Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast

Episode: What We Think When People Say They Are Paying it Forward
Host: Scott Becker
Release Date: May 2, 2025

Introduction

In the May 2, 2025 episode of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast, host Scott Becker delves into the nuanced topic of altruism in professional settings. Drawing from a recent personal experience at a business conference, Becker examines the sincerity behind the common declaration of "paying it forward."

The Skepticism Behind "Paying It Forward"

Becker opens the discussion by recounting an interaction at a conference where someone asserted, “I'm just trying to pay it forward” (00:30). This statement struck a chord with him, prompting skepticism about the genuine motivations behind such claims.

"When someone says they're trying to pay it forward, I'm immediately taken aback because I believe there are usually multiple motivations behind giving to charity," — Scott Becker (00:50).

He elaborates that altruistic actions often intertwine with personal gains, such as feeling good about oneself, seeking recognition, or desiring appreciation.

Mixed Motivations in Altruism

Becker argues that pure selflessness is rare, suggesting that even seemingly generous acts are frequently driven by a blend of intentions.

"When somebody does something for charity, there are lots of different reasons why people do things. It's almost always mixed; it's not just pure," — Scott Becker (01:15).

He criticizes individuals who claim altruism as their sole motivation, finding such declarations disingenuous and lacking in self-awareness.

The Desire to Challenge Sincerity

Expressing his frustration, Becker confesses a strong emotional reaction to perceived insincerity in others' altruistic statements.

"My real response is I want to slap the person silly because I think they're so damn disingenuous," — Scott Becker (02:00).

Though he acknowledges the inappropriateness of such a reaction in a professional setting, the sentiment underscores his deep-seated skepticism.

Exploring Public Perception: The Twitter Poll

To validate his feelings, Becker conducted a Twitter poll asking listeners how they perceive statements of paying it forward. The poll results revealed a spectrum of beliefs:

• 29% took the statements at face value.
• 5% looked at the speaker strangely.
• 19% believed the individuals were "full of crap."
• 47% took the statements with a grain of salt.

"47% agreed with me to take it with a grain of salt," — Scott Becker (03:20).

He expresses surprise that a significant portion of the audience shared his skepticism, while also commending the 29% who gave the benefit of the doubt.

The Complexity of Giving

Becker reflects on the inherent complexities in giving, noting that most people have some level of self-interest when engaging in charitable acts.

"We're all somewhat self-motivated in different ways. Some people are more giving than others, but even when we're giving, few of us have the ego to not want some recognition or appreciation," — Scott Becker (04:10).

This insight highlights the universal human tendency to blend altruism with personal gratification.

Concluding Thoughts

Wrapping up the discussion, Becker reiterates his discomfort with overt claims of selfless giving, which he finds often mask underlying self-serving motives.

"The concept that we are just doing this to pay it forward, to give it back, is enough to often leave me with a great sense of nausea," — Scott Becker (04:50).

He acknowledges the multifaceted nature of human motivations and invites listeners to reflect on their perceptions of others' altruistic actions.

Final Remarks

Scott Becker concludes the episode by engaging with his audience, inviting them to share their thoughts on his perspective. He reinforces the podcast's mission to explore the intersections of private equity and business through candid and thought-provoking discussions.

Note: Throughout the episode, Becker emphasizes the importance of critical thinking when evaluating others' motivations, encouraging listeners to recognize the diversity of reasons behind charitable actions.

This summary captures the essence of Scott Becker's exploration into the authenticity of "paying it forward" declarations, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding altruistic behavior in the business world.