Eric Koeplin is a trailblazer in the intersection of finance and ethical investment, serving as the visionary founder and CEO of Alpha Principle. With a foundation as an Eagle Scout and a robust educational background from the Leeds School of Business, Koeplin has distinguished himself in the financial world through his roles at The Milestone Group and AdvicePeriod, before embarking on a journey to redefine investment strategies with societal impact at Alpha Principle. Recognized by Barron’s and The Wall Street Journal for his innovative approach, Koeplin’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to blending financial success with positive social change. An outdoor enthusiast, he draws inspiration from nature, applying lessons from the wilderness to the complexities of finance, advocating for sustainable and ethical investing practices that pave the way for a better tomorrow.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts with a brief activity to clear my mind, followed by reviewing financial reports and market news. I prioritize tasks for the day, focusing on strategic planning and client meetings. Productivity comes from strict prioritization and dedicating blocks of time to specific tasks without distractions.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life through “what-if” analysis. I discuss new concepts with my team, encouraging open dialogue and diverse perspectives. Then, we prototype and test these ideas, gathering data to refine and adjust before a full rollout.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I am excited by the intersection of ethical investing with the simultaneous pursuit of investment outperformance. The shift towards investments that consider social factors represents not just a trend but a fundamental change in how we define value and success in the financial world. I think of this trend as the pursuit of “Doing Good while Doing Well.”
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I write lists of goals and objectives – and then I continually prioritize and update my lists, as I complete tasks.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell my younger self to embrace failures as a stepping stone to success. Fear of failure can be paralyzing, but each setback is an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine your approach.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that financial success and societal improvement are not mutually exclusive but rather mutually reinforcing. Despite skepticism, I’m convinced that investments can be both very profitable and socially responsible.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Reflect regularly on your goals and the impact of your actions. This introspection helps align your daily tasks with your larger objectives and ensures you’re contributing positively to the world.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I love to create incredible landscapes. People tease me about how much I love planting trees. The simplicity and beauty of the outdoors help me regain perspective, refocus, and approach tasks with renewed energy.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building genuine relationships based on trust and mutual respect has been instrumental. Networking with sincerity and offering value without expecting immediate returns have opened doors and fostered growth opportunities.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I experienced an investment loss due to a lack of due diligence. I overcame this by adopting a more rigorous analytical approach and learning the importance of thorough research and risk assessment. This failure taught me the value of humility and the need for continuous learning.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A platform that connects investors with small, ethical startups and initiatives, focusing on solving societal challenges. This would not only provide funding for worthy causes but also offer investors a chance to contribute to tangible, positive change.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I heavily rely on digital project planning tools, such as Teams and Wrike. It helps me organize tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate with my team efficiently, ensuring we stay on track with our goals.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
A favorite book of mine is “The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History” by Elizabeth Kolbert. This Pulitzer Prize-winning work offers a compelling and sobering look at the ongoing biodiversity crisis, providing historical context and current developments in species extinction.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching “Our Planet,” a documentary series on Netflix. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the series beautifully captures the incredible diversity of life on Earth while highlighting the environmental challenges facing our world.
Key learnings:
- Integration of Outdoor Principles in Finance
- Commitment to Ethical Investing
- Value of Reflection and Continuous Improvement