Dan Schulman’s Post

I have spent most of my career working to better connect our world, and to help fulfill the positive role that both the private and public sectors can drive in building bridges across countries, economies and political systems. As I enter the next chapters of my life and professional career, I am working to bring my experiences to make a positive impact, in what is a very fraught geopolitical environment. I have chosen the boards on which I serve with those thoughts in mind, choosing to work with CEO’s and missions that align with the values that I feel are more important than ever to uphold. These include creating a more inclusive economy, both domestically and across the globe. Advocating and standing up for our employees to assure they have physical, mental and financial health as a result of their employment. And that we aspire to listen to all points of view to create a more cohesive and just world, where people can talk to each other with open minds and hearts so we can come together to find common ground, and move forward in a positive manner. To continue to pursue these objectives, I am pleased to be joining Valor Capital Group as a managing partner. I will be spending a couple of days per week in this role, in order to give it the proper attention it demands, while providing me flexibility to pursue other passions of mine. I couldn’t be more thrilled to work with Cliff Sobel (former Ambassador to the Netherlands and Brazil), Scott Sobel, and the rest of the Valor team. I have known Cliff and Scott for 25 plus years, and they are close friends. Valor is focused primarily on the LatAm region of the world, and is one of, if not the leading VC in that part of the world with ~$1.4B in AUM, and ~120 companies in their portfolio. Valor's ability to bring both diplomatic and economic assets to the region is spurring cross border trade between the US and the LatAm region, and that is a large positive force for our country and the Americas region. This is more important than ever as companies look to expand near-shoring in Mexico, Brazil and other LatAm countries. I’m eager to dive in with the Valor team and do all I can to make a difference, and work with their portfolio companies to maximize their growth potential and value, and contribute to economic development throughout the region. https://lnkd.in/gqa6uW6M

I have now been a part of the Lazard board for the past two months, and it is so impressive to see Peter Orszag and his team begin to execute against their 2030 vision. I look forward to working with the rest of the board and the management team as we enter into Lazard’s next chapter.

Thanks to Brian Sozzi and Yahoo Finance for allowing me to reflect on my leadership journey.

Thank you to my friend John Hope Bryant and the HOPE Global Forums team for another inspiring Annual Meeting in Atlanta last week. I’ve had the pleasure of attending and speaking several times, and this year’s theme “making the case for optimism” was especially meaningful to me. It was an honor to speak with John about my time leading PayPal – and to reflect on the work we’ve undertaken together to advance racial equity and social justice, as well as the progress we’ve made in helping build a more inclusive economy. There is still much more work ahead of us to close the racial wealth gap, invest in underserved communities, and expand economic opportunity. But as Ambassador Andrew Young reminded all of us in attendance, it’s important to remember how far we’ve come and to not lose hope as we advance complex, long-term goals. After another visit with the community of focused and passionate leaders John has convened, I couldn’t be more optimistic about the future and the impact I know we’re going to create together.

I had the honor of joining my friend Jennifer Tescher at Money20/20 to reflect on my time as President and CEO of PayPal and discuss purpose-driven leadership. As I shared during our time together, what separates a good company from a great company is its ability to put employees first. I’ve learned throughout my career that fostering a physically, mentally, and financially healthy workforce is not only morally right, but it's good for business, ultimately driving better returns for shareholders. Thanks for the fantastic conversation, Jennifer, and thank you to Money20/20 for welcoming me back.

Today, I am honored to join the #NotAloneChallenge to remind everyone that you’re #NotAlone over the holidays. For so many, and especially in these very difficult times across the world, any one of us can feel especially anxious and despondent over the holiday season. Consequently, we’re raising awareness and funds to provide free mental health resources for everyone. No one should have to struggle in silence. As such, I’m challenging Dan Rosensweig, President and CEO of Chegg Inc., to help spread the word. Go to notalonechallenge.org for mental health resources and to bid on auction items to support Inspiring Children Foundation and Jewel Kilcher in their mission to democratize wellness. #InspiringChildren

Every documentary needs a hero and I’m so inspired by Arlo Washington, whose story is featured in “The Barber of Little Rock.” The film explores how Arlo founded People Trust Community Loan Fund, a community development financial institution (CDFI) in Little Rock, Arkansas, to help educate and financially uplift his community. I was thrilled to screen it with a group of partners and friends in Washington, D.C., last week at the historic Atlas Performing Arts Center. Arlo is changing countless lives in Little Rock and with this documentary, he will inspire so many others to make an impact in their communities.   Thank you to Arlo, John Hoffman, the film’s director and producer, and Franz Paasche for joining me to discuss this amazing documentary and the need for greater inclusion in our financial system.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of helping to shape a future where everyone can participate fully and fairly in a digital world. This week, I’m proud to join Cisco’s Board of Directors to help further their mission to inspire new possibilities in technology that powers the internet. Cisco’s commitment to connecting the unconnected and empowering teams for an inclusive future is an extension of my own journey up to this point. I look forward to working alongside Chuck Robbins and Cisco’s other Board members in the years ahead.

This week I had the opportunity to sit down with PayPal’s President and CEO Alex Chriss and reflect on my nine years leading the PayPal team. I also spent time expressing my gratitude to the people of PayPal who made my time as CEO so special. PayPal team, as I said yesterday, I hope all of you are as excited about the next chapter as I am. I cannot wait to do my part to help where I can and to cheer on your successes. PayPal is one of the few brands in the world that is going to make a real difference. Don’t take that for granted or give up for a moment. If you can continue to give 100% of yourself, then there is no stopping the potential of this great company.

It’s been just over nine years since I joined the PayPal team, and as I conclude my time as president and CEO, I’m heartened by all that we’ve accomplished. Most of all, I’m grateful for our team’s shared commitment, resilience, and perseverance. We’ve got so much to be proud of – and yet even more potential to realize as we look toward PayPal’s future. I shared some of my final thoughts with PayPal employees.