the U.S. and Canada. She has Girls Inc. expanding into new communities and partnering with schools to make sure that girls have the best educational experience possible. That includes things like qualified and enthusiastic mentors and access to as many educational opportunities as possible. She’s made this marked impact using her deep background in education, a history that includes leadership roles at the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation and the Brearley School. She also serves on several boards and advises Playbl, a pioneering digital health game company. Aside from the honor she’s getting here as part of the Worthy 100, Dr. Hull was also been named a Nonprofit Times’ Power & Influence Top 50 honoree in 2023.

Martha Hoover

FOUNDER, WON’T STOP HOSPITALITY

In a career move you don’t see every day, Martha Hoover went from being a sex crimes prosecutor to becoming a restaurant owner. In 1989, she founded Won’t Stop Hospitality in Indianapolis, a restaurant that’s credited with pioneering the farm-totable culinary concept. Since then, she’s used her business to constantly improve the lives of its employees, customers, and the communities around them by building initiatives for financial literacy classes, an employee emergency relief fund, and similar programs. In 2013, she created the Patachou Foundation, which serves healthy meals to children in need; and she followed that up in 2021 with PataSchool an initiative aimed at making school cafeterias a healthier place for kids.

Naveen

Jain

FOUNDER & CEO, VIOME

Naveen Jain is the founder and CEO of Viome, a company he’s built to address a mountain of common and chronic health problems through tailored food recommendations and supplements. These programs develop what Viome calls ‘hyper-personalized nutrition recommendations’ for each individual customer. And they’ve met with considerable success, reporting upwards of 30% reductions in things like anxiety, depression, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Viome has also developed a cancer screen that can detect oral and throat cancer in its early stages with 90-95% accuracy. Outside of Viome, Jain continues to contribute and fosters that in his family, notably his son Ankur Jain, a hugely successful entrepreneur himself, with whom he founded the Kairos Society, a nonprofit network of undergraduate entrepreneurs who help other students get access to the educational and entrepreneurial resources they need to succeed.

Lonnie Johnson

INVENTOR

If you’ve ever gone to your sister’s summer garden party only to be rendered completely sodden by a nephew wielding a massive water cannon, you can probably thank Lonnie Johnson. He made his fortune by inventing the Super Soaker. Fortunately, he’s not stopping with sopping uncles; he’s now tackling clean energy with his Johnson Thermo-Electrochemical Converter (JTEC), something my wingnut nephew will probably never understand. The device turns low-temp heat into electricity so we all don’t have to rely so much on fossil fuels. He’s also advancing battery technology through Johnson Energy Storage, which focuses on making higher density batteries to make sure the soaking we’re getting in the EV market stays green.

Maggie Johnson VP,

GOOGLE

Maggie Johnson, Vice President of Google.org, has led critical initiatives to harness technology for social impact, emphasizing equity in digital access and education. Under her leadership, Google has funded and supported projects worldwide that directly address issues like digital literacy, accessibility, and economic resilience. Johnson’s focus is not just on grant-making but on creating partnerships that bring technology into communities where it can have immediate, measurable effects.

For example, Johnson has steered Google’s resources toward initiatives that help marginalized groups develop digital skills, supporting pathways into sustainable careers. She also emphasizes programs for disaster response and climate adaptation, recognizing that access to timely information can change outcomes for vulnerable populations. Johnson’s work illustrates how large organizations can play a constructive role in social development, making her a fitting addition to the Worthy 100 list for her hands-on approach to scalable, techdriven change.

Carl June

PHYSICIAN SCIENTIST & RESEARCHER, UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Dr. Carl June has established himself as a cancer treatment pioneer with his groundbreaking CAR T cell therapy treatment for cancer. It’s been described as an ‘innovative immunotherapy treatment’ that modifies your T cells to seek and destroy cancer cells. CAR T has completely revolutionized cancer treatments, especially for patients who’ve lost hope with cancers previously thought to be incurable. The work has garnered June the 2024 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, and he continues to lead the Center for Cellular Immunotherapies at Penn Medicine.

Hugh Jackman

ACTOR & FOUNDER, LAUGHING MAN COFFEE

He’s more than Wolverine, and to prove it, Hugh Jackman went and founded Laughing Man Coffee, which is now launching a franchise program to expand on its flagship Tribeca location. The kicker is that all profits from Laughing Man go to charity, and through its Laughing Man Foundation it helps coffee growing communities all over the world with issues as diverse as housing to childcare. Jackman has also done some good works outside of Laughing Man, notably with the Global Citizen organization, which addresses global sustainability initiatives. With all that going for him, he easily clawed his way into the Worthy 100 (see what I did there?).

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

PRESIDENT, LIBERIA

As the first democratically elected female head of state, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has been at the forefront of female leadership in politics. She became Liberia’s president in 2006 and served in the office until 2018. In that time, she navigated her country through a difficult reconciliation and recovery process after its bloody and decade-long civil war. At the same time, she improved conditions for all women in Liberia, improving their access to education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Those efforts have won her international acclaim and they’re a shining example of what every elected official should aspire to and what their constituents should be looking for. She’s continued working for the public good since leaving the presidential office, working with the World Health Organization on pandemic preparedness and response.

Jina Krause-Vilmar

PRESIDENT & CEO, UPWARDLY GLOBAL

As president and CEO of Upwardly Global, Jina Krause-Wilmar has worked tirelessly to advocate for the economic rights and inclusion of refugees and immigrants. Her organization helps immigrnats navigate hurdles that often arise when seeking employment. Under Krause-Vilmar, Upwardly Global has helped north of 25,000 immigrants to the U.S. and Poland restart their careers and become valuable citizens. In the U.S. alone, her work has provided over $74 million annually to the economy. Her work with the U.S. government, the U.N., and a number of humanitarian organizations will hopefully lead to even more help for people who’ve had to upend their lives and find a place in a foreign country.

Jonathan Kim

CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER & VP OF CLIMATE IMPACT, TERRAFORMATION

Jonathan Kim is the Chief Sustainability Office and VP of Climate Impact at Terraformation. You might think a job like would be an exercise in frustration, but Terraformation is focused on green initiatives. The company builds carbon credits that it channels towards biodiversity and helping people and companies reach their climate goals. A one-time software developer, entrepreneur and editor, Kim brings experience in forestry and green science to his role, a job that has him committed to a sustainable future and promoting a cause that even today many refuse to acknowledge.

Sal Khan

FOUNDER, KHAN ACADEMY

Sal Khan is something of a unicorn—a hedge fund manager who became and educator. Then again, considering what this country pays teachers, that’s probably the way everyone should do it. Khan began tutoring his cousin Nadia in math back in 2004 and decided to turn those lessons into educational videos that he moved to YouTube in 2006. He called his channel the Khan Academy and devoted himself to it full time in 2009. Last year, this entirely free and universally available educational resource had 155 million registered users globally. Khan is working on combining AI and education and testing different approaches to learning via the Khan Lab School. His efforts continue to profoundly impact the democratization of education.

Debra Langford

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & HEAD, BLACK WEALTH INITIATIVES AT J.P MORGAN

Debra Lanford is the Executive Director and Head of Black Wealth Initiatives at J.P Morgan Private bank. In that role, she’s had a significant impact on the Black community because she’s helping the affluent of that group grow and preserve their wealth with the goal of building lasting legacies and providing opportunities for other Black Americans. She provides tailored financial advice and other resources for her clients that help ensure financial stability for the Black community.

Justina Lai

CHIEF IMPACT OFFICER, LAIRD NORTON WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Justina Lai’s journey into impact investing began when she was a child after visiting her ancestral home in rural China. It was there that she had this innate sense of duty to leave the world better than she found it. Today, Lai, Chief Impact Officer at Laird Norton Wealth Management (LNWM), drives impact investing strategies that integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. She leads LNWM’s initiatives in assessing fund managers’ impact, educating them on DEI, and addressing climate risks. Lai’s mission to align capital with positive global change focused on empowering diverse, sustainable finance solutions, is what makes her a member of this year’s Worthy 100.

Brian Kinsella

CO-FOUNDER, STOP SOLDIER SUICIDE

A former U.S. captain, Brian Kinsella worked for Goldman Sachs as an analyst after he returned home. He served in Iraq and Haiti but was dismayed at the number and nature of troubled veterans when he returned home. After losing comrades and friends to suicide, he co-founded Stop Soldier Suicide, a non-profit providing mental health resources to service members, veterans, and their families. He’s devoted his life to to addressing the suicide epidemic among returning veterans. He’s provided support and interventions to those at risk, which has been crucial for many. That kind of empathy and commitment make him a valued member of the Worthy 100.

Alix Lebec

CO-FOUNDER, WATEREQUITY

Alix Lebec co-founded WaterEquity, an organization he launched with Gary White and Matt Damon. It’s the world’s first impact investment manager dedicated to ending the global water crisis. She works on investing in hygiene projects and water and sanitation initiatives, particularly in economically challenged countries. Along with WaterEquity, she’s helped millions get access to clean water, and he’s mobilized large amounts of financial capital to build highly trained teams to help keep this change process going. She’s spent the last ten years pursuing this goal and investing in women’s rights and empowerment. In 2020, she launched LEBEC, which supports entrepreneurs, investors, and philanthropists worldwide to help shape a more environmentally conscious future.

Dr. Fei-Fei Li

GODMOTHER OF AI

She’s called the “godmother of AI,” which is fitting because no one has gone to the mattresses for that technology more than Dr. Fei-Fei Li. She’s currently involved with a new startup, World Labs. Still, she has put in time as the codirector of Stanford’s Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Institute, the former director of Stanford’s AI Lab, and as the former vice president and chief scientist of AI/ML at Google and Google Cloud. To make the world a better place with and for AI, she cofounded and chairs the nonprofit AI4ALL, which is a “U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in AI education, research, development, and policy.”

Jessica

Lindl

VP, SOCIAL IMPACT AT UNITY TECHNOLOGIES

Jessica Lindl is the VP of Social Impact at Unity Technologies, a leading 3D dev platform for game developers. In that role, she co-founded Unity for Humanity, an initiative designed to make it easier for creators to take a break from building firstperson shooters and use 3D technology to address humanitarian issues, including education, health care, and sustainability. The program does this by providing access to financial and technical resources. Plus, it offers a grant of up to $500,000 to the annual Unity for Humanity Grant Program winners.

Abby

Levy

CO-FOUNDER OF PRIMETIME PARTNERS

The co-founder of Primetime Partners, Abby Levy has focused her investment firm on improving the lives of senior citizens and America’s aging population. She’s invested millions of dollars to address key issues for her more than 3.5 million older clients, including financial security, health services, and quality of life. She particularly promotes companies that are innovating to deliver new products and services aimed at making senior living a better experience.

Tobi Lütke

CEO, SHOPIFY

You may know Tobi Lütke as the co-founder and CEO of wildly successful Shopify, which has changed the fortunes of untold small business owners. From its beginnings as a snowboard shop, Lütke has used his platform to help democratize e-commerce. Because Shopify has made sophisticated e-commerce tools and services available to everyone, Lütke has helped empower millions to start small businesses. With Shopify helping them scale quickly and reach a global market almost immediately, Shopify has made it so much easier for budding entrepreneurs to realize their dreams.

Ilona Maher

ATHLETE & ACTIVIST

From playing for the South Burlington School Rugby Football Club in her teens to making a name for herself in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ilona Maher doesn’t do anything halfway. She’s gone viral on TikTok, where her presence reaches millions, and she’s parlayed that success into other opportunities like being the first rugby player to compete on Dancing with the Stars. On the social awareness front, she’s advocating for body positivity and more recognition of women’s sports through her social media presence and other venues like her 2022 TEDx Talk.

Nanette Medved-Po

ACTOR, PHILANTHROPIST, & ENTREPRENEUR

Nanette Medved-Po is a former actor turned philanthropist and entrepreneur. She first gained fame in the early ‘90s, especially for her role as Darna in the 1991 film of the same name. But she soon left the movie industry to focus on doing social good. In 2012, she founded HOPE, a company that invests in education and environmental initiatives. She also started the Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX) in 2019 to tackle plastic pollution by building a network of partners committed to reducing plastic waste worldwide. Nanette’s work has earned her spots on several boards, including the World Wildlife Fund Philippines and Winrock International. Her journey from the entertainment industry to impactful philanthropy is genuinely inspiring, making her a shoo-in for the Worthy 100.

Caitlin MacGregor

CEO, PLUM

If you’re having trouble finding the right hire, reach out to Caitlin MacGregor and her brainchild, Plum. As CEO of Plum, MacGregor is turning hiring on its head because it matches talent to opportunities based on what they could do in the role rather than what they’ve accomplished in the past. In her capacity at Plum, MacGregor has worked towards more inclusion in the workplace in other ways, too, like participating in the Barbados Ministry of Education Technology and Vocational Training pilot program, where the project leveraged Plum’s platform to find new qualified candidates and place them in jobs that matched their capabilities.

Lionel Messi

ATHLETE, ACTIVIST

Though he’s a legend on the football field (that’d be the soccer field for all you Monday Nighters), Lionel Messi has not slouched off it either. He’s made it to the Worthy 100 via a notable impact on the climate crisis with his work for the Join the Planet Foundation. The Foundation seeks to address climate change through nature-based solutions, like their conservation work on the Paraná River in Messi’s hometown of Rosario, Argentina. He also does much work with Fundación Rosario, another sustainability-focused organization in the same region.

Lena Moffitt

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EVERGREEN ACTION

Lena Moffitt is the executive director of Evergreen Action, a major force in the fight against climate change. In this role, she’s spent long years advocating for more farreaching climate policies, and she’s organized several coalitions that include individuals and non-profit organizations to drive ever more impact on the climate crisis. She’s navigated what must be a highly complex and frustrating governmental morass in these pursuits but also forged crucial alliances between justice and Indigenous advocates, all so they can work better together on a clean energy future.

Amina Mohammed

DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL, UN

Amina Mohammed is currently serving as the 5th UN Deputy Secretary-General, which must be a tough job, one she preceded by becoming the Nigerian Minister of Environment. And as if that wasn’t enough, she also chairs the UN Sustainable Development Group. These roles naturally have her making a significant impact on global sustainability initiatives and awareness. But even before that, Mohammed worked on societal issues, designing a Virtual Poverty Fund during her time as Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria. The Fund aids the country’s impoverished population and provides budget monitoring and public sector reform.

Adam Nash

FOUNDER, DAFFY

Adam Nash is the former CEO of Wealthfront. But he left that post to make new waves with a venture he calls Daffy. That’s an acronym standing for Donor-Advised Fund for You. It’s a fintech platform that simplifies charitable giving. Its roots are in DAF funds, mainly used by the not-me ultra-wealthy. But Daffy lets anyone use this kind of fund for just $3/month. You can set aside money for charity and watch it increase tax-free with a choice of over 1.5 million charities to which you can donate. Though I’m strangely not one of the approved charitable causes, Nash’s vision has had a Worthy 100-style impact on popularizing philanthropic giving.

Aisha Nyandoro

FOUNDER, SPRINGBOARD TO OPPORTUNITIES

Aisha Nyandoro founded Springboard to Opportunities, a non-profit dedicated to ending worldwide poverty. She currently serves as its CEO, and as part of Springboard, she’s implemented the Magnolia Mother’s Trust. This is the longest guaranteed income program in the United States, serving the generationally low-income families in Jackson, Mississippi. It’s a pioneering program that provides $1,000 a month to select families, which helps them achieve financial stability. It also puts $1,000 in a savings account for each child. It’s inspiring work and precisely the work we want to include in the Worthy 100.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has made significant advancements in global trade since her appointment in March 2021. She emphasizes equitable trade practices that benefit developing nations, advocating for reforms that promote sustainability and social responsibility. In 2024, Okonjo-Iweala called for renewed commitments to address challenges faced by least-developed countries.

Her leadership has facilitated access to vaccines and essential goods during the COVID19 pandemic, underscoring her dedication to using trade as a tool for public health. She also champions the reduction of tariffs and trade barriers affecting developing economies.

Okonjo-Iweala’s efforts have earned her recognition, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Award, reflecting her commitment to inclusive growth and addressing global challenges such as climate change and poverty. Through these initiatives, she is transforming the WTO and shaping a more equitable global trade system.

Kwame Onwuachi

CHEF

If you’re a foodie, then you’ve probably heard of chef Kwame Onwuachi since he has a long-time reputation for culinary excellence. But he’s also been a passionate advocate for ending world hunger. He’s a member of the Leadership Council for No Kid Hungry and helps provide meals to children in need. He also gets out on the road, advocating directly for his causes and cooking publicly at activist events. He’s made a real difference in how government and municipal leaders across the U.S. are addressing the needs of hungry families in their communities.

Matthew Patel

FOUNDER, ASPEN VODKA

Matthew Patel, founder of Aspen Vodka, blends 25 years of experience in emergency medicine and engineering with his passion for the Rockies, culminating in creating the world’s first LEEDv4 BD+C Platinumcertified distillery in 2024. Through his work, he has set the benchmark for other distilleries in carbon reduction, water conservation, and renewable energy use. For example, 105% of Aspen Vodka’s energy is supplied by a combination of on and off-site solar and battery storage, making the distillery a contributor to one of the U.S’s cleanest energy grids, generating more renewable energy than consumed. Now, Patel has his sights set on the Living Building Challenge award, as he and Aspen Vodka continue pioneering sustainable distilling practices that raise global industry standards.

Bruce Piasecki

AUTHOR, ACTIVIST, & CO-FOUNDER, CREATIVE FORCE FUND

Bruce Piasecki made his mark as a long-time author, philanthropist, and advocate for environmental issues. He’s published more than 20 books over the last 40 years, including a NY Times bestseller titled Doing More With Less. In the 90s, his tireless efforts on behalf of our planet got him a place in Al Gore’s environmental White House council. He followed that up in 2021 when he helped launch the Creative Force Fund, which sponsors an award for up-andcoming journalists who do an exceptional job covering business, environment, and societal issues. He’s become a force in these arenas, making him an excellent addition to the Worthy 100.

Dr. Kimberly Nettles

HEAD OF DEI, JOHNSON & JOHNSON

Working as the oncology DEI lead at Johnson & Johnson, Dr. Kimberly Nettles is known for championing health equity in cancer care. In one of this year’s WashingtonExec’s 2024 Pinnacle Awards, Nettles works to forge strategic partnerships between pharmaceutical and healthcare players to bring about more innovation in cancer treatment. Then she also advocates for getting those treatments to every patient who needs them, not just the ones who can pay. In that vein, she’s always working to help alleviate the needs of underserved communities.

Michael T. Pugh

CEO, LOCAL INITIATIVES SUPPORT CORPORATION

As the CEO of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Michael T. Pugh has become a force to be reckoned with regarding affordable housing solutions. LISC is a non-profit organization birthed by the Ford Foundation in 1979, though Pugh only took over as CEO in 2023. But his activist career had already been going on for a long time, beginning with the gig he held before LISC, helming Carver Bank, the largest black-owned bank in the U.S. By the time he left there, he’d made sure that minority- and women-owned businesses had more access to capital. He has an excellent record, but one he’s already eclipsing at LISC, where he’s already built over 18,000 affordable homes and about 1.2 million square feet of community space. For perspective, that’s up from just under 7,000 units the year before. That makes him an established force for affordable housing in the U.S. and a welldeserved member of the Worthy 100.

Kimberly Quarty

DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION PLANNING AT THE PECONIC LAND TRUST

Quarty has made significant strides in protecting Long Island’s farmland and open spaces. Known for her community-centered approach, she has led projects that combine sustainable practices with lasting local benefits. One of her significant achievements was guiding the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brentwood by conserving 28 acres of prime agricultural land. By securing development rights for this area, Quarty ensured its preservation for farming while facilitating renewable energy initiatives, like a solar array that now powers 70% of the campus.

Quarty also worked closely with the Dominican Sisters of Amityville, creating easements to protect their land for future agricultural use, helping local farmers access productive land, and establishing Long Island’s only farmland in the Town of Babylon. Her leadership preserves natural resources and actively promotes a sustainable agricultural future for Long Island’s communities

Gitanjali Rao

SCIENTIST, INNOVATOR, & ACTIVIST

Rao has already developed solutions to critical issues like water contamination and cyberbullying. Her early work began with “Tethys,” a device that detects lead in water—an answer to the contamination crisis in Flint, Michigan. Her invention helps communities test water for lead quickly and efficiently, addressing a pressing need in areas with compromised water safety. Rao also tackled the issue of cyberbullying with “Kindly,” an AI-based tool that identifies and suggests ways to respond to cyberbullying incidents, fostering healthier online interactions. Beyond her inventions, Rao impacts students worldwide by promoting STEM education. She has led workshops for over 55,000 young people, empowering them to explore technology as a tool for social change. Her hands-on, empathetic approach addresses real-world problems and inspires the next generation to think critically about the world around them, making her a standout addition to the Worthy 100.

Megan Rapinoe

ATHLETE & ACTIVIST

Megan Rapinoe has been a key player both on and off the soccer pitch since she joined the U.S. Women’s National Team. A groundbreaking athlete and social advocate, she has dedicated her career and platform to advancing LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and pay equity. Rapinoe champions LGBTQ+ organizations like Athlete Ally and GLSEN, helping to create more inclusive sports environments for male, female, and nonbinary players. Furthermore, Rapinoe played a crucial role in the U.S. Women’s National Team’s historic fight for equal pay. In the landmark agreement, the U.S. Soccer Federation agreed to give the women’s team the same pay and prize money as the men’s team.

Satish Rao

CHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER, NEWLAB

Rao earned his place on the Worthy 100 with innovative work fostering technology that tackles global challenges. At Newlab, Rao has been instrumental in directing product development with a clear mission: accelerating tech solutions that address urban mobility, energy transition, and sustainability. His approach goes beyond traditional product development by blending research and real-world applications, bringing together a community of entrepreneurs, engineers, and industry experts to turn ambitious ideas into viable technologies.

