Social Impact Pioneers
by Business Fights Poverty
Hello, and welcome to the Business Fights Poverty podcast, where we bring you engaging conversations with social impact trailblazers. Dive into a wealth of insights, diverse perspectives, and valuable advice, all designed to enlighten and inspire. Gain first-hand understanding of how businesses and thought leaders are addressing the world's most pressing social challenges, empowering you to make well-informed decisions and take meaningful action. So, sit back and join us as we explore the frontiers of business-driven social impact.
Episodes
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Philanthropy, secrets to success with Clare Woodcraft
If your philanthropy looks like business as usual, Clare Woodcraft thinks you’re probably getting it wrong. Her challenge is blunt: take risks. Back the unproven. Fund what businesses won’t and governments can’t. If philanthropic money simply follows the safest route, is it wasting its greatest...
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Scaling brilliant ideas and social innovation, with Bill Shaw
What happens when brilliant ideas are overlooked because their creators do not know what they are worth, or lack the systems needed to bring them into the world? Meet Social Impact Pioneer Bill Shaw, a three-time founder, intellectual property lawyer and professor, and Executive Vice President of...
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Why menstrual health means the power to shape your own future, with Beatrice and Megan of ZanaAfrica
Menstrual health is often treated as a question of access to sanitary pads. But for ZanaAfrica, it is also about education, health, gender equality, environmental sustainability and the power to shape your own future. Social Impact Pioneers, Megan Mukuria, founder and CEO ZanaAfrica and the...
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How to communicate and build trust, with Charlotte West
How can global businesses turn corporate purpose into lasting social impact, and communicate that work without losing public trust? Meet social impact pioneer: Charlotte West. Charlotte has spent more than three decades navigating that challenge. As Vice President of Global Corporate…
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Turning business into a force for water and hygiene with Philipp Küst
What does it take to turn corporate ambition into real-world social impact? And how can business help tackle one of the world’s most urgent challenges: access to safe water and sanitation? Meet Social Impact Pioneer Philipp Küst, Global Social Impact Lead – Water & Hygiene at Reckitt. Because...
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Partnerships, Systems Change and the Future of Collaboration with Darian Stibbe
What does it take to solve the world's most complex challenges? According to partnership expert Darian Stibbe, the answer isn't better technology, bigger budgets or stronger institutions working alone, it's collaboration. From rocket science to systems change: Darian Stibbe explains why effective...
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Building Inclusive Economies with Joe Scantlebury
What does it take to build an economy that works for everyone? Meet Social Impact Pioneer Joe Scantlebury, President and CEO of Living Cities. From representing children in the juvenile justice and dependency care systems to helping shape civil rights and equity advocacy at the Bill & Melinda…
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Creating Work Opportunities for Refugees, with Aline Sara
What if one of the world's greatest untapped talent pools is hiding in plain sight? More than 120 million people around the world have been forcibly displaced by conflict, persecution and violence. Yet too often refugees are portrayed through the lens of crisis rather than capability. Their…
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Brokering partnerships and collaboration with Ian Leader
Listen in to Ian Leader, Social Impact Pioneer, cross-sector strategist and founder of Local Works. Ian shares his experience in building partnerships that really work, between business, community and government. With more than 25 years of experience working across New Zealand’s business…
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What can business gain from cross cultural learning with Hesham Elzeftawi
Social Impact Pioneer Hesham Elzeftawi, Founder and CEO of EBRIIZ shares his journey from Egypt to the US and Mexico developing deep understanding and appreciation for cross-cultural learning, practical field experience, and emerging market realities. Hesham’s time in Arabic, English, and...
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Effective Altruism, Career Change & High Impact Careers with Devon Fritz
In this episode, we’re joined by Devon Fritz, author of The High-Impact Professional’s Playbook and co-founder of High Impact Professionals. An experienced coach and strategic philanthropy adviser, Devon helps people bridge the gap between good intentions and measurable outcomes. Devon’s story...
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Inside the Mars Impact Fund with Michelle Grogg
Social Impact Pioneer Michelle Grogg is the Executive Director of the Mars Impact Fund. Listen in as Michelle shares her insights on why Mars can do more with an Impact Fund now. She shares her experiences on how businesses can drive meaningful social impact at scale and how delivering impact...
