Social Impact Pioneers

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237

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Hello, and welcome to the Business Fights Poverty podcast, where we bring you engaging conversations with social impact trailblazers. Dive into a wealth of insights, diverse perspectives, and valuable advice, all designed to enlighten and inspire. Gain first-hand understanding of how businesses and thought leaders are addressing the world's most pressing social challenges, empowering you to make well-informed decisions and take meaningful action. So, sit back and join us as we explore the frontiers of business-driven social impact.

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August 27, 202643 min

Turning business into a force for water and hygiene with Philipp Küst

What does it take to turn corporate ambition into real-world social impact? And how can business help tackle one of the world’s most urgent challenges: access to safe water and sanitation? Meet Social Impact Pioneer Philipp Küst, Global Social Impact Lead – Water & Hygiene at Reckitt. Because Philipp is on a mission, to put purpose into practice inside a global health and hygiene business. Over the past seven (and a half) years at Reckitt, Philipp has moved across roles spanning e-commerce innovation, sustainability and social impact. Today, he leads Reckitt’s global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)portfolio, helping to develop and scale programmes that expand access to clean water and sanitation, improve hygiene behaviours and strengthen community resilience. At the heart of his work is a belief that business can be a force for good, leveraging its commercial acumen to drive lasting change. Through social entrepreneurship, innovative finance and strategic partnerships, Philipp is helping explore how corporate capital can unlock much larger flows of finance and create sustainable solutions at scale. Together we talk about Reckitt’s partnership with Water.org and WaterEquity, including investments designed to help households access finance for water and sanitation infrastructure. Philipp explains how this approach can generate both social and financial returns, and why investing in water access can strengthen health, livelihoods and economic opportunity. We also explore Reckitt Catalyst, the company’s approach to supporting social entrepreneurs and innovative WASH solutions, as well as the importance of impact measurement, evaluation and evidence in understanding what really works. But Philipp’s story is not simply about corporate strategy. It is also about intrapreneurship, the idea that individuals can drive meaningful change from within large organisations. Philipp is an intrapreneur to his core and his message is clear: faced with enormous global challenges, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. But progress starts with action. And the scale of big organisations can drive meaningful change. So, if you’re looking for insight into how to tackle big challenges, where to start and, most importantly, how to turn ambition into real-world impact, this conversation is for you. Packed with personal reflections, practical advice and lessons from the front line of social impact, Philipp shares what he has learned about making change happen from within a multinational business. Whether you’re a seasoned change-maker, an aspiring intrapreneur, or simply recognising that the growing global water challenge demands greater attention, this is a conversation worth listening to. Links: • Reckitt.com • Reckitt’s Social Impact Report 2025: https://socialimpact-report.reckitt.com • Water.org • CEO Water Mandate/Water Resilience Coalition: https://ceowatermandate.org/resilience/ • One Young World: https://www.oneyoungworld.com • League of Intrapreneurs: https://www.leagueofintrapreneurs.com • Capital Institute & Regenerative Economics: https://capitalinstitute.org/course-introduction-regenerative-economics/ And if you enjoyed this, do take a listen to: WHAT REAL SUSTAINABILITY INTEGRATION LOOKS LIKE IN BUSINESS, WITH FERNANDA FACCHINI, NATURA - https://businessfightspoverty.org/what-real-sustainability-integration-looks-like-in-business-with-fernanda-facchini-natura/