Rao has also championed publicprivate partnerships supporting startups to impact underserved sectors. Through Newlab’s resources and Rao’s leadership, companies focused on clean energy and climate resilience gain access to essential funding, mentorship, and testing environments, driving forward solutions that might otherwise struggle to reach the market. This hands-on support of meaningful technology positions Rao as a strong candidate for the Worthy 100, highlighting how impactful innovation can emerge from

John Rexer

FOUNDER, ILEGAL MEZCAL

If you’ve ever wondered how mezcal began appearing in bars worldwide, you can pretty much look straight at John Rexer. It began in 2004, when all Rexer was trying to do was solve his mezcal supply problem by bringing the agave expression from Oaxaca to Antigua to supply his bar, Café No Sé. Solving that problem has since turned into Ilegal Mezcal, a brand, and founder known globally for its commitment to paying fair wages, biodiversity, and economic sustainability for Oaxacan communities. From the beginning, Rexer and Ilegal Mezcal’s partners, Mal de Amor, prioritized sustainability and biodiversity of the spirit by farming Espadín agave using traditional production methods without additives. Additionally, Ilegal supports environmental initiatives using 100% recycled glass for its bottles, which requires 30% less energy and emits less CO2 than regular glass.

Chance the Rapper

MUSICIAN & PHILANTHROPIST

In 2024, Chance the Rapper expanded his philanthropic efforts, focusing on mental health and education in Chicago. He donated $1 million to local schools, aiming to enhance arts and music programs and provide students with valuable creative outlets. This contribution is part of his ongoing commitment to empower youth through his nonprofit, SocialWorks, which he co-founded in 2016

Additionally, Chance partnered with organizations like the Mental Health Coalition and Children’s Home & Aid to promote mental health awareness. His initiatives included programs such as “Healing Through Art,” which helps students navigate anxiety and depression through creative expression

Nicole Rechter

CO-FOUNDER, RWE

As co-founder of RWE Partners, along with Greg Williamson (below), Rechter has helped bring about some of the greatest musical charity events in the U.S. Through events like Love Rocks NYC, Play On and The Tipping Point, she and RWE have been able to raise over $30 million for a long list of partner non-profits, like Bloomberg Philanthropies, NAACP Legal Defense, and Why Hunger. These events have tackled funding for issues ranging from education to hunger, hearing loss and gun safety with the support of many celebrities like Julienne Moore, Grace Potter, and Paul Simon. Her abilities as an activist and organizer are what bring her onto the Worthy 100.

Lynda Resnick

OWNER, WONDERFUL COMPANY

If you’ve downed some POM Wonderful or a bottle of Fiji Water, you’ve partaken of just a couple of the food brands owned by Lynda Resnick and her holding entity, the Wonderful Company. Though her philanthropic activities have a wideranging impact, including child health, education, and art, she’s primarily known for what she’s done for communities in Central Valley, CA, especially Lost Hills, where she’s made sure that every family has at least one member working at Wonderful. She’s also donated to education in this region and lobbied for a raise in minimum wage for CA workers.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

CLIMATE ACTIVIST, FORMER GOVERNOR

In 2024, Schwarzenegger demonstrated impactful leadership in climate activism and health advocacy. Through his Austrian World Summit, which took place on June 20, Schwarzenegger emphasized actionable solutions for climate resilience. The summit included the debut of the AWS Solutions Expo, showcasing innovative technologies and partnerships to tackle environmental challenges. This year’s theme, “Be Useful: Tools for a Healthy Planet,” underscored Schwarzenegger’s dedication to converting environmental goals into practical steps, creating a forum that attracted thousands of attendees and international experts.

In tandem with his environmental work, Schwarzenegger launched “Pump for the Planet,” an initiative that combines fitness with environmental advocacy. This program encourages people to adopt sustainable habits alongside their health routines, reinforcing his message that caring for personal well-being goes together with caring for the planet. This blend of climate action, public health, and accessible advocacy highlights Schwarzenegger’s multifaceted approach to global issues, marking him as a worthy candidate for the Worthy 100 list.

Kailash Satyarthi

FOUNDER, SAVE THE CHILDREN

Kailash Satyarthi has been a vocal advocate for children’s rights for many years. He founded the Save the Childhood Movement in India, which has rescued more than 86,000 kids from child labor, human trafficking and outright slavery. Deservedly, he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 and continues to be an activist for children worldwide, which has led to several significant policy changes in India and huge increase in global awareness around issues of child welfare and protection.

Shawna Rosenzweig

PRESIDENT, CAMP FIRE

Shawna Rosenzweig is the president of Camp Fire, a national youth development organization dedicated to empowering children and teens through experiential learning and community service. In addition to her role at Camp Fire, she serves on the board of directors for the National Afterschool Association, advocating for quality afterschool programs nationwide. Rosenzweig has developed and facilitated educational materials focused on promoting conflict resolution among teens in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Partnering with organizations like Seeds of Peace, Just Vision, and Parents CircleFamilies Forum, she aims to foster dialogue, empathy, and understanding between youth on both sides of the conflict.

Abelardo Sa

MANAGING DIRECTOR, FICTOR GROUP

As the Managing Director at the Fictor Group, Abelardo Sa is a force to be reckoned with in terms of sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy. His work has helped communities in Brazil and Portugal benefit from a number of sustainable energy projects, like the recent announcement that Fictor would be investing upwards of $194 million in eight solar power plants in Goiás, Brazil through a partnership with WTT Participações. As part of Fictor, Sa has also worked on other sustainable energy projects as well as addressing more localized green issues like decarbonizing the Amazon.

Arian Simone

CO-FOUNDER & CEO, FEARLESS FUND

Co-founder and CEO of the Fearless Fund, Arian Simone, is a trailblazer and a warrior in venture capital. The Fearless Fund was created to support women of color entrepreneurs who face systemic funding barriers. In August 2023, the Fearless Fund was sued by the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER), claiming that its Strivers Grant Contest for black women entrepreneurs violated federal anti-discrimination laws. Unfortunately, the Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the AAER, shuttering the grant. Despite this, Simone has been unwavering in her commitment to supporting women of color, continuing Fearless Fund’s mission of economic empowerment through venture capital, mentorship, and education, aiming to address longstanding disparities in funding access for minority entrepreneurs. For the woman at the helm of a company called “Fearless,” Simone embodies the name thoroughly as she continues pushing for diversity and inclusion in business, championing women of color nationwide.

Suzanne Shank

CO-FOUNDER, SIEBERT, WILLIAMS, SHANK & CO.

Suzanne Shank co-founded the investment firm Siebert, Williams, Shank & Co., which has become a significant contributor towards improving healthcare in the U.S. Her work is about promoting equity in healthcare so people of any community and financial strata can get the same quality of medical care. However, Shank and her firm have extended their efforts beyond healthcare and have also used the investment power of their fund to improve national housing initiatives and get construction projects off the ground to build critical infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, and schools. They also created the Clear Vision Fund that, in 2023, provided more than $40 million in capital credit to 11 minority-owned businesses.

Reshma Shetty

CO-FOUNDER, GINKGO BIOWORKS

Reshma Shetty co-founded Ginkgo Bioworks and is currently serving as its COO. She’s seen it grow from a small group of founders to a thriving business with more than 500 employees. Shetty and Ginkgo are focused on developing the field of synthetic biology and using it to help find sustainable solutions for a variety of markets, including food and materials. The goal of synthetic biology is to engineer microorganisms to produce more ecofriendly alternatives to how we currently make products, grow food, and deliver healthcare. It’s a fantastic forward movement in sustainability that should produce some amazing results in the future.

Carmita Semaan

FOUNDER & CEO, THE SURGE INSTITUTE

Carmita Semaan, founder and CEO of The Surge Institute, is a transformative leader dedicated to reshaping educational equity and empowering diverse leadership in the nonprofit sector. After a successful early career as an engineer and strategist with Fortune 500 giants like Procter & Gamble and Danaher, Semaan pivoted to tackle systemic issues in K-12 urban education. She founded The Surge Institute to elevate emerging and seasoned leaders—especially women and people of color—providing them with the resources and mentorship to drive meaningful change.

A proud native of Birmingham, Alabama, Semaan’s deep commitment to service and social impact fuels her mission. She has collaborated with prominent figures in education reform, including former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Gen. Colin Powell. Semaan has earned recognition as a Pahara Aspen Fellow, Marshall Memorial Fellow, and Procter & Gamble “40 Under 40” alumna. Through her leadership at The Surge Institute, she is fostering a new generation of leaders who are championing equitable and inclusive educational environments, paving the way for lasting systemic change.

Boyan Slat

FOUNDER, THE OCEAN CLEANUP

Boyan Slat is a Dutch entrepreneur and environmental advocate best known for founding The Ocean Cleanup, an organization committed to eliminating plastic pollution from the world’s oceans. His mission centers on developing innovative technologies designed to efficiently collect plastic debris, particularly from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

The Ocean Cleanup’s primary device uses a passive collection system that harnesses ocean currents to concentrate and trap floating plastic waste. Slat’s initiatives have led to the removal of over 39.6 million pounds of plastic (equivalent to over 18 million kilograms), contributing significantly to the goal of eliminating 90% of ocean plastic by 2040

In 2024, The Ocean Cleanup celebrated its 100th extraction, highlighting the effectiveness of its latest technology, System 03. Slat’s work has earned him many accolades, including the United Nations Champions of the Earth award, solidifying his role as a key figure in the fight against ocean pollution.

Andy Stein

FOUNDER, ORPHANED STARFISH FOUNDATION

Once a Wall Street banker, Andy Stein decided to leave finance and founded the Orphaned Starfish Foundation (OSF), an organization he’s devoted to help girls and women in shelters and orphanages, particularly those in developing countries. OSF provides these women the opportunity to learn technical job skills, like IT management, web design, and full-on coding. Armed with these skills, they can leave the shelter and get jobs. Stein and OSF have established more than 50 computer centers in 25 countries, which have helped more than 10,000 women and children. His vision is to break a systemic cycle of poverty and exploitation, and OSF is well on its way to realizing that dream.

Kim Sneeder

MANAGING DIRECTOR, CAREERCIRCLE

Managing Director at CareerCircle, Kim Sneeder is devoted to matching job seekers up with career opportunities while simultaneously getting more bang per employee buck for company hiring managers. CareerCircle delivers on this mission because it’s focused on more than just resumes. It takes into account the diverse skills every applicant offers focusing on those who come from underserved communities. She’s helped CareerCircle grow to more than 150,000 members, found new skills-based roles for more than 3,000 individuals, and allowed more than 10,000 underrepresented people benefit from fully funded scholarships through partnerships with organizations like Transtech Social and Working for Women.

Walter W. Stockton

PRESIDENT & CEO, IGHL FAMILY OF SERVICES

Walter W. Stockton is the President and CEO of IGHL Family of Services, a Long Island-based nonprofit providing lifetime alternatives for people with intellectual disabilities. Born in Pennsylvania, he earned degrees in Psychology and Special Education. After a stint as Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Careers at Suffolk County Community College, Stockton founded the Independent Group Home Living Program (IGHL) in 1978, transforming a private home into a residence for adults with developmental disabilities. Today, IGHL operates over 80 homes that support more than 10,000 people annually. Stockton also holds leadership roles in various organizations, including Kinexion, a management service organization (MSO) for an affiliate network that includes IGHL and many other healthcare organizations focused on caring for those with special needs.

JB Straubel

FOUNDER, REDWOOD MATERIALS

Jeffrey Straubel used to be Tesla’s CTO, but he came to his senses in 2019 and founded Redwood Materials, a company he’s dedicated to recycling and refining batteries and the not-so-ecofriendly materials used to build them. He aims to address what he believes will be a continually growing demand for EV batteries by extracting the metals necessary to making new batteries from old ones. The concept isn’t just environmentally conscious, it’s also financially attractive with Straubel already raising a cool $1 billion in his latest round of funding. More CEOs and founders would do well to combine financial success with environmental concerns.

Lisa Su CEO, AMD

Su has redefined what’s possible in semiconductor technology, driving AMD’s resurgence in a highly competitive market. Under her leadership, AMD has advanced processor performance, supporting industries from gaming to scientific computing and pushing forward innovations critical for AI, cloud computing, and data analytics. Su’s strategic focus on high-performance, energy-efficient processors has transformed AMD into a significant player against traditional giants, ultimately shaping the future of tech infrastructure. Beyond her technical achievements, Su is a visible advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. She promotes pathways for underrepresented groups, particularly women and minorities, to pursue careers in technology, often highlighting her journey as one of the few female leaders in a maledominated industry. Su’s commitment to groundbreaking technology and an inclusive workforce demonstrates how leadership can drive industry innovation and cultural shifts.

Chakri Toleti

FOUNDER & CEO, CARE.AI

Chakri Toleti made his way onto the Worthy 100 list in a circuitous manner that started in the entertainment industry, where he worked as an actor, screenwriter, and visual effects coordinator. These days, he’s known for being the founder and CEO of care.ai, a Florida-based company that pioneers AI in the healthcare industry. Toleti founded care.ai in 2019 and promptly developed an AI-powered automation platform for healthcare facility operations and workflow monitoring. His work here has enhanced patient safety because it can predict and prevent things like falls before they occur. This work has had a profound impact on combining automation with patient care and gets him a well-deserved spot on our list of 2024 worthies.

Fred Swaniker

FOUNDER, AFRICAN LEADERSHIP GROUP

Fred Swaniker is the founder of the African Leadership Group, which is changing the game when it comes to education in Africa. His vision is amazing in its scope: he wants to establish 25 world-class universities over the next 25-30 years that he intends to use to educate more than 250,000 students. So far, his institutions include the African Leadership Academy and the African Leadership University and they’re heavily focused on developing students with ethical and entrepreneurial mindsets. If Swanker manages to see even part of his vision through, it’ll mean a whole new world for African education and the next generations coming up.

Meadow Walker

PRESIDENT, PAUL WALKER FOUNDATION

The daughter of the late Paul Walker, Meadow Walker is working to keep moving his legacy forward. A successful model, Walker is also president of the Foundation, and under her leadership it has focused heavily on donations for education, health, and safety issues. Walker is also a worldwide ambassador for Pencils of Promise, an organization that supports quality education as well as water sanitation in underserved communities. It’s a big plate of responsibility, especially considering she’s also working with a super model’s shooting and travel schedule.

Shannon Watts

FOUNDER, MOMS DEMAND ACTION

To be known as the “Summoner of Women’s Audacity” already provides an understanding of who Shannon Watts is. She’s the founder of one of the largest grassroots movements in the country—Moms Demand Action—to fight against gun violence. Watts is a co-organizer for the largest Zoom gathering in history to mobilize white women voters in the 2024 election, which raised over $11 million, an author, and now an active board member of Emerge America, a leading organization for recruiting and training women to run for office. Watts is a trailblazer redefining what’s possible when women unite to drive change with all the audacity they can muster.

Ed Watal

FOUNDER, INTELLIBUS

Ed Watal is an AI visionary and the founder of Intellibus, one of the U.S.’s fastest-growing software and AI engineering companies. Ed has imbued Intellibus with his well-known passion for ethical AI. He worked hard to spread the word on how to keep AI engineering fair, safe, and respectful of intellectual and copyrighted material. His company has published guidelines on how to keep AI personal assistants in line, as well as some deeper explanations of how many technology leaders are moving AI forward without regard for the consequences. (A personal favorite of mine).

Darren Walker

PRESIDENT, FORD FOUNDATION

Walker has led transformative efforts in philanthropy, advocating for social justice and equity on a global scale. His work aligns seamlessly with the Worthy 100 themes by focusing on the deeper roots of inequality, pushing beyond traditional charitable models. Walker has redefined philanthropy at the Ford Foundation, which he guided to issue the first $1 billion social bond to support nonprofit stability post-COVID, addressing systemic issues in poverty, disability rights, and racial justice.

Walker’s initiatives include the U.S. Disability Rights program and funding efforts like Borealis Philanthropy’s Disability x Tech Fund, which prioritizes inclusion for people with disabilities in tech development. His approach underscores a shift from charity to justice, amplifying voices from marginalized communities and using art and storytelling as powerful tools for empathy and social change. Through these efforts, Walker exemplifies how philanthropic influence can tackle entrenched societal issues at their core.

Fawn Weaver & Victoria Eady Butler

CO-FOUNDERS, UNCLE NEAREST

Have you ever heard of Nathan “Nearest” Green? He’s also known as Uncle Nearest. Probably not. But what about Jack Daniel? Shot in the dark, I’d assume yes. But there would be no Jack Daniel without Nathan Green. Uncle Nearest is the formerly enslaved master distiller who taught Jack Daniel the craft of Tennessee whiskey. Founded in 2017, Fawn Weaver created the Uncle Nearest brand to highlight the largely unrecognized impact of Green’s contribution to the whiskey world. At her side is Green’s great-great-granddaughter and former law enforcement officer, Victoria Eady Butler, master blender for the brand and the first known Black woman to hold this role in the whiskey industry. As a brand, Uncle Nearest focuses on inclusion as an all-women executive team leads it and gives back through the $50 million Uncle Nearest Venture Fund they created to support minority-owned spirit brands. In an interview with Food & Wine, Weaver stated, “Rather than complain about what we’ve been prevented from accomplishing, I’m simply accomplishing it myself and then using my resources to help other women- and BIPOCfounded, -owned, and -led companies to do the same.”

Greg Williamson

CO-FOUNDER, RWE PARTNERS

Greg Williamson works with another Worthy 100er, Nicole Rechter (see above). The two are a combined force in the music industry and use that power to create charitable music events all over the country. They’re co-founders of RWE Partners, which over recent years has raised more than $30 million with events like Love Rocks NYC, creating them with support from big name partners, like Bloomberg Philanthropies, NAACP Legal Defense, and Why Hunger. Williamson also co-founded the Soho Sessions initiative, which puts on intimate music events for a variety of charitable causes and for which I want tickets.

Oliver Winter

FOUNDER & CEO, A&O HOSTELS

Oliver Winter is the CEO and founder of a&o Hostels, a European budget hotel and hostel chain with a reputation for blending affordability with quality accommodations. Since establishing a&o in 2000, Winter has scaled the business into one of the continent’s largest hostel chains, known for its strategic locations and appeal to budget-conscious travelers.

Today, a&o operates across 40 cities and aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2025—a goal that reflects Winter’s commitment to sustainable tourism. This ambitious target has seen his team implement energy-saving practices and sustainable solutions across their properties.

Under Winter’s leadership, a&o Hostels has become a model of ecoconscious hospitality, receiving acclaim for its environmental commitments and recent Green Key eco-label certifications. His focus on responsible tourism aligns with broader industry trends, setting an example for sustainable growth in the budget hotel sector.

Yishan Wong CEO, TERRAFORMATION

Yishan Wong, CEO of Terraformation and former Reddit CEO, is focused on large-scale forest restoration as a solution to climate change. He founded Terraformation to address bottlenecks in reforestation, using innovative approaches like solar-powered desalination to restore arid lands. Terraformation’s projects provide the technology and support for local forestry teams, ensuring sustainable reforestation that can capture significant carbon. Wong’s initiatives are designed to scale globally, from restoring Hawaii’s landscapes to working with forestry projects in diverse regions such as the Amazon and East Africa.

M. Quentin Williams

FOUNDER & CEO, DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY

A former FBI agent and federal prosecutor, M. Quentin Williams, claims his spot in the Worthy 100 through his extraordinary and ongoing impact on the communities around him. For example, when he worked in the NFL, he created the league’s first Violent Crime Policy and steered the Jacksonville Jaguars to have the NFL’s Most Outstanding Player Development Program. In 2012, he founded and is the CEO of the nonprofit Dedication to Community (D2C). Williams founded D2C to promote self-empowerment and positive life choices through a D2C program called Choose2Live. This program engages students, law enforcement, community groups, and inmates to build strong relationships professionally and on a community level. Williams’ work is a stellar example of a steadfast commitment to societal change and community advocacy.

Judee Ann Williams

GLOBAL HEAD OF IMPACT, CAA SPORTS

Judee Ann Williams, Global Head of Impact at CAA Sports, is a leading strategist in aligning brand values with social impact. For the past four years, Williams has collaborated with Walmart, launching campaigns around improving education and food security in West Virginia and South Carolina. Collectively, these campaigns have reached over 40,000 students and facilitated thousands of meals via partnerships with DonorsChoose and Feeding America.  In 2023, Williams led a Save the Children gender empowerment campaign for the release of BARBIE, benefiting over 500,000 girls across the U.S. Her work with F1 Academy focused on increasing female participation in motorsports, and her ongoing partnership with Wilson and the YMCA has funded $1.5 million to provide sports access for underserved youth. A trusted voice in philanthropy, Williams holds roles on numerous influential advisory boards, including Save the Children’s Board of Trustees and Maryland’s Entertainment Council, appointed by Dr. Jill Biden and Governor Wes Moore, respectively.

Eugenio Zuccarelli

DATA SCIENCE MANAGER, CVS

Eugenio Zuccarelli is a leader in AI and computer science, currently applying those talents to a career with CVS as its Data Science Manager. He has also worked with several tech startups specializing in AI and contributed to many socially conscious technology initiatives. His work with MIT includes projects aiming to use AI technology to predict car accidents in the UK and the patient mortality rates and length of stay for healthcare providers. Other notable work includes Zuccarelli’s contributions to the White House’s response to COVID-19, the MIT COVID-10 Hackathon).

The Family Office Cybersecurity Report, 2024

Executive Summary

Welcome to an executive summary of The Family Office Cybersecurity Report, which is the latest edition of Deloitte Private’s new Family Office Insights Series. This report offers invaluable insights into family offices’ experience with cyberattacks, the means they are using to protect themselves, and what activities they can adopt to help safeguard themselves against future attacks.

Family offices play an essential role in the global economy, creating and managing trillions of dollars in wealth for both individuals and institutions. The data in this report is based on a survey of 354 single family offices worldwide, each overseeing an average of $2.0 billion in assets under management (AUM). The associated families have an average wealth of $3.8 billion.

Our analysis shows that many family offices are highly vulnerable to phishing, malware, ransomware, and other cyberthreats which put them, the families they support, and wider financial networks at risk.

Read on for the key takeaways from The Family Office Cybersecurity Report. Access the full report to explore these themes in more detail, including a detailed case study from a US family office that transformed its cybersecurity strategy following two cyber attacks.

Key takeaways

1 Cyberattacks have become commonplace

A notable 43% of family offices globally have experienced a cyberattack over the last 12-24 months, with 25% experiencing three or more attacks. Those in North America are the most likely to report being attacked (at 57% versus 41% in Europe and 24% in Asia Pacific), along with those with AUM over US$1 billion (at 62% versus 38% for those with AUM under US$1 billion).

