System Catalysts

If you’ve gained a diverse range of experience, from boots-on-the-ground to advocacy, you know how helpful that can be when working to usher in systems change.  How do you maintain a "system change mindset" when your personal circumstances and the context around you are constantly shifting? Dr. Raj Panjabi has worked at the bedside of babies in Liberia, advised pandemic officials at the White...

What could the tech world look like if it served the needs and interests of people instead of bots? If it tackled the world's most pressing problems instead of creating memes? If it created communities of founders who change the system that funds innovation? Aniyia Williams has some ideas about that. In this week's episode, Aniyia Williams—inventor, “systempreneur,” and Director of the Responsible...

Today, we're sharing an episode of Nonprofit Nation, a podcast by Julia Campbell, a digital marketing and fundraising expert, nonprofit consultant, and author. On Nonprofit Nation, Julia sits down with nonprofit industry experts and practitioners to get advice on the best ways to build a thriving movement and a vibrant, passionate community around a cause. In this episode, Julia chats with Tamsen...

If you dream of making a big impact, you know the value of building a movement with a strong sense of trust and high engagement.  Carrie Joy Grimes, founder of WorkMoney , is convinced that everyone who works hard should be able to get ahead. By offering reliable financial information–the kind that helps people reform their relationship with money and create a life of financial stability–Work...

Dr. Angela Gichaga has seen health systems from every angle—working as a frontline clinician in hospital wards, then working in government in Kenya, and now supporting governments across the African continent.  At every stage, the unique knowledge that only “locals” have made all the difference in being in the right places at the right time.  If you've ever wondered how to leverage the w...

For 25 years, the Skoll Foundation has partnered with people on the front lines to tackle some of the world’s most difficult issues. From health and pandemics to climate action, inclusive economies, and issues of justice—no issue has been too difficult to approach. So when Skoll Foundation CEO, Don Gips, shares the impact he’s seen made by System Catalysts, we pay attention. To learn more about th...

For young people first entering the workforce, there’s a massive gap to cross. Too many entry-level jobs require a university degree. A lot is invested in building bridges across issues of injustice. Instead, we could be closing the gaps. On today’s show, Gerald Chertavian, founder of Year Up United and Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School, shares how he sparked change from inside the system...

Today, we are sharing an episode from Passion Struck, a podcast where Jeff has previously been a guest. Hosted by John R. Miles, Passion Struck features some of the world’s most insightful voices, offering practical advice on how to bring intentionality and purpose into your career, well-being, life, and relationships. In this conversation from 2022, John and Jeff dive into my journey of tackling...

Do you wish accessing health care was simpler? You’re not alone. But in underdeveloped communities, a fragmented health care system isn’t just a headache. It can be fatal. Community healthcare and social enterprises are two ways to address this problem. On today’s show, Marcie Cook, the Vice President of Social Enterprise at PSI, explains how.  If you want to learn more about PSI, visit psi.o...

We often fill up our free time by listening to a favorite song, watching a movie or going to a museum. But have you ever considered that art can also work as a medicine? Susan Magsamen is the founder of the Arts + Mind Lab at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the co-author of “Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us.” In this episode, she discusses her groundbreaking researc...

“Finding common ground” – you probably hear this all the time in this era of polarization. But does it ever happen? And how does it lead to actual change? Rye Barcott will prove to you that the answer is yes. As the CEO and co-founder of With Honor, he’s using military service to establish common ground in congress and encourage bi-partisanship. If you want to learn more about With Honor, visit wi...

Setting goals sounds simple, but it isn’t. If they’re too broad, you’ll never know if you’ve reached them and if they’re too specific, they won’t get people’s attention. Our guest today, John McArthur, will help you find that Goldilocks zone. He’s the Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at the Brookings Institute and the Co-founder of the 17 Rooms initiative. John has been working o...

Today, we are giving you a taste of a show we think you'll love. I'm talking about Disruptors for GOOD , a podcast that features social entrepreneurs around the world who have dedicated their lives to businesses that have a positive impact. It is hosted by Grant Trahant, the founder of the media platform Cause Artist. In this episode, Grant talks to Brett Hagler, CEO and Co-founder, of New Story H...

