The Doing Good Show

Andrew Brisbin

A show dedicated to exploring what we mean by "Doing Good" or having meaningful work. Too often we think of our lives as phases where one part we are making money and other part I'm doing something to "give back...." but why? Why do people think we have to do "good jobs" to make a difference in the world? Why were social enterprises, ESG, and DEI all the chatter right after the COVID-19 pandemic, and we've now gone silent? Does it mean that good jobs, making a difference are on the way out? Or does it mean, that doing good manifests differently? I'm Andrew Brisbin and I've worked in mega-corps, charities, small businesses in the US and now in the UK. I'm fired up about learning about peoples lives and how they find purpose in their work. I believe in people and want to find the stories of people impacting lives regardless of their work, political affiliation, and way of living.

Episodes

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Kirsty x Andrew - Hearts and Minds in Local Government

    The conversation covers the role of organizational development in local government, the impact of public services on residents, the importance of prevention and intervention, motivation for working in local government, innovation and change management in the public sector, challenges in implementing change, leadership buy-in, and initiating change in challenging environments. The conversation delves into driving organizational change, cultural transformation, the time and effort required for change, leadership and emotional intelligence, excitement for the future of local government, the importance of system thinking, and finding meaning and reward in work. The discussion emphasizes the need for honest self-reflection, the impact of leadership, and the significance of shared language in driving change. Takeaways Local government plays a crucial role in impacting residents' lives through public services and organizational development.Leadership buy-in and staff engagement are essential for initiating and implementing change in local government. Driving change requires time, effort, and a focus on cultural transformation.Leadership and emotional intelligence play a fundamental role in organizational change.System thinking and shared language are crucial for effective change management. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Organizational Development06:24 Prevention and Intervention in Local Government12:23 Innovation and Change Management in Public Sector21:00 Leadership Buy-In and Staff Engagement27:34 Initiating Change in Challenging Environments33:35 Cultural Transformation at a Smaller Scale40:01 Leadership and Emotional Intelligence45:34 Excitement for the Future of Local Government53:00 The Importance of System Thinking58:07 Finding Meaning and Reward in Work

    1hr 2min

  2. 29 APR

    Martin Clark - Making a difference - the marathon of building Allia

    Dr. Martin Clark CEO of Allia Impact and key driver of one of the UK's most impactful social enterprises. From think tank to organisation serving over 2000 changemakers (in just two years!!!), to raising billions for social finance; Martin has spent the last 30 years dedicating himself to a career that shapes the world for good. The conversation delves into the world of social entrepreneurship, impact investment, and the evolution of social enterprises. Martin Clark shares insights on creating community finance solutions, navigating technical challenges, and the role of social entrepreneurs. The discussion also explores the relationship strength in the social enterprise space, the distinction between social entrepreneurship and social enterprise, and the business solutions for social and environmental issues. Additionally, the evolution of Allia Impact and the challenges and opportunities in social enterprise are highlighted. The conversation delves into the journey of building a business incubator, the challenges faced, the importance of managing energy and well-being, strategic decision-making, the role of corporate mentors, the challenge of property in social enterprise, and the impact of relationships in social enterprise. The takeaways highlight the role of passion, careful consideration, and the significance of relationships in the continuity and momentum of social enterprise organizations. The conversation delves into the themes of resilience, optimism, meaningful work, and transitioning to new phases. It explores the balance between work and networking, the importance of handing over leadership, and the impact of attracting talent to social enterprises. The speakers reflect on their careers, purpose, and the future, emphasizing the importance of being useful and optimistic in making a meaningful difference. Takeaways Social entrepreneurship and impact investmentBuilding community finance solutionsEvolution of social enterprises Passion and personal experience drive social entrepreneursNavigating the challenges of social enterprise requires careful consideration and balanceRelationships and connections are crucial for the continuity and momentum of social enterprise organizations ResilienceInherent Optimism Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Allia Impact and Martin Clark06:11 Navigating Technical Challenges11:21 Social Entrepreneurship vs. Social Enterprise16:24 Challenges and Opportunities in Social Enterprise22:09 Challenges and Adaptation in Social Enterprise27:22 The Role of Corporate Mentors in Social Enterprise32:22 The Impact of Relationships in Social Enterprise38:00 Balancing Work and Networking42:58 The Next Generation of Impact48:06 Attracting Talent to Social Impact52:59 The Lesson of Optimism and Hope

    54 min

  3. 9 APR

    Shelley Gregory-Jones - Is charity broken?

    The conversation delves into the expectations and future of engaging with the charity sector, highlighting the challenges and evolution of charities, and emphasizing community involvement and responsibility. It explores the need for change, the role of freelance fundraisers, and the misconceptions about charities. Additionally, it discusses the shifting narratives, community-led initiatives, and the role of companies in social enterprise. The conversation explores the impact of political decisions on international aid, the need for creative solutions, and the role of corporates and social enterprises in aid administration. It also delves into the importance of social infrastructure, academia's role in social impact, and the challenges in doing good. The dynamics between the charity sector and the private sector, as well as the need for innovation and collaboration, are also discussed. The conversation delves into the professionalization of the charity sector, the impact of AI on fundraising, the challenges of inclusivity, and the broader concept of doing good. It explores the complexities and limitations of professionalization, the use of AI in fundraising, the struggle for inclusivity, and the need to shift expectations in the charity sector. Takeaways The charity sector is evolving to meet changing expectations and challenges.Community involvement and responsibility play a crucial role in shaping the future of charitable work. Rethinking aid administration and creative solutions are essential in the current political landscape.Collaboration and innovation are key to addressing challenges in the charity and private sectors. Professionalization and Oxfordization of the charity sectorChallenges and limitations of AI in fundraisingThe complexity of inclusivity in the sectorBroadening the definition of doing good and shifting expectations in the charity sector Chapters 00:00 Engaging with the Charity Sector06:04 Community Involvement and Responsibility11:04 Innovation and Collaboration17:06 Impact of AI on Fundraising23:15 Doing Good and Shifting Expectations

