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

Chiwetel Ejiofor: Actor and philanthropist -- Unveiling a Philanthropic Journey with Impact in Nigeria

Chiwetel Ejiofor is an Oscar-nominated actor and engaged philanthropist, collaborating closely with the Geanco Foundation as they drive forward education, health and gender equity in Nigeria.

Chiwetel shares his journey into philanthropy, influenced by his family's medical background and his own passion for education and healthcare.

He discusses his collaboration with Afam Onyema, CEO of the Geanco Foundation, and how this partnership has led to significant advancements in education and medical care in Nigeria, particularly through the development of the Brightland Academy in Enugu.

The episode delves into Chiwetel's personal involvement in various projects, his approach to using his platform for amplifying important causes, and the transformative impact of these initiatives over the last decade.

Chiwetel's reflections offer insights into the power of philanthropy in fostering change and building a better future, particularly in challenging environments like Nigeria.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

Sharath Jeevan OBE on Navigating Inflection Moments in Leadership

Sharath Jeevan OBE, author of the upcoming book 'Inflection' joins us to discuss how to navigate inflection moments in leadership.

Sharath, an expert in intrinsic motivation, delved deep into the concept of 'inflection points' in leadership. These moments, as he described, are not just challenging times but are critical opportunities for leaders to reassess their direction, understand the potential of their teams, and redefine their goals. The essence of his message was clear: leadership is not a static journey but a dynamic process of continuously identifying and overcoming new challenges, or as he put it, "climbing new mountains."

One of the most striking aspects of the discussion was Sharath's emphasis on the importance of direction and team potential. He urged leaders to continuously engage in a process of self-inquiry, asking themselves about their next objectives and preparing their teams for these evolving challenges. This approach underscores the need for a clear vision and a strong, adaptable team capable of navigating through change.

Resilience and motivation, themes central to Sharath’s previous works, were again highlighted as vital for pursuing new organizational goals. He painted a vivid picture of inflection moments as intense and dramatic yet crucial for long-term success. These are the moments, he argued, that if correctly harnessed, can future-proof an organization's success.

The conversation also underscored the challenges in reconciling different timeframes within leadership. He spoke about the need to balance short-term goals with long-term visions, advocating for a direction that resonates uniquely and authentically with each organization. This balancing act is essential for maintaining a course that is both realistic and aspirational.

Perhaps most enlightening was Sharath’s sharing of his personal journey. From his initial years in the corporate world to establishing STIR Education, and now focusing on aiding leaders, his path reflects a deep understanding of the multifaceted nature of leadership. His transition from being in the ring to helping others box better symbolizes a profound shift in perspective – from direct action to empowering others.

Looking ahead, Sharath expressed his ambition to explore societal inflection points, particularly the generational challenges in leadership. His upcoming works promise to delve into how different generations can navigate these societal shifts together, thus contributing to a broader understanding of leadership in a changing world.

Sharath painted a comprehensive picture of leadership in times of change. His discussion offered invaluable lessons on the importance of recognizing and acting on inflection points, the need for resilient and motivated teams, and the continuous evolution in leadership strategies. As Sharath ptoignantly noted, not all leadership time is created equal, and the true mark of effective leadership lies in identifying and capitalizing on these pivotal moments for enduring success and impact.

Bridging Disciplines for a Sustainable Future: Insights from Prof Steve Evans of the Sustainability and Conservation Research Hub at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge

Prof Steve Evans of the Sustainability and Conservation Research Hub at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge delves into the multifaceted approach of the Hub, which transcends traditional academic boundaries to address critical environmental challenges.

At the heart of the Hub's philosophy is the concept of a 'living lab' — a dynamic space where students, academics, alumni and various stakeholders converge to brainstorm, innovate, and implement sustainable solutions. This approach fosters a culture of practical learning and real-world application.

The hub emphasizes collaboration and shared purpose, inviting members from diverse disciplines to contribute their unique skills and perspectives towards a common goal of making the world a better place.

The Hub also places significant emphasis on mentoring and interaction across generations and disciplines. This approach not only facilitates knowledge exchange but also nurtures a community where innovative ideas can flourish. 

