The women4impact Podcast

In this episode, Madison Marks, an innovation and communication strategy consultant, discusses her journey from philanthropy to supporting social entrepreneurs across the Middle East and globally. She explores challenges in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, including funding gaps and the need for evidence-based pilots. Madison also shares practical advice for founders and ecosystem enablers.  

Sahar speaks with Dua Al Toobi about bridging human capital and digital transformation, reskilling national workforces, career pivots, personal branding, and practical steps individuals and organizations can take to thrive amid AI-driven disruption.

Join us in this enlightening episode of the Women4Impact podcast, featuring Alice Bosley, a trailblazer in humanitarian innovation and social entrepreneurship. Alice shares her inspiring journey from working in Iraq and the UNHCR to co-founding 51 Labs, which empowers entrepreneurs from conflict-affected regions. Discover the challenges and triumphs faced by refugee entrepreneurs as they redefine stereotypes and contribute significantly to local economies with innovative solutions. Learn how Alice and her team at 51 Labs foster collaboration, offering tailored support and nurturing a thriving community of innovators. Explore insights into the evolving landscape of social impact, the importance of aligning values with investors, and tips for aspiring entrepreneurs striving to make a meaningful difference in the world. Be inspired by Alice's story of leadership, partnership, and dedication to holistic impact.

In this episode of the Women for Impact podcast, join us as Sahar hosts Kamales Lardi, a digital transformation leader and an award-winning author based in Zurich, Switzerland. Kamales shares her incredible journey from starting in tech in the late 90s to becoming a management consultant and founding her own consultancy. She delves into the importance of the human side in digital transformation and discusses the evolving role of technology in organizations. Kamales also expands on her books, including 'The Human Side of Digital Transformation,' emphasizing the need to incorporate people into every step of tech implementation. The conversation touches upon the swift advancements in AI and how organizations can keep up with technology disruptions. Additionally, Kamales sheds light on her unique consulting business model, which adapts to the changing dynamics of the industry. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, business leader, or aspiring consultant, this episode offers valuable insights into digital transformation with a human touch. You can pre-order Kamales' new book, Artificial Intelligence for Business, through the link below with the discount code: KAMALES25 https://www.koganpage.com/digital-technology/artificial-intelligence-for-business-9781398618008

This episode features a conversation with Noha Khater, a visionary ophthalmologist and social entrepreneur from Egypt who co-founded Al-Muneer and its innovative diabetes management app, dru. With a background in ophthalmology and a personal calling to improve diabetic care, Noha shares her journey of launching tech-enabled healthcare services and empowering patients through holistic treatment approaches. Sahar and Noha delve into the intersections of medicine, technology, and entrepreneurship, discussing the challenges and breakthroughs Noha faced in creating a comprehensive service that addresses not just the symptoms, but the root causes of diabetes and obesity. Learn about the importance of data analytics and AI in customizing patient care and the impact of the lifestyle app dru on enhancing the quality of life for diabetics across the MENA region. Join us as we explore how Noha and her team are transforming the healthcare landscape by merging traditional practices with modern technology, making diabetic care more accessible, personalized, and efficient for patients and healthcare providers alike.

In this engaging episode, Sahar speaks with Cherie, an executive coach based in Sydney. They explore her diverse career journey, highlighting her pivotal role in the Sydney Olympic Games and her extensive experience in change management. Cherie shares valuable insights into the concept of future-fit leadership, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and impactful change in a rapidly evolving world. Cherie also discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by current work environments, including remote and hybrid working models. She delves into the importance of trust and flexibility in the workplace, and how organizations can navigate transformation successfully through effective change management strategies. The episode concludes with a discussion on overcoming toxic work cultures and encouraging female leaders to embrace authenticity and confidence in their professional journeys. Don't miss this insightful conversation filled with practical advice for ambitious leaders aiming to make a meaningful impact.

