Philanthropy Through Finance | Former Head of Investment Operations, Cascade Asset Management Company In today’s ever-evolving financial landscape, investment I management is far more than a numbers game—it’s a discipline rooted in strategy, innovation, integrity, and, increasingly, purpose. Leaders like Eric Smith have reshaped what operational excellence looks like in investment management, guiding teams with authenticity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to both people and performance. As the former Head of Investment Operations and Co-Chair of the Operations Committee at Cascade Asset Management Company, Eric Smith has not only built a career on delivering results but has also created a legacy defined by trust, collaboration, and meaningful impact. A Mission-Driven Career Eric Smith’s career reached an important milestone when he joined Cascade Asset Management, an investment firm known for its precision and its pivotal role in managing the assets of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. When the opportunity was first presented to him, the idea of building a data management function again was immediately attractive—it was something he had done successfully before. But beyond the professional draw, there was a deeper resonance: the opportunity to support one of the most impactful philanthropic efforts in the world. Having grown up during an era when Bill Gates was a defining figure in global wealth and technology, there was a cultural weight to joining an organization tied so closely to his legacy. More than just prestige, it was the ability to contribute to a global mission that sealed Eric Smith’s decision. Knowing that the behind-the-scenes operational work he would lead could help fuel life-changing programs around the world made it a “no brainer.” Cultivating Trust as the Foundation of Success One of the most defining traits of Eric Smith’s leadership is his deep commitment to building trust within teams. He recalls reading The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, a book that had a profound impact on his leadership approach. The first dysfunction—absence of trust—particularly struck him. He had worked in environments where communication faltered and psychological safety was lacking. From that point on, he committed to fostering genuine trust and collaboration. His leadership style is built on the belief that high-performing teams are rooted in authenticity and openness. He frequently quotes Steve Job’s philosophy: “We hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” For Eric Smith, empowering others isn’t optional—it’s a requirement. He believes that without trust, even the most talented teams will fall short of their potential. Aligning Personal Values with Organizational Mission Though Eric Smith has always been driven by high standards, he’s also realistic. He begins with an honest acknowledgment: he can’t do everything at the highest level all the time. That humility enables him to rely on his team and to extend his impact through others. At Cascade, his alignment with the broader mission of the Foundation Trust was essential, even if his role didn’t involve choosing where philanthropic funds were directed. He’s clear about the distinction: the Foundation Trust doesn’t decide which programs are funded—that’s the role of the Foundation itself. His job was to ensure that the capital was available when needed so those decisions could be acted on. And that, to him, was more than enough. Eric Smith deeply respected the generosity and global focus of the Foundation’s efforts and found satisfaction in enabling their success through operational precision. Integrity, Curiosity, and Authenticity Eric Smith’s core values—curiosity, integrity, authenticity, emotional intelligence, and empathy—are central to his leadership style. Of these, authenticity has been the most transformative for him. In his early career, being a same-gender-loving individual was something he kept private. But as he matured and grew more confident, he realized that showing up fully as himself was essential not just for personal peace but for professional effectiveness. His rule is simple: “I go where I’m celebrated, not where I’m tolerated.” That guiding principle has empowered him to seek out environments where he can lead with honesty and conviction—ensuring that both the professional Eric Smith and the personal Eric remain aligned and present. Intellectual curiosity also drives much of Eric Smith’s approach. He’s someone who prefers to ask questions rather than issue directives. This curiosity is not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about unlocking better solutions through inclusive dialogue and shared problem-solving. His integrity remains non-negotiable. Across 25 years in finance, he has never compromised his values and never will. A Lifelong Learner and Thoughtful Leader Eric Smith thrives on challenge. Many of the roles he’s held involved building or transforming teams, which requires resilience, flexibility, and a strong appetite for continuous