Profit Meets Impact

In this episode, we're joined by Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick as he delves into the dynamic relationship between technology, social innovation, and ethical considerations. From reimagining existing systems with negative externalities to envisioning a future driven by creativity and agency for positive change, Austin's insights challenge traditional perspectives and encourage listeners to reflect on the...

In this episode, we chat with Krutika Ravishankar, co-founder of Farmers for Forests, discussing how they make biodiverse forests financially viable for communities. From incentivizing and funding protection of forest land to accessing carbon revenue, we explore the innovative ways this organization supports conservation efforts while creating economic opportunities. Join us as we explore the chal...

Sahar Jamal is the Founder of Maziwa, which supports East African mothers who face the impossible choice between breastfeeding their newborns and working postpartum. Sahar's Tanzanian and Indian heritage inspired her to spend the last decade focused on maternal and newborn health in these regions, through organizations like Jacaranda Health, Johnson & Johnson, and the Aga Khan Development Network....

Nigel Sharp, a British-Armenian serial tech entrepreneur, is one of the co-founders of Aquagga, a company dedicated to solving the world's PFAS problem. With a background in engineering and business development, he has grown multiple technology startups and mentored over 460 companies globally. Passionate about technology in the water and environment sectors, he thrives in diverse, critically-mind...

Geoff Davis is a multi-time entrepreneur, CEO, and board member, and a pioneering leader in impact investing. His teams have invested in over 200 high-impact companies globally and lent over $3.5 billion to 14 million small businesses worldwide. Currently, Geoff serves as the CEO of the Sorenson Impact Institute at the University of Utah, a Board Member of Arctaris Impact Investors and Common Grou...

In this episode we speak with Adewale Yusuf, CEO and Co-founder of AltSchool Africa, a company causing a seismic shift in the way learning is perceived and consumed in Africa with the goal of enabling ten million Africans with profitable skills by 2030.  AltSchool is a fully-virtual platform where Africans, regardless of who they are, can access global standard learning resources.  In addition to...

In this episode, we explore the life experiences that led me to pursue social entrepreneurship. From working for a start-up in the Silicon Valley to running from snakes in rural Kenya, we cover the fundamental lesson that led me to believe that business must be a key player in creating social and environmental balance.

Prashant Samant is the co-founder of Akido, a human-centered health tech company that leverages data and artificial intelligence to break down systemic barriers and build high-quality preventive care for all patients and populations, including the most vulnerable. Prashant has always believed in the power of social enterprise and has dedicated his career to developing companies with a soul. Throug...

Ujjwal Deep Dahal is the CEO of Druk Holding and Investments Limited (DHI), founded in 2007. DHI is the largest and only government-owned holding company in Bhutan. It was created to hold and manage current and future investments of the royal government for the people of Bhutan. DHI has shares in 21 different companies operating in the manufacturing, energy, natural resources, financial, communica...

Bret Waters is a business advisor who has spent his whole life in Silicon Valley, immersed in the world of entrepreneurship, innovation and venture capital. He has been Founder and CEO of three software companies and for the past ten years he has taught entrepreneurship at Stanford University and coached startup CEO's at Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship. 

Will Wiseman is the CEO & Co-Founder of Climatize, an easy & transparent mobile app enabling investments in renewable energy projects. Will has worked a range of jobs over his 9 years in the clean energy industry including managing multi-million-dollar projects, energy market analysis & even solar installation. In 2023, Will was selected among the Forbes 30 Under 30 for Social Impact and in 2022 h...

Tim Griffiths is the Chief executive Officer of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, an organization that has worked with over five hundred social entrepreneurs in Ireland since its founding in 2004. In this work, Tim helps accelerate social entrepreneur's vision through a network of dynamic and professional supporters to create enduring social change through the power of people. Tim's LinkedIn Page Soci...

