The Criterion Institute Podcast

In this episode, Joy and the Vice President of the Criterion Institute, Susie Pan, explore the concept of 'investable hope' - a compelling idea that combines finance with the notion of hope for a better future. They discuss the importance of hope in times of crisis, the shift from individual to collective hope, and how investments can be a pathway to creating a more equitable society. And finally,...

In this episode, Joy explores the complexities of existential crises, burnout, and the importance of self-reflection. She discusses the challenges of feeling overwhelmed in today's world, the difference between self-diagnosis and honest reflection, and the significance of autonomy and control in one's work life. Joy emphasizes the need for structure and accountability to find freedom in decision-m...

In this episode, Joy discusses the HBO show 'The Rehearsal' and its parallels to power dynamics in finance and aviation. The conversation explores themes of communication, vulnerability, authority, and the importance of diversity in decision-making environments. Through the lens of the show, Joy highlights how rehearsing new scripts and norms can lead to better outcomes in high-stakes situations....

In this episode, Joy engages in a rich conversation with Joyce-Ann Wainaina, founder of Chui Ventures. They explore their personal journeys, the impact of their backgrounds, and the role of finance in transformative systems change. The discussion delves into the importance of confidence, the challenges of navigating career transitions, and the need for gender equity in investment. They emphasize t...

In this episode, Joy explores the perceived costs associated with integrating gender into investments and the expenses related to control in community building. She argues that gender integration can be cost-neutral in the long run, emphasizing that the real costs arise from resistance and bias. Additionally, Joy discusses how control can be expensive in collaborative efforts and how reducing cont...

In this episode, Joy engages in a deep conversation with Katharine Im-Jenkins, managing director of the Equality Fund. They explore the innovative financing strategies behind the Equality Fund, the power dynamics within endowments, and the importance of sustainable funding for grassroots organizations working on gender equality. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities in feminis...

In this episode - part one in a two-part series on this topic - Joy and Yifat Susskind (Executive Director of MADRE) discuss the importance of a feminist financial imagination in the context of social transformation and funding for women's rights organizations. Joy then reimagines and explores the challenges faced by current funding systems, the role of philanthropy, and innovative financial tools...

In this celebratory 50th episode of the Criterion Institute podcast, Joy engages in a heartfelt conversation with David Bank, CEO of Impact Alpha. They reflect on the power of voice in impact investing, the importance of language, and the role of media in shaping community narratives. Joy then shares her personal journey of finding her voice and invites listeners to explore their own. The episode...

In this episode, Joy reflects on the role of hope in times of uncertainty. She shares how the practice of acknowledgment at the recent Convergence conference created space for courageous conversations about power, privilege, and resilience. Joy also recounts a candid exchange that reminded her of the importance of showing up, even when hope feels distant. Through moments of vulnerability and conne...

In this episode, Joy discusses the critical role of organizing and mobilizing in creating transformative change within finance. She reflects on insights gained from recent conversations and emphasizes the need for collective action, particularly in the context of sustainable finance. The discussion covers various strategies, including shareholder activism, pledges, and community organizing, while...

In this episode, Joy discusses the significance of acronyms in communication, particularly in the context of finance and social change. She emphasizes the importance of clarity and meaning over brevity, arguing that acronyms can obscure understanding and create exclusivity. Joy critiques the use of acronyms in Gender Lens Investing and other initiatives, advocating for a more explicit and meaningf...

In this episode, Joy explores the complex relationship between masculinity and finance, emphasizing the need for a business case for good men. She discusses the challenges faced by men in today's society, including the impact of toxic masculinity and the importance of mental health. Joy is then joined by her father, Herbert Anderson, who shares his insights on masculinity and vulnerability, advoca...

In this episode, Joy discusses the significance of frameworks in understanding and driving social change. She reflects on the comfort that frameworks provide in navigating complex information and the challenges posed by inherited frameworks that may no longer serve their purpose. The discussion highlights the iterative and sometimes frustrating process of developing frameworks, but also celebrates...

In this episode, Joy reflects on the future of gender lens investing, discussing the barriers and opportunities within the field. She outlines four potential futures for gender lens investing, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of how gender intersects with various sectors. The episode highlights the current challenges faced in the investment landscape, while also encouraging listene...

In this episode, Joy engages in a deep conversation with Lilian Mramba, the Chief Investment Officer at Grassroots Business Fund. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in transformative finance, particularly in the context of gender lens investing and the needs of small businesses. The conversation highlights the importance of creating flexible capital solutions and the concept of a 'funky...

In this episode, Joy reflects on the 10-year anniversary of the State of the Field report on gender lens investing, co-authored with Katherine Miles in 2015. She revisits the report's framework, which categorized the field into three key areas: ideas, activity, and people and organizations. Joy highlights the progress made over the past decade, including advancements in metrics, new products, and...

In this episode, Joy discusses the intersection of faith and finance, particularly in the context of addressing gender-based violence. She reflects on her Christian faith and its implications in a world where many voices misrepresent Christianity. The episode also delves into a roadmap created for Christian denominations to utilize their investments to combat gender-based violence, highlighting th...

In this episode, Joy discusses the implications of the recent U.S. elections on transformative systems change, emphasizing the need to look beyond government solutions. She advocates for gender lens investing as a crucial strategy in the current socio-political climate, urging listeners to analyze gender norms and structural inequities in investment decisions. Joy also highlights the importance of...

In this episode, Joy discusses the intersection of finance and gender-based violence, presenting five strategies for using financial systems to reduce violence against women. The conversation emphasizes the importance of integrating gender considerations into investment decisions and the potential for finance to act as a tool for social change. Joy reflects on the insights gained from working with...

In this episode, Joy reflects on her 57th birthday, exploring the themes of aging and the paradox of limitations versus possibility. She discusses societal perceptions of aging, the desire for permission to embrace limitations, and the importance of hope in driving transformative change. Joy emphasizes the need to recognize human finitude while also believing in the potential for a better future....

In this episode, Joy shares a profound conversation with Roseline Orwa, a champion for widow's rights in Africa. They explore the unique challenges faced by widows, particularly the cultural stigma and financial exclusion that render them invisible in discussions about gender and investment. Roseline shares her experiences and insights on how financial systems can better support widows, emphasizin...

In this episode, Joy chats with Dr. Ola Brown, a leader in gender lens investing and healthcare innovation in Africa. They discuss Dr. Brown's journey from emergency medicine to founding Africa's largest emergency services company and her current work in venture capital focused on empowering women and addressing systemic barriers in finance. The conversation highlights the importance of gender len...

In this episode, Joy discusses how to reimagine investments to support a future of equality. She explores the Core Pillar of the Criterion Institute's Strategic Plan: Value the Future of Equality, and the importance of recognizing the potential of social change organizations. Joy also highlights the need for investment methodologies that name and value a future of equality, and the role of partner...

In this episode, Joy discusses the Criterion Institute's paper "Disrupting Fields", and the power dynamics that shape the development of ecosystems and fields of thought. She firstly introduces the idea of a 'thinking all the thoughts' document as a way to explore ideas and create frameworks when writing a paper of this kind. Joy then explores the paper in more detail, including the six categories...

This episode focuses on the Core Pillar of the Criterion Institute's Strategic Plan: 'Invite Financial Imagination'. Joy explores the reasons behind this pillar, the importance of inviting a financial imagination, and the concept of a feminist financial imagination. The episode also highlights the need for social change leaders to be at the centre of designing solutions involving finance and the r...