Looking towards the future, Prof Evans envisions Wolfson College as the world's first regenerative college. This ambitious goal extends beyond sustainability; it's about actively repairing and rejuvenating the environment. The Hub aims to redefine the concept of regenerative practices in business and everyday life. 

Engagement with the broader business community is another cornerstone of the Hub's strategy. The Hub encourages partnerships with sustainability-focused start-ups and other enterprises, demonstrating its openness and accessibility. This outreach is crucial for expanding the Hub's impact and integrating practical business insights into its sustainability endeavours.

Prof Evans' insights unveil a forward-thinking approach to tackling environmental challenges. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging innovative thinking, and aiming for regenerative solutions, the Hub is not just educating the next generation of leaders and thinkers but is actively shaping a more sustainable and conscious world.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

Impacting the Future: Daniela Barone Soares, CEO of Snowball Impact Investment, on Transforming Finance for People & Planet

Enlightening conversation with Daniela Barone Soares, the visionary CEO of Snowball Impact Investment. Discover how Snowball is reshaping the landscape of finance to foster prosperity for people and the planet.

• Redefining Investment: Learn how every investment impacts the world, and why recognizing this is crucial for sustainable finance.
• Snowball's Unique Approach: Explore Snowball's innovative, diversified global fund that focuses on solving critical environmental and social issues through profitable, mission-driven companies.
• Beyond Financial Returns: Understand Snowball's commitment to non-extractive fee models and its recognition as a top B Corp for governance.
• Impactful Investments: Hear about Snowball's strategy for selecting impactful investments, exemplified by the transformative work of eFishery in Indonesia.
• Measuring Impact: Delve into the complexities and methodologies behind quantifying social and environmental impact in investment portfolios.
• The Future of Investing: Daniela shares her vision for democratizing impact investing and the urgency of aligning financial decisions with the SDGs by 2030.

Final Thought: Embrace the power of your investments for change. Discover how impactful investing can be the key to a sustainable future.

Don't Miss This Episode: Tune in to gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of impact investing and how it's shaping our future.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

Empowering SMBs Towards Net Zero: Sage’s Elisa Moscolin on Carbon Accountability and Sustainability

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the world of sustainability and carbon footprint management with Elisa Moscolin, the Executive Vice President of Sustainability at Sage and the Sage Foundation.

Elisa brings to the table a wealth of knowledge on aiding small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in navigating the complexities of carbon footprint accounting and sustainability practices. She emphasizes the integral role of SMBs in achieving global net zero targets and the disproportionate challenges they face in starting their sustainability journeys.

Elisa outlines Sage's dual-pronged approach to sustainability: internally striving for net zero and externally empowering SMBs to follow suit. She highlights Sage's commitment to science-based targets, aiming for a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2040.

A key focus of the discussion is the innovative carbon accounting software solution, Sage Earth, which simplifies carbon footprint measurement for SMBs. This solution integrates with financial systems, offering an automated, user-friendly platform that encourages businesses to take actionable steps towards reducing their emissions.

The conversation also explores broader trends affecting SMBs, like increased regulation and the need for supportive policies. Elisa emphasizes the importance of creating an ecosystem to aid SMBs, involving banks and policymakers.

She shares her personal journey into sustainability, driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to make a meaningful impact.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of business and environmental stewardship, offering valuable insights into the challenges and solutions for SMBs in the race to net zero.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Dianne Calvi, CEO of Village Enterprise, on ending extreme poverty in rural Africa

The CEO of Village Enterprise, Dianne Calvi, joins us to discuss their focus on ending extreme poverty in rural Africa  through entrepreneurship, innovation, and collective action. 

We flesh out anecdotes and delve into the statistically rigorous insights from the randomized control trials (RCTs) they’ve run to assess impact on improving lives.

We also look at the development impact bond (DIB) they’ve done with the likes of USAid and FCDO; and hear about their upcoming work with the Rwandan Government to end extreme poverty in that country by 2030.

Village Enterprise have trained more than 274,000 entrepreneurs that have started more than 80,000 businesses. This has lifted close to 1.7 million people out of extreme poverty.

This episode is for anyone who cares about ending extreme poverty (UN Sustainable Development Goal 1) and embraces an entrepreneurial spirit and the power of innovation.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Jonathan Cohen, Executive Director of Conciliation Resources on Peacebuilding

Conciliation Resources' Executive Director, Jonathan Cohen, provides a candid look at the world of peacebuilding. We explore the ways peacebuilding happens, the investments required, and the different types of organisations that are involved -- from analysis, to on-the-ground mediation, diplomacy and more.

