Do One Better with Alberto Lidji in Philanthropy, Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship

If you are keen on exploring the collaborative space within philanthropy and the broader sustainability agenda, this episode is for you.  We explore collaborative networks, new voices from next generation philanthropists, identifying local leaders, building trust and the importance of listening. Synergos was founded in 1986 by Peggy Dulany and has staff and representatives in Africa, Asia, the Ara...

Charitable status within the independent / private school sector in Britain is one of the most emotionally-charged and contentious topics. Some private schools operate as registered charities while others do not. Alberto Lidji moderates a robust and civilised debate with Julie Robinson, CEO of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), and Francis Green, Professor of Work and Education Economics at th...

A wide-ranging conversation on the topic of domestic abuse. Hetti sheds light on sobering statistics, attitudes and behaviours and describes the challenges presented by COVID lockdowns and how new technologies are impacting the field. In England and Wales, around 2 women a week are killed by a current or former partner, and 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetim...

The Veddis Foundation is based in India and is both a grant-maker and an operating foundation. They make unrestricted, multi-year grants and approach programs with a view to pilot, scale, institutionalise and exit.  They’re keen on investing at the intersection of policy, technology and impact. We explore their approach to trust-based philanthropy and learn how they go about building trust among a...

This episode provides insight into a dynamic corporate foundation and sheds light on the growth of philanthropy in Australia. Macquarie Group is a diversified financial srvices organisation with 18,000 employees; working in 33 markets around the world. Interestingly, the foundation was established at the same time and alongside the company itself. Employee engagement is a key aspect of their phila...

Per joins us back on the show after last having been with us on 6th September 2020. We continue where we left off and start by looking at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), which the IKEA Foundation set up with the Rockefeller Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund. GEAPP is working in partnership with countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean to operation...

Shannon Elizabeth is an actor who is passionate about animal conservation. She has starred in over 50 films and television shows, including American Pie, Scary Movie, Love Actually and That 70’s Show.  Simon Borchert has a strong family history of animal conservation in South Africa. Together, this dynamic husband and wife duo are protecting rhinos and strengthening the field of conservation throu...

Unhealthy environments have been linked to a range of significant health risks to children, including premature birth, stillbirth, increased lifelong risk for brain and behavioural problems, respiratory disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancers, dysfunction of hormonal and reproductive systems, and more. Globally, more than 1 in 4 childhood deaths under 5 years of age are attributable to unhealth...

If you ever wondered how to create a truly diverse talent pool and intentionally attract the next generation of leaders from countries not usually represented in senior management teams, this episode will inform you and show you how some of the world’s leading organisations are embracing this challenge. Atlas Corps was founded in 2006. They are a non-profit, a social enterprise and a registered 50...

Great advances in medical treatments enable most people with HIV to live lives with life expectancy comparable to the general population. Unfortunately, stigma and negative social norms persist and must be tackled. The Elton John AIDS Foundation is a global grant-making foundation focused on ending the AIDS epidemic. They’re based in London and New York, they fund services on the ground and organi...

In light of so many indicators pointing in the wrong direction, what can we do with the resources and powers at our disposal to tackle the food crisis and drive forward improved nutrition?  This conversation provides clear suggestions and insight for philanthropists, business leaders and policymakers alike -- the case for improved nutrition has never been stronger. Thank you for downloading this e...

In this episode we bring you a heart-warming interview with Zane Wilemon – an ordained priest from Texas who embraced social entrepreneurship in Kenya and improved the lives of children and women through philanthropy and commerce. We hear how Zane’s philanthropic work led to the creation of Ubuntu Life, a successful social enterprise that is backed by social investors and whose products made it in...

In this episode we focus on the power of regenerative agriculture and why you, as a consumer, can literally eat your way to a better world. We speak with Angus McIntosh, who is better known in South Africa as 'Farmer Angus'. He grew up on a cattle ranch in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Studied Management Accounting at Stellenbosch University before stockbroking for Goldman Sachs in London. Declined the offer of...

On this episode, we are talking with Shane Ryan, Global Executive Director of the Avast Foundation.  Many of you who use a computer day in and day out will recognise the Avast brand — they are one of the world’s leading antivirus software providers. We are going to be talking with Shane about equity and inclusion within the digital space, and to kick things off, here’s a sobering statistic:  Accor...

The Beacon Collaborative exists to encourage more private assets to be used for public good.  It is a focal point where philanthropists can come together, share ideas and learn from each other – and where organisations can collaborate to support them on their donor journeys. We explore the barriers and opportunities in giving philanthropically; the intergenerational dynamics within families; the r...

Prior to founding Co-Impact in 2017, Olivia served as Founding Director of the Giving Pledge, an effort launched by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett. Co-Impact, brings together partners from around the world to drive forward just and inclusive systems change. They’re operating in 13 countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia. Funding comes from philanthropists, institutions, corporates a...

In this episode, we learn about Porticus’ global operations and explore the importance of participation, building networks, developing programs from the ground up and driving systems change. Since 1995, Porticus has coordinated the philanthropic endeavours of the Brenninkmeijer family, continuing a tradition of social engagement stretching back as far as 1841.  Porticus works in 65 countries and h...

  The Valuable 500 is using the power of business to drive lasting change for the 1.3 billion people around the world who are living with a disability.   They are a collective of 500 businesses and CEOs, chaired by Paul Polman (former CEO of Unilever), who are innovating for disability inclusion, and who include some of the most recognised firms and brands around the world: Google, Microsoft, Appl...

Learn how the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation is making an impact; helping non-profit organisations by advancing AI and data solutions to create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all. Claudia Juech is Vice President of Data and Society at the Patrick. J. McGovern Foundation and was Managing Director for Strategic Insights at the Rockefeller Foundation. Her career has been all about...

  James Chen has dedicated the last 20 years to addressing the issue of poor vision. He founded Clearly, a global campaign to educate the public and world leaders and raise the profile of the issue — championing innovation and spreading best practices that help make sight tests and affordable glasses available to all, as well as connecting people committed to tackling this issue so we can all be a...

Grantmaking is imperfect and full of opportunities for improvement. We explore a range of topics, including (1) trust-based philanthropy; (2) power imbalances; (3) participatory grantmaking; and (4) striving to make grantmaking more accessible, equitable and empathetic. Tom and Gemma are authors of the book ‘Modern Grantmaking’, which provides useful tips for professionals in this field and instil...

Let's transform India into a poverty-free country within our lifetime. A fascinating conversation full of ambition to improve the lives of millions of people.   The/Nudge Institute is an action institute that works with governments, markets, and civil society to build resilient livelihoods for all.   Over 364 million Indians live below the poverty line. At The/Nudge Institute, they believe that it...

Michael Traill is Chair of Australia’s largest foundation, the Paul Ramsay Foundation, and co-founder of For Purpose Investment Partners. Michael also co-founded Macquarie Group’s private equity arm, was Chief Executive of Social Ventures Australia and holds a Harvard MBA. This episode provides key insight and detail for anyone who wishes to leverage private capital for social good. We explore a r...

We explore the world of charities and delve into key questions, such as:  (1) What’s the state of affairs with charities today?  (2) Why are so many charities struggling for funding when many foundations and major donors saw their endowments, net worth and equity portfolios grow so much in 2021?  (3) What’s the public perception of charities and is it well-founded?  (4) Are there too many charitie...

A candid conversation where opportunities are fleshed out; where tensions between mission and sustainability are identified; and where a belief in doing better is underscored. Should you use plastic packaging instead of glass? How do you tackle the tension between having organic protein food products that help children grow and the high carbon output that accompanies such protein? We also explore...