The Wharton Impact Podcast

The Wharton Social Impact Club
  • 5.0 (4)
  • EDUCATION
The Wharton Impact Podcast

Welcome to The Wharton Impact Podcast hosted by The Wharton Social Impact Club. Each episode, we will bring you stories and insights from industry leaders, Wharton fellows, and changemakers who are driving positive change in their sectors and around the world. Join us as we delve into the ways that how businesses can create meaningful impact and how we can all be part of the solution. Together, let's learn and grow as we strive to make this world a better place.

  1. Dream Big, Lead Boldly: Lessons from Dr. Utaukwa Allen

    4D AGO

    Dream Big, Lead Boldly: Lessons from Dr. Utaukwa Allen

    How do you transition from a career in law to shaping global economic development at one of the world’s biggest tech companies? In this episode of the Wharton Impact Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Utaukwa Allen, Global Head of Economic and Community Development for Data Centers at Google. Dr. Allen shares her journey from corporate law to international development, her passion for driving sustainable and inclusive growth, and the leadership principles that have guided her across roles at Google, Microsoft, and Kyndryl. Tune in as we explore the intersection of business, technology, and social impact—and the bold steps it takes to create meaningful change.

    30 min
  2. Redefining Education: Driving Social Impact Through Innovation with Jay Bakhru

    JAN 27

    Redefining Education: Driving Social Impact Through Innovation with Jay Bakhru

    On this episode, we’re diving into the world of education innovation with Jay Bakhru, founding partner of EdSolutions. From leading groundbreaking initiatives at the intersection of education markets, innovation, and social impact to improving outcomes for underserved students, Jay is on a mission to transform how we think about education. With a career spanning roles as a middle school teacher, CEO of an EdTech company, marketing executive at Citigroup, and strategy consultant at Deloitte, Jay brings unparalleled expertise to the table. Beyond EdSolutions, he’s a powerhouse in the education ecosystem—chairing the Wharton Education Network, advising and investing in EdTech companies, and shaping the next wave of education entrepreneurship through his work with Penn GSE and contributions to EdSurge and Forbes.

    40 min
  3. Caroline Bressan

    11/04/2024

    Caroline Bressan

    In this episode of the Wharton Social Impact Podcast, we are joined by Caroline Bressan, CEO of Open Road, a bridge lender for mission-driven companies, funds, and projects that accelerate climate solutions or reduce inequality. Previously, she was an Investment Principal at D. Capital, the investment advisory arm of Dalberg, focusing on impact investments in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in energy and agriculture, and designing innovative financing mechanisms like impact bonds and social impact insurance. Earlier in her career at Calvert Foundation, Caroline managed a $20 million portfolio in Latin America, designed and launched its first revolving line of credit, and helped launch the international component of the Women Investing in Women Initiative. Join us as we speak about everything from impact investing in emerging markets to internship opportunities for MBA students breaking into the social sector.

    32 min
  4. Growing Impactfully: Insights from Kristin Sadler, Platform & Impact Lead at Quona

    10/23/2024

    Growing Impactfully: Insights from Kristin Sadler, Platform & Impact Lead at Quona

    In this episode of the Wharton Impact Podcast, we are joined by Kristin Sadler, Manager of Platform & Impact at Quona. Kristin leads the firm's impact measurement and management strategy, including how the firm defines, measures, and reports on the impact of its portfolio. She also heads Quona's platform strategy, which is focused on adding value to the firm's portfolio leaders through fintech programming and community building. Prior to Quona, Kristin worked with Techstars’ inaugural impact-focused accelerator program and InterAction, an association of almost 200 non-profit organizations working in international development. Join us as we speak about everything from impact measurement to the latest fintech developments in emerging markets.

    40 min
  5. Redefining Finance: Caroline Hill, Senior Director of Global Policy & Regulatory Strategy at Circle

    09/03/2024

    Redefining Finance: Caroline Hill, Senior Director of Global Policy & Regulatory Strategy at Circle

    In this episode of the Wharton Impact Podcast, we are joined by Caroline Hill, Senior Director of Global Policy and Regulatory Strategy at Circle. Before joining Circle, she led the U.S. Treasury Department's efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing in Latin America and Africa, focusing on digital assets and financial technology. Caroline has also served as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing and the U.S. President to the Financial Action Task Force. Prior to Treasury, she worked both at Deloitte Consulting, conducting financial investigations for public sector clients, and the State Department Office of Iraq Affairs. Join us as we speak about everything from working in the public vs private sector to the social potential of blockchain technology.

    25 min
  6. Local Insights, Global Mission: Katie Fitzgerald, President & CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities

    04/22/2024

    Local Insights, Global Mission: Katie Fitzgerald, President & CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities

    In this episode of Wharton Impact Podcast, we talk to Katie Fitzgerald, the Global President & CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Katie shares her journey in social impact and the community-driven origin story of RMHC. She emphasizes the charity’s global mission and the power of local insights for worldwide innovation. Katie also talks about leadership in a complex, global network, advocating for thoughtful questions and deep relationship-building.

    47 min
  7. Climate, Health and Equity: Elizabeth Baca, MD, MPA, Managing Director at Deloitte

    04/10/2024

    Climate, Health and Equity: Elizabeth Baca, MD, MPA, Managing Director at Deloitte

    In this episode, Shaurya Malhotra (Co-President, Wharton Social Impact Club) and Genevieve Silva (Wharton Sustainable Business Club) co-host Dr. Elizabeth Baca, a clinician strategist at Deloitte who puts equity and sustainability in the center of all she does around innovation in health care. Together, we discuss the intersection of healthcare, environment and socio-economic development, the role of systems thinking in healthcare and how this space will be influenced by AI in the coming decade.

    28 min
  8. Purpose AND Profit. How a corporate focus on social impact enhances financial returns: Bruce Simpson

    02/28/2024

    Purpose AND Profit. How a corporate focus on social impact enhances financial returns: Bruce Simpson

    In this episode of the Wharton Impact Podcast, we engage with Bruce Simpson, a Wharton/Lauder Grad (G ‘86, WG ‘86) and an international leader in business and philanthropy, with a 40 year career delivering shareholder returns through sustainability and ESG. Bruce is now a General Partner at AgeTech Capital, which tackles the growing societal and economic challenges of fast growing aging demographics. He is raising a $250m fund to scale tech solutions that deliver healthier, wealthier and more fulfilling aging across 4 verticals: financial security, aging at home, caregiver support, and health/lifestyle. He is also a mentor to leading startup incubators including the Creative Destruction Lab, and advises distinctive startups delivering business upside through sustainability solutions. Previously, Bruce led McKinsey’s ESG/Purpose practice globally, helping private sector companies match their core skills with major societal needs and develop new strategies, products and services which are truly beneficial to the planet and society, while delivering substantial shareholder returns. Bruce is also global Vice Chair of Human Rights Watch, and engaged in several other NGO’s. Join us as we speak about everything from stakeholder capitalism in the largest companies to entrepreneurship in the social impact space, and Bruce’s recent focus on longevity tech.

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Wharton Impact Podcast hosted by The Wharton Social Impact Club. Each episode, we will bring you stories and insights from industry leaders, Wharton fellows, and changemakers who are driving positive change in their sectors and around the world. Join us as we delve into the ways that how businesses can create meaningful impact and how we can all be part of the solution. Together, let's learn and grow as we strive to make this world a better place.

Information

  • Creator
    The Wharton Social Impact Club
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Wharton Impact Podcast

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