improvement. To stay sharp, he studies leadership intentionally—reading books, attending classes, listening to podcasts, and engaging in deep self-reflection. One of his rituals includes celebrating the wins, both big and small. At work, he implemented a “kudos” section in team meetings to spotlight excellence among colleagues. He knows that recognition builds morale and fosters a sense of shared purpose. On a personal level, he carries that same mindset—making space to acknowledge progress and appreciate the journey. He also believes in listening—truly listening. Eric Smith isn’t someone who listens merely to respond. He listens to learn, to understand, and to shape better outcomes. His measured and empathetic listening style has been key in building consensus and guiding thoughtful decisions. Influences That Shaped His Journey Throughout his career, several mentors and organizations helped shape Eric Smith into the leader he is today. One of the most formative figures was Janet Gray, a long-time mentor who consistently modeled excellence and provided challenging growth opportunities. She saw potential in Eric and nurtured it. At Guggenheim Partners, where he worked during the global financial crisis, Eric saw firsthand what it meant to remain composed and effective amid chaos. Leaders like Gabe Kochmer and Roy Corr left a lasting impression on him—teaching him that leadership isn’t just about strategy; it’s about steadiness in the storm. Later at DoubleLine Group LP, he was inspired by a culture that truly lived its values. A

Redefining Financial Stability Through Environmental and Social Impact The banking industry is undergoing a profound transformation as it embraces sustainability as a core business imperative. Regulatory pressures, climate risks, and growing stakeholder expectations are reshaping how banks operate, finance, and engage with communities. At the heart of this shift is a commitment to aligning financial success with environmental and social responsibility—paving the way for a more stable and equitable future. Eoin Daly, Head of Sustainability at the Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), is a leading voice in this transformation. His journey into sustainability was sparked by a deeply personal moment: a question from his then-seven-year-old daughter who asked, “Daddy, what are you doing about climate change?” His honest response— “not enough”—became a defining call to action. Around that time, sustainability reporting became mandatory for listed entities in the UAE, creating a timely opportunity for Eoin Daly to lead CBD’s transition toward a more sustainable future. Backed by the support of CBD’s CEO, Dr. Bernd van Linder, Eoin Daly was given the mandate to integrate sustainability into the bank’s strategy. Dr. van Linder recognized the importance of maintaining the bank’s social license to operate and committed to addressing the externalities of banking operations. With that, Eoin Daly began laying the groundwork for CBD’s sustainability journey. Embedding Sustainability into Strategy Eoin Daly’s diverse professional background in management consulting and leading strategic teams within CBD provided a solid foundation for his sustainability leadership. His experience building the Change Management Office, Channels and Digitization, and Customer Engagement teams translated seamlessly into forming a high-performing Sustainability team. Recognizing that sustainability transformation requires organization-wide engagement, he advocated for a systemic shift: every function within the bank needed to contribute. This led to the creation of an ESG Council, composed of representatives from various departments, which was tasked with driving key ESG initiatives and tracking their performance. This cross-functional approach ensured that sustainability was not siloed but embedded across the organization. From Vision to Action: Key Achievements Under Eoin Daly’s leadership, CBD has achieved several significant sustainability milestones. Among the most notable was the issuance of its first green bond in 2023—an initiative that ring-fenced $500 million for projects aligned with their sustainable finance framework. The Green Bond Report released in June 2024 revealed that the projects funded avoided over 100,000 tCO2e in emissions—the equivalent of what 7 million trees would sequester in a year. The bank also established its first greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions baseline across scopes 1, 2, and 3, with the assistance of external experts. While the majority of emissions stem from financed activities, CBD recognized the need to lead by example. They publicly committed to achieving carbon neutrality for their operations by 2030—demonstrating their intent to “get their own house in order” before expecting customers to follow suit. Other notable initiatives included revising the bank’s risk management framework to account for climate-related risks, co-hosting the inaugural Future Sustainability Forum, and launching their first sustainability hackathon. These