Be & Think in the House of Trust

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, Servane meets with Milena Bacalja Perianes, a feminist activist, impact investor, and lifelong advocate for systems change. Growing up as the child of migrants and living across multiple countries, Milena learned early on how to navigate diverse worldviews and bridge cultural divides.She shares her journey from grassroots activism to the world of finance, where she now works to "eat away at the foundations" of systems that were never designed to serve women, minorities, or marginalised groups.Instead of confrontation, Milena champions empathy, nuance, and care when engaging with those in positions of power. She believes that true transformation comes through connection and dialogue.Today, Milena advises major global institutions and investors, helping them weave gender analysis into their investment decisions.Her mission: to reimagine financial systems so they serve people, planet, justice and care.In our time together, we explore the delicate tension between working within an extractive, unequal capitalist structure and striving to create lasting positive impact.Connect with Milena On LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/milena-bacalja-perianes-4833a8b2/Visit Sagana: https://sagana.com/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, join Servane as she engages with Dr. Penny Hay, an inspiring educator, artist, and researcher dedicated to igniting creativity and imagination in multiple, transdisciplinary learning environments.Explore the transformative power of imagination and its role in igniting social and environmental change:The Forest of Imagination:Penny shares her vision of a world where everyone is recognised as an artist, where imaginative freedom and creativity are at the core of education and not just that!.Learning Beyond Walls:Discover the concept of "School without Walls," where learning transcends traditional classrooms and becomes an exploratory journey through nature and community.Interconnectedness:Penny discusses the metaphor of the forest, highlighting how everything is connected and how this understanding gives birth to ecological empathy and collective action.Curiosity and Creativity:We learn how nurturing curiosity and creativity empowers individuals of all ages to embrace their identities as artists, authors and innovators: people who create.Embracing Uncertainty:What does it mean to be comfortable with uncertainty, and how does this impacts on genuine inquiry and collaboration.Manifesto for Change:Penny encourages listeners to create their own manifestos, rooted in personal values, to drive social and environmental change in their communities.Paying Attention:The episode concludes with a reminder to be present and sensitive to the world around us, to create a deeper connection to nature and each other.Connect with Dr. Penny Hay:On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-penny-hay/At Bath Spa University: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/our-people/penny-hay/Visit:http://houseofimagination.org/http://www.forestofimagination.org.uk/http://www.school-without-walls.org/Podcast Music Production: Milig Mouazan-StrachanConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, Servane listens to Donna Morton, Finance Futurist, Movements Weaver, Serial Social Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Bio Regional Fund "Salmon Returns". Journey with us and discover:The Salmon’s Journey as Metaphor:Donna shares her 40-year journey, drawing inspiration from the salmon’s return to ancestral streams. She explores how this natural cycle mirrors the need to return finance to its roots—serving life, community, and regeneration.Money as Medicine:Donna explains how we can use finance as a tool for healing rather than extraction.Reweaving Wealth:The conversation highlights ancient Indigenous practices, such as the potlatch, where wealth is redistributed and blankets are torn and rewoven, a metaphor for reimagining and reconstructing financial systems.Poetry and Ceremony in Finance:Donna introduces the idea of treating financial work as poetry or prayer. We can inject emotion, ceremony, and deep democracy. She reads a poetic reflection on money as a current that must flow in harmony with the land.Nine Sacred Principles:The episode explores nine guiding principles—dignity, justice, stewardship, democracy, intergenerational responsibility, community, wealth and well-being, cultural flourishing, ecological economics, and radical truth—plus nine ways of “togetherness,” from collaboration to coexistence.Conflict and Harmony:Drawing from salmon culture, Donna reflects on service, sacrifice, and the wisdom of nature in navigating conflict and fostering collective healing.Personal Regeneration:Donna recounts her recovery from a CO2-induced coma. She draws a parallel her personal healing with the Earth’s capacity for regeneration. She advocates for aligning finance with life and listening to the wisdom of Indigenous communities.Embodied Leadership:The episode closes with insights on listening to the body, embracing diversity, and creating containers for true collaboration, where finance, medicine, and culture intersect for collective well-being.Find Donna on Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-morton-a2417214b/Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/donna.morton.566Salmon Returns website: https://www.salmonreturns.com/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

Dive into our latest House of Trust episode where I am listening to Marcela Sabino, a visionary business strategist & futurist, about the art of anticipation, life-long learning and curiosity. We discuss how exponential technologies reshape your world, the importance of foresight practices in business and what exhaustion and frustration mean in this context.Learn to track signals of change and act today for a better tomorrow!Highlights in this episodeUnderstand the role of curiosity in driving innovation and developmentHow Tech empowers and overwhelms entrepreneurs and can lead to mental exhaustionThe ethical considerations surrounding AI and its potential impact on societyPractical tips for identifying and tracking weak signals of change in your industryThe importance of acting in alignment with the future you wish to create.Connect with SabinaWebsite: https://marcelasabino.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcela-sabino/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of "Be & Think in the House of Trust," Servane listens to Esther Foreman, founder and CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) of the Social Change Agency and Social Change Nest. Esther is a leader with a purposefully anarchic style focused on getting out of the way and releasing resources to those better positioned to create changeEsther explains how the team support grassroots movements and community organisations through a trauma-informed, non-extractive approach, while transforming the funding landscape."Rest is radical... proper rest is resistance"Highlights in this episode:How the Social Change Nest was created during lockdown to support mutual aid groups across the UKHow "fiscal hosting" or "nesting" - provides trust-bases infrastructure support for grassroots organizations The philosophy behind the "nest" - supporting groups until they can operate independentlyThe disconnect between modern grassroots movements and traditional charitable structuresConnect with EstherThe social change Nest https://thesocialchangenest.org/ The Social Change Agency https://thesocialchangeagency.orgFind Esther on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherforeman/

