The Criterion Institute Podcast

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 feminist funding, the role of governance in managing endowments, and the need for collaboration and trust in the philanthropic landscape. They also reflect on the current challenges facing feminist movements and the importance of imagining new models for future resourcing.Episode Highlights00:27 - Introduction02:11 - The Equality Fund: A Bold Initiative04:22 - Power Dynamics in Endowments10:30 - Designing for Sustainability and Resilience18:04 - The Role of Endowments in Social Change25:13 - Navigating Financial Norms and Challenges32:56 - Responding to Current Challenges in Feminist Funding38:46 - Building Trust and Collaboration in Governance45:20 - Imagining New Models for Future ResourcingRelevant LinksCriterion Institute website and LinkedInJoy’s LinkedInKatharine's LinkedInPart of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Networkhttps://impactalpha.com/podcasts

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 and investment strategies that can support social justice movements. The discussion emphasizes the need for new ways to finance work, optimize cash flow, and create community-owned economic models, all while fostering a hopeful future for feminist movements.Episode Highlights00:27 - Introduction04:04 - The Role of Philanthropy in Social Change12:11 - Challenges in Current Funding Systems18:04 - Exploring Financial Tools for Social Justice29:54 - Innovative Investment Strategies for Feminist Movements41:47 - Conclusion and Call to ActionRelevant LinksCriterion Institute website and LinkedInJoy’s LinkedInYifat's LinkedInPart of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Networkhttps://impactalpha.com/podcasts

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 highlights the significance of partnerships and the continuous evolution of impact investing discourse.Episode Highlights00:27 - Introduction02:45 - The Power of Voice in Impact Investing06:03 - Navigating the Landscape of Impact Media09:00 - The Importance of Language and Communication12:03 - Building a Community Through Shared Voices14:56 - Reflections on Personal Growth and Voice17:55 - An Invitation to Find Your VoiceRelevant LinksCriterion Institute website and LinkedInJoy’s LinkedInDavid's LinkedInImpact Alpha websitePart of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Networkhttps://impactalpha.com/podcasts

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 connection, this episode explores how we can find grace and strength in community.Episode Highlights00:27 - Introduction01:55 - Acknowledgment and Power Dynamics09:55 - Finding Grace in Vulnerability13:18 - Pathways to Hope and LeadershipRelevant LinksCriterion Institute website and LinkedInJoy’s LinkedIn

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 also addressing the challenges of resistance and the importance of hope in driving future actions.Episode Highlights00:27 - Introduction00:57 - The Importance of Organizing and Mobilizing07:05 - Strategies for Sustainable Finance10:57 - Collective Action and Resistance14:59 - Hope and Future Directions in FinanceRelevant LinksCriterion Institute website and LinkedInJoy’s LinkedIn

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 meaningful approach to language that fosters better communication and understanding.Episode Highlights00:27 - Introduction01:01 - The Power and Pitfalls of Acronyms04:46 - The Impact of Acronyms on Communication10:01 - Rethinking Gender Lens Investing and Its AcronymRelevant LinksCriterion Institute website and LinkedInJoy’s LinkedIn

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, advocating for a reimagining of masculinity that includes justice and shared power.Episode Highlights00:27 - Introduction02:34 - The Business Case for Good Men12:40 - Exploring Masculinity with Herbert Anderson25:11 - Reimagining Masculinity in Modern SystemsRelevant LinksCriterion Institute website and LinkedInJoy’s LinkedInHerbert Anderson's Book – Jacob's Shadow: Reimagining MasculinityShawn Lesser's LinkedInShawn Lesser's Foundation

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 the joy and intellectual stimulation that comes from creating new ways to categorize and analyze information.Episode Highlights00:27 - Introduction02:17 - The Importance of Frameworks in Analysis06:11 - Inherited Frameworks and Their Limitations10:05 - Creating New Frameworks for Social Change15:47 - The Joy of Framework DevelopmentRelevant LinksCriterion Institute website and LinkedInJoy’s LinkedIn

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 listeners to envision a more equitable future.Episode Highlights00:27 - Introduction06:01 - Barriers and Opportunities in Gender Lens Investing12:04 - Diverse Futures of Gender Lens Investing17:53 - Navigating Challenges and Imagining PossibilitiesRelevant LinksCriterion Institute website and LinkedInJoy’s LinkedIn

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 bank' that can address the unique needs of underserved businesses. They emphasize the significance of impact returns over financial returns and the resilience required in fragile economies. Ultimately, the discussion reflects on the long-term commitment needed to drive systemic change in the financial landscape.Episode Highlights00:27 - Introduction09:30 - Creating Flexible Capital Solutions14:30 - The Concept of a Funky Bank22:10 - Resilience in Fragile Economies30:11 - Living in Purpose and ImpactRelevant LinksCriterion Institute website and LinkedInJoy’s LinkedInLilian's LinkedIn