Interviews with pioneers in business and social impact - Business Fights Poverty Spotlight

In this episode, we welcome Social Impact Pioneer Josh Wheeler — founder of Be Broadcast, award-winning broadcast PR strategist, and one of the UK's leading voices on reshaping how we talk about climate change and how to move the conversation from climate fear, stalling and inaction, to something everyone can take positive action on. Josh joins us to dive into Be Broadcast's latest data-driven report, Mission Control: The Climate Conversation, which analysed over 45,000 radio and TV segments across the UK. The findings are eye-opening: climate change is dramatically underrepresented compared to entertainment events like the Oscars, and when it does make headlines, the framing is overwhelmingly alarmist — think “ticking time bomb” and “disaster waiting to happen.” But what does this mean for the public's understanding, emotional response, and willingness to act? Josh explains why our current approach to climate storytelling often alienates the very people we need to engage: the “movable middle.” He explores how brands, campaigners, and communicators can break through media fatigue and craft narratives that inspire hope, clarity, and meaningful action — without slipping into despair or denial. This isn't just a climate story. It's a media story. Josh pulls back the curtain on why climate coverage fades so quickly once the floods subside or the political drama ends, and what we can do to keep this vital conversation alive long-term. Whether you work in PR, journalism, public policy — or are simply someone who cares about the future of the planet — this episode will give you fresh insight and practical tools to help shift the narrative. Ready to challenge the headlines and reimagine climate storytelling? Don't miss this powerful conversation with Josh Wheeler.

What are the real-world impacts of inclusive economic development, gender equity, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship? Social Impact Pioneers Nguyet Tran Thi Minh in Vietnam and Tanvi Jaluka in California. Nguyet is CARE Vietnam's Women's Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion Manager. She leads the Strive Women program—a collaborative initiative with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth that supports women-led micro and small enterprises in Vietnam. With years of private sector experience and a deep understanding of local financial systems, she shares insights into the barriers Vietnamese women entrepreneurs face, including access to finance, caregiving responsibilities, and limited digital literacy. Whilst Tanvi is CARE USA's Research Lead. Her work spans over a decade in global gender and development. Tanvi is passionate about the importance of impact evaluations, holistic measurement tools, and research that centres women's voices. Together, they highlight the need to move beyond traditional business metrics and understand indicators like confidence, control, and quality of life for women in emerging markets. Expect to hear insights financial health, business resilience, digital tools, caregiving responsibilities, and the real needs of women entrepreneurs. We'll hear why measuring confidence and control matters, how ecosystem collaboration can close inclusion gaps, and what businesses and donors can do to meaningfully support women's economic empowerment. Whether you work in social impact, financial services, or care about unlocking the potential of entrepreneurs this episode is packed with insight, real-world research, and action-driven solutions to support women entrepreneurs globally.

How can businesses and their partners design programmes to tackle multiple societal issues whilst making economic sense? Listen in to this conversation between Social Impact Pioneers: Amanda Smith, Global Head of Social Impact at Diageo; Amayaa Wijesinghe, Climate and Resilience Advisor at CARE International UK; and Thomas Ongogo, Program Manager at CARE International Kenya – as they explore how businesses and NGOs can work together to simultaneously tackle climate, gender, and economic challenges. This conversation was recorded during the Business Fights Poverty Global Equity Summit 2025. During which, Diageo and CARE International shared honest insights from their collaboration with smallholder farmers, grounding the discussion in their latest case study and practical experiences. Together their discussion highlights five actionable insights: 1. Integrate Social, Environmental & Economic Goals – Achieve holistic, long-term impact by designing programs that empower women, promote climate resilience, and build local economies. 2. Build Local Ownership – Strengthen communities by investing in local leadership and gender-inclusive initiatives like VSLAs. 3. Secure Multi-Year Funding – Ensure sustainable outcomes by advocating for long-term financial commitments that allow for deeper, systemic change. 4. Pool Resources for Collective Impact – Leverage cross-sector collaboration to drive scalable, innovative solutions. 5. Embrace Digital Solutions – Use tech to extend agricultural knowledge, improve productivity, and reinforce value chain resilience. Tune in to explore how aligning social and environmental goals can deliver measurable business value while creating lasting impact on the ground. Listen now to learn how purposeful partnerships can power inclusive, sustainable development. Links: Business Fights Poverty Global Equity Summit 2025, including further resources from this and many other sessions: https://businessfightspoverty.org/global-equity-summit/#Highlights Business Fights Poverty (2024). Business, Social Impact and Inclusivity with Amanda Smith. [podcast] Available at: https://businessfightspoverty.org/ business-social-impact-and-inclusivity-with-amanda-smith Diageo (2025). Helping our smallholder farmers tackle the impacts of climate change and gender inequality. [online] Available at: https://www.diageo. com/en/news-and-media/stories/2025/helping-our-smallholder-farmers-tackle-the-impacts-of-climate-change-and-gender-inequality YouTube (2024). Business, Social Impact and Inclusivity with Amanda Smith. [video online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRmdJt-CAgs

How can technology, in this case mobile technology help people in hard-to-reach places and can it ever make our world fairer? These are two questions our Social Impact Pioneer this week grapples with daily. In this episode of the Business Fights Poverty podcast series – Social Impact Pioneers, we sit down with Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, Head of Mobile for Development at the GSMA, the global industry body uniting over 750 mobile operators and 400 tech companies. Max leads one of the most impactful teams in the world—Mobile for Development (M4D)—which has reached over 220 million people in low- and middle-income countries through mobile innovation. Max shares how the GSMA's initiatives drive digital inclusion, financial empowerment, climate resilience, and gender equality, particularly through its Connected Women campaign and mobile money ecosystems. He unpacks how mobile connectivity is closing the mobile gender gap, with targeted programs helping over 80 million women access mobile internet and financial services, and how GSMA-supported startups like Crop2Cash are using AI to empower African farmers. We also explore the usage gap—the 3.1 billion people who live within network coverage but remain offline—and what's being done to tackle digital barriers. Max highlights the GSMA's push for commercially sustainable innovation, its AI Innovation Fund, and why ‘dumb AI' built for real-world conditions in Africa may hold the key to inclusive tech. Whether you're passionate about tech for good, sustainable development, startup ecosystems, or bridging the digital divide, this conversation is packed with insights on how to scale impact through smart, inclusive partnerships between the private and public sectors. Tune in to hear how GSMA is helping build a more equitable digital future—and why the road to socio-economic transformation runs through mobile. Links: Links: Max Cuvellier: https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-for-development/gsma_people/max-cuvellier-giacomelli/ GSMA Mobile for Development (“M4D”) : https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-for-development/ GSMA, #AccelerateAction: Our latest data shows progress in closing the mobile internet gender gap has stalled: https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-for-development/blog/accelerateaction-our-latest-data-shows-progress-in-closing-the-mobile-internet-gender-gap-has-stalled/ GSMA: AI for Africa: Use cases delivering impact: : https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-for-development/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/AI-for-Africa-Use-cases-delivering-impact.pdf GSMA; Breaking Barriers: How we can close the Usage Gap: https://www.gsma.com/breakingbarriers/#:~:text=Only%204%25%20of%20the%20global,affects%203.1%20billion%20people%20globally. GSMA: Ensuring food security by solving the agricultural information gap: https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-for-development/blog/ensuring-food-security-by-solving-the-agricultural-information-gap/ GSMA: ClimateTech Horizons https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-for-development/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GSMA_ClimateTech_Horizons_2025.pdf

Work should be the most reliable path out of poverty. But for many, low wages, job insecurity, bureaucratic red tape, and the benefits cliff create barriers to financial stability. Social Impact Pioneers Megan Spurgeon and Scott C. Miller are transforming economic empowerment by revolutionising workforce development and breaking systemic cycles of poverty in the U.S Megan Spurgeon is the Director of Empower Upper Cumberland, a collective impact initiative dedicated to creating sustainable workforce and human services solutions in Tennessee. With a strong background in higher education, workforce development, and community action, Megan is a key player in aligning economic, social, and workforce initiatives for lasting change. Scott C. Miller, founder of Circles USA and president of The Poverty Solution, has been a national leader in poverty alleviation for over 40 years. He has helped communities raise over $200 million to support families in achieving long-term economic independence. His groundbreaking Poverty Alleviation System (PAS) - germinated from collaborations with the Walmart Foundation and Keurig — is a comprehensive framework that supports individuals in fully escaping poverty and contributes to reducing poverty rates at scale.is replacing outdated poverty management models with innovative, results-driven solutions. During this podcast conversation Megan and Scott explore: ✔️ The Shift from Poverty Management to True Poverty Alleviation – Why current systems fail and how to implement real change. ✔️ Collaboration for Impact – How businesses, nonprofits, and policymakers must work together for sustainable results. ✔️ Breaking the Cycle of Poverty – The biggest challenges and innovative solutions shaping the future. ✔️ The Role of Employers & Policy in Economic Empowerment – How businesses can support workforce development and retain talent. So whether you are working to address poverty, curious about the programmes supporting workforce development or simply in need of some positivity – Megan and Scott are your people. Links: • Scott Miller - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcmillerprofile/ • Megan Spurgeon - www.linkedin.com/in/megankellyspurgeon • The Poverty Solution: https://www.thepovertysolution.com/ • Empower UC - https://empoweruppercumberland.org/ • Annual Report - https://empoweruppercumberland.org/news-and-events/prosperity-press/ • TANF Opportunity Act - https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/tanf-opportunity-act.html • UCHRA - https://uchra.org/

How do you scale support for smallholder farmers, in hard to reach locations, harvesting a slow maturing crop? Social Impact Pioneer Christina Mawuse Gyisun, Co-Founder of Sommalife, joins us to talk about the shea industry in West Africa and how she and her team are increasing market access, and securing the future of an industry, by better supporting female smallholder farmers. Though women shea nut farmers provide a crucial raw ingredient to the $430 billion beauty industry, many live in extreme poverty, struggle with limited access to markets, and face the devastating impacts of climate change. Sommalifeis changing the game with a bespoke tech platform that digitizes operations, connects farmers to buyers, and empowers them as environmental stewards. The Problem: Systemic Exclusion & Environmental Threats In West Africa, 60 million women smallholder farmers depend on raw commodities like shea nuts for survival. Yet, these farmers are often left out of formal markets, limited to selling their crop for low prices. Meanwhile, the shea tree—a lifeline for many communities—is at risk due to deforestation and vulnerable to climate change. In Ghana alone, 90% of charcoal production comes from shea trees, threatening both economic livelihoods and biodiversity. The Solution: Technology, Traceability & Market Access Sommalife has developed a bespoke digital platform to connect farmers directly to international buyers, ensuring fair prices and financial stability. Since 2020, the enterprise has: ✅ Digitised operations for 110,000 farmers ✅ Increased income by 23% for 40,000 women ✅ Protected 1,500+ acres of shea trees By leveraging AI and traceability technology, Sommalife enables ethical sourcing, ensuring that farmers benefit from global sustainability initiatives. This innovation aligns with the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), which mandates supply chain transparency. Call to Action: Investing in Social Impact To scale this success, funding, collaboration, and corporate partnerships are crucial. Companies and investors looking to create real change can support ethical sourcing initiatives that protect the environment while improving livelihoods. As a Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of 2025, Mawuse is proving that sustainable business can be profitable and impactful. Will your organisation be part of this movement? Links FAO: West African agriculture and climate change (includes Percentage of West Africans who depend on agriculture): https://www.fao.org/family-farming/detail/en/c/413652/#:~:text=Agriculture%20is%20vital%20to%20livelihoods,gross%20domestic%20product%20(GDP). USAID: Sustainable Shea Butter Initiative, Fact Sheet (16 million shea producer network): https://www.usaid.gov/west-africa-regional/fact-sheet/sustainable-shea-initiative#:~:text=Demand%20for%20shea%20produced%20in,collecting%20and%20processing%20shea%20kernels. Karibon: Shea butter as cocoa butter equivalent: https://delivery.bunge.com/-/media/Files/00-Confectionery-Brochures/11-Coberine-Shea/Folder_Karibon.ashx Sommalife: https://sommalife.com/ Sommalife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sommalife/ Sommalife Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sommalife/?viewAsMember=true Sommalike Medium: https://sommalife.medium.com/ Mawuse's Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mawuse-christina-gyisun-772758123/ Mawuse's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mawusegyisun/ Schwab Foundation Awards 2025: https://www.weforum.org/press/2025/01/schwab-foundation-awards-2025-new-social-entrepreneurs-and-innovators-of-the-year-announced/ & https://www.schwabfound.org/2025-awardees