In this new episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I listen to Claudia Cahalane, a journalist and meditation coach, about her transformative journey with Qigong—a meditative movement practice - and her insights from embracing slowness. Claudia shares how Qigong combines deep breathing and gentle movements to foster calmness and enhance physical health. After experiencing burnout, she found relief through Qigong during a silent retreat, which inspired her to teach and advocate for mindfulnessWe dive into the parallels between the slow, intentional nature of Qigong and the often sluggish pace of social change. Claudia emphasizes the need for patience and deeper connections within the social investment ecosystem, and how to embrace slowness as a means to build stronger relationships and create meaningful impact.Highlights in this episode:- The mental and physical health benefits of Qigong- How mindfulness practices can drive social change and boost creativity.- How social investors can build deeper relationships through diverse perspectives- Bonus: How Claudia's mindful morning routine sets a positive tone for her day!Connect with Claudia on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiacahalane/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this new episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, Servane listens to Dr Sara Calvo, from Minca Ventures, who tells us about the transformative core principles of Buen Vivir (Good Living), a South American concept. Tapping into her background as a knowledge entrepreneur, university lecturer and global social innovation explorer, Sara explains how a deep connection with nature, community relationships, and a holistic approach to living goes beyond traditional well-being concepts. We hear how we can apply the Buen Vivir philosophy in various contexts, from individual well-being to organizational leadership, and the beautiful support and guidance it provides to meet the world’s needs.Highlights in this episode:Discover how the Buen Vivir Philosophy offers a wholesome approach to living in harmony with nature and community, and how it challenges traditional ideas of well-beingHear stories of communities and organisations around the world that have successfully embraced Buen Vivir principles, and how they cultivate sustainable and inclusive developmentLearn about the importance of aligning personal values with organisational goals and how leaders can incorporate Buen Vivir to flourish and grow their impactExplore how cultures around the world are adopting similar ideas, proving that we're all craving a more conscious and connected way of life.Connect with SaraOn Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-calvo-martinez-19094714/At Minca Ventures www.mincaventures.comLearn: MBA4Impact: https://mba4impact.com/Book: "Social Innovation in Latin America", read the chapter: "Buen Vivir, a decolonial approach to development" https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780367823382-1/buen-vivir-decolonial-approach-development-morales-andrés-calvo-sara

In this new episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I welcome Felipe Cunha, Mestre Violinha, a Brazilian researcher & professor, and Capoeira Master, with a passion for collaborative processes and organisational change. Felipe shares his profound insights into how Capoeira, the Brazilian martial art, can inspire us to foster a more human-centred, adaptable community and work culture:- Capoeira is a decolonial way of moving through life- Capoeira shows you how to create meaningful interactions and grow trust within teams and groups- Capoeira generates new ideas and helps you connect with others on a poetic level- Felipe explains his love for transformative learning processes that challenge conventional systems and inspire deeper connections- We dive into how embodied learning helps you grow in the world and transform yourself.Connect with Felipe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felipe-cunha-b8325a9/"Tabacaria", Fernando Pessoa, 1944. https://lyricstranslate.com/en/tabacaria-tobacco-shop.html-0If you read Portuguese, explore his text "How Capoeira Can Teach us To Listen?" ("Como a Capoeira pode nos ensinar a escutar?") https://travessias.substack.com/p/como-a-capoeira-pode-nos-ensinarConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

Join Servane Mouazan in this bouncy episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust as she welcomes Guido Heijmans, also known as Mestre Salsicha, a Dutch Capoeira master who has been practising the Brazilian martial art for three decades. Together they explore the profound lessons that Capoeira offers in fostering trust, collaboration, and personal growth within teams and organisations.Highlights:- Understanding Capoeira: Discover the essence of Capoeira as a vibrant blend of music, movement, historic legacy and martial arts, creating a dynamic and inclusive environment where individuals can express themselves freely.- Team Dynamics: Learn how Capoeira’s circle fosters deep connections, mutual support, and the freedom to express individuality, making it a metaphor for unique teamwork.- Intuition and Presence: Explore the concepts of malandragem and malícia, which teach practitioners to be cunning, aware, and adaptable, essential skills for navigating complex social landscapes.- Going with the Flow: Embrace the art of staying calm and present amidst chaos, allowing for creativity and unexpected outcomes to emerge naturally.- Breaking Stereotypes: Witness how Capoeira challenges societal norms and encourages empowerment, inclusivity, and the dismantling of preconceived notions.Connect with Guido:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/guido-heijmans-308877aa/Website: https://www.capoeira-events.nlConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

Are you ready to explore the transformative potential of SharingPower? The latest episode of Be & Think in the #HouseOfTrust dives deep into the soil of collective processes. We've harvested insights from funders, entrepreneurs, and activists, and you can cross-pollinate too by thinking through the questions in this episode, in real time! Bonus: Discover how the "Sharing Power Wheel" can help you assess and enhance power dynamics in your own context.#SocialChange  #ConsciousInnovation, #PowerDynamics, #Collaboration, #InclusiveStructures, #Stewardship, #Empathy, #SelfAdvocacy #Trust #Leadership Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, Servane listens to Patricia Hamzahee, a true community catalyst and campaigner for responsible and community investing. Patricia is an advocate for measuring what matters, and elevating black entrepreneurship. She also sits on various boards and investment committees. (Social Enterprise UK, Better Society Capital).Highlights in this episode: Learning from a multicultural upbringing in Japan to impactful work for fairness, equity, and communityFostering common ground in environments where scarcity and control often dominate.Reflecting on the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and the impact of legal challenges, backlashes and public perception.Committing to measure and track investments and opportunities to ensure accountability and genuine progress in equity and inclusion.Venturing: Patricia is creating a community development finance institution (CDFI) in the UK to channel investments into underserved communities.Useful LinksConnect with Patricia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciahamzaheeBlack Funding Network: https://blackfundingnetwork.orgExtend Venture: https://extendventure.org Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, Servane sits down with Ajaita Shah, passionate enabler, problem solver, critical thinker, game changer and the visionary leader behind Frontier Markets, a financial inclusion powerhouse transforming lives in rural India. They delve into the challenges and triumphs of reaching underserved communities, the role of technology in driving change, and Ajaita's ambitious plans for the future. Highlights in this episodeSharing her approach to finding calm amidst a busy life, Ajaita emphasises the importance of self-centring through nature and human connection.Ajaita explains how Frontier Markets leverages technology and a network of 40,000 women entrepreneurs to deliver essential services to rural communities, thinking end-to-end enablement.She discusses the challenges of scaling impact and the birth of her investment initiative, the She Leads Impact Fund, aimed at supporting social enterprises.Listen to her vision and expected feelings for the future including her plans to unlock billions of dollars for impact investing and empower millions of people through financial inclusion.Useful LinksAjaita Shah on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frontiermarketsFrontier Markets https://frontiermkts.comBeyond Capital Ventures https://beyondcapitalventures.com/She Leads Bharat https://www.frontiermkts.com/she-leads-bharatConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am joined by the inspiring Sana Kapadia, a gender-smart and climate-smart investing specialist. With a focus on boldness, radiance and resilience, Sana, Chief Catalyst at Heading for Change and Senior Strategic Advisor at 2X Global, shares her insights on integrating a gender lens to unlock more inclusive and equitable climate finance.In this episode:The values that define us"Kind, soulful, resilient, strategic, and graceful" - Sana reflects on the values that define her and how these attributes help her navigate the complex world of social justice and climate finance.Doing the bold, inner work Sana discusses the importance of being true to oneself