2 Threats are varied in nature and often linked

While threats come in many forms and are often linked, the most common form of attack is phishing (experienced by a notable 93% of victims), followed by malware (35%), and social engineering (23%).

3 One-third have suffered loss or damage from an attack

Among the family offices that have experienced a cyberattack, a significant one-third globally have suffered some form of loss or damage as a result. The most common consequences are operational damage (including the loss of confidential/sensitive data) and financial loss, as experienced by 20% and 18% of victims, respectively.

Despite the high prevalence of attacks, nearly one-third (31%) of family offices do not have a cyber incident response plan in place. Another 43% say they have a plan, but it “could be better,” while merely a quarter (26%) claim to have a “robust” plan.

5 Many of the current plans are lacking, leaving family offices vulnerable to risk

At present, most family offices offer some basic security measures, such as strong passwords/ multi-factor authentication (MFA) (85%) and data backups (72%). Fewer offices offer other basic measures, such as cybersecurity staff training (58%) and maturity assessments (34%). Moreover, many offices have not progressed on to more advanced protections that would make them better prepared: 50% do not have a disaster recovery plan, 63% do not have cybersecurity insurance, 68% have not adopted ‘know your vendor’ protocols, etc.

6 As a result, cybersecurity planning has become a top priority for some family offices this year, but others still lag behind

Given these security weaknesses, over one in five family offices (22%) have ranked cybersecurity as a top risk to their organization this year. Thus, 15% assert that strengthening cybersecurity is a core priority in 2024, a notable proportion, but one that needs even further visibility given the risks at stake.

To put a foundation in place to minimize operational, financial, and reputational losses that result from cyberthreats, family offices can consider introducing the basic and advanced actions outlined in this report. In particular, an annual cyber risk assessment, basic training for all employees on phishing/malware risks, and a mature approach to data/information access using multi-factor authentication (at a minimum) or identity and access management (IAM) controls (the preferred approach) is advisable. If you need help getting started or have questions about the measures your family office can take to protect itself, please get in touch.

Contact

Wolfe Tone

Global Deloitte Private Leader

Partner | Global & US Deloitte Private Leader, Deloitte LLP 111 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606-4301, United States

Direct: +1 312 486 1909 | Mobile: +1 312 545 9670 wtone@deloitte.com | www.deloitte.com

To access the full report, or read other reports in this series, please scan the QR code or visit www.deloitte.com/us/familyenterprises. About Deloitte

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the “Deloitte” name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.

Copyright © 2024 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved.

2

Thoughtful Yet Practical Holiday Gifts 21

BY EVA CROUSE

When it comes to holiday gift-giving, it can feel like the choice is always between the hyper-personal or the hopelessly generic. But what if there’s a third option—a blend of sentiment and utility that nails thoughtfulness and practicality? That’s where this curated list of 21 gifts can help you deliver. Designed to suit every personality on your list, from the diehard Swiftie to the frequent flier to the weekend grill master, each item offers thoughtful intention alongside everyday usefulness. This guide isn’t about the quick and forgettable; it’s about gifts that resonate, connect, and—most importantly—get used.

Whether you’re after a bit of luxury (cue the Dewar’s and chocolate pairing) or gadgets that make life easier (hello, AirFly Duo), each pick brings fun to functional items. And for the foodie who loves trying new recipes, there’s a ButcherBox bundle perfect for holiday hosting. Let’s dive in and find something memorable for everyone on your list.

Apple Watch Series 10

PRICE: $799

The new Apple Watch Series 10 is a great gift for the health and wellness junky in your life. It’s 10% lighter (and thinner) than previous models but packed with new health tools: sleep apnea detection, an ECG app, and the Vitals app for tracking daily wellness. The display also received some upgrades, including the largest display yet, and a new wide-angle OLED screen that’s brighter from an angle, making it easy to check notifications and health updates at a glance. The sleek, jet black aluminum option adds a polished, glossy finish, achieved through a 30-step anodization process. While it charges faster than the previous models, it’s battery life is still 8 hours, and the Blood Oxygen app is disabled.

The Nori Press

PRICE: $120

The Nori Press combines the ease of a steamer with the crisp finish of a traditional iron—without the need for an ironing board. Ideal for college students or anyone tight on space, it’s designed to freshen up everything from T-shirts to blazers. Its dual aluminum plates press both sides of their clothes at once, while the pointed tip helps to reach tricky areas like collars, around buttons, and hems. With six heat settings for all different fabrics and a built-in steam reservoir, they’ll get a polished look for job interviews, events, or any day they want to look put together without too much fuss.

Taylor Swift Eras Tour Book

PRICE: $39.99

Even if you’re not a Taylor Swift fan, it’s been hard to miss the iconic moments from the past year and a half of the Eras Tour. From her jaw-dropping stage dive to dubbing her tour “Female Rage: The Musical,” and debuting tracks from her latest album “Tortured Poets Department” in unforgettable style, Swift has kept fans captivated with one headline-worthy moment after another. Now, a collection of these highlights is complete with her personal reflections and never-before-seen behind-thescenes photos. At Target, it will be available in-store on November 29th and online on November 30th.

VIVE Focus Vision

PRICE: $999

Tusk—The Siam Collection, Passport Cover

PRICE: $52

For the mom who invariably manages to keep everyone else’s travel documents organized, the Tusk Siam Collection Passport Cover is a great way to upgrade her passport to first class. Crafted from rich, ethically sourced leather, the passport cover is both durable and elegant, featuring card slots to keep her essentials, like driver’s license and credit card, all together. It comes in various colors and is a great way to let her know she deserves VIP treatment for always being the MVP of family vacations.

The VIVE Focus Vision is a VR headset that combines entertainment with practical use, particularly for virtual meetings. It features a sharp 2.5K resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring that visuals are crisp and smooth. Inside-out tracking eliminates the need for external sensors, allowing users to move freely without the usual setup hassle.

For virtual meetings, the headset can transform a typical video call into an immersive experience. Users can join meetings in a virtual space, where they can interact with 3D presentations and collaborate with colleagues in real time. The lightweight design makes it comfortable for extended wear, whether you’re diving into a gaming session or participating in a work-related gathering.

EARTH 45 Wall Clock

PRICE: $1,780 - $1,920

For those who fell victim to the digital watch revolution (your friend who can’t tell time), the Earth 45 Wall Clock is a very thoughtful gift. Created by Biegert & Funk, an award-winning German designer, it spells out the time in words. It features an app-controlled quartz mechanism, magnetic front, and smart ambient lighting. Each clock front is built from either powdercoated stainless steel or polished acrylic, and is attached to the base with magnetic connectors.

Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil

PRICE: $75

This Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil from SK-II is perfect for anyone who values their multistep skincare routine. It’s a clear, purifying cleanser that effectively dissolves makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and pollution. Formulated with Wild Rose Extract, Apple Seed Extract, and SK-II’s signature PITERA™, it locks onto hidden sebum (body oil sitting in pours) and impurities, ensuring a gentle yet effective cleanse. It is suitable for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types—so, all of them.

PRICE: $199

Every mom deserves a moment to unwind, so why not take it in the bath? This elegant caddy combines functionality and style with a white marble surface that elevates the look of any bathroom. It securely holds essentials, from candles to books, for those welldeserved soaks. The adjustable design fits most tubs, ensuring stability. Treat the special mom in your life to a chic addition to her winter bathtime ritual.

Biodance Face Mask

PRICE: $21

Many skincare products have had their moment in the TikTok limelight, but the Biodance face mask from Olive Young is a standout. This unique sheet mask is designed for overnight use, transforming from white to clear as it deeply hydrates and soothes skin. Infused with botanical extracts, it calms redness, leaving skin soft, smooth, and naturally radiant by morning. Ideal for all skin types, the Biodance mask makes achieving that sought-after “glass skin” look simple —no complicated routine needed.

CB2 Nexus Marble Bath Caddy

Cotopaxi Alpha 35L Travel Backpack

PRICE: $215

For the friend who insists on packing their whole life into one bag, the Cotopaxi Alpha 35L Travel Backpack is a lifesaver. It’s big enough to fit everything for a weekend trip, yet compact enough to carry on. Thoughtfully designed with a clamshell opening, packing and accessing items with less of the usual digging is easy. Internal compartments and compression straps keep everything organized so clothes and gear stay in place. Plus, Cotopaxi’s durable, eco-friendly materials make it a backpack that’s as resilient as it is sustainable—perfect for the frequent traveler or one-bag minimalist.

Calpak Compression Packing Cubes

PRICE: 2 FOR $52

Know someone whose suitcase tends to “explode” all over the hotel room within minutes? Packing cubes are the “chaotic good” of organization tools, helping even the most frantic packer find some order. CALPAK’s cubes are some of the highest-rated in their category—and for good reason. These cubes compress clothing to free up room in any bag. Each one features a dual-zipper system to pack bulky items, while the mesh top lets you see what’s inside. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a cross-country move, these packing cubes keep clothes organized, accessible, and (somewhat) wrinkle-free, fitting snugly in suitcases, backpacks, or carry-ons to make packing less of a puzzle.

Caudalie: Vinotherapist Hyaluronic Nourishing Body Lotion

PRICE: $42

Caudalie’s Hyaluronic Nourishing Body Lotion is a skincare staple known for its unique formula. Combining hyaluronic acid with organic grape products and sustainably sourced shea butter, it soaks in like a dream, skipping the heaviness many lotions leave behind. It’s fast-absorbing and ensures your skin feels and looks hydrated and glowy, making it perfect for winterworn or sun-kissed skin.

Caudalie has earned acclaim for its commitment to natural ingredients and sustainability, cultivating a loyal following in the beauty world. The brand blends efficacy with luxury, and this lotion is one of its holy grails.

Butcher Box Perfectly Paired Bundle

PRICE: $175-$195

This holiday season, ButcherBox joins forces with Bruichladdich Distillery to create a culinary experience that is sure to impress. ButcherBox is renowned for its commitment to high-quality, ethically sourced meats, from grass-fed steaks to wild-caught seafood. Paired with Bruichladdich’s premium Scotch whiskies, like The Classic Laddie and Port Charlotte 10, either of these holiday boxes will bring a new flavor profile to your gathering. Each bundle includes a recipe booklet featuring curated dishes and cocktail pairings to inspire your home menu. It’s a thoughtful gift for foodies who love trying new recipes, and will give them a boost if their hosting this year.

AirFly Duo

PRICE: $42.99

For dads (or any rational person) who can’t stand flimsy in-flight headphones, the AirFly Duo Bluetooth transmitter is the fix they didn’t know they needed. It connects AirPods, over-ear headphones, or any other wireless headphones to any device with a 3.5mm audio jack—think in-flight screens, TVs, or gym equipment. With Bluetooth 5.0 support, it provides high-quality sound that’s perfect for movies and gaming. Its has a 20-hour battery life, and can be used while charging. Plus, with a 10meter range, you can roam around without losing connection. Compact and convenient, it’s the type of gift that becomes a travel staple.

Book of the Month

PRICE: 6 MONTHS FOR $100 OR 12 MONTHS FOR $200

Know someone who gets excited about joining a new book club only to have it derailed by scheduling conflicts? Help them find the consistency and accountability they crave without dependency on others. Book of the Month is exactly what it promises: a service that delivers one book per month. Gifting this membership allows the recipient to choose one fiction book from a shortlist of five to seven options curated to match their preferences. Selected by Book of the Month’s editorial team, these options make it easy for your recipient to find something they’re excited to read every month. Plus, the subsciption format offers encouragement to finish one so

Billy Reid Bond Peacoat

PRICE: $798

Yes, this is the coat Daniel Craig wore in the pre-credit sequence of Casino Royale and in Skyfall. No, it’s not named after the spy but for Billy Reid’s Bond Street shop in New York City, where the design first debuted. Made in Italy from durable, warm Melton wool, the Bond Peacoat is meticulously crafted with bound seams for a streamlined fit, eliminating bulk without sacrificing warmth. Finished with horn buttons and an embossed calfskin leather collar detail, this coat combines elegance with timeless durability. It’s worth the investment—an iconic piece that stands the test of time, style, and craftsmanship.

Geekey Multi-tool

PRICE: $23

For the one who watches Survivor and says, “I would be great at this,” the Geekey Multi-tool is an awesome addition to their keychain. This lightweight utility gadget serves as a bottle opener, screwdriver, wrench, ruler, wire stripper, protractor, and more, making it a convenient companion for outdoor excursions and everyday fixes. It is also TSAapproved, so they don’t need to worry about it getting confiscated at security.

MEATER Plus

Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer

PRICE: $100

If you’re fortunate enough to have a grill master in your life, this smart meat thermometer will turn up the heat. Perfect for BBQs, grills, ovens, and smokers, it lets them monitor cooking temperatures from their phone. Dual sensors accurately record the meat’s internal temperature and the ambient heat. Whether they’re a seasoned pitmaster or a weekend warrior, the MEATER Plus takes the guesswork out of cooking meat.

Personalized Cast Iron Pan

PRICE: $175

For the home cook who’s all about quality and tradition, this Personalized Cast Iron Pan from Uncommon Goods is more than just another pan (which they probably have plenty of)—it’s a legacy piece. Crafted from durable cast iron, it only gets better with age, building up layers of seasoning and flavor each time it’s used. Customizable with initials or a name, this pan adds a personal touch to their kitchen that’s as practical as it is sentimental. With unbeatable heat retention and even distribution, it can handle everything from stovetop searing to oven baking. This is a gift designed to last a lifetime (or two), perfect for passing down from one cook to the next.

Dewar’s Double 38-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky & Chocolate Pairing

PRICE: $2,199

A bottle of booze has never been a disappointing gift. But if it’s your go-to, consider stepping up your game this year with the limited-edition pairing of Dewar’s Double Double 38-Year-Old Blended Scotch and chocolates crafted by two-star Michelin chef Gabriel Kreuther. Whether you’re looking to brighten your mother-in-law’s day with a digestif or seeking an alternative to the classic cigars and whiskey combo, this pairing is sure to impress.

Fairbault Mill Wool Blanket

PRICE: $300

Boys love a logo, and Faribault Mill’s School Logo Throw Blankets make for a perfect addition to the “man cave” he won’t stop buying gadgets for. Crafted from high-quality, soft wool, these blankets feature the school or team logo of your choice. They’re not (just) stylish; they’re durable and warm— ideal for cozying up during game nights or movie marathons. With a strong reputation for craftsmanship, Faribault Mill focuses on quality and sustainability.

DEI Takes Flight - Through Action

Two New Milken Institute Programs Help Make Inclusive Capitalism a Reality

Just a few years ago, it looked like DEI had it made. Chief Diversity Officer had become the hottest title in business, and from 2020 to ’21 the job site Indeed reported an increase in roles listing DEI in their titles of nearly 30%. Cut to earlier this year: Just a bit less change - 23% - was reported in DEI title listings, but in the other direction. (From 2022 to ’23, jobs with DEI in their descriptions went down.) Then there was the Supreme Court’s rejection of affirmative action and the applauding of events like the removal of Harvard’s first black woman president. Some diversity advocates couldn’t help but wonder: Is the push for diversity, if not quite dead, dwindling? It seems so.

One organization taking action is the nonprofit Milken Institute. Its Inclusive Capitalism Initiative releases white papers, conducts research, and holds roundtables on democratizing and diversifying the asset management industry. It also focuses on on-the-ground action with two programs: The HBCU Strategic Initiative and Fellowship Program, and the Initiative for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (IIE).

First, the HBCU fellowship: Now in its third year, it aims to change statistics when it comes to students of color working in finance. Of the $82 trillion in U.S. assets managed industry-wide, only 1.4% are controlled by women and diverse-owned firms. And in the last decade, there’s been an increase of just .1%. Troy Duffie, Director, Financial Markets at Milken Institute and head of the HBCU program and co-head of IIE, told Worth, “We like to say that talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not.”

The problem is access, then, and this program takes that barrier away. Composed of a small but growing number of students - from 16 the first year to 36 for the coming session - it offers an 8-point curriculum on topics including “Digital Asset Market Structure” and “Mechanics of Innovation.” Also included are “Coffee Talks” with the likes of Verdun Perry, the Global Head of Blackstone Strategic Partners. Curated mentorship, internships at prestigious firms and attendance at events like the Milken Global Conferences are also part of the program. Duffie reports, “Every student I’ve spoken to says, ‘I’m a different person on the other side of this.’”

Citing one graduate who was unsure she could even be in the industry, he says she spoke so eloquently at the latest Milken Global conference that she got 15 job offers on the spot - and there were only 50 people in the room.

The second program, the Initiative for Inclusive Entrepreneurship, aims to help socially and economically disadvantaged (SEDI) business owners. Again, statistics are discouraging. These entrepreneurs are the fastest growing group of owners but are more likely to be denied credit, more likely to pay higher interest rates, and often don’t apply for capital at all (due to anticipating rejection). Originally announced by Kamala Harris in 2022 as an 18-month pilot program, IIE was incubated by Hyphen, a public-private partnership accelerator. Its aim is to ensure the Treasury’s $10 billion State Small Business Credit Initiative reaches founders that need it most; 40% of the credit is designated for socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs. So far, it has disseminated $10 million in direct funds and secured nearly $180 million in loans, private capital and matching funds. (The credit aims to catalyze $10 in private investment for every dollar deployed and requires a 1:1 match.) It also helped launch investment vehicles including the Indigenous Futures Fund, to increase capital going to Native entrepreneurs, and California Small Business Loan Match, an online tool which connects businesses with trusted lenders. In July Milken became its new home, and it will use its business expertise and network of contacts to further elevate the program.

Duffie says both initiatives - and the Milken Institute more largely - are working to further no less than the American dream. “Who gets a chance to compete in a country that is democratic and capitalistic at the same time? Making sure everybody has a chance…is vitally important to what we believe in.”

PARTNER CONTENT

FORECAST

This issue’s forecast section is packed with advice from qualified experts and updates on which way the winds of bounty are blowing. We cover the reliable, practical, and boring (bonds, 74), the exciting and innovative (space, 80), and the opportune and overdue (women’s sports, 86). Beyond examining where money is flowing, Pam Krueger and Chidinma Iwu dig deep into expatriation (78) and college financial planning (72) to help you keep as much of your hard-earned money as possible while transitioning into a new chapter of life.

5 Potential Pitfalls of College Financial Planning

Tuition is higher than ever—here are the five biggest mistakes to avoid according to college financial advisors.

BY CHIDINMA IWU

Over the past 20 years, college tuition for both public and state universities has risen by 180%—about 5.5% every year. 5 expert college financial advisors weighed in on the biggest financial planning blindspots, and how you can avoid them.

Average Tuition For Public Schools

$10,000

$8,000

$6,000

$4,000

$2,000

$0

Average Tuition For Private Schools

$0

Source: tktktkt

STARTING TOO LATE

Many parents start thinking about saving for their kids’ college education too late in their lives, and this could incur needless debts, dropping out due to lack of funding, and mental fatigue.

Jill Fopiano, the CEO at O’Brien Wealth Partners, says saving early gives families the additional benefit of the reinvestment of capital gains, dividends, and interest. This adds to the returns of the account and creates greater value over time.

“Even if it’s a small amount, the power of compounding is real and especially effective in a tax-advantaged account like a 529 where your investments grow tax-free until distributions are taken out for tuition and other expenses,” Fopiano tells Worth

Fopiano’s best definition of starting early is opening a 529 plan (a tax-advantaged savings account for education costs) upon the birth or adoption of a child and making regular contributions—monthly, quarterly, or annually—along the way. “You may even want to encourage family members to contribute to it in lieu of outright gifts to the child,” she adds.

Starting early is also beneficial for financial aid applications, says Jack Wang, a board-certified college financial aid advisor at Innovative Advisory Group.

“If a highschool student is filling out a FAFSA [Free Application for Federal Student Aid] in 2024 against studies next year, they cannot maximize their chances for aid,” Wang says. This is because there’s only a limited amount of money to go around, and filing late may result in the loss of available grants.

“Start as early as Freshman of high school, which is a full two years before most high school students and families start to think about college,” Wang advises.

UNDERESTIMATING THE TOTAL COST OF EDUCATION

Some families fail to account for all expenses in their financial planning. These hidden expenses include housing, transportation, health insurance, visa fees, textbooks, and the cost of living—which can vary widely depending on the state.

Director of strategy at MPOWER Financing, Sasha Ramani, says students and their families should develop a comprehensive budget before applying to schools. “This budget should cover not just tuition but also living expenses, healthcare, travel, and potential visa renewals.”

Ramani also points out that it’s important to contact university financial aid offices, current students, or financial institutions for insight into the true cost of education in specific regions. “Tools like costof-living calculators or financial planning templates could help supercharge the process.” Wilmington Trust’s family legacy advisor, Jerry Inglet, agrees.

He advises that families extensively review the college bill so kids don’t opt into line items they don’t necessarily need. Going over each expense may uncover unnecessary fees,” Inglet says.

NOT KNOWING YOUR OPTIONS

There are three options a family should understand and before they begin the financial planning journey, says Wang. They include:

n What the colleges think the family can afford—determined by the Student Aid Index (SAI) or Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

n What the family can afford— based on their savings, debt, cash flow, etc.

n What the family is willing to pay— usually based on their values, future plans, and equity between children. These options drive which planning strategies parents should take, especially for financial aid applica-

tions. But many dive headfirst into planning after only understanding the first one, Wang said. “The most common answer I get when I ask families whether they’ve considered the other two options—[what they can afford and what they’re willing to pay]—are usually either “I don’t know” or “I haven’t thought about it,” and that’s a problem,” says Wang.

This mistake typically results in parents making plans to pay 100% of tuition—a truckload of debt in waiting—then hoping that some financial aid will come in along the way. “When I state that 100% of college costs could mean upwards of $90k per year, the family would then realize what their initial choice meant, and say what they really mean is something a lot lower, like $40k per year.”

Parents can avoid making this mistake by consulting expert college financial advisors to understand what options they have based on their savings, values, number of children, etc, and how to maximize them, Wang says. Afterward, they should sit with their children and have the difficult conversation about how much they’re willing to pay, not just what they can afford.

PUTTING COLLEGE INVESTMENTS IN THE WRONG PLACES

You can get saving early, but saving poorly could mean losing money in the process. “Saving money in the student’s savings account is a prime example,” says Chandani Rao, the CEO of My College Planning Team. “These savings get assessed at either 20% or 25% depending on the college’s methodology for calculating aid, but if held in a parent’s savings account, savings are only assessed at 5% or 5.64%.”

