If you think it’s tough enough finding a venture capital job, then the story behind Phoenix resident Morris Callaman’s rise to success should put things in perspective.
Callaman was given up for adoption as a preschooler because his parents thought he was mentally challenged. He lived in foster homes for years, where he was physically and mentally abused. He then searched for and found his biological father, and lived with him for a while. But even then, his biological father rejected him. At age 13, Callaman was homeless, abandoned, and contemplated suicide.
But then, according to an article in the Phoenix Sun, Callaman’s life slowly turned around. He found a job picking up trash at a construction site. He met Russ Druckenmiller, a Vietnam veteran, who took the boy under his wing, gave him assignments, and made sure he got to work each day.
The support from this responsible one adult “rewired” Callaman’s self-confidence, enabling him to earn his G.E.D. and move on to college. Callaman has since earned four degrees, including a law degree, an MBA and an engineering degree from Arizona State University. At age 33, Callaman became a principal with Ernst and Young LLP in Japan and brokered international business deals for the company.
It doesn’t stop there. In 2005, Callaman left E&Y to form his own venture capital firm, Callaman Ventures, with the goal of investing in companies that made a difference in peoples’ lives.
“I moved back here from Japan with the idea of a net societal benefit where the founders and principals behind these companies are genuinely trying to do good things,” Callaman said. One of those companies is Lifelock, an identity theft protection company. He is also an active philanthropist in the Phoenix area,
Despite a rough start in life, the successful venture capitalist has kept his faith in people. He strives to find what he calls the “karmic, chewy center” in a business. That “sweet spot” that not only will be financially sustainable, but will offer something that makes the world a better place.
How about you? Do you think venture capital can play a bigger role in improving society while being profitable? Add your comments below.
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