Positive Sum

A practical framework for building inclusive prosperity through positive-sum economics Zero-sum thinking has cost the American economy an estimated $50 trillion over the last 30 years. The forthcoming book, Positive Sum: How Zero-sum Thinking Broke Capitalism ― and How We Can Fix It from the Ford Foundation’s director of Mission Investments, Roy Swan, reveals why this primitive instinct continues to cost businesses $600 billion annually, and offers a practical roadmap for recognizing the economic power of fairness to create broadly shared prosperity. Through Positive Sum Swan questions the outdated economic theory that for someone to win, someone else must lose. The book presents concrete investment strategies that have delivered proven 28% returns, while advancing inclusive growth. Readers will also find: Evidence showing how zero-sum assumptions undermine both corporate profits and national prosperity, backed by rigorous economic analysis Practical implementation strategies for impact investing that align financial returns with social outcomes across global markets Real-world case studies from the Ford Foundation's Mission Investments program demonstrating market-rate returns alongside measurable impact A distinctly American framework for stakeholder capitalism that resonates across political divides while remaining globally applicable Actionable guidance for business leaders seeking sustainable models that create value for shareholders, employees, and communities simultaneously Positive Sum offers essential reading for business leaders seeking sustainable economic models, investors looking to connect values with returns, policymakers addressing inequality, and anyone concerned about building an economy where prosperity is broadly shared rather than narrowly concentrated.

FOREWORD xiii By Pete Stavros and Darren Walker INTRODUCTION xvii What Breaking My Neck Taught Me About Capitalism CHAPTER ONE LEWIS POWELL'S DANGEROUS BRILLIANCE 1 How One Man Built Zero-Sum Thinking into US Society CHAPTER TWO THE UNSUNG WISDOM OF ADAM SMITH AND MILTON FRIEDMAN 25 Listening to What Two Economic Geniuses Actually Had to Say CHAPTER THREE PIN THE TAIL ON THE ECONOMY 47 Four Brilliant Minds Share an Imaginary Dinner CHAPTER FOUR WELCOME TO STAKEHOLDER CAPITALISM 57 Doing Well by Doing Good CHAPTER FIVE CHARTING A PATH TO GOOD MATH 69 The Church of England's Righteous Road to Positive Sum CHAPTER SIX THE MIRACULOUS POWER OF POSITIVE SUM 89 How Philanthropies Can Remake Capitalism CHAPTER SEVEN HOW TO CONQUER ROADBLOCKS AND CONVINCE THE SKEPTICS 111 Strategies for Finding Your Way to Positive Sum CHAPTER EIGHT POSITIVE-SUM HEROES 133 Learning How to Move Forward CHAPTER NINE BUILDING PATRIOTIC CAPITALISM 145 The $9.6 Trillion Secret CONCLUSION 171 Looking Ahead: The End of Economic Blindness GLOSSARY OF TERMS, CONCEPTS, AND KEY FIGURES 189 ROY'S RECOMMENDED READING LIST 203 47 Essential Books for Positive Sum Thinking ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 209 NOTES 213 INDEX 247