Under the new FAFSA rules, 529 money can now be owned by grandparents, instead of parents, meaning you don’t have to report them on the FAFSA.

“These assets are subject to a much lower inclusion ratio—meaning a smaller portion is expected to be used towards college expenses,” adds

Fopiano. Retirement contributions to tax-deferred accounts like 401Ks and IRAs also do not have to be added back as income.

This process is tax efficient and more financial-aid friendly. However, Rao asstutely points out that it needs to be done in the family’s base years because of the two-year look back on income.

SELECTING COLLEGES BECAUSE OF THEIR PRICE TAGS

Sometimes, a hefty price tag doesn’t mean the college would cost you more. There are a lot of colleges across the U.S. with price tags of $75,000 or more that may cost less—even a lot less—than a student’s in-state university options.

“For need-based aid, colleges use different formulas for its distribution,” Rao shares.

“Though some colleges only fill 40% to 50% of a family’s demonstrated financial need (based on the income and assets), others will fill 90% to 100% of their demonstrated financial need.” This is why a college with a price tag of $90,000 may cost less for families with an income of around $125,000 or less than their in-state university options.

Colleges also use different formulas for how they distribute meritbased aid, according to Rao.

“Some colleges are much more generous than others in how they distribute merit aid and other discounts to their students. While some distribute an amount only equal to 5% of their cost of attendance, others will distribute as much as 50%,” she tells Worth

Families need to do thorough homework when it comes to their kids’ education and do it early. The comprehensiveness of this homework will rely on the experts you’re speaking to. Consult financial advisors who specialize in college planning and stay on top of research about the financial viability of every institution you’re considering—and you can avoid these pitfalls.

Bonds That Pay

Investors use new tools to increase income exposure.

BY MAX ISAACMAN

The cost of living has skyrocketed no matter what statistics you look at, and investors who have money stashed somewhere for when and if they need it, or simply for holding it in reserve for peace of mind, want the highest income they can get, along with the lowest amount of risk.

The fixed-income market is one place where investors can put funds and receive a return on their investment. And it’s huge. The Bank for International Settlements estimates that the U.S. bond market, the largest bond market in the world, is valued at more than $51 trillion.

Treasury securities fit the need for income and safety. The principal and interest on Treasury bills, bonds, and notes are guaranteed by the U. S. Government. This is why Treasuries have the highest quality valuation in the fixed income asset class.

Treasuries are bought and sold electronically, either through a broker or by opening an account at TreasuryDirect.gov. The U.S. Treasury market is about $27 trillion big—a deep, vast market. Factors to consider while finding the right security include maturity date, calculating the yield to maturity, understanding the tax consequences, and other factors.

Yields have moved down recently. In February 2023, Axios Markets reported that an investor could get close to 5% on U.S. Treasuries for the first time since 2007, before the Great Recession. The yields on Treasuries are still attractive, especially at the short end, running around 4.7%, depending on maturity length.

The Treasury market activity does not seem to be slowing down. Coalition Greenwich, a strategic benchmarking firm, reported in September that “A surprise rate hike from the Bank of Japan coupled with continued fiscal policy uncertainty in the United States catalyzed an unusually active August, with the U.S. Treasury market recording its first ever month with an average daily notional volume (ADNV) over $1 trillion—37% higher than August 2023.”

It takes several steps to buy or sell Treasury securities, even if you

understand how to navigate that market. Complications are not limited to Treasury securities but are found in other fixed income securities, including bonds. Of course, the market price of publicly traded Treasuries and other income securities, in an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) structure or as individual securities, will fluctuate, and money can be made or lost.

THE NEW WAY TO GET TREASURY INCOME EXPOSURE

A recent offering from F/m Investments, an investment firm and ETF provider, makes it possible to receive Treasury securities income through their U.S. Benchmark Series of Treasury ETFs; the series provides exposure to returns from the full range of Treasury bills, bonds, and notes. The shortest-term security is the U.S. 3-month ETF (Symbol: TBIL), and like the other ETFs, is structured to make monthly interest payments; the latest offering yield is 4.78%; the management expense is a reasonable 0.15%.

As the F/m Investments website explains: “The investment objective of the U.S. Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF (the ‘UST 3 Month Bill Fund’) is to seek investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the price and yield performance of the ICE BofA US 3-Month Treasury Bill Index (GOO1).”

The Treasuries in the full range of the U.S. Benchmark’s portfolios, from the 3-month Treasury bill to the 30-year Treasury bond ETF (symbol: UTHY), remain in its ETF maturity

class until its monthly rebalancing and those funds are then rolled into the next offering of that maturity.

So, what securities should investors buy now to receive U.S. Treasury income? Peter Baden, Portfolio Manager at Genoa Asset Management, a subsidiary of F/m Investments, told Worth, “We have been encouraging folks to lock in these rates for as long as they are comfortable.”

By that, he meant that rates are good now, especially on the short end, but at some point, could go lower. “We’re not entirely sure where the Fed will stop lowering rates, maybe 100, 200 basis points lower than where we are right now.”

Baden said that investors can “extend out on the curve” by buying Treasury returns from the 2-year, 3-year, and 5-year maturity, using the U.S. Benchmark ETF series; by doing this, investors can build themselves effective averageweighted maturity portfolios. If rates do go up in those further-out maturities, then income from the ETFs will increase. “We think there is a great opportunity for folks to offset what might be coming here as the Fed continues this new interest rate regime of lowering rates to support the economy and jobs. This could be an opportunity to mitigate the loss of income on the shorter end.”

ARE BOND FUNDS THE SAME AS BONDS?

Bonds and bond mutual funds are very different. Bonds have maturity dates and bond funds do not, they buy and sell bonds that mature in a stated time frame. Mutual funds constantly buy bonds that fit the fund’s maturity period and sell bonds when they don’t fit the fund’s maturity range anymore. Bond funds—just like individual bonds, stocks, ETFs, and other market-traded securities—have an ongoing market price risk. Which is also a marketprice reward potential.

A way to avoid market-price risk is to buy shorter-term bonds. If held to maturity, the principal will be paid by the issuing corporation, if the corporation can pay it. If a corporation cannot, the bonds will go into default. Investors can also spread risk by buying bond ETFs, such as Invesco’s BulletShares, which hold shorter-term bonds. Investors can lose money holding bonds and other fixed income funds and securities. For instance, the iShares 20-year + Treasury Bond ETF (symbol: TLT) holds Treasury securities that mature in 20 years, or longer. On July 1, 2020, according to Yahoo Finance charts, the security was selling at 171.00; on October 1, 2023, the ETF was selling at 83.58, which is a loss of about 51%. The ETF was paying, if bought in July 2020, less than 1%. So, a buyer buying and holding the ETF would have gotten under 1% and would have lost, using those dates, about half her principal. Of course, a bond fund holder can also make money; if interest rates drop, the market price of the fund climbs.

If an investor had bought the 20-year Treasury Bond, rather than a fund, she could have held it to maturity and received part at that time. Yes, she would have waited a long time to recoup her investment, but she would have gotten her principal back—if the corporation or municipality could pay.

INVESTORS ARE BUYING MORE INDIVIDUAL BONDS

Bonds and stocks are traded differently. Most of the world-wide bond trading is done in over the markets, and liquidity is mostly offered by the institutional dealers or investment firms. Stocks, however, usually trade on centralized markets. Most major brokerage firms have their own platforms where they trade bonds, but even so, the bond markets are not as uniform as the stock markets.

Institutional and individual (retail) investors in bonds must deal with cusp numbers, maturity dates, tax consequences, call features, and other factors, like when a bond is found, and a buy order is entered, the desired bond may or may not be there, leav-

ing an investor, if she really wanted that bond, frustrated and having to continue looking for a bond she wants or needs.

RETAIL BOND DEMAND IS DRIVING NEED FOR CHANGE

More retail investors are buying individual bonds. A recent report from Coalition Greenwich’s April 2024 report made the point that “Retail investor interest in bonds is at a historic high . . . according to data from the Federal Reserve, U.S. households in Q4 2023 held $5.67 trillion in ‘directly held debt securities’ (aka bonds) and $5.31 trillion in ‘indirectly held debt securities’ (mostly ETFs and mutual funds).

That represents an amazing 90% growth in bond holdings since Q4 2021—growth that is even more staggering than that number suggests as it takes into account bonds’ loss of value from the rate hikes. Conversely, bonds held via funds dropped 1% over the same timeframe, creating the first period since 2014 that U.S. retail investors held more in bonds than bond funds.”

Clearly, change and improvements—and with all the technological advances over the last 20 years or so, the financial industry should be able to supply it—are needed. Well, what kind of change is needed, and what would that improvement look like? Kevin McPartland, Coalition Greenwich’s head of research, told Worth, “Improving the user interface for trading—whether on the browser or in an app—is hugely important. Retail investors and their advisors need modern front-end trading tools that demystify both bond selection and bond trading.”

McPartland went on to explain that, “For those trading tools to work, they must also have fast and reliable access to multiple sources of liquidity. In other words, retail investors should be able to benefit from the growth in electronic trading and automation seen in the institutional market, where bonds can more often be traded as quickly and easily as stock.”

The financial community, never a culture to sit around when there is opportunity, has jumped up to fill this need. The brokers and bankers are upgrading their games, and there are new companies springing up to fill fixed-income investors’ needs.

NEW WAYS TO TRADE BONDS

One of the newer investment firms is Public.com. Stephen Sikes, Public’s COO, informs us that the firm launched in late 2019, just before COVID-19 started spreading. The internet and other technological advances had changed things, and Public. com had a definite market in mind. “We focused on building the next generation of highly trusted primary investment accounts for self-directed investors who have grown up with the internet and want to do their business exclusively online and exclusively on their phone,” Sikes told Worth Investors were invested mostly in equity and other asset classes when Public. com got started. For most of the 14 years before Public.com, interest rates were insignificant.

Bond Rates Are Drawing Interest Again

And now, interest rates are again important, and Public. com has created securities and investment methods to fit today’s needs. Public.com states that it carries 10,000 Treasury and corporate bonds on its bond screener, so customers can trade directly and quickly at one stop. Among its offerings are over a hundred fractional share bonds, which can be bought for $100 or more, in any dollar amount. Usually, bonds trade in $1,000 increments

There are many innovations and improvements on the Public.com website, all to educate and help its users trade in assets, including bonds. Sikes says that when interest rates exploded in 2022, “We saw the biggest opportunity was in the fixed-income world. And the question became, how do we do for fixed income what the industry has done for equities?”

Opportunities in Alternative Investments: Diversifying Beyond Traditional Assets

BY ERIC PRITZ, CFP ® SENIOR PARTNER

For years, investors have turned to traditional vehicles like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds to build assets. While these remain popular, alternative investments—such as private equity, real estate, and hedge funds—have recently gained traction among those seeking greater diversification, risk management, and higher returns. Although these asset classes offer potential rewards, they also carry distinct risks. Understanding the advantages and trade-offs of alternative investments can help investors make informed decisions for long-term financial goals.

A key benefit of alternative investments is the diversification they bring to a portfolio. Unlike traditional stocks and bonds, which tend to follow market cycles, alternative assets often generate returns from sources less tied to market movements. For instance, real estate generates income from rent, which often behaves independently of equity markets. Private equity, with its longer hold periods and less frequent valuations, tend to be less vulnerable to short-term market fluctuations.

ABOUT THE ADVISOR

By incorporating assets that don’t move in lockstep with traditional markets, investors can reduce the portfolio volatility.

Alternative investments are also known for their potential to deliver higher returns. Private equity, for instance, seeks capital growth by investing in companies undergoing significant transformations. Real estate tends to appreciate during inflationary periods, offering protection against the erosion of purchasing power. Meanwhile, hedge funds use strategies like leverage, short selling, and derivatives to generate returns in various market conditions. By incorporating these diverse sources of return alongside traditional investments, investors can significantly strengthen their overall portfolio strategy.

However, these benefits come with notable risks that individual investors must carefully consider. One major distinction between alternatives and traditional investments is the lack of liquidity. Unlike stocks or bonds, which can be sold quickly in public markets, private equity and real estate investments may take years to realize a return, locking up funds for extended

periods. Investors must carefully assess their liquidity needs.

The complexity of alternative assets is another important consideration. These investments often involve sophisticated strategies, like hedge funds using derivatives, which can be difficult to understand. Also, they often lack the transparency of public markets, making it harder to track performance or assess risks accurately.

In addition to complexity, these assets often operate in less regulated environments, making them more susceptible to changes in laws and regulations that could affect returns and liquidity. The lack of a consistent regulatory framework across different jurisdictions adds another layer of complexity when evaluating these opportunities.

Overall, a strategy that balances both the risks and rewards of alternatives can strengthen a portfolio. By working with a financial advisor, investors can navigate the complexities of alternative investments and tailor allocations to match their objectives. For those prepared to embrace these complexities, alternatives can serve as valuable tools for building a more resilient, diversified investment strategy.

seia.com

epritz@seia.com

Eric C. Pritz, CFP®, is a Senior Partner with SEIA, providing financial advice and wealth management services to highnet-worth individuals, organizations, and companies since 2004. He has been active in the financial industry since 2001. His success is attributed to his passionate commitment to his clients’ financial well-being. Eric is an executive member of The LA25, an entrepreneurial group of wired South Bay professionals, and serves as treasurer on the board of The LA25 Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to improving children’s lives through education and the arts. He has called Manhattan Beach home since 2003, where he lives with his wife, daughter, and son. Eric holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation in 2007. He is also a licensed independent insurance broker with Signature Comprehensive Insurance Services, LLC (CA Insurance License #0E55966).

$23.8 Billion in assets managed by SEIA and its affiliates as of 9/30/2024.

All investments in securities carry risks, including potential loss of principal, and vary in their risk levels, with no guarantee that any specific investment will be profitable or suitable for a particular investor’s financial situation or risk tolerance. Asset allocation and diversification do not guarantee better performance or eliminate the risk of investment losses. Alternative investments may not suit all investors. They often engage in speculative investment practices that increase investment risk, are highly illiquid, lack periodic prices or valuation, and may not be subject to traditional investment regulatory requirements. They often have complex tax structures, significant lock-up periods with no liquidity or significant penalties for early liquidity, and significant management fees in addition to advisor fees. Real estate investments carry risks such as economic changes, supply and demand fluctuations, legal factors, tenant turnover, interest rates (including periods of high interest rates), mortgage funds availability, and operating costs, and some may offer limited liquidity. The reported Assets Under Management (AUM) as of 9/30/24 represents the combined total of Signature Estate & Investment Advisors, LLC (SEIA) and its affiliated entities, includes portfolios continuously supervised or managed by SEIA and its affiliates, and encompasses assets like stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, and cash, among others. For more details on the professional designations listed above, please contact (310) 712-2323 or visit seia.com/disclosures. SEIA is an SEC-registered investment adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training and no inference to the contrary should be made. Securities offered through Signature Estate Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through SEIA, 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90067, (310) 712-2323.

PARTNER CONTENT

Thinking of Moving Abroad?

Proclamations of moving to Canada or Europe abound during election years. But if you’re seriously considering it, here are a few tips worth your time.

BY PAM KRUEGER

The dream of living abroad is more attainable than ever, whether it’s for business opportunities or to satisfy the desire to experience a new culture. Portugal, Spain, and the Philippines are top destinations for Americans living outside the U.S., and the reasons to move abroad are as diverse as the destinations themselves.

Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand that financial considerations can either ease your transition or cause unexpected stress.

Managing your finances overseas isn’t the same as it is in America. The practical details—banking, investing, taxes, real estate, and healthcare—require careful planning because each country has its own unique set of rules and tax treaties with the U.S. Understanding this in advance will help you avoid potential headaches.

These are key financial considerations to help you prepare for your new adventure abroad.

BANKING AND CREDIT CARDS: PLAN AHEAD

One of the first steps in preparing to move abroad is setting up a local bank account in your new home country. While some countries make this process simple—requiring little more than a passport—others may take up to a month to establish a checking account. It’s crucial to get this done ahead of time to ensure easy access to your funds.

In addition to setting up a local account, make sure your credit cards are widely accepted in your new country and don’t charge foreign transaction fees, which can quickly add up. Many people living abroad find that using a credit card is more efficient than using cash, especially since you can pay it off from your U.S. bank account and benefit from fraud protection.

Services like WISE and Revolut can be invaluable for transferring money, as they tend to offer lower fees than traditional banks. However, be aware that funds transferred through nonbank apps aren’t FDIC insured, which could pose a risk if large sums are involved.

Lastly, don’t overlook the impact of currency fluctuations. Exchange rate changes can have a negative effect on your spending power, and while you might enjoy savings in some countries, a weakening U.S. dollar can make costs rise quickly.

TAXES: DON’T GET CAUGHT BY DOUBLE TAXATION

One of the most complex issues of living abroad is dealing with taxes. As a U.S. citizen, you are required to file taxes on your global income, regardless of where you live. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) allows you to exclude up to $126,500 of income earned abroad in 2024, but it doesn’t apply to investment or retirement income, which means tax complications can arise.

It’s also important to note that living abroad doesn’t exclude you from U.S. tax obligations on your global investments or capital gains. Brett Spencer, CFP, a fee-only advisor and

founder of Impact Financial, has several clients currently living abroad. He shares that, “One of my clients lives in the Netherlands which doesn’t currently have a capital gains tax.”

If your new country has a tax treaty with the U.S., you may be able to avoid double taxation or qualify for credits on your U.S. tax return for taxes paid abroad. However, these treaties don’t always cover all income, so working with a tax advisor familiar with both U.S. and international tax laws is crucial.

Susan Black, CFP, managing director and wealth manager at Boston Financial Management, agrees and adds that it’s important to consider the tax policy of all countries involved for any strategy.

Along with federal taxes, check whether your home state requires you to file state taxes. Some states, like California, aggressively pursue income tax even if you’ve moved abroad. If you plan to leave the U.S. permanently, establishing residency in a state with no income tax, like Florida or Texas, could save you a lot in the long run.

INVESTMENTS: KEEP IT SIMPLE

When it comes to managing your investments, keeping investments U.S.-based helps you avoid a lot of trouble. Opening foreign investment accounts can trigger complex reporting requirements to the IRS, and penalties for failing to report properly can be severe.

Foreign mutual funds, for example, fall under the IRS’s Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) rules, which can involve higher taxes and burdensome reporting.

“Everything is more complicated when you live and work abroad,” says Spencer. “Say you have a new job that’s based in the Netherlands. Just opening an investment account can be complicated and expensive due to compliance issues, and you may inadvertently incur heavy penalties by using a foreign bank or broker. Instead, stick to investing through your U.S. investment accounts to avoid compliance issues.”

You can continue funding a Roth IRA while living abroad, provided you meet the income requirements after claiming the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. However, not all countries treat Roth IRAs as favorably as the U.S., with some countries taxing distributions heavily.

“It’s really smart to have a U.S. financial advisor who understands the country’s rules and can help you navigate the financial details in the country where you’ll live. Make sure the U.S. advisor is fiduciary and feeonly,” Spencer recommends.

REAL ESTATE: RENTING VS. BUYING

Real estate decisions can be more complicated than they seem. While renting provides flexibility, buying can offer a sense of permanence and an opportunity to invest in your new home country. However, before making any commitments, research the legal and financial landscape thoroughly.

For example, some countries restrict foreign ownership, or the political situation may pose risks to long-term property investments. In Ecuador, for instance, crime rates have risen sharply, causing many potential buyers to rethink purchasing property there.

Therefore, spend a few months in your chosen location before deciding to buy, and work with a local real estate attorney to ensure you understand all the nuances of property ownership. While purchasing property can seem like a great investment, it’s important to balance the potential financial benefits against the legal complexities and risks.

HEALTHCARE: MAKE SURE YOU’RE COVERED

Healthcare is a critical concern when moving abroad. Many countries offer healthcare systems that are far more affordable than those in the U.S., but the quality and coverage can vary. If you’re working abroad, don’t assume that your employer will automatically cover your healthcare needs.

“For health insurance coverage abroad, your employer may be paternalistic and take care of you, but don’t assume it’s the case,” warns Spencer. “It’s very common for international health insurance to exclude coverage in the U.S. Ask your benefits manager to verify that your health insurance’s full coverage extends to that country.”

Additionally, for those eligible for Medicare, keep in mind the program won’t cover your medical expenses abroad. You’ll need to purchase private health insurance. Some expats retain certain parts of Medicare as a safety net in case they return to the U.S. for medical treatment. Research the healthcare system in your new country thoroughly, including any gaps in coverage that private insurance will need to fill.

ESTATE PLANNING: UPDATE YOUR PLAN

Each country has its own inheritance and estate tax laws, which can impact how your assets are distributed upon your death. Some countries require that your executor be a local resident, so be sure your estate documents comply with both U.S. and foreign laws. Additionally, foreign countries may impose inheritance or wealth taxes on your global assets. Working with both a U.S. and a local attorney can help ensure that your estate plan reflects the rules of both countries and that your heirs aren’t burdened by unexpected tax obligations.

Finding an experienced professional who is intimately familiar with the tax and investment rules of your new home country is the key. Most U.S. financial advisors do not understand international laws or the financial pitfalls that come with moving abroad. Take your time to make sure the advisor is a fiduciary who doesn’t sell investments but does offer excellent investment and financial planning advice.

Pam Krueger is the founder and CEO of Wealthramp, a fee-only financial adviser matching service. She is also the creator and co-host of the award-winning MoneyTrack investor-education TV series, seen nationally on PBS, and the Friends Talk Money podcast.

A fast-growing space economy is not going unnoticed. The U.S. private space workforce grew by 4.8% in 2023, with further growth expected. New sectors like space mining and tourism are emerging, promising novel revenue streams.

Venture Capitalists See Space as the Next Investment Frontier

A host of new startups are setting their sights on the stars.

BY GORDON FELLER

The space industry is experiencing an unprecedented surge in activity, with 2024 a landmark year for space technology and space exploration. This boom is driven by a combination of forces: important long-awaited government initiatives, a steady stream of private sector innovations, and international competition.

NASA’s Artemis program is at the forefront, with plans to return humans to lunar orbit in 2024, marking 55 years since Apollo 11. This mission is part of a broader strategy to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon, paving the way for future Mars exploration. Complementing these efforts, robotic missions like VIPER are scheduled to search for water and other resources on the lunar surface.

