43 episodes

The middle Road - a global thought leader platform enabling social change and impact with a focus on Media & EdTech. The startup blends publications, podcasts, videos, and online learning for educating and promoting themes within the international development sector, finance, economics, science & technology, art, culture, and well-being.

The middle Road The middle Road

    • Society & Culture

The middle Road - a global thought leader platform enabling social change and impact with a focus on Media & EdTech. The startup blends publications, podcasts, videos, and online learning for educating and promoting themes within the international development sector, finance, economics, science & technology, art, culture, and well-being.

    Episode 41: The middle Road Sandeep Rai & Mohammad Shoeb enabling K12 education within India

    Episode 41: The middle Road Sandeep Rai & Mohammad Shoeb enabling K12 education within India

    Today, I (Nishant Malhotra) welcome Sandeep Rai, CEO & Founder of The Circle India, and Sayed Mohammad Shoeb, Founder & Project Head of The Panaah Communities, for an insightful discussion about their impactful work in the education sector.
    A brief introduction:Sandeep Rai - An alumnus of Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, Sandeep has worn multiple hats within the global development sector, serving in leadership roles at Teach For India, where he currently serves on the advisory board. He is the author of the book 'Grey Sunshine,' which explores the existential education crisis in India. The Circle India, founded by Sandeep, is revolutionizing the country's education system with best-in-class pedagogy, preparing less privileged students for the future.
    Sayed Mohammad Shoeb - A chemical engineer turned educator and social entrepreneur, Sayed has over 7 years of experience transforming educational outcomes in underserved communities. As the founder and project head of The Panaah Communities, his work focuses on providing quality learning through community mobilization, parental literacy, and employability skill-building.
    Welcome, Sandeep and Shoeb. I look forward to our meaningful conversation about your impactful work. Let's begin with Sandeep's initiatives at The Circle India.
    Sandeep, your journey in the global development sector, culminating in your book 'Grey Sunshine,' has been remarkable. The book delves into the existential education crisis in India, where, according to a 2019 UNICEF report, around 30 percent of students drop out before reaching upper primary levels (Grade 8). UNESCO's data further reveals that India has over 6 million children aged 6-13 who are out of school, accounting for a quarter of the global out-of-school population in that age group.
    Could you share what prompted your journey from Columbia to Teach For India and ultimately inspired you to author this eye-opening book?
    While India has made remarkable progress in reducing extreme poverty to less than 3 percent in 2022, as per the World Bank Poverty Clock, millions still live on less than $6.85 per day, the benchmark for upper-middle-income countries. The Circle India strives to bridge this educational gap by providing quality K-12 education to underprivileged students nationwide. I am keen to learn more about your impactful undertakings and the pathways you are addressing to drive this transformative change.
    You are building a community focused on educating and uplifting underprivileged sections of society, including establishing after-school training centres and empowering teachers. Could you elaborate on the initiatives and approaches you have adopted to create a sustainable educational ecosystem?
    Sandeep, your book 'Grey Sunshine' sheds light on the existential education crisis in India. According to UNICEF, around 30 percent of students drop out before reaching upper primary levels, and UNESCO data reveals that over 6 million children aged 6-13 are out of school, accounting for a quarter of the global out-of-school population in that age group.
    ➢ Share with audience what prompted your journey from Columbia to Teach For India and ultimately inspired you to author this thought-provoking book.
    Inequality remains one of the biggest drivers of poverty and social discontent globally. According to the World Bank, nearly 700 million people worldwide live in extreme poverty, earning less than $2.15 per day. Additionally, almost half of the world's population subsists on less than $6.85 per day – the measure used for upper-middle-income countries. While India has made remarkable progress in reducing extreme poverty to less than 3 percent in 2022, as per the World Bank Poverty Clock, millions still remain below the poverty line, especially when measured against the $6.85 per day benchmark. The Circle India is striving to bridge this educational gap by providing quality K-12 education to underprivileged st

    • 1 hr
    Episode 40 : The middle Road - A Discussion with Dr. Sathyeshwar Subbakrishna

