Making It Matter

What happens when you realise climbing the ladder is not the same as living in line with your values?In this episode of Making it Matter, I speak with Sabine Hutchison – CEO and co founder of Seuss+, founder of The Ripple Network, and author of Beyond the Ladder – about building meaningful, values led careers without becoming someone you do not recognise.We talk about:* Growing a career in corporate while staying kind, fair and grounded* Why traditional ladder shaped careers do not work for everyone* Authentic leadership, empathy and being told you are "too soft"* How women can build confidence, find mentors and own their stories* The role of women’s health in work, from menstrual cycles to menopause* Planning big meetings and key moments around your cycle where possible* Practical tools, workbooks and reflection practices that help you make a changeIf you are questioning your path, feeling pressure to perform in a way that does not feel like you, or wondering how to align work with your values and your body, this conversation is for you.🔗 Connect with Sabine
Website: sabinehutchison.com
Ripple Network: theripplenetwork.com
Podcast: Be a Ripple🎧 Listen to more Making it Matter
Conversations about purpose, work and building a life that actually feels like yours.

What happens when you realise climbing the ladder is not the same as living in line with your values? In this episode of Making it Matter, I speak with Sabine Hutchison – CEO and co founder of Seuss+, founder of The Ripple Network, and author of Beyond the Ladder – about building meaningful, values led careers without becoming someone you do not recognise. We talk about: * Growing a career in corporate while staying kind, fair and grounded * Why traditional ladder shaped careers do not work for everyone * Authentic leadership, empathy and being told you are "too soft" * How women can build confidence, find mentors and own their stories * The role of women’s health in work, from menstrual cycles to menopause * Planning big meetings and key moments around your cycle where possible * Practical tools, workbooks and reflection practices that help you make a change If you are questioning your path, feeling pressure to perform in a way that does not feel like you, or wondering how to align work with your values and your body, this conversation is for you. 🔗 Connect with Sabine Website: sabinehutchison.com Ripple Network: theripplenetwork.com Podcast: Be a Ripple 🎧 Listen to more Making it MatterConversations about purpose, work and building a life that actually feels like yours.

👉 Follow the show for more stories that make an impact.What happens when technology meets purpose?In this episode, Making it Matter host Megan Hunter speaks with Maxwell Opondo, the Kenyan innovator behind ZeroBionic, a social enterprise using AI-powered humanoid robots to make STEM education accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing students across Africa.At just 20-something, Maxwell has already built over 119 robotic arms using recycled plastic waste, reaching more than 7,900 differently-abled students in seven African countries. These robots translate speech into sign language in real time, transforming how teachers communicate complex science and technology concepts.Together, Megan and Maxwell explore:How a simple idea grew into a movement for inclusive educationThe power of AI, robotics, and sustainability to drive social impactOvercoming resource barriers and scaling innovation across AfricaWhy representation and accessibility in tech matter now more than everMaxwell’s story is a reminder that innovation isn’t about having all the tools, it’s about having the determination to build what’s missing.💡 About Maxwell Maxwell is the co-founder of ZeroBionic, a Kenyan-based enterprise using AI, robotics, and recycled materials to empower deaf and hard-of-hearing students through inclusive STEM learning tools.🎙️ About Making it MatterHosted by Megan Hunter, Making it Matter shares stories of changemakers, founders, and leaders reimagining how we live, work, and create impact. From AI and fintech to education, inclusion, and women’s health, each episode dives deep into the stories behind purpose-driven innovation.#MakingItMatter #AI #Robotics #STEM #AfricaTech #Inclusion #Education #Accessibility #Innovation #SocialImpact

👉 Don’t forget to: 👍 Like this video 📝 Comment your thoughts on inclusive tech and education 🔔 Subscribe for more purpose-driven conversations What happens when technology meets purpose? In this episode of Making it Matter, Megan Hunter speaks with Maxwell O., the young innovator behind ZeroBionic — a Kenyan startup using AI-powered humanoid robots to make STEM education accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing students across Africa. At just 20-something, Maxwell has built over 119 robotic arms using recycled plastic waste, reaching more than 7,900 differently-abled students in seven African countries. These robots translate speech into sign language in real time, helping teachers communicate complex STEM concepts and creating new opportunities for inclusive learning. From hacking together his first prototype at university to now piloting humanoid exoskeletons across Africa, Maxwell shares how curiosity, community, and conviction can turn one person’s idea into a continent-wide movement for inclusive education, accessibility, and AI innovation. 🎧 In this episode: 00:00 - Introduction 00:44 - How ZeroBionic began 04:33 - From curiosity to innovation 07:46 - Building the first robotic arm 09:54 - Facing fears around AI and job loss 11:21 - 119 robotic arms built from recycled waste 12:19 - Making STEM inclusive in schools 17:47 - How humanoid robots work 22:43 - Using AI and machine learning to teach sign language 25:34 - Scaling across Africa’s diverse sign languages 29:42 - Impact so far: 7,900 students reached 35:59 - What keeps Maxwell going 38:42 - Advice for innovators and changemakers 39:46 - Maxwell’s vision for Africa’s future in tech 41:22 - What “Making it Matter” means to Maxwell 🌍 About Maxwell Opondo Maxwell is the co-founder of ZeroBionic, a Kenya-based social enterprise using AI, robotics, and recycled materials to empower deaf and hard-of-hearing students through inclusive STEM education. ZeroBionic’s mission is to make learning accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or background, by merging human empathy with technological innovation. 🎙️ About Making it Matter Hosted by Megan Hunter, Making it Matter shares stories of changemakers, founders, and leaders reimagining how we live, work, and create impact. Each episode dives into purpose-driven innovation, from AI and fintech to education, inclusion, and women’s health. #MakingItMatter #AI #Robotics #AfricaTech #Inclusion #STEM #Education #Accessibility #Innovation #PurposeDriven