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What Real Sustainability Integration Looks Like in Business — with Fernanda Facchini, Natura
Meet Social Impact Pioneer, Fernanda Facchini. She is part of the team at Natura, the Brazilian multinational cosmetics company, who are pioneering sustainable and ethical beauty products while driving regenerative practices in the Amazon rainforest. This conversation deep dives into what it…
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Why Fairtrade Matters More Than Ever with Marike Runneboom de Peña
Getting your coffee tomorrow is not a given. Behind everyday products like coffee, bananas, and cocoa lies a global trading system under pressure. A pressure shaped by climate change, economic uncertainty, and growing inequality. The need to change how we value our food is urgent or we risk our...
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Financing Solar Energy in the Global South with Lassor and Ruchir
How do we finance renewable energy in the places where it can have the greatest impact? Meet two visionary leaders and Social Impact Pioneers driving solutions: Lassor Feasley, co-founder and CEO of Renewables.org, and Ruchir Punjabi, co-founder and CEO of Distributed Energy, a company making...
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Navigating negative times and burn out with Ashley Jablow
It’s not often we talk about burn out, but Social Impact Pioneer, Ashley Jablow shares her personal experiences and her practical ways to navigate negative times. In this episode of Social Impact Pioneers, we explore what it really takes to navigate uncertainty, rediscover purpose, and design a...
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Tackling Ibiza’s Housing Crisis Through Cross-Sector Collaboration, with Yvette, Sofi and Anna
Ibiza may be world-famous for its beaches, superyachts and nightlife, but behind the glamour lies a growing affordable housing crisis that threatens the island’s future. In this episode, three Social Impact Leaders: Sofi Ribas, Anna Olivia Spenner Hernández, and Yvette Torres-Rahman, share…
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Managing debt and mortgages with Jinesh Vohra
How much will your mortgage really cost you over your lifetime — and what if there was a simple way to avoid carrying debt for so long? In this episode, we’re joined by Social Impact Pioneer Jinesh Vohra, founder of Sprive, the UK’s fastest-growing mortgage platform designed to help homeowners...
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The Business of Coral Reefs with Sam Teicher
What does it take to restore coral reefs at scale — and turn one of the world’s most urgent environmental crises into a sustainable, investable solution? This conversation explores the business of coral reefs, running impact businesses, investors and innovation. Social Impact Pioneer, Sam Teicher...
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Talent development, social impact & the future of work with Banalata from the DHL Group
How to bring business talent development and social impact to get the best outcomes. Social Impact Pioneer Banalata Sen, Global Head of GoTeach at DHL Group shares her wisdom. In this episode of the Social Impact Pioneers podcast from Business Fights Poverty, host Katie Hyson sits down with...
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Social Impact from big picture to on-the-ground action with Darsh Myronidis, Virgin Group
In this episode, we sit down with Social Impact Pioneer, Darshana “Darsh” Myronidis, Director of Sustainability at Virgin Group — the HQ at the centre of one of the world’s most iconic and diverse brands. With more than 20 years of global sustainability leadership, Darsh has built a career...
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Climate resilience and adaptation with David Nicholson
During this special edition of Social Impact Pioneers - we are joined by David Nicholson, a leading figure in global climate action, speaking to us directly from the UN Climate COP in Belém, Brazil. As Mercy Corps’ first-ever Chief Climate Officer, appointed in 2022, Nicholson has been at the...
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Climate & landscape-level collaboration with Matthew Spencer
This Social Impact Pioneers episode forms part of the Business Fights Poverty Climate Series 2025. Katie Hyson sits down with Matthew Spencer, Global Director of Landscapes at IDH – The Sustainable Trade Initiative, for a timely conversation recorded live from COP 2025 in Belém, Brazil. With...
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Rural Livelihoods with Carbon Finance with Lilian, Ann, Olaf & Anna
How can carbon finance do more to strengthen rural livelihoods and empower the communities on the frontlines of climate change? Social Impact Pioneers - Anna Kilpatrick, from PUR, Ann Vaughan & Lilian Gwazayo of CARE, and Olaf Westermann, from Catholic Relief Services (CRS) explore this critical...
