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Inspired Blog3 Things: Natalie Jaresko

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Ric is expanding his nonprofit Rebuild Puerto Rico to support humanitarian crises around the world. He will personally match all funds raised, up to $2.5M.

Today’s guest is Natalie Jaresko, the former Finance Minister of Ukraine.

Natalie grew up near Chicago, the daughter of immigrants who fled Ukraine during the man-made famine of Stalin. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Natalie moved to Ukraine and worked there for 25 years with dreams of transforming it from a communist country to a capitalist market.

She may be best known for her role in helping Ukranians recover from the financial and humanitarian crisis that followed the annexation of Crimea in 2014. In today’s episode she reflects on how the current war in Ukraine will have direct, lasting impacts on the entire world for months and years to come.

Ric and Natalie originally met in Puerto Rico, where Ric is building a new economic growth engine (through Red Ventures Puerto Rico), and where Natalie was most recently tasked with pulling the island out of bankruptcy – restructuring about 64 billion dollars of debt.

This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Natalie reminded us of the tragic realities of war, but more importantly, the power of resilience and hope. Inspired by her words, Ric made a personal commitment to use his platform to help make a difference. 

Listen Here:

About 3 Things

Ric Elias learned 3 things from surviving the Miracle on the Hudson. Now he’s sharing conversations with remarkable people, and 3 things we all can take away from each.


Hear more from Ric by following him on Twitter and on Instagram.

About the Author:
Red Ventures

Over the last twenty years, Red Ventures has built a portfolio of influential brands, digital platforms, and strategic partnerships that work together to connect millions of people with expert advice. Through premium content and personalized digital experiences, Red Ventures builds online journeys that make it easier for people to make important decisions about their homes, health, travel, finances, education and entertainment. Founded in 2000, Red Ventures has 3,000 employees in 10 cities across the US, as well as in the UK and Brazil. Red Ventures owns and operates several large digital brands including Healthline, The Points Guy, Bankrate, MYMOVE, and Allconnect.com.

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