Storytelling For Social Impact

Ravinol Chambers

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Storytelling For Social Impact gives you expert insights and practical tools to help you break through the noise and avoid common pitfalls with your storytelling, creating a greater impact as a result.

FEB 1

E15 The Alchemy of Storytelling: Reframing Risk as Opportunity in Innovative Finance with Rafia Qureshi

In this episode, host Ravinol Chambers engages in a compelling discussion with Rafia Qureshi, who shares her journey from venture capital to social impact investing. They reminisce about their shared history and delve into the dynamics of philanthropy, innovative finance, and gender equality in the context of global challenges. Rafia shares her passion for gender equality rooted in her personal experiences in Pakistan. The conversation underscores the transformative potential of storytelling in shifting perceptions of risk, bridging capital silos, and catalysing systemic change. Key themes include the necessity of collaborative capital, the importance of redefining risk in philanthropy, and the role of narratives in making complex issues relatable and investible. 00:00 Introduction and Reconnecting 00:39 Journey into Social Impact 02:16 The Shift to Corporate Philanthropy 05:16 Personal Connection to Gender Equality 07:52 Global Upbringing and Career Path 10:15 The Power of Storytelling in Philanthropy 15:09 Women in Social Impact and Climate Change 20:44 Rewriting Narratives in Global Finance 27:45 The Evolution of Philanthropy 28:27 The Power of Storytelling in Investment 29:08 Water Equity: A Success Story 29:58 Show and Tell: Building Trust 33:17 The Role of Narratives in Unlocking Capital 41:28 Embracing Failure in the Social Sector 48:30 The Importance of Storytelling Across Organisations 52:17 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections Lebec - Mainstreaming Innovative FinanceRafia's Linkedin profileBe Inspired Films - Purpose Driven Video Production AgencyRavinol's Linkedin profile

51 min
JAN 4

E14: The Contrarian's Guide to Social Impact: Liam Black's Journey

In this insightful episode of the Storytelling for Social Impact Podcast, host Ravinol delves into the power and nuances of storytelling in driving social change. Guest Liam Black, a seasoned social entrepreneur, shares his journey and the lessons learned from scaling Furniture Resource Center (FRC) into a profitable social enterprise, to now sitting on boards to share his experience, and mentoring others for success. Discussion topics include the importance of financial sustainability for impact-driven businesses, avoiding groupthink, the significance of authenticity in storytelling, and how to craft compelling narratives for diverse stakeholders, including investors, customers, and employees. Liam also sheds light on the evolving landscape of social enterprises, the rise of the B Corporation movement, and the importance of addressing inequality. Tune in to discover practical advice on leveraging storytelling to make meaningful societal impacts and hear personal anecdotes that highlight the trials and triumphs of purposeful entrepreneurship. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:36 Guest Introduction: Liam Black 01:17 The Power of Storytelling in Business 01:39 Catching Up with Liam 03:07 Liam's Journey in Social Enterprise 09:44 The Importance of Profit in Social Enterprises 17:29 The Cat's Pajamas Initiative 23:04 Challenges and Realities of Social Enterprises 32:29 The Role of Storytelling in Social Impact 33:14 Memorable Campaigns and Stories 35:14 The Power of Personal Storytelling 37:24 Phases of Life and Career 39:49 Authenticity in Storytelling 48:31 Challenges running a Social Enterprise 58:21 Liam's challenge to us all to think about our own impact story 01:00:58 Closing Remarks and Call to Action Ravinol's Linkedin profileBe Inspired Films Purpose Driven Video Production Agency Liam's Linkedin profileBarnardo's TV Advert - Excellent advert which never got televised due to the swearing. But it brilliantly captures the essence of their work.

56 min
12/07/2025

EP13: Beyond the Hook: Building Places of Belonging with Ala Ho

In this episode of the Storytelling for Social Impact Podcast, host Ravinol Chambers sits down with Ala Ho, founder of design agency And Human, for a thoughtful, wide-ranging discussion about integrating the human touch into brand storytelling amidst the rise of AI or whatever new tech comes along. Ala shares insights into successful and unsuccessful campaigns, including American Eagle and Kit Kat, highlighting the importance of brands knowing what they stand for in the face of criticism and learning to spot cultural trends in the sales data. They also delve into the intricacies of marketing tactics, short vs. long-form content and discuss the power of brands to create meaningful connections and foster community. The conversation wraps up with practical advice for organisations on creating spaces that facilitate genuine belonging. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:37 Guest Introduction: Ala Ho and And Human 00:53 The Importance of Human Element in Branding 01:59 Discussion on Cities and Homelessness 03:49 Branding and Personal Belonging 08:02 Short Form vs. Long Form Content 14:04 Polarization and Social Media 19:03 Brands and Sustainable Development Goals 20:53 Eras of Marketing and Branding 26:01 Campaigns: Successes and Failures 28:36 The Fear of Cancel Culture 29:45 Brand Authenticity and Credibility 30:41 The Wildfire of Outrage in Internet Content 31:58 The Reality Behind Social Media 35:46 The Importance of Email Lists 37:17 The Human Touch in Marketing 39:02 AI & Personalisation in Communication 42:18 Effective Messaging for NGOs 48:26 Creating Meaningful Brand Connections 51:35 Parting Nuggets and Final Thoughts American Eagle: Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans - Ala references this advert created by American Eagle, and the controversy surrounding it. In particular, what was interesting was how they responded confident in their own values.The reason KitKat took off in Japan - Ala references this interesting trend Kitkat noticed in their sales data that led KitKats to become the most popular good luck symbol for students taking big exams.Be Inspired Films website - We help organisations communicate clearly so people notice them, understand them and choose them, using our Impact Storytelling System™. We define your core story and link it to your strategy. We train your people to tell that story clearly and consistently across every channel. We create cinematic content that helps you win the moments that matter.Ravinol Chambers on Linkedin - I help purpose-led organisations use video to win the moments that matter across purpose, recruitment, growth, culture, events & impact. | Monk-turned-Moviemaker | Award Winning Founder | Certified B Corp 2015 |andhüman | Home - We build brands people can't stop talking about — using the BelongingOSTM to unite strategy, identity, and experience into growth systems that spark connection, loyalty and advocacy.Ala Ho on Linkedin - Founder of andhuman | Building brands people can’t stop talking about | Polymath advocate | Lecturer

59 min
11/02/2025

EP12: Lighting Up Africa: Richard Turner's Journey with Solar Aid

12 EP12: Lighting Up Africa: Richard Turner's Journey with Solar Aid In this episode of the Storytelling for Social Impact Podcast, Ravinol delves into the significance of storytelling in amplifying social impact. Guest, Richard Turner, Fundraising Director at Solar-Aid, shares insights from his extensive experience in renewable energy fundraising. Richard shares Solar-Aid's mission to provide sustainable energy to every household in Africa, their innovative market-catalysing strategies, and the importance of adapting narratives to different stakeholders. The episode highlights a landmark achievement in Malawi and explores the six-step approach to effective renewable fundraising, emphasising the power of enabling others to tell your story. Be Inspired Films - Purpose Driven Video Agency - Helping purpose-driven organisations turn video storytelling into measurable results through their Impact™ Storytelling System. Build Trust. Drive Growth. Create Impact Strategy consultancy Storytelling & video training Cinematic multi-channel content creationToday, 100% of Kasakula is connected to solar | SolarAid - SolarAid has successfully provided solar lamps to every home in the Kasakula community in Malawi through its "Light a Village" program, which began on August 26, 2025. This initiative, which included 8,813 households, schools, and a health clinic, uses an Energy-as-a-Service model where families pay a small daily fee for solar systems with maintenance included. The program aims to demonstrate that universal energy access is achievable and to strengthen local capacity by training local agents for installation and maintenance. Sticky Marketing book by Grant Leboff - Richard mentions Grant Leboff's book as an early inspiration for the emphasis they put on enabling others to tell your story for you at Solar Aid. 00:00 Introduction 00:37 Meet Richard Turner: CEO of Solar Aid 01:13 The Mission of Solar Aid 02:40 Challenges and Solutions in Renewable Energy 03:24 The Role of Philanthropy in Solar Aid's Success 05:09 Achieving 100% Energy Access in Malawi 06:52 The Broader Impact of Solar Energy 09:08 Sustainable Business Models for Solar Energy 11:07 Innovative Approaches to Solar Energy Distribution 21:44 Celebrating Milestones and Future Goals 23:29 Sponsor Message: Be Inspired Films 27:23 The Economic Model of Solar Aid 35:35 The Importance of Solar Energy in Africa 36:36 Challenges and Barriers to Solar Projects 37:39 Sustainable Business Models for Solar Solutions 38:35 Fundraising Strategies and Insights 39:51 The Role of Individual Philanthropists 41:06 Scaling Up Solar Projects 42:32 The Power of Storytelling in Fundraising 46:42 Renewable Fundraising Approach 56:04 Understanding and Engaging Your Audience 01:06:09 Future Vision and Expansion Plans 01:09:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