Listen in to explore how microentrepreneurs can be the catalyst for economic growth, the systemic shifts needed to empower them, and the emerging trends shaping their future. Social Impact Pioneers - Werner Wallner, Managing Director of the Hilti Foundation; Amalia Johnsson, CEO of Hand in Hand International; and Payal Dalal, Executive Vice President of Global Programmes at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth join us to share their wisdom. With decades of experience in financial inclusion, entrepreneurship acceleration, and economic development, they bring invaluable insights into how small businesses can transform lives—and entire economies. Why Microbusinesses Matter Microbusinesses make up 90% of global enterprises and contribute to over 50% of global GDP. In Kenya alone, 50% of working-age adults are informal entrepreneurs living below the poverty line. Strategic investment in this sector could boost national GDP by as much as 60%. Hand in Hand's acceleration programmes—which offer advanced business training, credit access, and robust market linkages—have already increased participant incomes by 140%, often placing them among the country's top 15% of earners. But despite their enormous potential, micro-entrepreneurs remain the most underserved economic players, especially women. This episode delves into how we can change that. Delivering System-Level Change Transforming microenterprise growth isn't about isolated interventions—it requires systemic change. Our guests discuss how governments, financial institutions, and NGOs must coordinate efforts to unlock the full potential of micro-entrepreneurs. From broadening financial access to redefining women's role in entrepreneurship, this conversation underscores the urgency of moving beyond ‘entrepreneurs by necessity' and recognising them as economic powerhouses. Werner shares how financial inclusion initiatives have enabled thousands of women to build credit histories, access financing, and achieve long-term business growth. Meanwhile, Amalia highlights how tailored sectoral support for rural entrepreneurs is proving just as effective as urban interventions. Emerging Trends: AI, Cybersecurity, and Digitalisation The future of small business success hinges on emerging technologies. Payal discusses the game-changing potential of Generative AI, which is already enhancing financial coaching and unlocking new digital financing opportunities for small businesses. However, the shift to digitalisation also brings new threats—cybersecurity risks are escalating, and over 50% of small businesses that suffer a cyberattack fail financially. Our guests stress the need for proactive measures to protect entrepreneurs in the digital economy while ensuring technology remains an enabler, not a barrier. Whether you're a policymaker, an investor, an NGO leader, or simply passionate about economic empowerment, this episode is packed with actionable insights and bold strategies. Links: Mastercard, Center for Inclusive Growth: https://www.mastercardcenter.org Hand in Hand International: https://www.handinhandinternational.org Hilti Foundation: https://www.hiltifoundation.org Democratizing data analytics and AI to level the playing field for small businesses: https://www.mastercardcenter.org/insights/article/democratizing-data-analytics-and-ai-to-level-the-playing-field-for-small-businesses Hand in Hand: From informal entrepreneur to MSME owner: Making enterprise acceleration work for underserved women https://www.handinhandinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/From-informal-entrepreneur-to-MSME-owner-acceleration-learning-report.pdf

Dive deep into the transformative world of social work, with Social Impact Pioneer, Peter Buturo. As Peter champions the vital force social work offers to strengthen communities, combat poverty, and champion justice. Peter is a seasoned social worker actively engaged in the field. During this conversation hear Peter's inspiring journey into social work, sparked by personal tragedy and fuelled by a deep-seated desire to make a real difference in people's lives. At the age of 16, Peter suffered the loss of his mother, uncle and grandparents. This devastation led him to reach crisis point as he battled with suicide. At the age of 17, Peter navigated life without parents in the UK. Fast forward to 2011 and Peter graduates from Birmingham City University as a qualified social worker. In our discussion, we address how and why social workers played such an important part in his own journey. Peter explains why he believes social workers continue to be critical in early intervention, the importance of family environment in child development, and the often misunderstood aspects of social work amidst public scrutiny. Peter emphasises the necessity of empathy and collaboration across societal sectors to foster real change. This episode not only sheds light on the day-to-day realities of social workers but also delves into broader societal issues like domestic violence and the systemic challenges that professionals face in safeguarding the welfare of children and families. Stay tuned as we uncover effective strategies for improving social systems and hear firsthand from someone who's not only in the trenches but also looking ahead to the future of social care. Whether you're a fellow social worker, involved in policy, or simply interested in contributing to a more just society, this episode promises profound insights and compelling discussions. Links: Peter's work: https://bold-leap.com/ Peters's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbuturo Peter's book, Social Work and Beyond: How to be a conscious social work entrepreneur: https://amzn.eu/d/1vL81YL

How can we measure impact and outcomes from social programmes that work for business? Our Social Impact Pioneer today believes that ESG initiatives need a unified impact measurement scale – impact per dollar. Meet Gilad Tanay, Founder and Chairperson of the ERI Institute. “Impact per Dollar gives investors a tangible percentage figure or impact unit of a particular initiative, i.e. how many people lifted from poverty per $10k invested.” Says Gilad. Gilad founded the ERI - which stands for the Effective Research for Impact – and that is what they do. ERI is a pioneering research organisation dedicated to identifying and maximising “Impact per Dollar” in philanthropy, ESG investing, with business and global development initiatives. With a background spanning academia and high-impact consulting, Gilad's work has informed strategies for governments, major NGOs, and philanthropic funds worldwide. Before establishing ERI, Gilad co-founded and served as a director of Academics Stand Against Poverty (ASAP) and lectured on the Global Justice Programme at Yale University. Recognised for his insights on global inequality and poverty alleviation (including a TEDx talk at Yale – see below for links), Gilad left a traditional academic career to solve tangible, high-stakes problems. His approach centres on creating unified, evidence-based impact measurement frameworks—tools that empower investors, companies, and donors to truly understand the return on their social investments. In this conversation, we'll unpack why the current ESG landscape often fails to deliver systemic change, and how “impact per dollar” can revolutionise social impact. Gilad discusses how unified metrics—similar to a financial ROI—let funders identify which initiatives genuinely lift communities out of poverty. He highlights the importance of direct cash transfers, skill-building programs, and fair labour practices to break the poverty trap, emphasising that businesses can become powerful agents of change when they address root causes rather than apply superficial fixes. Get ready for a thought-provoking dialogue on aligning profits with purpose, the urgent need for standardised impact metrics, and how the business sector can seize its unique position to tackle the world's most devastating poverty-related diseases and inequalities. If you've ever wondered how to make social impact capital more transformative, this episode is your roadmap to higher-impact social investments. Links: • ERI Institute - https://eri-institute.com/about-2/ • Gilad's TedX - https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=hchXtBPSAZ4 • Gilad Tanay's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilad-tanay-798b8a/ • 14 million people die a year from poverty-related diseases - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases • ERI Institute Unified / Systemic impact per dollar method - https://eri-institute.com/impact-per-dollar/ • Robber Baron mentality – business zero-sum game & Adam Smith liberal democracy - https://www.economist.com/interactive/essay/2024/10/31/when-politics-is-about-hating-the-other-side-democracy-suffers • Additional link - https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/11/21/the-opportunities-and-dangers-for-trumps-disrupter-in-chief

Social Impact Pioneers Antoinette Marie, Director of Heifer Labs, and Sander de Jong, Managing Director of Fairfood talk blockchain, supplychains and food. Antoinette is a trailblazer in digital transformation and humanitarian development, whilst Sander is a serial social entrepreneur with a passion for food. In this episode, we delve into the heart of social entrepreneurship and its pivotal role in reshaping global food systems. Sander shares how he came to create of the Dutch Weed Burger—a venture that began in the early 2010s and continues to redefine the plant-based food market with its innovative use of seaweed. As we explore his journey, we'll also delve into the broader implications of such entrepreneurial ventures on global food systems. Sander exemplifies how personal backgrounds, familial entrepreneurship, and a deep-seated desire for change can drive someone to reinvent their career path for the greater good. At the same time Sander uncovers the challenges and opportunities technology provides for supply chain transparency and to deepen societal impact. This is where Antoinette comes in - Antoinette is championing technology-driven solutions to empower smallholder farmers. With a focus on bridging the digital divide and driving sustainable practices across agricultural supply chainsWith the recently released white paper from Heifer International and Fairfood International outlining a strategy to help suppliers and companies ensure farmers in commodity supply chains receive sustainable, living incomes. The link to the paper is below and expect to find details of two open-source methodologies for determining actual production costs and efficiency for more transparent pricing and sustainability. One such methodology is blockchain. Together Antoinette and Sander share their insights on the developments in blockchain to enhance transparency and traceability from farm to fork. The vision is to shed light for consumers on the origins of their food, and support farmers in achieving a living income, thereby fostering a fair and sustainable agricultural sector. Join us as Antoinette and Sander provide insights into the challenges and opportunities that come with integrating cutting-edge technologies in the fight against rural poverty. Whether you are an aspiring social entrepreneur, a professional in the tech industry, or simply someone passionate about making a difference, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiring stories. Links: The Dutch Weed burger: https://dutchweedburger.com/en/ Fairfood: https://fairfood.org/en/ Heifer: White Paper: Commodity Living Income Strategy: A Data-Forward Living Income Strategy for Commodity Supply Chains: https://www.heifer.org/about-us/media-center/press-releases/heifer-international-and-fairfood-international-release-commodity-living-income-strategy-white-paper.html Fruitpunch AI challenge: https://www.fruitpunch.ai/challenges Sander de Jong's Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanderdejong/ Antoinette Marie's Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amarie/

Welcome to this episode of the Social Impact Pioneer podcast, where we explore the intersection of business and social good through transformative partnerships. Social Impact Pioneers - Taryn Davis, the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholder Relations at Cargill and Chris Noble, Associate Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at CARE discuss what makes the long-term partnership between their organisations work. In this episode, we will dive deep into Cargill's longstanding partnership with CARE, a global organisation dedicated to alleviating poverty and empowering women. Together, they have reached over 4.6 million people across 13 countries, focusing on improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. Listen in as Taryn and Chris share insights on the innovative programs, like farmer field schools, that have transformed lives, especially for women in farming communities. Chris and Taryn explore how strategic partnerships between businesses and not-for-profit organisations unlock opportunities for communities to strengthen their resilience to stresses and shocks - especially in today's rapidly changing global environment. They emphasis why organisations that collaborate can leverage respective resources, expertise, and influence to create more substantial and sustainable outcomes. Their insights aim to help businesses and organisations form partnerships that will lead to long-lasting, impactful results for community resilience initiatives. Join the conversation and discuss the importance of co-creation, trust, and data-driven strategies in building resilient partnerships that can withstand global challenges, such as climate change and economic crises. Whether you're a business leader, nonprofit professional, or simply interested in how strategic collaborations can make a difference, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiring stories. Tune in and be inspired by the powerful impact of partnership in creating lasting change. Links: Cargill & Care (2020). Building Transformational Partnerships. Business Fights Poverty white paper. Available at: https://www.cargill.com/doc/1432128057778/cargill-care-business-fights-poverty-white-paper-pdf.pdf Impartner (2023). Data-Driven Partner Behaviors: How to Drive the Greatest Results. Available at: https://impartner.com/resources/blog/data-driven-partner-behaviors San Francisco Fed (2023). Community Resilience and Adaptive Capacity: A Meaningful Investment Across Assets. Retrieved from https://www.frbsf.org Castañeda, A. (2021). Rightly done, PPPs can be the right tool for green and resilient infrastructure. World Bank Blogs. Available at: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/ppps/rightly-done-ppps-can-be-right-tool-green-and-resilient-infrastructure The conversation took place as part of the Business Fights Poverty Global Goals Summit 2024: https://businessfightspoverty.org/global-goals-summits

In this episode, we're hearing David Nicholson of Mercy Corps and Thomas Beloe from the UNDP talk human centred climate action. David Nicholson is the first-ever Chief Climate Officer at Mercy Corps. David joins us from the climate COP29 in Baku to share where he thinks business and human centred climate action have gotten to. Whilst Thomas Beloe, the Acting Director, Sustainable Finance Hub, UNDP records his piece shortly after the climate COP is finished and shares his thoughts on how climate action needs to move forward for everyone. Both provide insider views on what it was like at the climate COP in Baku, how we can take action, and the role business and others can play in helping tackle climate change. Mercy Corps' climate-related programs have reached 5.9 million people in 2023, with ambitions to extend this impact to over 20 million by supporting high-impact climate startups and advancing their Climate: Possible campaign. With over a decade of experience at Mercy Corps, David's work spans continents and industries—from carbon finance projects in Uganda to green business program development in Colombia. He's a driving force behind AgriFin, a groundbreaking initiative delivering digital solutions to over 7 million smallholder farmers across Africa, empowering them with tools like mobile banking, insurance products, and climate-smart agricultural advice. Whilst Thomas has more than 25 years of experience in providing policy advice to governments across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Pacific. Tom Beloe leads UNDP's Sustainable Finance Hub. In addition to global and regional roles on sustainable finance, Tom has also worked on governance, climate finance and responsible business practices. Previous to UNDP, Tom worked for think tanks, NGOs and the UK government's Department for International Development (DFID). He has a master's degree in Anthropology from Cambridge University and a Master's in Social Policy and Planning from the London School of Economics. Links: Thomas, Beloe, UNDP: https://www.undp.org/authors/thomas-beloe David Nicholson, Mercy Corps: https://www.mercycorps.org/en-gb/who-we-are/our-team/david-nicholson Business Fights Poverty, Climate Justice: https://businessfightspoverty.org/climate-and-business

