With accelerating climate change and increasing ambition to achieve global net zero greenhouse gas emissions, organizations around the world are amplifying their decarbonization efforts.
As the world is decarbonizing, Clear Sky Advisers emerges as a vital force driving the future of the global economy while supporting decarbonization. The leading environmental credit asset manager in the US, Clear Sky Advisers was created in 2020, with an aim to invest in environmental credits and companies focused on decarbonization, electrification, and resource sustainability. Based in New York City, the company is dedicated to investing and acting sustainably, with no conflicts from fossil fuel or energy mandates.
Within this distinguished market, Shawn R. Singh’s visionary leadership is palpable. He is at the helm of Clear Sky Advisers. A seasoned financial services, legal, compliance, fintech, and business professional and founder and CEO of Clear Sky Advisers, Mr. Singh brings over three decades of experience and a proven track record of building integrated, solutions-oriented teams at global asset managers across the US, Europe, Asia, and Canada.
Before founding Clear Sky Advisers, Mr. Singh served several managerial positions, also serving as the Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel, and Chief Compliance Officer of various multi-billion-dollar asset managers and was responsible for the US Brevan Howard firm spin-out in 2014-2015. He was also associated with Fried, Frank, Dewey LeBoeuf, Norton Rose Fulbright, and Bryan Cave. Prior to his legal career, he was a private banker for the Bank of Nova Scotia.
Throughout his leadership journey across entrepreneurship, legal, and financial roles, Mr. Singh has embraced challenges as opportunities for growth and remained committed to empowering those around him to achieve their full potential. His journey has been shaped by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a commitment to integrity, and a passion for making a positive impact in the world.
As a leader, serving my vision involves embodying and demonstrating a set of core values that guide my actions and inspire those around me
A Man of Many Virtues
As an entrepreneur, Mr. Singh wore many hats – from developing business strategies to managing finances, from building a strong team to fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration.
Working in the legal field, Mr. Singh learned the importance of attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication. Transitioning into financial roles allowed him to leverage his entrepreneurial spirit and legal expertise in new ways. Through his vast experience, he cultivated a deep understanding of the intricacies of running a business and honed his leadership skills in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, taking Clear Sky Advisers to new heights of success.
Navigating the Intricacies of Leadership
Mr. Singh’s entrepreneurial journey has been fraught with challenges that tested his resolve and shaped his leadership style. Navigating the uncertainties has been the biggest challenge for him. In all three domains – entrepreneurship, legal, and finance, uncertainty has been his constant companion. Navigating through economic downturns, regulatory changes, and market volatility while maintaining focus on long-term goals is a crucial aspect of leadership.
Whether in entrepreneurship, legal matters, or financial decisions, risk management is always a key concern. Effective leadership involves not only hiring the right people but also inspiring and empowering them to perform at their best.
Mr. Singh also believes that building a cohesive and high-performing team is essential for success in any endeavor. However, finding the right talent, fostering a positive work culture, and aligning individual goals with organizational objectives can be daunting tasks.
In the constantly evolving business landscape, adapting to change quickly and effectively requires flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Leading through periods of change requires strong communication skills and the ability to rally the team around a shared vision. Also, maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging, especially in demanding roles. As a leader, setting a positive example of work-life balance is important for promoting employee wellness and productivity.
Despite the challenges he has faced, each obstacle has presented an opportunity for growth and learning to Mr. Singh. By embracing challenges head-on, remaining resilient in the face of adversity, and continually seeking to improve both personally and professionally, he has been able to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger as a leader.
Leading with Values
As a leader, serving my vision involves embodying and demonstrating a set of core values that guide my actions and inspire those around me.
Integrity is the foundation of Mr. Singh’s leadership philosophy. He believes in conducting himself with honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior at all times. In the constantly changing world, he is guided by a clear and compelling vision for the future, one that reflects his aspirations for positive change and sustainable impact.
Empathy and respect are fundamental to his leadership approach. Not only does he strive to understand the perspectives, needs, and aspirations of those he leads, but also actively listens to others, values diverse viewpoints, and fosters a supportive environment, creating space for collaboration, innovation, and personal growth.
Leading with courage and resilience means embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Mr. Singh is not afraid to take calculated risks, challenge the status quo, or confront difficult decisions. In the face of adversity, he remains resilient, maintaining a positive attitude and persevering with determination towards his goals. He promotes a culture of accountability, adaptability, and continuous learning.
By embodying these values as a leader, he strives to inspire others, drive positive change, and serve his vision of creating a better future for all.
Seeking a Better Future: Approach and Strategies
Sustainable investing requires a long-term perspective, recognizing that meaningful impact and financial returns may take time to materialize. Mr. Singh prioritizes investments with strong fundamentals and sustainable business models that are well-positioned to thrive over the long term, despite short-term market fluctuations. By maintaining a steadfast commitment to sustainability principles, he aims to generate positive outcomes for both investors and society as a whole.
