Could you please provide us with an overview of your philanthropic philosophy and the change you hope to achieve?
My philanthropic goals are simple but rooted in a strong conviction: talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. I believe a single intervention, at the right moment in a child or a young adult’s life, can unlock potential and open doors. That’s where I feel compelled to act.
What motivated you to become so involved in philanthropy?
My path into philanthropy began with the example set by extraordinary individuals. In my early days at Soros Fund Management, I had the privilege of observing two remarkable role models—Stan Druckenmiller and George Soros—devote not only financial resources to causes they cared about, but also their judgment, networks, and strategic thinking.
Later, at Tiger Management, Julian Robertson embodied the same commitment: the Tiger Foundation operated in parallel to the fund, and analysts were expected to apply their time and rigor to philanthropic projects.
But it was in Chicago that my own philanthropic path took root. I was struck by the city’s deep civic spirit, a resilience born from rebuilding after the Great Fire of 1871 and carried forward through generations. That sense of shared purpose left a lasting impression. It showed me what was possible when civic leadership aligns with public good.
You are both an investor and a philanthropist. How can you compare your approach in investing and in philanthropy?
The approach is remarkably similar. In both investing and giving, I start by identifying successful models of change. Then I look for the individuals and organizations best positioned to enact change. I seek to back the right ideas, at the right inflection point, with conviction.
I care deeply about early childhood education, access to opportunity, the arts, and transatlantic dialogue. In each area, I search for high-leverage entry points—places where an investment of time or resources can ripple outward. Early childhood is a perfect example: the return, societal but also financial, is profound and long-lasting. It’s the kind of compounding effect every investor hopes to find, and every philanthropist should seek to enable.
With your philanthropic endeavors, is one of your intentions to inspire others to also give?
Absolutely. When I support a project that moves me, I make a point of sharing it. Over the years, I’ve taken part in many capital campaigns—from Harvard Business School to the reconstruction of Notre-Dame—and I’ve learned that what inspires others isn’t just the cause itself; it’s witnessing genuine involvement.
When you show up – not just with resources, but with your voice and your time – it resonates. I took part in a 60 Minutes TV interview about the reconstruction of Notre-Dame for exactly that reason: hoping that telling the story might inspire others to get involved. Passion is contagious, and when people see you’re personally invested, it opens the door for them to join.
What kinds of projects do you support through your philanthropic efforts?
I focus on four areas. First, education, especially early childhood development. Second, opportunity, which I support through scholarships that help talented young people launch their lives. Third, the arts, because art helps us better understand who we are —and better understand each other—across time, language, and borders. And finally, transatlantic dialogue, because I care deeply about the enduring relationship between Europe and the United States. Government ties ebb and flow; it’s up to private citizens to nurture the long view and keep those bonds alive.
Has your giving philosophy or areas of focus evolved over time?
Yes—and necessarily so. For example, while I’ve always been committed to early childhood education, I came to understand that intuition and good intentions aren’t enough. I wanted to know what truly works.
That’s why I helped launch a large-scale study in partnership with the University of Chicago and Harvard, examining a wide range of early childhood interventions—in the classroom and beyond, during the school year and over the summer months. To my knowledge, it’s the most comprehensive study of its kind. It showed that, with the right tools, you can make an impact in as little as one school year.
Today, I find it just as important to share this research with others. We need more evidence-based giving. When we learn what works, we have a responsibility to provide others with a foundation to build on it—and go even further.
How and why did you choose to become involved with cross-border philanthropy?
I was born in France and have spent most of my adult life in the United States, so cross-border thinking is embedded in everything I do. Just as in investing, I often see ideas born on one side of the Atlantic flourish on the other.
A good example is 1001 mots, a French nonprofit that builds on the research of Esther Duflo to explore how early interventions affect reading and brain development. That kind of intellectual and cultural French-American cross-pollination is something I value deeply.
What is your personal connection to France?
I grew up in Haguenau, a small town in Alsace, and came to the U.S. to study. France remains deeply woven into my life, through investments, friendships, and my involvement with cultural institutions.
Can you tell us about some of the most powerful experiences you’ve had in philanthropy with France? What projects come to mind the most?
Being part of the capital campaign for Notre-Dame was unforgettable. It gave me the opportunity to walk through the cathedral mid-renovation—it was like stepping back into time.
Beyond its religious significance and its role in French history, Notre-Dame is a universal symbol of beauty, grit and inspiration. Rebuilding a structure of that magnitude in five years was a moonshot, just as building it nearly 1,000 years ago was. To see the artisans—the compagnons—restore stonework, carpentry, stained-glass with such reverence for tradition was awe-inspiring. And to see Americans come together to raise $60 million from 50,000 donors was just as awe-inspiring.
Launching the Dias Fellowship is another experience that stands out. The scholarship program supports European students, many of whom are French, pursuing graduate studies in the United States. Mirroring my own journey—having left France to study at Georgetown and later at Harvard—the Fellowship is about opening that same door for others: helping a new generation of European leaders access world-class education, broaden their perspective, build bridges between cultures – and, just as importantly, inspire them to give back. I’ve designed it to nurture not only talent and leadership, but also a lifelong commitment to service and philanthropy.
Why is cross-border philanthropy so important—especially from the U.S. to France?
American philanthropy tends to run like a business: boards are strong, decision-making is rigorous, and donors expect measurable results. That discipline brings scale and accountability. When it’s paired with French cultural heritage, the combination can be powerful in service of a shared goal.
How do organizations like Friends of Fondation de France help you achieve your philanthropic goals?
Friends of Fondation de France makes it seamless for U.S.-based donors like me to give to French organizations. They have been an invaluable partner to me.