    Episode 40 : The middle Road - A Discussion with Dr. Sathyeshwar Subbakrishna

    Nishant Malhotra interviews Dr. Sathyeshwar Subbakrishna, Principal of Jyothy Institute of Commerce and Management. The Middle Road briefly interacted with the institute for the paid inaugural roll-out of the corporate subscription package. The interview follows the "Jobs to Be Done" methodology and uncovers the utility desired by the academic institute. In this thrilling conversation,  Dr. Sathyeshwar shares his experience with Middle Road, an online educational platform. As the Principal of the Institute of Commerce and Management, he discusses how his institution integrates Middle Road to better align with its educational objectives and ultimate aspirations. The conversation reveals how Middle Road, with its targeted course offering, meets the unique needs of commerce and management students, providing the much-needed solution to enhance their learning capabilities.
    Examining the pedagogical gap experienced by students in accessing online platforms, the conversation underscores the potential of Middle Road in delivering specialized, affordable, and high-value courses. A major highlight is the discussion around students' career progression and Middle Road's potential role as a 'finishing school'- bridging the gap between academic learning and practical job-sensitive skills.
     Dr. Sathyeshwar's frank, insightful perspective showcases the effectiveness of Middle Road not just as an online course platform, but a significant partner in revolutionizing commerce and management education. Tune into this inspiring conversation to explore the intersection of commerce and education, and the transformative role of digital learning platforms like Middle Road.

    • 14 min
    Episode 39: The middle Road Innovations in Green Energy, Climate Action & Finance - An Interview with Peter Fusaro

    Episode 39: The middle Road Innovations in Green Energy, Climate Action & Finance - An Interview with Peter Fusaro

    In this episode of The Middle Road, host Nishant Malhotra talks with Peter Fusaro, a renowned leader in green energy and environmental finance. The conversation offers a deep insight into the evolving landscape of sustainable finance and the transition to green energy. Fusaro, with his extensive experience in clean tech startups, discusses the vital role of innovative financial solutions like impact and catastrophic bonds in contributing to global development.The episode explores the transformative potential of microgrid projects in providing electricity to billions and facilitating resilience against catastrophic events. Peter underlines the critical role of energy storage in empowering renewable energy sources and talks about new technologies in the Advanced Battery field. The critical spots in decarbonizing the global economy, such as the hydrogen industry and sustainable agriculture, are also highlighted.The dialogue delves into future prospects of sustainable practices worldwide, like reforestation, agroforestry, sustainable fishing, and vertical farming. In the backdrop of climate change, the need for adaptation and innovation in energy, food, and water sectors is emphasized. Discussing the emerging significance of impact investing, the conversation highlights the role of venture capital, sovereign wealth funds, startups.The talk concludes with the importance of measuring carbon footprints and reducing them and a vibrant discussion on the prospects of the carbon credits market. This episode provides listeners an inside look into the sustainable initiatives globally, including carbon markets, sustainable finance, and green technology. The role of public-private partnerships in driving innovative solutions to address climate change issues gets a notable mention.Exploration of alternative sustainable energy sources like hydrogen, prospects in the mobility and transportation space, and the lack of standardization and benchmarking in sustainable finance are some of the many points discussed. The vision for a greener future where clean energy, education, and water are accessible to all closes the conversation on a hopeful note. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide to the potential of green energy and environmental finance globally.

    • 54 min
    Episode 38: Nishant Malhotra chats with Kavita Tiwari on the Impact Bonds Online Course

    Episode 38: Nishant Malhotra chats with Kavita Tiwari on the Impact Bonds Online Course

    Nishant Malhotra, Solo Founder, The middle Road platform | Middle Road OPC Pvt Ltd, discusses with Kavita Tiwari feedback about the Impact Bonds Unveiled: Mastering Innovative Social Financing online course. The interview follows the Jobs To Be Done Framework. 
    Kavita gives a comprehensive feedback of the impact bonds online course on The middle Road. Check out the online courses on The middle Road here.  
     