and the role of self-awareness in driving systemic change.A holistic approach to finance will drive real impact "We need to be thinking about the political economy, the other social constructs that are in place around gender norms and structural barriers" Passing on the baton in a way that makes sense"We are definitely influencing our young people. So I think we have to choose how to do that well and to give them the right tools to take actions that are right for them" - On educating the younger generation about climate change and social justice.A call to action"We have to show up with courage, to keep being part of the conversation, to keep using our influence and power"Interesting links:Connect with Sana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanakapadiaListen to Sana's Podcast: "Nour" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nour/id1666512169Heading for Change strategy and investments https://www.headingforchange.org/investmentsHeading for Change Newsletter: https://www.headingforchange.org/newsletterGender and climate finance case-studies: https://www.2xglobal.org/case-studies-2Knowledge products: i) Inclusive Climate Finance https://www.2xglobal.org/knowledge-hub-blog/inclusive-gender-and-climate-financeii) Seminal - Climate & Gender Finance Report https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6089294d7cb43b4cffb93591/t/60ec750cdcef4a49b3a96120/1626109200947/GenderSmart+Climate+Report.pdfiii) Fair Futures https://www.2xglobal.org/knowledge-hub-blog/envisioning-fair-futuresConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to the calm and fiery Carey Bohjanen, founder of The Rallying Cry. Carey is a catalyst for Gender-Climate capital and she reflects on ways to become a truly relevant leader, as we all urgently need to uplift solutionaries - a lot of them are women - around the world, to fight climate change.Highlights: "Climate change and gender equality go hand in hand. With women representing more than 50% of the planet, it's just absurd to me that they don't get the capital they need.""I want to shift the voices of African women from the front lines of climate change to the forefront of climate leadership.""Complex problems require complex solutions, and complex solutions often come from a variety of voices, a variety of perspectives and lived experiences.""We cannot have climate resilience without personal resilience."Interesting links:Connect with Carey on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carey-bohjanen-879b2b3/The Rallying Cry: therallyingcry.orgConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this week’s episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust I am listening to Anne Ravanona, an Irish/Spanish global gender equality advocate and entrepreneur, a campaigner and an uplifting public speaker based in France for the past 30 years. Anne's mission is to get 1 million women entrepreneurs funded by 2030 and to help companies reach their gender equality targets whilst continuing to scale…She describes herself as global, passionate, inspiring, dedicated, thought leader!Join Anne to think about:1. Together we can! She highlights the economic opportunity and the higher returns on investment that women in entrepreneurship can bring, even if it feels the world is going backwards.2. The highs and lows of this Gender-Lens investing campaign, and why some Johns and Davids are in the way.3. The power of community. For Anne, community is capital. By coming together, we can create genuine positive social and environmental change and solve our big issues. She shares practical examples of how we can encourage and activate collaboration, connection and the inclusion of diverse voices in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.4. The role of action and accountability. Anne stresses the importance of taking action, setting targets, and holding oneself accountable. Progress happens through individual commitments and collective effort.So if you too believe that "Community is Capital", unleash your funding power and join the movement!Meet Anne on:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anneravanonaWeb: https://www.anneravanona.com and https://www.globalinvesther.comAttend this year’s Invest Her Summit: https://www.investhersummit.comGift a founder a space at Dublin’s Invest Her Summit: https://bit.ly/InvestHerSummit-ACCESSConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In a world where the concepts of freedom, justice, and democracy are not as common as we might hope, it becomes increasingly important to explore how we can contribute to these ideals through our actions and investments. Our latest podcast episode delves into this very topic, guided by the insightful words of James Baldwin and our House of Trust guest, Tara Sabre Collier.Tara, a visiting fellow at Said Business School and Director of Impact Investing at Chemonics UK, shares her thoughts on what it takes to finance social and environmental justice. She challenges us to think creatively and to be more granular in our approaches to impact investing.From impact bonds to microfinance loans, and blended finance, many financial instruments can be tailored to generate measurable impacts alongside financial returns.But it's not just about the money. It's about who we are listening to, who we are supporting, and who we are inviting to the table. It's about dismantling systemic barriers and promoting justice in all its forms. Tara cites the work of organisations like Adasina, Ujima Institute and Kheprw Institute, which empower under-resourced communities to finance their own growth outside conventional systems.So, if you love to invest in social and environmental change, this episode invites you to ponder deeply and consider how you could apply more courage, boldness, and imagination to your work or practice. It's not just about the impact investing sector; it's about each of us asking ourselves what we can start doing differently to support and amplify social and environmental justice.Useful LinksTara Sabre Collier on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarasabreKheprw Institute https://kheprw.org/Adasina https://adasina.com/Criterion Institute https://www.criterioninstitute.org/Ujima Institute https://www.ujimainstitute.com/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this hopeful and empowering episode of "Be & Think in the House of Trust", Servane sits down with Jessica Espinoza, CEO of 2X Global, to delve deep into the transformative world of gender-smart investing. Jessica unravels the essence of leveraging capital for gender equality and the profound impact it has on societies and economies worldwide.With billions already mobilized in gender-smart investments, she sheds light on the successful strategies and practical models that have been pivotal in this journey.Jessica takes us through her story, detailing the driving forces behind her commitment to social impact and gender-smart initiatives. Discover inspiring stories of communities of practice that have led to tangible, scalable solutions.Get valuable insights on engaging traditional financial institutions and how to encourage a shift from planning and perfection to participation and learning.Reclaim the power of peer influence and community support in making gender-smart investing mainstream.Don't miss this episode if you want to be a part of the movement towards a more inclusive and equitable investment landscape.Useful LinksJessica Espinoza on Linkedin https://es.linkedin.com/in/jessicaespinozat2X Global https://www.2xglobal.org/Women in Social Finance https://womeninsocialfinance.org/Future of Impact Summit https://futureofimpact.world/Xoco Unlimited https://xocounlimited.org/ Empowering adolescent girls to escape sexual exploitation and leapfrog to digital jobs of the futureJellycorn https://www.jellycorn.io/ Accelerating equality in entrepreneurship, investing & innovationConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of "Be & Think in the House of Trust", Servane is listening to Ros Atkins, journalist and BBC News Analysis Editor, known for his ability to distil complex news stories into crisp, accessible formats. With a mix of wisdom and humility, Ros shares his insights from his book "The Art of Explanation: How to Communicate with Clarity and Confidence," offering a masterclass on conveying information with care and precision to diverse audiences.Ros stresses how crucial it is to understand different stakeholders' perspectives to ensure clarity and resonance. Sometimes it is about accepting we don't know, especially when concepts mean different things in different contexts.He also recounts the journey of the BBC's 50:50 campaign. As the founder of 50:50, Ros guided the project from a month-long experiment in early 2017 to the global initiative it has become. This story highlights the significance of empathy, voluntary participation, and the power of proof in driving successful advocacy.Tune in for an episode full of pragmatic and actionable examples!Highlights in this episode[05:02] Ros's take on Joni Mitchell’s discipline and precision[09:32] Find your powerful Impact Phrase[12:33] Acknowledge the limits of what you understand[16:30] The case for preparation[20:24] Why empathy and understanding are in your interest[27:44] The reason why it matters to you is…Useful LinksThe Art of Explanation (Book) https://geni.us/TAOEBOOKRos Atkins on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/BBCRosAtkinsRos Atkins https://www.bbc.co.uk/search?q=ros+atkinsThe Media Show on BBC Radio Four https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001t9j50 - 50 Campaign https://www.bbc.co.uk/5050Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, I explore the concept of transparency in the context of impact investing. The word was shared by my previous guest Daniela Barone Soares, the CEO of Snowball, the impact management firm.  