About Me

Want to learn more about this platform’s purpose?
👉 Read About Obsidian Odyssey

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

Welcome to Obsidian Odyssey.
A strategic sanctuary for those shaping the future of capital, consciousness, and civilization.

I’m EJ Elena Shin—a global investor, systems thinker, and lifelong explorer of meaning. Born into a legacy of public service and diplomacy, I’ve spent the past 12+ years building sustainable investment strategies for financial institutions—including BlackRock and Aviva Investors.

This platform is for those who are asking better questions:
— Where is the world heading?
— What does capital truly serve?
— How do we build lives—and systems—aligned with both logic and soul?

Obsidian Odyssey bridges East and West, finance and philosophy, the material and the metaphysical.

If you’re seeking wisdom beyond the quarterly cycle, and strategy beyond surface virtue—you're in the right place!

Welcome aboard!

Want to collaborate or contribute?
📬 20human00@gmail.com (please don't judge me, I have a backstory about this - you can ask me separately).

⚠️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 dream is to create a society where people can THRIVE as their true selves and find inner peace through harmony with nature. To do this, I’m pursuing solutions through finance, knowing that we live in a capital-driven world. I aim to bridge the public and private sectors to shape a financial system that reflects human values and respects all living beings.

Join me in building a more sustainable and equitable future.
#sustainability #inclusivecapitalism #equitablesociety

🪐My journey thus far:

I've been on a mission-driven path for most of my life. It began when I was just four years old and pitched the idea of studying abroad to my parents, telling them I needed the best education possible to help people.

After nearly a decade of persistence, I left my home country of South Korea to study in Toronto, Canada. I lived with a German host family, followed by a Jewish host family (not at the same time), and attended a gifted program focused on astronomy and quantum physics. Later, I moved to New York City and studied politics, international relations, and finance at NYU.

I landed my first job at BlackRock in NYC and spent the next decade growing there across New York and London. I wore many hats—multi-asset portfolio manager, global sustainable investing specialist, and ESG/climate integration lead. I partnered with institutional investors across the U.S., EMEA, Latin America, and Asia—co-creating investment strategies, designing ESG frameworks, and speaking at industry forums and lectures, including Cambridge University. I also authored thought leadership pieces on ESG policy, regulation, and portfolio construction.

(For more on my professional background, feel free to connect on LinkedIn.)

Before my asset management career, I explored various fields to find my true calling. I interned with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in South Korea, working on national security and ODA; with the International Vaccine Institute (a UN affiliate); and with several NGOs. I initially imagined becoming a diplomat or a human rights lawyer at the UN. But after witnessing how many good ideas failed due to lack of funding, I pivoted. I wanted to redirect capital—toward sustainable development, toward people, and toward systems that work.

To learn the financial system from the inside out, I interned in investment banking (M&A), private equity, and fixed income portfolio management in both NYC and Seoul.

I’ve also continued studying while working full-time—driven by a desire to help shape the blueprint for humanity’s future. I completed a Sustainability Master’s Certificate at Harvard University (3-year on-campus program), an Economic Development Certificate through LSE and the University of Cape Town, and an Executive Leadership Certificate at Oxford Saïd Business School.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve traveled to 55+ countries on pilgrimages and professional journeys—seeking models of governance, societal resilience, and meaning. I’ve become a quiet observer of humanity. These experiences have shaped not just how I think, but who I am.

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—aware that our time here is finite. While at university, I considered renouncing the world to meditate in the Himalayas and pursue spiritual enlightenment full-time (you can imagine how thrilled my parents were 😄). But I realized that fulfilling my mission required collaboration, connection, and community.

As we navigate a post-COVID world, I find myself asking deeper questions about what it means to be human, and how we can use our talents, tools, and capital to build something better.

This platform is my way of creating space—for dialogue, learning, and bold new ideas. I want to connect with people across finance, science, academia, entrepreneurship, and the creative arts. If you’re thinking about the future, reimagining what’s possible, or simply searching for a more thoughtful way forward, you’re in the right place.

Let’s build it—together.

💗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.