Are you a non-profit leader trying to foster a better relationship with funders? Or a donor looking to make a bigger impact with your money? In this episode, Jennifer Alcorn tells us how to navigate and improve the donor-beneficiary relationship based on her experience as the Deputy Director of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  To learn more about the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,...

Today, instead of our regular episodes, we are playing an episode from Black History Year , a podcast by the incredible organization PushBlack . You might remember PushBlack from our first season, when we interviewed their CEO Julian Walker and their board chair Yordanos Eyoel. Black History Year, connects you to the history, thinkers, and activists that are left out of the mainstream conversation...

Rates of depression, anxiety and overall mental illness are up, especially in young adults. It’s easy to feel despondent about the situation, like there’s no solution to this problem. But maybe that’s because a single solution won’t do. Our guest John MacPhee, the CEO of the Jed Foundation, tells us how we need a holistic system to address this crisis.  To learn more about the Jed Foundation,...

Jeroo Billimoria’s passion for collaboration is at the core of the many global organizations she’s built. Her latest venture, Catalyst 2030 , brings together social entrepreneurs from around the world to share knowledge and resources, empowering each community to find their own solutions. In this episode, Jeroo and Jeff chat about the philosophy that drives systems change work. If you're curious a...

Today instead of our regular episodes, we are giving you a taste of a show we think you'll love. I'm talking about What The Fundraising , the podcast for impact leaders and change-makers who are tired of doing things the old school way and are looking for best practices to raise money, run their organization, and think about the nonprofit sector in a whole new way. In this episode, the host, Mallo...

Nonprofits often face a difficult dilemma: concede to a funder’s strict requirements and compromise your mission, or risk losing critical financial support. In this episode, Matti Navellou, head of ICONIQ Impact, shares her insights on how co-funding and donor collaboratives could offer a game-changing solution. If you want to learn more about ICONIQ Impact visit iconiqcapital.com/impact -- If you...

Say you have all the data and all the experts in your ear but you’re still not making a real impact. What’s missing? John Harper, CEO of FSG, thinks that you need to talk to the people on the ground, the ones that will actually feel the impact you want to make. Why should you listen to them? That’s what we’re talking about in this inaugural episode of Season 3.  If you want to learn more abou...

The social sector is riddled with challenges: nonprofits compete for the same dollars and philanthropists struggle to be real partners to the organizations they fund. No wonder it often feels like we aren't making much progress on today’s biggest problems. Real change happens when everyone collaborates. But how? Whether you’re a philanthropist, a nonprofit leader, or just someone who wants to make...

Today, instead of our regular episodes, we are giving you a taste of an incredible podcast that will inspire you. It's called Passion Struck , and it will take you on a journey into the minds and philosophies of the world’s most insightful people. Hosted by social entrepreneur John R. Miles, the podcast offers practical advice for your career, well-being, life, and relationships. In this episode,...

If you are a fan of the show, you know we are all about collaboration. So today, we decided to bring you an episode from our partner Synergos .  It's called Cultivate the Soul: Stories of Purpose-Driven Philanthropy and it explores the intersection of philanthropy, contemplative practices, self-reflection and spirituality. In this episode, Hali Lee, Founding Partner at Radiant Strategies tell...

Today, we're sharing an episode from a podcast we think you'll absolutely love: Say More with Tulaine Montgomery . If you're a fan of our show or caught last week’s episode, you already know just how incredible Tulaine is. On her podcast, she talks to people who are dedicated to making the world a better place, all while taking care of themselves and supporting each other. Today, Tulaine speaks to...

She’s back! Former co-host of System Catalyst, current CEO of New Profit and dear friend, Tulaine Montgomery. In this final episode of season 2, the system catalyst whisperer gives some  guidance on the biggest issues changemakers are facing today. She also talks about the exciting new initiative she is spearheading to help them. Feeling down about changing the world? You won’t at the end of...