The Doing Good Show

Dr. Martin Clark CEO of Allia Impact and key driver of one of the UK's most impactful social enterprises. From think tank to organisation serving over 2000 changemakers (in just two years!!!), to raising billions for social finance; Martin has spent the last 30 years dedicating himself to a career that shapes the world for good. The conversation delves into the world of social entrepreneurship, impact investment, and the evolution of social enterprises. Martin Clark shares insights on creating community finance solutions, navigating technical challenges, and the role of social entrepreneurs. The discussion also explores the relationship strength in the social enterprise space, the distinction between social entrepreneurship and social enterprise, and the business solutions for social and environmental issues. Additionally, the evolution of Allia Impact and the challenges and opportunities in social enterprise are highlighted. The conversation delves into the journey of building a business incubator, the challenges faced, the importance of managing energy and well-being, strategic decision-making, the role of corporate mentors, the challenge of property in social enterprise, and the impact of relationships in social enterprise. The takeaways highlight the role of passion, careful consideration, and the significance of relationships in the continuity and momentum of social enterprise organizations. The conversation delves into the themes of resilience, optimism, meaningful work, and transitioning to new phases. It explores the balance between work and networking, the importance of handing over leadership, and the impact of attracting talent to social enterprises. The speakers reflect on their careers, purpose, and the future, emphasizing the importance of being useful and optimistic in making a meaningful difference.TakeawaysSocial entrepreneurship and impact investmentBuilding community finance solutionsEvolution of social enterprises Passion and personal experience drive social entrepreneursNavigating the challenges of social enterprise requires careful consideration and balanceRelationships and connections are crucial for the continuity and momentum of social enterprise organizations ResilienceInherent OptimismChapters00:00 Introduction to Allia Impact and Martin Clark06:11 Navigating Technical Challenges11:21 Social Entrepreneurship vs. Social Enterprise16:24 Challenges and Opportunities in Social Enterprise22:09 Challenges and Adaptation in Social Enterprise27:22 The Role of Corporate Mentors in Social Enterprise32:22 The Impact of Relationships in Social Enterprise38:00 Balancing Work and Networking42:58 The Next Generation of Impact48:06 Attracting Talent to Social Impact52:59 The Lesson of Optimism and Hope

The conversation delves into the expectations and future of engaging with the charity sector, highlighting the challenges and evolution of charities, and emphasizing community involvement and responsibility. It explores the need for change, the role of freelance fundraisers, and the misconceptions about charities. Additionally, it discusses the shifting narratives, community-led initiatives, and the role of companies in social enterprise. The conversation explores the impact of political decisions on international aid, the need for creative solutions, and the role of corporates and social enterprises in aid administration. It also delves into the importance of social infrastructure, academia's role in social impact, and the challenges in doing good. The dynamics between the charity sector and the private sector, as well as the need for innovation and collaboration, are also discussed. The conversation delves into the professionalization of the charity sector, the impact of AI on fundraising, the challenges of inclusivity, and the broader concept of doing good. It explores the complexities and limitations of professionalization, the use of AI in fundraising, the struggle for inclusivity, and the need to shift expectations in the charity sector.TakeawaysThe charity sector is evolving to meet changing expectations and challenges.Community involvement and responsibility play a crucial role in shaping the future of charitable work. Rethinking aid administration and creative solutions are essential in the current political landscape.Collaboration and innovation are key to addressing challenges in the charity and private sectors. Professionalization and Oxfordization of the charity sectorChallenges and limitations of AI in fundraisingThe complexity of inclusivity in the sectorBroadening the definition of doing good and shifting expectations in the charity sectorChapters00:00 Engaging with the Charity Sector06:04 Community Involvement and Responsibility11:04 Innovation and Collaboration17:06 Impact of AI on Fundraising23:15 Doing Good and Shifting Expectations

Our conversation pared back some of the façade that the NGO/non profit world puts up about how they hire, operate and deliver change. In Gauri's journey, I got the chance to hear about her story in navigating a working class background and operating in some of the most influential international change making organisations in the world. She shared her experience in the gatekeeping that pervades these organisations and the systemic barriers that keep people from participating in the sector.TakeawaysSelf-reflection and self-view anxiety can be a significant challenge for individuals, impacting their perception of themselves and their work.The charity sector faces challenges related to short-term funding cycles, risk aversion, and the need for innovation to drive systemic change.The importance of individual and systemic impact, grounded leadership, and the power of small acts of help and support in creating meaningful change. Importance of genuine human connectionRedefining the relationship with money for well-beingChapters00:00 Introduction and Episode Recap05:25 The Need for Innovation in the Charity Sector10:42 The Value of Inner Work and Grounded Leadership16:12 The Impact of Small Acts of Help and Support22:06 The Role of Love, Connection, and Humility27:29 The Impact of Small Acts of Help and Support33:16 The Importance of Staying Grounded and Humble39:01 Reimagining Wealth and Well-being57:55 The Human Experience in a Tech-Driven World

The conversation delves into the challenges of water accessibility in Malawi, the limitations of traditional philanthropy, the professionalization of water services, innovative approaches to water sustainability, and the shifting mindsets and narratives in water aid. It highlights the impact of climate change, the role of social enterprise, and the need for a narrative shift in water aid and sustainability. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in the water sector, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and the changing perception of water as a commodity. It also explores personal and professional choices, lifestyle impact, and the role of power and collaboration in addressing water-related issues. TakeawaysThe limitations of traditional philanthropy and international aid in addressing water challengesThe importance of professionalized services and innovative approaches to water sustainability Water access and sustainability are crucial for communitiesCollaboration and partnership are essential for addressing water challengesChapters (some of them)00:00 Introduction to Water Challenges in Malawi05:30 Professionalizing Water Services in Malawi11:49 Shifting Mindsets and Narratives in Water Aid17:11 Perception of Water as a Commodity22:22 Water as a Source of Conflict28:04 Water and Biodiversity

Jonethan Lee - Storyteller, father, and changemaker. Jonny didn't imagine himself in the international NGO career path a decade ago, but here today Jonny spends his time finding ways to tell powerful stories that shape the lives of people living in high deprivation communities across the globe. What started as an affinity for data and social media evolved into expertise in the third sector, international NGOs, donor engagement, and impact investing.

SummaryIn this conversation, Andrew Brisbin and Alice discuss the challenges and rewards of transitioning leadership within NGOs, particularly focusing on Alice's experience with SAFE, an organization dedicated to using storytelling to address social issues. They explore the importance of cultural sensitivity, the dynamics of funding in social work, and the power of personal stories in advocacy. Alice shares her reflections on her journey, the lessons learned, and the significance of making meaningful contributions in one's community.

Welcome to the adventure! I'm Andrew your host for the Doing Good Show, I'll be speaking to loads of different people in a variety of walks of life to understand what it means to have a rewarding career, life, and experience here on this big blue ball hurtling through space. Join me in discovering how people find meaning in all the different ways we spend time!