projects reflect CBD’s broader commitment to innovation, education, and community collaboration in the sustainability space. A Strategic Approach to ESG Integration Eoin Daly and his team conduct annual materiality assessments to identify the most impactful ESG priorities, consulting a wide range of stakeholders including customers, NGOs, and government entities. This ensures that the bank remains focused on the initiatives that matter most while adapting to the evolving sustainability landscape. CBD’s sustainability approach is also client-centric. For corporate customers, they provide transition finance solutions—loans tied to sustainability-linked KPIs that support the shift toward greener business models. For retail customers, green banking products help promote eco-friendly financial choices. These efforts reflect CBD’s ethos of “backing customers’ ambitions”—many of which are increasingly aligned with environmental goals. Cultivating the Right Mindset: The “3Ps” When it comes to building a career in sustainability, Eoin Daly emphasizes three critical qualities: passion, patience, and perseverance. Passion is essential because sustainability is purpose-driven work; it requires belief in the mission. Patience is necessary because not everyone will be on the same page initially—people come to their “climate awakening” at different times. Perseverance is key because the work is often long-term and challenging, requiring resilience and consistency. “You don’t need to be Greta Thunberg or Al Gore, but you do need to believe in the cause and recognize there is no ‘Planet B’.” Eoin Daly explains. Changing Perceptions and Building Collaboration Historically, sustainability was seen as a cost—either for compliance or for marketing. But this perception is shifting. Increasingly, banks and businesses are recognizing that ESG oriented practices lead to stronger, more stable financial performance. For banks, managing climate risk is not just a moral obligation but a financial necessity. Ignoring these risks could lead to significant losses down the line. Eoin Daly stresses the importance of partnerships and collaboration. CBD has actively sought to “stand on the shoulders of giants,” learning from global leaders, forming local alliances with other banks, and co-developing sustainable finance frameworks. This collaborative spirit has helped accelerate progress and ensure best practices are shared across the industry. Looking Ahead: Sustainability as Second Nature Eoin Daly believes the ultimate goal is for sustainability to become fully embedded in an organization’s strategy and culture. Eventually, it should be so deeply integrated that it becomes “second nature”—not just a separate function but part of every decision, process, and value system within the bank. His advice to aspiring sustainability professionals? “Take the first step. Don’t wait to know everything. You’ll learn as you go, and you’ll be surprised by how much support you’ll find along the way.” Through vision, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to purpose, Eoin Daly is proving that sustainability and financial performance are not mutually exclusive. At the Commercial Bank of Dubai, he’s helping redefine what it means to be a responsible bank in the 21st century—one that doesn’t just manage money, but also shapes a better future. Read More: Connecting Commerce and Community: Bishop Brother’s Vision for Growth and Social Contribution

Chad Bishop brothers, Account Manager and Owner of InXpress Calgary, is redefining the relationship between commerce and community. A forward-thinking entrepreneur, Chad has infused his logistics business with a powerful vision—one that aims not only for business success, but also for social impact. Together with his brother and business partner Garret, Chad has propelled their InXpress franchise to the forefront of the logistics industry, creating a model of growth built on strategy, service, and heart. From Humble Beginnings to Lasting Legacy The Bishop brothers’ journey is one of resilience and evolution. The loss of their father when Chad was six and Garret just nine shaped the course of their lives in profound ways. Raised by a strong, determined single mother, they inherited a work ethic grounded in responsibility, perseverance, and self-reliance. Male mentors—coaches, teachers, and early employers—further fueled their growth, shaping them into hardworking professionals who understood that leadership is not about giving orders, but about setting an example. Starting as laborers and climbing the ladder through managerial and sales roles, Chad and Garret steadily built their careers before becoming franchise owners. Their collective experience cultivated a hands-on approach and a relentless drive to continuously improve. Strategic Growth Through InXpress In 2017, the brothers attended a franchise expo that would change their trajectory. Uncertain about what they were seeking but clear about what they wanted to avoid—brick-and-mortar setups, high overhead, and inventory—they discovered InXpress. The