Turbo Impact

In this episode of Turbo Impact, Lee Qian, CFA, Portfolio Manager of the Positive Change Strategy at Baillie Gifford, joins host Kenny Chen to explore how public market investing can help move capitalism toward more purposeful, long-term value creation. Drawing on his experience helping build the Positive Change Strategy into a global impact investing platform, Lee explains how Baillie Gifford identifies companies that can solve material social and environmental challenges while generating attractive financial returns over time.
 
At the heart of the conversation is a more pragmatic view of sustainability: not as a separate agenda, but as a source of innovation, competitive advantage, and durable growth. Lee discusses the idea behind his upcoming book, Purposeful Capitalism, including why businesses should focus on “profitable problem solving” and how the Sustainability Flywheel can help leaders connect purpose, strategy, business model strength, and financial performance. The discussion offers a timely perspective on how investors and companies can move beyond polarized debates and focus on where impact and economics genuinely reinforce each other.
 
Key Topics Covered
  • How Baillie Gifford’s Positive Change Strategy defines long-term impact investing
  • Why product-led impact can create both societal value and financial value
  • What long-term institutional investors look for in companies preparing for public markets
  • What “profitable problem solving” means for business leaders and investors
  • How the Sustainability Flywheel links purpose, strategy, and long-term competitive advantage
 
Who Should Listen:
Private capital managers, institutional allocators, and corporate leaders
 
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Produced by: Turbo Net Zero

Creators and Guests

Host
Kenny Chen
Managing Partner, Turbo Net Zero
Guest
Lee Qian
Portfolio Manager of Positive Change Strategy, Baillie Gifford

What is Turbo Impact?

Turbo Impact is a podcast by Turbo Net Zero, exploring how sustainability shapes private capital. We bring together top investors, institutional allocators, and entrepreneurs to discuss how sustainability influences investment and corporate strategies.

Each episode dives into real-world insights on integrating sustainability in private capital. Turbo Impact features candid conversations with industry leaders who turn sustainability challenges into strategic opportunities and meaningful impact.