When you hear the word “capitalist,” what comes to mind?
For many people, it’s a Wall Street executive, a greedy tycoon, or a faceless corporation focused solely on profits. But there’s a better way. A more mindful, heart-centered, and human way.
Enter the Conscious Capitalist.
A conscious capitalist is someone who uses money as a force for good—intentionally directing their dollars to uplift people, empower communities, protect the planet, and promote equity. And here’s the beautiful part: you don’t need to be a CEO to be one. Whether you’re running a business, working a 9-to-5, or managing a household, every financial decision you make is a chance to vote for the world you want to live in.
Here are five practical ways you can be a conscious capitalist starting today.
5 Ways to Be a Conscious Capitalist
1. Pay People Well
Being a conscious capitalist starts with how we treat those who serve us—both in and out of the workplace.
As a former business owner, I witnessed how paying people well, offering profit sharing, and recognizing contributions created a culture of loyalty and dignity. But even if you’re not an employer, you can still live this value by tipping generously, giving unexpected bonuses to service providers, and overpaying on purpose when you know someone is undercharging.
One of my personal mantras? “I’m known as a big tipper.” Because paying well is about more than generosity—it’s about reflecting someone’s worth back to them in a tangible way.
2. Support Conscious Companies
Where you spend your money matters. Conscious companies often go the extra mile to ensure their products are made sustainably, their employees are treated ethically, and their profits support meaningful causes. When we choose to shop with these businesses, we’re helping them thrive and encouraging others to follow suit.
A few of my personal favorites:
- Quince: Affordable luxury clothing and home goods made with organic materials and ethical labor.
- Awe Inspired Jewelry: Gorgeous jewelry that funds nonprofits supporting women and marginalized communities.
Yes, the price tags might be a little higher, but so is the impact.
3. Use Your Money to Care for Mother Earth
A conscious capitalist doesn’t just consider people; they consider the planet. When I learned that 27,000 trees are cut down every day to make toilet paper, I switched to Honeycomb Luxury bamboo toilet paper. It’s more expensive, yes—but it’s also sustainable, fast-growing, and pesticide-free.
Whether it’s swapping out plastic packaging, buying from local organic farmers, or investing in non-toxic household goods, these “green upgrades” are powerful ways to put your money where your values are.
4. Buy from Women and Minority-Owned Businesses
This isn’t charity. It’s economic empowerment.
Purchasing from women- and minority-owned businesses helps:
- Circulate wealth in underserved communities
- Close racial and gender wealth gaps
- Encourage entrepreneurship
- Introduce unique, community-rooted products to the market
One of my favorite ways to live this out is by supporting MORTAR, an entrepreneurial incubator where 67% of graduates are women of color. For my birthday last year, I hired one of their alumni, Crystal Marie of Magnificent Morsels Catering, and her food was both delicious and impactful!
If you want to be a conscious capitalist, this is a high-impact place to start.
5. Give a Percentage of Every Dollar You Earn
Generosity is one of the most powerful tools in the conscious capitalist’s toolbox. You don’t need to be wealthy to give. In fact, I started giving $5 a week when I was rebuilding from financial rock bottom. Today, I give multiple five figures a year, but it started with one small step.
As the late Jim Rohn said, “If you can’t give $10 out of $100, you won’t give $100,000 out of a million.”
The habit of giving reinforces a powerful belief: I already have enough to make a difference. That’s the essence of a wealth mindset.
Ready to Deepen Your Generosity Practice?
If the idea of becoming a more intentional, generous version of yourself lights you up, I invite you to join me for the Becoming the Benefactor Workshop.
- It’s available on demand, so you can watch anytime.
- You’ll discover the heart, mind, actions, and boundaries of a modern-day benefactor.
- And you’ll leave with a personalized Benefactor Blueprint to guide your giving with clarity and joy.
Click here to access the workshop.
Because money’s job isn’t just to grow—it’s to heal, help, and uplift.
Let’s use it wisely, my friend.