Private companies are playing an increasingly significant role. SpaceX plans to launch a record 124 rockets in 2024, far surpassing previous annual launch totals. Other commercial enti-

ties that get quite a bit less news media attention--like Blue Origin, Relativity Space, and Firefly Aerospace--are also ramping up launch capabilities that utilize advanced space technologies.

The surge extends beyond Earth orbit. Mars exploration is continuing with NASA’s Perseverance rover. Europe launched the Europa Clipper to travel 1.8 billion miles on an unprecedented mission to study signs of life on Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons. Japan’s “Martian Moon eXploration” mission aims to study and return samples from Mars’ moons Phobos and Deimos.

International competition is also intensifying. China and Russia are collaborating on the International Lunar Research Station, while India and Japan have recently achieved successful lunar landings. This global race is spurring innovation and pushing the boundaries of space exploration.

The funding landscape for space startups shows signs of improvement in 2024 compared to 2023. A new report from Space Capital Corp. concluded that global investments in space startups reached $4.6 billion in Q4 2023, a 31% surge, contributing to a total of $17.9 billion for the year. Equity investments flowing into space-focused companies during Q1 2024 totaled $6.5 billion, up 33% from Q4 2023, according to Space Capital.

This surge in investments marks a significant rebound following a twoyear downturn--attributed to high interest rates and economic uncertainty. While 2023 saw lower investment levels compared to the peak in 2021, there was a noticeable pick-up in activity towards the end of the year and into 2024. The investor base has become more diversified, with deeptech, climatetech, and software-focused funds now participating in the space sector. Traditional institutional investors are playing a larger role, as opposed to relying primarily on billionaire founders like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Richard Branson.

Increased government funding and support for private-sector innovation is contributing to a positive outlook for space startups. One notable example:

The U.S. Department of Defense’s Innovation Unit received $945 million in new funding, four times its previous year’s appropriation.

The year ending on December 31, 2024 is expected to break records with an increasing number of space tech companies receiving funding across both early and growth stages. Investments are being channeled into technologies such as reusable rockets, space tourism, and satellite communications.

The space industry is experiencing increased interest inside the venture capital (VC) world -- and not all of it is due to SpaceX’s successes.

Enthusiasm for space-related investment opportunities amongst VC leaders is growing with each passing month. For example, consider Space Capital, a VC firm which exclusively targeting the space industry. Managing Partner Chad Anderson noted that space infrastructure was the most funded area in 2023. This is particularly due to the stronger appetite amongst both current and future customers for defense tech, and for the parallel sectors how seeing a surge in federal government funding (such as semiconductors).

According to Transacted Inc., private markets firms invested $12.5 billion into space companies in 2023, a 30% increase from the previous year.

Andreessen Horowitz has been particularly active in the space sector, leading investments in multiple space-related startups. The firm led a $117 million Series B round for Hadrian, a company building automated precision component factories for space manufacturers, in 2024. The firm also led a $34 million Series B round for Air Space Intelligence, an AI company for complex air operations, in 2023.

Founders Fund has also been active in space investments. It co-led the $117 million Series B round for Hadrian alongside Andreessen Horowitz in 2024.

Caffeinated Capital, Lux Capital, General Catalyst, and Khosla Ventures each participated in a $90 million funding round for Varda Space Industries, an in-space manufacturing startup.

Kleiner Perkins invested in SpinLaunch, a company developing technology to send satellites to low-Earth orbit using kinetic energy.

Voyager Space Holdings funds various space-related missions and IPs, with a focus on space exploration and sustainability. They have partnerships with major aerospace companies like Airbus and Northrop Grumman.

The biggest VC investments went to SpaceX, not surprisingly. Andreessen Horowitz led a $750 million round at a $137 billion valuation in 2023. Meanwhile, Gigafund, whose co-founder is a SpaceX board member, was allocated over 1.4 million shares at a cost of nearly $100 million. Gigafund was co-founded by fellow “PayPal mafia” member Luke Nosek. He joined Peter Thiel when he founded Founders Fund. Thiel and Musk are, of course, also “PayPal mafia” members.

Coming in behind SpaceX, Relativity Space, raised an initial round of $650M from a host of VCs: including Baillie Gifford, Blackrock, BOND, Coatue, Fidelity, General Catalyst, ICONIQ Capital, and others. They are already well known for its 3D-printed rockets, is focused on reducing costs and deployment time for launch vehicles. Their reusable Terran R rocket can be built and deployed in just 60 days.

Axiom Space raised $350 million in 2023.

Sierra Space raised $290 million Series B in 2023.

Astranis raised $200 million at a $1.6 billion valuation in 2023. (They are building a network of small satellites to provide internet access in remote regions.)

Isar Aerospace raised $168 million in Series C funding in 2023. (From their

base in Germany, they are developing Spectrum, a two-stage liquid-fueled rocket for payloads up to 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit.)

Hadrian received investments from both Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund, who co-led a $117 million Series B round in 2024. (The company is building automated precision component factories to help space manufacturers get parts 10 times faster and 2 times cheaper).

Air Space Intelligence saw Andreessen Horowitz take the lead on a $34 million Series B round in 2023 at a $300 million valuation. (They are developing AI for complex air operations).

SpinLaunch saw Kleiner Perkins take a stake in a $71 million Series B round.

ABL Space Systems is developing low-cost and transportable launch systems for small satellites. Their RS1 launcher aims to provide orbital launches at just $12 million per launch.

ZeroAvia is at the forefront of developing hydrogen-fueled powertrain technology for aviation, aiming to produce zero-emission engines for commercial aviation.

Hermeus is focused on developing commercial hypersonic aircraft, aiming to build the world’s fastest aircraft exceeding Mach 5. It was initially funded by a group led by Khosla Ventures. It was founded in 2018. In 2022 the company raised a $100 million series B investment round, and this one was led by Sam Altman. Other investors included Founders Fund, In-Q-Tel, and existing investors Khosla Ventures, Canaan Partners, and Bling Capital.

Loft Orbital provides space infrastructure as a service, offering rapid and simplified access to space for various customer mission. BlackRock is the lead investor in a round which raised $156M from 29 investors.

Why Lorine Pendleton Is Betting Big on Women’s Sports

As women’s sports surge in popularity, Pendleton’s 125 Ventures targets a booming sector overdue for investment.

BY EVA CROUSE

Lorine Pendleton sees an opportunity as women’s professional sports gain overdue traction. Founder of 125 Ventures, Pendleton is focusing her fund on sports, media, and entertainment at the intersection of tech, emphasizing women’s sports—a sector projected to grow by 300% by 2030. Despite the surge in fan engagement, women’s sports receive just a fraction of venture capital funding, a gap Pendleton believes is ripe for disruption.

Her journey into venture capital started after watching CNN’s Black in America, where a statistic about the lack of VC funding for Black founders inspired her to act. Pendleton joined Pipeline Angels, a group training women as angel investors, then went on to establish her own fund with a mission of backing underrepresented founders.

125 Ventures is a natural progression for Pendleton, combining her love of sports with her drive to create more equitable opportunities in investment. By targeting overlooked markets, like women’s sports, she’s helping shape a more inclusive future. In this Q&A, Pendleton delves into her mission, investment philosophy, and how her Harlem roots inspired a lifelong love for sports—and a vision for transformative change in venture capital.

Crouse: When did you know you wanted to get involved in venture capital?

Pendleton: Yeah, that’s a great question. I’m a lawyer and finance was never my jam. But one day, I was watching a television program on CNN... Soledad O’Brien had a show called Black in America, featuring different industries, including the startup [community]. She said that less than 1% of VC dollars go to Black founders. I’d worked at a couple of startups [after becoming a lawyer] that were venturebacked to exits, so I understood the importance of funds to grow a business, and I couldn’t believe that stat.

And women [only receive] 2% [of VC funding], so it’s not much better. First, I didn’t believe it. I fact-checked it, and it was true. At that moment, I knew I wanted to change things.

Literally, three weeks later, I got this newsletter called “Daily Worth,” and it interviewed a woman who created Pipeline Angels to train women to be angel investors. She knew the stat about women not getting funding but said if more women became angel investors, that could change. Angels are typically the first funding source after friends and family. With more women angel investors, hopefully, more women founders will get funding, right? So, I applied and got in. I was in the second cohort with ten other women. Now, 600 have gone through that program—many doing great work in investments or writing books.

I started investing my own money but quickly realized it gets expensive. You need to invest in 20-30 companies to see returns and diversification, so I thought, “I need to start a fund.” That was 11 years ago. I began angel investing and launched my first fund, Rising America Fund. Fund two followed, focused on underrepresented founders: women, LGBTQ, and diverse-led companies. It’s been the best-performing fund among the 15 Portfolio funds.

That’s very cool. Can you tell me a bit about 125 Ventures?

Sure. I have my fund, 125 Ventures, investing in sports, focusing on women’s sports, media, and entertainment at the intersection of tech. Women’s sports are projected to grow 300% by 2030, yet only 1% of investment goes there. We’re seeing major viewership growth—300% during the Olympics, largely thanks to U.S. women athletes. Events like gymnastics, soccer, and basketball drew huge audiences.

When women’s sports succeed, the fan base only grows. I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t want that.

You hit the nail on the head. I often went to WNBA games when I lived in D.C., right by the arena. It was so affordable—$10 tickets—compared to men’s games. Fast-forward to now, I started going to a few New York Liberty games this year. Tickets are pricier, but the audience has shifted. Dads are there with sons wearing Breanna Stewart jerseys. That’s the future—these boys will keep going to

games and bring their kids, whether boy or girl. It’s just sports.

I remember my godfather taking me to New York Yankees games as a kid. Sports are a unifier. Growing up in Harlem, I saw all kinds of people cheering together.

As for why it’s called 125 Ventures, I was born and raised on 125th Street in Harlem, home to the Apollo Theater and Rucker Park, where basketball greats played. My godfather, the first Black sports reporter for the New York Times in the 1960s, was a huge influence.

What made you fall in love with sports?

My godfather—who lived near the stadium—was part of that connection for me. He was our neighbor, and after my baptism, my parents made him my godfather. So I’d hang out at his place, and we’d see the stadium lit up and hear the noise. That’s where my love of sports took off—mostly baseball, though I did catch a few football games. It became this incredible unifier for me. I remember some big-name players. I won’t date myself here, but those games were special.

Sports are part of this broader connection to data and AI that we’re now seeing explode, especially in health analytics. For instance, I’m an angel investor in Oura, a sleeptracking ring. I invested when it was valued at $200 million; now, it’s over $3 billion. It’s taken off as a data platform. The Air Force, the New York Knicks, and Real Madrid all use it because it tracks critical metrics like sleep and temperature.

And now we’re seeing some women’s sports teams even tracking menstrual cycles to reduce ACL injuries, which is such a common issue. Teams started noticing a link between ACL injuries and players’ cycles. They’ve adjusted practice and game schedules to lessen the risk. It’s a new way to use data to protect athletes—like you said, tracking it could be a total game-changer.

Wow, that’s really unbelievable.

This opens doors to other opportunities, especially with the growing attention on women’s health in sports. We’re also seeing a revolution in student-athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Before, athletes like yourself couldn’t monetize their social profiles. Now, they can finally earn from ticket sales, merchandise, all of it—blurring the line to professional-level recognition.

What major factors guide your investment decisions right now?

It’s a tough time for fundraising, with high interest rates and a tight IPO market. But it’s the best time to invest—valuations are lower, and that’s a huge plus for equity. So, despite the “VC winter,” I’m focused on undervalued areas, especially women’s sports. Women’s soccer, for example, has skyrocketed in popularity over the years, drawing in not just women but diverse audiences. Brands like Ally Bank and Google are now getting involved, driving real visibility for women’s leagues. And it’s clear: the future of women’s sports is packed with potential for growth, innovation, and incredible returns.

It’s really cool to see people gain that perspective and respect for women and women athletes. And it leads me to my next question. You’re at the intersection of business and sports. We’ve touched on the Oura Ring and a few other big companies you’re working with. What role do you think businesses should play in societal and environmental progress?

Many people want business to just “do your business... heads down,” and not get involved in societal things. I don’t agree with that. I think businesses have a responsibility to be good citizens of their community... where they operate, where

they have employees... [Even with] political things aside, looking at climate, being a good citizen... to your employees and customers—I think businesses have that responsibility.

I look at it through a lens of inequality—people in this country aren’t on equal footing. Women, for example, aren’t paid as much as men; people of color face additional barriers. And while companies can’t solve these things alone, they can help by paying decent wages and promoting socioeconomic mobility. When people can afford good schools, healthcare, [and] housing, society benefits as a whole.

125 Ventures, for example, hosted three interns this summer from underrepresented backgrounds to expose them to venture capital. At the end, they told me, “This really opened my eyes.”

For you and 125 Ventures, what keeps you awake at night right now?

Fundraising. It’s a tough environment for any fund manager, especially for emerging managers. [But] I’m convinced about my thesis. It’s a great and growing market. I’ve also put together a great team of venture partners like Heidi Diamond, former president of Martha Stewart Living, and Crystal Fisher, from NBC Sports, among others. Brett Johnson, who owns three soccer teams, is another partner. He also owns Rhode Island Football Club, which I’ve invested in... the stadium being built for the club in Providence connects us—he went to Brown, and so did I.

“Women’s sports are projected to grow 300% by 2030, yet only 1% of investment goes there.”

If you could ask Worth readers to do one thing to make the world a better place, what would you ask?

Just have empathy and understanding for others. The world would be better if everyone tried to connect with people who aren’t like them... step out of silos and practice empathy.

I think many people agree with that right now. Are there upcoming events or projects you’re particularly excited about?

Yes, Brett Johnson’s women’s team. I’m working on raising funds to become a part-owner of that team. It will play in a new stadium in Rhode Island, scheduled for completion in 2025. Brett wants it to be a women-owned team, inspired by his daughter.

Are you recruiting women investors?

Absolutely. This [women’s league] is a great entrée into sports ownership. For example, in the National Women’s Soccer League, the franchise license was once $3–5 million, and now it’s $100 million.

For women or angel investors looking to take their first step into sports ownership, what advice would you give?

Learn about the industryUSL teams, like Rhode Island Football Club, that offer accessible investment opportunities. You could start with a small investment, track it, and learn about the business. There are also funds, although they often have high minimums. But there are options for entering this asset class with smaller investments.

BLANKINSHIP & FOSTER

VERITY INVESTMENT PARTNERS

TANGLEWOOD TOTAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT

STONE POINT WEALTH

BRADLEY FOSTER & SARGENT

FIELDER CAPITAL GROUP

LEADING ADVISORS

STERLING INVESTMENT ADVISORS

FERGUSON WELLMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

SIGNATURE ESTATE & INVESTMENT ADVISORS

Worth’s Leading Advisors of 2024

In an era of dynamic shifts in financial landscapes and the increasing intricacy of personal wealth management, Worth magazine understands the necessity for guidance that anticipates the needs of the affluent. The Leading Advisors program, which has been recognizing top-tier wealth management firms since its establishment in 2002, relaunched in 2024 with a fresh, data-driven focus. This reinvigoration is more than just a renewal of commitment; it’s a direct response to the evolving demands of our readers searching for reliable and insightful financial stewardship.

The genesis of the Leading Advisor program was to spotlight the prowess and integrity of independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms that stand out in a crowded marketplace. However, as the financial world has grown in complexity, so too have the concerns of our readers. High-net-worth individuals face various challenges, from navigating volatile markets to planning for intergenerational wealth transfer, requiring sophisticated and personalized advice.

The program aims to address today’s turbulent financial environment by providing a curated list of advisors who are leaders in their field and pioneers in adapting to market changes and the evolving needs of affluent clients. Working with our partners at ISS Market Intelligence, Worth’s editorial staff evaluated more than 41,000 RIAs and financial advisors in the United States and identified the top 300 firms.

Leading Advisor Criteria

The core value of the Leading Advisor program lies in its rigorous selection process and the credibility it bestows upon listed advisors. Each firm featured has successfully cleared stringent benchmarks:

n Assets Under Management (AUM) of Over $500 Million: Demonstrates substantial experience and trust in handling significant wealth.

n Predominantly High-Net-Worth Clients: Shows specialized expertise in managing the complex financial situations typical of wealthier clients.

n Substantial Planning Clientele: Indicates a focus on comprehensive financial planning rather than simple asset management.

n Independence from Broker-Dealers: Ensures advice is unbiased and purely client-centric.

These criteria spotlight firms that manage wealth and craft tailored strategies considering the broader financial picture. Thus, they enhance our readers’ ability to make informed choices about who manages their wealth.

Editorial Integrity and Independence

At Worth, our commitment extends far beyond the mere presentation of data. The Leading Advisor program is constructed on a bedrock of editorial integrity and independence, devoid of any influence from the firms we evaluate. This independence is pivotal in upholding our readers’ trust and ensures that our listings genuinely reflect merit and excellence in wealth management.

Our methodology is transparent and comprehensive, ensuring that the advisors we feature are among the industry’s best. We believe in the importance of not just

growth but growth by design. This means that our featured firms are actively enhancing their capabilities and offerings to serve their clients better, not merely growing their assets under management by riding market trends.

A Renewed Commitment to Excellence

The of the Leading Advisor program affirms Worth’s dedication to excellence in financial journalism and our commitment to serving as a vital resource for the high-networth community. Worth is more than a magazine; it’s a platform where the best in the business converge to discuss, innovate, and shape the future of wealth management.

We will update The Leading Advisor list annually as new company data is released.

To learn more about the list or license the Leading Advisor logo email Greg Licciardi at Greg.Licciardi@Worth.com.

Abacus Planning Group, Inc. Columbia, SC

Abbrea Capital, LLC Greenbrae, CA

Aberdeen Wealth Management, LLC Lake Bluff, IL

Accredited Investors Wealth Management Minneapolis, MN

Acropolis Investment Management, LLC Chesterfield, MO

Adero Partners, LLC Pleasanton, CA

Agili, PC Richmond, VA

Alesco Advisors, LLC Pittsford, NY

Align Impact, LLC Santa Monica, CA

Allworth Financial, LP Folsom, CA

AlphaCore Capital, LLC La Jolla, CA

Altfest Personal Wealth Management New York, NY

Andersen McLean, VA

Argos Capital Partners, LLC Saint Louis, MO

Arlington Partners, LLC Birmingham, AL

Armstrong, Fleming & Moore, Inc. Washington, DC

Aspen Capital Management Boise, ID

Asset Management Group, Inc. Stamford, CT

Atlas Capital Advisors, Inc. San Francisco, CA

Atwood & Palmer, Inc. Kansas City, MO

Austin Asset Austin, TX

Autumn Lane Advisors, LLC Houston, TX

Avidian Wealth Solutions, LLC Houston, TX

Avion Wealth Spring, TX

Bahl & Gaynor Inc Cincinnati, OH

Bailard, Inc. San Mateo, CA

Baker Street Advisors, LLC San Francisco, CA

Balentine Atlanta, GA

Ballentine Partners Waltham, MA

Bartlett & Co. Wealth Management, LLC Cincinnati, OH

Bason Asset Management Denver, CO

BBR Partners, LLC New York, NY

Beacon Pointe Advisors, LLC Newport Beach, CA

Beaird Harris Dallas, TX

Bedel Financial Consulting, Inc. Indianapolis, IN

Biltmore Family Office, LLC Charlotte, NC

BIP Wealth, LLC Atlanta, GA

Black Coral Financial Advisors, LLC Budd Lake, NJ

Blankinship & Foster, LLC Solana Beach, CA bfadvisors.com (858) 755-5166

Bleakley Financial Group, LLC Fairfield, NJ

BlueSky Wealth Advisors, LLC New Bern, NC

Bordeaux Wealth Advisors Menlo Park, CA

Boston Financial Management, LLC Boston, MA

Boston Research and Management, Inc. Manchester, MA

Bradley Foster & Sargent, Inc. Hartford, CT bfsinvest.com (860) 527-8050

Brandywine Oak Private Wealth, LLC Kennett Square, PA

Breeds Hill Capital LLC Charlestown, MA

Bridgewater Advisors, Inc. New York, NY

Brighton Jones, LLC Seattle, WA

Brown Advisory Norfolk, VA

Bryn Mawr Capital Management, LLC Philadelphia, PA

BSW Wealth Partners Boulder, CO

Burton Enright Welch, Walnut Creek, CA

Cabot Wealth Management Salem, MA

Callan Capital, LLC La Jolla, CA

Campbell Wealth Management, Inc. Alexandria,VA

Canal Capital Management, LLC Richmond, VA

Capital Counsel, LLC New York, NY

Capstone Financial Advisors, Inc. Downers Grove, IL

LEADING ADVISORS

Carret Asset Management, LLC New York, NY

Cerity Partners, LLC New York, NY

Certuity, LLC North Palm Beach, FL

Chatham Wealth Management Chatham, NJ

Chequers Financial Management, LLC San Francisco, CA

Chevy Chase Trust Company Bethesda, MD

Choreo, LLC Minneapolis, MN

Circle Advisers, Inc. New York, NY

Circle Wealth Management, LLC Summit, NJ

Clayton Financial Group, LLC Saint Louis, MO

Clearstead, Hartland & Co., LLC Cleveland, OH

CMH Wealth Management, LLC Portsmouth, NH

Coastal Bridge Advisors Westport, CT

CoastEdge Partners, LLC La Jolla, CA

Colony Family Offices, LLC Charlotte, NC

Conservest Capital Advisors, Inc. Wynnewood, PA

Constellation Wealth Advisors Cincinnati, OH

Coons Advisors Columbus, OH

Corda Investment Management, LLC Houston, TX

Corient Newport Beach, CA

Covenant Partners, LLC Nashville, TN

Creative Capital Management Investments, LLC San Diego, CA

Creative Planning Leawood, KS

Crescent Grove Advisors Lake Forest, IL

Crestone Asset Management LLC Boulder, CO

Crestwood Advisors Boston, MA

Crewe Advisors Salt Lake City, UT

Dearborn Partners, LLC Chicago, IL

Diversified Management, Inc. Milwaukee, WI

Douglas C. Lane & Associates New York, NY

Maslow Wealth Advisors Austin, TX

Edelman Financial Engines Santa Clara, CA

Edge Capital Group, LLC Atlanta, GA

Ehrenkranz Partners, LP New York, NY

Embree Financial Group Chicago, IL

Empirical Wealth Management Seattle, WA

Ensemble Capital Management, LLC San Francisco, CA

Envoi, LLC Minneapolis, MN

Evensky & Katz, LLC Miami, FL

Evergreen Capital Management, LLC Bellevue, WA

Evermay Wealth Management, LLC Arlington, VA

Exchange Capital Management, Inc. Ann Arbor, MI

F L Putnam Investment Management Co. Wellesley Hills, MA

FBB Capital Partners Bethesda, MD

Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, Inc.