1h 11m
10/05/2025

EP11: Why Story Wins Capital with Audrey Selian

The best story wins the capital. In this episode of The Storytelling for Social Impact Podcast, Ravinol speaks with Audrey Selian, an experienced impact investor and connector for good. Audrey shares her journey from corporate America into impact investing, the importance of storytelling in securing finance and the nuances of investing in developing regions like India. Audrey also delves into her personal background, sharing how her Armenian heritage has influenced her approach to impact investing, and discusses various systemic challenges and potential solutions in the field of social impact finance. Audrey Selian on Linkedin Impact for Breakfast meetings Artha Impact 00:00 Introduction 01:51 Audrey Selian's Early Career 05:01 Graduate School and Shift to Impact Work 09:40 Navigating the Impact Investment Space 18:17 Cultural Influences and Sensitivity in Impact Work 29:48 Reflecting on Corporate Storytelling Gone Wrong 30:19 Challenges in Impact Investment 31:19 The Success Story of Ajaita Shah and Frontier Markets 33:43 The Role of AI in Marketing 34:35 The Importance of Effective Storytelling 35:29 Navigating the Competitive Funding Landscape 39:04 The Fragmented Nature of Impact Finance 40:16 Choosing an SDG: Personal Reflections 41:08 The Critical Role of Partnerships 46:03 The Need for Leadership and Collaboration 54:39 Balancing Disruption and Tradition 59:35 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

1h 2m
09/07/2025

EP10: Future-Proofing Fundraising: Insights on AI and Storytelling with Howard Lake

In Season 2 of the 'Storytelling for Social Impact' podcast, we delve into impactful storytelling techniques to drive social change. This episode features an insightful conversation with Howard Lake, a pioneer in the fundraising space with a career spanning over 40 years. We discuss the role of emotion in impactful storytelling, the balance between professional and emotional communication, and the evolving landscape of digital and AI tools in the nonprofit sector. Howard shares his experiences from pioneering digital fundraising to exploring AI's potential in today’s social impact initiatives, emphasising the importance of alignment, curiosity, and authentic narratives. 00:00 Introduction to Season Two 01:26 Meet Howard Lake: A Fundraising Pioneer 03:51 Howard's Early Career and Innovations 10:41 The Role of Emotion in Fundraising 16:22 Challenges and Changes in the Charity Sector 20:41 The Importance of Board Buy-In 26:31 Memorable Campaigns that stood out 28:07 The Power of 'Save Everyone' 28:41 Human Cost and Unexpected Stories 29:18 Making Others the Hero 31:02 The Importance of Storytelling in Charities 31:46 External Support and Fresh Perspectives 37:43 Challenges and Mental Health in Fundraising 47:56 The Role of AI in Fundraising 55:35 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Follow the podcast for new episodes and leave a review to keep us going Claire House [home of the story about Jack]Giving X Ltd | LinkedInGiving X Ltd - LinkedinFundraising.AI - Building a Responsible and Beneficial AI Community for Fundraising - Check out the future of fundraisingHoward Lake - Linkedin - Get in touch with HowardRevolutionise research - Leading source of fundraising researchGreat Fundraising Organizations [book] - Howard mentions this book by Alan Clayton a few times as a great resource

57 min
05/04/2025 · BONUS

Season One Was Just the Start – Leave a Review to Help Us Grow

Hi listeners, I hope you are enjoying the lovely sunshine we have been blessed with and are appreciating the flowers in bloom in this lovely spring season. We are taking a break after season one until September, but we have a small favour to ask you. If you have been enjoying the podcast please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, it is very encouraging for us to hear your thoughts and also helps us to grow the podcast. We are currently planning season two, please share any ideas or topics you have for us to cover and any great guests we should have on. Until we see you next in September, have a wonderful summer! Oh and to ake sure you know when we publish next, make sure you follow the show on your podcast platform.