July 28, 202641 min

Partnerships, Systems Change and the Future of Collaboration with Darian Stibbe

What does it take to solve the world's most complex challenges? According to partnership expert Darian Stibbe, the answer isn't better technology, bigger budgets or stronger institutions working alone, it's collaboration. From rocket science to systems change: Darian Stibbe explains why effective partnerships matter more than ever. Social Impact Pioneer, Darian, Executive Director of The Partnering Initiative (TPI), shares insights from more than 20 years spent helping businesses, governments, NGOs, philanthropies and international organisations work together to create lasting social and environmental impact. Before becoming one of the world's leading voices on cross-sector collaboration, Darian was a NASA scientist and quantum physicist, a journey that gives him a perspective on complexity, systems thinking and change second to none. Drawing on real-world examples, Darian challenges one of the biggest misconceptions about partnerships: that collaboration is a natural skill. Instead, he argues that partnering is a professional discipline that can be learned, practised and continuously improved. He explains why partnerships often fail not because of the people involved, but because organisations lack the systems, culture and incentives needed to support genuine collaboration. The conversation explores the growing shift towards systems change and multi-stakeholder partnerships, particularly as organisations face increasingly interconnected challenges, from climate resilience and sustainable supply chains to public service delivery and economic development. Darian also highlights the often-overlooked role of philanthropy as a catalyst for transformation, not just funding solutions, but bringing diverse actors together to unlock change at scale. Packed with practical insights, compelling stories and reasons for optimism, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how organisations can move beyond transactional relationships and build partnerships capable of delivering transformational impact. Whether you're working in business, philanthropy, government or civil society, listen in to hear valuable lessons on how collaboration can become a strategic capability, and why the return on investing in it may be far greater than many realise. Links: The Partnering Initiative: tpiglobal.org SDG Partnership Guidebook: https://thepartneringinitiative.org/knowledge-centre/partnering-guidebooks/sdg-partnership-guidebook/ Blog on partnering capabilities: https://thepartneringinitiative.org/tpi-blog/partnering-is-a-professional-skill-its-time-we-treated-it-that-way/ Transform initiative empowering philanthropy and business to create transformation through multi-sector partnerships: https://thepartneringinitiative.org/programmes/transform-empowering-philanthropy-as-catalytic-partners-for-transformational-change-2/ Partnering for impact: building transformational partnerships: https://thepartneringinitiative.org/services-and-training/professional-development/open-training/ And if you liked this: Take a read of the latest Business Fights Poverty paper exploring partnering for system change: https://businessfightspoverty.org/moving-beyond-projects-how-corporate-ngo-partnerships-can-build-systems-collaboration/ And listen in to this conversation, Brokering Partnerships and Collaboration with Ian Leader: https://businessfightspoverty.org/brokering-partnerships-and-collaboration-with-ian-leader/

July 20, 202650 min

Building Inclusive Economies with Joe Scantlebury

What does it take to build an economy that works for everyone? Meet Social Impact Pioneer Joe Scantlebury, President and CEO of Living Cities. From representing children in the juvenile justice and dependency care systems to helping shape civil rights and equity advocacy at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Joe shares his journey. If you’re looking for inspiration and a can-do boost, this podcast is for you. Together, we explore how lasting social impact can be achieved through legal advocacy, philanthropy, workforce development and systems change. Joe brings experience across them all. Joe believes that economic growth must include everyone if people and communities are to thrive. That may sound obvious, but making it happen is far from easy. He shares how growing up in Brooklyn shaped his conviction that every person and community has untapped strengths and potential. He also explains why meaningful change starts with listening to those most affected by inequality, and why leaders must look beyond short-term commitments to build lasting change. The conversation examines the role of cross-sector collaboration in tackling complex social challenges. Joe discusses how government, business, philanthropy and civil society can work together to unlock opportunities for homeownership, entrepreneurship, impact investing and community wealth building. Learn from Joe on the super-powers of storytelling and narrative change in shifting mindsets, influencing policy and creating momentum for more inclusive economic systems. Throughout the episode, Joe challenges us to think bigger and bolder about what is possible. As he puts it, "There are not many people who are not worthy of investment." Creating shared prosperity requires recognising the strengths that already exist within communities and investing in them intentionally. This episode is packed with insights for business leaders, investors, philanthropists, policymakers and anyone interested in creating a more equitable future. If you're interested in systems change, social justice, racial equity, impact investing, community development or the future of inclusive economies, this conversation offers both practical lessons and renewed optimism. Listen now to discover how collaborative leadership, patient capital and a commitment to human potential can help build economies where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Links: Joe’s Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-scantlebury-ba5bb67/ Living Cities: https://livingcities.org/ And if you liked this, try: Inside the Mars Impact Fund with Michelle Grogg: https://businessfightspoverty.org/inside-the-mars-impact-fund-with-michelle-grogg/ And check out our latest research: https://businessfightspoverty.org/resources/?_content=insight – exploring Partnering for Systems Change, Catalytic Finance and Stakeholder Activation.

