Pathways to Zero Barriers Episode: The mindset of scaling internationally with Małgorzata Grobelna What does it take to scale disability innovation across borders—and what mindset makes international growth possible? In this episode of Pathways to Zero Barriers, host Tom Butcher speaks with Małgorzata “Margaret” Grobelna, Programme Manager at Zero Project, about what it truly means to scale disability innovation internationally. Drawing on her experience leading the Scaling Solutions Programme, Małgorzata explains why scaling should be understood not simply as organizational growth, but as the deliberate replication and adaptation of impactful solutions across regions and countries. Reflecting on lessons from Zero Project Scaling Solutions Fellows around the world, Margaret outlines the foundations of successful scaling: developing a clear roadmap, selecting the right markets, designing pilots, building strong local partnerships, and remaining flexible when circumstances change. She emphasizes that innovators should avoid perfectionism, resist hyper-focusing on details, and instead cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from failure. The conversation also highlights the importance of co-designing solutions with persons with disabilities from the outset and ensuring that lived experience remains central throughout the scaling journey. Małgorzata also explores how AI can support scaling: from matchmaking with strategic partners to translation, market research, contextual analysis, and even acting as a strategic brainstorming partner. Her call to action is clear: the world does not lack solutions for persons with disabilities, but it lacks the ambition and systems needed to scale those solutions globally, so they are available to a wider audience. In this episode: • Scaling internationally through strategy, partnerships, and local adaptation • Co-designing with persons with disabilities and building continuous feedback loops • Using AI as a practical tool for research, matchmaking, and strategic planning Resources & Links 🔗 Programme website: scaling-solutions.zeroproject.org 📄 Transcript ✅ Key Takeaways Checklist 🌐 Guest: Małgorzata Grobelna Małgorzata Grobelna | LinkedIn / Zero Project 📩 Contact: scaling-solutions@zeroproject.org Brought to you by The Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, GIZ on behalf of BMZ, and Access to Success. Credits Host: Thomas Butcher Production: Małgorzata Grobelna, Alessandro Gobello, and Judith Hermetter Audio Engineering: Antina Zlatkova / Mediengarten