You hear about the meaning of transparency and the assumptions that can hinder people from deploying more of it in the sector. Daniela tells the story of Snowball’s impact report and the mindset that helped them go through independent verification. We look at the behaviours and values that support transparency; how these help us build trust, manage risks, and attract capital and stakeholders.The episode concludes with questions for you all to explore about transparency, its benefits and challenges. Useful LinksSnowball https://www.snowballimpactinvestment.com/Daniela Barone Soares on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-barone-soares/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode, I am exploring the concept of equity in the context of social finance. I also examine the word "equity” itself, revealing its meaning of fairness, and justness, but also calm and tranquillity!Discover my previous guest Erika Brodnock’s 2033 vision for a future where equity has materialized. In this future, entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds receive the necessary support to grow their businesses and create a diverse and inclusive ecosystem.Participate in this mini-journey around the word equity and listen to the call to action on how to contribute towards this vision of a more equitable world.Useful LinksExtend Ventures VC https://www.extend.vc/Kinhub https://www.kinhub.com/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

What if the way we do finance was the real Greenwashing? What if a New Economy IS possible?In this episode of "Be & Think in the House of Trust", I am listening to Dr Melanie Rieback CEO/Co-founder of Radically Open Security (the world's first not-for-profit computer security company), and "Post Growth" startup incubator Nonprofit Ventures. An accomplished academic, Melanie lectures on Post-Growth Entrepreneurship at the Free University of Amsterdam, where she also was Assistant Professor of Computer Science.Melanie reflects and challenges the traditional norms of the finance industry and calls for a paradigm shift towards non-extractive and sustainable investment practices. She discusses the need for fund managers to adopt steward ownership, focus on long-term thinking and derisked returns.She emphasizes the importance of reducing conflicts of interest, reforming compensation structures, and encouraging diversity of thought in boardrooms. She calls for changes to support smaller pioneering fund managers who really believe in non-extractive models.Melanie's thought-provoking ideas and practical models serve as a call to action for investors to step up and address the systemic challenges we face.And her cat - our impromptu guest - agrees wholeheartedly!Useful LinksConnect with Melanie on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mriebackPost Growth Entrepreneurship Course (FREE) Universiteit van Amsterdam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApINAX7XEqcRadically Open Security https://www.radicallyopensecurity.com/"Post Growth" startup incubator Nonprofit Ventures https://nonprofit.ventures/ Melanie's picture by Tobias GroenlandConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

Dear Impact leader! Can you be curious, hopeful, cynical, and angry, at the same time?In this episode of “Be and Think in the House of Trust”, I am listening to Dr Belinda Bell, a social finance specialist turned social entrepreneur, and academic, who has dedicated her career to social change. She began working with community finance organisations to provide capital for entrepreneurs creating a positive impact. Over time, after setting up a few ventures herself, and teaching about the ecosystem at the University of Cambridge, she realised that social enterprises alone were not enough to quickly solve systemic issues like climate change and inequality. She is now collaborating with "universal owners" - large institutional investors like pension funds that own vast portions of the economy and have an incentive to address risks that could damage their portfolios. Bell helps these universal owners understand how maximising short-term profits can create long-term damage; Navigating through the tough paradox of hope and cynicism, her challenge is to encourage large investors to use their influence to drive companies at large toward more sustainable practices.Highlights in this episode:(01:37) Curious, hopeful, cynical, and angry(10:09) Things that appear radical can very often turn out to be maintaining the status quo(11:47) Let’s normalise the world we want to see(18:44) How do you actually get people to do things?Useful linksBelinda Bell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belinda-bell/Academic Publications https://www.landecon.cam.ac.uk/person/dr-belinda-bellThe Finance for Environmental and Social Systemic Change Centre - Department of Land Economy https://www.landecon.cam.ac.uk/finance-for-systemic-change/finance-environmental-and-social-systemic-change-centreConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

How do you reframe your worldview, putting the environment before people, people before profit, and the collective before the individual?In this episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Temuera Hall, Portfolio Manager at TAHITO, an indigenous ethical investing organisation. Applying ancestral Māori knowledge, Tahito follows a set of key principles and intrinsic values around interconnectedness and care, that guide and drive their investment behaviours and decisions. This is a tough responsibility because ultimately, "we are but descendants of those who have gone before us, and before that of Ranginui (our Sky Father), and Papatūānuku (our Nurturing Earth), and we're to honour this wisdom.In this episode, Temuera describes how the Māori worldview guides us all through not just a transition but a transformation of the world towards regeneration.Highlights in the episode[1:30] My Pepeha[8:20] I question how people actually understand ESG…[11:33] 9 traditional values statements that help you understand your connections to the world.[13.50] Transition is lovely but what we need is transformation [17:00] Towards an Ethic of Care[23:35] Aroha, selflessness and Compassionate Leadership[28:10] We put the collective above the individualUseful linksTahito website: https://tahito.co.nz/about-usConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of The House of Trust podcast, I am listening to Leonardo Letelier, founder and CEO of Sitawi, Finanças do Bem; Executive Director at Endowments do Brazil; and also the co-founder of ""Movimiento Para Uma Cultura de Doação" ("The Movement for a Donation Culture in Brazil”). Leonardo tells the story of Sitawi's founding journey and how he pioneered impact investing in Brazil. Leonard shares with us the three “pockets” or - thinking streams- needed to move money for good.We reflect on the importance of understanding the social sector beyond its impact, and how the combination of philanthropy and blended finance are the obvious instruments in creating a better world.Highlights in this episode:(3:43) A Happy Hectic Social Finance Entrepreneur(7:48) Sitawi, Pioneering Impact Investing in Brazil (11:41) Everybody an Impact Investor(20:22) Tending for the Social Sector: 3 times larger than car manufacturing, (24:41) Putting Consumption, Investment, and Donations in 3 different pockets.Useful LinksConnect with Leonardo Letelier on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lletelier/Sitawi: https://www.sitawi.net Endowments do Brazil: https://info.sitawi.net/sitawi-fundos-patrimoniaisConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Ana Yang, the Sustainability Connector. Ana is the Executive Director of the Chatham House Sustainability Accelerator, a major initiative to increase the speed, financing, and scale of the transition to a sustainable, inclusive future.Ana Yang sees herself as an architect of the future, working towards a regenerative future that goes beyond just sustainability.She believes in the importance of fairness, both among human beings and between humans and the environment. As a change maker, enabler, connector, and a friend, Ana is fascinated by people who are able to rise above and look for positive outcomes even in the face of threats.This future might be aspirational and not accessible to everybody yet but Ana makes it her focus to shape the building blocks - including finance - that will allow for the future to be welcoming and sustainable for all.Highlights in this episode(2:22) "I'm an architect of the future, a change maker, enabler, connector, and a friend.