June 29, 202648 min

Creating Work Opportunities for Refugees, with Aline Sara

What if one of the world's greatest untapped talent pools is hiding in plain sight? More than 120 million people around the world have been forcibly displaced by conflict, persecution and violence. Yet too often refugees are portrayed through the lens of crisis rather than capability. Their stories are reduced to statistics, while their skills, ambitions and entrepreneurial potential remain overlooked. Listen in as we mark World Refugee Month, and speak with one of the leading innovators challenging that narrative. Meet Social Impact Pioneer, Aline Sara, Co-Founder and CEO of NaTakallam, the award-winning social enterprise transforming how businesses and individuals engage with refugees and conflict-affected communities. Rather than treating displaced people as beneficiaries of aid, NaTakallam connects them with organisations and learners around the world as language tutors, translators, educators and public speakers, creating dignified work through the digital economy. Since its launch, the platform has enabled refugees and conflict-affected individuals to earn more than $5 million, working with over 37,000 users across 110 countries and supporting more than 350 organisations worldwide. Born to Lebanese parents and shaped by a childhood lived between New York and a homeland marked by conflict, Aline's personal story is inseparable from her professional mission. From journalism and human rights research to building a pioneering social enterprise, she has spent more than a decade working alongside displaced communities, proving that opportunity, not charity, is often the most powerful response to humanitarian crises. Together, we explore why the future of refugee inclusion lies beyond aid alone; how businesses can unlock talent that too often goes unseen; and why creating access to meaningful work is fundamental to restoring dignity, resilience and hope. Aline also shares candid reflections on scaling a mission-driven business, navigating the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, and balancing commercial sustainability with deep social impact. Perhaps most powerfully, we discuss why refugee issues should never be discussed without refugees themselves being part of the conversation. Through NaTakallam's Refugee Voices programme, people with lived experience are leading conversations that challenge stereotypes, build empathy and foster genuine human connection across borders. This is a conversation about displacement, entrepreneurship, inclusive business and the future of work, but above all, it is a reminder that behind every refugee statistic is a person with skills, ideas and aspirations waiting for the opportunity to contribute. Links: NaTakallam : https://natakallam.com/ Aline Sara : https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinesara/ And if you liked this, try: Financing Solar Energy in the Global South with Lassor and Ruchir: https://businessfightspoverty.org/financing-solar-energy-in-the-global-south-with-lassor-and-ruchir/ and The Business of Coral Reefs with Sam Teicher: https://businessfightspoverty.org/the-business-of-coral-reefs-with-sam-teicher/

June 4, 202642 min

Brokering partnerships and collaboration with Ian Leader

Listen in to Ian Leader, Social Impact Pioneer, cross-sector strategist and founder of Local Works. Ian shares his experience in building partnerships that really work, between business, community and government. With more than 25 years of experience working across New Zealand’s business, charity, education, philanthropy and local government sectors, Ian has become one of the country’s leading voices on collaboration, systems change and social impact brokering. Remember that, social impact broker … a vital role so often over looked. From pioneering employee volunteering initiatives in the 1990s to designing purpose-driven community investment strategies and place-based partnerships, Ian has spent his career helping organisations move beyond traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) and towards genuine shared value creation. In this conversation, Ian shares why he believes “communities are jigsaws,” complex ecosystems made up of interconnected people, organisations and cultures, and why businesses must stop thinking about “giving back” and instead start actively participating as part of the community itself. We explore: • The evolution of CSR, corporate citizenship and conscious business • Why impact brokers are essential for successful partnerships and systems change • How businesses can build trust with communities and create authentic social impact • The shift from scarcity thinking to abundance and collaboration • Why employee volunteering and community engagement should be embedded into business strategy • What First Nations and Māori approaches to business can teach us about sustainability, purpose and long-term thinking • How social impact leaders can bridge the gap between intention and execution Ian also reflects on working in some of New Zealand’s most vibrant and challenged communities, where he learned that “work isn’t always the priority,” and why understanding people’s lived realities are critical for organisations that want to create lasting impact. Packed with practical insights, systems thinking, real-world examples and unforgettable quotes, this episode is a masterclass in collaborative leadership, social innovation and the future of business as a force for good. Whether you work in sustainability, ESG, CSR, philanthropy, social enterprise, community development or purpose-led business, this conversation will challenge how you think about partnerships, power and the role organisations play in society. Discover why the future of impact depends on learning how to work together. Links: Ian’s podcast 'CSR Aotearoa: Agents of Change': https://open.spotify.com/show/5Gjvg9TsTA74LKAGOQnBi6?si=4abea07503284fc3 Local Works: www.localworks.nz Local Works Resources : https://www.localworks.nz/resources More info about Hunter Lovins: https://natcapsolutions.org/ The Partnering Initiative: https://thepartneringinitiative.org And if you liked this, try: What Real Sustainability Integration Looks Like in Business, with Fernanda Facchini, Natura: https://businessfightspoverty.org/what-real-sustainability-integration-looks-like-in-business-with-fernanda-facchini-natura/