Welcome to Social Impact Pioneers – in this episode we delve into the intersection of climate change, human rights, and modern slavery. This conversation forms part of the Business Fights Poverty Climate Justice Series (links below) and takes place at the tail end of the climate COP29, Baku. In this episode, we hear from Social Impact Pioneers: Chiara Soletti and Sizakele Marutlulle. Chiara Soletti, Climate Change Advocacy Manager at Anti-Slavery International, is a leading voice on human rights and climate change. With expertise in migration, just transition, and modern slavery, Chiara works tirelessly to influence policy and integrate human rights into global climate action. As an official observer of the UN climate conferences, she brings vital perspectives on the growing risks of exploitation due to climate change impacts. Sizakele Marutlulle, an award-winning business strategist and entrepreneur, shares her passion for using creativity to drive societal change. With over two decades of experience in leadership, brand strategy, and business development, Sizakele focuses on helping businesses become forces for positive impact. As a champion of Human Centric Creativism, she advocates for brands that prioritise human well-being and sustainable growth. Together, Chiara and Sizakele provide invaluable insights into how businesses can address climate-related challenges while safeguarding human rights. In this episode, we explore how climate action can prevent the rise of modern slavery, the importance of ethical supply chains, and the role of business in driving positive social change. Links: Anti Slavery International: https://www.antislavery.org Climate Change and Modern Slavery Hub: https://www.climate-modern-slavery-hub.org/ Anti Slavery International (Oct 2024). Launch of new climate change and modern slavery hub: https://www.antislavery.org/latest/launch-of-new-climate-change-and-modern-slavery-hub/ Chiara Soletti, Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiarasoletti/ Sizakele Marutlulle: https://sizakelemarutlulle.com/ Business Fights Poverty and Climate Justice: https://businessfightspoverty.org/climate-and-business

As the climate COP29 in Baku concludes without much fanfare, understanding what was really going on is more important than ever. Business Fights Poverty Youth Ambassador, Malkia Johns sits down within the COP and speaks with two women's health activists, Niona Nakuya and Terry Owino. Niona, a reproductive health specialist and climate change advocate from Uganda, serves as the Programme Officer for Population Health, Environment, and Development at Regenerate Africa. Terry, a women's health and well-being advocacy lead from Kenya, is a passionate advocate for gender justice and climate inclusion. Tune in as Niona and Terry share their unique perspectives on the intersection of women's health, climate change, and social justice. From their work empowering women in Africa to navigate the impacts of climate change, to their efforts in advocating for gender equality and climate finance, both activists are at the forefront of human-centred climate action. The conversation delves into their personal experiences at COP29, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities for developing countries like Uganda and Kenya. Niona discusses the Population Health and Environment model and its impact on grassroots communities, while Terry highlights the importance of addressing climate change from an intersectional perspective, focusing on the lived realities of women in the Global South. Through their insights, this episode shines a light on how businesses can contribute to climate action through sustainable practices and social responsibility. As COP29 puts climate finance at the center of discussions, Niona and Terry provide crucial reflections on the importance of integrating health, gender, and community development into global climate policies. Links: Terry Owino's Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-owino-2b28791b7/ Nakuya Niona Kasekende's Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nakuya-niona-kasekende-09167413a/ To find out more about the Climate Justice Series by Business Fights Poverty, check out: https://businessfightspoverty.org/resources/?_combined_categories=climate-justice

Meet two Social Impact Pioneers as they talk international development, climate resilience and the climate COP29 in Baku, Azebijan. Simon Crittle, Director of Global Communications at iDE, brings nearly 30 years of expertise in journalism, government, and nonprofit communications. From his time as a New York correspondent for Time Magazine to serving as the UN World Food Programme's spokesperson in Sudan, Simon's journey reflects a commitment to impactful storytelling. Now leading communications for iDE—a global nonprofit innovating to end poverty—Simon travels the world, producing powerful content and managing a dynamic team. Simon is joined by Kazi Jawad Hossain, iDE's Climate, Resilience, and Agriculture Manager. Kazi leads global programs addressing climate, environment, and energy challenges, with a focus on empowering the world's most vulnerable populations. Recorded live from COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, this episode dives into the atmosphere and key developments at this pivotal climate conference. Discover what sets this COP apart, from groundbreaking discussions on climate finance to critical advancements in loss and damage mechanisms. Kazi shares compelling insights into the urgency of inclusive climate solutions, spotlighting women entrepreneurs as catalysts for sustainable change. Learn how iDE's ambitious 10-year strategy, Project Fury, aims to transform the lives of 1 million women entrepreneurs while scaling local private sector innovation. Whether you're passionate about climate action, intrigued by global development, or seeking inspiration to make a difference, this episode delivers. Don't miss the chance to hear firsthand accounts from the frontlines of the climate crisis—and discover how we can all play a part in building a more resilient, equitable future. Links: Simon Crittle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-c-47b23952/ Kazi Jawoad Hossain: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kazijawoad/ iDE: https://www.ideglobal.org/ And for more from Business Fights Poverty on climate justice and many other topics affecting business and social impact: https://businessfightspoverty.org

In this special episode, we bring you exclusive insights straight from COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, with long-time Business Fights Poverty community members, Justin Perrettson and Katarina Kahlmann. As global leaders and changemakers convene to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change, Justin and Katarina share their experiences, expertise, and perspectives from inside the conference. Justin Perrettson, Head of Partnerships and External Engagement at Novonesis and an Advisory Board Member for the UN Climate Technology Centre & Network, provides an insider's look at the complexities of COP negotiations. With a focus on inclusive multilateralism, climate finance, and carbon pricing, Justin unpacks the significance of this year's "technical COP" and its role in driving global climate action. From securing funding for mitigation and adaptation to exploring technology solutions for the Global South, Justin highlights the urgency and interconnectedness of the process. Katarina Kahlmann, Chief Program Officer at TechnoServe, shares her perspective on implementing regenerative business solutions worldwide. With over 2,000 employees across the Americas, Africa, and Asia, her work demonstrates how innovative approaches can build resilient, inclusive economies. Amidst cautious optimism and geopolitical concerns, the conference is abuzz with discussions on AI's potential to combat climate change and the transformative power of climate finance. While the quieter setting of Baku contrasts with past COPs, the focus here is clear: less fluff, more action. Tune in to hear how COP29 is setting the stage for a pivotal COP30 in Brazil, and what it all means for business, policy, and the fight against climate change. Brought to you by Business Fights Poverty. To have your say join: https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/climate-justice-community-forum-2024/5031 | Thursday 21st November | 3-4:15pm GMT

Welcome to a special episode of the "Social Impact Pioneers" podcast, where today, we're not just discussing change; we're living it. In this episode you will hear from Malkia Johns, Business Fights Poverty Youth Ambassador who is in Baku for the climate COP29. In this conversation Malkia talks with Zach Lubin, a recent graduate from the University of Glasgow and an environmental enthusiast. Hailing from Kenya, Malkia is the Founder and Executive Director of Sauti Salama. She is an electrical engineer with a commitment to gender equality and youth inclusion in climate action. Over the next two weeks, she will be our host, bringing firsthand insights directly from the heart of the conference. Hear diverse perspectives as Malkia engages with global delegates, shedding light on how businesses contribute to combating climate change and advocating for actionable solutions. With her passion and expertise, she aims to bridge gaps and foster conversations that lead to real, impactful change. Today's episode we hear from Malkia and Zach Lubin, a recent graduate from the University of Glasgow and an environmental enthusiast, who shares his insights into the conference's dynamics and his personal experiences. Hear first had what is going on at the Climate COP 29 in Azerbaijan from people there, on the ground, trying to make positive climate change, for people and planet happen. Links: Zach Lubin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-lubin-89b627ba/ Malkia John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malkia-j-806989131/ Malkia live at climate COP29: https://www.youtube.com/live/0KUeOk2CSwY Business Fights Poverty's latest articles on climate, business and people: https://businessfightspoverty.org/resources/?_combined_categories=climate-justice

How do you turn an ambitious corporate commitment on social impact and inclusivity into reality? Meet Social Impact Pioneer Amanda Smith. Amanda is the Head of Community Impact at Diageo. Diageo is a global leader in premium drinks, renowned for its portfolio of over 200 iconic brands, including Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, Guinness, and Smirnoff. Operating in nearly 180 countries and employing over 30,000 people worldwide. At the heart of Diageo's ethos is its Spirit of Progress plan, a commitment to sustainable growth through inclusive programs that empower individuals and communities. From business and hospitality skills training to innovative water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives, Diageo aims to create a positive impact where they operate. A key focus is championing diversity and inclusion, ensuring that 50% of beneficiaries in their community programs are women, thus enhancing opportunities for underrepresented groups. Amanda is the lady behind turning this ambitious commitment into reality. With her extensive experience in creating inclusive programs, Amanda shares insights into how Diageo integrates social responsibility into its core business strategy. We'll discuss the importance of inclusivity in WASH initiatives and how these efforts not only benefit women and girls but also strengthen communities. As we navigate through Amanda's journey and the impactful work at Diageo, you'll discover why the time for social responsibility is now and how businesses can harness their influence to drive positive change. Amanda shares how Diageo have been actively addressing human rights and inclusion in their value chain for some time. With the emerging social impact regulations, including Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) coming into action in Europe – we talk about how Diageo has been preparing for it and why regulation doesn't need to be all about risk and compliance. Don't miss this engaging conversation about innovation, inclusion, and the future of sustainable business practices. Links: Amanda Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-smith-99776b1b/ Diageo: https://www.diageo.com/en/our-business Diageo, Inclusive Business Approach: https://www.diageo.com/en/esg/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/inclusive-community Diageo and CARE International Partnership, Investing in water and empowering women through WASH in Kenya: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luVVK1vLX5w Task Force on Taskforce on Inequality and Social-related Financial Disclosures: https://www.tisfd.org Oxford University, Leading Sustainable Corporations: https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/programmes/executive-education/online-programmes/oxford-leading-sustainable-corporations-programme WaterAid: Integrating gender equality into community water, sanitation and hygiene projects – guidance notes: https://washmatters.wateraid.org/publications/integrating-gender-equality-into-community-water-sanitation-and-hygiene-projects Wash4Work, CEO Water Mandate: WASH benefits accounting framework: https://ceowatermandate.org/publications/WASH-Framework-Summary.pdf Diageo (2023), Human Rights, Global Policies: https://media.diageo.com/diageo-corporate-media/media/p1pnrolk/dia1857_a4_policies_global_human_rights_2023-update-v4.pdf The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) - Directive (EU) 2024/1760: https://www.corporate-sustainability-due-diligence-directive.com And if you liked this, do take a look at: Business Fights Poverty, Global Goals Summit 2024, Driving ESG Innovation in the New Regulatory Context with Meta https://businessfightspoverty.org/session/driving-esg-innovation-in-the-new-regulatory-context-with-meta/

Is sustainability now a choice between compliance and innovation for business? During a time of regulation, (CSRD, CSDDD to name just two), ESG scepticism and increasing societal pressures. In this episode of Social Impact Pioneers, we talk with Dr. Mary Johnstone-Louis, Senior Fellow at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and Co-Director of Oxford's Sustainable Business Programme. Dr. Johnstone-Louis brings a wealth of experience from her work across five continents, focusing on corporate responsibility and sustainability in various contexts. We dive into the crucial conversation around sustainability as a choice between compliance and innovation. Dr. Johnstone-Louis argues that businesses must view sustainability not just as a regulatory requirement but as a transformative opportunity for innovation and growth. She emphasises the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that incorporate science, politics, and strategy, especially as sustainability becomes more mainstream. Our discussion also touches on the pivotal role of academia in shaping sustainable practices and educating future leaders. Dr. Johnstone-Louis believes that researchers can drive meaningful change by challenging conventional business norms and inspiring new perspectives on corporate governance and ethics. Listeners will gain insights into the enablers and blockers in the sustainability landscape, from emerging trends to potential threats. Dr. Johnstone-Louis highlights the need for businesses to move beyond mere compliance to create value through innovative solutions that benefit society and the environment. As we explore Dr. Johnstone-Louis's journey and her contributions to the evolving discourse on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, we emphasise that effective sustainability practices are essential for long-term success. This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, academics, and anyone passionate about the intersection of business and sustainability. Join us as we learn from one of the leading voices in corporate ethics and governance, and discover how you can be part of the solution for a more sustainable future. Links: Mary Johnstone-Louis: https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/about-us/people/mary-johnstone-louis KPMG, 2024 Sustainability Organization Survey: https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2024/sustainability-organization-survey.html IBM, How to create business value with embedded sustainability: https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/institute-business-value/en-us/report/sustainability-business-value Colin Mayer, publications: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_Mayer FT, Forget COP26 boasts — decarbonising takes thousands of tiny, boring steps: https://www.ft.com/content/1bca616e-3398-4599-8019-8cd688364d9e Oxford University, Net Zero, Tracking Progress: https://netzeroclimate.org/innovation-for-net-zero/progress-tracking/ SME Climate Hub: https://smeclimatehub.org Business Fights Poverty Global Goals Summit: https://businessfightspoverty.org/global-goals-summits Business Fights Poverty workshop with Meta: DRIVING ESG INNOVATION IN THE NEW REGULATORY CONTEXT: https://businessfightspoverty.org/session/driving-esg-innovation-in-the-new-regulatory-context-with-meta/