Conciliation Resources works with people impacted by war and violence, bringing diverse voices together to make change that lasts. They connect the views of people on the ground with political processes, and share experience and expertise so others can find creative responses to conflict.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

 

Oliver Gregson, Region Head for JP Morgan Private Bank in the UK, Channel Islands and Ireland: going beyond traditional philanthropy and embracing the global sustainability agenda

JP Morgan Private Bank’s Oliver Gregson provides an insightful look at leveraging resources for social good. The conversation is wide-ranging and delves into clients’ changing approach to doing good, the bank’s work, and  Oliver’s personal narrative that includes social good, the environment and finance.

Sustainability, climate and the environment are personal passions for Oliver. Since his days at the University of Nottingham where Oliver graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Biology, he has held a variety of roles over a 23-year career in Financial Services.

Oliver is a member of the UK Philanthropy Governance Committee of the J.P. Morgan Corporate Foundation, focusing on Small Business and ESG. Working with partners, he also co-leads the sustainability vision for the International Private Bank and established the Global Private Bank’s Sustainable Investment Summit.

Oliver is currently a member of the NSPCC’s Child Safety Online Taskforce, was previously a Non-Executive Director at Finance Earth, and previously a Trustee for Blue Ventures Marine Conservation. He was also a Council Member until 2020 of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, focusing on the need to accelerate global progress towards a sustainable future.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Matt Hyde OBE, Chief Executive of the Scouts UK, on the power of volunteering and ’The Big Help Out’

Matt Hyde OBE, the Chief Executive of Scouts UK, shares his insights on the transformative power of volunteering and the successful initiative "The Big Help Out."

 

Matt discusses the genesis of the initiative, the challenges faced, and the remarkable results achieved. He emphasizes the importance of fostering cross-sector collaborations, the impact of innovative public engagement campaigns, and the significance of pro-social behaviors in building a cohesive society.

 

Matt delves into the success of the Big Help Out, which brought together a diverse range of organizations and individuals, engaging millions of participants in various volunteering activities. He highlights the need for continued innovation and inclusivity, stressing the importance of breaking beyond traditional volunteering models and adapting to the changing needs and preferences of volunteers.

 

The conversation touches upon key learnings from the initiative, including the significance of local community engagement and the value of planting seeds of volunteering in individuals who may not have previously considered it. Matt also shares insights on overcoming skepticism and the importance of balancing feedback with a strong conviction in one's vision.

 

The episode concludes with an exploration of future plans for the initiative and the potential for continued impact and social change through collaborative efforts.

 

Key Topics:

• The genesis of the "Big Help Out" initiative
• Engaging diverse organizations and individuals in volunteering
• Navigating challenges and skepticism in driving social change
• Leveraging cross-sector collaborations and public engagement campaigns
• Innovating volunteering models and fostering inclusivity
• Promoting local community engagement and building social cohesion
• Lessons learned and key takeaways for driving impactful initiatives

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Daniel F. Wilhelm, President of the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation, on creating knowledge against violence

The President of the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation, Daniel F. Wilhelm, explains why it’s important to create and disseminate knowledge against violence.

At the Foundation, they support research across all forms of violence, including war, crime, and human aggression, with the aim of understanding the causes of violence, how it manifests itself and how to control it. They inform policymakers and practitioners, and drive public discourse.

We get insight into their various partnerships, including the work they’re doing with the MacArthur Foundation and others on the Global Innovations on Youth Violence, Safety and Justice initiative, which seeks to tackle youth violence and promote youth safety and criminal justice reform.

We discuss specific areas of research, such as the implications of adolescence and brain development, where young persons aged 18 to 24 are legally adults but may not physically be fully developed adults just yet. The brain is physically developing until the age of 24 and consequently young persons are more involved in the commission of crimes and acts of violence than older adults. From a policy perspective, this begs the question: how do you deal with this cohort of young persons whose brains are still developing, who are more likely to commit crimes and who are different than older adults?