(10:15) Sustainability is about three aspects of fairness(13:57) In a regenerative future, we give back more than we take(27:52) To change the world, it starts with a well-balanced self-awareness, self-confidence, and an understanding of our shortcomings.Useful linksConnect with Ana Yang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-yang-31698Chatham House Sustainability Accelerator: https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-departments/sustainability-acceleratorThree Horizons: The Patterning of Hope, by Bill Sharpe: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18357826-three-horizonsPutting Rio de Janeiro's Marê on the map: https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/putting-rio-de-janeiro-s-mar-mapRedes da Marê ["Mare's networks']: https://www.redesdamare.org.br/Connect with Servane on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazanGet the free Conscious Innovation updates at http://eepurl.com/hp0h55Servane Mouazan's website servanemouazan.co.uk Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this new episode of Be and Think In the House of Trust, I am listening to sustainable investment specialist and Board member Amanda Latham. As the director of sustainable investment at IFM Investors and also a trustee at Age UK, Amanda shares her dedication and systems-change approach to learning about and contributing to the mitigation of the climate crisis, the resolution of thorny social issues, and decaying human rights. She acknowledges the pushback to integrating sustainability into investment decisions and believes that humans have the capability to make changes for the future. But for that, you have to get involved. And it can be through various means. Oh and... her secret? Long long walks at the sea with her dog...This episode is for you if you are keen to influence and make an impact through boards, advocacy, and systems change.Highlights in this episode:(1:41) The value of volunteering(4:51) Getting older is often about loss(9:03) Hope versus pushback(13:26) People have a right to expect to be able to breathe the air outside(20:34) That Imagination point is keyUseful LinksConnect with Amanda https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-latham-10a69950/Connect with Servane https://servanemouazan.co.ukSubscribe to Conscious Innovation Updates http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

Let’s talk about power, trust, and effective collaborations...In this episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, I am welcoming Shivani Gupta from India and Laura Somoggi from Brazil, the new co-CEOs of the Womanity Foundation, a philanthropic organization that works to accelerate gender equality. Together we discuss the recipe for a successful co-CEO-ship of an operational philanthropic foundation.We look at the platinum rule of "do unto others what they want to be done to them" which requires deep listening, deep seeing, compassion, and devolution of power. We also explore the mind shift needed to decolonise wealth and philanthropy, and to understand how knowledge and the variety of languages used in the system, can impact change. We look at how understanding who you are, the type of power you hold, and the knowledge you have can be just as powerful as money.Highlight in this episode (7:40) What are the DOs and what are the DONT’s (10:15) Knowledge is power too(11:10) The Platinum Rule(14:43) Decolonising philanthropy: what it means in practice(16:40) What sustainability means for funds recipients(21:30) The missing link in the sector(27:00) Even one life altered and changed can make a lot of differenceUseful LinksWomanity Foundation womanity.orgShivani Gupta on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivani-gupta-mumbaiLaura Somoggi on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurasomoggi/Connect with Servane https://servanemouazan.co.ukSubscribe to Conscious Innovation Updates http://eepurl.com/hp0h55Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

What if investing with a gender lens, and in a relevant way, could mean more impact and returns than we think? In this episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to gender-smart investor Evelyne Dioh Simpa. Evelyne is the Managing Partner of WIC Capital, the first investment fund in West Africa that exclusively targets women-led small and growing businesses. Evelyne was also recognized on the Black Women in Asset Management (BWAM) 40 under 40 list of Black women who are shaping the future of asset management. Passionate about gender issues in modern African societies, Evelyne’s life mission is to contribute to the development of the African private sector, by reinforcing and growing small businesses. In this insightful episode, we learn how to de-mystify impact investing when it's done in different parts of the world and how to focus on systems change to achieve breakthroughs. Evelyne also paints us a picture of what international investors would have understood by 2033.Highlights of this episode(3:39) Be generous with business plans, and see all the potential (5:18) International Capital is not used to fit our landscape(12:01) Bring the capital where it's needed(15:35) The dichotomy of return and impact (16:35) The successful impact story of the Mburu bakery franchiseUseful LinksWIC Website: www.wic-capital.netEvelyne Dioh on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelyne-dioh-a3185427/Mburu Bakery (Mburu = Bread in Woloff)created by Isseu Diop Sakho https://mburu-boulangerie.comDo you love to invest in Social Change? Get Servane's Conscious Innovation Updates. Subscribe for free on http://eepurl.com/hp0h55Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

Does Impact Finance Make You Uncomfortable? In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Aunnie Patton Power, an Academic, Advisor, Author, and Angel Investor (5 As!) who directs innovative financing to organizations that create a positive social and environmental impact.She is a reformed M&A investment banker, who began her impact investing career in 2010 with Unitus Capital in Bangalore and has since worked with start-ups, intermediaries, funds, family offices, foundations, corporates, and governments across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.In this episode, we explore Aunnie’s discomfort with traditional finance and how she shifted to impact investing with humility. We revisit her thoughts on why we should scale positive impact outrageously, her take on the pervasive power imbalance, and what rethinking this dynamic could lead to. I also loved the story of her student paper that led to a multi-million dollars Green Outcome Fund...This episode is for you if you are thinking of changing your career to ignite social impact through finance. It’s also for you If you want to boost impact through imagination and collaboration.Highlights in this Episode: (2.08) My discomfort with traditional finance(5.06) The need for a power balance between impact builders and finance professionals(8.47) From a student paper to a multi-million dollars Green Outcome Fund(15:16) Scaling outrageously whilst allocating capital close to the ground(25:00) Let’s rethink ownership and access to public markets.Useful linksFind Aunnie Patton Power on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/aunniepattonRead Aunnie's first book Adventure Finance www.adventure.financeBuild your impact finance career: www.impactfinancepro.comMuhammad Yunus: Creating a World Without Poverty https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/247204.Creating_a_World_Without_PovertyConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Dr