Isaac Sultan Cohen: A Businessman with A Passion for Giving Back
After a lengthy career in the shipping and logistics industry, philanthropy has, for Isaac Sultan Cohen, become far more than just a means to give back; it’s currently a way of life to which he is dedicated. Beneath his firm dedication to vast professional pursuits, he is similarly dedicated to making the world a better place. Philanthropy, in Isaac Sultan Cohen’s mind, does not come from a place of feeling obligated, or from an interest in bettering his image. Rather, his passion for giving emanates from a deeply rooted belief in the fact that through philanthropy, and helping others who are less fortunate meet life’s challenges head on, he can make the world a better place.
“Of course, business is about profits” Isaac Sultan Cohen begins. “That is obvious, everyone is in agreement about that. Where we differ is in how we see our life’s purpose outside of that. For me, life is about making a difference” Sultan Cohen continues, with a unique sincerity that echoes his beliefs. Outside of his business commitments, Isaac Sultan Cohen spends the crux of his free time, as well as resources, tackling the issues which reflect his vision for a better world, driven by his perspective that giving is simply the right thing to do.
When discussing early influences, Sultan Cohen fondly remembers family members from his childhood, who although not particularly wealthy, when they could, offered a helping hand to those who were less fortunate. “My family always believed in the power of small acts to make a difference,” Isaac Sultan Cohen reminisces. “One of the things that strikes me most about the lessons of my childhood was the notion that generosity didn’t need to be grand to be really impactful.” This lesson would be one of the foundational stones for the perspective that would shape Sultan Cohen’s take on philanthropy. “These days, when I thank God that I have more than I did in my early days, I do the maximum that I can to help. But when I started out in my career, and resources were more limited, my focus was never on the size of the gesture. What mattered to me most, and I think to those I helped, was the sincerity and intent behind what I did.”
One of the most memorable lessons of his early days in the business world, and something he tells others looking to do good but whose resources are limited, is that charity doesn’t need to only be financial contributions. “What I tell those who want to make a difference, but don’t have the resources to make donations, is that they have more resources than they think. We all have something to offer, whether it’s time, skills, or even just a listening ear,” Sultan Cohen shares. Even today, this philosophy is one which is apparent in the diverse range of initiatives which Isaac Sultan Cohen is involved in. Building on this, Sultan Cohen says, “Philanthropy, for me? It’s is about leveraging everything we have –networks, experiences, influence –all of which have the power to create real, tangible change.”
In this regard, Isaac Sultan Cohen continues to underscore that philanthropy is not and should not be just for the wealthy. “I thought the same way once upon a time. I believed that I needed to be financially secure before I would be able to start giving back,” he observes. “But like I said, I really believe that each and every one of us is all capable of making a difference at any stage. Even if you are only volunteering for a few hours each month, the impact you can have on another person’s life is real.” Many a philanthropist like Isaac Sultan Cohen have therefore focused on creating what they call, a culture of compassion. As part of this culture of compassion, people are helped to recognize their ability to contribute, irrespective of the money which they have in the bank.
When asked about his role model philanthropists, interestingly it’s not the prominent, big name, philanthropists that appeal to him but rather, those who give quietly, without expectation of recognition or indeed, anything at all in return. Isaac Sultan Cohen points out volunteers as well as those who found small charities, some of which he supports. It is their dedication which he believes, “Move mountains daily…those are the true heroes in my eyes” he says. Real change often begins with exactly this sort of quiet, unwavering commitment rather than high-profile initiatives.
Reflecting on his personal, philanthropic journey, Isaac Sultan Cohen highlights the fact that philanthropy, is a two-way street. This is an opinion which he is not alone in highlighting, with many philanthropists highlighting that from their experience, a giver often gains as much, if not more, than a recipient of charity. Finishing on this note, Isaac Sultan Cohen says, “When you give, that’s an opportunity to learn a lot about yourself and of course, the world. The greatest lesson that I have learned from philanthropy is to realize that despite our vast differences, there really is a shared humanity that connects us all. I have not found a satisfaction greater than knowing that my contributions are helping shape a more compassionate world”.