We also hear about the funding the Foundation provides researchers across different phases of their careers, from identifying up-and-coming ‘emerging scholars’ (junior researchers who are PhD candidates focused on violence) to supporting established academics via their ‘distinguished scholars’ program, and their ‘African Fellows’ initiative focused on those academics who are conducting research on violence at African universities.

This episode provides a fascinating look into the world of knowledge-creation to tackle violence.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

David Laws, Executive Chairman of the Education Policy Institute and former UK Schools Minister, on narrowing the education gap between rich and poor

Between 2010 and 2015, David served in the UK’s Coalition Government as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Schools Minister, and Cabinet Office Minister. Whilst Schools Minister he was responsible for policy areas including all capital and revenue funding, the Pupil Premium, accountability and policy on teachers and leadership.  Since 2015, David has been Chairman of the Education Policy Institute.

In this episode we focus on narrowing the education gap between rich and poor and delve into various areas, including creating and communicating a strong evidence base, engaging with policymakers and the media, the possible introduction of Value Added Tax to independent schools, and quite a bit more.

As someone who served as Schools Minister, David has key insight on how to engage with policymakers effectively and ensuring research reaches decision-makers at the right time.

Translating and summarising complex research, and boiling it down to the policy impact, is actually not the challenging part. The bigger challenge is in ensuring policymakers take note of the research even when it doesn’t align with their own views and, also, in ensuring research cuts right through policymakers’ busy diaries and grabs their attention.

Narrowing the education gap between rich and poor is one of David’s key focus areas. He explains how in the UK we have some of the best universities in the world, but there is a tail of underachievement which is very long and highly associated with income and social class, which is the weakness of the UK education system. If we can close the gap between rich and poor we’d have an education system that would genuinely be one of the very best in the world.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Enver Solomon, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, on universal values and engaging with policymakers, the media, and the public

The Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, Enver Solomon, joins us to discuss the refugee crisis and shed light on the work of the Refugee Council and the context in which they operate.

Every day, refugees are risking their lives by coming on boats from Continental Europe to the UK, and we see a political response of building walls and enforceability.

We explore the realities on the ground and the electoral challenges faced by policymakers, within a backdrop of heightened economic insecurity which often drives xenophobia.

Enver Solomon provides specific tips on how to be an effective advocate for refugees and universal values, and explains why engaging with policymakers and the public is essential for an effective communications strategy.

The Refugee Council was founded in 1951, following the creation of the UN Refugee Convention. They exist to support and empower people who have fled conflict, violence and persecution in order to rebuild their lives in the UK. They work with more than 13,000 women, men and children each year.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Vicky Fox, CEO of the UK Supreme Court, provides a fascinating glimpse into the Court’s work in community outreach, education, diversity and accessibility

The UK Supreme Court’s CEO, Vicky Fox, sheds light into her fascinating work and a range of initiatives focused on community outreach, education, and driving forward more diversity, accessibility and transparency.

Many people do not know the UK Supreme Court has a CEO and, indeed, many other countries' top courts also have CEOs. The Court does much international work and Vicky has met her counterparts in the USA, Canada, France, and Germany.

Vicky is in charge of all the non-judicial functions of the Court, including the running of an effective and efficient court, taking into account the lifecycle of a case – from the minute it enters their doors to the minute it leaves.

The Court runs a range of programmes to engage with communities. One such programme is called ‘Ask a Justice’ where a justice shows up in a classroom virtually and answers questions from students for an hour, leading to thoughtful, challenging, provocative interactions.

We also learn of their drive to encourage more diversity in the legal profession. The Court’s initiatives address the entire career pipeline, from schools and universities to very senior, experienced judges.  They work in partnership with many organisations, including a charity called ‘Bridging the Bar’, focusing on helping underrepresented groups into the legal profession.

Listen to this episode for some great insight and inspiration!

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

World Food Programme’s Martin Frick on the global food crisis, climate change and empowering people to drive forward positive change

Martin Frick is the Director of the World Food Programme’s Global Office in Berlin. We look at the global food crisis, how it relates to climate change and biodiversity, and explore how to move social drivers to empower people to make a positive difference.