Portland, OR fergusonwellman.com (800) 327-5765

Fi3 Financial Advisors, LLC Indianapolis, IN

Fiduciary Wealth Partners, LLC Boston, MA

Fielder Capital Group Nashville, TN fieldercapital.com (212) 918-4844

Financial Advisory Corporation Grand Rapids, MI

Financial Solutions Advisory Group Chicago, IL

Firestone Capital Management, Inc. Miami, FL

Fort Point Capital Partners, LLC San Francisco, CA

Foster & Motley, Inc. Cincinnati, OH

Frank, Rimerman Advisors, LLC Palo Alto, CA

Franklin, Parlapiano, Turner & Welch, LLC Houston, TX

Freestone Capital Management, LLC Seattle, WA

FRG Family Wealth Advisors Bellevue, WA

Fulcrum Capital, LLC Seattle, WA

Full Sail Capital, LLC Oklahoma City, OK

Garde Capital, Inc. Seattle, WA

Geller Advisors, LLC New York, NY

Geometric Wealth Advisors, LLC Washington, DC

GHP Investment Advisors, Inc. Denver, CO

Gilman Hill Asset Management, LLC New Canaan, CT

Glassman Wealth Services, LLC Vienna, VA

Godsey & Gibb Wealth Management Richmond, VA

Goodman Financial Corporation Houston, TX

Grand Wealth Management, LLC Grand Rapids, MI

Granite Group Advisors, LLC Stanford, CT

Gratus Capital, LLC Atlanta, GA

Graypoint, LLC Albany, NY

Greenwich Wealth Management, LLC Greenwich, CT

Gresham Partners, LLC Chicago, IL

Grey Street Capital, LLC Chicago, IL

GSG Advisors, LLC Mount Laurel, NJ

Guyasuta Investment Advisors, Inc. Pittsburgh, PA

Hall Capital Partners, LLC San Francisco, CA

Hamilton Point Investment Advisors, LLC Chapel Hill, NC

Haymarket Wealth Management, LLC Madison, NJ

HeadInvest Portland, ME

Heritage Financial Services Westwood, MA

Heritage Wealth Advisors Richmond, VA

HighTower Advisors, LLC Chicago, IL

Hollow Brook Wealth Management, LLC Katonah, NY

Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialists Scottsdale, AZ

Howard Financial Services, Ltd. Dallas, TX

HTG Investment Advisors, Inc. New Canaan, CT

Innovia Wealth, LLC Grand Rapids, MI

ISTO Advisors, LLC Troy, MI

IWP Wealth Management, LLC Denver, CO

Jackson, Grant Investment Advisers, Inc. Stamford, CT

JFG Wealth Management, LLC Denver, CO

JMG Financial Group, Ltd. Downers Grove, IL

Joel Isaacson & Co., LLC New York, NY

Johnson Financial Group, LLC Denver, CO

Johnson Wealth, Inc. Milwaukee, WI

Jordan Park Group, LLC San Francisco, CA

Klingenstein Fields Advisors New York, NY

Klingman and Associates, LLC New York, NY

Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC Chicago, IL

Legacy Advisors, LLC Plymouth Meeting, PA

Lido Los Angeles, CA

Lifecycle Financial Planners, Inc. Bloomfield Hills, MI

Lindbrook Capital, LLC Calabasas, CA

Linscomb & Williams Houston, TX

LNW Seattle, WA

Lodestar Private Asset Management, LLC Alamo, CA

Loring, Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors, LLP Boston, MA

LVM Capital Management, Ltd. Portage, MI

Lyell Wealth Management, LP Menlo Park, CA

Main Street Research, LLC Sausalito, CA

Maple Capital Management, Inc. Montpelier, VT

McRae Capital Management, Inc. Morristown, NJ

McShane Partners Charlotte, NC

Meridian Wealth Advisors, LLC Austin, TX

Meritas Wealth Management, LLC Larkspur, CA

Mill Creek Capital Advisors, LLC Conshohocken, PA

MIO Partners, Inc. New York, NY

Modera Wealth Management, LLC Westwood, NJ

Moneta Group Investment Advisors, LLC Saint Louis, MO

Monograph Wealth Advisors, LLC El Segundo, CA

Morton Wealth Agoura Hills, CA

Moss Adams Wealth Advisors, LLC Seattle, WA

Mount Yale Investment Advisors, LLC Denver, CO

Mozaic, LLC Beverly Hills, CA

myCIO Wealth Partners, LLC Philadelphia, PA

NavPoint Financial, Inc. Prior Lake, MN

New England Private Wealth Advisors, LLC Wellesley Hills, MA

NorthRock Partners, LLC Minneapolis, MN

NorthStar Asset Management, Inc. Boston, MA

NPF Investment Advisors Grand Rapids, MI

O’Brien Wealth Partners, LLC Waltham, MA

Oxford Financial Group, Ltd. Carmel, IN

Paragon Advisors, Inc. Beachwood, OH

Parkside Advisors, LLC Berkeley, CA

Pathstone Englewood, NJ

Paul Comstock Partners Houston, TX

PDS Planning, Inc. Dublin, OH

Peak Asset Management, LLC Louisville, CO

Pennington Partners & Co., LLC Bethesda, MD

Perennial New York, NY

Personal CFO Solutions, LLC Chester, NJ

Pin Oak Investment Advisors, Inc. Houston, TX

Pine Valley Investments Marlton, NJ

PrairieView Partners, LLC Saint Paul, MN

Private Advisor Group, LLC Morristown, NJ

Private Capital Management, LLC Denver, CO

Proffitt & Goodson, Inc. Knoxville, TN

Prowell Financial Management, LLC Exton, PA

Punch & Associates Investment Management, Inc. Minneapolis, MN

QuadCap Wealth Management, LLC Frisco, TX

Rappaport Reiches Capital Management Skokie, IL

Relative Value Partners, LLC Northbrook, IL

Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management, LLC Boston, MA

Riverview Capital Advisers Boston, MA

Roble, Belko and Company, Inc. Sewickley, PA

Roffman Miller Associates, Inc. Philadelphia, PA

Rossmore Private Capital, LLC Glastonbury, CT

Roundview Capital, LLC Princeton, NJ

RTD Financial Advisors, Inc. Philadelphia, PA

RZH Advisors, LLC Stamford, CT

Sage Financial Group, Inc. Conshohocken, PA

Sand Hill Global Advisors, LLC Palo Alto, CA

Sargent Investment Group Bethesda, MD

Satovsky Asset Management, LLC New York, NY

SBK Financial, Inc. Richmond, VA

Schaper Benz & Wise Investment Counsel, Inc. Neenah, WI

Schechter Investment Advisors, LLC Birmingham, MI

Sensible Financial Planning and Management, LLC Waltham, MA

Sequent Asset Management, LLC Houston, TX

Seven Bridges Advisors, LLC New York, NY

Seven Post Investment Office, LP San Francisco, CA

Shade Tree Advisors, LLC

Saratoga Springs, NY

Sigma Investment Counselors Northville, MI

Estate &

Los CA

seia com

Signature Estate & Investment Advisors Los Angeles, CA seia.com (310) 712-2323

SignatureFD, LLC Atlanta, GA

Steigerwald, Gordon & Koch - Wealth Advisors Leesburg, VA

712-2323 Investment Ltd PA sterling-advisors com 560-0400

Silicon Valley Capital Partners, LP San Jose,CA

Silvercrest Asset Management Group, LLC New York, NY

SilverOak Wealth Management, LLC Minneapolis, MN

Simon Quick Advisors, LLC Morristown, NJ

Single Point Partners Boston, MA

SlateStone Wealth, LLC Jupiter, FL

Socius Family Office, LLC Fort Lauderdale, FL

Southeast Asset Advisors, LLC Thomasville, GA

St. Clair Advisors, LLC Cleveland, OH

Stack Financial Management, Inc. Whitefish, MT

Stage Harbor Financial Needham Heights, MA

Stansberry Asset Management, LLC New York, NY

Sterling Investment Advisors, Ltd. Berwyn, PA sterling-advisors.com (610) 560-0400

Stone Point Wealth, LLC Miami, FL stonepointwealth.com (786) 540-0323

Strata Wealth Advisors, LLC Dallas, TX

Strategic Wealth Partners Deerfield, IL

Strategic Wealth Partners, Ltd. Independence ,OH

Summit Financial Strategies, Inc. Columbus, OH

Summit Rock Advisors, LP New York, NY

Syverson Strege West Des Moines, IA

Tanglewood Total Wealth Management, Inc. Houston, TX tanglewoodwealth.com (713) 840-8880

The Arkansas Financial Group, Inc. Little Rock, AR

The Clarius Group, LLC Seattle, WA

The Colony Group, LLC Boston, MA thecolonygroup.com (617) 723-8200

The LLC MA thecolonygroup com 723-8200

The Fairman Group, LLC Wayne, PA

The Financial Advisory Group, LLC Houston, TX

The Investment Counsel Company Las Vegas, NV

The Mather Group, LLC Chicago, IL

Three Bell Capital, LLC San Francisco, CA

Tiller Private Wealth, Inc. Bethlehem, PA

Tobias Financial Advisors Fort Lauderdale, FL

Tolleson Private Wealth Management Dallas, TX

Tortoise Investment Management, LLC West Harrison, NY

Total Wealth Planning, LLC Cincinnati, OH

Tower Bridge Advisors Conshohocken, PA

Venturi Private Wealth Austin, TX

Veratis Advisors, Inc. Cary, NC

Veris Wealth Partners, LLC San Francisco, CA

tanglewoodwealth com 840-8880 Investment SC 379-6661

True North Advisors, LLC Dallas, TX

Valeo Financial Advisors, LLC Carmel, IN

Verity Investment Partners Beaufort, SC verityvip.com (843) 379-6661

Wade Financial Advisory, Inc. Campbell, CA

Waldron Private Wealth Bridgeville, PA

Wallington Asset Management Indianapolis, IN

Warner Financial, Inc. Bethesda, MD

Warwick Partners Bryan, TX

Waters, Parkerson & Co., LLC New Orleans, LA

Waypoint Capital Advisors, LLC Minneapolis, MN

Waypoint Wealth Counsel, LLC Atlanta, GA

Waypoint Wealth Partners Mill Valley, CA

Wealth Architects, LLC Mountain View, CA

Advisors CT wealthspire com 973-1200

Wealthspire Advisors Westport, CT wealthspire.com (212) 973-1200

Wealthstream Advisors, Inc.

New York, NY

Welch & Forbes, LLC Boston, MA

Wellspring Financial Advisors, LLC Cleveland, OH

Wescott Financial Advisory Group, LLC Philadelphia, PA

West Financial Advisors, LLC Des Moines, IA

Westmount Asset Management, LLC Los Angeles, CA

Wharton Business Group, LLC Malvern, PA

Whitney & Company Rochester, NY

Windsor Advisory Group, LLC Columbus, OH

Woodmont Investment Counsel, LLC Nashville, TN

Zuckerman Investment Group Chicago, IL

ZWJ Investment Counsel, Inc. Atlanta, GA

Worth magazine is a publisher and does not recommend or endorse investment, legal, insurance, or tax advisors. The listing of any firm in the 2024 Worth Leading Advisors Program is conducted by our editorial team (at times in partnership with certain research organizations) and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by Worth magazine of any such firm and is not based upon Worth magazine’s experience with, or prior dealings with, any advisor. The information presented for each firm and/or advisor, including but not limited to any related profile, statistical data, presentation, report, commentary, recommendation, or strategy, has been provided by such advisor and/or third party data sources without independent verification by Worth magazine. Any such information is the sole responsibility of the advisor and/or third party data sources. Worth magazine makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of such information, assumes no liability for any inaccuracies or omissions therein, and disclaims responsibility for the suitability of any particular investment recommendation or strategy for any person. Nothing contained in Worth magazine constitutes or should be construed as any form of investment, legal, insurance, or tax advice or as a recommendation to buy, sell, hold, or trade any securities, financial instruments, or assets Readers are advised to consult their legal, financial, insurance, and tax advisors prior to making any investment or pursuing any investment strategy. Past, model, or hypothetical performance is not indicative of future results.

Groundbreaking Women Summit 2025 Groundbreaking Women Summit 2025

Discover the power of transformative leadership at the Groundbreaking Women Summit 2025, returning to NYC next March.

Join trailblazing women, innovators, and thought leaders for an inspiring day focused on advancing equity and driving impact in the worlds of business, finance, and beyond.

Be part of a community where women elevate each other, new ventures gain momentum, and female executives lead with purpose in boardrooms worldwide. Interested in partnering with Worth? Connect with us via partnerships@worth.com

To learn more about this event, visit worth.com/gbw-summit

TECHONOMY

Since 200 BC, humans have harnessed wind—first with wooden mills to grind flour, now with massive structures of steel, aluminum, and fiberglass to generate electricity. Windlift (94) is working on an airborne upgrade: tethered drones that could transform sustainable energy. Meanwhile, tech expert Shelly Palmer (96) delves into how AI breakthroughs are driving productivity and forcing leaders to rethink workflows.

Can Drones Replace Windmills?

A small North Carolina startup is using tethered drones to revolutionize wind energy, reducing material demands and bringing affordable, cleaner electricity to millions.

BY CHRISTOPHER ALLBRITTON

One day in early October, a curiously designed drone climbs into the bright, crisp North Carolina sky. It resembles a flimsy, fragile model airplane with about a 12-foot wingspan, but it takes off like a helicopter. A tether snakes from the ground to a complicated web of cables and control lines attached to the drone. Within a few seconds, however, one of its motors begins to wobble. This makes a team of engineers from Windlift, a Durham, N.C.-based startup, pretty nervous because wobbling is very much not in its design specs.

For Mark Aull, chief science officer of Windlift, and Andy Stough, chief technology officer, this drone represents the culmination of years of research and millions in funding. The Pentagon has awarded Windlift $24 million in research and development grants to look into airborne wind energy systems, and they have a test for the Naval Research Laboratory in Kansas in November.

“You can see how much that’s spinning around,” Aull remarks as he shows me the test flight video the next day. “From where we were observing the test, everything looked fine. But then we looked at the video, and we looked at the data, and it’s like, ‘Oh, this is not acceptable.’”

Within seconds, a test pilot takes manual control and brings the drone down in a rapid, controlled descent. The flight lasted barely 30 seconds—far short of the hopedfor three to four hours.

Windlift’s founder and CEO, Rob Creighton, runs a hand through his silver hair. “We don’t want to risk hardware and not learn anything,” he says, frustration edging his voice. “But if we crash a plane, we lose a few weeks of work, a few months in some cases.”

This setback is frustrating for Creighton and his team, but it’s all part of the process in their audacious attempt to revolutionize wind energy. The goal? To generate cheap, clean electricity and—maybe—help save the world from the effects of climate change.

“We think this can go anywhere in the world,” says Creighton, “and provide power to at least half the world’s population.”

Founded in 2006, Windlift is developing autonomous tethered drones that generate electricity. The concept is elegantly simple: As the drone swoops through a loopy sideways figure eight pattern, it generates electricity by letting the air turn the rotors on its turbine propellers as it coasts from the top of one loop to the bottom of the next. As inertia carries it back up on its next pass, its motors

kick in and boost it a bit to the top of a loop to start the process again. Over and over and over.

Using the wind to do work is not a new concept. Chinese and Middle Eastern miller used wood and fabric windmills as early as 200 BC to mill flour. Today, we use gusts of wind to spin 400-foot-long aluminum windmill blades, turn turbines, and create electricity, which powers, for example, factories that mill flour. Plus ça change.

But those massive windmills and their equally massive turbines use a lot of material. The largest proposed wind turbine in the world, GE’s Haliade-X, stands about 853 feet high, with a rotor diameter of 722 feet and a blade sweep surface of 410,000 square feet—about seven American football fields. It also uses approximately 825 tons of steel, fiberglass, aluminum, and reinforced polymers.

Windlift is one of about 12 companies in the world, most of them in Europe, experimenting with airborne wind energy systems. Aside from Windlift and the German firm Kitekraft, however, they’re mainly using balloons and kites rather than autonomous drones.

When he first founded Windlift, Creighton also experimented with tethered kites and inflatable wings, , but after a meeting with the Marine Corps System Command, Creighton, Stough, and Aull realized the kite and wing plan wouldn’t work for generating power in the field, one of his original plans for the company. They realized that to generate electricity, you need to get a generator into the windy areas, but you don’t need to build a massive steel tower that protrudes into the lower heavens. What if you could get the generator itself up high, like on a drone, for example? And there you have it: Wind power without the massive resource needs.

“The physics of our system are just hugely advantageous,” says Creighton.“ The massive steel towers exist to make the tip of the blade sweep through the air, accelerated by the

wind. A tether replaces all that mass, attaching to a wing that sweeps an area like the tip of the blade, because that’s the most efficient part.”

Creighton says their technology could reduce material requirements by 90% compared to traditional wind turbines. Electricity generating costs could be cut by up to 80%, especially for offshore applications. A small Windlift drone can theoretically generate, on average, 30kWh, enough electricity to power a typical American home, but tether a few thousand of these swooping drones to an array of offshore buoys, connect them to existing transmission lines, and you’ve got the potential for some real savings.

It’s an enticing vision that’s been pursued before—with sobering results. From 2006 to 2020, Google’s secretive X lab poured hundreds of millions of dollars into Project Makani, a similar attempt at airborne wind energy focusing on offshore deployment. But its drone was too big and didn’t produce enough power to make it a net generator of electricity. It also didn’t help that it crashed during a major demonstration. Despite backing from one of the world’s most resourceful tech companies and later support from energy giant Shell, during a costcutting period Alphabet ultimately pulled funding for Makani, sealing its fate..

When it comes to wind energy, offshore is where it’s at. The winds are stronger and more consistent; vast stretches of ocean are free from pesky land-use restrictions; and—very important—it’s where the people are. Approximately half of the world’s population lives within 200km of a coast, many in cities thirsty for electricity.

The math is in Windlift’s favor. Offshore turbines rarely operate at full capacity. They ramp up to their full rated capacity only in high winds, but during lower wind conditions, they often sit idle. Windlift’s smaller drones are optimized to generate power in lower winds, using ex-

isting transmission systems without additional costly infrastructure.

Makani’s founders and Alphabet, the parent company of Google, were generous in publicly sharing their patents, data, and findings. Creighton and his team have used that data in their efforts to develop smaller, more agile drone designs and proprietary control systems they believe will prove more reliable and efficient. The company has also focused heavily on computer modeling and simulation to refine its designs before building physical prototypes.

“For the propeller blade we made, we explored tens of thousands of different versions of it in software before

we built one in hardware,” Creighton explains.

And then there’s the Department of Defense, which is interested in Windlift’s work, too. It sees potential in rapidly deployed portable, highoutput wind power, which could be invaluable for powering remote bases.

“It’s kind of like the Wright brothers,” says Creighton. “Like, their first flight was 100 feet, and now you can catch a flight from here to Sydney, Australia...We can have energy abundance in a way that’s harmonious with nature. To me, that is exciting. So why not do it in a better way? It just makes sense.”

AI Agency Is Transforming Business Dynamics

Tech expert Shelly Palmer discusses how advancements in artificial intelligence drive unprecedented productivity gains and force leaders to rethink workflows and management strategies.

BY JIM MCCANN

Worth’s Jim McCann interviews Shelly Palmer, CEO and founder of the Palmer Group, on the impact of artificial intelligence in business. Throughout this conversation, they delve into how AI’s agency will bring massive behavioral changes caused by productivity increases, what leaders need to do to keep up with these rapid technological advancements, and how to integrate them into the workforce.

I know you’ve been writing about and talking about AI for a dozen years. In general, how should we think about its impact?

Agency, in the context of AI, refers to the ability of a system to act independently, making decisions and performing tasks without direct human intervention. For instance, Apple’s introduction of iOS 18 with their new iPhone 16 line gives Siri, a voice assistant that has always been substandard, agency. You can now tell Siri, “Take this picture, enhance it, and text it to Jim.” Siri, courtesy of artificial intelligence, can now perform these tasks across apps, demonstrating its newfound agency.

We are on the brink of a monumental shift in behavior that is not yet fully understood. The power of AI will empower those who wield it, creating two distinct classes: those who master the toolset and those who do not.

Worth recently hosted a climate event during UN Climate Week[, and in sidebar conversations, we discussed how we can’t compete directly with the big tech companies. We’ve realized we must choose our partners carefully because we can’t figure this out alone. Is it essential for a media company like ours to pick a partner when adopting AI technologies?

I think we’re not going to have choices because these very large tech companies are woven into the fabric of our lives in ways that we don’t even recognize or realize. You’ve been logged into Google for 20 years. Everybody, 24 hours a day, has been logged into Google for 20 years.

And it’s learning.

It’s been learning every day. While generative AI tools don’t learn when they are stacked together, these tools

learn from your behaviors. Where the language model can’t know because it’s pre-trained, GPT stands for generative pre-trained transformer, and the other neural networks can and do learn. So when you stack them together, you get “Apple Intelligence,” a holistic system that accomplishes goals for you instead of individual tasks.

Your council has been, ‘If you are not figuring out how to do the parts of your job that you can with artificial intelligence, be assured that someone above you is trying to figure that out today.’

There’s no doubt about it. To keep up with the pace of technological innovation, you must innovate your workflow and processes with the same intensity.

Like I said, I’ve never seen anything come this fast. There’s a way people have been doing stuff for years. And suddenly, you can build a couple of variables into a preprompt, press a button, and 75% of that work is done. There’s still 25% of the work that humans do, but 75% of the execution work is done. Most leaders don’t have a way to deal with that. What I found fascinating over the last couple of years as we’ve been teaching prompt crafting and prompt engineering and workflow and process innovation; what I find so intriguing is the unwillingness, the inability of leadership to completely go into the CFO’s office and say, “You know what? We are training our workforce in a new way. We have to build a new workflow and process. And now that we’re doing this, we have to rethink how we compensate.”