Elaine Galston, founder of Bettii, joins Megan Hunter to talk about the future of women’s health and femtech. From periods and menopause to reusable products and systemic gaps in research, Elaine shares her candid journey from corporate leadership to building a company that challenges myths and creates real solutions.If you care about women’s health, menstruation, menopause, femtech innovation, and purpose-led leadership, this episode is for you.Join Bettii's women's health event in Glasgow on 5th October 2025: bettiipresents.co.uk

Ru Pearce believes we need a new definition of success, one rooted in impact, not just profit.In this episode, we dive deep into Ru’s journey from global tech consultancy to founding Growing Happy and later Rewired Earth , a cross-sector connector working to reshape the financial system and drive system-level change.We cover:How Ru went from a FTSE 350 tech company to working on Olympic ceremonies and impact fundsWhat he’s learned about cross-sector collaboration, and why it often failsThe link between governance, funding, and real-world changeRewired Earth’s work in Lambeth & Southwark – and what it means for place-based systems changeWhy the future lies in connection: between people, communities, sectors, and systemsThis conversation is honest, energising and full of big ideas — with practical lessons for anyone working in social impact, systems change, or just figuring out how to make it matter.—Resources mentioned:Rewired Earth: https://www.rewired.earth/John's Crazy Socks: https://johnscrazysocks.com/ Chicken Shed Theatre: https://www.chickenshed.org.ukThe concept of Ikigai: https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2022/03/ikigai_japanese_secret_to_a_joyful_life.html —👋 Connect with Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganahunter/💬 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review the show it really helps others find us and grow the movement.

What drives someone to leave a senior corporate role to build a solar tech platform from scratch?In this episode of Making It Matter, I talk to Chinwe Udo-Davis, founder and CEO of Instollar, a business on a mission to solve two of Africa’s biggest challenges: energy access and youth unemployment.We dive into:– Why Chinwe left her role as HR Director to follow her purpose– How Instollar connects trained solar technicians to projects across Nigeria– The challenges (and power) of building a tech company without a tech background– Creating InstallHER, a solar training programme for women– Chinwe’s vision to scale across Africa and build the continent’s next unicornIf you care about clean energy, women’s empowerment, or purpose-driven work, this conversation is for you.👂 Listen in and let us know what resonates.

In this conversation, Megan and Sarah discuss the importance of financial education for children, the role of Red Start Educate in providing this education, and the challenges faced in implementing effective financial literacy programs. Sarah shares her personal journey to becoming the CEO of Red Start, the impact of financial education on children's lives, and the need for collaboration between schools, parents, and government to ensure that all children have access to financial literacy resources. They also explore the gaps in the current curriculum and the importance of teaching children about money management from a young age.TakeawaysFinancial education is crucial for children's future success.Red Start Educate focuses on children in disadvantaged communities.The curriculum for financial education is inconsistent across the UK.Teachers often lack the time and resources to teach financial education effectively.Parents play a vital role in discussing money at home.Social media influences children's perceptions of wealth and success.Financial literacy can help children make informed decisions about their future.Collaboration between sectors is essential for effective financial education.Government support and funding are needed to improve financial education.Every child deserves a fair start in life, regardless of their background.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey03:00 The Evolution of Red Start Educate06:06 The Importance of Financial Education08:49 Challenges in Financial Literacy for Children12:09 Red Start's Approach to Financial Education15:06 The Role of Teachers in Financial Education18:02 Success Stories and Impact of Red Start21:05 The Curriculum Gap in Financial Education24:10 Future of Financial Education in Schools35:12 Impact of Financial Education on Children37:11 Challenges in the English Education System41:02 Government's Role in Financial Education50:26 Funding and Support for Financial Education53:12 Parental Involvement in Financial Education58:34 Collaboration Across Sectors01:01:11 Defining Success in Financial EducationKey Topicsfinancial education, Red Start, social mobility, financial literacy, children, education, financial management, budgeting, wealth, community support