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation with 24,000 colleagues all over the world, particularly in the toughest regions of the planet – working with almost 1,000 NGOs and active in places where often times no other agencies are on the ground.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

Martin Allen Morales, CEO of the Institute of Imagination, on transforming our education system

The CEO of the Institute of Imagination, Martin Allen Morales, joins us to discuss creativity and imagination.

Imagination is a critical life skill and in this episode we explore how to unlock imagination in our children, encourage teachers to embrace this topic, and inform policy-makers so we transform an education system that often stifles imagination.

The Institute of Imagination is a pioneering education charity, working with parents, teachers, youth and community leaders, and academics, designing and delivering creative workshops across the arts, sciences and digital technologies (STEAM) for children aged 5-11 years old.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Bhawani Singh Shekhawat of the Akshaya Patra Foundation on tackling classroom hunger

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is one of the world’s largest and perhaps most celebrated school meals programmes, currently serving 2.5 million children every day, in India and the UK, having served nearly 4 billion meals.

Bhawani Singh Shekhawat sits on the Board of the Akshaya Patra Foundation, advocates for cross-sector collaboration and provides insight into his personal journey, transitioning from corporate success to non-profit social impact.

This episode focuses on nutrition and education, UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 4 respectively, and the conversation provides an inspirational example of transformative change at scale.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Rachel Sandby-Thomas on skills and social mobility

Rachel Sandby-Thomas sits on the UK Labour Party’s Council of Skills Advisors and is the Registrar of the University of Warwick. This episode focuses on skills and social mobility and explores resilience, soft skills, the impact of AI, the power of mentorship, and more.

Rachel has had a long career in the UK Civil Service, the last 8 years of which were as a Director General in the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills where she covered legal, corporate services and policy (skills, regulation, large and small businesses, local growth). She joined the UK Civil Service as a lawyer from Linklaters.

Skills are essential to productivity and growth, and this episode is for everyone who wishes to understand the broader context and specific opportunities.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Liesel Pritzker Simmons (Co-Founder) and Corina Gardner (CEO) of the IDP Foundation, on building a sustainable education ecosystem

Liesel Pritzker Simmons brings us into the origins of the IDP Foundation, which she co-founded with her mother, Irene Pritzker.

The foundation’s mission: To participate in building a sustainable education ecosystem that embraces a mixed economy of provision, and caters for all children through access to finance for low-fee private schools, quality interventions and advocacy in Africa and beyond.

Corina Gardner joined the IDP Foundation as its CEO in 2020 and she starts by providing a broader context on the state of global education (SDG4) and how they’re driving systemic change.

The IDP Foundation is an active funder and champion for the complementary role that the non-state education sector plays in supporting national education systems.  

Governments are responsible for providing quality free education for all children, however in many developing countries this is not happening, despite often meeting, or exceeding, recommended UNESCO benchmarks on budget allocation.

As a funding partner and champion of the affordable non-state education sector (ANS), the IDP Foundation believes that low-fee private schools play a crucial role in increasing access to education and improving learning outcomes in low and lower-middle income countries.

They call for the global recognition, integration and support of this sector as part of a centrally-governed mixed economy of provision that embraces all hands on deck to build resilience into national education systems.

This episode will inform and inspire you, from education and policy to philanthropy and innovative finance, there is something for everyone.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

George Richards, Director of Community Jameel, on J-PAL and advancing science and learning for communities to thrive

Community Jameel’s Director, George Richards, talks about their support of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) and numerous other initiatives supporting bright talent beyond the lab and across the globe.

In 2019, the Nobel Prize for Economics was awarded to J-PAL’s co-founders, Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee, and long-time J-PAL affiliate Michael Kremer, for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty.  Community Jameel has supported and partnered with J-PAL since 2005.

George explains how Community Jameel supports scientists, humanitarians, technologists and creatives to understand and address pressing human challenges. An inspiring conversation shedding light on the power of philanthropy.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Katy Talikowska, CEO of the Valuable 500, on ending disability exclusion

The CEO of the Valuable 500, Katy Talikowska, advocates for synchronised collective action; using the power of business to drive lasting change for the 1.3 billion people around the world who are living with a disability.

The Valuable 500 is a collective of 500 businesses, representing 22 million employees,  chaired by Paul Polman, who are innovating for disability inclusion.

