Do One Better with Alberto Lidji in Philanthropy, Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship

Alberto Lidji
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Do One Better with Alberto Lidji in Philanthropy, Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship

Listen to 300+ interviews on philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. Hosted by Alberto Lidji, ex-Global CEO of the Novak Djokovic Foundation and Visiting Professor at Strathclyde Business School.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Mark Norbury, Chief Executive of UnLtd, on Backing Social Entrepreneurs and Transforming Communities Through the Growth Impact Fund

    Mark Norbury, Chief Executive of UnLtd, explores the dynamic world of social entrepreneurship, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to empowering leaders who are transforming their communities. UnLtd has long championed social entrepreneurs across the UK, providing both financial and practical support to help innovative ideas flourish. Over the past five years, the organisation has seen a seismic shift in its approach and impact, driven by the challenges of the pandemic, economic inequalities, and rising demand for support in an increasingly volatile social landscape. A key focus of the episode is the Growth Impact Fund, UnLtd’s pioneering social investment vehicle. Designed to foster equity and opportunity, the fund prioritises entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black, Asian, minority ethnic, and disabled communities. This initiative reflects UnLtd’s recognition of the untapped entrepreneurial talent in these groups and its commitment to dismantling systemic barriers to access. Mark sheds light on the evolving definition of social entrepreneurship, emphasising its core: creating financially sustainable solutions that drive meaningful social change. From supporting grassroots innovators to scaling high-impact organisations, UnLtd’s efforts encompass not only financial assistance but also wraparound support, including business mentorship, peer learning opportunities, and pro bono professional services. This holistic approach is vital for fostering sustainable growth and enabling social entrepreneurs to navigate complex challenges. Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

    29 min

  2. 9 DEC

    Ella Gudwin, CEO of VisionSpring, on the Transformative Power of Eyeglasses to Boost Livelihoods, Productivity, and Economic Development

    Ella Gudwin, CEO of VisionSpring, offers an exploration of how access to affordable eyeglasses is not merely a matter of health but a transformative lever for economic development, productivity, and individual well-being. VisionSpring’s innovative hybrid model exemplifies the intersection of philanthropy and social enterprise, as it tackles one of the most pervasive yet solvable challenges in global health: the lack of access to eyeglasses for over one billion people worldwide. Gudwin emphasises the cascading effects of impaired vision in low-income settings, where individuals struggle to perform basic tasks, pursue education, and sustain livelihoods. She describes how VisionSpring reframes eyeglasses not only as a health intervention but also as a vital tool for economic empowerment. The organisation’s efforts focus on overcoming both supply- and demand-side barriers, ensuring glasses are accessible, affordable, and desirable.   Central to this mission are the findings from groundbreaking studies. For instance, a 2018 randomised control trial with tea pickers demonstrated a 22% increase in productivity (and 32% for those over 50) after receiving basic near-vision spectacles. More recently, the Thrive Study in Bangladesh revealed a 33% rise in median monthly income for first-time eyeglasses wearers across diverse occupations. These results highlight the immense return on investment in vision correction, with life-changing impacts achieved at minimal cost.   Gudwin underscores the importance of scaling solutions through partnerships, task-sharing frameworks, and global strategies like SPECS 2030 — a coordinated effort launched by the World Health Organization to close the clear vision gap. She outlines VisionSpring’s role in training over 25,000 community health workers and embedding vision services into primary care systems, demonstrating that solutions need not rely exclusively on optometrists, who are in short supply globally.   Beyond accessibility, Gudwin stresses the critical task of generating demand. Misconceptions and stigma often deter people from using eyeglasses, especially in communities where glasses are seen as elitist or unnecessary. Addressing these cultural and psychological barriers, VisionSpring is working to normalise eyeglasses as essential tools, akin to sewing machines for tailors or seeds for farmers. The organisation’s commitment to “no more poor glasses for poor people” is manifest in its recent launch of stylish, affordable frames that respect individual dignity and preferences.   Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

    38 min

  3. 2 DEC

    John O'Brien and Lucy Knill of Anthropy: Exploring the Future of Britain in the World

    John O'Brien and Lucy Knill of Anthropy: Exploring the Future of Britain in the World. The conversation explores the origins, purpose, and transformative potential of Anthropy, a unique leadership gathering taking place in March 2025 that convenes diverse voices to envision and shape the future of Britain. John O'Brien, the founder of Anthropy, reveals how the initiative was born during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by the urgent need to rebuild the social fabric and economic stability of the UK while addressing the broader global context. Anthropy is designed to foster long-term thinking, transcending immediate challenges to focus on creating a sustainable and equitable society for the next generation. Held at the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, a location symbolic of regeneration, Anthropy is intentionally designed to disrupt traditional conference formats. Lucy Knill, Anthropy’s managing director, elaborates on the event’s immersive structure, which integrates natural surroundings to inspire both intellectual and emotional engagement. Over three days, participants experience a mix of large panels, intimate workshops, and informal conversations, all devoid of PowerPoint presentations. Instead, the focus is on authentic dialogue and connection. By breaking down silos, Anthropy ensures cross-pollination of ideas between leaders from diverse fields, including business, arts, public service, and emerging talent. This melting pot of perspectives fosters unexpected collaborations and innovative solutions to shared challenges. Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

