Social Impact Pioneers

Business Fights Poverty

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.

  1. Navigating negative times and burn out with Ashley Jablow

    3 DAYS AGO

    Navigating negative times and burn out with Ashley Jablow

    It’s not often we talk about burn out, but Social Impact Pioneer, Ashley Jablow shares her personal experiences and her practical ways to navigate negative times. In this episode of Social Impact Pioneers, we explore what it really takes to navigate uncertainty, rediscover purpose, and design a life and career that feels both meaningful and sustainable. At a time when the world feels increasingly unpredictable, and the path forward isn’t always clear, we’re joined by someone whose work helps people and organisations reimagine what’s possible during moments of transition, challenge and growth. Ashley’s career journey is anything but linear. Before pivoting her career to support and coach people in impact roles, she worked as a strategist at the renowned design and innovation firm IDEO and served as a White House Presidential Innovation Fellow in the United States. These experiences gave her a front-row seat to leading change inside complex systems, insights that were often learnt the hard way. She now brings to her work with organisations, leaders and teams navigating transformation. She holds an MBA, is a trained Co-Active Coach, and is also a working parent, balancing the same pressures and expectations many leaders face today. That lived experience shapes her approach to leadership, burnout recovery and personal reinvention. Ashley is also the artist and author behind the guided journal series “100 Days of Designing My Life”, a four-volume collection designed to help individuals and teams reflect, reset and move forward with intention. Combining practical prompts with hand-illustrated artwork, the journals have become a valuable tool for leaders and professionals navigating change. In this conversation, we discuss burnout recovery, authentic leadership, life design and innovation mindsets, and explore how simple creative tools, often refreshingly low-tech, can help gain clarity and momentum. Ashley shares practical insights on reflection, resilience and how to stay grounded while leading through uncertainty. If you’re working in social impact, purpose-driven business or leadership, and are looking for practical guidance on navigating complex challenges while staying true to your values, this episode offers thoughtful inspiration, and actionable ideas you can apply straight away. Links: Wayfinders Collective : https://www.wayfinderscollective.com Life Design School : https://www.lifedesignschool.co 100 Days of Designing My Life: The Reflection Journal: https://www.lifedesignschool.co/shop Innovative Leadership Salon Series - a complimentary, facilitated conversation for leaders navigating change and uncertainty inside organisations: https://www.wayfinderscollective.com/salon The Clarity Kit Workshop - a free, on-demand workshop to guide you in clarifying the problem you're solving, before jumping to solutions: https://www.lifedesignschool.co/kit And if you liked this conversation, take a listen to: Talent Development, Social Impact & the Future of Work with Banalata, DHL Group: https://businessfightspoverty.org/talent-development-social-impact-the-future-of-work-with-banalata-dhl-group/

    40 min
  2. Tackling Ibiza’s Housing Crisis Through Cross-Sector Collaboration, with Yvette, Sofi and Anna

    19 FEB

    Tackling Ibiza’s Housing Crisis Through Cross-Sector Collaboration, with Yvette, Sofi and Anna

    Ibiza may be world-famous for its beaches, superyachts and nightlife, but behind the glamour lies a growing affordable housing crisis that threatens the island’s future. In this episode, three Social Impact Leaders: Sofi Ribas, Anna Olivia Spenner Hernández, and Yvette Torres-Rahman, share insights from their groundbreaking research into Ibiza’s housing crisis and explore practical solutions to make living on the island viable year-round. Affordable housing is a global problem, particularly in tourist destinations…the podcast deeply explores the challenges that underpin the problem and provides joined up ideas to tackle these crises. Essential workers, including teachers, healthcare staff, hospitality employees and young families, are increasingly unable to access safe, affordable housing in Ibiza. Some are living in informal settlements without reliable water or electricity, while luxury tourism continues to flourish around them. The challenge is complex, urgent, and deeply personal. Through over 200 hours of research, analysis of 50+ global case studies, 20 expert interviews, and insights from 1,000+ island residents, this initiative, supported by the Balearic Government through EU Next Generation funding, set out to reimagine housing in Ibiza through cross-sector collaboration. In this conversation, we explore: · What’s really driving Ibiza’s affordable housing crisis · The human impact of informal settlements and rising housing costs · Why data gaps are holding back effective policy · Lessons from global destinations facing similar pressures · How businesses, policymakers and civil society can collaborate on long-term solutions If you’re interested in affordable housing, sustainable tourism, social impact, ESG, cross-sector collaboration, or community-led solutions, this episode offers grounded insights and hopeful pathways forward. Because Ibiza’s future depends on ensuring the people who make the island thrive can also call it home. Links: Business Fights Poverty: Five bridges to 2045: https://businessfightspoverty.org/five-bridges-to-2045-how-business-can-deliver-a-fairer-more-resilient-world/ Accommodation report Sofi’s business (Ma): https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkma/ TedX Ibiza: https://tedx-ibiza.com/ PIMEEF (SME federation for Ibiza and Formentera ): https://www.pimeef.com/ And if you liked this conversation, do take a listen to: Managing Debt and Mortgages with social entrepreneur: Jinesh Vohra - https://businessfightspoverty.org/managing-debt-and-mortgages-with-jinesh-vohra/