Through synchronised collective action, they are tackling three systems barriers:

(1) Lack of representation

(2) Lack of disability reporting

(3) Lack of disability in leadership

 

On 3^rd December 2025, in Tokyo, they will host the Valuable 500 Accountability Summit, where they’ll convene their 500 companies to report on their progress against the above three synchronised collective actions.

At the Valuable 500, they won’t stop until everyone is seen and valued equally.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, Chancellor of Reach University, on their innovative apprenticeship route to becoming a teacher

The Chancellor of Reach University, Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, joins us to discuss teacher shortages in the USA and their innovative apprenticeship route helping those from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds join the teaching profession. 

Reach University’s approach addresses and tackles the hurdles that often stand in the way of people’s dreams of studying to become a teacher. From a lack of childcare and high costs, to geographic distances and poor alignment between subjects studied and local school districts’ needs.

Mallory dedicates her life's work to building equity-focused educational models.  She is a Rhodes Scholar; holds a BA in Economics from Northwestern University, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a PhD from Oxford University.

Whether you are passionate about education, care deeply about social mobility, or are curious to understand how economics can be leveraged to drive social impact, this episode is for you.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Paige Murphy, Head of the Wimbledon Foundation, on improving lives through sports and innovative partnerships

The Head of the Wimbledon Foundation, Paige Murphy, talks with Alberto Lidji, former CEO of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, about the charitable work of the Wimbledon Foundation, their key partnerships and the invaluable role of sports in providing essential skills for education and employment.

The Wimbledon Foundation is the official charity of the All England Lawn Tennis Club and the Championships. Their mission is to champion opportunity for all, and they aim to leverage the resources of the Club and the Championships to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

As the Wimbledon Foundation approaches its 10^th Anniversary, we learn about their trajectory; their COVID response work; and their current support of 100 local charities in the London boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth, key partnerships with WaterAid and the British Red Cross, and their support of ‘Set for Success’ – an initiative delivered by the Youth Sport Trust that is also supported by Barclays – the official banking partner of the Championships.

Interestingly, the Wimbledon Foundation does not focus on tennis. Rather, their goals are to strengthen the local community, promote active and healthy lives, inspire the next generation of young people, and respond at times of need. They support their partners in diverse ways and are always thinking creatively about how to make a difference.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Rupert Abbott, Executive Director of GiveOut, on LGBTI advocacy through a human rights lens

GiveOut’s Executive Director, Rupert Abbott, joins us to discuss the LGBTI movement through a human rights lens, and GiveOut’s work enabling the LGBTI community and its allies to give in one place to support this cause.

We also explore GiveOut’s drive to increase philanthropic funding and the increasing importance of corporate support.

GiveOut is an international LGBTQI community foundation working closely with many grassroots organisations.

Rupert Abbott qualified as a lawyer at the global firm Baker & McKenzie and was awarded a high commendation by the Law Society for his pro bono human rights work. He studied law at the University of Sussex and holds a BA and MA in modern history from the University of Oxford.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Paul Ronalds, CEO of Save the Children Global Ventures, on impact investing and unlocking capital

The CEO of Save the Children Global Ventures, Paul Ronalds, joins us to talk about the impact investing side of Save the Children – unlocking capital and backing truly interesting initiatives around health, education, child protection and climate.

Save the Children Global Ventures complements traditional grant-making and philanthropy with an increased use of innovative financing instruments, including loans, guarantees and blended finance funds.  They work with a wide range of start-ups and investors, and are establishing a family of impact funds to crowd-in private sector investment to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Paul has served as a senior advisor to two Australian Prime Ministers; was Deputy CEO of World Vision Australia and, for the last nine years, served as CEO of Save the Children Australia.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Krish Kandiah, Founder of the Sanctuary Foundation, on welcoming refugees with open arms

The founder and director of the Sanctuary Foundation, Krish Kandiah, talks about the importance of welcoming refugees into our communities. He describes the work of the Sanctuary Foundation and shares his own personal experience of opening his home and welcoming refugees to live with his family.

Despite what the negative headlines might suggest, the British public has demonstrated great warmth and generosity, opening their homes to complete strangers who seek refuge from war and conflict in Ukraine and elsewhere.