Dorothy Nyambi.Dorothy's journey, from being a doctor in Cameroon to a global leader, focuses on action rather than words. As a doctor, investor, and mother, she has learned the importance of listening with care, time, and patience. Dorothy is a champion of women's rights and gender equality. She is the President and CEO at MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates), a faith-based organisation and a pioneer in impact investing since the 1950s, supporting decent work for people. In this episode, she describes the power of partnership, humility and economic development as essential instruments for peace and social change.Highlights of this episode(4:35) Peace is about the things you do proactively to create a respectful society(5:20) Actions speak louder than words(9:10) I have got 3 Ms in my life(12:45) We have to show up in a manner that indicates we are truly listening(17:30) The power that we all carryUseful Links Dr. Dorothy Nyambi on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothy-nyambi-02a25911/MEDA http://www.meda.org (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli promotes the continent’s role in the global food system: https://www.meda.org/the-marketplace/a-new-mindset-on-africa/ Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Helen Chambers, a serial social entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience founding a number of organisations from the award-winning Equality Network to Inspiring Scotland, pioneering venture philanthropy and capacity building organisations. She has overseen the investment of over £250m into responses to alleviate Scotland’s ‘wicked’ issues.Helen talks to us about investing more time,  and calmness to re-introduce common sense and a moral compass into interventions, keeping our visionary goal in mind, making scaling a reality, and preventing harming institutional and systems memory loss.Helen reminded us about the importance of creating thinking spaces, considering the long-term impact of social interventions, and emphasizing capacity building for organizations. With her expertise and mindful approach, Helen showed us that slowing down and giving thought to the way we approach social change and investment is essential for creating meaningful, lasting impact. Highlights of this episode[5:00] Some evidence-based models for change made us lose our moral compass[9:50] People at the margins are tired of being at the end of socialintervention[11:15] “I wish they’d stop giving us money”[13:35] Don't compare your insides to other people's outsides.[18:43] We absolutely compound importance and "busy-ness".[24:37] How to undertake another type of thinkingUseful LinksChambers Consulting https://chambersconsulting.org/Inspiring Scotland https://www.inspiringscotland.org.uk/Helen on Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenchambersconsulting/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am speaking with Gail Wong.Gail is a reformed investment banker who used to swim with sharks. Now a Trauma of Money professional and a certified Financial Healing Coach, Gail is a regenerative Gender Smart investor who has made the nexus of finance and humanity her life’s work. She helps people shed money-related fear, shame, and guilt, enabling them to live joyfully, love deeply, dream abundantly and inhabit their full self-expression at work. In this episode, we discuss financial trauma, the power of hope, and the need for a holistic perspective to impact investing. We explore how courageous conversations and stewardship of others are necessary steps to move hearts and minds and create a financial system that is based on connection and humanity.Highlights from this episode(1:46) What is hope in practice?(7:46) The triggers for financial trauma (9:31) The experience of being disassociated from your own humanity(12:58) Regenerative finance is based on relationships, not denial or harm(17:43) Challenging my own financial DNA programming(19:45) Moving hearts and minds is the work that will carry through generationsUseful linksGail’s website: https://www.livetrue.sgConnect with Gail Wong on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/gailwongConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am speaking with Pauline Koelbl.Pauline is an Innovation Catalyst & Impact investor with a gender lens, with over 20 years of experience in international affairs, philanthropy innovation and entrepreneurship. She leads ShEquity, providing smart and sustainable investments for African female entrepreneurs and innovators. Together we explore what it takes to be a catalyst impact investor in Africa, the beliefs that are not useful and the efforts we need to put in, in order to grasp the reality on the ground and the huge potential ahead.Highlights from this episode(2:43) How to achieve a triple-bottom-line return(8:37) Why you should understand the people around you(10:15) Distinguish perceived risks vs actual risks(15:42) How your biases are a limitation to achieving your objectives(17:15) The definition of a catalyst investor(19:12) Not just a leader, but a seeker too.Useful linksShEquity: https://shequity.com/Connect with Pauline Koelbl on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauline-koelbl-36112327Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of “Be and Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Joy Anderson, Founder and President of Criterion Institute, the leading think-tank, using finance as a tool for social change.Joy is a prominent leader at the intersection of business and social change. Named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, Anderson played a significant role in building new fields, developing gender lens investing, partnering with faith-based ecosystems to transform their relationship with finance, and demonstrating new ways to shape markets to create good. Joy and I talk about what it takes to develop a gender lens investing ecosystem, the power of invitation and hospitality, the dark side of power dynamics, our duty to address this, and how Joy’s values are a strong foundation and guidance for the work to be done. Highlights of this episode(2:10) What’s more important than hope?(5:39) We weren’t addressing issues of power(10:30) People who use imagination to create social change(11:34) You don’t want to be stupid(16:46) Relationships begin, not when we encounter but when we first invite.(20:17) We don’t build investment funds that meet what the world needs!(21:15) Let's fix the capital, not the companies…Useful linksCriterion Institute Website: https://criterioninstitute.org/Follow Joy Anderson on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-anderson/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Esme Verity, the founder of Considered Capital, a platform for startups and organisations seeking alternative funding. Considered Capital simplifies and speeds up the journey to finding and accessing the right funding fit through courses, community and content.She is an active angel investor and was named one of the Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise by Pioneers Post.   Esme and I discuss how to be authentic and practical when supporting founders raising mission-aligned funding. We talk about the importance of building genuine relationships, finding collaborators, and creating a platform that provides information and support for founders looking to make a meaningful impact. Verity also shares her journey of discovering the concept of "zebras" (as opposed to unicorns) and how it has influenced her approach to funding. Highlights from this episode: (01:45) What brings you joy?  (06:45) How to show up and dazzle  (11:35) Connecting with like-minded problem-solvers  (15:22) Tackling the impossible (19:53) No place for fear  Useful Links: Find Esme on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/esme-verity-33213183/Considered Capital https://www.consideredcapital.io/Zebras Unite  https://zebrasunite.coop/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Bonnie Chiu, a serial entrepreneur, advisor and impact investment specialist focused on challenging systems of inequalities. She is also the founder and managing director of The Social Investment Consultancy - a global network of consultants specialising in social impact measurement, social investment and diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. In this episode, Bonnie shares her story, why she is driven to challenge systemic inequalities in capital markets, and how she built her dream of investing in, and growing, social enterprises.  