In this episode of More MPE, hosts Ray Horton and Sandi Wright speak with Ron Gonen ’04, founder and CEO of Closed Loop Partners, a New York-based investment firm composed of venture capital, growth equity, private equity, project finance, and an innovation center focused on building the circular economy.

During this engaging interview, we discuss Gonen’s career trajectory, and he offers lessons on the transferability of leadership skills across different sectors, from entrepreneurship to government and finance. He stresses the importance of adaptability in leadership styles, particularly in motivating teams across various environments. His experience in the New York City Sanitation Department as deputy commissioner of sanitation, recycling and sustainability taught him valuable lessons about executing for leadership and maintaining high standards of professionalism.

Gonen's interview provides valuable insights for current and future Business School students. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and purpose when pursuing an MBA, advising students to tailor their education to their professional goals. Gonen's own experience at Columbia Business School demonstrates how he leveraged the School's resources, including the Greenhouse Program and Lang Fund, to develop and launch his first venture, RecycleBank. He highlights the significance of sales and HR skills, which he believes are often overlooked in top-tier MBA programs but are crucial for business success.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Gonen advises complete commitment to the venture, cautioning against considering other options if truly dedicated to starting a business. He also emphasizes the importance of learning from failures and quickly adapting those lessons to future ventures. For those interested in impact-focused careers, Gonen suggests identifying and maximizing specific skill sets that can complement entrepreneurial ventures. Throughout the interview, Gonen's story underscores the potential for combining social impact with financial success, challenging the notion that these goals are mutually exclusive.

• Ron Gonen ’04

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More MPE is co-hosted by Sandi Wright and produced by The Podcast Consultant. Special thanks to executive producer Hannah Slow and student producers Sofia Martins '26 and Dominica Wambold '26.

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