I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Has your business been impacted by the recent fires? Apply now for a chance to receive one of 10 free tickets to SuperCrowdLA on May 2nd and 3rd and gain the tools to rebuild and grow!Devin: What is your superpower?Craig: I think my superpower is empathic awareness and the ability to kind of perceive what others are thinking.Investing has long been a game reserved for the elite, but Craig Jonas is working to change that. As the founder and CEO of CoPeace Capital, he’s on a mission to use investing as a force for good, ensuring that more people—especially those historically excluded from wealth-building opportunities—can participate in equity investing.“Many communities have not had the access to growing their wealth through equity investing,” Craig explained. “And the crowdfunding platforms allow that to happen.”CoPeace, a Certified B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation, has been actively raising capital from the crowd, successfully leveraging Regulation Crowdfunding to fuel its impact-driven investments. By embracing this approach, CoPeace is not only funding its own growth but also identifying promising companies that align with its mission. The company has already invested in businesses focused on sustainable infrastructure and social impact, proving that financial returns and positive change can coexist.Craig emphasized that success in impact crowdfunding isn’t automatic—it requires effort, strategy, and community engagement. “The number one learning is that it’s not magic. It takes work to develop the crowd that might want to invest in what you’re doing.”A common misconception about impact investing is that it requires sacrificing returns. Craig challenges that notion, pointing out that market-based returns are not only possible but often stronger when companies prioritize sustainability and long-term value creation. “Not only are we seeing kind of market-based returns, but the data is showing that it is a good business decision to care about the future of our world,” he said.With plans to launch a larger fund, CoPeace Capital is expanding its ability to invest in high-impact businesses while continuing to make equity investing more accessible. Craig’s leadership in this space demonstrates that with the right approach, anyone can leverage capital to drive meaningful change.For those looking to align their investments with their values, CoPeace offers a compelling example of how financial success and social impact can go hand in hand.tl;dr:* Craig Jonas, CEO of CoPeace Capital, discusses using impact investing to democratize access to wealth-building opportunities.* He shares insights from CoPeace’s successful Regulation Crowdfunding campaign and how it supports mission-aligned businesses.* Craig challenges the misconception that impact investing requires sacrificing financial returns, highlighting data that supports market-based gains.* He explains his superpower, empathic awareness, and how it shapes his leadership and investment strategies.* Craig offers practical advice for developing empathic awareness, emphasizing active listening, reflection, and immersing oneself in diverse environments.How to Develop Empathic Awareness As a SuperpowerCraig’s superpower is empathic awareness—the ability to perceive and deeply understand the emotions and perspectives of others.Craig describes this skill as an essential part of navigating the impact investing space. "I think my superpower is empathic awareness and the ability to kind of perceive what others are thinking," he shared. By listening intently to stakeholders, investors, and the communities CoPeace serves, Craig ensures that their needs and concerns shape the company’s mission and strategy.One powerful example of Craig’s empathic awareness took place during his time as a basketball coach in post-apartheid South Africa. Selected as the first American coach to work in the townships, he recalls sensing the fear and hesitation in the eyes of young players as he entered their community. By being present, acknowledging their lived experiences, and creating a space of mutual trust, he fostered a meaningful connection that made the basketball clinic not only a success but also a transformational moment for everyone involved.Craig believes that developing empathic awareness requires intentional effort. His tips include:* Pause and Reflect: Before reacting, take an extra moment to consider the perspectives of others.* Engage in New Environments: Step outside your comfort zone by immersing yourself in different cultures and communities.* Observe Role Models: Identify and learn from individuals who demonstrate deep empathy in their interactions.* Listen Actively: Focus on understanding rather than responding—allow people to share their experiences fully.By following Craig’s example and advice, you can make empathic awareness a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileCraig Jonas (he/him):CEO, CoPeace CapitalAbout CoPeace Capital: Our mission is to drive measurable and sustainable impact on our world and the people who live in it by funding and fostering growth-stage ventures in Healthcare and Sport: Investing as a force for good.Website: copeace.comX/Twitter Handle: @CoPeaceLinkTree: linktr.ee/CoPeaceOther URL: invest.svx.us/offering/copcop2/Biographical Information: Craig Jonas is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of leadership experience across business, academics, and athletics. As the founder of CoPeace, he built a mission-driven holding company focused on sustainable investments and democratizing access to equity. Previously, he served as COO of Basketball Travelers and BTI Events, managing global sports events, and held leadership roles at Sportvision and Coach’s Edge. Craig holds a doctorate in conflict management from the University of Kansas and has been featured in Forbes, Worth, and Triple Pundit. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Seanna, and their dog, Fergus.BluSky Handle: @jonascopeace.bsky.socialPersonal Facebook Profile: fb.com/craig.jonas.77Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/craigjonas/Instagram Handle: @CoPeacePBCSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today’s advertisers include FundingHope, Imotobank Dealership, Crowdfunding Made Simple and SuperCrowdLA. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – Where Innovation Meets Impact! Join us on March 12, 2025, for the Q1-25 live pitch event, streaming on e360tv, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Watch impact-driven startups pitch their bold ideas, connect with investors, and drive positive change. Don’t miss this chance to witness innovation in action!* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on March 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, March 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe will be leading a session on "How to Build a VC-Style Impact Crowdfunding Portfolio," sharing expert insights on diversifying investments, identifying high-potential impact ventures, and leveraging crowdfunding for both financial and social returns. Whether you're an experienced investor or just getting started, this is a must-attend! Don’t miss it!* SuperCrowdLA: we’re going to be live in Santa Monica, California, May 1-3. Plan to join us for a major, in-person event focused on scaling impact. Sponsored by Digital Niche Agency, ProActive Real Estate and others. This will be a can’t-miss event. Has your business been impacted by the recent fires? Apply now for a chance to receive one of 10 free tickets to SuperCrowdLA on May 2nd and 3rd and gain the tools to rebuild and grow!Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Capital Raise Strategies for Purpose Driven Enterprises, hosted by PathLight Law, February 25 at 1:00 PM ET.* Kingscrowd Meet UP in San Francisco, CA - February 27th at 5:30 PM PT* Igniting Community Capital to Build Outdoor Recreation Communities, Crowdfund Better, Thursdays, March 20 & 27, April 3 & 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET.* NC3 Changing the Paradigm: Mobilizing Community Investment Funds, March 7, 2025* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, April 1-2, 2-25.* Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:* Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefitting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe