Latest news with #ClimateFirstBank
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The 180° Myth: Why Reinvention Doesn't Require Reinventing You
You've seen the trope in every glossy magazine or conference keynote: The Reinvention Story. A burned-out executive leaves everything behind to open a goat yoga retreat in Bali. A hedge fund manager becomes a mindfulness coach. A lawyer starts a juice company. Cue applause. We celebrate dramatic rebirths, but are they really so great?But what if you don't want to burn it all down? What if your work - or your ambition - isn't the problem? For high-performing leaders who feel that something vital is missing, the solution isn't necessarily to pivot 180 degrees. Often, it's something subtler, and harder: redirecting your fire without losing your spark. This isn't reinvention. It's realignment. And as impact entrepreneur Jared Meyers reminded me in a recent conversation, it can make the difference between a successful life that exhausts you… and one that lights you Everything Looks Right, But Still Feels Wrong Jared is the founder of multiple businesses across hospitality, real estate, and finance, including Climate First Bank and andCo Hospitality (formerly Legacy Vacation Resorts). From the outside, his resume has always looked impressive. But 15 years ago, before finding the B Corp way of doing business, the inside started to unravel. A painful business split with family members led to lawsuits, Chapter 11 proceedings, and a personal reckoning. 'It was disillusioning,' he told me. 'I started to question everything—why business exists, what I was contributing, whether I was even capable of doing good through my work.' He wasn't just burned out. He was lost. For a while, he did what many of us try at that crossroads: slow down. Go to Canyon Ranch. Take meditation classes. Read the Dalai Lama. Try on a quieter version of life. But it didn't quite fit. 'I thought I had to do a total 180,' Jared said. 'But I eventually realized I didn't need to become someone else. I just needed to realign what I was already doing with what I truly care about.' It wasn't about making a 180 for Jared, just realigning his skills and interests with his desired ... More > Reinvention That's when he discovered B Corp certification and stakeholder capitalism—not as PR slogans, but as operating systems that could bring his values into congruence with his businesses. He shifted employee pay structures to reflect a living wage. He helped launch Florida for Good, a network of conscious business leaders. And he co-founded a purpose-driven bank when he couldn't find one to align with his standards. That's a far cry from goat yoga. And yet it's just as radical. Because instead of changing who he was, Jared did something more courageous: he stayed the course—and changed how he walked it. The Myth of the 180 We glorify reinvention because it's dramatic. It makes for a clean arc. And in some cases, it's warranted—especially after trauma, burnout, or values betrayal. But most senior leaders I work with don't need to flee their industries. They don't need to quit their jobs or disavow ambition. They're not broken. They're just misaligned. In fact, it's often their strengths—their fire, their focus, their drive to do more good—that are creating the exhaustion. Not because those traits are flawed, but because they're pointed in the wrong direction. We overinvest in performance (the WE), or impact (the WORLD), at the expense of the self (the ME). Or we isolate personal wellbeing without integrating it back into team or system goals. The result is diminishing returns—where more effort yields less fulfillment. To recover the energy and meaning we've lost, we don't need reinvention. We need what I call the Fulfillment Formula:Stop. Drop. And Roll. When I Tried the 180 I've felt this pull myself. After years of frontline nonprofit work—some of it in refugee communities in the Middle East—I was proud of the impact I was making. But I was also unraveling: I missed my father's funeral. I lost my first marriage. And I kept chasing worthiness through sacrifice. When I left that world to pursue degrees at Cambridge, Columbia, and London Business School, I thought I was reinventing myself as a new kind of leader. For a while, I tried to keep my old purpose out of sight—assuming it didn't 'fit' in corporate spaces. But I quickly learned that the values that fueled me before weren't a weakness. They were the fire. I didn't need to abandon them. I needed to realign them with a new form of influence. The work I do now—coaching high-performing leaders to lead in 3D, through systems thinking and somatic awareness—wouldn't exist if I hadn't stopped trying to become someone Science of Fulfillment This isn't just about vibes and values. It's about what science tells us matters. Psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, founders of Self-Determination Theory, found that humans thrive when three conditions are met: Sound familiar? That's ME (autonomy), WE (mastery), and WORLD (purpose). It's the 3D alignment I teach—and the invisible fire that drives fulfillment. When we lead from this place, energy compounds. When we don't, even 'success' can feel hollow. We look successful to everyone around, but it doesn't feel This Moment Matters The leaders I coach—especially those at the top of their game—aren't craving more productivity hacks. They're craving permission. To stop overperforming in areas that no longer serve. To drop the script that says only reinvention counts as growth. And to roll into a life that feels whole. The reason this moment feels so heavy isn't that we're doing the wrong work. It's that we're doing it out of sequence, or out of sync with ourselves. That's where the Missing 1% lives—not in our calendars, but in our This If you're feeling the pull toward something different, but don't want to give it all up, start here: Alignment doesn't always mean saying yes to a sabbatical or no to your next promotion. Sometimes, it means showing up differently today. Saying what you really mean in a meeting. Making one values-aligned decision before 10 AM. Asking yourself, 'Is this mine to do?' Because once you stop chasing a different life and start showing up more fully in the one you've got? That's when the real 1% magic kicks in. If you're wondering where your leadership system might be out of alignment, this quick diagnostic offers a surprising lens—and helps uncover what's ready to be subtracted. What might you remove to achieve truly sustainable - and sustaining - success?