    32 min

  4. 25 NOV

    Bob Roth, CEO of the David Lynch Foundation: The Role of Transcendental Meditation (TM) in Tackling Chronic Stress and Improving Health

    The CEO of the David Lynch Foundation, Bob Roth, shares his insights on the role of Transcendental Meditation (TM) in tackling chronic stress and improving health outcomes. Filmmaker David Lynch and Bob Roth co-founded the foundation in 2005.  Roth highlights the devastating impact of toxic stress, which has evolved into a global crisis. Chronic stress, he explains, is distinct from everyday pressures and challenges; it overwhelms the nervous system, triggering a persistent "fight or flight" response that depletes physical and mental health. This ancient, evidence-based meditation technique is simple, natural, and effortless — accessible to anyone from schoolchildren to corporate executives. Roth notes that through regular practice, individuals experience profound relaxation that can reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, and alleviate anxiety and depression.  We explore a range of angles, from TM's impact on stress levels and health to reducing healthcare costs and helping corporates improve their bottom line. Roth highlights that stress-related conditions are the leading cause of death for firefighters, police officers, and healthcare professionals—populations who are now benefitting from TM programs delivered by the foundation. Roth underscores the importance of integrating TM into mainstream healthcare systems, which he argues can transform public health outcomes at scale. He notes that TM’s accessibility — it requires no belief system, takes just 20 minutes twice a day, and delivers immediate benefits — has contributed to its widespread adoption. The foundation’s global footprint now spans 35 countries and TM is endorsed by figures like Ray Dalio, Hugh Jackman, and Jerry Seinfeld, who actively support the foundation’s mission.  Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

    33 min

  5. 18 NOV

    Lior Ipp, CEO of the Roddenberry Foundation, on Elevating Small, Locally-Led Organizations Driving Systems Change

    The CEO of the Rodenberry Foundation, Lior Ipp, on elevating small, locally-led organizations driving systems change. The Roddenberry Foundation aligns its philanthropic vision with the values of equity, diversity, inclusivity, and justice that were hallmarks of Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek legacy.  The foundation operates four core programs designed to catalyze meaningful impact: the Catalyst Fund for early-stage, high-risk social enterprises; the Roddenberry Fellowship, which supports U.S.-based social justice leaders; the biennial Roddenberry Prize, which this year emphasizes "AI for Good"; and the +1 Global Fund, a funders’ collaborative addressing systemic challenges in underserved regions. Each program reflects a commitment to supporting innovative, underrepresented, and often overlooked organizations and individuals. A highlight of the conversation centers on the +1 Global Fund. Initially launched as a COVID-19 relief initiative, it has evolved into a groundbreaking funders’ collaborative targeting small, locally-led organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa. These organizations — dubbed "triple threats" for their small size, local leadership, and systems-oriented approaches — are having outsized impacts despite their limited resources. Lior discusses the success of the fund’s peer-nomination model, which taps into the knowledge of grassroots networks to identify high-impact candidates that might otherwise go unnoticed. Lior emphasizes the foundation’s evolution from merely disbursing funds to fostering an ecosystem that includes capacity building, organizational development, and collaborative networks. The initiative’s mapping platform, set to launch next year, will provide unprecedented access to data about these often-overlooked organizations, bridging the gap between funders and grassroots changemakers. This tool aims to enable better funding strategies and illuminate the interconnectedness of organizations tackling global challenges. The conversation also highlights the broader implications for philanthropy, urging funders to take calculated risks on small, locally-led organizations and collaborate more extensively. Lior underscores the necessity of moving beyond traditional funding approaches that prioritize well-established organizations and instead recognizing the transformative potential of small-scale systems changers. Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

    35 min

  6. 11 NOV

    Nick Grono, author of 'How to Lead Nonprofits' and CEO of the Freedom Fund, on the Complexities of Nonprofit Leadership

    Nick Grono, author of How to Lead Nonprofits and CEO of the Freedom Fund, delves into the unique challenges and responsibilities of nonprofit leadership, offering valuable insights drawn from two decades of experience in the sector. Grono reflects on the complexities of guiding purpose-driven organizations, contrasting the quantifiable metrics of success in the private sector with the more elusive task of measuring impact in the nonprofit world. He underscores how nonprofit leaders must grapple with ambiguity, balance diverse stakeholder expectations, and navigate the tensions between aspirational goals and practical realities. We explore the nuanced role of culture in nonprofit organizations and highlight the transformative potential of a positive, cohesive culture — what he calls a "superpower" — founded on psychological safety.  This environment, where all voices are valued and dissenting perspectives are welcomed, is crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring better decision-making. Grono stresses that such a culture is cultivated by leaders who model vulnerability, acknowledge their mistakes, and create spaces for candid dialogue. The conversation also explores the thorny issue of impact measurement, which Grono argues is vital despite its inherent challenges. Unlike financial accounting in the corporate world, nonprofit impact is often subjective and context-dependent, demanding greater intentionality and honesty in its evaluation. Grono illustrates these difficulties with examples from his work at the Freedom Fund, noting the pitfalls of oversimplifying metrics like the number of meals served or people rescued, which may fail to capture the broader systemic changes nonprofits aim to effect. Ultimately, Grono’s insights underscore the unique leadership skills required in the nonprofit sector — an ability to navigate complexity, inspire trust, and build cohesive teams, all while staying anchored to the organization’s mission. His reflections offer lessons not just for nonprofit leaders, but for anyone seeking to understand how to lead with purpose in a rapidly changing world. Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