business model offered low operating costs, minimal royalties, and access to extensive training, from InXpress University to Boot Camp and mentorship programs. Chad took the lead initially, with Garret as a silent partner until 2020, when he sold his interest in another venture and joined full-time to handle daily operations. The shift in roles was pivotal. Chad focused on strategic relationships and growth, while Garret streamlined internal operations. This balance proved powerful. “It was a hard start, with an easy lesson,” Chad reflects. “You need a thick skin in this business. Rejection is part of the game, but so is persistence.” Over time, the business flourished. From modest first-year revenues, they scaled to over $900,000 in their sixth year. Milestones include winning the “Top Gun” award for margin growth in year two and “Best Retention” in year four. In 2022, their commitment deepened with a five-year franchise renewal—a move that solidified their vision of long-term sustainability and impact. A Business Built on Service and Relationships Chad and Garret’s success lies in their deeply customer-centric philosophy. They position InXpress Calgary as more than a shipping provider; they are a trusted extension of their clients’ businesses. Their approach focuses on offering Economical Shipping Solutions with the kind of personal, face-to-face service that stands out in a digital, automated age. “We are a preferred choice because our customers can put a face to the business,” says Chad. “They call, and we answer—even if it’s after hours, on weekends, or during holidays.” That level of dedication has earned customer loyalty, even from those who initially explored competitor services. While competitive pricing plays a role, the real differentiator is service. The Bishop brothers know that in logistics, where complexities abound, reliability and responsiveness can make or break a client relationship. Solving Industry Challenges with Innovation From the outset, the brothers identified key gaps in the logistics space—namely, high costs and poor customer service. Their strategy was simple: provide better pricing and exceptional support to help businesses grow. They’ve empowered their clients to enter new markets, expand their revenue streams, and navigate shipping logistics with confidence. But growth hasn’t come without challenges. Logistics is a high-touch, high-stakes industry. Convincing businesses to change providers is difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, hiring the right team members who can match their service standards has proven a recurring obstacle. Despite these challenges, Chad and Garret continue to refine their hiring practices and client acquisition strategies, staying focused on long-term results. Culture-Driven Leadership At the heart of their business is a values-driven culture. Hard work, accountability, and self-motivation are not just expected—they’re lived daily. Chad and Garret have created a workplace that feels like family, extending that same warmth to their customers. “Our goal is to make people feel supported,” Chad explains. “Whether you’re a large enterprise or a small startup, you deserve respect, guidance, and attention.” The combination of InXpress’s structured training programs and the Bishop brothers’ deeply ingrained values has fostered a professional environment where people feel empowered and appreciated. The result is a thriving franchise built on trust, loyalty, and shared success. Community Engagement at the Core For Chad, success is measured not only in profit but in impact. Under his leadership, InXpress Calgary is active in a range of community-focused efforts. One of the most notable is their participation in InXpress Gives Back, an annual global initiative supported by the corporate office. From landscaping a school in a low-income neighborhood to creating holiday cards for veterans, and even offering discounted shipping to support the “Take a Kid to the Course” golf program, Chad has championed projects that reflect the company’s commitment to social responsibility. “We want to be known not just for what we do, but how we do it—and who we support along the way,” Chad notes. Looking to the Future Garret and Chad’s vision for InXpress is far-reaching. They aim to expand their footprint both within Canada and across the global InXpress network. By building out their sales and service teams, they hope to shift more of their time toward high-level strategy, process optimization, and expanding their offerings to existing clients. This shift will allow them to not only drive revenue but also create meaningful employment opportunities and build a more sustainable business model—one capable of generating passive income and long-term stability. In an age where businesses often prioritize scale over service, Chad and Garret are proving that it’s possible to achieve both. Their success stems from a rare blend of resilience, heart, and strategic thinking—and they’re just getting started. Conclusion Chad Bishop brothers’s story is one of vision, grit,