Associated Press
17-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Climate First Bank Appoints Richard Prescott to Expand Presence in Volusia County
Renowned banking leader joins Climate First Bank to drive sustainable growth ORLANDO, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / Climate First Bank ( ), the world's first FDIC-insured digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis, today announced the appointment of Richard Prescott as First-VP, Commercial Banker. Prescott brings decades of experience and a strong commitment to community service, making him an excellent addition to the Climate First Bank Prescott Richard Prescott Headshot With over 14 years in the banking industry, Prescott brings extensive experience in commercial lending, including conventional mortgages and vacant land loans. This combination makes him well-equipped to drive Climate First Bank's mission forward. He has also demonstrated a commitment to community involvement, actively participating in local initiatives and fostering relationships with clients and colleagues alike. 'I'm excited to join Climate First Bank and honored to contribute to its mission of values-based banking,' said Richard Prescott, First-VP, Commercial Banker at Climate First Bank. 'My deep connections in Volusia County, especially DeLand, will help drive sustainable growth and positively impact the region. I look forward to leveraging my knowledge and experience to support the bank's initiatives while continuing to serve the local community.' Prescott's extensive volunteer work in Volusia County has given him deep community insights and strong local connections. These relationships will be instrumental as he expands Climate First Bank's presence in DeLand and Volusia County. Prescott's dedication to community service, combined with his professional expertise, positions him as a valuable asset to Climate First Bank and the communities it serves. 'I am thrilled to welcome Richard to Climate First Bank. We met on our first day at Stetson University, and it had turned into a lifetime of friendship, both personal and professional,' said Lex Ford, CEO and President of Climate First Bank. 'I am confident Richard will help Climate First Bank become THE bank in Deland and Volusia County.' About Climate First Bank Recognized as the fastest growing new bank in America since 2009, Climate First Bank is the world's first FDIC-insured, values based, digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis. A Certified B Corp, 1% for the Planet member and operationally net-zero since it opened its doors in June 2021, the Bank offers a complete, full-service portfolio of simple and easy-to-use traditional banking products powered by technology to meet the expectations of today's consumers. In addition to offering standard banking services, the company places a special emphasis on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and businesses committed to sustainability. Eco-conscious customers will find dedicated loan options for solar photovoltaic (PV), energy retrofits and infrastructure to help combat the climate crisis. The Bank reports annually on its impact in line with corporate social responsibility goals. Read the most recent Impact Report here. Member FDIC. For more information, please visit: Contact Information John Collins Collins Strategy Group [email protected] (917) 496-4587 Rachel Kent Marketing Director [email protected] 5186693550 SOURCE: Climate First Bank Related Images press release
Associated Press
10-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Enerflo Announces Strategic Partnership with OneEthos, Powered by Climate First Bank
Streamlined solar financing meets seamless installation: A game-changing integration for homeowners and installers. 'This collaboration between Enerflo and OneEthos represents a major leap forward in making affordable solar financing the new standard.' — Marcio deOliveira, Founder & CEO of OneEthos HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA, CA, UNITED STATES, April 10, 2025 / / -- Enerflo, the premier residential solar sales and installation software platform, has announced a strategic partnership with OneEthos, powered by Climate First Bank, to transform the solar financing and installation experience. OneEthos provides solar installers and homeowners with access to the nation's most ethical solar financing platform and is one of the only fintechs in the United States regulated by the Federal Reserve Bank. This collaboration enables residential solar installers and homeowners across the nation to benefit from a seamlessly integrated and affordable financing solution - helping accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future. Through this partnership, Enerflo users can offer homeowners access to solar financing with no dealer fees, a 30.5-year term*, and no prepayment penalties, making it the most affordable ethical solar financing option in the nation. Loan origination and processing are provided by Climate First Bank, the world's first FDIC-insured digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis, and the fastest growing new bank in the United States since 2009. This integration simplifies the financing process for installers while ensuring homeowners receive affordable solar loan options. Financing is available to all Enerflo partners now - Enerflo partners can access the offering by becoming an approved installer with OneEthos. Key Benefits for Installers and Homeowners No Dealer Fees Means Affordable Solar Financing OneEthos never charges a dealer fee, saving your client up to 30% when financing solar and making the product the most affordable on the market. OneEthos also boasts no prepayment penalties and a 30.5-year term* - maximizing affordability and long-term savings. Affordable Solar from Day One By eliminating dealer fees from project costs which can add