Some people want to go home, put their kids to bed, and have dinner with their spouse or significant other; others want to work like animals till midnight. It never mattered in the old days because people just did what they did. But now you get someone who wants to work like an animal, and they get a 500% productivity

boost from these tools. And you get somebody who wants to get home at 4:30 so they can put the kids to bed and do dinner. They’re also getting 500% productivity increases from the tools, but they have a different life goal. As a leader, you must figure out how you will manage your organization that way because of these immense differences in productivity and time management.

Take Adam Donato, a young member of our team, for example. He’s experienced a life-changing increase in productivity due to AI. He proudly states, “I’m now 80% more productive than I was just 10 weeks ago.”

I write a lot of code on the weekends. Between football games on Sunday, I will forget. Now, I write something that doesn’t work. It’s like, “Hey, help me do this.” Rather than me taking three months to finish something on the weekend, we’re talking about it before one regulation football game is over; I have commented, wholly tested, documented, and finished code. I’m probably 50 to 60 times more productive as an engineer than I would be as a weekend warrior.

50 times?

50 times.

How’s it going to change the Palmer Group?

I can give you a very personal, upclose example that you will deeply understand. I write a newsletter every day. I’ve been doing this since April 1996, six days a week.

Three years ago, I spent an hour on weekdays and three hours on Saturdays. With the advent of AI tools, I now spend somewhere between 15 and 18 minutes during the week. I’m saving about 40 minutes a day, so I get two months of productive time.

So, how has it changed the Palmer Group? When I look at all the various functions throughout the organiza-

tion and everybody’s picked up 2 minutes here, 5 minutes there, 15 minutes there, you take their annual salary, and you lop off what that is. They can do more work if you adequately compensate them—and we do because I understand the leadership issue here. So, everybody here is doing more; they’re getting more money or more remuneration and compensation in the way they want it. And in some cases, I’ve got one person doing the work of three or four people. So, it has changed the fundamental economics. The Palmer Group is entirely different.

Shelly, thank you for spending time with us today.

Thank you so much.

Check our Worth’s Power and Impact podcast with Jim McCann for an extended version of this conversation.

“I’ve never seen anything come this fast. There’s a way people have been doing stuff for years. And suddenly, you can build a couple of variables into a pre-prompt, press a button, and 75% of thatwork is done.”

The Evolution of Women and Watches—A 200 Year History

Here’s how the impact of visibility, engagement, and diversity has shaped women’s watches and the role of women in the industry.

BY CAIT BAZEMORE

Gender has become a topic of focus within the watch industry over the past several years. A key element of that conversation has been about product and whether watches should be gendered at all. While many brands opted to make their collections gender neutral, others maintained men’s and women’s collections, emphasizing their approach to the unique needs and preferences of their male and female clientele.

Female collectors and, more broadly, women’s representation in the watch industry, have also been receiving more attention. Women have long been a crucial part of the industry, but their visibility and rise to leadership positions are relatively new to the centuries-old art form. This, in part, aligns with the evolution of both women’s rights and cultural recognition of gender equity.

Advice for Collectors and Aspiring Leaders

However, it’s worth looking at some specific factors throughout horological history that led to female collectors and members of the industry receiving the prioritization they’ve long deserved. We spoke to a number of current industry leaders to shed light on these milestones and share insights on how women can keep the momentum propelling forward.

A

BRIEF

LOOK BACK

When speaking to female leaders in the watch industry about what’s shaped the role of gender, one sentiment rang true: it’s vital to understand the important role

For women aiming to grow as watch collectors or advance their careers in the industry, here’s some advice from six of the top female leaders in the space.

Jessica Chow, Founder & CEO of Vieren

“The journey in this industry can be challenging and often feels like an uphill battle. For women—whether as collectors, designers, or leaders—the path can feel isolating. My advice is to embrace your individuality and trust that there’s a vital place for you in this industry. Be fearless, seek support, and remember that you’re contributing to a diverse future in watchmaking. By acknowledging and addressing the barriers women face, we can foster a more supportive and inclusive environment for everyone involved.”

Natacha Lamour-Nahim, President of Hublot North America

“The main piece of advice I’d share is to always remain open and steadfastly curious. For women looking to break into the watch industry as a career, never be afraid to be inquisitive and challenge the status quo but at the same time, always be open to feedback and learning something new—this will keep you well-rounded. For collectors, be open to the watches you deem right for you. Consider all the different shapes, sizes, styles, and of course, don’t be restricted by gender if the watches are gendered. Don’t be afraid to try on any watch—you might be surprised at what you come to love. There’s so much variety in the market right now.”

women have played over the last two centuries—a part of horological history that’s seldom told.

“Lately, there’s been more attention placed on the role of women in the watch industry, but women have always played a huge part,” observes Clemence Dubois, Chief Marketing and Product Officer of Girard-Perregaux and one of the youngest female executives in the business. “If you consider the history of watchmaking, it’s pretty interesting to look at the different products and women’s involvement in them. Perhaps the wristwatch wouldn’t have come about if it wasn’t for a woman.”

Today, we think of wristwatches as commonplace, but they weren’t widely popularized until after WWI. Prior to that, the pocket watch reigned supreme.

“A lot of people don’t realize that wristwatches initially came about because of women,” explains Fiona Kruger, Founder and Creative Director of Fiona Kruger. “Men traditionally wore pocket watches, and it was in the creation of a complicated timepiece commissioned by Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, that Abraham-Louis Breguet designed the first wristwatch.”

While this piece of horological history seems significant, it’s often overlooked as wristwatches have been touted as the accessory for men over the past 100 years. Furthermore, despite early examples of complicated watches made expressly for women, the modern approach to women’s watches has been overly simplified. Watchmakers have operated under the belief that many women aren’t interested in mechanical timepieces therefore

favoring quartz movements in their ladies’ lines.

“For a long time, there was this assumption that women don’t get mechanics, so they don’t care what powers their watch,” continues Kruger. “I think women and men simply see mechanics differently, and this is the kind of perspective women bring to the table in the industry.”

Women’s role within the watch industry has also come a long way. As the art form became more industrialized, women were able to get involved.

“Historically, women worked in the more artisanal aspects of watchmaking” shares Christelle Rosnoblet, CEO and Owner of Speake Marin, whose acquisition of the company in 2012 has largely contributed to the brand’s success. “Today, we see female watchmakers, designers, and ex-

Clemence Dubois, Chief Marketing and Product Officer of Girard-Perregaux

“People like labels because it helps them to put definition around things, and at times, the industry has gotten very caught up in labeling from the gendering of watches to age groups and what they want—an older generation versus Millennials and Gen Z. If you strip away the labels, what we’re really coming down to is individuality, and that shows up in the preferences of collectors all the way to the top with those of us holding leadership roles. It’s this individuality that makes up the richness of this industry, from the products to the people, so I’d encourage anyone who wants to be involved—collectors or aspiring leaders—to passionately be yourself. We need your perspective and your contribution.”

WATCHES

ecutives,” she continues. “This shift is driven by a growing recognition of the value diversity brings to the industry. Women offer a unique lens to watchmaking, inspiring creativity and driving groundbreaking designs.”

FRESH PERSPECTIVES SHAKE UP DATED TRADITION

Today, there’s greater emphasis on visibility, engagement, and diversity, not just in terms of gender but also age and race.

“The advancement of women in watches hinges on representation and visibility,” says Jess Chow, the Founder & CEO of Vieren and the first female watchmaker in Canada. “While the industry has historically been male-dominated, embracing fresh ideas and diverse voices is essential for progress. We must weave women’s contributions into the narrative of watchmaking, celebrating their roles in design, innovation, and leadership.”

Within the horological sphere, there have been a few key moments where fresh perspectives were critical to the health of the industry. For example, consider the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s. This was the first major moment when traditional watchmaking was jeopardized by the introduction of battery-powered calibers that could rival mechanical ones. Several decades later came the advent of the smartwatch, which posed a similar threat, raising concerns about how these mechanical objects could stay relevant in a techfocused world. Most recently, the global pandemic brought about major shifts in the growth of the secondary market as production in the primary market screeched to a halt for more than a year. This presented another occasion for many brands to take a step back and reevaluate their approach to watchmaking.

“Diversity is fundamentally one of the most important things to

Carole Kasapi Forestier, Movement Director of TAG Heuer

“For women looking to break into the watch industry as a career or as a collector, my advice would be to live and embrace your passion to the fullest. Passion allows us to surpass ourselves, push the boundaries of our knowledge, and move forward. Whether within the collector communities or the industry itself, we always need to be evolving, and I believe passion is the vehicle to do so.”

think about when building a successful business—diversity simply offers richness,” says Carole Kasapi Forestier, the Movement Director of TAG Heuer and an industry veteran who’s contributed to the development of some of the most significant movements in watchmaking, from Ulysse Nardin’s revolutionary Freak to Cartier’s first in-house calibers.

To navigate these major moments, the watch industry has needed new voices and ideas to push the needle forward: enter the female collector and the female executive.

THE POWER OF FEMALE COLLECTORS AND LEADERSHIP

The rise of the female collector and the female executive are deeply intertwined. In order for the female collector to feel like she belongs in the space, she needs to see herself in the industry—to feel represented.

“It’s an exciting time in the watch industry with more females leading high-level positions in a culture that’s been predominantly male-led. For the young women just starting their careers, they’re able to see themselves in similar roles and aspire to make bigger achievements in the watch space,” offers Natacha Lamour-Nahim, the President of Hublot North America and one of the only BIPOC leaders in the industry. “Having women in leadership positions also makes for better watches for the female collector,” Lamour-Nahim continues. “Female leaders have the opportunity to shape what women’s watches can look like from a woman’s point of view to a growing audience of female collectors.”

The best way to create products for women is by including women in every step of the design, branding, and marketing processes. Women’s watches

were long typecast in a supporting role. When looking back at many ladies’ models, there’s a trend of small case sizes, pastelcolored dials, and diamond accents. Hence the trope “shrink it and pink it” that was long associated with the approach to designing women’s watches.

“You cannot assume that just because a watch is a smaller size, it’s right for a woman,” states Dubois. “Looking back through the history of watchmaking, sizing has been more about trends. For instance, several decades ago, 35mm was a common size for watches. Then came the trend of very bulky watches with sharp angles and big cases. Now, we’re seeing demand for smaller sizes or socalled vintage proportions as well as more attention placed on the ergonomics and comfort of the timepiece, perhaps because more women are getting interested in collecting.”

Christelle Rosnoblet,

CEO and Owner of Speake Marin

“The most valuable advice I can give to female collectors or aspiring leaders is to be authentic. Your unique perspective and creativity are your greatest assets. Don’t let anyone tell you to be anything other than yourself, whether it’s in the watch you choose or the watch you design. Your viewpoint as a woman can be a real game-changer in this field. Building strong relationships within the industry is also super important. Go to industry events or join professional groups. And don’t be shy about asking questions—cliche as it is, knowledge is power!”

Fiona Kruger, Founder and Creative Director of Fiona Kruger

“From a creation point of view, it’s not easy—it’s a complex industry with a high barrier to entry, but there’s space for great ideas. From a collecting point of view, I’d encourage women to ask for what they want and make that known. There are still a lot of stereotypical assumptions about female clients—even today, we can get painted with the same brush in terms of our tastes and what we’re looking for, but that’s just not the case, and it’s a massive missed opportunity for the sector.”

Today, there’s also new consideration for branding and marketing that engages female collectors—from tapping more female ambassadors to featuring more women in watch ads and campaigns. In addition, there’s greater consideration for storytelling that resonates with female collectors. Historically, marketing to women has often presented an image of a man gifting a watch to a woman instead of her buying one for herself, but that’s evolving.

“There are many storytelling opportunities to dive deeper into the essence and spirit of a watch rather than spec sheet elements regarding the design aesthetics and technical mechanics,” observes Lamour-Nahim. “Women resonate with passionate and relatable lifestyle connections. Timepieces are deeply personal items that tend to be an emotional or celebratory life moment purchase, and those are the stories we want to illuminate.”

Playing Nashville’s B-Sides

Cross the river to explore East Nashville’s funky boutiques and hip eateries.

BY KIRSTEN CLUTHE

Nashville’s transformation from a laid-back Southern city with a rich musical past to one of the fastest-growing urban centers in the United States is nothing short of remarkable. Since 2013, the city’s population has surged by nearly 15%, driven in part by newcomers drawn to its lively entertainment scene and relatively affordable cost of living. Over 16 million visitors now flock to Nashville annually, many captivated by its music festivals, from the iconic CMA Fest that brings over 250,000 fans every June to AmericanaFest and the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival. But there’s more here than just the sound of music.

This growing metropolis is home to major employers like Amazon, AllianceBernstein, and Bridgestone, and a thriving healthcare sector that includes HCA Healthcare, the city’s largest employer. This industry boom has spurred the rise of luxury hotels, innovative dining experiences, and a flourishing sports scene, making Nashville an irresistible destination for both business and pleasure. And with so much to see, the question becomes: where can visitors escape the crowds and discover something unique?

Just a few minutes across the Cumberland River is East Nashville, an eclectic enclave known for its relaxed vibe and magnetic creative energy. This is where Nashville’s musicians, artists, and independent spirits come to live and work, crafting a distinct neighborhood identity that blends old Southern charm with a modern edge. Gallatin Avenue, a main artery through the area, has funky vintage shops, record stores, and some of the city’s most exciting restaurants and bars. With a distinct local flavor, East Nashville stands out as a place to experience the “other” side of the city. Here’s your guide to discovering its hidden gems.

WHERE TO STAY

Waymore’s

Guest House

For a unique stay that makes you feel like a local, consider Waymore’s Guest House. This boutique newcomer combines retro vibes with sleek design, offering a low-key vibe and very comfortable amenities. With vinyl records in the lobby and an all-day lounge offering crafted cocktails and coffee, it’s the ideal base for travelers looking to feel like they’re part of the neighborhood. The spacious, loft-like rooms with high ceilings and oversized windows, many with a stylish mini kitchen, add to the sense of belonging. The rooftop bar, with its gorgeous view of downtown and fire pits for cooler evenings, is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.

WHERE TO DRINK AND DINE

East Nashville’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of avant-garde and Southern tradition. For a taste of modern, globally inspired dishes, Xiao Bao is a must-visit. The menu seamlessly fuses Asian flavors with Southern influences, creating a unique dining experience known as “Asian Comfort Food.” With no reservations required, you can dive into their must-try, truly unique cocktails like the London Flower: Sichuan peppercorn gin, Pimms, and lemon. Just look for the big strawberry out front.

Folk offers a fresh take on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine from chef Philip Krajeck of Rolf & Daughters fame. Wood-fired pizzas, inventive small plates, natural wines, and food-friendly cocktails all satisfy in a stunning, airy, minimalistic set-

ting. Across the street from the Waymore, you can dine al fresco at Butcher & Bee. What started as a sandwich shop has blossomed into a fun, colorful, full-service spot with an inventive menu. Dishes are served tapas-style alongside craft beer and festive cocktails, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

A NIGHT OUT

As the sun sets, Nashville’s energy shifts and there’s no better place to experience it than Urban Cowboy’s bar. Here, craft cocktails meet live music in a Victorian Mansion, offering a glimpse into the vibrant local music scene that East Nashville is known for.

How about bowling, food, and live music for more variety? Eastside Bowl is a throwback to the vintage bowling alleys of the 70s, complete with arcade games, live music almost every night, and a classic diner menu. It’s an authentic local joint, and you’re bound to run into some up-and-coming talent (or local superstars) when you visit.

FOR A TASTE OF LUXURY

For those craving a bit of indulgence, a quick hop across the river brings you to the Four Seasons Here, you can unwind in a luxury spa with views over the Cumberland, sip cocktails while watching the sunset, and take in a performance at the legendary Ryman Auditorium, all within a stone’s throw. It perfectly blends East Nashville’s artistic edge with the elegance of Music City’s high-end hospitality.

East Nashville isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling, a little offbeat, a lot magnetic, and always in tune with those who wander slightly left of center. So cross the river and let this part of Nashville work its magic on you. After all, every great song needs a B-side.

French Polynesia’s Organic Rum Pioneer

From volcanic soil to oak barrels, discover the eco-conscious rum-making process behind Pari Pari’s award-winning spirits.

BY DEBORAH GRAYSON AND JONATHAN RUSSO

French Polynesia is a very remote place. Its five archipelagos traverse approximately two million square miles of ocean in the middle of the Pacific. The isolated and widely scattered islands themselves, 118 of them, cover less than 1% of the Pacific Ocean’s surface. Reef-strewn and unchartered, the cobalt blue waters were a serious barrier to western exploration until Captain Cook “discovered” these gems in the middle of the 18th century.

Isolation has given the island territory its own culture, language and, of course, food and drink. There are no records of “pre-discovery” alcohol consumption. All fermentation and distillation came with European influences.

A jungle doesn’t seem like the sort of place one would find a sugar cane plantation but in a tropical clearing on the island of Taha’a, Pari Pari’s owner Laurent Masseron is instructing us on the minutiae of sugarcane terroir. Who knew rum’s source, sugarcane, had terroir? While he relies on four-five main varietals, in total Masseron plants 14.

Terroir comes not just from the cane, but also the soil. Masseron told Worth, “My fields contain three different types of soil: basaltic at the top of the hill; in the middle degraded basaltic, which began as stones before the ever-present rains disintegrated them; and, at the bottom, red ferralitic which is ancient coral and has a different pH than the two basaltics.”

This is not mono-culture and, as we learned later at his distillery, the varieties of cane combined with the three distinct soil options give Masseron a large palette to create individual flavor profiles for his rums.

A bigger mystery is what this energetic Frenchman is doing on an island so remote that, by his own admission, “If I need a small hardware part, I have to wait two weeks.

It’s not advisable to live here if you aren’t long on patience.”

Taha’a is 24 hours from Paris, where, as an act of rebellion against his Bordeaux wine-centric parents, Masseron became an “anything but French” wine importer.

He was determined to prove his family’s xenophobic conviction— that only wine from France was fit to drink—wrong by showcasing notable wines from around the world. When his daughter was born, Masseron realized he didn’t want to raise her in Paris and, since spirits were in his DNA, the idea of making quality rum came to him. He’d seen sugar cane in Martinique and knew it came from Polynesia, so he decided to go to the source. It also didn’t hurt that he was intrigued by the sensuous, tropical lifestyle Polynesia has to offer.

Historical biologists believe that sugar cane traveled east to Polynesia from Papua New Guinea and Southeast Asia in prehistoric times, carried by canoe as part of a massive migration that introduced both plants and animals to the region. Howeverm it was a less sweet variety, and was likely used as

swine fodder. It was not until the late 1700’s, when Captain Bligh, of Mutiny on the Bounty fame, introduced a sweeter variety, that it became a cash crop. Sugar was scarce and desirable and quickly catapulted to the world’s most valuable commodity. It is hard to appreciate the wealth that sugar, molasses, and rum created, but in the 18th century, it was the basis for fortunes that rival those of Silicon Valley today. Laurent estimates that 80% of the world’s sugar cane stock came from Polynesia.

Surprisingly, sugarcane is a perennial grass which shares a family with wheat, rice, and corn, the latter a source of commercial sweetener (corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup). As a grass, it propagates easily, and once established requires very little cultivation compared to other grass crops like wheat and rice.

Currently, French Polynesia limits the cane used for rum to indigenous varieties. But, as we learned from Masseron, it’s not as simple as randomly sticking a plant in the ground. For the best results, each parcel of land is paired with the specific variety that will produce the most complex juice. Elevation, sunlight, soil composition, and moisture all contribute to the art he is perfecting.

Unable to find land that met his needs on any of the larger, more populated islands, he eventually came to Taha’a for both plentiful rain and easy-draining volcanic soil.

Masseron had seen the environmental degradation that pesticide-

laden farming wreaked on island soils and so was committed to accomplishing his goal sustainably. His vision extended beyond his plantings. He wanted to gently coax other cane growers to farm organically, so, once his business grew enough that he need to purchase cane from others, he insisted his suppliers follow his eco-friendly lead.

The result is that some of his rums have undergone the arduous, multi-step process required by the European Union and the French government to be certi-

fied organic. His ambitious goal is to have all of them achieve this high bar.

There are two ways to prepare cane for distillation. One is to ferment the cane juice. The result is clear-colored Rum Agricole with a complex flavor (because the unpasteurized juice contains indigenous yeast strains). This is the preferred French method; true afficionados often favor rum Agricole with its inherent terroir.

In British and Spanish regions, boiling the cane juice into molasses results in a rum that is richer,

smoother, and sweeter, but, lacking the yeast, often also lacks the complexity.

Quality versions of both products spend time in oak barrels, which, unsurprisingly influences both the final flavor and color. Aging, up to fifteen years, for premium rums yields a drink that’s been compared to cognac.

Although, 20 years ago Masseron was the first growing sugarcane for rum, now French Polynesia has four distilleries. In addition to Pari Pari, two others have product lines that include an organic rum.

Walking through his facility, Masseron explained, “Distillation is a complex process. With over 20 different alcohol by-products produced, most of which will be discarded, the rum maker is almost like an orchestra conductor, tapping different flavor notes at different times in the process.” With so many steps, it’s not surprising that 1000 liters of juice yields only 100 liters of desirable alcohol.

Pari Pari bottles eight varieties of rum–four whites, which differ in their alcohol percentage from 40 to 62% (plus a new passion fruit flavor), and five amber selections. A hint of the barrels’ previous resident remains and so Masserons amber rums come in sherry, madeira, and sauternes. His amber offerings have won awards in international rum competitions held in Paris–a gold in 2020 for a 3-year-old rum and a silver in 2024 for a 5-year-old.

Masseron has achieved premium status. Bottles regularly sell out or are on allocation for prices pushing $100. They are easy to ship directly from his distillery to the United States.

Seeing the logistical and cultural difficulties Masseron faces from this remote island, we understood how hard won his success in a global market is. Not denying it, he assured us, “You always find the solution if you’re passionate.”

Ghost in the Machine

BY JASON ASHLOCK

PODCAST

Shell Game

WITH EVAN RATLIFF

Evan Ratliff keeps trying to disappear. Fifteen years ago, he evaporated from the grid in a grandly designed social experiment for Wired, leaving behind only a gutsy, playful, disrespectful challenge: Find me. Readers organized in the nascent social web. Ratliff dodged and redirected with new identities and digital distractions. In a dramatic dash, he was nabbed by his bounty hunters, ending his run as a ghost in a piece of precedent-setting performance art.