How does financial inclusion transform lives? And what is the role of listening and agility in the success of inclusive financial products and services? Meet Social Impact Pioneer – Atul Tandon. Atul is the visionary CEO of Opportunity International. Opportunity International is a pioneer in developing microfinance products that empower the underprivileged. They are proof of the significant impact of sustainable banking on global poverty alleviation. Atul's journey from his humble beginnings in India to becoming a global leader in microfinance via MBA and CitiBank financier propels him to lean in, use his financial skills and help others. Listen in to learn about Atul's journey and how his conviction to deeply listen to and understand the people he serves allows Opportunity International to pivot and progress their financial products – so that they really do improve lives. We'll discuss the organisation's latest innovations, such as digital tools for farmers and educational initiatives that bypass traditional barriers, offering new paradigms for social improvement. In 2023, under Atul's leadership, Opportunity International and its partners disbursed over $1.85 billion (released in loans), impacting 50 million lives across 31 countries. These funds have catalysed growth for smallholder farms and informal businesses, helping families educate their children and improve their living standards. The organisation's approach combines financial assistance with educational programs, further exemplifying its holistic strategy to combat poverty. During this conversation Atul shares just some of what he has learnt as a leader for social impact – from motivating teams for impact over income to starting with the end in mind and knowing when to leave. This podcast conversation is a trove of useful and actionable insights. Links: • Bloomberg – The AI Revolution Comes for Farmers Growing a Third of Our Food - https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-14/ai-is-helping-the-world-s-poorest-farmers-improve-yields • Devex - https://www.devex.com • Opportunity International; Atul Tandon - https://opportunity.org/who-we-are/people/atul-tandon • Opportunity International, Kenya school study: Three-year quasi-experimental study finds children gain as much as half a year equivalent of additional schooling | Opportunity International Edufinance - https://edufinance.org/publications/research-and-learning/endline-findings-kenya/ • Opportunity International | CoLab - https://opportunity.org/colab/ • Our World in Data (Aug 2023); Extreme poverty: How far have we come, and how far do we still have to go? - https://ourworldindata.org/extreme-poverty-in-brief • Our World in Data (2023); Poverty Data Explorer - Our World in Data - https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/poverty-explorer • US News and World Report (Sept 2024); In a World Facing Climate and Equity Crises, Impact Investing Is Gaining Momentum - https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2024-09-10/in-a-world-facing-climate-and-equity-crises-impact-investing-is-gaining-momentum And if you liked this, take a listen to: Gender-Smart Climate Finance with Sana Kapadia - https://businessfightspoverty.org/gender-smart-climate-finance-with-sana-kapadia/

What is the business case for corporate volunteering and employees sharing their expertise for social good? And how can corporate philanthropy make a social impact? Social Impact Pioneer, Anthony Sanchez, Vice President and Global Head of Community Impact at Moody's, shares his wisdom. Anthony's career spans over two decades, during which he moved from corporate communications into corporate social responsibility (CSR). Finding his passion for delivering social impact through business actions, Anthony is today an award winning, champion of corporate social responsibility, philanthropy and a leader in employee engagement and employee volunteering. Leading teams first at American Express and now at Moody's, Anthony has been instrumental in developing global philanthropy initiatives and enriching employee engagement through volunteering, pro bono programs and embedding it into core business. During this podcast, Anthony shares what corporate philanthropy looks like in 2024, and how employee volunteering has evolved from painting fences to an important tool in colleague engagement, learning and development and community understanding. Links: Moody's Community Impact - https://communityimpact.moodys.io/ Moody's Employee Engagement Programs - https://communityimpact.moodys.io/employee-engagement Women's World Banking - https://www.womensworldbanking.org/ WEConnect International - https://weconnectinternational.org/ And if you like this, do take a look at the latest resources from the Business Fights Poverty Global Goals Summit: https://businessfightspoverty.org/global-goals-summits And do take a listen to: Ethical Supply Chain Management with Clare Fitton: https://businessfightspoverty.org/ethical-supply-chain-management-with-clare-fitton/

What does gender-smart climate finance mean in practice and how can gender lens investing make any kind of difference during the green transition? Sana Kapadia, Chief Catalyst at Heading for Change, is a key figure in unlocking capital at the intersection of climate and gender finance. With a diverse background in impact investing, venture capital, and gender finance, Sana is a trailblazer in leveraging capital for systemic change. She's dedicated to addressing the intersection of climate finance and gender equity, highlighting how these two crucial issues can drive meaningful, inclusive change. Listen in as Sana lays out why taking a gender lens to investing is essential if we are to ensure a just transition to a green economy. Sana explains: “Climate finance isn't just an opportunity—it's a necessity.” Having started her career as a financial analyst focusing on real estate, in 2010 Sana pivoted into impact investing – focusing on gender finance. Sana talks about why this transition has unlocked opportunities for her and how we can take action to enable women to be fully integrated into the climate response. During this podcast conversation, Sana shares real-world examples and given her base in the UAE – her insights into the region's developments. She emphasises the growing investment opportunities at the climate-gender nexus, urging immediate action to scale inclusive climate finance. Links: Heading for Change: https://www.headingforchange.org Heading for Change on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heading-for-change/?viewAsMember=true Heading for Change newsletter: https://www.headingforchange.org/newsletter Heading for Change investment portfolio : https://www.headingforchange.org/investments Jacqualine Novogratz – The Blue Sweater: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/594025/the-blue-sweater-by-jacqueline-novogratz/ 2x Global,knowledge hub: https://www.2xglobal.org/knowledge-hub 2x Inclusive gender and climate finance: https://www.2xglobal.org/knowledge-hub-blog/inclusive-gender-and-climate-finance 2x Ignite, Accelerating the next generation of women-led, gender-smart fund managers: https://www.2xignite.org IFC She Wins Arabia: https://www.ifc.org/en/stories/2022/creating-opportunities-for-women-led-startups Masdar Wiser : https://masdar.ae/en/strategic-global-initiatives/wiser Suzanne Biegel: https://www.headingforchange.org/suzannes-legacy ICFA – accelerator Amazon, Reckitt, Visa Foundation facility: Calalyzing Gender Equity in Climate Finance: https://www.usaid.gov/gender-equality-and-womens-empowerment/climate-gender-equity-fund-cgef SheChanges Climate: https://www.shechangesclimate.org Business Fights Poverty, Global Goals Summit 2024: https://businessfightspoverty.org/global-goals-summits (apply your re-usable promo code for your free online tickets: BFPGGS24 And if you like this conversation, take a listen to: Investors and Female Entrepreneurs, with Sanjukta and Heather https://businessfightspoverty.org/investors-and-female-entrepreneurs/

How can innovative finance and philanthropy to help solve the world's biggest problems? What are the innovations in finance that can better tackle poverty, address climate change and create equity? And how can philanthropy go beyond a simple donation to charity? Meet Alix Lebec, the trailblazing founder and CEO of LEBEC. With a mission to merge financial mechanisms with philanthropic efforts, LEBEC is creating impactful solutions across the U.S. and Europe. Since its inception in 2020, Alix has steered the company towards maximising value creation and scaling transformative solutions for pressing global challenges. With over 20 years of expertise in sustainable finance and philanthropy, Alix has played pivotal roles in advising and growing organisations dedicated to societal improvement. Starting her career with the World Bank in Paris and Southeast Asia, she introduced groundbreaking communication initiatives and educational programs. Her significant contributions continued at Water.org, where she was instrumental during the organisation's pivotal early-stage global expansion. Alix launched WaterEquity in 2014 alongside an entrepreneurial founding team and under the leadership of co-founders Gary White and Matt Damon. Together the organisation evolved from an $11 million pilot fund into a globally recognised investment manager, effectively mobilising over $200 million in investments and philanthropic funds. During our conversation, Alix shares her insights on leading her own organisation, the potential of finance to drive real impact and the future of financial innovations. Discover how strategic investments and philanthropy can work hand-in-hand to foster sustainable business practices and promote systemic change. Alix says: "We believe it's critical to think bigger and reimagine how global capital markets can be a force for good. The opportunities to donate, invest, and do business sustainably are immense, and it's time to harness them for systems change," says Alix. Listen in as Alix Lebec enlightens us on the power of innovative finance and philanthropy in creating a more equitable and sustainable world. Don't miss this engaging discussion on how strategic funding can be a catalyst for global change. Links: Alix Lebec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alix-lebec-1821a71/ Lebec: https://lebec.co WaterEquity.org Debt for nature swaps – national debt burden relief if committed to nature: https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2022/05/03/CF-Belize-swapping-debt-for-nature Business funds from the core balance sheet: https://www.globalcompactusa.org/news/starbucks-ecolab-gap-inc-reckitt-and-dupont-join-with-u-s-government-to-invest-nearly-140-million-in-water-access-fund Sun Culture: https://sunculture.io Standard Chartered Innovations in Sustainability: Integrating nature into financial decision making: https://www.sc.com/en/campaigns/innovation-in-sustainability/ And if you liked this, join us at the Business Fights Poverty, Global Goals Summit 2024. Register here: https://businessfightspoverty.org/global-goals-summits (apply this promo code to unlock your free online tickets: BFPGGS24)

Social Impact Pioneer, Bill Omondi is on a mission to build a generation of young Africans with great leadership and communication skills. As the CEO and Founder of the Debate Circle in Kenya, Bill is working to empower young people – so that they can lean in and articulate their response to the global challenges – from poverty to climate change. Creating the change and actions that they need. Bill is also an inaugural part of the core Business Fights Poverty team – as our Community Engagement Lead, Kenya. Listen in to hear Bill's passion for empowering the next generation through educative and transformative initiatives. In the 3 – 4 years since the inception of the Debate Circle – Bill has taken the organisation from a seed of an idea to reaching, engaging and empowering thousands of young people annually. Bill is unlocking opportunities for young people to be heard, to help ensure they are understood and able to engage others in what they have to say. Tune in as we uncover the layers of Bill's impactful work, explore the challenges and triumphs of leading a social enterprise, and discuss future initiatives aimed at broadening the reach and depth of the Debate Circle. Whether you're a social impact enthusiast, educator, or someone passionate about youth empowerment, this episode promises rich insights and inspiration from one of the leading voices in the field of education and community development. Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to see more updates and connect with Bill directly. Links: Debate Circle on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedebatecircle/?locale=hr_HR Bill Omondi on Linked In: https://ke.linkedin.com/in/bill-omondi-8a238994 To learn more about the work Business Fights Poverty has been doing on partnering and collaborations – click here: https://businessfightspoverty.org/resources/?_search_resources=partnership And if you liked this podcast do take a listen to: Tackling Poverty and Unemployment Through Youth Entrepreneurship, with Anita and Rose: https://businessfightspoverty.org/tackling-poverty-and-unemployment-through-youth-entrepreneurship-with-anita-and-rose/

Improving our health starts a long time before we get sick. Social Impact Pioneer Dr. Jan Carney has dedicated her career to public health - tackling the biggest morbidity and mobility issues society faces on a scale that makes a big difference to all our well-being. Listen in to learn how to make positive social impacts at scale as Jan shares tried and tested community and society scale wellbeing behaviour change. Jan, a prominent figure in public health, serves as the Associate Dean for Public Health and Health Policy and Professor of Medicine at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. With a comprehensive academic background that includes a Bachelor of Biology/French/Premedical Studies from Middlebury College, a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and a Master of Public Health from Harvard School of Public Health, Dr. Carney has dedicated her career to improving public health through education, research, and policy. Public health, as Jan explains, differs significantly from mainstream medicine. It is not just about treating individuals one at a time but involves a holistic approach to improve health at the community and population levels. Her approach involves understanding and implementing the social determinants of health, such as nutrition, housing, and education, which play a crucial role in maintaining public health. During her tenure as Commissioner of Health in Vermont, Jan spearheaded several initiatives that dramatically improved public health outcomes, including increased access to healthcare, reduced infant mortality, and decreased tobacco use among teens. These achievements were made possible through collaborations with a diverse range of professionals across healthcare and social services. Jan's current focus is on educating the next generation of public health leaders, emphasising the importance of community partnerships and policy advocacy. She remains actively involved with various national organisations, advocating for increased public health funding and integrating public health perspectives into broader healthcare and policy discussions. In an era marked by challenges such as misinformation and the need for greater health literacy, Jan's work exemplifies the critical role of public health professionals in fostering a healthier society through education, prevention, and strategic collaborations. Links: The University of Vermont Master of Public Health program: https://www.uvm.edu/publichealth/education/programs/master-of-public-health/ Carney, J.K. (2021): A History of Public Health: From Past to Present, Book available: https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/A_History_of_Public_Health_From_Past_to/d6qgEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0 Carney, J.K. (2015): Controversies in Public Health and Health Policy, Book available: https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Controversies_in_Public_Health_and_Healt/OXmGCgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0 If you liked this podcast, do join us at the Global Goals Summit 2024: https://businessfightspoverty.org/global-goals-summits (Apply this code for your free online pass: BFPGGS24 )

Women's mental health and work. Social Impact Pioneers Sue Tym and Jo Martin examine how to best support women in the garment sector. Sue is the Senior Manager for the Social Impact Portfolio in Primark's ethical team, whilst Jo has over 30 years' experience in mental health trainer and practitioner. Sue and Jo have been leading a series of programmes where women help other women boost their well-being, and tackle stress, which is in turn boosting business performance. Join them to explore practical ways to enhance your mental health and that of others you are working with wherever you are in the world. During this podcast expect to hear how Jo and Sue's respective careers have been driven by their interests and personal convictions. Sue explains: "When I was a dreamy, 18-year-old... I had a bit of a crisis of conviction and thought why am I studying fashion?... So my very clever tutor suggested that I work on a collection for easy dressing for those with dexterity issues." Alongside the challenges of unlocking support for others who have experienced deep trauma. When describing her experiences creating nurturing environments for people who have been in war zones, Jo says: “[When] working in conflict and post-conflict situations there are no therapists or medication, instead helping women to provide for their families while at the same time supporting each other can be a big part of their recovery.” Together they have brought this experience to support women in the garment sector and share the results this is achieving. So whether you're a professional seeking to make a meaningful impact or a company aiming to enhance your corporate social responsibility, this podcast offers valuable lessons and inspiration. Links: Primark Cares: https://www.primark.com/en-gb/r/women/primark-cares Primark, My Space: https://corporate.primark.com/en-us/a/primark-cares/people/my-space-creating-space-for-mental-health-in-factories Primark: Moner Kotha project: https://www.abf.co.uk/responsibility/responsibility-in-action/2023/primark--moner-kotha-project WHO: Mental health: https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health Legislation on workplace stress https://kluwerlawonline.com/journalarticle/International+Journal+of+Comparative+Labour+Law+and+Industrial+Relations/38.1/IJCL2022003 ILO/WHO joint policy brief, Mental Health Work: https://www.ilo.org/topics/safety-and-health-work/mental-health-work WHO (2022), Mental Health at Work: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work And if you liked this, do take a listen to: The Role of Businesses in Building and Breaking Peace with Molly Melin: https://businessfightspoverty.org/the-role-of-businesses-in-building-and-breaking-peace-with-molly-melin/ How Can Business Help Peace, with Tim Fort: https://businessfightspoverty.org/how-can-business-help-peace-with-tim-fort/

