Roots and Values

In our new episode of Roots & Values,host Alain Nsiona sits down with Leslie Maasdorp, CEO of British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution investing to create sustainable and inclusive growth across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.Born and raised under apartheid in South Africa, he found inspiration in the nation’s struggle for justice and equality,developing an early sense of responsibility to help build a fairer society. That sense of purpose led him from public service in post-apartheid South Africa to leadership roles at the New Development Bank, Goldman Sachs, and now BII.This episode explores:🌍 Africa’s growth potential and the myths surrounding investment risk💡 How activism shaped Leslie’s global leadership approach🏦 The evolution of the development finance system🤝 The power of mentorship and developing others🌱 Lessons from China’s rapid transformation💬 Opportunities in Asia’s climate transition📈 Why the private sector is “the biggest engine for growth”🏗️ How human capital and infrastructure can unlock Africa’s future 🎧 Listen and and be inspired by one of the leading voices in Development finance.🔗Connect with Leslie Maasdorp on LinkedIn: LeslieMaasdorp | LinkedInFind out more about BII  at: DevelopmentFinance Institution - British International Investment Roots & Values is a podcast from NsionaImpact exploring the intersection of ambition, impact, sustainable investment, and transformative development in the world’s fastest-growing economies. Each episodedelves into the stories behind sustainability-driven ventures and visionary transforming investor culture and advancing meaningful change in emerging markets. Nsiona Impact is a company that collaborates and partners with visionary corporates, governments, DFIs andfinancial investors to use finance to drive impact and sustainable growth in Emerging and Frontier markets. 👉 Stay connected with NsionaImpact and Roots and Values:LinkedIn: NsionaImpact | Inclusive Growth & Environmental Sustainability In Emerging &Frontier Markets: Overview | LinkedInInstagram: Roots& Values PodcastFind out more about us at Nsiona Impact.Subscribe to Nsiona Impact and turn on notifications so you nevermiss an episode!

What would make someone leave a thriving career at JPMorgan in London to start a school in Nigeria?In this episode of Roots and Values, we sit down with Damilola Okonkwo, founder of KEY Academy in Lagos, whose bold vision is reshaping education in Nigeria.Damilola shares her fascinating journey — from growing up between British and Nigerian cultures, to excelling as a student in London, to building a successful career in finance, and finally deciding to return home in 2013 to create a school with a difference.Today, KEY Academy is not only transforming how children learn in Lagos, but it has also been nominated for the World’s Best School Prize in Innovation.In this conversation, you’ll hear Damilola talk about:• How she left JP Morgan to pursue education reform in Nigeria• How education gave her the ladder of social mobility — and why she wants the same for others• The importance of raising children to be problem-solvers, not just test-takers• Her vision for improving Nigeria’s education system• What it takes to innovate in one of the toughest but most important sectors: educationIf you’re passionate about education, innovation, and social impact, this episode will leave you inspired.🔗 Connect with Damilola on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilolaokonkwo/Find out more about KEY Academy at: https://www.keyacademyng.org/Roots & Values is a podcast from Nsiona Impact exploring the intersection of ambition, impact, sustainable investment, and transformative development in the world’s fastest-growing economies. Each episode delves into the stories behind sustainability-driven ventures and visionary pioneers transforming investor culture and advancing meaningful change in emerging markets. Nsiona Impact is a company that collaborates and partners with visionary corporates, governments, DFIs and financial investors to use finance to drive impact and sustainable growth in Emerging and Frontier markets. Stay connected with Nsiona Impact and Roots and Values:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nsiona-impact/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootsandvaluespodcast/Subscribe to Nsiona Impact and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!Find out more about us at www.nsionaimpact.com

Roots & Values S1 E1: What does it truly mean to create lasting impact? In our inaugural 'Roots & Values' podcast episode, we sit down with Guillaume Fonkenell, Founder of Pharo Management and @PharoFoundation, to explore the deep roots of his philanthropic journey and the values that shape his bold and uncompromising approach to investing with a purpose. Get a sneak peek into his "Sequoia Tree Mindset" on resilience and interconnectedness, and discover how his vision drives transformative change across East Africa. Nsiona Impact is a company that collaborates and partners with visionary corporates, governments, DFIs and financial investors to use finance to drive impact and sustainable growth in Emerging and Frontier markets. Roots & Values is a new podcast exploring the intersection of ambition, impact, sustainable investment, and transformative development in the world’s fastest-growing economies. Each episode delves into the stories behind sustainability-driven ventures and visionary pioneers transforming investor culture and advancing meaningful change in emerging markets. Hosted by Alain Nsiona Defise, Founder of Nsiona Impact, Roots & Values uncovers how capital can align with values of social justice and environmental sustainability—and how investors, entrepreneurs, and communities are redefining what it means to grow responsibly "What resonates most with you from Guillaume's journey? Share in the comments!" Subscribe to Nsiona Impact and share this episode. Find out more about us at www.nsionaimpact.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Nsiona Impact, his affiliates or the podcast hosts.