    • 23 min
    Introduction to The middle Road Kusum Social Impact Award

    Introduction to The middle Road Kusum Social Impact Award

    Hello Everyone,
     
    I hope you're all doing well. I'm Nishant Malhotra, the Solo Founder & CEO of Middle Road OPC Pvt Ltd – The middle Road platform, which focuses on upskilling in the social impact sector. While my startup is a for-profit organization, The middle Road is deeply committed to driving sustainable social impact on a global scale. Learn more at www.themiddleroad.org. Now, I'm excited to introduce the inaugural Kusum Social Impact Awards from The middle Road. 
    ----more----First and foremost, I'm thrilled to announce that The Center for Theory of Change is sponsoring the Kusum Social Impact Awards. This partnership marks a significant milestone in my organization’s journey, and I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Helene Clark for her generous support. Dr. Helene was a podcast guest and discussed the Theory of Change framework, as well as promoted her organization's theory of change online course through advertising on The middle Road. These awards are a remarkable initiative, and it's an honor to be associated with The Center for Theory of Change for these awards.
    The middle Road warmly welcomes nominations from diverse individuals and entities worldwide for this prestigious award. The goal is to cast a wide net, ensuring that this recognition reflects the global tapestry of individuals and initiatives making a difference. Anyone can apply for this award if they can showcase how their work is enabling social change and impact within society. While I prefer applicants from the international development sector, this award provides an excellent opportunity to articulate the importance of your work and why you deserve to be a winner. The middle Road will award a nominal amount total of $70 to the winner/s. In the case of multiple winners, the prize money (likely transfer through PayPal for international winner/s) will be divided equally among them. The winner/s will be interviewed and featured in videos and podcasts, which will be shared globally through my startup's social media channels, community groups, and newsletter. This offers a fantastic opportunity for global outreach, as the podcasts are uploaded on platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, etc. My startup has various social media followers in excess of 2400.
    While I appreciate the contributions of experienced professionals in the global development sector, it's important to note that this award is inclusive and open to all fields and professions. The middle Road enthusiastically encourages nominations from various sectors, including corporate, entrepreneurial, and humanitarian realms. I wholeheartedly invite artists representing various themes to apply, recognizing that art, culture, and well-being are at the core of our startup's ethos. Nominees have the opportunity to showcase how their work catalyzes social change and has a universal impact. This can manifest through efforts to uplift underprivileged segments of society or by contributing to humanitarian causes. Individuals who breathe life into the world of creativity are equally encouraged to participate. To apply for the award, please use the link mention in the read.
    Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed to determine the final winner/s for this award. Thank you once again for watching this video, and I urge you to apply and become part of a community dedicated to enhancing society's well-being.
     

    • 4 min
    Episode 37: The middle Road with Kinsley Godwin on Impact Investing in Nigeria

    Episode 37: The middle Road with Kinsley Godwin on Impact Investing in Nigeria

    Welcome to The middle Road podcast where Nishant Malhotra your host dives deep into the stories and experiences of individuals who are shaping a brighter future through their work in impact investing and social innovation. I'm your host, Nishant Malhotra, and today, I have a remarkable guest whose journeyembodies the spirit of positive change and innovation. Kingsley Godwin is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience across diverse sectors, from development to blockchain, and he's been at the forefront of driving impact on both local and global scales. Tune into this podcast as I uncover howKingsley, as a Country Ambassador at Impact Market Nigeria and Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN), is not just participating in change but driving it. His journey serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for those who aspire to create positive change in Africa and beyond. So, if you're curious about the intersection of finance and socialgood, and if you believe in the immense potential of Africa to lead the way in impact investing, you're in the right place.
    Get ready for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation that promises to unveil the true essence of impact investing in Africa.
     
    Check out The middle Road cart here. 
    Hello Kingsley welcome to the podcast show.
    Let’s begin with a Global Impact Investing Overview before I dive into impact investing in Africa.
     
    Apply for The middle Road Kusum Social Impact Awards here. 
    According to a GIIN report titled “Sizing the Impact Investing Market 2022” supported by Nuveen, the global champion of impact investing, the worldwide market size of impact investing stood at $1.164 trillion. This is figure of direct invested AUM (Asset Under Management) reported as of December2021. Keep in mind, this analysis includes Green Bonds and other specialised bond issuance.
    Kindly refer to the report for more details. For this report GIIN’s research team rigorously screened and analysed data from over 3,000 public and private market asset owners and managers screening is based on their criteria. However, only 2 percent of the impact investing AUM is allocated to Middle East and North Africa and 1percent to the sub-Saharan Africa. 1 This is to share a holistic perspective on the present state of impact investing in Africa.
    ✓ Let’s begin with your work experience. You have a very varied and diverse experience within the social impact sector in Africa. How did your work shape your interest in impact investing example as a Regional Program Officer at the West Africa Civil Society Forum (WACSOF).
    Howdid this build your interest and your approach for impact investing sector?
    ✓ How do you perceive the stage of impact investing in Nigeria and its impact within the development sector compared to other countries in Africa example Kenya or other regions example commonwealth nations globally? Speak about the limitations you perceive example low impact driven investment within the region and how to enhance the inclusion through impact investing.
    ✓ Impact Market uses a community driven model to crowd source for generating capital for your members. As a Country Ambassador at Impact Market Nigeria, speak about how web3 drives financial solutions keeping in mind blockchain especially among the underprivileged section of the society?
    o Also, how it differs from competitors example Kiva platform?
     You are test marketing your product in microcredit in Uganda and Brazil. Do share the similarities and differences between consumers in both these countries?
    Finally, kindly share a Aha moment that you want to share with the audience that brings happiness to you.
    I thank you for sharing time and speaking with me. Keep in touch.
    References:1. Sizing the Impact Investing Market 2022 by GIINImpactMarket.com

    • 49 min

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