May 25, 202651 min

What can business gain from cross cultural learning with Hesham Elzeftawi

Social Impact Pioneer Hesham Elzeftawi, Founder and CEO of EBRIIZ shares his journey from Egypt to the US and Mexico developing deep understanding and appreciation for cross-cultural learning, practical field experience, and emerging market realities. Hesham’s time in Arabic, English, and Spanish-speaking communities gives him a perspective we all need to hear. In this conversation, Hesham explores what businesses can gain from understanding different cultures, why overlooked markets hold untapped opportunities, and how inclusive growth can create wider economic opportunities, not only benefits for the few. Hesham’s career spans more than two decades across international development, cross-cultural learning, youth development, education, women’s economic empowerment, community engagement, and financial inclusion. He has worked with organisations including CARE, UNDP, GIZ, Soliya, ICA MENA, and the Science and Technology Development Fund, contributing to programmes that have reached hundreds of thousands of people across Egypt and the wider region. From managing a USD 2.4 million education programme reaching more than 40,000 students, to supporting financial and social inclusion work targeting women’s access to the formal financial system through savings and loan group methodologies, Hesham has seen first-hand how social impact succeeds when it is grounded in real local needs. He reflects on why strong project design does not always translate into local relevance, and why meaningful development must be shaped by the people, institutions, and markets it aims to serve. This is a conversation about turning misunderstanding into opportunity, seeing diversity as a way through change, and building links that are not only cultural, but practical, human, and economic. Through EBRIIZ, Hesham is now building on these experiences to explore how cultural difference can become a source of trust, collaboration, and business opportunity. His work focuses on turning misunderstanding into connection, and connection into practical economic value. He sees EBRIIZ as an evolving founder journey, shaped by both success and failure, rather than a completed success story. For anyone interested in cross-cultural leadership, youth development, emerging markets, inclusive business, financial inclusion, women’s empowerment, or the future of business with impact, this episode offers rich insights into how we can move through change with curiosity, courage, and collaboration. Hesham is part of the Business Fights Poverty Global Expert Network: https://businessfightspoverty.org/global-expert-network/ Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heshamelzeftawi EBRIIZ: https://ebriiz.org/en/welcome-to-ebriiz/ If you like this, try: What Real Sustainability Integration Looks Like in Business, with Fernanda Facchini, Natura: https://businessfightspoverty.org/what-real-sustainability-integration-looks-like-in-business-with-fernanda-facchini-natura/

