The Essence of Dick Vodra

Smart ~ Kind ~ Convening ~ Articulate ~ Visionary ~ Charitable ~ Synthesizing

Dick and Jane Vodra

This Essence portrait was part of my fork in the road.

In 1999, while working at my desk in search of a deeper engagement in financial planning. Despite my love for the company I was with, there had to be a broader perspective on investing. I wanted to move beyond the routine of asking a few questions and selling the mutual fund of the day. I sought a more holistic approach and exposure to perspectives outside the company framework.

Then, I discovered a two-day session led by George Kinder titled “The Seven Stages of Money Maturity.” It was an eye-opener and a turning point, offering a new, transformative view of financial planning.

George mentioned a dinner on the evening after the second day, where like-minded individuals would gather under the banner of the “Nazrudin Project.” As the only Canadian and first international attendee, I was initially apprehensive. However, it felt like a family reunion, and I was instantly welcomed. This experience left a lasting impression on me, occurring just nine years into my career, which has now spanned over thirty-two years and continues to grow.

The following year, I had the opportunity to attend another “Naz” gathering, this time in Nebraska, where I met Dick for the first time.

Over the past twenty-five years, I have come to respect Dick deeply. He is genuine, insightful, and more concerned about our natural resources and planet than even this forward-thinking group. Financial planners hold a unique position of trust with their clients, and Dick advocates using that trust to raise awareness about our collective environmental impact.

Additionally, Dick has excelled and has emerged as a leading advocate for environmental issues. He has spearheaded numerous discussions and championed the cause of sustainability. I am honoured to call him a friend.

Dick introduced me to concepts like Peak Oil and various ecological issues, inspiring many others along the way. Enough about the background, meet Dick.

Looking back at your life, you come across many forks on the road. Which one made a significant impact on the rest of your life?

My “fork in the road” was my realization that the economy (and society) is based on energy and materials, not money and that physical limits (including climate change) would shape our collective future.  Once I started down this path in the 2003-2006, my way of thinking and seeing changed to the point that I described my approach as “Worldview Two.”  Among other things, the realization challenged my approach to financial planning.  It remains a challenge because few people, even “planners,” see the world as I do.  Two decades later, none of the trend lines have changed, and I believe it is too late to expect any effective action to avoid catastrophic changes in the climate and environment.  My role now is to help people cope with the coming crisis.

What challenges have you overcome?

As I have created new ideas and worldviews, my biggest challenge has been converting those ideas into money.  In finance, most income is generated through transactions, sales, and client acquisition, which are different skills from developing novel understandings.  Eventually, I could create enough of a business base to support my family and my work in research, writing, speaking, and leadership, but it was never easy.  My health problems compounded the challenge, but I was able to have an impact on the profession as well as on my clients. 

What “Gem” would you have to share for the benefit of others? Or what would you tell your younger self?

In my life, ideas are fundamental, both mine and other people’s, but so are connections between people.  (Math people call this pattern “nodes and edges.)  I have found that helping promote links and connections has been as valuable as developing ideas.  I encourage everyone to look for opportunities to convene groups at any scale (from local to global), to lead, to participate, to be welcoming and inclusive, and to reach out to those who may be reluctant to join.  This allows everyone to build on their strengths, learn from others, and form networks of networks.  Real connections have been better for me than what is offered on social networks.

To reach Dick - revodra@outlook.com