Capitalism’s Next Frontier: Why Cross-Industry Collaboration is the Key to Solving Big Problems
All too often, we work in silos. Within organizations, industries, and sectors, we limit the flow of ideas and stifle innovation. But what if the solution to our most pressing challenges—climate change, systemic inequities, and public health crises—exists at the intersection of industry collaboration?
This question reemerged while sitting on a panel at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health. I shared the stage with a doctor and a nonprofit leader, with a public health expert moderating. We brought unique perspectives, but we also exposed a glaring disconnect: grassroots organizations, researchers, and public health advocates often work in isolation. Meanwhile, businesses—uniquely equipped to bridge gaps and scale solutions are absent from these discussions.
It’s time for a capitalist evolution that says,
“Yes, my goal is to make money, but let me first take care of the people I rely on—not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s smart business. Healthier, happier societies fuel innovation, productivity, and, yes, profits.”
The Darkness Beneath the Light
Of course, this vision isn’t without challenges. At its core, capitalism grapples with a difficult truth: people can be greedy, short-sighted, and fearful. Even the wealthy often operate in a survival mentality, hoarding wealth as though scarcity were inevitable. For some, the suffering of others reinforces their sense of power and security. This darkness—the pain and fear underlying capitalism—cannot be ignored.
I’ve experienced this firsthand. When I started my first business, my goal wasn’t to get rich. I wanted to connect people who felt isolated. It worked. My heart was in the work, and the business thrived. But as success grew, so did distractions: high-rise condos, champagne Fridays, and a lifestyle misaligned with my purpose. I lost focus, and eventually, I lost everything.
Moving to Atlanta after that failure was my life’s most humbling and spiritually awakening experience. I reflected on my journey, cataloging lessons from my successes and failures. This clarity led me to build a program teaching youth how to launch startups.
What I witnessed was transformative. These young people weren’t just learning business skills—they were becoming more confident, resilient, and self-aware. That’s when I realized that business has a greater purpose.
Breaking Down Silos
Silos—organizational, industrial, and sectoral—are a product of legacy thinking. We compartmentalize problems for efficiency, assuming specialization is the best path to solutions. But today’s challenges are too complex for any single entity to solve alone.
Take public health. Grassroots organizations have the trust to engage marginalized communities. Research institutions bring data and evidence-based strategies. Businesses have the resources to scale solutions and innovate. Together, these groups could create transformative change. Yet, too often, they operate in isolation.
Business as the Catalyst
Businesses are uniquely positioned to act as catalysts in cross-industry collaboration. They have the financial resources, infrastructure, and influence to convene stakeholders and drive systemic change. But this requires a fundamental shift in how businesses view their societal role.
The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer shows that people increasingly expect corporations to take responsibility for societal well-being. Yet many businesses remain stuck in a shareholder-first mindset, prioritizing quarterly earnings over long-term value.
The solution is people-first capitalism. Thriving societies create thriving businesses. By focusing on people, businesses ensure stability and growth while improving lives.
A Capitalist Evolution
The challenges of the 21st century require a new kind of capitalism: one that measures success not just by profits but by the well-being of people and the planet. This evolution won’t happen overnight, but the path forward is clear:
Reframe Success: Focus on long-term value, not short-term gains.
Embrace Accountability: Measure societal impact alongside financial returns.
Invest in Ecosystems: Support solutions that address root causes, not symptoms.
Lead with Empathy: People are the foundation of business success.
When businesses, nonprofits, and communities collaborate, they create solutions no one could achieve alone. This is how we redefine capitalism—not by abandoning profit but by aligning it with societal well-being.
Let’s work toward a future where businesses thrive because people thrive. What’s your take?
Thats me with the baby.
Emory Rollins School of Public Health