Impact Point

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technology, policy, and people, and how they all come together to create real-world change.

Episodes

  1. Inside Saudi Arabia’s Innovation Wave and Investment Boom with Sean Jones of The American University in Cairo

    15/12/2025

    Inside Saudi Arabia’s Innovation Wave and Investment Boom with Sean Jones of The American University in Cairo

    Saudi Arabia is transforming at a scale and speed rarely seen, reshaping perceptions, markets, and opportunities across the Middle East. In this episode, we sit down with Sean Jones, Adjunct Professor of The American University in Cairo and Board Member of the Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt, to unpack what this shift means for businesses, policymakers, and innovators. We explore firsthand impressions from Riyadh, the forces driving the country’s rapid change, and why now is a pivotal moment for engagement in the region. Key Takeaways:  00:00 Introduction. 01:21 Saudi Arabia’s rapid change defies common preconceptions. 04:40 Leadership and vision, not wealth, drive Saudi Arabia’s momentum. 07:56 A large forum unites small companies with investors from around the world. 08:34 Young entrepreneurs and tech-focused startups are converging on new opportunities. 13:15 Success in Saudi Arabia requires strong relationships, not just an American business label. 16:42 Real change happens when strong political will is paired with bold incentives. 21:22 Saudi Arabia’s global integration is aligning economic, cultural, and social norms. 23:05 Now is the moment to enter the region and bring forward new ideas. Resources Mentioned: Sean Jones https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-jones-920648a/ The American University in Cairo | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/school/aucegypt/ The American University in Cairo | Website https://www.aucegypt.edu/ Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/fulbright-egypt/ Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt | Website https://fulbright-egypt.org/ Garage Startup Ecosystem https://thegarage.sa/ Saudi Vision 2030 https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.  The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

    25 min
  2. From Policy to Practice: Embedding Evaluation Across the State Department with Sarah Kohari of Kohari Consulting, LLC

    24/11/2025

    From Policy to Practice: Embedding Evaluation Across the State Department with Sarah Kohari of Kohari Consulting, LLC

    Systematic change in government organizations doesn’t happen overnight. It takes structure, collaboration, and a commitment to learning. In this episode, we speak with Sarah Kohari, Principal at Kohari Consulting, LLC, and former Chief for Planning, Performance, and Learning at the US Department of State. She shares how the 18 FAM 300 policy transformed monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) practices across the State Department, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:34 The evaluation policy showed bureaus lacked clarity on project goals. 05:33 Many staff already supported 18 FAM 300 and welcomed the rollout. 11:17 The policy now drives ownership and program design at every bureau level. 14:56 Diplomatic results take years, from curbing narcotics to advancing cybersecurity laws. 16:54 Monitoring feels slow, but evaluations show what drives success. 21:33 AI can help organize decades of bureau project data. 25:25 Faster analysis tools now turn complex data questions into quick insights. 28:45 Strong leadership and clear expectations make monitoring sustainable. Resources Mentioned: Sarah Kohari https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-m-kohari/ US Department of State | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/doscareers/ US Department of State | Website https://www.state.gov/ 18 FAM 300 Policy https://fam.state.gov/Volumes/Details/18FAM Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.  The “Impact Point” podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

    31 min
  3. Building Credibility in a World of Generative AI with Jake Shapiro of Princeton University

    28/10/2025

    Building Credibility in a World of Generative AI with Jake Shapiro of Princeton University

    The world is entering a post-documentation era where truth and evidence are no longer easily verifiable. In this episode, we speak with Jake Shapiro, John Foster Dulles Professor of International Affairs at Princeton University, to explore how technology, reputation, and trust shape our understanding of facts in a rapidly changing information landscape. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:27 The era of trusting recordings as undeniable proof of truth is coming to an end. 05:09 Chains of reputation sustained high-trust trade across long distances. 12:35 Large-scale aid in Iraq shows how efforts can miss long-term goals. 14:32 Reaching rural women means bringing programs to them. 16:50 Solving problems works best with a customer development mindset. 18:23 ESOC connects researchers and practitioners to better address and reduce conflict. 20:25 Different leaders process information differently, so tailoring communication is key. 24:07 New technology shapes how people choose information, and evidence has its limits. Resources Mentioned: Jake Shapiro https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-shapiro-502b811/ Princeton University | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/school/princeton-university/ Princeton University | Website https://princeton.edu Empirical Study of Conflict Project (ESOC) https://esoc.princeton.edu/ Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.  The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

    26 min
  4. Innovation, Agility, and the Next Era of Foreign Assistance with Neelima Grover and Rob Jenkins of Q2IMPACT

    07/10/2025

    Innovation, Agility, and the Next Era of Foreign Assistance with Neelima Grover and Rob Jenkins of Q2IMPACT