    32 min
  3. Managing debt and mortgages with Jinesh Vohra

    30 JAN

    Managing debt and mortgages with Jinesh Vohra

    How much will your mortgage really cost you over your lifetime — and what if there was a simple way to avoid carrying debt for so long? In this episode, we’re joined by Social Impact Pioneer Jinesh Vohra, founder of Sprive, the UK’s fastest-growing mortgage platform designed to help homeowners reduce mortgage debt faster and save thousands in interest. Jinesh brings a powerful mix of personal experience, fintech insight, and entrepreneurial resilience, and sheds light on why mortgage debt has become one of the biggest financial pressures facing households today. Jinesh began his career in corporate finance at Goldman Sachs, where he spent 14 years seeing first-hand how financial systems are built to make borrowing easy, but rarely to help people escape long-term debt. Jinesh’s turning point came when he took out his own mortgage and was shocked at the numbers: the realisation that for every pound borrowed, he’d pay around 50p in interest. Determined to take back control, Jinesh set out to clear his mortgage in just five years, and succeeded, becoming mortgage-free by age 32. That experience inspired him to help others overcome debt too. He built Sprive, a platform launched in 2021 that helps homeowners make mortgage overpayments easier through automation and cashback earned on everyday spending. Now, Sprive works with 14 major lenders and over 2,500 brands, including Amazon, major supermarkets, and leading high-street retailers, helping users save over £100 million in mortgage interest and gain peace of mind through faster debt reduction. In this conversation, Jinesh explores: • Why mortgage debt is rising across the UK and globally • How longer mortgage terms are becoming the norm, with many paying into retirement • How everyday spending can be redirected toward mortgage repayment • And what it takes to leave a high-paying career to build a fintech startup from scratch. Whether you’re looking to understand how we can better manage debt, looking for inspiration and advice on starting or scaling your impact business or generally looking for some inspiration – this conversation is for you. Links: Sprive: https://sprive.com Jinesh Vohra | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jinesh-vohra/ Citizen’s Advice | Help with Debt: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/help-with-debt/ And if you liked this conversation, try: Talent Development, Social Impact & the Future of Work with Banalata, DHL Group: https://businessfightspoverty.org/talent-development-social-impact-the-future-of-work-with-banalata-dhl-group/

    52 min
  4. The Business of Coral Reefs with Sam Teicher

    14 JAN

    The Business of Coral Reefs with Sam Teicher

    What does it take to restore coral reefs at scale — and turn one of the world’s most urgent environmental crises into a sustainable, investable solution? This conversation explores the business of coral reefs, running impact businesses, investors and innovation. Social Impact Pioneer, Sam Teicher is the co-founder of Coral Vita, the world’s largest for-profit coral reef restoration company, and a recent Earthshot Prize winner committed to reviving threatened reefs. Sam’s vision isn’t just ecological, it’s deeply rooted in creating a restoration economy that sustains marine life and local livelihoods. Through cutting-edge genetic technology, AI-driven monitoring, and scalable business models, Sam and his team have developed tools like BrainCoral (named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025) to support partners ranging from governments and re-insurers to hotels and coastal communities. Coral Vita’s impact speaks for itself: over 100,000 resilient corals grown, expansion across several continents, and $8 million raised to scale these solutions globally. Sam brings a rare mix of scientific expertise, policy insight, and hands-on leadership. He’s shared the stage at events like the United Nations and Nobel Prize Summit, but also understands the day-to-day realities faced by the billion people who rely on coral reefs. Coral Vita’s reach includes 40,000 engaged supporters who care about the ocean and planet. This conversation explores the world Sam is creating and delves into some of the expertise he has acquired – from identifying what a good shareholder looks like to taking control of the story. Expect practical insights, and inspirational ideas. Links: Coral Vita: https://coralvita.co/about/ Sam Teicher on intragram: https://www.instagram.com/samteicher/ And if you liked this conversation, take a listen to: Climate Resilience and Adaptation with David Nicholson: https://businessfightspoverty.org/climate-resilience-and-adaptation-with-david-nicholson/

    40 min
  5. Talent development, social impact & the future of work with Banalata from the DHL Group

    6 JAN

    Talent development, social impact & the future of work with Banalata from the DHL Group

