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. Legislating humanity to change the system, with Maaria Mozaffar

    3 DAYS AGO

    Legislating humanity to change the system, with Maaria Mozaffar

    In this episode, we meet Social Impact Pioneer Maaria Mozaffar — a legislative attorney, human rights policy strategist, and author of inclusive policy. Maaria’s life work proves that lasting change begins not with slogans, but with courage and conversation. From writing inclusive laws to confronting systemic inequity, Maaria’s journey reveals how anyone — yes, anyone — can participate in reshaping the policies that define our lives. Across today’s headlines, and the headlines of inequality the dehumanisation of communities through policy and enforcement is very much a reality. Maaria joins us to untangle that thread and to ask — what does justice look like when we centre humanity, empathy, and inclusion in our laws? An attorney, mediator, and author, Maaria Mozaffar has been advancing equity since the early 2000s, drafting groundbreaking legislation such as the Inclusive Athletic Attire Act, Faith Behind Bars, and resolutions against cross-cultural bullying and hate crimes. Her legal models have been replicated nationwide, proving that human-centred policymaking is not just possible — it’s powerful. In conversation, Maaria explains that real reform starts with writing the code itself. She shares how individuals — not just elected officials — can influence the legislative process: learning, listening, and mediating to find common ground. “It’s not politics,” she says. “It’s about refusing to allow any community to be dehumanised.” From her early days in law school during 9/11 — when she witnessed civil liberties eroding in real time — to her current work mediating conflicts and drafting inclusive laws, Maaria’s career bridges law and humanity. Through stories of legislation that began at kitchen tables and ended in state law, she offers both moral clarity and practical steps for creating accountability, transparency, and dignity in policy. This is a conversation about courage, systems, and the belief that transformation is possible if we’re willing to engage. So, what does it mean to write laws that protect rather than punish — to legislate with empathy? Join us for this hopeful episode as Maaria Mozaffar shares how to turn disillusionment into action, and how each of us can shape a more just and humane society. Links: Maariamozaffar.com Inclusive Athletic Attire Act: https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/publicacts/view/102-0051 Faith Behind Bars: https://ilga.gov/Legislation/ILCS/Articles?ActID=4430&ChapterID=55

    30 min
  2. How IKEA Is Powering Global Social Entrepreneurship with Åsa Skogström Feldt

    22 OCT

    How IKEA Is Powering Global Social Entrepreneurship with Åsa Skogström Feldt

    In this episode of Business Fights Poverty’s Social Impact Pioneers Podcast, host Yvette Torres-Rahman speaks with Åsa Skogström Feldt, Managing Director of IKEA Social Entrepreneurship BV, about how business can be a force for good. Recorded live during the UN General Assembly 2025 in New York, this powerful conversation explores how IKEA is partnering with social entrepreneurs worldwide to create inclusive growth, fight inequality, and build sustainable livelihoods. Åsa Skogström Feldt leads IKEA Social Entrepreneurship, a company within the Inter IKEA Group that invests in partnerships and accelerator programs supporting over 100 social enterprises each year. From empowering refugees and artisans to transforming circular waste systems in India, IKEA is proving that business-led social innovation can tackle the root causes of poverty while driving long-term sustainability. Åsa brings a blend of corporate leadership and non-profit innovation, having previously served as Global President and CEO of The Hunger Project in New York and Sweden. Her career spans major roles at Sony Ericsson, Aspiro, and Ericsson Mobile Communications, alongside decades of activism championing women’s empowerment. Together, Yvette and Åsa discuss how to bridge the worlds of philanthropy and business, scale social impact, and harness the power of AI, circularity, and social innovation to build a more inclusive economy. Discover how IKEA’s approach—through impact investing, mentoring, and global collaboration—is redefining what it means to be a responsible business. Tune in to hear how Åsa Skogström Feldt and IKEA are proving that “it’s good business to be a good business.”

    25 min
  3. Social Impact Entrepreneurship & Leading with Purpose - Amrit Dhaliwal

