The Social Change Career Podcast

What happens when you stop clutching power and start handing it over? In this episode, Michael Shipler—Vice President at  Search for Common Ground and director of Common Ground Leadership   dives into what truly works (and what doesn't) in conflict transformation, peacebuilding, and global leadership. Why Take a Listen Honest Impact Career Insights: Michael  shares the tough realities and surprisi...

In this latest episode of the Social Change Career Podcast, Craig Zelizer interviews Jack Brewster  a seasoned journalist, Fulbright Fellow, and founder of Newsreel—to discuss why he left behind newsroom work to take on the deep-rooted challenges of how people access and trust the news. If you care about the future of journalism, tackling misinformation, or finding new ways to stay informed withou...

The latest episode of the Social Change Career Podcast "Finding Hope in Darkness," features Muhammad Lila , CEO & Founder of Goodable . Muhammad is an Emmy-nominated former war correspondent for CNN , ABC , and CBC who left the frontlines to build Goodable, a tech platform delivering positive news to millions every day. He drives every part of Goodable's mission, from product to partnerships, brin...

Success alone won't protect what matters most. That's the urgent message at the heart of Incorruptible , the bold new book from bestselling author and Lean Startup creator Eric Ries . Drawing on two decades of work with founders, CEOs, and investors, Eric exposes the forces that make companies vulnerable to short-term thinking — and offers a blueprint for organizations that can grow, prosper, and...

Episode 202 of the Social Change Career Podcast features Flora Pereira , Chief Impact and Engagement Officer at the Pulitzer Center . She does a deep exploration of media, impact, and how to build a career that doesn't fit into one box. Gain insights into building an interdisciplinary career. Explore how impact is measured in media work. Learn what's changing in media and impact jobs. Understand h...

How can technology catalyze social change—and what does it take to build an ecosystem that truly works for everyone? In this episode, Catalina Escobar Bravo, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of  MAKAIA , shares her journey from engineer to nonprofit trailblazer—and the lessons she's learned driving digital transformation across Latin America. Why Take a Listen Career Transformation: Learn how...

  How to Design Tech that Connects & Liberates: Insights from Jensine Larsen Delighted to be celebrating the 200th episode of the Social Change Career Podcast with Jensine Larsen , founder of World Pulse and co-founder of Unfurl Futures . In this milestone episode, Jensine shares what it takes to build technology that centers connection, community, and justice. The conversation explores how she tr...

What happens when innovation overlooks the very people it's meant to benefit? In this episode, Dr Craig Zelizer interviews Valentina Cullmann , whose career spans startups, global donors, and hands-on development programs across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The episode explores what it takes to drive innovation that actually works—anchored in human realities, not just tech hype. Why Take a Lis...

Episode 7 of Season 15 of The Social Change Career Podcast explores what it really looks like to link digital nomads to locally led community impact—moving beyond one-off volunteering toward consistent, ethical engagement. Hosted by Craig Zelizer , the episode features Sabine Bouwmeester , Director of Operations at Digital Nomads for Good , sharing lessons from the field on partnerships, power dyn...

Episode 6, Season 15 starts the 2026 season of the Social Change Career Podcast with Juanita Lopez Pelaez , a leading voice in regenerative leadership and climate adaptation.  Host Craig Zelizer and Juanita unpack turning complexity into clarity in the fields of public policy, sustainability, and systems change—drawing on decades of hands-on experience from Colombia, Latin America, and beyond. Why...

Navigating the World of Work in the Age of AI: Lessons from David Timis on the Social Change Career Podcast How do you build a future-proof social impact career when AI is transforming every aspect of work? In Season 15, Episode 5 of the Social Change Career Podcast, Craig Zelizer sat down with David Timis —AI and Future of Work Leader, Global Communications & Public Affairs Manager at Generation,...

  Ever wondered what it looks like to blend storytelling, journalism, and global development into a dynamic career? This episode of the Social Change Career Podcast features Emma Smith , a freelance journalist whose bylines include Devex , The New Humanitarian , and The Guardian , interviewed by host Craig Zelizer . Emma shares her journey from Scottish classroom inspiration, through navigating Ma...

