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If you are looking for a bit of purpose-led leadership inspiration and personal development – take a listen. Sustainability and social impact leader Nyika Brain, joins the Social Impact Pioneers podcast to share her experiences in global supply chains, delivering impact through business and explains why resilience is the new social impact and could be the way to navigate CSR and ESG challenges.
Born in Malawi and shaped by her experiences across the Global South, Nyika offers a unique, real-world perspective on how business can — and must — be a force for good. From leading ESG at MM Flowers (a major supplier to UK retailers like M&S) to strategic roles at the bank Barclays and the supermarket Waitrose, she brings deep insights into how to embed impact into core business strategy.
Nyika is a trustee of The One Foundation and John Lewis Foundation, and a key voice in the Business Fights Poverty Global Expert Network. Her philosophy? “Social risk is business risk. Managing this risk builds resilience – it’s fundamental to core business and social impact.”
In this episode, we explore:
🔹 Why resilience is the most important lens for social impact in 2025
🔹 What businesses often get wrong about supply chain risk — and how to fix it
🔹 The power of genuine partnerships, good governance, and listening to communities
🔹 How to lead through complexity, build coalitions, and make long-term impact stick
🔹 Why personal resilience is essential for every social impact leader
Whether you're in ESG, procurement, philanthropy, or just figuring out how to lead with purpose — this episode is packed with practical advice and hard-won wisdom. Nyika’s grounded, global voice is one every purpose-driven professional needs to hear right now.
Links:
Business Fights Poverty and Five Bridges to take social impact forward: https://businessfightspoverty.org/five-bridges-to-2045-how-business-can-deliver-a-fairer-more-resilient-world/
Business-NGO Partnerships for Social Impact, With Diageo and Care - https://businessfightspoverty.org/business-ngo-partnerships-for-social-impact-with-diageo-and-care/
Business Fights Poverty AI powered social impact data finder: https://businessfightspoverty.org/insight-navigator/ -
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. 🌍
Links:
📊 Get the full report at: bebroadcast.co.uk/mission-control
🎧 Hear more on climate action here: https://businessfightspoverty.org/business-ngo-partnerships-for-social-impact-with-diageo-and-care/ -
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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.
🎧 Listen now to learn how empowering women in business isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart economics.
Links:
CGD, Gender Equity: https://www.cgdev.org/topics/gender-equality
Poverty Action: Financial Inclusion: https://poverty-action.org/financial-inclusion
Care: Women’s entrepreneurship:
https://www.care.org/our-work/economic-growth/womens-entrepreneurship/
Mastercard and Care, Stive Women: https://www.care.org/our-work/economic-growth/womens-entrepreneurship/strive-women/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nguyet-tran-8976ab127/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjaluka/
Women Entrepreneurship Support Ecosystem Newsletter sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkAv3LNgs2HzEN945gzpEjHIF8Indaat-Ebl2gkrDyfmT8Xg/viewform -
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/#HighlightsBusiness Fights Poverty (2024). Business, Social Impact and Inclusivity with Amanda Smith. [podcast] Available at: https://businessfightspoverty.org/business-social-impact-and-inclusivity-with-amanda-smithDiageo (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-inequalityYouTube (2024). Business, Social Impact and Inclusivity with Amanda Smith. [video online]Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRmdJt-CAgs
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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. Sander is now the managing director at Fairfood. At Fairfood he is at the forefront of shaping a digitally connected, transparent food sector with prosperous small-scale farmers. 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/ - Vis mere