    29 SEPT

    Social Impact Entrepreneurship & Leading with Purpose - Amrit Dhaliwal

    In this episode, we sit down with Social Impact Pioneer, social entrepreneur and purposeful leader - Amrit Dhaliwal. As CEO of Walfinch, one of the UK’s leading home care franchise networks, Amrit is on a mission to redefine both franchising and social care—bringing innovation, purpose, and people-first values into sectors too often driven solely by margins. Tune in for an introduction to leading with purpose—both for people and for businesses. If you’re ready to discover what it takes to be a truly values-driven leader, this is where to start. From transforming an Italian deli into an award-winning restaurant to founding Walfinch in 2019, Amrit’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in spotting inefficiencies and building better systems. Today, under his leadership, Walfinch is rapidly expanding and on course to become a £20 million network, with multiple franchisees expected to reach £1 million turnover within their first three years. His success, however, is not measured by profit alone. Amrit is committed to blending commercial growth with meaningful social impact, ensuring older adults receive exceptional care while franchisees thrive. In a wide-ranging conversation, Amrit shares his philosophy on values-based leadership, the importance of instilling company culture at every level, and why business success is inseparable from purpose. Drawing on influences such as Daniel Pink’s Drive, John Maxwell’s Five Levels of Leadership, and Gino Wickman’s Traction, he offers practical insights into scaling a purpose-led business in a regulated industry. We also explore the pressing challenges facing the UK’s care system, the balance between profit and purpose, and how leaders can resist the pressure for growth-at-all-costs by staying true to their vision. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a franchisee, or simply curious about the future of social care, this conversation offers timely lessons on resilience, strategy, and building businesses that last. Join us as Amrit Dhaliwal explains why redefining home care is not just a business model but a social mission—one that could shape the future of care in Britain and beyond. Links: Walfinch: https://walfinch.com Amrit's book - Time to Thrive: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Thrive-Revolution-solution-insider/dp/1068664304 John Maxwell - 5 Levels of Leadership: https://youtu.be/jsjlJCOzmhk Gena Wickman – Traction: https://youtu.be/4MdB3tIzhmc EOS Entrepreneur Operating System: https://youtu.be/NNyY7k8uXLE Daniel Pink – Drive: https://www.danpink.com/books/drive/ And if you liked this conversation, please take a listen to: Combining Personal and Business Purpose with Hamzah Sarwar: https://businessfightspoverty.org/combining-personal-and-business-purpose-with-hamzah-sarwar/

    35 min
  4. The Power of Participatory Radio with Hannah and Meshack

    21 SEPT

    The Power of Participatory Radio with Hannah and Meshack

    Listen to this podcast conversation to learn about The Power of Participatory Radio. Social Impact Pioneers - Meshack Kitungu Kawinzi and Hannah Davis share how one of the world’s oldest and most trusted communication tools, radio, is being harnessed to change lives and strengthen communities. From the rolling tea fields of Kenya to smallholder farms across Africa, Asia and Latin America, participatory radio is reaching people often left behind in the digital revolution, offering knowledge, voice, and agency in their own languages. Meshack and Hannah have dedicated their careers to amplifying the voices of farmers, women, and workers who are rarely heard, yet who are central to the fight for gender equity, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. Meshack Kawinzi is a visionary educator and health informatics specialist with more than two decades in global development. He has led transformative initiatives such as Farmers’ Voice Radio and HERProject, directly benefiting over half a million smallholder farmers and workers across East Africa. Today, alongside lecturing and policy advocacy, he continues to shape development practice through research, mentoring, and digital innovation. Hannah Davis is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and ethical trade. Over the past 20 years, she has worked with smallholder farmers worldwide—supporting cooperatives, advancing gender justice, and co-creating the Farmers’ Voice Radio methodology at the Lorna Young Foundation. This approach is now used in 15 countries, reaching more than two million farmers with vital, practical knowledge. Together, Meshack and Hannah show us how radio is not just about broadcasting messages—but about handing farmers the microphone. From breaking down gender barriers to sparking community-led solutions, Farmers’ Voice Radio proves that participatory radio is more than a programme: it is a movement of empowerment, resilience, and connection. So whether you are working to engage people on social issues or looking for a dose of inspirational and uplift – this conversation is for you. Links: Meshack Kawinzi bio https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshack-kawinzi-6ab43b65/ Hannah Davis bio https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-davis-472a8628/ Farmers' Voice Radio: https://www.farmersvoiceradio.org/ Farmers' Voice Radio resource hub: https://www.farmersvoiceradio.org/resources Twinings Sourced with Care programme: https://sourcedwithcare.com/ FCDO Work and Opportunities for Women programme: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/work-and-opportunities-for-women WOW/Twinings partnership project summary: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/work-and-opportunities-for-women-programme-project-profile-twinings-partnership/work-and-opportunities-for-women-project-profile-twinings-partnership The HERproject streams mentioned by Meshack have since evolved and expanded into RISE, an international coalition focused on embedding gender equality at scale across global garment, footwear, and home textiles supply chains: https://riseequal.org/ World Radio Alliance: https://www.worldradioalliance.com/ Statistic about listenership comes form 2019 Deloitte report: https://www.deloitte.com/in/en/about/press-room/deloitte-global-tmt-predictions-2019.html And if you enjoyed this conversation, please take a listen to: Why Business Resilience is the New Social Impact, with Nyika Brain: https://businessfightspoverty.org/why-business-resilience-is-the-new-social-impact-with-nyika-brain/