May 1, 202623 min

Effective Altruism, Career Change & High Impact Careers with Devon Fritz

In this episode, we’re joined by Devon Fritz, author of The High-Impact Professional’s Playbook and co-founder of High Impact Professionals. An experienced coach and strategic philanthropy adviser, Devon helps people bridge the gap between good intentions and measurable outcomes. Devon’s story begins in the private sector, where he worked as a software developer and achieved financial security early in his career. But instead of fulfilment, he found himself questioning his path. That turning point led him to explore what it really means to do good, and ultimately to the effective altruism movement, where he discovered a global community focused on maximising impact through evidence, data, and thoughtful decision-making. In this conversation, Devon shares practical insights on how to build a high-impact career, including why many professionals focus on the wrong goals, and how to shift from being “busy” to being truly effective. He explains the importance of thinking in terms of scale, how many people you’re helping, and why small changes in direction can lead to orders-of-magnitude greater impact. We also explore the power of effective giving, and how strategic donations can often achieve more than people expect. Devon challenges common assumptions about nonprofit work and highlights why some of the most impactful opportunities lie in overlooked or “neglected” areas. Thinking about a career change? Devon makes the case that transitioning into impact-focused work is less risky than it seems, and often more rewarding. He shares frameworks for identifying the best opportunities, including how to assess what problems are important, tractable, and neglected. Finally, we dive into what separates truly high-impact professionals from the rest: principled decision-making, a focus on outcomes over activity, and the courage to aim bigger. Whether you’re early in your career, considering a pivot, or looking to maximise your contribution, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to do more good, effectively. Links: Devon on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devonfritz/ Devon's book: https://www.highimpactprofessionals.org/book And if you liked this take a listen to: Michelle Grogg from Mars: https://businessfightspoverty.org/inside-the-mars-impact-fund-with-michelle-grogg/

April 22, 202620 min

Inside the Mars Impact Fund with Michelle Grogg

Social Impact Pioneer Michelle Grogg is the Executive Director of the Mars Impact Fund. Listen in as Michelle shares her insights on why Mars can do more with an Impact Fund now. She shares her experiences on how businesses can drive meaningful social impact at scale and how delivering impact through both business operations and targeted investment is a vital way to make limited resources go further. Michelle has held senior leadership roles at Mars and Cargill, and her influence extends across major global platforms, including the World Economic Forum’s Food Action Alliance, the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, and the Munich Security Conference’s Global Food Security Task Force. Known for her systems thinking and collaborative leadership, she has spent years working at the intersection of business, sustainability, and social impact. With a career spanning corporate responsibility, global philanthropy, and international development, Michelle has deep expertise in building partnerships, shaping sustainable business strategies. This podcast conversation is recorded in the early days of the Mars Impact Fund, the innovative, LLC-structured fund designed to work alongside the business rather than separately from it. Michelle explains why Mars chose to create a dedicated impact fund now, despite its long history of embedding social impact into its operations, and how this new approach unlocks greater flexibility to partner with nonprofits, social enterprises, and for-profit organizations alike. We also explore why Mars prioritises building resilient communities in sourcing regions, supporting a pipeline of future scientists and improving access to veterinary care. Michelle shares insights into why strong supply chains depend on strong communities, and why businesses must take a systems-level approach to creating lasting change. Beyond strategy, Michelle reflects on her personal journey into purpose-driven work, the importance of collaboration, and why failure is an essential part of driving innovation and impact. She also discusses emerging trends in impact investing and corporate sustainability, including the growing need for long-term thinking, partnership-driven solutions, and intentional decision-making. Whether you’re interested in ESG, corporate responsibility, impact investing, or sustainable business strategy, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how companies like Mars are rethinking their role in society, and what it takes to create impact that endures. Links: Mars Impact Fund: https://www.mars.com/about/mars-impact-fund And if you liked this episode do take a listen to: What Real Sustainability Integration Looks Like in Business — with Fernanda Facchini, Natura: https://businessfightspoverty.org/what-real-sustainability-integration-looks-like-in-business-with-fernanda-facchini-natura/ and Why Fairtrade Matters More Than Ever with Marike Runneboom de Peña: https://businessfightspoverty.org/why-fairtrade-matters-more-than-ever-with-marike-runneboom-de-pena/

April 15, 202643 min

What Real Sustainability Integration Looks Like in Business — with Fernanda Facchini, Natura