En este episodio especial, Craig Zelizer conversa con Johana Hoyos, líder, docente e investigadora colombiana, sobre su inspiradora trayectoria en el desarrollo de proyectos de sostenibilidad, equidad e innovación social en algunos de los territorios más vulnerables del Sur Global. Johana comparte cómo su sensibilidad se ha convertido en su superpoder, permitiéndole conectar profundamente con las...

Episode 2 of Season 15 dives into the fast-evolving world of social impact careers in emerging markets with Ann-Elise Francis — venture builder, impact investor, and innovator at Rippleworks . Hosted by Craig Zelizer, this conversation tracks Ann-Elise's unique career journey from global studies and teaching in Bangkok to hands-on work scaling ventures across Africa and Latin America. Listen for p...

Episode 1 of Season 15 features a conversation with  Kajsa Hendrickson , innovation and sustainability expert, partnership architect for People and Planet, and a dynamic bridge builder working across government, academia, nonprofits, and the private sector. Host Craig Zelizer explores Kajsa's inspiring journey from international conflict studies to sustainability leadership, sharing honest advice...

  Why take a listen? If you're serious about building a high-impact career at the intersection of public-private partnerships, diplomacy, and sustainable development—or just curious about what it takes to make real change happen—this episode is for you. Dr. Craig Zelizer sits down with Marcela Ochoa Bernal , a global leader with deep experience in shaping policy, building international partnership...

Season 14, Episode 12 of the Social Change Career Podcast spotlights Natalia Uribe—architect, artist, and founder of Urban World Matters. From her creative roots in Medellín to delivering transformative urban projects on four continents, Natalia's career is a story of purpose, resilience, and a commitment to empowering local communities and youth in the built environment. Why take a listen? Natali...

This episode features  Hun Taing , an executive leader, innovator, coach, and Cambodian genocide survivor, sharing her extraordinary journey of building a career at the intersection of justice and healing. Drawing from over 20 years in labor rights, public health, civil rights, and organizational transformation, Hun opens up about personal resilience, the power of humanizing conflict, and practica...

This episode of the Social Change Career Podcast features a thoughtful and practical conversation between Craig Zelizer and Brad Smith , founder of Rootstock Philanthropy and the Philanthropy Network. Brad's entry into fundraising was unplanned—driven by financial necessity—but evolved into a decades-long career advising institutions like MIT , the Portland Museum of Art, Suffolk University, and t...

This episode of The Social Change Career Podcast features Bethany Hull , a global finance expert with over 15 years of experience across sovereign debt, venture capital, and impact investing. Her career has taken her from rural Missouri to leading projects across Latin America and Asia—working in English, Mandarin, Spanish, and Portuguese. Bethany's path challenges conventional ideas of what a fin...

In this episode, Craig Zelizer talks with Ilco van der Linde , a Dutch social entrepreneur, storyteller, and founder of multiple global movements including Dance for Life, MasterPeace , and Ocean Love . From organizing some of the largest public festivals in the Netherlands to driving emotional, community-rooted innovation for ocean protection, Ilco shares what it takes to build movements that not...

In this episode, Dr. Craig Zelizer speaks with  Dr. Soraya Caro Vargas , a leader in industrial policy, gender equity, and international cooperation. From serving as Colombia's Vice Minister of Business Development to designing the country's first industrial policy in two decades, Soraya brings a rich, cross-sectoral perspective on how to build more inclusive and sustainable economies in the Globa...

Navigating a career in the ever-changing world of social impact work can be a wild ride, especially now.  In this episode of the Social Change Career Podcast, we talk about how to manage with the crisis caused by the devastating and cruel cuts to USAID and other orgs. This session features four leading impact sector experts  Caroline Ouwerkerk, Spencer Campbell,  Julia Firestone and Craig Zelizer....

In this episode of the Social Change Career Podcast, Dr. Craig Zelizer sits down with the inspiring Yuna Sapi . As a visionary leader and founder of impactful organizations like Liberate Inc . and Protectores de la Tierra and serving as an Echoing Green Fellow , Yura shares their compelling journey of weaving together art, activism, and collective liberation to create lasting social impact. Why Yo...

Join us for Season 14, Episode 4 of the Social Change Career Podcast, featuring Natalija Vojno , a global leader working at the intersection of environmental policy, peacebuilding, and youth leadership.  Natalia shares her multifaceted career at the intersection of water, peace, and sustainability.  She highlights the importance of a long-term vision, nurturing relationships, and pursuing further...