    49 min
  5. The Future of Climate Action: Youth Leadership and Systems Change with Penelope and Hassan

    3 SEPT

    The Future of Climate Action: Youth Leadership and Systems Change with Penelope and Hassan

    In this episode of Social Impact Pioneers, we explore how the next generation is reshaping climate action, social innovation and systems change—not by waiting their turn, but by leading from the front. Meet Social Impact Pioneers: Penelope Gregoriou and Muhammad Hassan Dajana. Penelope and Hassan, both World Economic Forum Global Shaper and members of the Schwab Foundation's Youth and Social Initiative, join this conversation to share insights and experiences from South Africa and Pakistan respectively. Penelope is a sustainability strategist and ESG expert with a sharp focus on climate finance, sustainability reporting and transformative systems change. An alumnus of the UN SDG Innovator programme and a member of the World Benchmarking Alliance, she combines technical rigour with a deep commitment to centring humanity in climate policy. Hassan is a Fulbright Scholar and edtech entrepreneur scaling climate education across Pakistan. His projects—spotlighted by the UN and World Economic Forum—range from planting 10,000+ trees in urban heat zones to pioneering “green masjids” that embed environmental stewardship within religious teaching. His mission is bold: to empower 100 million learners to engage with climate justice. Together, they explore a grassroots leadership that is bold, collaborative and global in its reach. From rethinking how we measure impact to driving climate adaptation through community-led solutions, Penelope and Hassan share practical insights into how young innovators are disrupting silos, bridging sectors, and transforming moral urgency into policy reality. Listeners will discover: • How youth-led climate solutions are scaling from the ground up. • Why grassroots leadership is central to tackling systemic inaction. • How collaboration across business, civil society and government is shaping a more resilient future. If you’re searching for fresh thinking on leadership, collaboration and systems change, this conversation is essential listening. Social Impact Pioneers—where the changemakers of today shape the world of tomorrow. Links: Muhammad Hassan Dajana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassandajana/ Penelope Gregoriou on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penelope-gregoriou/ The Global Shapers Community: globalshapers.org World Economic Forum: Leveraging green, blue and social infrastructure for disaster recovery and preparedness: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/06/leveraging-green-blue-and-social-infrastructure-for-disaster-recovery-and-preparedness/ World Benchmarking Alliance: https://www.worldbenchmarkingalliance.org Clima Synth: https://www.instagram.com/climasynth_/ For Upcoming Updates on Darakht: Sign up here https://darakht.beehiiv.com/ How today's youth are taking the lead in global climate action https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/07/empowering-tomorrows-climate-leaders-how-youth-influence-climate-action/ Puff Recycles https://www.instagram.com/puffcycle.ch?igsh=dHh4YTIzYnk2eTlx Hamara Kachra Hamari Zimadari https://www.instagram.com/hkhk_shaperskhi?igsh=N3ZucGdlZmp0cGdq How collaborative action on smog could cast new light on India-Pakistan relations https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/01/smog-india-pakistan-collaboration/ Plastic Free Pakistan https://www.instagram.com/plastic free pakistan?igsh=azJkamU4bGR4MTQ2 Our Green Blue Rawalpindi. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gmdGmUdsj2eXi_fdFqhvqyWu2pRGWBg1 And if you liked this episode, take a listen to: Business-NGO Partnerships for Social Impact, With Diageo and Care: https://businessfightspoverty.org/business-ngo-partnerships-for-social-impact-with-diageo-and-care/