    How to bring business talent development and social impact to get the best outcomes. Social Impact Pioneer Banalata Sen, Global Head of GoTeach at DHL Group shares her wisdom. In this episode of the Social Impact Pioneers podcast from Business Fights Poverty, host Katie Hyson sits down with Banalata, who is working at the intersection of corporate strategy, talent development and social impact, as she leads GoTeach, DHL’s flagship corporate citizenship programme on youth employability. Drawing on over two decades in human resources and learning and development, Banalata explains how DHL Group has woven youth employability into its core purpose of “Connecting People, Improving Lives” and is now working in more than 70 countries. Banalata shares how GoTeach supports young people from vulnerable backgrounds with mentoring, skills-building workshops and exposure to the world of work – while also helping DHL employees develop the leadership, communication and problem-solving skills needed for the future of work. Katie and Banalata explore why youth unemployment remains a structural challenge, even as businesses invest heavily in skills and training. They discuss the impact of AI, including generative AI and the decline of entry-level jobs, and why resilience, agency, adaptability and critical thinking are now as important as technical skills. Banalata explains why she sees technology not as a threat, but as a catalyst – provided young people are equipped to navigate uncertainty. The conversation also looks at what it takes to build effective multi-stakeholder partnerships on youth employability. From long-term collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages and the Teach For All network to grassroots work through Loksakha Welfare Society, Banalata sets out how NGOs, companies, governments and educators can work together at eye level to scale what works, rather than reinventing the wheel in isolation. She also discusses GoTeach’s Vision 2030: empowering every young person reached by its strategic partners with the employability skills they need to thrive. Finally, Banalata reflects on her personal journey – from her father being the first in his family to go to school, to her own role leading a global programme and a community-based organisation. She shares practical advice for companies wanting to embed social impact into business strategy, and for practitioners striving to stay motivated in the face of complex, long-term challenges. If you are interested in youth employment, responsible business, or how global companies can help shape a more inclusive future of work, this episode of Social Impact Pioneers offers thoughtful, grounded insight – and a hopeful vision for what is possible when collaboration and corporate citizenship come first. Links: DHL GoTeach - https://group.dhl.com/en/sustainability/social-impact-programs/employability.html Banalata Sen on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/banalata-sen-80bb451a/ And if you liked this episode, you may like: Workforce Development & Economic Empowerment, with Megan & Scott: https://businessfightspoverty.org/overcoming-poverty-driving-workforce-development-economic-empowerment-with-megan-scott/ or The Future of Climate Action: Youth Leadership and Systems Change with Penelope and Hassan: https://businessfightspoverty.org/the-future-of-climate-action-youth-leadership-and-systems-change-with-penelope-and-hassan/

    28 min
  6. Social Impact from big picture to on-the-ground action with Darsh Myronidis, Virgin Group

    10/12/2025

    Social Impact from big picture to on-the-ground action with Darsh Myronidis, Virgin Group

    In this episode, we sit down with Social Impact Pioneer, Darshana “Darsh” Myronidis, Director of Sustainability at Virgin Group — the HQ at the centre of one of the world’s most iconic and diverse brands. With more than 20 years of global sustainability leadership, Darsh has built a career dedicated to helping businesses deliver meaningful social and environmental impact. From renewable energy in the North of England to sustainable business strategy in Southeast Asia, brewing operations in South Africa, advisory work at the UN, and executive leadership across multiple industries, Darsh has become known for her rare blend of big-picture systems thinking and on-the-ground action. At Virgin, Darsh leads sustainability across sectors as varied as travel, leisure, health, wellness, media, entertainment, and technology. In our conversation, she reveals how she brings coherence to such a vast ecosystem, why Virgin embeds sustainability into every business decision, and how Virgin places people and planet at the centre of its purpose – to change business for good. We dive into what drives her as a leader, how impactful leadership shows up in complex organisations, and why she is so passionate about championing the next generation of sustainability leaders, particularly those from underrepresented and under-heard communities. Looking ahead to 2026, Darsh offers insight into the biggest opportunities and headwinds in sustainability—from navigating geopolitical risk and supply-chain volatility to unlocking the power of regenerative thinking, radical collaboration, and AI for good. We explore the language that truly resonates inside businesses, how to communicate beyond jargon, and how to create momentum even during times of change. Whether you’re a sustainability professional, business leader, or simply curious about what the future of responsible business looks like, this episode offers clarity, inspiration, and a powerful reminder: the actions we take today can shape a better, fairer future for all. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshana-myronidis/ Virgin: https://www.virgin.com/ To hear more from Social Impact Pioneers try listening to Åsa from Ikea: https://businessfightspoverty.org/how-ikea-is-powering-global-social-entrepreneurship-with-asa-skogstrom-feldt/