All of which is to say: Mr. Ratliff has had a bit of practice for his new gig. But this time, in his compelling and unsettling podcast Shell Game, the ghost is in the machine. Still, it remains his. Using emerging AI technologies with existing telecom capabilities and the self-effacement of his Wired disappearing act, Ratliff sculpts a convincing digital twin — a voice agent that sounds like Evan, responds like Evan, and maybe even thinks like Evan. Whether that last bit is true is, in many respects, the essence of the experiment.

Ratliff’s AI laboratory is big, and he quickly makes it his playground. With only six episodes to create and resolve an arc, Ratliff starts at a sprint: “Fake Evan” is talking to customer service representatives within minutes. By the season’s midway point, Ratliff’s digital twin has bested scammers. And when we approach the final act, therapists are fooled, loved ones are unsettled, and listeners are agape. Our astonishment is derived from the AI capabilities and the underlying critique of a system that hurtles toward a precipice of exploitation and absurdity--unregulated and unabated.

Something about Ratliff’s work functions like a George Carlin set: you’re laughing at the joke so hard, it’s only on the drive home that you realize the world’s been undone. There are plenty of good setups and dismounts: leading a scammer into a gratifyingly time-destroying cul de sac and listening to Fake Evan work out a misunderstanding with another bot. Ratliff’s restrained production --privileging an intimacy and minimalism instead of the “Radio Lab” overwrought --provide ample time to the experiments, adding to the eerie, voyeuristic quality of each episode. Ratliff’s unassuming to his

core, a podcast personality and hesitant self-promoter who somehow feels uncomfortable at the notion of his own publicness while devotedly creating more of it. The tension works, making his grappling with what the project creates and what it means all the more persuasive. Alarmists are shrill. Our techno-optimism froths despite the whistleblowers. Perhaps it is formats like Shell Game, where gifted journalists can awaken our social consciousness

One moment, in particular, is hard to shake: Fake Evan calls a close friend of Ratliff’s, who believes not only that it’s Ratliff himself but that Ratliff must have suffered a kind of mental break. The friend himself is broken at the thought. Frankly, the listener never fully recovers, either. Is this, one wonders, the catastrophe that awaits us? The fragmentation of our identities, distributed over so many horcruxes, the dehumanization that attends the disembodied, unattended self?

In a work that echoes across the AI canyons of our moment, Jean Baudrillard wrote in Simulacra and Simulation of a coming time when the distinction between real and artificial becomes irrelevant. A friend can’t tell your voice agent from yourself. A voice agent performs journalistic interviews. You receive your last call from a real human sales agent. A boy in Florida becomes obsessed with a chatbot and kills himself at her prompting. Soon, all of us are caught in a perpetual artificiality, what Baudrillard described as “an uninterrupted circuit without reference or circumference” or, more achingly, “a machine for making emptiness.”

From K-Pop to Kimchi

BY JASON ASHLOCK

COOKBOOK

Koreaworld: A Cookbook

BY MATT RODBARD AND DEUKI HONG

In a rational world, cookbooks would be dead. Hard-bound, oversized, resource-heavy, time-intensive, stubbornly static, overpriced, and packaged without a semiconductor, they are artifacts of another era. Cookbooks make as much sense as a card catalog, and even a modest collection takes up almost as much room in your library.

Thank heavens that, as the legendary magazine editor George Jean Nathan put it, “Great art is irrational, mad with its own loveliness.” Despite prevailing trends — toward the ephemeral, the endless scroll, the hosting of everything in the ever-present “cloud” — cookbooks are booming. One needn’t foolishly attempt a rational explanation for this. Simply purchase Koreaworld and go happily mad.

Matt Rodbard and Deuki Hong have practiced their lovely irrationality for over a decade. Their 2016 surprise Koreatown became one of the most celebrated cookbooks of the year, beloved by home cooks, lauded by haute chefs. Koreaworld isn’t merely a sequel; it’s an exercise in scaling up, a cookbook broadly scoped and rightly sized to accompany the extraordinary explosion in Korean culture worldwide. A cultural virality is due in part to the concept of Hallyu: the focused, coordinated investment on behalf of the South Korean government to export Korean dramas, gaming, music, and, of course, food. As any underpaid marketing manager in Tulsa might tell you, the best bureaucratic boosterism can’t sell a culture that lacks sex appeal. But when the bureaucrats get to sell bokkeumbap? Hallyu-yah. Whatever the opposite of a diaspora is, Rodbard and Hong show you what it looks like, collecting the recipes and narratives of communities around the

world who have been drawn into the magnetic, proselytizing force of Korean food. We’re all citizens of Koreaworld now.

Despite such gargantuan context, Rodbard and Hong insist you should not mistake Koreaworld for an encyclopedia. They needn’t worry: If the promise of the web is everything-all-atonce, the particular thrill of a cookbook is a very particular point of view on… not-everything. Here are expert curators, picking over stories, ingredients, combinatory experiments, history, heritage, and innovation like a sous selecting the finest perilla leaves. The resulting amalgam is not unlike the Korean dinner tables the authors celebrate: surprising, diverse, euphoric, yet somehow still unified and grounding. Finished off – perhaps surprisingly – with extremely good coffee.

Rodbard and Hong are clever companions, voicey and opinionated, respectful and rebellious, curious and returning most frequently to states of pure pleasure and wonder. But blur the words and Koreaworld still wins. One might controversially claim that a cookbook is only as good as its images, and here the transportive, nearly mystical photography of Alex Lau is as close as a cookbook can get to smell-a-vision.

There’s a simple test for a great cookbook. Try it on the next one you’re thinking of buying. Does it make you want to cook? To launch yourself from the coffee table to the kitchen counter? There can certainly be a kind of voyeuristic pleasure in the fussy, precious, self-serious tomes of the Michelin breed. Still, the real secret behind the cookbook genre’s death-defiance is its ability to stir potential energy into kinetic.

Koreaworld passes the test. And in so doing, reminds us of the larger project great cookbooks are engaged in. Koreaworld isn’t only promotion; it’s preservation. In globalization is the preservation of taste; in innovation, the continuation of tradition; in exportation, the expansion of appreciation. It’s in the cookbook that constraints of an outmoded form factor are found in the depth required to perceive new dimensions of taste.

“There is a simple test for a great cookbook. Try it on the next one you are thinking about buying. Does it make you want to cook?”

The Best New Hotels

From the Cotswolds of South West England to the rolling hills of Somerset, New Jersey, these are the best new places to stay.

BY PAUL TRUMPOSKY

As the luxury travel landscape continues to evolve, the summer of 2024 has brought a fresh wave of luxury hotels that have not just opened but set new benchmarks in hospitality. This season’s group showcases the latest gems in high-end accommodations, each offering unique allure—from historic manors in the English countryside to whimsical design in the heart of Manhattan.

These new openings redefine what it means to experience luxury, blending stunning architecture, world-class dining, and bespoke experiences tailored to the discerning traveler. Whether you seek a serene retreat in Sardinia or the vibrancy of Vegas, these properties promise to elevate your stay to new heights. And because we always try to show you what’s new, we also feature one non-hotel this season, which we think will be the new benchmark in sailing.

Estelle Manor

Nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds, Estelle Manor offers a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury. This 60-acre estate, recently transformed by Sharan Pasricha, the founder of Mayfair’s Maison Estelle, has redefined what a country retreat can be.

The manor’s 108 rooms, ranging from grand suites to woodland cottages, combine traditional elegance with modern comfort. The interiors feature a mix of antique furnishings and contemporary touches, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Dining at Estelle Manor is an experience with several options. The Brasserie offers an all-day menu featuring seasonal favorites, while The Billiards Room serves a selection of Chinese dishes, including dim sum by a former Hakkasan chef. For a more relaxed setting, The Glasshouse focuses on wood-fired dishes made with ingredients sourced from the estate’s garden.

The Eynsham Baths, inspired by Roman bathhouses, provide a serene escape with marble pools, thermal baths, and treatment rooms. They offer guests a perfect place to unwind.

Fifth Avenue Hotel

The Fifth Avenue Hotel has made its grand debut in New York’s NoMad district, breathing new life into a 19th-century mansion once owned by socialite Charlotte Goodridge. This jewel box of a hotel, meticulously reimagined by designer Martin Brudnizki, is a masterclass in maximalism. With 153 rooms and suites, the interiors blend rich colors, luxurious tapestries, and eclectic artwork spanning centuries. The hotel’s vaulted lobby and vivid corridors set the stage for a sensory journey, while thoughtful touches like a Martini cart for late-night cravings and personalized butler service elevate the guest experience.

Dining at Café Carmellini is a nod to the Gilded Age, with dishes like lobster cannelloni served in a setting as lush as it is theatrical. The Portrait Bar, adorned with art and offering inspired cocktails, promises to be the city’s next iconic gathering spot. The Fifth Avenue Hotel marries historic charm with modern luxury, making it an irresistible new player in Manhattan’s hospitality scene.

Fontainebleau

Las Vegas

After nearly two decades and $3.7 billion, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas has finally opened its doors, promising a new standard of luxury on the Strip. This 67-story behemoth impresses from the start, with a cantilevered porte-cochere leading into a lobby adorned with a 46-foot Urs Fischer sculpture and works by Richard Prince. The design, orchestrated by Peter Arnell and John Rawlins, offers a seamless blend of style, particularly evident in the six-acre Oasis Pool Deck, which features everything from serenity pools to LIV Beach.

Rooms start at a generous 488 square feet, with views that might make you forget you’re in Las Vegas— until you glance out at the Strip. Dining options are plentiful, with standouts like Kyu and Papi Steak. For those who prefer their luxury served with a side of exclusivity, the Poodle Room awaits. In short, Fontainebleau Las Vegas has finally arrived—and it was worth the wait.

Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor

The Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor has made its grand entrance, adding yet another feather to the island’s already well-feathered cap. Set on the stunning Formentor Peninsula, an hour from Palma, this newly refurbished 110-room retreat offers guests the understated luxury that somehow manages to feel timeless and on-trend.

After a complete makeover, the former glitterati hideout reopens with all the trimmings: think private terraces with sea views, plunge pools, and a working vineyard for that estate-toglass experience. The resort features a pristine beach, a working vineyard, and enough culinary options to entertain even the most discerning palate.

The rooms, all with sea-facing terraces, offer views almost as breathtaking as the resort’s price tag. For those who prefer their luxury with a side of sustainability, the resort’s extensive restoration efforts, sprawling gardens, and natural wilderness are perfect for a casual stroll or a deep dive into ecoconsciousness. Whether arriving by car, boat, or the inevitable private jet, guests will find a slice of paradise that’s just the right amount of posh.

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

Mandarin Oriental has made its Greek debut at Costa Navarino, elevating this renowned Peloponnesian destination to new heights of luxury. Nestled into the hillside with sweeping coastal views, the resort features 99 rooms, including 51 suites and 48 pool villas, all designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The architecture is organic and sophisticated, with flora-topped roofs and gardens teeming with butterflies and fragrant oleander.

Dining is a highlight, with options ranging from breakfast tapas on the lavender-scented terrace of Oliviera to the silken baba ghanoush at Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Tahir. Even the pizza at Sapienza’s omakase counter is an experience, with 48-hour-proven slices topped with local ingredients. The citrushued spa and an indoor-outdoor lap pool offer serene retreats, while the resort’s access to world-class golf courses, water sports, and a new kids’ club ensures something for every generation. Costa Navarino has never looked—or tasted—better.

One&Only Aesthesis, Greece

One&Only Aesthesis has officially arrived on the Athens Riviera, offering a retreat that feels more Mykonos than metropolitan. Just 10 miles from Athens’ bustling city center, this new luxury resort sprawls along the Saronic Gulf, blending modern opulence with a nostalgic nod to the Athenian Riviera’s 1960s glamor. Designed by three acclaimed architecture firms and Muza Lab, the resort’s residences and waterfront bungalows provide direct access to private beaches and tranquil waters. While the ancient wonders of Athens are less than an hour away, guests may find it hard to leave the resort’s offerings. Chef Paco Morales, of Michelin-starred fame, delivers culinary delights at his pop-up, while Greece’s first Guerlain Spa tempts with indulgent treatments. Set within 21 hectares of protected pine forest in Glyfada, One&Only Aesthesis combines chic relaxation with a touch of ancient culture, making it the perfect hideaway for those seeking luxury and history.

Pendry Natirar

Set amid 400 acres of rolling Somerset County greenery, Pendry Natirar opened its doors this fall as a luxurious countryside retreat just an hour from New York City. This Tudorstyle mansion, once home to royalty (yes, actual royalty, the King of Morocco), has been transformed into a 66-room haven complete with a farm-totable restaurant named Ninety Acres (doubles as a cooking school), a sprawling spa that is for sure the best in the Garden State, and plenty of pastoral charm. If you’ve ever wondered what the English countryside might look like if it were transplanted beside the Raritan River (Raritan > Natirar) with a 10-acre farm and 80,000-bee apiary, pack your weekender. With rates starting at a princely $600 per night, guests can exchange city stress for countryside relaxation, whether hiking the estate’s trails, indulging in the spa, or cozying up by the mansion’s fireplace.

Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel

Belmond has unveiled its latest gem, Romazzino, on Sardinia’s legendary Costa Smeralda, a region synonymous with glamor and natural beauty since the 1960s. This idyllic retreat, conceived by architect Michele Busiri Vici, is a seamless blend of luxury and nature, where stucco curves and terracotta tiles complement the rugged cliffs and pristine, emerald-green waters that define the coast.

Guests can indulge in various activities, from sailing to hidden coves and snorkeling in crystalline waters to exploring ancient nuraghe ruins and bohemian villages inland. Dining options are equally enticing, with La Terrasse offering fine dining, while Éntu e Mari serves fresh seafood steps from the waves. The hotel’s villas, designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape, provide an unparalleled stay in Sardinia. Romazzino promises a sophisticated escape where Costa Smeralda’s timeless allure meets Belmond’s effortless elegance.

Rosewood Schloss Fuschl

The iconic Rosewood Schloss Fuschl has reopened its doors, offering a refreshed take on one of Austria’s most glamorous mountain retreats. Set in a 15th-century castle on the picturesque shores of Lake Fuschl, this landmark resort now features just 98 rooms, including 46 suites, ensuring an intimate experience. Located an hour from Salzburg in the stunning Salzkammergut region, the hotel invites guests to live their Sound of Music fantasy amidst breathtaking alpine scenery.

Rosewood Schloss Fuschl seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury, offering world-class dining, a wellness-focused Asaya spa, and a range of mountain and lake activities. The property’s architecture, reminiscent of a fairytale castle, has long been a favorite among distinguished visitors. With convenient access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the hotel also provides luxurious transportation options, including chauffeured cars and helicopter transfers, making indulging in Austria’s cultural and natural splendor easier than ever.

Royal Mansour Casablanca

As a sister hotel to the worldfamous Royal Mansour in Marrakech, The Royal Mansour Casablanca has emerged as the city’s preeminent luxury hotel.

Located near the Old Medina and Art Deco district, this iconic hotel now offers 149 elegantly redesigned rooms, suites, and apartments alongside the city’s largest spa. The hotel’s crowning feature is a glass footbridge on the 23rd floor, which connects two towers and provides access to its two rooftop restaurants, La Grande Table Marocaine and Le Rooftop.

Guests at La Grande Table Marocaine can enjoy 360-degree views of the city while indulging in traditional Casawi dishes. Le Rooftop serves Mediterranean cuisine and offers a prime spot to watch the sun set over Casablanca’s skyline. Set in a 1950s monument, the Royal Mansour Casablanca blends modern luxury with the city’s storied past, continuing its legacy as a distinguished haven for epicureans and business travelers alike.

Six Senses Kyoto

Six Senses Kyoto is set to redefine luxury in one of Japan’s most storied cities. Located in the tranquil Higashiyama district, this 81-room retreat blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with the brand’s signature wellness focus. Guests can expect rooms inspired by Japanese folklore, with views of the hotel’s garden, Kyoto’s cityscape, or the historic Toyokuni Shrine.

The natural allure, however, lies beyond the rooms. The Six Senses Spa features Japanese-style hot tubs and a watsu pool, while the counter-only omakase restaurant promises a culinary journey rooted in the local ethos. The hotel offers cooking classes, family activities, and easy access to nearby temples and shrines for those seeking a deeper connection to Kyoto’s cultural heritage.

With design elements nodding to the Tale of Genji and the ancient concept of Miyabi, Six Senses Kyoto provides a serene sanctuary for travelers looking to explore— and truly savor—the cultural heart of Japan.

Spirit of Ponant

Ok, it’s not a hotel, but it definitely should be on your radar. Ponant has added a new gem to its fleet by unveiling the Spirit of Ponant, a sleek 79-foot sailing catamaran. Based on Lagoon’s Seventy-7 model, this intimate vessel features six staterooms for up to 12 guests, making it the smallest and most exclusive option in Ponant’s lineup. The Spirit of Ponant is set to debut in Corsica this July before cruising the Seychelles for the winter season.

Built in Bordeaux, France, the catamaran promises personalized service, including a private chef and tailored activities, all under the guidance of experienced skipper Guillaume Le Brec. The itineraries are fully customizable, allowing guests to explore their interests with the captain’s expert recommendations.

Whether chartered privately or booked per cabin, the Spirit of Ponant offers a luxurious escape on the high seas, combining the elegance of French design with the adventure of a immersive maritime experience.

The Dunlin Luxury Resort

Auberge Resorts Collection, Warren Street Hotel

The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, has made its serene debut on Johns Island, South Carolina, just 20 miles from Charleston. Named after a local shorebird, this luxury resort stretches across 2,000 acres along the picturesque Kiawah River, offering a tranquil escape surrounded by salt marshes and ancient oak trees. The 72 cottagestyle rooms and suites, with honey oak floors, beadboard walls, and mint green accents, are designed for relaxation, with large porches overlooking the river.

Guests can enjoy various activities, from exploring 20 miles of nature trails to unwinding in one of the two outdoor pools or indulging in treatments at the Aster Spa. Dining options are plentiful, with four venues including a signature restaurant that showcases farm-fresh Southern cuisine. The Dunlin invites guests to savor life’s simple pleasures—whether it’s a quiet moment on a rocking chair or a leisurely stroll through the marshlands.

Warren Street Hotel

Quietly adding a touch of charm to Tribeca, the new property transformed a parking lot into a vibrant destination in downtown Manhattan. Designed by Kit Kemp, with contributions from her daughters, the hotel features 69 individually styled rooms, each showcasing a mix of patterns, artwork, and thoughtful details like turquoise-framed windows and a curated vinyl collection.

The lobby’s buttercup-yellow tones and the private lounge’s eclectic decor set the tone for the entire property. The all-day brasserie and bar have attracted locals, making the hotel a new neighborhood staple. Combining cozy terraces, skyline views, and Kemp’s distinctive design approach, the hotel offers a comfortable retreat in the city. It’s where guests can unwind with a glass of Champagne in the tub,

EVENTS

WHY HIDE INSIDE DURING THE COLDER MONTHS WHEN YOU CAN EXPLORE FUTURE AND CURRENT INNOVATIONS?

Art Basel

DECEMBER 6-8, 2024

MIAMI BEACH, FL

Hide away from the cold this December by flying to Art Basel in Miami Beach, FL. This year, the most significant change comes to the large-scale section known as “Meridians.” For the first time, it won’t be separated off or hidden behind walls; instead, these artistic giants will take center stage.

MARCH

JANUARY

CES

JANUARY 7-10, 2025

LAS VEGAS, NV

CES, the premier global tech event, showcases cutting-edge consumer technology. Top innovators, dynamic exhibits, and networking opportunities will offer insight into tomorrow’s technology trends.

Lake Nona Impact Forum

FEBRUARY 26-28, 2025

ORLANDO, FL

The Lake Nona Impact Forum brings together health, wellness, and medical innovation leaders to address global health challenges. In 2025, the forum will focus on AI in healthcare, mental health, gene editing, health equity, and more.

MARCH 3-6, 2025

BARCELONA, SPAIN

Next year’s MWC will focus on “global connectivity.” With themes like 5G, AI, and sustainability, 2025’s sessions will explore collaboration across industries, ethical AI, digital transformation, and next-gen tech.

World Economic Forum Annual Meeting

JANUARY 20-24, 2025

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND

Join global leaders to collaborate on sustainable development, climate action, and social equity. Address complex global challenges through cross-sector innovation and policy discussions.

SXSW

MARCH 7-15, 2025

AUSTIN, TX

SXSW 2025 brings together global innovators in tech, music, and film. Attendees can expect dynamic sessions, film screenings, music showcases, exhibitions, and networking events, making it a platform for discovery and crossindustry collaboration.

Super Bowl LIX

FEBRUARY 9, 2025

NEW ORLEANS, LA

Super Bowl LIX will take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. This event marks New Orleans’ record-tying 11th time hosting. Kendrick Lamar will perform at the halftime show.

Groundbreaking

Women

MARCH 18, 2025

NEW YORK, NY

The Groundbreaking Women Summit by Worth gathers women from across sectors to discuss wealth, leadership, and impact. The summit promotes collaboration, and celebrates the innovators reshaping business.

Palm Beach Boat Show

MARCH 19-23, 2025

PALM BEACH, FL

The Palm Beach International Boat Show showcases an range of yachts, boats, and marine accessories. Set along Flagler Drive, this event features luxury vessels, interactive exhibits, and networking opportunities .

FEBRUARY

Worth Media partnered with Glenfiddich to host an intimate whiskey tasting & dinner at the impeccable Komodo restaurant at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, NV. We gathered a top tier group of executives, entrepreneurs, and investors from our Worth community for this memorable experience.

1/2. Tasting the Glenfiddich 23 Year Old Grand Cru. 3. Karen Shiers, Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection; Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders; Hazem Rashid, ENEV (L-R). 4/5. All guests

Magazine Impact 150 issue.

of our leading positions are held by women

FLAS H TO SEE OUR COMMITMENTS 53%

We support women in their careers.

We are dedicated to creating a more inclusive world and to empowering women In 2023, women represent more than half of the Groupe Leading Positions : the 300 positions with the greatest responsibility including the Executive Committee and the 1300 key positions monitored at Groupe level