Partner Highlight: SOCAP Global

Building the Big Tent: Robert Munson on SOCAP25, Systems Change, and How Unsexy industries Like Insurance Can Change the World

Robert Munson has built a career where strategy meets purpose — scaling organizations, elevating brands, and aligning bold visions with the operational rigor to make them real. Now, as President of SOCAP Global and Managing Director at the Sorenson Impact Institute, he’s guiding one of the most influential gatherings in the impact investing world.

In this conversation, Munson shares how SOCAP is once again rising to meet a global inflection point — much as it did in 2008 — by doubling down on radical collaboration and capital movement. He discusses what’s new for SOCAP25, including a stronger focus on tangible outcomes and the launch of Capital Connections Day, and why unexciting sectors like insurance are critical to climate progress.

Premiums for the Planet: For those new to SOCAP, how would you describe its role in the impact investing movement — and how has that role changed?

Robert Munson: SOCAP started as a response to the 2008 financial crisis. It was a small group that created something extraordinary: a movement to evolve capitalism into something more inclusive and beneficial. That small group quickly grew into the most diverse community in global impact. SOCAP is part of the origin story of impact as we know it.

Much like in 2008 and the COVID era, we again find ourselves at a time where gathering, learning, and collaborating are not just meaningful, they’re essential. The world needs solutions, and we believe we already have many of them.

PFP: SOCAP25 is being called a ‘big tent’ moment. What does that mean? And why now?

RM: SOCAP has always stood out for its diversity, across sectors, geographies, and perspectives. That’s what makes it a big tent. But to truly move global capital to impact, we have to go beyond the current circle. We need more people, companies, and governments involved.

Impact itself is at a pivot point, knocking on the door of the mainstream but not quite through. SOCAP can help open that door. It’s built to connect unlikely allies and foster systems-level change. That kind of openness is what we need to move forward.

PFP: This year’s themes feel more focused and practical. What’s driving that shift?

RM: Our Executive Director of Content, Sarah Sterling, has been with SOCAP for over a decade and stepped into this role with a clear vision — focus on actionable ideas and capital connections. SOCAP has always been a space for awareness and activism. But in 2025, we’re emphasizing tangible outcomes and lasting relationships. We want people to leave not just inspired, but equipped.

PFP: Tell us about the new Capital Connections Day. Why dedicate a full day to matchmaking?

RM: The most powerful thing about SOCAP is the human connections. For long-time attendees, it feels like a family reunion. But we also welcome a lot of newcomers every year. Capital Connections Day is our way of being more intentional, designing the experience to spark catalytic relationships.

Some of the most impactful collaborations in the space started with a handshake at SOCAP. This year, we’re organizing to make those moments happen more often, and with more purpose.

PFP: What are some emerging ideas or collaborations you’re especially excited about heading into SOCAP25?

RM: The world is experiencing seismic changes, especially here in the U.S. Many of the systems we’ve relied on are being upended. Whether you see that as challenge or opportunity, it demands bold thinking.

SOCAP is where these conversations go deeper, not just to name problems, but to design solutions. That’s what we’re here for. And it’s what gives me hope: seeing people come together to respond with creativity and conviction.

PFP: SOCAP recently joined Premiums for the Planet. What drew you to this partnership — and why does insurance belong in the climate conversation?

RM: Impact is a vast spectrum, and transforming the world at scale means engaging every industry, even the ones that don’t always feel exciting. Insurance is a great example. It’s an underused lever for change, yet it touches every aspect of risk, resilience, and recovery. [Premiums for the Planet] is showing how legacy industries can be reimagined for good. That’s exciting to us.

PFP: How does this align with SOCAP’s broader mission around rethinking capital?

RM: Capital is a force for good. We don’t need to reimagine that, we need to scale it. Organizations like Premiums prove this every day. The work now is to mobilize even more capital, across more systems, with more urgency.

PFP: Insurance moves trillions, yet it’s rarely top-of-mind in climate strategy. What role do you think it can play?

RM: SOCAP exists to amplify solutions that matter, even if they don’t make headlines. The truth is, a lot of the real work in shifting economic models isn’t flashy. But when people from across industries come together and look at tools like insurance through a climate lens, new possibilities emerge. That’s where SOCAP adds value, spotlighting overlooked systems and unlocking new levers for change.

PFP: What does success look like for SOCAP25, not just for you, but for the broader movement?

RM: Success isn’t measured just in one year. SOCAP is always a step or two removed from direct impact — but it’s where game-changing ideas and relationships begin. We’re like a big, quirky lightbulb that sparks something in people. That spark leads to real-world change. We already see the evidence, and we’re building on it.

Ultimately, SOCAP’s job is to accelerate the pace of transformation. If we succeed, the world will one day outgrow the need for SOCAP. We’re not there yet — and until we are, we’ll keep showing up.

PFP: What’s one message you hope every attendee takes with them?

RM: Hope is powerful. It drives action when things feel impossible. And SOCAP gives people hope. But hope alone isn’t enough. What we offer is evidence … that change is not only possible, it’s happening. People leave with a renewed belief that they can be part of it. And that belief is where real momentum begins.

*This interview has been edited for length.