    Foreign assistance is undergoing one of its most dramatic transformations in decades, forcing organizations to rethink strategies, funding sources, and innovation models.  In this episode, Neelima Grover, Founder and CEO of Q2IMPACT, and Rob Jenkins, Senior Advisor of Q2IMPACT, explore the challenges and opportunities facing foreign assistance amid geopolitical shifts, funding uncertainty, and the rise of emerging technologies like AI. They discuss how adaptive management, innovation, and private sector leadership are shaping the future of global development. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 00:45 Foreign assistance is evolving into a transformative new chapter. 05:48 With no clear roadmap, organizations must adapt and innovate. 10:07 Despite challenges, billions in funding remain available for future programs. 14:16 Adaptive management and a systems approach are crucial for lasting impact. 20:33 Delays in decision-making have long hindered effective action in foreign assistance. 25:38 AI can gather real-time insights from social media to transform data collection. 30:11 The private sector must drive adaptive, systems-based solutions as government lags. 32:55 State Department must rebuild systems to manage funds and seize opportunities. Resources Mentioned: Neelima Grover https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelima-grover/ Rob Jenkins https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jenkins-b512559?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name Q2IMPACT LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact/ Q2IMPACT website https://q2impact.com/ Global Fragility Act https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/2116 USAID https://www.usaid.gov/ *Podcast recorded prior to Government shutdown. Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.  The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

    34 min
  5. Preserving Human Value in an AI-Dominated Future with Dr. Varun Grover of the University of Arkansas

    23/09/2025

    Preserving Human Value in an AI-Dominated Future with Dr. Varun Grover of the University of Arkansas

    The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping not only technology but also how humans define knowledge, value, and dignity in their work. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Varun Grover, George and Boyce Billingsley Endowed Chair and Distinguished Professor of the University of Arkansas ­- Sam M. Walton College of Business, to explore the concept of benchmark inversion and the future of human-AI collaboration. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:01 ChatGPT highlights the shift from programmed to data-driven AI. 04:25 AI mimics empathy and judgment, but it lacks true consciousness. 09:33 Throwing AI tools at employees without integration is not a recipe for success. 14:22 True change management needs leadership to overcome resistance. 16:52 Unlike functional tools, AI is defined by open-ended potential. 18:11 AI should be implemented at the speed of trust, not the speed of technology. 21:23 Humans enhance their value by using AI. Resisting it risks replacement. 24:56 As AI grows, preserving human dignity and identity is essential. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Varun Grover https://www.linkedin.com/in/varun-grover-0a44a03a/ University of Arkansas | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-arkansas/ University of Arkansas | Website https://www.uark.edu/ MIT AI Strategy and Leadership Program https://executive-ed.xpro.mit.edu/ai-strategy-and-leadership NVIDIA https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/ Gartner Hype Cycle https://www.gartner.com/en/research/methodologies/gartner-hype-cycle Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.  The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

    25 min
  6. Cutting Through the Noise at the Crossroads of AI, National Security, and Global Change with Neelima Grover, Marsha Grodnicki, Rob Jenkins of Q2IMPACT

    16/09/2025

    Cutting Through the Noise at the Crossroads of AI, National Security, and Global Change with Neelima Grover, Marsha Grodnicki, Rob Jenkins of Q2IMPACT

    We’re living through a defining moment where technology, geopolitics, and national security converge at an unprecedented pace. In this inaugural episode, Neelima Grover, Founder and CEO of Q2IMPACT, Marsha Grodnicki, Managing Director of Q2IMPACT, and Rob Jenkins, Senior Advisor of Q2IMPACT, discuss how organizations can navigate disruption, harness reliable data, and lead with innovation in an AI-first world. Together, they reflect on the pivotal role of reliable information, change management, and forward-looking leadership in shaping resilient strategies for government, industry, and society. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:06 The intersection of AI, geopolitics, and national security defines today’s landscape. 04:57 Reliable data and innovation are essential in a defining moment for humanity. 09:30 Many organizations generate data, but Q2IMPACT ensures it is reliable and unbiased. 12:06 Change management centralizes people and uses AI to elevate work. 13:45 AI frees time for creativity, better solutions, and new skills. 16:19 Global partnerships create a small but comprehensive security ecosystem. 18:23 Q2 Impact extends its mission-driven values into every conversation. 19:03 Impact Point is a multi-way conversation inviting listener ideas and engagement. Resources Mentioned: Neelima Grover https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelima-grover/ Marsha Grodnicki https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsha-grodnicki-a1985415/ Rob Jenkins https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jenkins-b512559?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name Q2IMPACT | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact/ Q2IMPACT | Website https://q2impact.com/ Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.  The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

    12 min
  • 6 Episodes

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technology, policy, and people, and how they all come together to create real-world change.

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  • Creator
    Q2IMPACT
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
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    © Copyright 2025
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    Impact Point