up to 30% to the cost of solar, the 30.5-year* loan is designed to lower monthly payments, making solar more accessible than ever before. In many cases, homeowners start saving on day one, making it one of the most cost-effective loan options available. Faster Approvals & 100% Financing Enerflo's seamless integration with OneEthos eliminates friction in the loan process—installers can offer 100% financing, and most homeowners receive real-time loan decisions in as little as 30 seconds, accelerating project timelines. Streamlined Sales & Install Experience Installers using Enerflo benefit from an all-in-one sales and installation workflow, removing inefficiencies that typically delay solar projects. The financing process is now built directly into the Enerflo sales platform, reducing administrative work and keeping projects moving. Nationwide Network of Vetted Installers Homeowners can choose from a trusted network of accredited solar installers, ensuring quality installations that align with the mission of sustainable, responsible energy adoption. Driving a More Sustainable Future, Together 'We're excited to partner with OneEthos, powered by Climate First Bank to make affordable solar financing more accessible,' said Spencer Oberan, Co-Founder of Enerflo. 'This integration allows installers to focus on what they do best—delivering solar solutions and closing deals—while giving homeowners a seamless and affordable financing experience.' 'This collaboration between Enerflo and OneEthos represents a major leap forward in making affordable solar financing the new standard,' said Marcio deOliveira, Founder & CEO of OneEthos. 'Our model provides the nation's most competitive ethical solar financing program and together, we're empowering installers to provide their clients with an affordable lending option, creating a more sustainable future for all.' Beyond the technology, the partnership will also include community outreach and education initiatives to drive awareness about sustainable energy solutions and their role in fighting the climate crisis. *As an example, on a $80,000 loan a homeowner might pay $586.96 per month over 366 months at 8.00% APR. Loans are provided by Climate First Bank, Member FDIC, and are subject to credit check and approval. About Enerflo Enerflo is the only Lead-to-PTO, open API Solar Platform, designed to streamline operations for Residential Solar Installers, EPCs, and Sales Dealers. By cutting soft costs, reducing project timelines, and automating workflows, Enerflo helps solar companies deploy more solar efficiently. Enerflo connects the entire solar sales and installation process into one cohesive, data-driven platform, optimizing lead management, proposals, financing, permitting, and installation. As the backbone of top solar providers, Enerflo powers billions of dollars in solar sales, delivering a fully connected workflow from lead to PTO. For more information, visit: About OneEthos OneEthos is a Certified B Corp, mission-driven fintech company. The company operates at the intersection of financial technology (fintech) and traditional banking with the objective to accelerate the delivery of sustainable and inclusive financial services to all segments of the population. OneEthos is one of the only fintech companies specializing in climate finance in the United States and regulated by the Federal Reserve Bank. The company's mission is to enable Community Banks, Credit Unions, CDFIs, and Green Banks to grow their loan portfolios profitably and responsibly, providing access to banking products and services that have a positive impact on people, communities and the environment. For more information, please visit: About Climate First Bank Recognized as one of the fastest-growing banks in the country, Climate First Bank is the world's first FDIC-insured, values-based, digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis. A Certified B Corp, 1% for the Planet member, and operationally net-zero since it opened its doors in June 2021, the Bank offers a complete, full-service portfolio of simple and easy-to-use traditional banking products powered by technology to meet the expectations of today's consumers. In addition to offering standard banking services, the company places a special emphasis on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and businesses committed to sustainability. Eco-conscious customers will find dedicated loan options for solar photovoltaic (PV), energy retrofits and infrastructure to help combat the climate crisis. The Bank reports annually on its impact in line with corporate social responsibility goals; read the most recent Impact Report here. Member FDIC. Visit us on social media: LinkedIn YouTube Legal Disclaimer:
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Climate First Bank Reaches $1 Billion in Assets Fueled by Growth in Solar Loan Financing and Commitment to Sustainability
Bank has originated $185 million in solar lending in just two years ORLANDO, FLORIDA / / March 11, 2025 / Climate First Bank ( the world's first FDIC-insured digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis, today announced it had reached the significant milestone of $1 billion in assets. This achievement, a combination of mission-driven banking and strong demand for renewable energy investments, underscores the bank's rapid growth and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Ken LaRoe, Founder of Climate First Bank, said, "Our rapid national growth is because of our commitment to fight climate change, not in spite of it. Across the country, individuals, homeowners and businesses are demanding renewable energy investments, especially solar. That demand will only grow in the years ahead. So let me be clear: we have seen incredible growth since we opened our doors three years ago, but we are only getting started." As other banks continue to back out of CSR and