In this thought-provoking episode of Say It Skillfully, Molly sits down with Nat Ware—social entrepreneur, Rhodes Scholar, and founder of Forte and 180 Degrees Consulting. From humble beginnings in a loving, resourceful family of seven in Sydney, Nat shares how his early exposure to service and reverse-psychology parenting shaped a self-motivated drive to create impact. By age 16, he had raised $100,000 to rebuild a school in Mozambique. Just a few years later, he founded what would become the world’s largest consultancy for nonprofits, proving that massive impact can begin with youthful vision and follow-through.
Nat opens up about the inner workings of Forte, the groundbreaking financing model he developed during his PhD at Oxford. Designed to fund education and healthcare without burdening individuals, governments, or donors, Forte uses tax passback from future income increases to return capital to investors—effectively flipping traditional funding on its head. He explains how the model is already changing lives in countries like Colombia and Costa Rica, helping people move from poverty to opportunity with dignity and zero personal debt.
In a conversation that flows from economic theory to personal philosophy, Nat also reflects on happiness, resilience, and the mindset that helps him persist through challenges—including being shot during Forte’s first international launch. His story is a compelling reminder that vision paired with courage and skillful communication can reshape systems and unlock human potential. Whether you're in government, philanthropy, or simply seeking meaningful ways to contribute, this is an episode not to miss.
Hear Nat's journey to finding his true north and succeeding on his terms.
And remember, as Nat said, “Changing the world is hard, but it’s never been easier.”
