from vision to leverage

Patrick Flynn opened the session with a challenge: “Finance isn’t climate-neutral,” he said. “Whether it’s banking, insurance, or retirement plans, the money already flowing through your company has more influence than most realize.”

Each panelist illustrated how aligning these hidden levers with company values can unlock measurable impact, without adding new departments or budget lines. From Big Path’s “smarter money” investing philosophy, to Impact Law’s work embedding stakeholder principles into corporate charters, to Premiums for the Planet’s movement to redirect insurance premiums toward resilience and sustainability, the message was clear: your money can either undermine or accelerate your mission.

As Brad Stevenson put it, “Finance, law, and insurance are often treated as administrative necessities. In reality, there is nothing more powerful than the flow of capital and the legal frameworks that guide it.”

What tied the conversation together was a sense of agency. Each leader demonstrated that meaningful climate action doesn’t require a massive overhaul — it begins by asking where your money sleeps at night and what it’s funding.

Flynn summarized it simply: “It’s not just an opportunity; it’s a looming risk for any purpose-driven company whose money is outrunning its mission.”

Together, the panel showed that alignment across insurance, finance, and governance isn’t just about doing less harm — it’s about building more resilient, competitive, and values-driven businesses.

Key Insights

1. The back office is where the climate lever lives.
Insurance, banking, and governance decisions are often seen as routine. But they collectively shape how trillions of dollars move through the global economy. When aligned with climate goals, these decisions can be among the highest-leverage actions a business can take.

2. Aligning money and mission is good business.
Shifting to climate-aligned insurance or investment options doesn’t mean paying more or accepting weaker performance. As Brad Stevenson noted, “If we rely on organizations to pay more and get less to do the right thing, we’re in trouble.” Most members of Premiums for the Planet save money while gaining better coverage and impact.

3. Leadership through alignment builds trust and competitiveness.
Michael Whelchel emphasized that impact-aligned finance isn’t charity, it’s strategy. “It’s not just a different niche. It’s a smarter way to do business,” he said. “Companies that integrate environmental and social value are building long-term competitive advantage.”

4. Law can lock in purpose.
Jim Black reminded the audience that benefit corporations have a fiduciary duty to consider all stakeholders — including the planet. “Even if you’re not a benefit corporation,” he said, “the duty of care means informing yourself and making fully informed decisions. Once you know there are better options that lower risk and create impact, it’s hard to justify not taking them.”

What the Panelists Said

Patrick Flynn, Founder, Switchboard
On hidden influence:
“The money already flowing through your company has more influence than most realize. Redirecting it is one of the clearest ways to accelerate climate action. These are not side projects; they’re core levers of change.”

Brad Stevenson, Founder and CEO, Premiums for the Planet
On insurance as a climate lever:
“Insurance is the second largest money manager on the planet. Every year, businesses send $7 trillion to insurers who invest that money, often in the very industries driving the risks we’re paying them to insure. Once you see that, you can’t unsee it.”

On why it’s been overlooked:
“If you want to do something evil, hide it in something boring. That’s what’s happened with insurance and finance. But when you bring transparency to these systems, you realize how much power we actually have.”

On how companies can act now:
“Changing your broker is one of the easiest, lowest cost moves a company can make to align values with action. It’s often a win-win: lower costs, better coverage, and real climate impact.”

Jim Black, Managing Partner, Impact GC Law
On fiduciary responsibility and the planet:
“For benefit corporations, the duty of care and fiduciary responsibility require a stakeholder based lens, and that includes the planet. Even for traditional corporations, it’s hard to justify making decisions that harm the world you and your children live in when better options exist.”

On embedding purpose in governance:
“A lot of companies have great purpose statements that sit untouched in their articles of incorporation. The real work is making sure your governance, contracts, and decision making processes live up to them.”

Michael Whelchel, Co-Founder and CEO, Big Path Capital
On redefining returns:
“When we started, people assumed that doing good with capital meant giving up returns. That myth is gone. We coined the term smarter money because the smartest capital maximizes both financial and social return; you’re leaving value on the table if you don’t.”

On business as a force for competitiveness:
“This isn’t just about conscience; it’s about competitiveness. Aligning your financial systems with impact is a better way to do business, and eventually it will be the only way that makes sense.”

How to Take Action Now

Premiums for the Planet
Membership is free. Gain expert guidance to align your insurance spend with climate and resilience goals while continuing to work with your current broker. Fill out this insurance snapshot form to start your journey.
→ Fill Out Our Intake Form

Big Path Capital
An impact investment bank helping mission-driven companies and funds raise aligned capital and fuel smarter growth.
→ Learn More About Big Path Capital

Impact GC Law
A certified B Corp legal firm helping businesses embed purpose and stakeholder principles directly into their governance and operations.
→ Connect with Impact GC Law