Meet Social Impact Pioneer, Fernanda Facchini. She is part of the team at Natura, the Brazilian multinational cosmetics company, who are pioneering sustainable and ethical beauty products while driving regenerative practices in the Amazon rainforest. This conversation deep dives into what it takes for a commercial business to deliver social and environmental impact from its heart. Fernanda’s role is a big one, spanning sustainability & business integration with green finance and resilient value chains. With 25 years of experience, Fernanda shares practical insights on turning ESG ambition into measurable business impact. Fernanda has built her career at the intersection of sustainability and performance, developing governance frameworks, KPIs, and action plans that translate environmental and social goals into operational reality. At Natura, she works across business functions to integrate sustainability into decision-making, risk management, and long-term value creation. In this conversation, Fernanda shares what “true sustainability integration” looks like in practice. From embedding climate and nature risks into governance structures, to aligning incentives and measuring impact through tools like integrated profit and loss. Fernanda also shares how Natura is using green finance, including sustainability-linked bonds, to fund climate action, biodiversity protection, and social impact across its value chain. We also explore the growing importance of resilient value chains in the face of climate change, geopolitical instability, and social inequality. Fernanda explains how Natura works with suppliers, smallholders, and communities, particularly in the Amazon Rainforest, to strengthen resilience, reduce risk, and create shared value. This episode is essential listening for sustainability leaders, ESG professionals, and business executives looking to understand how sustainability can drive growth, resilience, and competitive advantage. Fernanda offers a clear, practical perspective on how businesses can move beyond theory and lead the transition toward a more inclusive, regenerative, and sustainable future. Links: Natura’s Profit and loss: https://ri.natura.com.br/en/sustainability/management-by-impact-ipl/ Natura’s Climate Transition action plan: https://ri.natura.com.br/en/sustainability/socio-environmental-publications/ Natura’s Vision 2050: https://ri.natura.com.br/en/sustainability/vision-2050/ And if you enjoy this episode, take a listen to: Why Fairtrade Matters More Than Ever with Marike Runneboom de Peña: https://businessfightspoverty.org/why-fairtrade-matters-more-than-ever-with-marike-runneboom-de-pena/ and Social Impact from Big Picture to On-the-Ground Action with Darsh Myronidis, Virgin Group: https://businessfightspoverty.org/social-impact-from-big-picture-to-on-the-ground-action-with-darsh-myronidis-virgin-group/

April 2, 202640 min

Why Fairtrade Matters More Than Ever with Marike Runneboom de Peña

Getting your coffee tomorrow is not a given. Behind everyday products like coffee, bananas, and cocoa lies a global trading system under pressure. A pressure shaped by climate change, economic uncertainty, and growing inequality. The need to change how we value our food is urgent or we risk our daily coffee, and midmorning snack. Listen in to this podcast episode to hear from Social Impact Pioneer Marike Runneboom de Peña, Interim CEO of Fairtrade International, about why this moment is a turning point for fair trade and global supply chains. From sociologist to co-founder of a banana cooperative with over 200 members in the Dominican Republic, Marike is now the interim leader of Fairtrade International. March 2026 is important for Fairtrade as they launch a new Global Strategy 2026–2028, focusing on three urgent priorities: sustainable livelihoods for farmers and workers; resilient and fair supply chains; and a stronger collective commitment to ethical and sustainable trade. Listen in as, together, we explore: · Why fair trade is more critical than ever in today’s volatile global economy · The real challenges farmers face, from low prices and unfair trading practices to climate change · How Fairtrade’s new strategy aims to create long-term resilience and equity in global supply chains · What businesses, policymakers, and consumers must do to support fair and sustainable trade In addition, hear from Marike as she shares her personal journey, from working directly with farming communities to stepping into a global leadership role. Learn about motivation, perseverance, and focus. This podcast conversation is grounded in the devastating impacts of an unequal trading system and the resilience of farmers determined to overcome them. This conversation challenges the idea that sustainability is optional. As Marike explains, “Fairer trade is not just a future goal, it’s a shared responsibility.” Without meaningful action, we risk a very near future where farming becomes unsustainable, supply chains break down, and essential products disappear from our shelves. If you’re interested in sustainability, ethical business, global trade, or the future of food systems, this episode is essential listening. Because when trade doesn’t work for farmers and workers, it doesn’t work for anyone. www.fairtrade.net Our strategy riskmap.fairtrade.net