Real Impact or Impact Theatre? A Conversation About Purpose, Business & Authenticity | Marinka de Groot & Sebastian Sawicki
Everyone wants to work in "impact" these days. But what does that actually mean? Is impact something you measure, something you feel, or has it become another business buzzword?In this episode, Marinka and Sebastian Sawicki explore the difference between genuine impact and what Sebastian calls "impact theatre"—the growing gap between organisations that create meaningful change and those that simply talk about it.Sebastian made the leap from a decade-long corporate career into social entrepreneurship in 2025. Through Collective Builder and Canal Clubhouse, he now focuses on bringing people and organisations together to connect, grow, and maximise their positive impact. His personal mission is ambitious: to create one million opportunities for people to thrive.Joining him is Marinka, founder of Olivi.Growth. Having spent her career building leadership teams across start-ups, scale-ups, and global organisations, Marinka has become a trusted advisor to founders, executives, and investors navigating growth. Through her work recruiting senior talent, including for impact-driven businesses, she has a unique perspective on the growing demand for purpose-led careers and the challenges of separating genuine mission from marketing.Together, they discuss:What "impact" really means beyond the LinkedIn headlinesThe rise of impact-driven careers and social entrepreneurshipHow to spot authentic purpose versus performative messagingWhy so many organisations struggle to communicate their impact crediblyThe role of profit, purpose, and accountability in modern businessThe warning signs of "impact washing" and "impact theatre"How founders, consultants, and leaders can stay authentic in a world full of buzzwordsThis is an honest conversation about purpose, leadership, business, and the responsibility we all have to create opportunities for others.Reach out to Sebastian Sawicki hereReach out to Marinka here
