High-Impact Corporate Giving: How Companies Can Drive Social Change Without Losing Focus

Corporate giving is more than philanthropy — it’s a strategic tool for impact. In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore how companies can deploy their balance sheets, human capital, and core business capabilities to achieve meaningful social outcomes. Our guest, Gwen Lim, Head of the Southeast Asia office and Partner at The Bridgespan Group, unpacks insights from her newly released report “High-Impact Approaches to Corporate Giving” (published September 2025). She shares what distinguishes corporate giving from other forms of philanthropy, the key trade-offs between impact and risk, and how firms can align purpose with performance. Discover how leading corporates are: Navigating reputational and political risks while maximizing social good Leveraging business assets like data, platforms, and expertise for public benefit Structuring high-impact strategies through corporate foundations and internal initiatives Balancing short-term financial results with long-term social outcomes Engaging employees, investors, and customers in purpose-driven impact Gwen also shares fascinating case studies — from Bloomberg’s data-led volunteering to DHL’s disaster logistics — illustrating how capability-led giving can transform communities. This episode is a must-listen for corporate leaders, CSR professionals, philanthropists, and anyone curious about how business can become a force for good in an age of uncertainty. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.