ESG commitments, Climate First Bank has stayed true to its mission and continues to be a proud member of the NetZero Banking Alliance, a global initiative aimed at aligning the banking sector with the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. One of the key drivers of Climate First Bank's growth has been its innovative solar loan financing program. Through its fintech subsidiary, OneEthos, the bank has originated over $185 million in solar lending in just two years. This includes a groundbreaking national loan solution for Tesla's Solar Roof and Powerwall technologies, offering homeowners ethical and affordable financing options. "Reaching $1 billion in assets is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, customers, and stakeholders," said Lex Ford, CEO of Climate First Bank. "We are excited to continue our journey towards creating a more sustainable future and positively impacting the communities we serve." About Climate First Bank Recognized as the fastest growing new bank in America since 2009, Climate First Bank is the world's first FDIC-insured, values based, digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis. A Certified B Corp, 1% for the Planet member and operationally net-zero since it opened its doors in June 2021, the Bank offers a complete, full-service portfolio of simple and easy-to-use traditional banking products powered by technology to meet the expectations of today's consumers. In addition to offering standard banking services, the company places a special emphasis on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and businesses committed to sustainability. Eco-conscious customers will find dedicated loan options for solar photovoltaic (PV), energy retrofits and infrastructure to help combat the climate crisis. The Bank reports annually on its impact in line with corporate social responsibility goals. Read the most recent Impact Report here. Member FDIC. For more information, please visit: About OneEthos OneEthos is a Certified B Corp, mission-driven fintech company. The company operates at the intersection of financial technology (fintech) and traditional banking with the objective to accelerate the delivery of sustainable and inclusive financial services to all segments of the population. OneEthos is one of the only fintech companies specializing in climate finance in the United States and regulated by the Federal Reserve Bank. The company's mission is to enable Community Banks, Credit Unions, CDFIs, and Green Banks to grow their loan portfolios profitably and responsibly, providing access to banking products and services that have a positive impact on people, communities and the environment. For more information, please visit: Contact Information John Collins Collins Strategy Groupjohn@ 496-4587 Rachel Kent Marketing SOURCE: Climate First Bank View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
12-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Climate First Bank Grows Structured Finance Division With New Hire
Scott Frederick to Drive Growth in Factoring and Asset Based Lending at Climate First Bank ORLANDO, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / February 12, 2025 / Climate First Bank ( the world's first FDIC-insured digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis, is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Frederick as Vice President, Business Development Officer for the bank's Structured Finance division. In his new role, Scott will focus on Factoring and Asset Based Lending, bringing his extensive experience and expertise to the First Bank logo Climate First Bank Scott Frederick joins Climate First Bank with a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in the commercial finance industry. He spent the majority of his Asset Based Lending career with Crestmark, a division of Meta Financial Group. Most recently, Scott served as Vice President, Business Development Officer at Goodman Capital Finance. Scott's proven track record in developing and managing client relationships, coupled with his deep understanding of the financial landscape, makes him an invaluable addition to the Climate First Bank team. His strategic vision and leadership will play a crucial role in expanding the bank's footprint in the Structured Finance sector. 'We are thrilled to welcome Scott Frederick to Climate First Bank,' said Ryan Jaskiewicz, President of Structured Finance. 'His extensive experience and dedication to client success align perfectly with our mission to provide innovative financial solutions. We are confident that Scott will drive significant growth and enhance our service offerings in Factoring and Asset Based Lending.' Scott Frederick holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Hope College and has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including Six Sigma Certification and recognition as a top sales performer. About Climate First Bank Recognized as the fastest growing new bank in America since 2009, Climate First Bank is the world's first FDIC-insured, values based, digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis. A Certified B Corp, 1% for the Planet member and operationally net-zero since it opened its doors in June 2021, the Bank offers a complete, full-service portfolio of simple and easy-to-use traditional banking products powered by technology to meet the expectations of today's consumers. In addition to offering standard banking services, the company places a special emphasis on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and businesses committed to sustainability. Eco-conscious customers will find dedicated loan options for solar photovoltaic (PV), energy retrofits and infrastructure to help combat the climate crisis. The Bank reports annually on its impact in line with corporate social responsibility goals. Read the most recent Impact Report here. Member FDIC.