What are Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and why can they be transformative for communities, particularly for women? Social Impact Pioneers Kalkidan (Kal) Lakew and Emily Janoch from the international NGO, CARE, explore how VSLAs facilitate financial inclusion, foster social empowerment and encourage community solidarity. Kal is the Program Coordinator for CARE's Women (in VSLAs) Respond initiative. Whilst Emily Janoch is the Associate Vice President for Thought Leadership and Design at CARE. During this conversation, they not only deep dive into the benefits and outcomes of VSLAs but also look critically at the role of international development programme design, iterative improvements and the benefits of responsive community led feedback. Kal explains: “By listening and learning from women and girls in Village Savings and Loan Associations and understanding the impact of different crises and shocks – we can help to refine how the VSLAs work and determine what to prioritise.” Whilst Emily shares, “I am focused on finding ways to leverage evidence and learning to improve impact, build dignity, and eradicate poverty.” What are Village Savings and Loan Associations - VSLAs? VSLAs serve as a grassroots financial model where members—predominantly women—save together and access small loans. Originating in Niger in 1991, these associations have become a cornerstone of development programs, addressing food security, nutrition, and education. They are crucial in regions where access to formal financial services is scarce, enabling members to manage their funds and make collective decisions. Kal and Emily are finding that VSLAs go beyond mere financial transactions. They empower women by breaking social and economic barriers, enhance community negotiating power, and address critical social issues like education and early marriage. Through collective action, VSLAs enable women to increase their confidence and achieve remarkable community contributions, from starting businesses to advocating for educational facilities. How effective feedback improves outcomes Today's discussion will also touch on the importance of adapting development initiatives to the specific contexts and needs of communities. Kal and Emily explore effective strategies for ensuring that development interventions are responsive, sustainable, and scalable. They share insights on engaging with communities as equal partners, emphasising the necessity of listening and learning from those we aim to support. Listen in to find out more. Links: * CARE: http://www.care.org/ * CARE's VSLA programme: https://www.care.org/our-work/education-and-work/microsavings/ * CARE's Women Respond initiative: https://www.care.org/our-work/disaster-response/emergencies/covid-19/women-respond-leadership-covid-19-response/ * CARE's data sharing platforms with the communities, https://careinternational.podbean.com/e/the-data-belongs-to-them/ * CARE's farmer livelihood work. https://www.care.org/our-work/food-and-nutrition/agriculture/farmer-field-business-school/ And if you liked that take a listen to: * Investors and Female Entrepreneurs, with Sanjukta and Heather: https://businessfightspoverty.org/investors-and-female-entrepreneurs/ And * Lifting Participation: Female Entrepreneurs Tackle Climate Change – with Bill Winters and Audrey S-Darko: https://businessfightspoverty.org/lifting-participation-female-entrepreneurs-tackle-climate-change/

Social Impact Pioneer Elizabeth Wells talks about women entrepreneurs and digital inclusion. Elizabeth is currently the Head of Entrepreneurship at the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. The Foundation is on a mission to eliminate barriers to entrepreneurship for women, helping to enable global economic gender justice. Elizabeth's work within the organisation is focused on unlocking the power of digital for women's entrepreneurship. With 10 years of experience working on women's economic empowerment, economic development, and governance programmes, Elizabeth shares why digital exclusion is particularly pronounced for women – from access to mobile handsets, digital connectivity, low digital literacy and the high associated costs. Elizabeth reveals the potential of integrating digital tools in business operations for women. Whether it's mobile money and online transaction systems, that helps to provide financial autonomy; through to book-keeping and client management that enhances business efficiency. Elizabeth is passionate about working in partnership with private and public sector organisations and has delivered this in some 12 different countries. Her experience includes working with partners like Qualcomm, DHL Express, FCDO and USAID. Together we talk about some of the partnering opportunities that can better serve female entrepreneurs. Elizabeth says – “There is a lot of excitement around AI. Digital inclusion is critical to business success and, if women are digitally excluded - whether it's because of poor connectivity or infrastructure, high cost of data or lack of mobile phone ownership or access – women will never achieve their potential in business.” Please find here the links to the reports: • GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2023: https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/programme/connected-women/the-mobile-gender-gap-report-2023/ • Cherie Blair Foundation for Women Research Reports: https://cherieblairfoundation.org/what-we-do/research/2023-audit/ • Bridging the Divide: Women, Tech and Business Success: https://cherieblairfoundation.org/what-we-do/research/covid19-research/ • Cherie Blair Foundation website: https://cherieblairfoundation.org/ • Cherie Blair Programmes: https://cherieblairfoundation.org/what-we-do/programmes/ • Cherie Blair HerVenture: https://cherieblairfoundation.org/what-we-do/programmes/herventure/ • Cherie Blair Mentoring: https://cherieblairfoundation.org/what-we-do/programmes/mentoring/

Social Impact Pioneer Molly Melin deep dives into the role of organisations, particularly businesses in building and breaking peace. The UN estimated in early 2023 that six out of seven people worldwide are plagued by feelings of insecurity. The world is facing the highest number of violent conflicts since the Second World War, whilst 2 billion people — a quarter of humanity — live in places affected by such conflict. And the world certainly hasn't become more peaceful since 2023! Molly is the Professor & Chair of the Department of Political Science at Loyola University Chicago. Her research and teaching focus is international relations and foreign policy decision-making, with emphasis on international conflict and conflict management. Molly's current research focuses on third party interventions in ongoing international conflicts, the role of the private sector in conflict prevention, and UN peacekeeping. Together we will talk about her book, The Building and Breaking of Peace: Corporate Activities in Civil War Prevention and Resolution, which examines corporations' conflict roles in building and preventing peace using original data and in-depth case analyses of corporate actions and outcomes in Colombia, Northern Ireland, and Tunisia. Listen in to learn how organisations can leverage their influence to foster peace, providing practical steps to reducing conflict and building peaceful relationships. Molly explains in no uncertain terms that businesses are well positioned to be a force for good that helps create peace. If you want a peaceful world, listen in. This podcast is for you. Links: UN January 2023, With Highest Number of Violent Conflicts Since Second World War, United Nations Must Rethink Efforts to Achieve, Sustain Peace, Speakers Tell Security Council, https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15184.doc.htm Molly Melin (2021), The Building and Breaking of Peace; Corporate Activities in Civil War Prevention and Resolution, https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-building-and-breaking-of-peace-9780197579367?cc=gb&lang=en& The MacBride Principles: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBride_Principles WEF and The Graduate Institute (2020), MOBILIZING THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION , https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Mobilizing_the_Private_Sector_Report_2020.pdf CNN (2022), McDonald's CEO sounds the alarm over crime in Chicago, https://edition.cnn.com/2022/09/15/business/mcdonalds-ceo-chicago-crime/index.html And if you liked this, do take a listen to: How Can Business Help Peace, with Tim Fort: https://businessfightspoverty.org/how-can-business-help-peace-with-tim-fort/ And have a look at: Business Fights Poverty: Human Rights and Governance » Conflict and Peace: https://businessfightspoverty.org/category/human-rights-and-governance/peace/

Today on our podcast "Social Impact Pioneers," we are joined by two trailblazers in the fight against global poverty and unemployment through youth entrepreneurship: Anita Tiessen, CEO of Youth Business International (YBI) from the UK, and Rose Namutebi, a social worker and entrepreneur who serves as Cordaid Uganda's Gender Specialist and Project Coordinator for their High Flyers project. Anita Tiessen has carved a notable career in international development and human rights. Prior to her role at Youth Business International, the only organisation dedicated to youth entrepreneurship on a global scale, she held leadership positions at the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, UNICEF UK, and Amnesty International. Anita brings a wealth of experience in empowering young individuals to start and grow their businesses, particularly in underserved communities. Rose Namutebi joins us from Uganda, bringing a rich background in local governance and human rights. With over two decades of experience with Cordaid, she has been instrumental in advancing youth entrepreneurship, livelihood and food security, and inclusive programming for women, people with disabilities, and refugees in some of the world's most fragile settings. In today's episode, Anita and Rose delve into how youth entrepreneurship serves as a crucial lever for social change, economic growth, and community empowerment. They highlight the profound impact that nurturing entrepreneurial spirit has on mitigating youth unemployment, which has been exacerbated by the global pandemic with a loss of 34 million youth jobs. Our discussion also covers the specific challenges and opportunities in making entrepreneurship accessible and inclusive. Listeners will gain insights into the innovative strategies implemented by Youth Business International (YBI) and Cordaid to foster a supportive environment for young entrepreneurs, integrating business development with social objectives. Join us as we explore the transformative power of youth entrepreneurship in creating a more inclusive and prosperous global economy. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business leader, this episode is set to provide valuable perspectives on leveraging business for lasting social impact. Links: YBI website: https://youthbusiness.org/ YBI Global Youth Entrepreneurship Summit webpage: https://genforchange.youthbusiness.org/summit/ YBI Bootcamp webpage: https://genforchange.youthbusiness.org/bootcamp/ Cordaid website: https://www.cordaid.org/en/countries/uganda/ And if you like this, do listen to: Lifting Participation: Female Entrepreneurs Tackle Climate Change – with Bill Winters and Audrey S-Darko: https://businessfightspoverty.org/lifting-participation-female-entrepreneurs-tackle-climate-change/

Delve into the intersection of technology, finance, and social good. Social Impact Pioneer Briana Marbury, the CEO and President of the Interledger Foundation talks about her work shaping the future of digital financial inclusion. The Interledger Foundation is the philanthropic FinTech committed to advancing financial inclusion through innovative technology. The foundation promotes the Interledger Protocol, which simplifies and accelerates global payments, akin to sending an email. This initiative is especially crucial for underrepresented and underserved communities, enhancing their access to digital financial services and supporting their integration into the tech ecosystem. Through grants, community building, and advocacy, they are paving the way for a more inclusive financial future where transactions are seamless and universally accessible. Listen in to hear Briana sharing her insights on the unique challenges of digital financial inclusion and her vision for a world where digital financial services are as straightforward as sending a text message. So, whether you're involved in finance, technology, or just passionate about social impact, join us as we explore how digital innovation can transform lives and foster a more inclusive global economy. Stay tuned as we dive deep into the conversation with Briana Marbury. Links: Interledger Foundation: https://interledger.org Interledger, Inspire future leaders: https://interledger.org/education M Pesa: https://www.m-pesa.africa Interledger Protocol: https://interledger.org/interledger CDG, People's Clearinghouse, Mexico : https://lacamara.mx Banco Central do Brazil, Pix system in Brazil: https://www.bcb.gov.br/en/financialstability/pix_en Interledger Summit : https://interledger.org/summit And if you liked this podcast do take a listen to: Managing Gender Inequalities in Supply Chains with Sam Ludlow Taylor: https://businessfightspoverty.org/managing-gender-inequalities-in-supply-chains-with-sam-ludlow-taylor/

How do we better support women working in global value chains? Social Impact Pioneer, Clare Fitton of Sedex joins us to talk gender data, ethical supply chain management and how it can enhance business performance whilst improving lives. Global value chains depend on hundreds of millions of workers to produce the goods we use every day – from our food, to our clothes, to our personal care products and cars. Women represent a significant proportion of workers. And yet in many countries, the rights, roles and support for women are different to men. From land rights, to financial access, to education. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)'s Work and Opportunities for Women (WOW) programme set a challenge in 2018 – to improve women's economic opportunities through business interventions in supply chains. One of the first things they did was focus on improving the collection of data about women workers, working closely with partners Sedex, ETI and BSR. Because what gets measured, gets managed. Clare Fitton trained in Human Rights Law, specialising in Business and Human Rights and Gender Equality. She has over 15 years' experience working with companies, trade unions, NGOs, investors and government bodies on the practical implementation and effectiveness of human rights due diligence practices. Clare is now the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) Evolution and Impact Lead within Sedex. Clare has a particular focus on social impact measurement and improving women workers' access to their rights. Sedex has 80,000 members all of whom are now potentially benefitting from gender disaggregated data. Together we explore the strides being made in ethical auditing, data-driven improvements and emerging gender disaggregating audit methodology. We talk about how gender indicators such as higher numbers of women in supervisory roles correlates with a reduction in the likelihood of other risks. We discuss the broader implications of new due diligence and value chain regulations and how companies can navigate these changes through more effective use of data. Stay tuned as we uncover the tangible benefits of gender-inclusive practices in supply chains and the critical role of continuous improvement in ethical auditing. Join us as we dive into a conversation that's all about making a difference, one data point at a time. Further Business Fights Poverty and the Work and Opportunities for Women (WOW) Resources can be found here: https://businessfightspoverty.org/gender-and-business Links: 1. Sedex Gender Data Insights report: https://www.sedex.com/app/uploads/2022/12/Sedex-Gender-equality-through-data-FINAL-PDF.pdf 2. Integration of gender data indicators into Sedex tools, building on WOW's work: https://www.sedex.com/blog/driving-progress-on-gender-equality-through-better-gender-data/ 3. Sedex Gender in Agriculture report: https://www.sedex.com/app/uploads/2023/05/Sedex-Gender-in-agriculture-report.pdf 4. Regular gender-based webinars through Sedex Community Engagement Programme: https://www.sedex.com/solutions/community/ 5. BSR Gender Data and Impact Tool: https://www.bsr.org/reports/BSR_Gender_Data_and_Impact_Tool_Executive_Summary.pdf 6. ETI Gender Data Indicators Guidance: Level 1: https://www.ethicaltrade.org/sites/default/files/shared_resources/ETI_GenderDataGuidance_L1.pdf 7. ETI Gender Data Indicators Guidance: Levels 2 & 3: https://www.ethicaltrade.org/sites/default/files/shared_resources/ETI_GenderDataGuidance_L2-L3_1.pdf