In this episode, we are joined by Salmine Sassi, a venture builder and strategic designer. Salmine shares her unique journey into the world of corporate venture building, starting as an entrepreneur and transitioning into innovation. Salmine delves into the different models of corporate venture building, emphasizing the importance of market research and discovery before ideation.  Salmine sheds light on the cultural differences in risk appetite and entrepreneurial spirit across regions like Europe, the GCC, and Sub-Saharan Africa.  Join us as we explore the dynamic world of corporate venture building with Salmine Sassi, uncovering valuable insights and strategies for fostering innovation within organizations.

In this episode, Sahar speakes with innovation strategist, author, and keynote speaker Dr. Simone Ahuja. They explore the transformative power of Jugaad innovation, a concept rooted in frugality and resourcefulness that Simone first encountered in India. Simone shares her journey from writing her first book in 2012 to her current work as an advocate for innovation and entrepreneurship worldwide. With a third book on the horizon, she reveals how innovation principles can be applied to everyday life, providing value and fun even beyond the corporate sphere. The discussion delves into the essence of innovation, defined as the creation of new value, and the importance of focusing on solving the right problems. Through captivating examples, including innovative business models in emerging markets, Simone illustrates how scarcity can be reframed as abundance, driving impactful change with limited resources. For anyone interested in starting a purpose-driven initiative, this episode offers invaluable insights and tips on identifying the best problems to solve, leveraging existing resources, and staying focused on core needs. Tune in to discover how you can unleash innovation and make a meaningful impact in your field. For more information about Dr. Simone and her work, please visit http://simoneahuja.com/

Join us as we welcome Iva Gamnishka, an award-winning social entrepreneur, political activist, and consultant for international organizations. Iva is the Founder and President of Humans in the Loop, a Bulgaria-based social impact startup.  Iva shares her inspiring journey, from founding the organization in 2017 to stepping down as CEO to focus on political advocacy and consultancy. She discusses the origins of Humans in the Loop during the refugee crisis, aiming to provide accessible job opportunities through data labeling for AI, and the unique impact sourcing model that empowers conflict-affected communities. Learn about the challenges and successes of building a purpose-driven service company.

In this episode of the women4impact podcast, we are joined by Marisha Lakiani, Chief Growth Officer at Mindvalley. Dive into an engaging conversation about the challenges and triumphs of scaling a global company without external funding. Marisha shares insights into the unique growth strategies that have propelled Mindvalley from its early startup days to its current scale-up phase, boasting an impressive 200 million in revenue and a diverse international customer base. Discover how Mindvalley balances creativity and data-driven marketing to achieve significant results. Marisha talks about the evolving role of a Chief Growth Officer in a rapidly growing company. Learn how Marisha and her team have successfully navigated cultural nuances to expand Mindvalley's reach across different regions.

In this episode, we are joined by Alexandra Begue , who shares her incredible journey from the cinema industry to leading innovation programs at SAP. Alexandra talks about her early career experiences in Los Angeles and Tokyo, working with video drones, and witnessing the digital transformation in the cinema industry. Her passion for innovation led her to join SAP, where she embarked on an intrapreneurship program that provided her with invaluable skills and global exposure. Alexandra emphasizes the importance of sustainability and responsible business practices and shares insights on how SAP engages with customers and employees to drive impactful innovation. Additionally, Alexandra shares her passion project, a documentary which highlights wildlife conservation efforts in South Africa. This project combines her love for cinema and her commitment to making a positive impact on the world.   **Show Notes Alexandra's documentary https://vimeo.com/ondemand/anewperspectivedoc Innovation with SAP https://www.sap.com/about/company/innovation.html

Welcome to the Women for Impact podcast, where we highlight the stories and experiences of women who are making a difference globally in the field of impact innovation.  In this episode, we feature Sophie Krantz, a global strategist based in Melbourne, Australia. Sophie shares her insights on the future of work, the power of digital connectivity, and the importance of expanding our worldview. Discover how Sophie’s background with the UN and her work in the private sector have shaped her approach to fostering innovation and driving socioeconomic change. Sophie also highlights inspiring stories of women entrepreneurs from India who are transforming their communities through digital skills and economic empowerment. This episode is a testament to the power of collaboration and co-creation in building a more sustainable and impactful world. **Show Notes You can connect with Sophie through the following links www.SophieKrantz.com https://linkedin.com/in/sophiekrantz