There’s an interesting story in Monday’s New York Times about how Participant, backed by eBay billionaire Jeff Skoll and run by James Berk, has in seven years failed to turn a profit while trying to make movies that promote social change.
This is a discussion I’ve had at least three times over the years with Skoll, as I've tried to understand whether his real purpose is to run a business, or to change the world.
On every occasion he’s told me that his aim is both, but that he absolutely intends for the company to turn a profit.