Managing gender inequalities in supply chains is good for people and good for business. Meet Social Impact Pioneer - Sam Ludlow-Taylor, the Senior Manager for Human Rights Programmes at the John Lewis Partnership, which includes the supermarket - Waitrose. Sam is on a mission to tackle gender inequity from the bottom up and top down. With a rich background in commercial roles transitioning into ethical trade and responsible sourcing, Sam has experience ranging from business headquarters to factory floors across the food and clothing sectors. Sam delves into why addressing gender inequality isn't just ethically imperative but also crucial for business health and sustainability. Through her partnership with the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)'s Work and Opportunities for Women (WOW) programme, she highlights the practical steps and success stories that illustrate the power of focusing on gender issues within supply chains. She argues that gender inequality harms business efficiency and growth, stating, “50% of the population are women... if you tackle gender equality, the whole economy is bolstered.” This episode explores how initiatives aimed at women's economic empowerment in agriculture—where women comprise 40-60% of the labour force in developing countries—can lead to increased farm yields and overall business benefits. Sam emphasises the importance of partnerships for fostering positive change and creating sustainable business models that support women, especially in contexts vulnerable to climate change impacts. She also shares how the John Lewis Partnership's commitment to purpose and democratic business practices underpins their efforts towards a more equitable and productive corporate environment. Listen in to gain insights into the intersection of gender, business, and ethical supply chain management. Understand how targeted efforts to empower women not only lead to fairer working conditions, but also enhance operational efficiencies and societal benefits. Further Business Fights Poverty and the Work and Opportunities for Women (WOW) Resources can be found here: https://businessfightspoverty.org/gender-and-business Links: Waitrose Foundation: https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/content/sustainability/responsible-sourcing/waitrose-foundation John Lewis Partnerships, Creating Better Jobs: https://www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk/csr/creating-better-jobs.html Farm Africa: https://www.farmafrica.org UK Government, FCDO (2022): From risks to rewards: overcoming the impacts of climate change on women in agricultural supply chains: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/from-risks-to-rewards-overcoming-the-impacts-of-climate-change-on-women-in-agricultural-supply-chains/from-risks-to-rewards-overcoming-the-impacts-of-climate-change-on-women-in-agricultural-supply-chains

Investing in women farmers - why do we need to and are we doing enough? Social Impact Pioneer Leonor (Leo) Gutiérrez Fernández, the visionary Director of the Women in Agriculture Initiative (WAI) at Root Capital, joins us to talk: impact investing, agriculture and why we aren't helping anyone by leaving women behind. With a background in psychology and a master's in social development, Leo has dedicated her life to fostering gender equity, impact investing, and global development, making significant strides in the agricultural sector. At Root Capital—a nonprofit that invests in small and growing agricultural enterprises to transform rural communities—Leo leads the organisation's strategy to advance gender equity in the impact investing space. To date Root Capital has distributed $1.96 billion to over 843 enterprises, impacting millions of lives. During this conversation, hear about Leo's personal journey from psychology student to international development leader. She explores why gender-inclusive businesses are: More stable and profitable; less likely to experience significant revenue dips; less likely to default; and more likely to secure new sources of financing. Together we delve into the power of female farmers, how to unlock their strength and why we overlook them to our detriment. And if you too want to get involved, do join our written discussion on 23rd May 2024, as we explore: How we can ensure communications are human-centred, empathetic and engaging?: https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-ensure-communications-are-human-centred-empathetic-and-engaging/4651 Links: Root Capital: https://rootcapital.org/ Leonor (Leo) Gutiérrez Fernández: https://rootcapital.org/thought-leader-leonor-leo-gutierrez-fernandez/ Root Capital's Women's Council: https://rootcapital.org/meet-the-womens-council/ Root Capital's Inclusion pays report: https://rootcapital.org/inclusion-pays/ Root Capital's A Journey Into the Heart of Kenya's Macadamia-Processing Region: https://rootcapital.org/a-journey-into-the-heart-of-kenyas-macadamia-processing-region/ Root Capital's SOPPEXCCA: Empowering Women Coffee Farmers in Nicaragua: https://rootcapital.org/meet-our-clients/stories/soppexcca-empowering-women-coffee-farmers-in-nicaragua/ Root Capital's Impact Dashboard: https://rootcapital.org/our-impact/#impact-dashboard

Climate change is a global health issue. Social Impact Pioneer, Desta Lakew joins us to share her insights on why Africa's youthful population is a sick crisis waiting to explode if we don't start thinking about health care rather than sick care. And how climate change is already deteriorating health in the areas she's working on. Desta is a powerhouse in forging global partnerships for Africa, playing a pivotal role in securing strategic alliances for Amref Health Africa. Since joining the Amref executive team in 2014, Desta has been at the forefront of thought leadership and external engagements, working tirelessly with global partners and Amref's senior leadership to drive transformative health initiatives across the continent. Amref Health Africa is the largest health development non-governmental international organisation based in Africa. With over 2000 people working with them and operations in more than 8 countries within the continent. Amref is on a mission to catalyse and drive community-led and people centred health systems while addressing social determinants of health. Desta's instrumental role in launching the first biennial Africa Health Agenda International Conference in 2014 marked a significant milestone in facilitating a global south dialogue and knowledge exchange on Universal Health Coverage in Africa and Asia. Desta holds a Masters of Public Health from the State University of New York and serves on the regional advisory board for Acumen East Africa and the Thematic Working Group on Private Sector of Health Systems Global. Her commitment to health equity and her strategic vision for a healthier Africa make her a true pioneer in the field. Join us as Desta Lakew shares her journey from Ethiopia to New York and back to Africa, her motivations, and her ongoing work to address the critical intersection of health and climate change, aiming to strengthen health systems and improve lives across the continent. Stay tuned as we explore the challenges, the victories, and the future of health in Africa with one of its most passionate advocates. Links: AMREF: https://amref.org AMREF's thoughts on Health and Climate Change: https://newsroom.amref.org/news/2024/04/amref-puts-a-spotlight-on-widening-climate-change-induced-health-inequalities-in-africa/ Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC2025): https://ahaic.org Desta's Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/destalakew/ And if you liked this, take a listen to: Combining Personal and Business Purpose with Hamzah Sarwar: https://businessfightspoverty.org/combining-personal-and-business-purpose-with-hamzah-sarwar/

Deep dive into the world of domestic work and what it means to empower domestic workers. Whether that's cleaning, caring or generally working within the home or directly for one person or family, you will have been engaged in domestic work or know someone who is. The ILO estimates that 75.6 million people are engaged in domestic work around the world, and for women especially it can be an important source of income. But domestic work can be casual, without the support mechanisms many have come to rely on in decent work settings – from holiday and sick pay to safe working environment and safe working hours. Social Impact Pioneer Professor Jenny M. Hoobler has dedicated her academic life to unveiling the critical role of domestic work and workers in today's workforce and across all our societies. Jenny is now the Professor of Human Resource Management and the Academic Director of Leadership for the Social Impact Knowledge Center at NOVA School of Business and Economics in Portugal. Her CV and experience include completing her PhD in the USA, and time as a Professor at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. She has consulted for companies such as UPS USG Corporation and edited the Journal of Applied Psychology. Jenny's insights into the employer-employee relationship within domestic work reveal a spectrum of experiences, from being the essential glue keeping everything going to exploitation. This episode aims to spark a conversation on the importance of formalising these relationships, ensuring fair wages, and recognising the vital role of domestic workers in supporting the so-called "100-hour couples" of today's workforce. This conversation is not just about acknowledging the challenges but also about championing change and recognising the profound impact of domestic work on our society. Links: https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/domestic-workers/lang--en/index.htm Intl Labor Org on domestic worker numbers, etc. ILO, Work on diverted mothering: https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/domestic-workers/lang--en/index.htm Jenny's paper on domestic workers being intersectional: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23322373.2015.1126499?casa_token=kEUWAUR9C48AAAAA%3Acp9NIOkDaQp9LWa-MCljSHPypinUXU8vDrXV09ANIxWe5yCDnek_1W9Jp_hICYI0uMsKhsV7LsFkvlk IDWFED - International Domestic Workers Federation: idwfed.org Living wage calculator for South Africa: https://living-wage.co.za/ Jenny Hoobler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-hoobler-8780754/ Nova SBE Leadership for Impact Knowledge Center: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/nova-sbe-leadership-for-impact-knowledge-center/ And if you liked this do try: Revolutionising Maternal Health Supply Chains: Insights from MSD for Mothers: https://businessfightspoverty.org/revolutionising-maternal-health-supply-chains-insights-from-msd-for-mothers/

How has the business agenda on equity evolved over the past 20 years? Meet Social Impact Pioneer and Business Fights Poverty Institute Founding Fellow – Jane Nelson. Jane is the Founding Director of the Corporate Responsibility Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School and is the academic partner of the godfather of the Framework on Business and Human Rights – John Ruggie. Jane talks candidly about her incredible career to date and the shifting dynamics within corporate strategies towards integrating equity more fundamentally into business practices that have run in parallel. Jane has been at the table during many of the world's pivotal conversations on societal impact in the past 20 years. She shares her insider highlights with us during this podcast conversation. Together with Business Fights Poverty Co-Founder and CEO, Zahid Torres-Rahman - they explore the evolution of the business and equity agenda. Jane looks back at the big trends over the past two decades and sheds light on how we navigate today's complex challenges and transformative opportunities. Listen in to access deep insights and a dose of inspiration to guide you on your own journey, as this conversation underscores the increasing recognition of businesses' role in fostering a more equitable economy. Links: Business Commission to Tackle Inequality. Tackling Inequality: An Agenda for Business Action: https://tacklinginequality.org/files/flagship.pdf Business Fights Poverty: Generative AI and Social Impact - Role of Business: https://businessfightspoverty.org/report/generative-ai-and-social-impact-role-of-business/ Corporate Responsibility Initiative, Harvard Kennedy School: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/mrcbg/programs/cri Living Wage Foundation: https://www.livingwage.org.uk World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD): https://www.wbcsd.org And if you like this, do take a listen to: Combining Personal and Business Purpose with Hamzah Sarwar: https://businessfightspoverty.org/combining-personal-and-business-purpose-with-hamzah-sarwar/

Are you poor? Am I poor? And what will it take to stop poverty? Social Impact Pioneer Dr Martin Burt doesn't think we should just be measuring poverty, or in turn wealth, by the amount of money we have alone. Martin believes that we can all be poor by some measures and that none of us are necessarily poor by all the measures. That is because Martin has been studying, working and leading businesses, civil society and governments to on his mission to tackle poverty. During this podcast you will hear what Martin has learnt on his journey; he shares the tools and skills he has developed in tackling poverty; and challenges us all to end poverty. Dr Martin Burt is the founder and CEO of Fundación Paraguaya, a social enterprise he set up in 1985 to tackle poverty head-on. Together they have researched poverty in depth and developed the Poverty Stoplight – which Martin will go into detail for us during the conversation. Fundación Paraguaya was named Latin America's most impactful and innovative development organisation by the Inter-American Development Bank in 2018. El Pais recently named Dr. Burt as one of the “21 Latin Americans who are changing the world.” Whilst the Poverty Stoplight (which is a key programme Martin is spearheading) is featured in the Solutions Insights Lab “What's Working Solutions”. If that wasn't enough – Martin holds a PhD from Tulane University in Development Economics and International Development, he is a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Research Associate at University of California, Irvine. In public service, Martin was elected Mayor of the capital city of Paraguay in the 1990s, he has served as Chief of Staff to the President of Paraguay, between 2012 to 2013 and was appointed Vice Minister of Commerce. Martin was also twice elected as the president of the Paraguayan-American Chamber of Commerce; and has written books on economics, development, municipal government, poetry, and education. Check out - “Who Owns Poverty?” Links: Poverty Stop Light - https://www.povertystoplight.org Who Owns Poverty? - https://redpress.co.uk/products/who-owns-poverty Martin's Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinburt/ And if you liked this do try: Reframing Poverty with Eric Meade: https://businessfightspoverty.org/eric-meade/