2 min
04/06/2025

E8: Relationship-Driven Impact: Building Communities and Connections with Vinay Parmar

Storytelling For Social Impact 8 E8: Relationship-Driven Impact: Building Communities and Connections with Vinay Parmar In this episode of the Storytelling for Social Impact podcast, we welcome Vinay Palmer, a globally recognised thought leader in customer experience, to discuss the critical elements of fostering meaningful relationships between organisations and their customers. Vinay and our host Ravinol Chambers delve into topics such as the evolving role of AI, the importance of consistency, and the principle of serving customers with genuine care. Vinay shares personal anecdotes and professional insights, emphasising the value of trust, collaboration, and proactive communication. The conversation extends to community dynamics, examining how modern changes impact traditional structures and the importance of maintaining social cohesion. Practical tips for improving customer service and community engagement are shared, making this episode a comprehensive guide for organisations looking to build lasting connections with their customers. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:36 Reconnecting with Vinay Palmer 01:37 The Importance of Community and Relationships 04:32 AI and Technology in Customer Experience 07:10 Consistency and Customer Loyalty 10:30 Designing a Seamless Customer Journey 19:09 Building Trust and Authenticity 29:12 Leadership and Customer-Centric Culture 30:26 The Power of Customer Stories 33:55 Empowerment in Organisations 37:54 Community and Changing Dynamics 43:52 Faith, Tradition, and Personal Growth 51:35 Building Trust and Long-Term Relationships 59:33 A Touching Personal Story from Vinay to Conclude Vinay Parmar With over 30 years of hands-on expertise, Vinay has seen firsthand how unforgettable customer interactions can transform businesses and organisations from the inside out. He is an international speaker and trains organisations to turn everyday interactions into lasting, meaningful experiences that drive loyalty and growth. Vinay has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands, from National Express to Audi UK, and he knows that the secret to long lasting relationships is creating connection and community. Vinay's Website

1h 1m

TRAILER

Storytelling for Social Impact - Trailer

Welcome everyone to my new podcast, Storytelling for Social Impact. If you are a purpose-driven leader, change maker, educator, investor, or entrepreneur, I invite you and your friends and colleagues to join me on the first Sunday of every month. I'll be diving into the science and emotion of storytelling, focusing specifically on social impact. M guests and I will be sharing the common pitfalls to avoid so you don't spend lots of time and money on marketing that just doesn't work. We'll also be sharing practical tools and strategies with you to help you cut through the noise, be bolder with your storytelling and unleash your creativity with confidence. The podcast has been designed as a monthly source of inspiration to keep you going despite the various challenges you face so that you can tell stories that can change the world for the better. The first episode will go live on Sunday, 1st of September, 2024 and I have some amazing guests lined up for you (sneak peak below). I look forward to you joining me. My first episode is with the world-class Marian Pasha, who is the curator of TEDxLondon. She'll be sharing tips on securing your first TEDx Talk, as well as insights on building effective climate action narratives. The amazing multi-award-winning storyteller Simeon Quarrie will be joining me in episode two sharing his tips and insights on engaging storytelling for diversity and inclusion. The wonderful Nico Jones joins me in episode three sharing why getting clarity on your personal core stories as well as your brand core stories will be the thing that will protect you from a future where AI is taking over. We will release a new episode on the first Sunday of every month thereafter. Remember to hit subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts so you know when a new episode has been released and to give us a review (hopefully five stars) if you get value from listening. Let's build a community that wants to tell stories that will create a brighter future for us all. Let's dive right in, I hope you like it. The podcast is brought to you by the multi-award-winning Be Inspired Films who use the power of story to help ambitious purpose-driven organizations make the impossible possible.

S1

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3 min

Storytelling For Social Impact gives you expert insights and practical tools to help you break through the noise and avoid common pitfalls with your storytelling, creating a greater impact as a result.

Creator

Ravinol Chambers
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

16
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Copyright 2026 Ravinol Chambers
Show Website

Storytelling For Social Impact