About Me
Obsidian Odyssey = A platform bridging global finance, systems thinking, and human consciousness for a sustainable future. A strategic sanctuary for those shaping the future of capital, consciousness, and civilization.
I. Short version.😍 If you are short on time and just want to check if this site is for you.
Hi, I’m EJ Elena Shin—a New Yorker, global investor, systems thinker, and lifelong explorer of meaning.
Since I was little, I had a vision: that capitalism—when reimagined—could be a force for good. A system that not only builds wealth, but restores nature, protects animals, and honors the dignity of people.
Born into a legacy of public service and diplomacy in South Korea, I was raised in Canada and New York, and am now based in London (as of April 2025). Over the past 12+ years, I have had the honor of building sustainable investment strategies for leading financial institutions across New York and London—including BlackRock (Portfolio Manager, Founding ESG Architect, Climate Research) and Aviva Investors (Head of Climate Solutions).
I’ve had the privilege of exploring 60+ countries on both spiritual pilgrimages and client engagements—seeking models of governance, societal resilience, and meaning.
Along the way, I’ve listened to CEOs in boardrooms and monks in monasteries. I’ve spoken with global CIOs, policy makers, Sovereign Wealth Funds, academics, endowments, Family Offices and religious leaders—from investment summits to sacred sites, from the Vatican to the Andes. These conversations made me not only a strategist, but a quiet observer of humanity.
They’ve shaped not just how I think—but who I am.
Obsidian Odyssey was created for those asking deeper questions:
- Where is the world truly heading?
- What role should capital play in an evolving society?
- How do we design lives—and systems—that honor both performance and soul?
If you're seeking like-minded builders, wisdom beyond the quarterly cycle and strategy beyond surface virtue, you're in the right place.
Welcome aboard.
The odyssey begins.
📬 To collaborate or contribute, please reach out via📬 20human00@gmail.com or LinkedIn.
Mission:
To co-create a just, inclusive, and sustainable world—on Earth and beyond. 🌎✨
⚠️Disclaimer:
The views expressed on this platform are personal and do not represent the views of any employer or affiliated institution. All content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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.
I have been looking for YOU. Partners and co-creators and the community of like-minded people, to build a more sustainable and equitable future.
🪐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 birth 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 contribute to shaping 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 60+ 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.
🌅Inspirations for this website:
