About Me

I. Short version.😍 If you are short on time and just want to check if this site is for you.

Hi ✋🏽 – Welcome to Obsidian Odyssey (a.k.a. EJ's World)! I am a London-based investor, and a specialist in sustainable investing (Head of Climate Solutions). I've been working in finance between New York and London over a decade. If you are passionate about investing, sustainable development, climate science, the Universe, conscious living/mental health and productivity (incl. AI stuff), you are in the right place!!!

I lived and worked most of my life as an expat across four different countries (South Korea, Canada, US, and UK) and explored 55+ countries and counting. So, I hope I can bring some unique perspectives to the table.

I created this website to build a community of like-minded people from all around the world to exchange ideas and build a better future together. Please hop on! Also, please email me at projecteudaimonic.life@gmail.com if you want to collaborate with me or contribute to the blog posts here!

⚠️Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog/website is purely personal opinion and do not reflect the view of the organization or entity that I am associated with and employed. This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice - EJ Shin is not responsible for investment actions taken by visitors/viewers. Please seek out a registered advisor in your jurisdiction if you require assistance.

II. Long version. 🧐 If you have time and really want to get to know me. 🙂 I warned you - it’s long!

My name is EJ Elena Shin, also known as Eun-Je Shin. She/Her. I am a practical idealist. As a firm believer in the equality of all beings in the universe, I am on a mission to create a just, inclusive, and sustainable world for all, including animals and nature.

My dream is to establish a society where people can be their true selves and find inner peace by being in harmony with nature. To achieve this, I'm pursuing solutions in finance, knowing that we live in a capitalistic society. I aim to bring the public and private sectors together to create a financial system that reflects people's hearts' desires and respects all living beings on our planet. Join me in creating a sustainable, equitable society. #sustainability #sustainabledevelopment #inclusivecapitalism #equitablesociety

🪐My journey thus far:

I've been on a mission journey for over a couple of decades now. It all started when I was just four years old, and I pitched the idea of studying abroad to my parents, telling them that I wanted to help people and that I needed the best education possible to do so.

After a decade of convincing, I left my home country of South Korea and my family behind to study in Toronto, Canada. I grew up with a German host family, followed by a Jewish host family (not at the same time), and attended a high school with a gifted student program, focusing on astronomy and quantum physics. Then, I moved to New York City, where I studied politics, international relations, and finance at NYU.

I was lucky enough to land my first job at a large asset management company called BlackRock in NYC after graduating and grew up there for a decade between NYC and London. At BlackRock, I wore various hats, including multi-asset portfolio manager, global sustainable investing specialist, and global ESG integration/research lead. Through my work, I've had the privilege of working with investors/clients across the US, EMEA, Latin America, and Asia, sharing solutions to their needs/problems in their offices and at industry conferences. Also, I'm passionate about knowledge sharing and the exchange of ideas, so I've been speaking at industry conferences, incl. Cambridge University about ESG portfolio construction. You can see my passion in multiple thought leadership pieces on ESG, its regulatory landscape, and portfolio construction. If you're interested in learning more about my professional experience, please visit my LinkedIn page at www.linkedin.com/in/ejelenashin.

Before embarking on my career in asset management, I interned in various fields to find my true calling. I worked with the government (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade) in South Korea on national security and ODA teams, as well as with the UN affiliate, International Vaccine Institute, and NGOs. Initially, I thought my mission was to become a diplomat or a human rights lawyer at the UN, working out in the field in developing countries. However, after my internships, I realized that no great idea can be implemented without funding, which led me to pursue a career in finance. I wanted to channel money into sustainable development and the efficient redistribution of resources and energy. To learn more about the financial industry, I interned in investment banking (M&A) and private equity in NYC, as well as in fixed-income portfolio management in both NYC and South Korea.

As a perpetual learning machine, I've continued my education while working full-time, earning a sustainability master's certificate from Harvard University (a 3-year on-campus program), an economic development master's certificate from LSE/University of Cape Town in South Africa, and an executive leadership master's certificate from Oxford Saïd Business School in the UK.

Over the past 20 years, I've gone on adventures and pilgrimages to over 50 countries in search of the best government and societal practices and the meaning of life. I've become an observer of humanity, and I feel privileged to have had these experiences and to have met inspiring people along the way.

It was these experiences that motivated me to create this space so that I can connect with more people in the world. As Maya Angelou said, "I come as one, but I stand as 10,000."

🛰️Why I created this website:

“Memento Mori – remember your mortality.” — Marcus Aurelius

I've always been on a spiritual quest to find life's purpose, mindful of our finite time on Earth. While in university, I considered seeking spiritual enlightenment in the Himalayas by renouncing the world (you can imagine how fun it must be to be my parents 🙂). However, I realized that fulfilling my mission requires collaboration with like-minded individuals. As we navigate this brave new world post-COVID-19, I'm questioning what it means to be human and how we can make a positive impact during our time here. I'm eager to connect with people from all walks of life (finance, climate science, academia, entrepreneurs, creators, students, etc.) to create a platform for exchanging ideas.

💗My intentions for this space are three-fold:

Documentation + Community + Healing

I want to share my journey and connect with like-minded people from around the world. The saying goes “if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Additionally, I hope this space can be a healing place for anyone, regardless of their background or labels. While I don't have all the answers, I want to share my journey and mistakes to spare others unnecessary pain and suffering. As a species, we evolve by learning from each other. Each of us is on our own hero's journey, and I look forward to learning about yours. Please come and say hello!

😊A few rules of engagement:

Positive vibes only. No egos. Be kind. Remember your mortality. This is a safe space. Share knowledge, laughter, and optimism. SHINE YOUR LIGHT AND SMILE! If you're feeling down, observe and let this community inspire you. Let's help each other regain strength and energy.