What happens when social impact and entrepreneurship skills are combined? The Social Impact Pioneer Dr Orsolya Ihasz. Orsolya or Orsi to her friends, works at the intersection between deep academia, social innovation, entrepreneurship, and public health – she is a champion of the social enterprise. From youth peace activist to today – where Orsi is currently the Director of the Cranfield Venture Programme and before this she spent 12 years in entrepreneurship education at the University of Cambridge, Judge Business School – championing and supporting people to succeed in developing innovative ideas and succeeding in enterprise. She has a PhD in Social Innovation & Complex Information Systems, and has worked with the Department for International Development, the EU DG Youth, to promote youth-participation within policy. She is an external advisor to the World Health Organisation - working on the scaling of digitally enabled health interventions for tackling non-communicable diseases. In her spare time, Orsi is co-founder of Colab-8, a venture consultancy aimed at delivering social innovation across sectors; collaborating with RH-Consult in Geneva; and the Curiosity Incubator - Accelerator for Good at the University of Cambridge; and she's a Fellow at the Foundation for Science and Technology. During this podcast conversation, we talk about innovation, entrepreneurship, solving big questions, and why health innovation needs to start in our communities. Orsi has been studying, teaching, advising people on entrepreneurial mindset and skill sets needed for successful social enterprises. A give away – Orsi is convinced that social enterprises are a key mechanism to tackling some of the world's most pressing issues. During our conversation we talk about asking difficult questions and opening doors in order to answer them; why the solution to many health challenges is community-based; and how social enterprises will be the solution to overzealous capitalism. Links: Be Healthy, Be Mobile https://www.who.int/initiatives/behealthy/ R-Health Consult https://www.r-healthconsult.com Foundation of Science and Technology https://www.foundation.org.uk/ Curiosity Incubator | Accelerator for Good https://www.linkedin.com/company/curiosity-incubator/about/ Colab-8 https://colab-8.com/ Ideas to Innovation (i2i) https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/events/i2i And if you like this, take a listen to: Lifting Participation: Female Entrepreneurs Tackle Climate Change – with Bill Winters and Audrey S-Darko: https://businessfightspoverty.org/lifting-participation-female-entrepreneurs-tackle-climate-change/

How do we tackle gender inequality through work? Avon are calling for Women's progress and equality, for us to Speak Out against gender-based violence and Shine Bright for women in our communities and around the world. This podcast was recorded during the Business Fights Poverty Global Equity Summit 2024. Ahead International Women's Day - Andreea Moldovan and Laura Shaw joined us and had a conversation about the key findings from Avon's latest Global Progress for Women report. They very generously open up about their personal experiences of breaking the barriers to gender inequality and discuss nurturing entrepreneurial spirit, creating safe spaces for women to thrive and driving actionable change for a more equitable and supportive future for women worldwide. Andreea has 25 years of experience in direct selling and cosmetics industry, with over 10 years spent as a General Manager. Andrea has a background in computer science applied in economics She has lived in 3 countries and worked with more than 20 markets during her career. Laura, with over two decades in marketing, PR, and communications, is an accountability coach and marketing manager as well as running her successful Avon business - Laura is a proud Avon rep - supporting others to do the same. Links: Avon's Global Progress for Women Report 2024: https://www.avonworldwide.com/dam/jcr:d2346fa0-8d27-43a0-96ba-0e2282c0a3fc/IWD-report-2024.pdf Business Fights Poverty, Global Equity Summit 2024 - full video resources and insight reports: https://businessfightspoverty.org/global-equity-summit

Can business help peace? And can the processes by which peace comes into being help business? My social impact pioneer today – Tim Fort believes so. As one of the recent nominees for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize (yes The Nobel Peace Prize) – Tim Fort is a prolific thinker and writer on all avenues of business and peace. Tim Fort has been nominated for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in showing how ethical business behaviour can positively contribute to peace. He holds the Eveleigh Professorship in Business Ethics at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and is also an Affiliated Scholar at the Kroc Institute of International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Fort received the 2022 Distinguished Career Faculty Award from the Academy of Legal Studies in Business. He has written one hundred articles, reviews and chapters along with twelve books; he has edited many more. Two of his books have won the Best Book Award from the Academy of Management for Social Issues. Tim joins us to share very practical advice on how we can make peace and what business can learn from peacemakers. He then goes on to give us a sneak peak into his new book which he is co-authoring with Kristin Hahn, executive producer of Apple TV's "The Morning Show," explaining how shared cultural experiences can serve as common ground for people divided by social and political issues. Get ready to hear about the power of music, sharing a love of sports, and why going for a walk with your dog could resolve conflict. Links: -Cindy Schipani and Tim Fort's book: The role of business in fostering peaceful societies: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/role-of-business-in-fostering-peaceful-societies/39F381F211120B66293F33812A88C717 -Tim Fort, The Diplomat in the Corner Office: Corporate Foreign Policy https://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=23129 -Tim Fort and Cindy Schipani, The Role of the Corporation in Fostering Sustainable Peace, 35 Vanderbilt Law Review 389 (2021). Available at: https://scholarship.law.vanderbilt.edu/vjtl/vol35/iss2/1 -Terry Dworkin and Cindy Schipani, Gender Voice and Correlations with Peace+, 36 Vanderbilt Law Review 527 (2021). Available at: https://scholarship.law.vanderbilt.edu/vjtl/vol36/iss2/6 -Tim Fort, Review by: William Frederick. Business Ethics Quarterly Vol. 20, No. 1, Behavioral Ethics: A New Empirical Perspective on Business -Ethics Research (Jan., 2010), pp. 134-137 (4 pages). Published By: Cambridge University Press. Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/27755327 -Jane Nelson (2000). The Business of Peace: The Private Sector as a Partner in Conflict Prevention and Resolution. Available at: https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Business_of_Peace.html?id=hQwrJAAACAAJ -Samuel Moyn (2021). Humane: How the United States Abandoned Peace and Reinvented War. Available at: https://www.amazon.com/Humane-United-States-Abandoned-Reinvented/dp/0374173702 -Raymond Kelly (2000). Warless Societies and the Origin of War. Available at: https://press.umich.edu/Books/W/Warless-Societies-and-the-Origin-of-War -Constance Cook Glen, Timothy L. Fort (2022). Music, Business and Peacebuilding. Available at: https://www.routledge.com/Music-Business-and-Peacebuilding/Glen-Fort/p/book/9781032185989 -Tim Fort (2021). TED. What can the dog park teach us about bridging great societal divides?Available at: https://www.ted.com/talks/tim_fort_what_can_the_dog_park_teach_us_about_bridging_great_societal_divides -Braver Angels. Available at: https://braverangels.org Sweet dreams for Rwanda: http://www.sweetdreamsrwanda.com -Follow Tim and Kristin's collaboration. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/iuhhc/photos/a.685177491572241/4845214892235126/?type=3 If you liked this podcast do join us at the Business Fights Poverty Global Equity Summit: https://businessfightspoverty.org/global-equity-summit (free tickets are available when you apply this promo code: GES24BFP

Measuring social impact and human rights regulation are hot topics. Social Impact Pioneer - Emily Kane Miller has been working hard to develop understanding and data on to help us all with this. From lawyer to social impact specialist, Emily has an eye for detail. Emily has felt the pain of not being able to measure and manage social impact with businesses. Most people complain about this, Emily bucks this trend and instead set up Ethos Tracking – the social impact data capture and reporting platform. Get ready to hear from Emily, as she takes us from the basics of social impact with business. Emily explores questions such as: why is social impact measurement important? How do you begin to measure social impact? Right through to the nuances of the emerging human rights and due diligence regulatory reporting requirements. In addition to this, Emily talks about her recent Forbes article which explores the social impact trends of 2024, emphasising the importance of data in validating and amplifying social good efforts. Whether you're a seasoned professional in the social impact space or just starting to explore how you can make a difference, this podcast conversation will help you. Links: Ethos Giving: https://ethos-giving.com Ethos Tracking: https://ethostracking.com Forbes article: Social Impact Trends That Will Affect Chief Impact Officers In 2024: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zengernews/2024/01/05/social-impact-trends-that-will-affect-chief-marketing-officers-in-2024/?sh=626241b830af Emily's Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-kane-miller-32272286/ And if you like this check out the Business Fights Poverty Equity Summit – live 6th and 7th March 2024: https://businessfightspoverty.org/global-equity-summit Register with this reusable promo code for free online access: GES24BFP

Education equity – what does that mean and why does it matter? For Social Impact Pioneer, Mohan Sivaloganathan knows it's about making education and employment preparedness fairer, opportunities open to everyone and closing the gaps of inequality. Mohan Sivaloganathan, the CEO of Our Turn. leading a national movement in the US of young leaders in the fight for education equity. Our conversation is personal and pragmatic, with advice for students, educators, and business decision makers. With an aim of opening up the conversation in inequality so we might be able to close up the gaps between us all. In this episode, we explore Mohan's journey from a first-generation American, navigating the expectations of a South Asian immigrant family, to becoming a Troublemaker for the status quo, challenging and reshaping the narrative around success, identity, and community engagement. Mohan's work has brought him recognition: Being named within the 40 Under 40 Rising Star in NY and being featured by Fast Company, Good is the New Cool, ESPN, and more. Join us as Mohan shares his insights on the importance of equipping change drivers with the support they need, the role of identity and culture in advancing justice, and how his multifaceted life experiences have shaped his approach to making the world a better place. Whether you're a student, young professional, educator, philanthropist, or corporate leader, this conversation promises to enlighten, inspire, and provoke thought on how we can all play a part in driving meaningful change. Journey into the mind of a man who lives at the intersection of activism, leadership, and creativity. Tune in to discover how Mohan Sivaloganathan is not just challenging the status quo but rewriting the rules of engagement for a more equitable and just society. Links: Our Turn: https://www.itsourturn.org Mohan Sivaloganathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msivaloganathan/ And if you liked this conversation, do check out: Combing Personal and Business Purpose with Hamzah Sarwar: https://businessfightspoverty.org/combining-personal-and-business-purpose-with-hamzah-sarwar/ The Business Fights Poverty Equity Summit: Join us for two engaging days at our Global Equity Summit, where we'll navigate the shifting landscape of business and equity, crafting strategies to tackle contemporary challenges. Delve into vital issues such as women's entrepreneurship, health, gender-based violence, sustainable infrastructure, value chains, and empowering the youth. Register for FREE using promo code GES24BFP. : https://businessfightspoverty.org/global-equity-summit/

Meet Social Impact Pioneer - Hamzah Sarwar as he shares the challenges of combining personal and business purpose. Hamzah takes us on his personal journey, exploring the challenges of trying to create social good, whilst providing for his family. Hamzah is now the Global Social Impact and Partnerships Director at Reckitt, who are a global health, hygiene, and nutrition business, with a presence in over 45 countries and a portfolio including household names such as: Dettol, Harpic, Strepsils, Nurofen, Lemsip, and Durex. Today Hamzah's role extends beyond mere business operations to cultivating meaningful societal change. His journey, however, isn't just a story of open doors and opportunities. It's a tale of passion, resilience, and commitment to social innovation. With over 13 years of cross-functional leadership in marketing, insights & evaluation, brand purpose, and social impact, Hamzah is a living testament to the power of aligning corporate strategies with societal needs. Our conversation centres on the essence of corporate and personal purpose. We delve into how these concepts can drive a business forward and also create a tangible impact in the world. Hamzah, an award-winning practitioner, is celebrated by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and the World Economic Forum as one of the top global social innovators. His accolades include being a finalist in the Corporate Social Intrapreneur award for 2024, a Global Fellowship at the League of Intrapreneurs, a One Young World ambassador, and a member of the BMW Foundation responsible leaders' network. Get ready for a practical conversation on how to realise your own personal purpose and a pick-me-up on empowerment. One person can make a difference…and Hamzah humbly explains how. Links: DRUM, Reckitt's Hamzah Sarwar explores the innovation behind winning an award for community engagement: https://www.thedrum.com/tv/video/reckitts-hamzah-sarwar-explores-the-innovation-behind-winning-an-award-for-community-engagement Reckitt and social impact: https://reckitt.com/our-stories/2023/better-lives-for-8-million-people-our-biggest-impact-ever/ Reckitt, Fight For Access social impact investment fund: https://reckitt.com/our-impact/fairer-society/fight-for-access-fund/ Reckitt, WINFund: https://reckitt.com/media-landing/press-releases/2023/increasing-access-to-healthcare-and-climate-finance/ Reckitt, Dettol, The Hygiene Quest: https://www.dettol.com.au/hygiene-quest/ One Young World: https://www.oneyoungworld.com League of Intrapreneurs: https://www.leagueofintrapreneurs.com WEF, 10 Million Social Enterprises, 2024: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/01/10-million-reasons-for-the-private-sector-to-invest-in-social-enterprise/ Kate Raworth, Donut economics: https://www.kateraworth.com/doughnut/

