Why Spiritual Capital Matters

“This book is for those who have seen through the mirage of socially-conscious capitalism and self-aware individualism and their promises to change the world for the better, and are wrestling with the complexities of real work and connection in real communities. Mattson's insightful reflections grow out of highly varied stories of leaders using ‘spiritual capital’ to tend to whole communities and whole persons, and point the way toward work and economics less captive to the greed and isolation of late-capitalism.”


—Jon Berbaum, president, Highland, and cofounder, Design & Innovation Roundtable





“Why Spiritual Capital Matters, and the community work Mattson has done to research and present this important topic, is a meaningful contribution to our understanding of what being in business can be today. . . . Craig shines a light on what makes it possible, sustainable, and inspiring to do good work in the world.”


—Corey N. M. Kohn, CEO, cofounder, and member-owner of DOJO4, and cofounder of Antidote to Tech





“You know in your gut as a leader that there is more to organizational effectiveness than just strategy and resources. There is an unseen, intangible, but nonetheless essential, third element that is the heart and soul of our work—in short, it's our spirit. Craig's research will affirm your experience and remind you that true organizational success comes from tapping into the power of spirituality in our communities to accomplish our mission.”


—Laura Zumdahl, president and CEO, New Moms





“This book is a must-read: It illustrates the power of unveiling how living out your faith in the world opens your eyes to once invisible communities of abundance.”


—DeAmon Harges, faculty member of the Asset Based Community Development Institute and chair of the Grassroots Grantmakers Association Board





“Craig's perspective on business and spirituality is so refreshing, especially for those of us who have been in the ‘conscious business’ sector for many years. He helps us see with new eyes—ourselves, each other, our paths, our connections. I can't recommend his book highly enough.”


—Emily Lonigro, founder and president, LimeRed





“Craig Mattson has created a vital resource for organizational leaders everywhere. In our time of widespread spiritual longing, he provides clear and practical pathways to activate the spiritual capital that is always in our midst—and which could not matter more!”


—Angie Thurston, cofounder, Sacred Design Lab





“Equipped with a compassionate heart and professorial pen, Craig Mattson is perhaps the perfect emissary.”


—Tyler Etters, vice president of Highland





“Craig Mattson’s exploration of the essential but invisible element of spiritual capital as it expresses itself on the neighborhood level, by the people making a place where people can thrive in the places they live while fighting to create a just economy, is a weekly listening habit worth creating. It’s a viewpoint, expressed in each story from a person creating a neighborhood economics of interdependence that you will enjoy, will inspire you, and will teach you things you didn’t know you needed to learn.”


—Kevin Jones, cofounder of SOCAP





“Intent on helping us all wake from the problematic daydream of workplace spirituality (inwardness at the office), Craig Mattson repositions spiritual capital as central to questions of economics, justice, and flourishing neighborhoods. This book will enrich any conversation that exists at the intersection of organizations, entrepreneurship, and meaning. It provides new language, concepts, and resources for those working toward a more just and equitable future. An important contribution.”


—Mark Sampson, author of The Promise of Social Enterprise and cofounder of RootedGood