Serena Wu is a business attorney, Harvard Law alum and co-founded of Radicle Law, a firm that provides innovative solutions to mission-driven clients in emerging industries. Her practice focuses on social entrepreneurship and plant medicines, advising on corporate and transactional matters, alternative dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, risk mitigation and religious freedom protections. ht...

Dimitry Gershenson is the CEO and Co-Founder of Enduring Planet, a fintech platform that provides fast, flexible, and founder-friendly capital to climate entrepreneurs.  Dimitry has over a decade of experience across climate tech, operations, and impact investing.  

Excited to share this episode with Pankaj Mahalle, Co-founder & CEO at GramHeet. Pankaj was brought up in India in a smallholder farming family and it was through his lived experience of the physical, emotional, and financial stress facing modern Indian farmers that propelled him to co-found Gramheet, a brand which provides integrated post-harvest services to over 8,000 smallholder farmers. Their...

In this episode we speak with Valerie Bowden, the founder of CRDLE, a marketplace that connects the world to African talent, the right way. With over a decade of experience living in East Africa, Valerie has helped some of the most recognizable brands in the world do business and investment in Africa. Her advice and experience in African countries has been featured on PBS, Huffington Post, NBC New...

In this episode we speak with Rhea Mazumdar Singhal, Founder and CEO of Ecoware, India's first and largest sustainable packaging company. Rhea has been appointed A World Economic Forum 'Young Global Leader', and recently been commended with The Nari Shakti Puraskar, the highest civilian honor for women in India. https://rheasinghal.com/ https://ecoware.in/  

In this episode we are chatting with Dr. Ipshita Mandal-Johnson, a founding Partner & CEO of the Global Bio Fund where she is focused on investing in and scaling women-led Health-Tech ventures through Jaya Ventures. She is a visiting Lecturer at the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Cambridge and currently serves on the advisory boards of Proximie, Chiasma NZ, and Global Engine...

In this episode we speak with Catherine Nomura, President and Founder of Kountable. Kountable is focused on solving the world's distribution problem by integrating people, products, profit and purpose. She is also the co-author of The Laws of Lifetime Growth. Learn more via the links below: https://www.kountable.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-nomura-21683213/  

In this episode we speak with Ian Rosenberger, CEO of First Mile and Day Owl. First Mile works with retailers such as Puma and Ralph Lauren to help them incorporate recycled fabrics into their supply chain while also create prosperity in under-resourced communities. Day Owl creates everyday packs made from first mile material to showcase how companies can incorporate sustainable and equitable prac...

This week we speak with Emmanuel Trinity on prosperity vs. poverty alleviation and the role social enterprise plays. Trinity is a social entrepreneur from Uganda with a powerful story and a mission to create 10,000 jobs for African youths. He's the founder of era92 Creative- a Subscription Creative Services Social Enterprise, which has already created 1500 jobs for youth from the slums of Uganda.

What is shifting in human resources today? Making it actually focused on the human! Listen to my latest episode wit h Leilani Quiray to learn how she built a values focused human resources business. Her company, Be the Change HR,  is redefining the industry while supporting vulnerable groups in building the skills necessary to be successful in today's economy.   Show Links: https://bethechangehr.o...

Have you ever wondered what your retirement funds are actually investing in? Chances are they are invested in businesses that you'd prefer not to be supporting, such as oil and gas. In this episode we speak with Carbon Collective co-founder Zach Stein on how his business helps individuals invest with their values and fight climate change.

In this interview we speak with Coss Marte, who was once leading one of the largest illegal drug delivery rings in New York City. Today he runs a fitness business that employs over 60 formerly incarcerated individuals and has helped over 70,000 people improve their health. This was not a fast journey and one that included childhood adversity, arrest, prison time, remorse, redemption, and self-real...

What happens to all those coffee grounds we use on a daily basis, most are thrown in the trash, some are composted, but others - well they are made into personal care products like face scrub. This is where UpCircle beauty comes in, rescuing and reusing by-products from various industries such as argan oil, juice, wood, and tea. In this episode we hear from Co-Founder of Up-Circle, Anna Brightman,...