Making living wages work. Today, I'm thrilled to introduce a trailblazer in the realm of social impact, Jeff Bakes, an award-winning International Total Rewards Director and the current Head of Total Rewards at IKEA. With over three decades of reward expertise, Jeff stands out as a global thought leader, known for his innovative and exceptional solutions in the field. And that field includes, making living wages work - for business and for people. In this episode, we delve into the critical topics of Living Wages and the tangible benefits of investing in your workforce. Jeff's impressive career includes leading roles in Rewards at Channel 4 Television in the UK and significant contributions to PwC, Mondelez, and Network Rail. His insights on diverse and inclusive workforces are not just theoretical; they are the product of years of dedication and practical application. Jeff's approach to living wages goes beyond the basics. He views it as a means to provide employees with a standard of living that allows for self-sufficiency and choice. For Jeff this is both simple, yet profound in its impact on individuals, families, and communities. In our conversation, Jeff shares his experiences and challenges in implementing living wages, emphasising the balance between financial constraints and the moral imperative of fair pay. He highlights the benefits businesses reap from fair wages, including enhanced employee engagement, attraction, and retention, ultimately leading to a more robust and committed workforce. As we explore the future of work, Jeff touches on the evolving landscape of employment, the role of technology, and the importance of embracing diversity and equality in the workplace. His forward-thinking approach is not just about meeting current standards but anticipating and preparing for future challenges. Jeff Bakes, is a true pioneer in social impact within business. Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, or someone passionate about making a difference, this episode is a must-listen. Jeff's insights and experiences are a testament to the power of commitment, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of positive change in the workplace. Links: IKEA's Living Wages: https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-to-invest-in-pay-and-cost-of-living-support-package-pubbcc12b20 Jeff Bakes: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jeffbakes And if you liked this conversation, take a listen to: Azfar Khan Explores the Complexities and Transformative Potential of Living Wages: https://businessfightspoverty.org/social-impact-pioneer-azfar-khan-explores-the-complexities-and-transformative-potential-of-living-wages/

Delve into the fascinating world of sustainable hospitality with Levar Jackson, a visionary in eco-friendly hotel design. As the Founder and CEO of Yogh Group, Jackson collaborates with Oregon State University to pioneer sustainable technologies for the hospitality industry, such as the QuaiEnergy System and the Algae Growth System. Our conversation starts in the UK, highlighting the need for greener travel destinations. Levar is on a mission to integrate sustainability, and clean-technology design in hotels. Levar emphasises the importance of pragmatic solutions in transforming hotels into sustainable spaces. He discusses the challenges of miniaturising sustainable technologies for hotel use, ensuring that they are both efficient and fit for the unique demands of the hospitality industry. We explore various trends in sustainable technology, with a focus on contextually based solutions like microgrids, heat pumps, and green roofing. The key takeaway? No single technology can solve all problems; a holistic, location-specific approach is essential. As we discuss the financial and environmental implications of sustainable practices, Levar highlights the need for the hospitality industry to lead in innovation, rather than merely adopting technologies designed for other sectors. Links: https://yogh.group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/levarjackson And if you liked this take a listen to: Social Impact Pioneer, Azfar Khan Explores the Complexities and Transformative Potential of Living Wages: https://businessfightspoverty.org/social-impact-pioneer-azfar-khan-explores-the-complexities-and-transformative-potential-of-living-wages/ And Lifting Participation: Female Entrepreneurs Tackle Climate Change – with Bill Winters and Audrey S-Darko: https://businessfightspoverty.org/lifting-participation-female-entrepreneurs-tackle-climate-change/

Social Impact Pioneer, Azfar Khan explores the complexities and transformative potential of living wages. A topic that seems straightforward but unravels into a myriad of intricate issues: Living wages. The concept is simple – pay people enough not just to survive, but to truly live. This approach has the power to address the root of numerous societal challenges, from domestic violence and health issues to education and overall happiness. Lifting individuals out of poverty can significantly diminish these problems. However, the reality of implementing living wages is far from simple. Questions arise about accurately measuring what constitutes a living wage, managing geographical variations, and adapting to the frequently changing cost of living. To unpack these complexities, we're joined by a distinguished expert in the field, Azfar Khan. Azfar, a Senior Economist at the Anker Research Institute, brings a wealth of experience from his over two decades at the International Labour Organization (ILO). His roles have included Head of Research for Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, Deputy Director of the Socio-Economic Security Programme, and Migration Policy Specialist. With a PhD in Development Studies and Economics, Azfar has also taught at the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague, Netherlands, and served as the Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)'s Global Programme of Training in Population and Development. Based in Geneva and Beirut, Azfar's work has focused on social protection, employment, poverty, labour migration, and the interplay of demographic and economic issues. Today, we're zeroing in on his insights into living wages – a topic that's more relevant than ever in our world of growing inequality and relative poverty. Links: Living Wage Methodology:https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/182380/1/978-1-78643-146-2.pdf On Qatar Labour Rights Issues: Why it's time to end kafala: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/feb/26/time-to-end-kafala Qatar criticised for promoting slave labour: https://english.alarabiya.net/sports/2013/09/26/Qatar-criticized-for-slave-labor-within-World-Cup-projects https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y_uA6bovq4 Universal Basic Income: https://basicincome.org/ What Is Basic Income and How Does It Support Wellbeing:https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/What_Basic_Income_How_Support_Well_Being UN Guidelines on Business and Human Rights: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/publications/guidingprinciplesbusinesshr_en.pdf ILO Social Dialogue: https://www.ilo.org/global/research/global-reports/social-dialogue/2022/lang--en/index.htm And if you liked this podcast take a listen to: Bill and Audrey explore how female entrepreneurs are tackling climate change: https://businessfightspoverty.org/lifting-participation-female-entrepreneurs-tackle-climate-change/

Over 4.5 million mothers and babies die each year from preventable conditions during pregnancy, birth or in the few weeks of life; 95% of these in lower-income countries. Maternal health supply chains are a key element to ensure medicines and equipment reach those who need it. Last mile delivery of medicines to hard-to-reach places is critical to addressing maternal and baby deaths. This Social Impact Pioneer podcast delves into the transformative partnership between Global Financing Facility (GFF), MSD for Mothers, the Mozambique Government, the USP Foundation and a caste of other public and private actors. Their ground-breaking collaboration focuses on improving maternal health supply chains, particularly in Mozambique. Listen in to this podcast to learn how public-private partnerships can tackle complex health issues effectively and exemplify the power of shared information for good. Social Impact Pioneers - Jeffrey Jacobs and Tara Tagmyer have both dedicated their careers to solving complex health challenges. From vaccine design to last-mile delivery of medical supplies to remote health facilities. During this conversation expect to learn first-hand, practical ways to bring big organisations together to share expertise and importantly complex data sets in order to create health provision solutions. As Tara explains the crucial role of AI in strengthening these supply chains underscores the synergy of technology and healthcare. Links: Business Fights Poverty and our collaboration with the Global Financing Facility on the role of business in delivering healthier futures for women, children and adolescents, available at: https://businessfightspoverty.org/gff-delivering-healthier-futures-for-women-children-and-adolescents/ Jacobs, J., LinkedIn Profile, available at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-l-jacobs MSD for Mothers, Who We Are, available at: https://www.msdformothers.com/who-we-are.html Statista 2023, Infant Mortality Rate 2023, available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/264714/countries-with-the-highest-infant-mortality-rate/ Tagmyer, T., LinkedIn Profile, available at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-tagmyer-b7bb154b/ UN WHO, 2023, A woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth: UN agencies, available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/23-02-2023-a-woman-dies-every-two-minutes-due-to-pregnancy-or-childbirth--un-agencies WHO, 2023, Global Progress In Tackling Maternal and New-born Deaths Stalls Since 2015, available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/09-05-2023-global-progress-in-tackling-maternal-and-newborn-deaths-stalls-since-2015--un.

Why lifting participation of women and excluded groups around the world can help tackle climate change. Listen in to this personal conversation between Standard Chartered's Group Chief Executive, Bill Winters and Futuremaker Audrey S-Darko as they talk entrepreneurship, climate change and women in technology. Audrey is a dynamic entrepreneur in the agricultural-tech sector based in Ghana. During this conversation with Bill Winters, she shares her first-hand experiences and perspectives on the critical intersection of climate change and environmental degradation. In the wake of COP28 – Audrey emphasises the loss of arable land, reduced agricultural productivity, and the socio-economic consequences for farming communities that climate change is reaping. Whilst together Bill and Audrey discuss the power of female entrepreneurs and how tackling the inequality in financing and support of their enterprises can radically increase climate solutions, whilst simultaneously lifting households out of poverty. Be ready to learn about financing mechanisms and support that can help create resilience to climate change and lift participation of female entrepreneurs, including Standard Chartered's own Futuremakers and Women in Tech programmes. Links: Business Fights Poverty Climate Justice Summit assets from workshops on female entrepreneurs tackling climate change: https://businessfightspoverty.org/climate-justice-summits/ Standard Chartered, Futuremakers: https://www.sc.com/uk/futuremakers/ Standard Chartered, Women in Tech: https://www.sc.com/ae/sustainability/women-in-tech/ Investors and Female Entrepreneurs, with Sanjukta and Heather: https://businessfightspoverty.org/investors-and-female-entrepreneurs/

Dive into the heart of COP28, examine the critical discussions on climate change and water security. Social Impact Pioneers - Farai Tunhuma and Uwe Steckhan of UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, join us from within the global climate conference in Dubai – COP28. Our conversation begins with a focus on the crucial role of water in climate resilience. We explore how climate change exacerbates water scarcity and affects sanitation systems, directly impacting over 700 million children globally. The discussion emphasises the need for collaborative action in securing water resources and adapting to changing climate conditions. The episode also sheds light on the intersection of private sector involvement and climate action. With insights from the UNICEF private sector engagement team, we discuss how businesses can contribute positively to water security and climate resilience. The dialogue underscores the importance of private sector investment and innovation in addressing these global challenges. Finally, our Farai and Uwe reflect on their experiences at COP28, sharing how the conference has influenced their work and opened doors for future collaborations. They highlight the importance of translating discussions into action, emphasising the urgency of addressing climate change impacts on children and vulnerable communities. Links: UNICEF Global WASH Call to Action ahead of COP28: Liquid Assets at Risk | UNICEF : https://www.unicef.org/documents/liquid-assets-risk This Call to Action developed by UNICEF in collaboration with WaterAid and the CDP highlights the ways in which businesses and governments can work together to invest in sustainable safe drinking water and sanitation services as an essential first line of defence against the impacts of climate change. We launched this just before COP28. UNICEF COP28 report: The climate-changed child - A Children's Climate Risk Index supplement: The climate-changed child | UNICEF: https://www.unicef.org/reports/climate-changed-child The report details how children's health is affected by climate change and contains new data on how and where children are exposed to water related threats that jeopardize their health and wellbeing. Also includes key asks for the private sector. UNICEF COP Page: COP28: UNICEF calls for universal action to tackle a child rights crisis | UNICEF: https://www.unicef.org/climate-action/cop Uwe Steckhan | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steckhan/ Farai Angela Tunhuma | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tunhumafaraiangela/

Welcome to our latest podcast episode, where we delve into the heart of climate action and child advocacy within the climate conference – COP28's Green Zone. Our special guests, Saranga and Keeva from ChildFund International, share their profound insights and experiences in empowering children and youth to combat climate change. ChildFund International, an organisation dedicated to helping vulnerable children worldwide, has been making a significant impact for over eight decades. Their approach emphasises child protection and promoting societies that value, protect, and advance children's rights. Saranga Jayarathne, the Senior Advisor Advocacy, for ChildFund International underscores the necessity of viewing climate change through a child-focused lens. Highlighting how climate change exacerbates existing risks for children, both online and offline, and the urgent need for action to protect their future. Keeva Duffey, Senior Advisor on Climate Action at ChildFund, shares her perspective on the role of children and youth in climate discussions. She stresses the importance of their meaningful engagement at local, national, and international levels, including events like COP28. ChildFund's mission is to ensure that children's voices are heard in crucial climate change discussions, advocating for a future where they are safe, healthy, educated, and skilled. Our conversation also explores the broader implications of climate change on children's health, education, and safety. We discuss how rising temperatures, air pollution, and shifting weather patterns pose significant threats to children's well-being. Join us as we explore the intersection of climate change and child advocacy with experts from ChildFund International and how involving everyone in the conversation can help create a sustainable future for the next generation. Links: ChildFund website: ChildFund Children's Charity | Sponsor a Child Today! Child protection online, Take it down campaign: ChildFund | Take It Down UNICEF report: The climate-changed child | UNICEF World Bank report on migration: Groundswell Part 2: Acting on Internal Climate Migration (worldbank.org) ChildFund Alliance report strategies to end violence in a changing climate:Strategies-to-end-violence-against-children-in-a-changing-climate.pdf (barnfonden.se) ChildFund Alliance climate and environmental action brief: Climate and Environmental Action Brief 2023 - ChildFund Alliance Dr. Stephen Knight-Lenihan (MSc; Dip. Jour; PhD; MEIANZ.): Recent publications: Knight-Lenihan, S 2020 Achieving biodiversity net gain in a neoliberal economy: the case of England Ambio 49(12): 2052-2060. DOI 10.1007/s13280-020-01337-5 / Knight-Lenihan, S 2021 Why the proposed Natural and Built Environments Act might fail. N. Z. J. Environ. Law 25, 259–277. / Knight-Lenihan, S 2022 Identifying limits in domestic law delivering net ecological benefit: a New Zealand example. Urban Sci. 6, 93.https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci6040093 / Knight-Lenihan, S 2023. Ecological health and integrity in New Zealand legislation. Aust J Envt Mgmt DOI: 10.1080/14486563.2023.2179117. Knight-Lenihan, S. 2015 “Benefit costs analysis, resilience and climate change” Climate Policy 16(7): 909-923. And if you liked this podcast listen to: https://businessfightspoverty.org/exploring-the-role-of-carbon-markets-in-climate-change-solutions-insights-from-cop-28-with-sheri-hickok/