    35 min

  7. 4 NOV

    Sidsel Kristensen, CEO of the LEGO Foundation, on Playful Learning, Collaborative Philanthropy, and Building Impactful Partnerships

    Sidsel Kristensen, CEO of the LEGO Foundation, offers a deep look into the Foundation’s mission to champion playful learning and create sustainable, impactful initiatives for children globally. The LEGO Foundation has a 25% stake in the LEGO Group.  At the heart of the LEGO Foundation’s work is its belief in learning through play — a philosophy Kristensen describes as a powerful approach to fostering creativity, resilience, and critical thinking in children, from infancy through adolescence. Far beyond a brand rooted in toys, the LEGO Foundation is an influential force in global education and child development. This enables the foundation not only to lead initiatives independently but also to create robust alliances that drive systemic change in underserved communities worldwide. The LEGO Foundation’s efforts focus on children aged 0-12, but Kristensen emphasises that the philosophy of playful learning is a lifelong mindset, encouraging curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration. Kristensen underscores the necessity of learning from both successes and setbacks. To this end, the Foundation prioritises quality in grant-making, which she defines as investing thoughtfully, building a solid evidence base, and fostering a culture of continuous learning among grantees. The commitment to learning through evidence is central, with the Foundation’s partnerships not only serving children directly but also generating insights that shape policy.  A key area of discussion is the challenge of amplification: how to communicate the insights and successes of the Foundation’s initiatives in a way that resonates with governments, policymakers, and the wider public. Kristensen reflects on the importance of simplifying complex issues without diminishing their significance, helping communities and leaders see that playful learning is not mere play, but a strategic approach to lifelong skills development. She points out that the brand strength of LEGO enables the Foundation to amplify its message effectively, allowing partners to leverage this brand association to build their own credibility in local contexts. Reflecting on the future, Kristensen outlines a strategy focused on impact, context-driven partnerships, and quality in grant-making, underscoring a vision that emphasises sustainability and scalability. She candidly discusses the complexities of creating sustainable change, noting that while philanthropy has a unique ability to take risks and innovate, it must also be accountable and pragmatic. The ultimate goal, Kristensen explains, is to influence ecosystems and drive changes that endure beyond individual grants or programs. She closes with a call for enhanced collaboration across funders, believing that transformative change requires collective efforts rather than isolated projects. Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

    39 min

  8. 28 OCT

    Geoff Wilson, Australian philanthropist, on innovative funding for social impact: Pioneering Pro Bono Investment Models and Scaling Philanthropy

    Geoff Wilson shares insights into his journey from financial success to a deep commitment to philanthropy, driven by a blend of personal values and a vision for the social impact potential within the asset management industry. Growing up in a middle-class family in Melbourne, Australia, Wilson absorbed values that emphasized community engagement, a theme that he has woven into his professional life over 44 years in finance. Wilson's story is a testament to how philanthropic endeavors can be intricately tied to financial success and how strategic giving can transcend traditional methods. Geoff Wilson is the founder of Wilson Asset Management in Australia, and this episode dives into Wilson's innovative financial model, which redefines the role of fund management fees. Inspired by a UK-based cancer research fund, Wilson established the Future Generation and Future Generation Global funds in Australia, where managers oversee assets pro bono. This model allocates management fees toward charitable causes rather than the fund’s bottom line. His structure not only benefits the charities but provides value to investors who pay lower fees while accessing premier fund managers. Wilson’s focus has centered on supporting causes like youth mental health and children at risk, establishing a collaborative funding approach that’s become influential within the Australian finance and philanthropic landscapes. Wilson’s funds were received with initial skepticism in Australia, as the philanthropic landscape was, until recently, conservative about publicizing donations. However, his pro bono investment structure has since inspired other funds to adopt similar models, and it now channels millions annually into Australian charities. This initiative represents a "win-win-win" for fund managers, investors, and charities alike — a sentiment Wilson describes as the driving ethos of his model. Beyond financial commitment, Wilson encourages others worldwide to replicate this model, suggesting that an interconnected global approach can support more resilient philanthropic ventures. Emphasizing that impactful giving is as much a personal journey as a financial one, he describes his own evolving sense of purpose: once focused on wealth accumulation, he now finds profound fulfillment in maximizing social impact and improving lives through sustainable philanthropic structures. Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

    32 min
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Listen to 300+ interviews on philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. Hosted by Alberto Lidji, ex-Global CEO of the Novak Djokovic Foundation and Visiting Professor at Strathclyde Business School.

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