The LCN Interview: Sabrina Antou

We are delighted to feature an interview with Sabrina Antou, the founding partner of Broomstick Capital. Her previous career included over 10 years at financial institutions such as UBS Investment Bank, J. P. Morgan, Citi and BNP Paribas.

What does Broomstick Capital do?

Broomstick Capital is an enlightened London-based private equity firm that is pioneering and promoting a new breed of asset class known as “spiritual-impact” investment funds. Spiritual impact investment is about creating a win-win environment by investing in conscious businesses and supporting their growth by creating real value instead of extracting it.

What drove you to set up Broomstick Capital?

This is an inner calling and a mission I discovered in my journey towards success. Being confronted with an environment that required a certain behaviour to succeed felt wrong and I realised that sacrificing certain aspects of our humanity for financial success has become widely accepted in our society. I believe we can create prosperity for ourselves and for others whilst remaining true to ourselves. With Broomstick Capital, I see an opportunity to be the figurehead for a heart-based living society.

How do you measure spirituality?

Spiritual impact investing is based on the law of quantum physics, whereby we’re all interconnected. What one does right now, today, is impacting someone else simultaneously somewhere else on our planet.

Let’s consider the company as a spiritual hub, and through the lenses of quantum physics, that the entire material world is nothing but vibration, and that we are all interconnected. Therefore, by raising the vibrational frequency of the energy that resides within the company and that defines its relationship with its stakeholders to a higher state of consciousness, it will effect the business environment and by extension the whole of society and humanity. When we change the SELF, we are in the greatest position to create change within others because we become transformational, high vibrational examples for others to follow.

How does this translate into business terms?

We first select companies that have adopted a humanistic approach to business. It is the energy that it is put into the management and throughout, that differentiates them from the norm. These companies will be narrowed down through a holistic combination of qualitative and quantitative investment criteria. To this effect, we have created a tool, Business Spiritual Quotient (BSQ) to screen the target investments by assessing the level of spirituality and consciousness within a company. The tool encompasses socio-psychological and spiritual components. It allows us to capture what drives the culture and the values of a company and also to what extent the leadership and management of the company are aligned with their higher purpose.

This allows us to formulate a bespoke strategy for the company to tap into their potential to create more prosperity and to strengthen and optimise its connections with its stakeholders (employees, customers, investors, suppliers and the community). Therefore we are helping them create real value.

Why did you choose the name Broomstick Capital? Aren’t you worried that some people will think you are nuts?

Why not? Our motto is “Bringing Magic Into Business” and my name is Sabrina.

To answer your question more seriously, there is so much meaning behind it. First of all, we are disrupting the very traditional realm of private equity and our branding speaks for itself. Secondly, we mean what we say when we talk about defying the status quo of how business is done and expected to be done to conform to the norm. As much as there has been for a long time the belief that we need to sacrifice a part of ourselves in order to reach success, that we need to leave a part of ourselves at home when we go to work, there is a belief that we will not be taken seriously if we don’t show a certain image. We believe this is gradually coming to an end.

Those who partner with us are not afraid of not fitting in and share the same vision. Our branding is self selecting as we are attracting to us those who can see beyond, who have vision. It is about elevating society’s consciousness and being part of that journey with a company feels just magical to us. And those who find it off-putting … well we can’t make everyone happy!

Which mentor or role model has been most influential in your business life?

I have had many mentors and role models throughout my life as I always strive to better myself in all areas of my life. I have learned that how you show up in the world is what defines you as a person whether it is in your private or business life. Someone I respect a lot is Tony Robbins, from whom I learned that our highest level of fulfillment is our sense of contribution and progress. This is so true. This is what gives us meaning and ultimately happiness.

What would be your dream job if you didn’t work in finance?

I love performing arts so if I would have loved to be a Bollywood actress. This is so much fun as you get to dance, act, and even sing. The full package!

In a movie of your life story, which actor should play you?

Probably a Bollywood actress but haven’t made up my mind yet which one would be best.

What do you do to relax?

I love dancing, whether it is Argentinian tango, salsa, etc. It takes me to a different world.

What’s your favourite holiday destination?

My favourite holiday destination is to go back home to Reunion Island, a French tropical Island in the Indian Ocean. This is where I grew up and where most of my family and friends live. It is always a delight to go around Christmas as it is summer time and very festive.

What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?

Embrace what will come to you and don’t be scared. When things don’t go according to plan, it is because something even better is coming your way. Have faith, always!