350: How What We Don’t Do Shapes the World | Nick Cooney

A Conversation with Nick Cooney

What does it mean to live an impactful life? Is it measured solely by the actions we take, or should we also be paying close attention to the opportunities we let pass by? In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Nick Cooney—venture capitalist, founder of Lever VC and the Lever Foundation, and author of What We Don’t Do: Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do More.

Through our conversation, we tackle one of the thorniest philosophical questions for anyone aspiring to do good in the world: How might the things we neglect or fail to do shape our ethical legacy as much as our overt actions?

From VC Boardrooms to Moral Dilemmas: Nick Cooney’s Unusual Journey

You might expect a venture capitalist like Cooney to focus on maximizing returns and building wealth. Yet, as I note with surprise, Cooney’s latest book advocates for giving away as much as we can—time, money, and energy—to those suffering most. What motivates someone steeped in the money-making world of VC to write a book about giving, not getting?

For Cooney, the impetus was deeply personal. This was his first book in a decade, but the issues had been simmering at the back of his mind for years. He wanted to spotlight a philosophical blind spot: how rarely we stop to consider the impact of our inaction, especially when giving could dramatically alleviate suffering. He says, “There’s this message in the back of my mind, this point I felt wasn’t being discussed … it deserved a book of its own.”

The Process: Finding Time and Meaning Amidst a Busy Life

Writing a book about giving, especially when you’re a busy VC, is no small feat. Cooney shares that his writing process stretched over years, much of it composed during car rides, vacations, and weekends. Initially, he hoped dictating notes might form a foundation for the book, but “it didn’t work at all.” Like many authors, Cooney found the real writing happened in fits and starts—an apt metaphor for lives often marked more by what we intend (but don’t get around to) than by what we finish.

Despite the fits and starts, the process served a personal purpose. Cooney says the act of structured reflection—about generosity, inaction, and their place in his own life—proved rewarding in itself.

A Culture of Doing … and Not Doing

A central theme in Cooney’s book and the episode is how culture shapes what we value. Society, he notes, celebrates those who take visible action but rarely critiques those who could have done more and didn’t. I expand on this, pointing out that even in cultures or religions that preach giving—Christianity, Islam, Buddhism—the actual levels of charitable action often fall short of ideals.

But why? For Cooney, the answer is two-fold. First, there’s a lack of visible models for radical generosity. Second, and more fundamentally, evolution has primed humans to hoard resources, prioritizing family and tribe rather than distant strangers. Overcoming this “default setting” requires self-discipline and intention.

Does Impact Begin (and End) with the Individual?

Is this a problem best solved by institutions or individuals? Cooney argues that everyone, no matter their wealth, has the power—and some would say obligation—to make a difference. Even those with modest means could save or radically improve their lives by reallocating some resources. And yes, influencing the “1%” would yield huge change, but empowering individuals at every level is critical.

I press Cooney on whether being a catalyst for change is a spiritual, social, or political issue. Cooney maintains a personal perspective, emphasizing reflection and personal responsibility. Our actions and inactions both count.

The Challenge: What Will You Choose Not to Do Next?

Ultimately, What We Don’t Do isn’t just a manifesto—it’s a challenge. Cooney invites readers and listeners to reflect on their own lives: Are we satisfied with checking off achievements, or should we also consider the silent impact of neglected opportunities?

Whether you’re an author, entrepreneur, or everyday citizen, the book—and this conversation—remind us that our greatest impact may come not just from what we do, but from what we choose to do next.

Join us again next week for more captivating insights from influential authors and publishing experts. Remember to subscribe to Authors Who Lead and visit our website for more show notes and past interviews.

That’s all for this week. If you have a message inside of you that needs to be written, today is the day to start. Don’t delay—take action.