From this conversation, we learn how dancing with systems, giving attention, and demanding equity, are avenues to show up when igniting social change.Highlights from this episode: (02:08) Growing up in Hong Kong (08:52) Nothing is permanent (11:21) A guardian of dreams for others (16:41) The concept of scarcity in economics (18:58) Changing the world through protest   Useful Links: Connect with Bonnie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonniesychiu/The Social Investment Consultancy https://www.tsiconsultancy.com/ Lensational https://www.lensational.orgConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I loved listening to Erika Brodnock, an angel investor, a UK-based award-winning entrepreneur, CEO and founder of Kinhub, a philanthropist and behavioural scientist, on a mission to create fairer, more equitable workplaces for everyone. Erika works at the intersection of technology, well-being and product development, and she made it a purpose to find and clear paths out of outdated systems. She is the author of Extend Ventures’ Diversity Beyond Gender, the co-author of the TRANSPARENT Framework, and recently Better Venture. In the House of Trust, we discuss obstacles around diversity in the investment world, the barriers to entry for minoritised entrepreneurs seeking funding, and practical ways forward. Plus, Erika shares her vision of a fairer, more equal future. Highlights from this episode: (04:15) This is the biggest issue with venture funding (08:03) The importance of getting to know people (10:57) The wealthiest place on Earth are the graveyards (15:44) Rising tides raise all boats (18:28) The white ally (20:21) What will the world be like in 2033? Useful Links Connect with Erika Brodnock on LinkedIn Kinhub https://www.kinhub.com/employersExtend Ventures https://www.extend.vc/diversity-beyond-gender(Report) TRANSPARENT Framework(Book) Better VentureConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am speaking with Vicki Saunders.Vicki is an entrepreneur, award-winning mentor, advisor to the next generation of change-makers and leading advocate for entrepreneurship as a way of creating positive transformation in the world. Vicki is the Founder of #radical generosity and Coralus (formerly SheEO), a global community of radically generous women supporting women-led ventures working on the world’s To-Do List.Highlights from this episode:• (02:01) Vicki’s practice of being more graceful• (7:21) We are looking for businesses that are healing• (08:36) The hardest part of being an entrepreneur• (14:13) The collective vs. the individual• (25:39) Control is wildly expensive.Useful LinksBecome an activator or a Coralus Venture https://coralus.world/Connect with Vicki Saunders on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/vsaunders/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In today’s episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, I am reflecting on the themes, patterns and ideas Social Investors shared in this first series We learned about the complexity and the necessity of pausing, building meaningful relationships, and challenging our blindspots. My guests thought about how they intuitively and technically create the financial conditions that serve communities to do better and more for others, and in an unharmful way.I am curious to discover the freshest thoughts and perspectives you have on these various topics!Highlights(4:26) Blind spots have an impact on ideas, innovation, and design(6:48) Give a gracious space(11:05) Power with, not power over(17:57) A Brazilian swingConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Daniela Soares, the CEO of Snowball Impact Management, a diversified investment fund that creates positive outcomes for people and planet whilst generating competitive financial returns. Daniela is also, among other things, a non-executive director at Inter-Continental Hotels Group PLC, a trustee of the Institute for the Future of Work, and she is executive chair of Gov Digital, a private technology business working with the public sector to improve social services in Brazil. Daniela and I explore why transparency is important when we lead on investments. There is no time to rearrange the chairs on the deck of the Titanic, no time for impact washing. Having the discipline to embrace transparency is a force for good.Highlights from this episode:(03:25) Passion alone is not enough. You need to add discipline(05:16) What are the real risks?(00:13) I resist this idea that we're powerless in the system(15:05) Holding the investment industry to account(21:29) Be naked when investing?Useful LinksFollow Daniela Barone Soares on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-barone-soaresDiscover Snowball Impact Management https://www.snowball.im/Follow Servane on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/and at Conscious Innovation https://www.servanemouazan.co.uk/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Chris West, an entrepreneur and partner at Sumerian Partners and Sumerian Foundation who pioneered an enterprise-based approach to investment. In the past, Chris worked with a variety of donors, governments, NGOs and businesses in over a hundred developing countries. Chris's approach to investing is like dating: there is something beautiful and inspiring in engaging in healthy relationships and empathising with one another. :-)Highlights from this episode:(01:40) Creating disruption(06:35) Bringing value to investing partnerships(10:14) Is social investment turning into commercial investment?(16:03) Everyone should be obsessed with impact(16:45) Being in the shoes of the people you support Useful LinksChris West on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-west-8a927215Sumerian Foundation: https://www.sumerianfoundation.org/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am speaking with Zoe Peden.Zoe has a background in publishing, social entrepreneurship and health tech. I love that back in 2010, she co-founded an assistive technology company that’s helped over 100,000 people lead more independent lives. Social mobility is also a topic she holds dear.Zoe comes from a working-class family and with 20 years of experience in operating technology companies and making board decisions, she is now a Partner at Ananda Impact Ventures. Zoe shares her hopeful insights on what needs to change within Venture Capitalism, and the sprouting seeds of change. Highlights from this episode:(06:22) Where are the blindspots in VC?(10:30) Be proud of your roots(12:55) Engaging the quiet revolution(14:27) The one question to a VC(16:49) A natural optimist(19:46) Finance is relying on short-term bets. Things need to change.Useful LinkConnect with Zoe on Linkedin Ananda Impact VenturesConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Karen Leigh Anderson, who has over 30 years of business experience and focuses on working as a business adviser to mission-driven businesses. She loves working on governance and has been involved in various boards as a Non-Exec director and Chair too.Previously based in Johannesburg, Cape Town, London and Edinburgh, Karen has delivered results for IBM, Grant Thornton, InvestecBank, Oracle Corporation; worked with and for technology start-ups before focusing on supporting social entrepreneurs across all areas of their businesses. She is also a skilled Gallup CliftonStrengths® coach, and her Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellow report is “Delivering 100 years of Impact.” Throughout this episode, Karen shares her insights on how to build a strong board in order to maximise its collective intelligence, and why sometimes it’s the unusual suspects who can add the most value to your board. She also uses her governance dance analogy to explain why a successful business recognises the important relationship between leading and following.  Highlights from this episode: (02:20) I hate pointless icebreakers! (04:58) You get the board you plan for (10:19) Mission and vision statements should evolve (13:43) A people-oriented language (17:50) Recruiting the right chairs (21:48) The governance dance  Connect with Karen: On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenleighanderson-social-entrepreneur-place/ On Social Entrepreneur Place: https://socialentrepreneurplace.com/ Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I meet with Katie Brown, a specialist in research design & delivery and User Centred Design team management. Her work includes large systemic impact and national innovation projects, with a strong focus on projects that support social change. Katie discusses her career working on causes close to her heart including the intersection of mental health and tech two decades ago, and more recently modern slavery and the gender pay gap, and how she has learnt to trust the process even when she loses sight of the big picture. As someone who lives high above the Yorkshire valleys, Katie is no stranger to fog, and professionally her ability to show resolve and trust when the path ahead lacks clarity has punctuated an inspiring career leading important social change. I am thrilled she has joined us to share some of her insights and perspectives on the podcast.  