The pendulum of public attitudes is moving in the right direction and there’s much we can do to build on this momentum. Just days after marking World Refugee Day on 20^th June 2023, this episode will inform, inspire, and prompt you to do more.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Emma Cherniavsky, UK CEO of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on World Refugee Day and Changing the Narrative of how Refugees and Displaced Persons are Perceived

Ahead of World Refugee Day on 20^th June 2023, Emma Cherniavsky, UK CEO of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) joins us to discuss the refugee and displaced persons crisis.

Emma explains that World Refugee Day is a time to celebrate what refugees have brought to our countries, societies and communities. It’s a time to celebrate the courage,  resilience, and extraordinary contributions of refugees and displaced persons.

This episode provides context of the refugee and displaced persons crisis across the globe and highlights the importance of changing the negative narratives often projected in the media.

We shed light on the work of the UNHCR, both on the front lines and in host countries -- ranging from emergency, humanitarian aid to long-term initiatives focused on education, employability, and inclusion.

Our conversation also explores the wide range of partnerships with NGOs, government and other sectors in support of UNHCR’s work, and we pay specific attention to the increasing importance and relevance of the private sector in helping drive this work forward.

We conclude on a positive note, shedding light on the immense levels of public generosity and provide a range of ways in which folks can get involved.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Hilary Cottam, Professor at the Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose at UCL (University College London) and author of Radical Help, on social design and rethinking our vertical post-war systems

Hilary Cottam joins us to explore the field of social design and rethinking our vertical, post-war systems so as to ensure that we are not simply putting 1950s systems online, but rather are actually embracing a digital mindset with collaboration and sharing that are front and centre, being mindful that today’s challenges are vast and urgent and we need to think about them differently and rethink how we design new social systems that are fit for purpose.

So, whether you’re a policy maker, a corporate strategist or want to glean what the future of our society could look like, today’s episode is for you.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

 

Sophie Otiende, CEO of the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery, on creating a survivor-led environment

The CEO of the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery, Sophie Otiende, advocates for a survivor-led environment, enabling those with lived experience to have space, use their voice and become leaders in tackling modern slavery.

Sophie was trafficked as a child and is herself a survivor-leader; she knows what it feels like to be in a policy discussion where she’s the only person in the room who’s actually experienced human trafficking and to realise that the others in that room are observers of this problem.

At the Fund, they have developed a unique toolkit to help organisations understand themselves better and develop a roadmap enabling them to bring survivors into decision-making leadership positions. You can’t just tell people that something is wrong. You need to provide them with tools and roadmaps that lead to the meaningful inclusion of those who have lived experience.

There are many facets to this, from being mindful of the language that is used so that it’s accessible to everyone –  not just policymakers or academics – to appreciating the power dynamics between funders and beneficiaries. Oftentimes, beneficiaries feel a sense of indignity and struggle to find their voice and make their views known.

In the past, most of the leaders tackling modern slavery have not had lived experience, which means most policies and programmes were defined by people who observe the problem but haven’t actually experienced it.  Lived experience provides a unique vantage point that leads to different priorities and a unique understanding.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Priya Naik, Founder & CEO of Samhita, on sustainable livelihoods in India

Samhita’s Founder and CEO, Priya Naik, talks with us about sustainable livelihoods in India, social inclusiveness, gender, returnable grants and much more.

Their initial funders include the Omidyar Network and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; their partners include the likes of Unilever, Google and Kimberly-Clark.

Samhita embraces an ecosystem mindset, and they work closely not just with individual organisations but also with a range of collectives and collaboratives who engage diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

 

Nitzan Pelman, CEO and Founder of Climb Hire, on the value of networks and leveraging social capital

Nitzan Pelman, CEO and Founder of Climb Hire, joins us to talk about the value of networks and leveraging social capital. So often, those who come from the most marginalised backgrounds don’t have the connections and don’t benefit from the social introductions that can prove invaluable in the labour market and in developing a successful career.

In this episode, we explore the innovative programmes run by Climb Hire, the social capital mindset they’re embracing, their innovative funding model and the value of their alumni network.

Nitzan Pelman founded Climb Hire in 2019 as a way to generate upward mobility for people earning below livable wage. Climb Hire’s programme model is based on Nitzan’s first-hand research as an Entrepreneur in Residence at LinkedIn, where she studied the powerful role that social networks can play in securing living wage jobs.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.