    21 min
  7. Climate resilience and adaptation with David Nicholson

    18/11/2025

    Climate resilience and adaptation with David Nicholson

    During this special edition of Social Impact Pioneers - we are joined by David Nicholson, a leading figure in global climate action, speaking to us directly from the UN Climate COP in Belém, Brazil. As Mercy Corps’ first-ever Chief Climate Officer, appointed in 2022, Nicholson has been at the forefront of embedding bold, science-driven climate strategy into one of the world’s largest humanitarian organisations - expect to hear his thoughts on climate resilience, adaptation and business action. This conversation forms part of the Business Fights Poverty Climate Series 2025. Over more than a decade at Mercy Corps, Nicholson has helped steer the organisation towards global leadership on climate resilience, sustainability, and adaptation. Drawing on a career that spans carbon-finance innovation in Uganda, climate and energy consulting at DAI, and green business development in Colombia, he now works to ensure that vulnerable communities can withstand the accelerating impacts of climate change. In 2023 alone, Mercy Corps’ climate programming reached 5.9 million people, and through its Climate: Possible campaign, it aims to extend climate-smart solutions to 12.5 million people, while supporting innovations projected to benefit a further 20 million through high-impact climate startups. Speaking from COP30, Nicholson offers rare insight into the mood, momentum and political dynamics shaping this year’s summit—from the heightened focus on tropical forest protection in the Amazon, to the growing urgency around adaptation finance, climate-resilient livelihoods and the practical implementation of national climate plans. He reflects on the realities faced by communities on the front lines of drought, displacement and economic instability, and why climate adaptation and poverty reduction can no longer be treated as separate challenges. If you are seeking clear analysis, grounded field experience and a pragmatic perspective on global climate action, this conversation with David Nicholson offers you straight up insights and solutions-focused look at what must happen next. Links: Mercy Corps: https://www.mercycorps.org/ David Nicholson: https://www.mercycorps.org/en-gb/who-we-are/our-team/david-nicholson Mercy Corps Climate: Possible: https://www.mercycorps.org/en-gb/advance-climate-resilient-communities Climate Change at the International Court of Justice: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10354/ To find out more about the Business Fights Poverty Climate Series: https://businessfightspoverty.org/climate-series/

    29 min
  8. Climate & landscape-level collaboration with Matthew Spencer

    17/11/2025

    Climate & landscape-level collaboration with Matthew Spencer

    This Social Impact Pioneers episode forms part of the Business Fights Poverty Climate Series 2025. Katie Hyson sits down with Matthew Spencer, Global Director of Landscapes at IDH – The Sustainable Trade Initiative, for a timely conversation recorded live from COP 2025 in Belém, Brazil. With climate risks intensifying and global supply chains under unprecedented pressure, Matthew explores why landscape-level collaboration is emerging as one of the most effective solutions for protecting the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems — while strengthening livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers. Matthew shares IDH’s ambitious goal to protect and restore five million hectares of vulnerable landscapes by 2030, addressing deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate impacts through integrated, jurisdictional approaches – working with communities, businesses and governments. Drawing on career of experience, he explains why landscape initiatives not only deliver environmental gains but also help companies share risk, reduce costs, build resilience, and secure long-term supply. Listeners will hear real-world success stories — from palm oil landscapes in Aceh, Indonesia, to sustainable beef production in Mato Grosso, Brazil — where public-private partnerships have cut deforestation and improved farmers’ incomes. Matthew also highlights the rapidly growing landscape platform SourceUp, which now hosts over 65 initiatives (expected to reach 100 next year), helping businesses fast-track participation by identifying opportunities by commodity, country, or sustainability priority. Matthew’s Social Impact Pioneer credentials include time with Greenpeace and Oxfam, he’s helped secure the UK’s phase-out of coal while at the think tank Green Alliance and he’s a Turner Fellow at the Cambridge Conservation Initiative, researching what has worked in tropical forest protection over the last three decades. Listen in for Matthew’s views on why climate action and poverty reduction must go hand-in-hand, and what truly drives lasting change in forest protection and sustainable land use. Packed with practical insights for business leaders, sustainability professionals, and anyone working at the intersection of climate and development, this episode offers rare optimism — and a clear roadmap for collective action. Tune in to learn how landscape collaboration can drive climate resilience, restore forests, and transform global value chains. Links: IDH - idh.org Matthew Spencer - idhsustainabletrade.com/people/matthew-spencer and linkedin.com/in/matthew-spencer-90b46a46 SourceUp - sourceup.org Tropical Forest Forever Facility - tfff.earth And if you liked this, take a look at the wider Business Fights Poverty Climate Series 2025 here: https://businessfightspoverty.org/climate-series/

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Business Fights Poverty
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    226
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Social Impact Pioneers