This episode is for you if you want to discover your personal signature process, navigate the change within and around you, and understand how you can build trust to go through this. Highlights from this episode: (02:17) The intersection of social change and finance (07:44) The challenges of bringing opposite perspectives together (11:14) Getting comfortable with the uncomfortable (14:39) Counter-intuitive decision making (17:16) The path out of the fog may change (20:01) Allow yourself space to do new things (22:17) It’s like climbing a mountain  Useful Links: Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katielornabrown/ Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Roshana Arasaratnam, a woman in Sustainable Finance, working across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors mobilising capital to achieve social impact. She is Executive Director at UK Government Investments (UKGI) and teaches sustainable finance at the Cambridge Institute of Sustainable Leadership.Roshana describes her career as a ‘squiggly’ career, moving between the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, but connected by her purpose of helping financial professionals move money for good.We discuss what it means to be a specialist generalist, how trust and openness can play an important part in investment decisions, and why Roshana has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers and championing investments that generate a positive social impact.Highlights from this episode: (01:13) Breaking down boundaries between disciplines (04:05) The importance of bringing sectors together (08:28) The fear and power dynamics in capital markets (11:24) Investing in trust (13:37) What is a specialist generalist?  Useful Links: Connect with Roshana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshana-arasaratnam/ "The logic of collective action" by Mancur Olson, Jr. https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674537514"Range - Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World" by David Epstein. https://davidepstein.com/the-range/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

How do you make hope less distant, as a social investor?In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am speaking with Matt Smith CBE, social investor and CEO at Key Fund Investments. He is passionate about supporting the growth and development of community and social enterprises, to enable them to deliver impact sustainably for disadvantaged communities and marginalised people. We discuss how Matt came into investing from an unconventional background, and has channelled his passion for strong relationships and community-driven decision-making into a successful investment strategy. Matt highlights the importance of trust and human connections in the investment relationship, then why - and how - responsible, sustainable investments benefit everyone.  Highlights from this episode: (01:03) What can we impact on? (03:18) Going back to grants (06:44) No community left behind (09:45) It all starts with a strong relationship (12:25) Knowing the good and the bad (17:54) How can we do better?  Useful Links: Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-smith-cbe-33964823/ Visit the Key Fund website: https://thekeyfund.co.uk/ Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Emilie Goodall, a seasoned leader with nearly 20 years of experience advocating for and initiating positive impact through finance, working to help organisations understand and improve their impact on people and the planet.After a dialogue with other social finance professionals about individuals’ experience of racism, Emilie started to notice a very human desire from people who have not experienced racism directly to empathize with others who have and bring in their own experiences, perhaps around other forms of discrimination.But something didn't sound right.In this episode, you might notice I repeat the same question several times, as I give Emilie the time and space to think and reflect deeply on her answers. Throughout our discussion, we touch on themes such as deep listening, presencing and the benefits of being more conscious in our thoughts and actions.Highlights from this episode: (02:02) Igniting a culture of care and kindness (03:47) Be in service to others (06:11) Being present in the moment (09:28) Showing up without the ego (11:26) The importance of trust in building relationships  Useful Links: Connect with Emilie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiliegoodall/ Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am speaking with Soraya Shaw, an MSc Applied Organisational Neuroscientist at Springboard Tribe.Soraya uses evidence-based Neuroscience to enable leaders to create agile cultures where divergent thinking, strategic & innovative collaborations, open communications and well-being are valued, helping people thrive and bring all their brains to work.Throughout this episode, we share nine things that neuroscience can teach us about empathy scarcity, and how it can help you and your business.If you would like to find out more about Soraya and her work at Springboard Tribe, follow the links below to visit the website and connect.  Highlights from this episode: (01:33) An interest in people (03:29) The difference between sympathy, empathy and compassion (07:34) Theory of Mind (11:16) Riddled with unconscious bias (12:40) Our brains are like our fingerprint (17:16) We absorb other people’s emotions  Useful Links: Connect with Soraya on LinkedIn: Soraya Shaw MSc | LinkedIn Visit the website: Leadership Coaching with Neuroscience » Springboard Tribe Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Kevin Withane, the Founder and Managing Partner of Diversity-X VC, a community and VC firm in the making that supports underestimated founders solving real-world problems and making a positive impact in their communities and the world. Kevin qualified as a barrister and has a background in corporate law. He has worked around the world over the last two decades, including at private practice law firms, quasi-governmental organisations, SMEs, and most recently at an FTSE 250 company. He is a passionate advocate for building a sustainable world and for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The insights he shares in this episode will also get you thinking about how we can refocus our perspective and start prioritising the long-term consequences of our decisions.  Highlights from this episode: (01:45) At 45, I feel like I’m just starting to make my impact (06:58) The Basílica de la Sagrada Família (Build cathedrals of the future)(09:54) Knowledge is an open source (12:37) A world of short-termism (15:59) Having a BHAG (17:43) We often miss the glory of our own actions Useful LinksKevin Withane on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwithaneDiversity X VC https://www.diversityx.vc/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan

In the House of Trust today, I am speaking to Shantel Wilkins, an advocate for and supporter of an inclusive culture where differences are leveraged. She welcomes uncomfortable conversations that will address and remedy institutional racism and racial and gender bias.Shantel currently serves as Deputy Managing Director of the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation, a regional foundation investing in initiatives and 501(c)(3) organizations in Bandera, Bexar, Comal, and Kendall counties of Texas. Shantel has a unique perspective, having worked in Philanthropy at a global corporation, in a global bank and in a private foundation. During this interview, Shantel shares valuable insights into diversity and representation in investment strategy. So if you think you are a business or investor with diversity at its heart, this episode will leave you with a few thoughts!Highlights from this episode:(01:37) There’s no secret to philanthropic investment(04:53) Diversity is listening, reflecting, and understanding(07:33) A willingness to be vulnerable(11:56) Change is hard... especially in corporate funding(14:38) You think you get it, but do you really?Useful linksShantel Wilkins on LinkedinKronkosky Foundation https://kronkosky.org/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55 Podcast Music Production from Series 04 Ep 45: Milig Mouazan-Strachan