Reimagining Development Through Business with Stefan Engels

From Boardrooms to Base of the Pyramid – Stefan Engels on Reimagining Development Through Business. Meet Stefan Engels, an international development leader with a remarkable cross-sector journey—from corporate boardrooms to grassroots innovation hubs across Africa. Now based in Nairobi, Stefan brings nearly two decades of experience working at the nexus of private sector development, inclusive business models, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Stefan’s career began in the corporate world of pharmaceuticals - with Johnson & Johnson, where he rose from Sales Representative to Regional General Manager over 15 years. But he made a bold pivot—leaving behind corporate predictability to pursue purpose-driven work in international development. His career spans time with UNDP, GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition), and multiple foundations and NGOs across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Vietnam. In this episode, Stefan shares his insights on transitioning from the private sector to global development—navigating cultural shifts, embracing multi-stakeholder partnerships, and building resilient, systemic solutions for complex challenges. We explore the seismic shifts in development aid, the growing role of business in achieving social impact, and the enduring power of inclusive business strategies. Expect to hear: * Why business can (and must) be a force for good * Lessons in systems change and co-creation * The future of development finance and impact measurement * Advice for businesses building social impact into their core model Whether you're a business leader seeking to deepen your social impact strategy, a development practitioner, or simply curious about how capitalism can align with sustainable development goals (SDGs)—you might find this interesting. Listen now and discover how profits can fit poverty and why Africa may just be the future’s innovation lab.