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Legislating humanity to change the system, with Maaria Mozaffar
In this episode, we meet Social Impact Pioneer Maaria Mozaffar — a legislative attorney, human rights policy strategist, and author of inclusive policy. Maaria’s life work proves that lasting change begins not with slogans, but with courage and conversation. From writing inclusive laws to...
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How IKEA Is Powering Global Social Entrepreneurship with Åsa Skogström Feldt
In this episode of Business Fights Poverty’s Social Impact Pioneers Podcast, host Yvette Torres-Rahman speaks with Åsa Skogström Feldt, Managing Director of IKEA Social Entrepreneurship BV, about how business can be a force for good. Recorded live during the UN General Assembly 2025 in New York,...
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Social Impact Entrepreneurship & Leading with Purpose - Amrit Dhaliwal
In this episode, we sit down with Social Impact Pioneer, social entrepreneur and purposeful leader - Amrit Dhaliwal. As CEO of Walfinch, one of the UK’s leading home care franchise networks, Amrit is on a mission to redefine both franchising and social care—bringing innovation, purpose, and...
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The Power of Participatory Radio with Hannah and Meshack
Listen to this podcast conversation to learn about The Power of Participatory Radio. Social Impact Pioneers - Meshack Kitungu Kawinzi and Hannah Davis share how one of the world’s oldest and most trusted communication tools, radio, is being harnessed to change lives and strengthen communities.…
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The Future of Climate Action: Youth Leadership and Systems Change with Penelope and Hassan
In this episode of Social Impact Pioneers, we explore how the next generation is reshaping climate action, social innovation and systems change—not by waiting their turn, but by leading from the front. Meet Social Impact Pioneers: Penelope Gregoriou and Muhammad Hassan Dajana. Penelope and…
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Empowering Social Innovation with Mark Horoszowski & Alam Bains
Welcome to Social Impact Pioneers, where we spotlight change makers redefining the future of business and society. In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Horoszowski, Co-founder and CEO of MovingWorlds, and Alam Bains, Head of Corporate Programs & Partnerships at MovingWorlds. Together they are...
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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...
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Why business resilience is the new social impact, with Nyika Brain
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...
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Changing the Climate Conversation with Josh Wheeler
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...
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Driving Financial Inclusion & Women’s Entrepreneurship with Nguyet and Tanvi
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...
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Social & Environmental Impact Through Business-NGO Collaboration With Diageo and Care
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...
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Mobile technology and International Development with Max Cuvellier,
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...
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Overcoming Poverty: Driving Workforce Development & Economic Empowerment, with Megan & Scott
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...
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Scaling Support for Smallholder Farmers, with Christina Mawuse Gyisun
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...
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Microbusinesses, Systemic Change & Digital Inclusion with Amalia, Payal & Werner
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...
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How social work combats poverty with Peter Buturo
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...
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Measuring impact and impact per dollar with Gilad Tanay
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...
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Blockchain, food and supplychains with Antoinette and Sander
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...
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Transformative Partnerships with Taryn from Cargill and Chris from CARE
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…
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David Nicholson,Mercy Corps and Thomas Beloe UNDP talk human centred climate action
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...
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Climate change, human rights, and modern slavery with Chiara and Sizakelle
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...
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Women's Health & Climate Justice at COP29 in Baku with Niona Nakuya and Terry Owino
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...
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Simon Crittle & Kazi Jawad Hossain on COP 29 and Tackling Poverty
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…
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Katarina and Justin, share their insights from Baku and the climate COP29
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…
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Malkia and Zach, Live from Climate COP29 - Voices from Baku
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...
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Business, social impact and inclusivity, with Amanda Smith of Diageo
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...
About this show
Hello, and welcome to the Business Fights Poverty podcast, where we bring you engaging conversations with social impact trailblazers. Dive into a wealth of insights, diverse perspectives, and valuable advice, all designed to enlighten and inspire. Gain first-hand understanding of how businesses and thought leaders are addressing the world's most pressing social challenges, empowering you to make well-informed decisions and take meaningful action. So, sit back and join us as we explore the frontiers of business-driven social impact.
Hosted by
Business Fights Poverty
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