    58 min

  4. 18 MAR

    Gauri van Gulik - Elitism in NGOs, Meaningful Work, and our Relationship with Money

    Our conversation pared back some of the façade that the NGO/non profit world puts up about how they hire, operate and deliver change. In Gauri's journey, I got the chance to hear about her story in navigating a working class background and operating in some of the most influential international change making organisations in the world. She shared her experience in the gatekeeping that pervades these organisations and the systemic barriers that keep people from participating in the sector. Takeaways Self-reflection and self-view anxiety can be a significant challenge for individuals, impacting their perception of themselves and their work.The charity sector faces challenges related to short-term funding cycles, risk aversion, and the need for innovation to drive systemic change.The importance of individual and systemic impact, grounded leadership, and the power of small acts of help and support in creating meaningful change. Importance of genuine human connectionRedefining the relationship with money for well-being Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Recap05:25 The Need for Innovation in the Charity Sector10:42 The Value of Inner Work and Grounded Leadership16:12 The Impact of Small Acts of Help and Support22:06 The Role of Love, Connection, and Humility27:29 The Impact of Small Acts of Help and Support33:16 The Importance of Staying Grounded and Humble39:01 Reimagining Wealth and Well-being57:55 The Human Experience in a Tech-Driven World

    1hr 2min

  5. 5 MAR

    James Kitt - What do you mean we still haven't fixed water? - Water Infrastructure in Malawi

    The conversation delves into the challenges of water accessibility in Malawi, the limitations of traditional philanthropy, the professionalization of water services, innovative approaches to water sustainability, and the shifting mindsets and narratives in water aid. It highlights the impact of climate change, the role of social enterprise, and the need for a narrative shift in water aid and sustainability. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in the water sector, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and the changing perception of water as a commodity. It also explores personal and professional choices, lifestyle impact, and the role of power and collaboration in addressing water-related issues. Takeaways The limitations of traditional philanthropy and international aid in addressing water challengesThe importance of professionalized services and innovative approaches to water sustainability Water access and sustainability are crucial for communitiesCollaboration and partnership are essential for addressing water challenges Chapters (some of them) 00:00 Introduction to Water Challenges in Malawi05:30 Professionalizing Water Services in Malawi11:49 Shifting Mindsets and Narratives in Water Aid17:11 Perception of Water as a Commodity22:22 Water as a Source of Conflict28:04 Water and Biodiversity

    58 min

  6. 18 FEB

    Jonethan Lee - What role does storytelling have in activating resources in international crisis?

    Jonethan Lee - Storyteller, father, and changemaker. Jonny didn't imagine himself in the international NGO career path a decade ago, but here today Jonny spends his time finding ways to tell powerful stories that shape the lives of people living in high deprivation communities across the globe. What started as an affinity for data and social media evolved into expertise in the third sector, international NGOs, donor engagement, and impact investing.

    53 min

  7. 17 FEB

    Alice Crookenden - What challenges do leaders face in building charities in NGOs?

    Summary In this conversation, Andrew Brisbin and Alice discuss the challenges and rewards of transitioning leadership within NGOs, particularly focusing on Alice's experience with SAFE, an organization dedicated to using storytelling to address social issues. They explore the importance of cultural sensitivity, the dynamics of funding in social work, and the power of personal stories in advocacy. Alice shares her reflections on her journey, the lessons learned, and the significance of making meaningful contributions in one's community.

    50 min

  8. 8 FEB

    Intro - Why are you doing this?

    Welcome to the adventure! I'm Andrew your host for the Doing Good Show, I'll be speaking to loads of different people in a variety of walks of life to understand what it means to have a rewarding career, life, and experience here on this big blue ball hurtling through space. Join me in discovering how people find meaning in all the different ways we spend time!

    3 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

A show dedicated to exploring what we mean by "Doing Good" or having meaningful work. Too often we think of our lives as phases where one part we are making money and other part I'm doing something to "give back...." but why? Why do people think we have to do "good jobs" to make a difference in the world? Why were social enterprises, ESG, and DEI all the chatter right after the COVID-19 pandemic, and we've now gone silent? Does it mean that good jobs, making a difference are on the way out? Or does it mean, that doing good manifests differently? I'm Andrew Brisbin and I've worked in mega-corps, charities, small businesses in the US and now in the UK. I'm fired up about learning about peoples lives and how they find purpose in their work. I believe in people and want to find the stories of people impacting lives regardless of their work, political affiliation, and way of living.

Information

  • Creator
    Andrew Brisbin
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Andrew Brisbin
  • Show Website
    The Doing Good Show