    46 min
  6. Empowering Social Innovation with Mark Horoszowski & Alam Bains

    30 JUL

    Empowering Social Innovation with Mark Horoszowski & Alam Bains

    Welcome to Social Impact Pioneers, where we spotlight change makers redefining the future of business and society. In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Horoszowski, Co-founder and CEO of MovingWorlds, and Alam Bains, Head of Corporate Programs & Partnerships at MovingWorlds. Together they are empowering social innovation, unlocking the reasons why people might take action, enhancing social entrepreneurs and taking volunteering to another level. Mark and Alam are at the forefront of transforming corporate volunteering into a powerful engine for global impact. MovingWorlds is a global platform helping social enterprises access critical skills and knowledge—while enabling professionals to grow through purpose-driven projects. Through careful matching, two way support is helping to drive personal and social impact. With over $52 million in pro bono support across 110+ countries already given, they’re proving that purpose and profit can go hand in hand. What’s particularly interesting about this conversation is Mark and Alam’s work looking at why people might want to take action or get involved. They share their latest research that looks at designing behaviour-centred interventions – unlocking the understanding from social sciences to scale social innovation. Take a look at the resource links to find out more. Together we explore: • How social enterprises and corporate professionals are co-creating change • Why purpose-driven partnerships outperform transactional giving • What future-ready leadership looks like • How to better understand people to enable behaviour change. Whether you're a business leader seeking to align impact with innovation, a social entrepreneur scaling solutions, or a professional eager to find purpose in your career—this conversation is full of real stories, practical insights, and transformative ideas. Links: Moving Worlds: https://movingworlds.org Moving Worlds and SAP: https://movingworlds.org/partner/sap/ Moving Worlds and their work on the reasons why people volunteer or take action: https://blog.movingworlds.org/5-volunteering-personas-csr/ Moving Worlds’ training programme on behaviour change for impact: https://movingworlds.org/social-sciences-to-scale-social-innovation-dan-ariely-general If you enjoyed this episode, please do take a listen to Financial Inclusion & Women Entrepreneurs with Nguyet and Tanvi: https://businessfightspoverty.org/driving-financial-inclusion-womens-entrepreneurship-with-nguyet-and-tanvi/

    46 min
  7. Reimagining Development Through Business with Stefan Engels

    25 JUL

    Reimagining Development Through Business with Stefan Engels

    From Boardrooms to Base of the Pyramid – Stefan Engels on Reimagining Development Through Business. Meet Stefan Engels, an international development leader with a remarkable cross-sector journey—from corporate boardrooms to grassroots innovation hubs across Africa. Now based in Nairobi, Stefan brings nearly two decades of experience working at the nexus of private sector development, inclusive business models, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Stefan’s career began in the corporate world of pharmaceuticals - with Johnson & Johnson, where he rose from Sales Representative to Regional General Manager over 15 years. But he made a bold pivot—leaving behind corporate predictability to pursue purpose-driven work in international development. His career spans time with UNDP, GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition), and multiple foundations and NGOs across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Vietnam. In this episode, Stefan shares his insights on transitioning from the private sector to global development—navigating cultural shifts, embracing multi-stakeholder partnerships, and building resilient, systemic solutions for complex challenges. We explore the seismic shifts in development aid, the growing role of business in achieving social impact, and the enduring power of inclusive business strategies. Expect to hear: * Why business can (and must) be a force for good * Lessons in systems change and co-creation * The future of development finance and impact measurement * Advice for businesses building social impact into their core model Whether you're a business leader seeking to deepen your social impact strategy, a development practitioner, or simply curious about how capitalism can align with sustainable development goals (SDGs)—you might find this interesting. Listen now and discover how profits can fit poverty and why Africa may just be the future’s innovation lab.

    36 min
  8. Why business resilience is the new social impact, with Nyika Brain

    29 JUN

    Why business resilience is the new social impact, with Nyika Brain

    If you are looking for a bit of purpose-led leadership inspiration and personal development – take a listen. Sustainability and social impact leader Nyika Brain, joins the Social Impact Pioneers podcast to share her experiences in global supply chains, delivering impact through business and explains why resilience is the new social impact and could be the way to navigate CSR and ESG challenges. Born in Malawi and shaped by her experiences across the Global South, Nyika offers a unique, real-world perspective on how business can — and must — be a force for good. From leading ESG at MM Flowers (a major supplier to UK retailers like M&S) to strategic roles at the bank Barclays and the supermarket Waitrose, she brings deep insights into how to embed impact into core business strategy. Nyika is a trustee of The One Foundation and John Lewis Partnership Foundation, and a key voice in the Business Fights Poverty Global Expert Network. Her philosophy? “Social risk is business risk. Managing this risk builds resilience – it’s fundamental to core business and social impact.” In this episode, we explore: 🔹 Why resilience is the most important lens for social impact in 2025 🔹 What businesses often get wrong about supply chain risk — and how to fix it 🔹 The power of genuine partnerships, good governance, and listening to communities 🔹 How to lead through complexity, build coalitions, and make long-term impact stick 🔹 Why personal resilience is essential for every social impact leader Whether you're in ESG, procurement, philanthropy, or just figuring out how to lead with purpose — this episode is packed with practical advice and hard-won wisdom. Nyika’s grounded, global voice is one every purpose-driven professional needs to hear right now. Links: Business Fights Poverty and Five Bridges to take social impact forward: https://businessfightspoverty.org/five-bridges-to-2045-how-business-can-deliver-a-fairer-more-resilient-world/ Business-NGO Partnerships for Social Impact, With Diageo and Care - https://businessfightspoverty.org/business-ngo-partnerships-for-social-impact-with-diageo-and-care/ Business Fights Poverty AI powered social impact data finder: https://businessfightspoverty.org/insight-navigator/

    29 min
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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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    217
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Social Impact Pioneers