The Impact in Action Podcast

YPO Social Impact Network

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The Impact in Action Podcast is the official podcast of the YPO Social Impact Network—where purpose meets possibility. In each episode, we spotlight YPO leaders who are driving real change through their social impact ventures. From bold ideas to hard-earned lessons, you’ll hear firsthand how members are making a difference—and how you can too.

12/20/2025

From Tragedy to Transformation with Sarah Boulos, Founder of SPAN

In this deeply moving episode, host Peter Johnson sits down with Sarah Boulos, Founder of the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), to explore how tragedy, faith, and action can transform not just one life—but entire communities. After losing seven members of her family in a single Christmas week, Sarah turned grief into purpose. What began as a small dance class in her garage has grown into a movement that’s trained thousands of artists, launched studios across continents, and inspired a generation to rise through creativity and faith. Together, Peter and Sarah unpack the power of resilience, the spiritual grounding behind lasting impact, and the bold simplicity of getting into action—right where you are. Show Notes SPAN Website Show Credits Host & Co-Creator: Peter Johnson (YPO North Star Integrated) Producer & Co-Creator: Prithu Pareek (YNG San Francisco) Co-Creator: DeEtta Jones (YPO Miami Gold) A production of the YPO Social Impact Network AI tools were used in the production of this episode.

12 min
12/06/2025

The Race to Save Water with Mina Guli, Founder of Thirst Foundation

In this episode, Prithu Pareek speaks with Mina Guli, YPO Global Impact Award winner, ultramarathon runner, and founder of the Thirst Foundation, whose mission is to make the world see water as the foundation of every community and economy. From running across dried-up riverbeds to rallying global coalitions of governments and businesses, Mina has turned endurance into advocacy — and awareness into action. Together, they explore why the water crisis isn’t a distant threat but a present reality, how business leaders can “run it blue” by rethinking supply chains and sustainability, and why lasting change often begins with a single step. Show Notes thirstfoundation.org minaguli.com Show Credits Host & Co-Creator: Prithu Pareek (YNG San Francisco) Co-Creator: Peter Johnson (YPO North Star Integrated) Co-Creator: DeEtta Jones (YPO Miami Gold) A production of the YPO Social Impact Network AI tools were used in the production of this episode.

22 min
11/22/2025

Reimagining Nonprofit Strategy with Sophia Shaw, Co-Founder of PlanPerfect

Join host Peter Johnson as he speaks with Sophia Shaw, cofounder of PlanPerfect, a groundbreaking software platform transforming how nonprofits plan and execute their missions. Sophia draws on her decades of leadership in the nonprofit sector — from serving as President and CEO of the Chicago Botanic Garden to teaching nonprofit governance at Kellogg School of Management — to explain why strategic planning shouldn’t be a dreaded exercise with sticky notes and whiteboards. Instead, it can be clear, empowering, and measurable. Together, they explore how PlanPerfect helps nonprofit leaders and boards turn ideas into action, track their progress, and demonstrate tangible impact — and why philanthropists should start asking every organization they support one simple question: “Can you show me your strategic plan?” Show Notes Website — planperfect.co Overview Deck Video Demo Series “Planning to Plan” Video Series Access the Free “Organize” Feature Sophia Shaw on LinkedIn Meet with Sophia Show Credits: Host & Co-Creator: Peter Johnson (YPO North Star Integrated) Producer & Co-Creator: Prithu Pareek (YNG San Francisco) Co-Creator: DeEtta Jones (YPO Miami Gold) A production of the YPO Social Impact Network AI tools were used in the production of this episode.

8 min
11/08/2025

Designing Impact That Lasts with Sunil Lalvani, Founder of Project Maji

What does it take to make impact last? In this episode, Prithu Pareek (YNG) speaks with What does it take to make impact last? In this episode, Prithu Pareek speaks with Sunil Lalvani (YPO Global Impact Award Winner) , founder of Project Maji, about building a model of clean water access that’s designed to endure. Sunil shares how a single encounter in Ghana reshaped his understanding of sustainability — from one-time solutions to systems that keep working long after the spotlight fades. Together, they explore what it means to measure impact through reliability, how local communities shape every design decision, and why lasting change depends as much on maintenance as on innovation., founder of Project Maji, about building a model of clean water access that’s designed to endure. Sunil shares how a single encounter in Ghana reshaped his understanding of sustainability — from one-time solutions to systems that keep working long after the spotlight fades. Together, they explore what it means to measure impact through reliability, how local communities shape every design decision, and why lasting change depends as much on maintenance as on innovation. Show Notes: Project Maji Show Credits: Host & Co-Creator: Prithu Pareek (YNG San Francisco) Co-Creator: Peter Johnson (YPO North Star Integrated) Co-Creator: DeEtta Jones (YPO Miami Gold) A production of the YPO Social Impact Network AI tools were used in the production of this episode.

22 min
10/07/2025

Mind the Gap with Akshay Shah

Join host Peter Johnson in this insightful episode as he sits down with Akshay Shah from YPO Kenya to explore the intricacies of entrepreneurship and social impact. Akshay shares his journey with the YPO Entrepreneurship Network's "Mind the Gap" project, highlighting the challenges and opportunities entrepreneurs face as they scale their businesses. Discover how connecting with experienced entrepreneur Sherpas can bridge gaps and drive success for entrepreneurs scaling their Everest journey. Whether you're at the Idea, Launch, Scale or Exit stage, this conversation offers valuable inspiration & support for YPO Entrepreneurs at every level. Show Notes: Click on this link to apply as a YPO Entrepreneur or YPO Sherpa Show Credits: Host & Co-Creator: Peter Johnson (YPO North Star Integrated) Producer & Co-Creator: Prithu Pareek (YNG San Francisco) Co-Creator: DeEtta Jones (YPO Miami Gold) A production of the YPO Social Impact Network AI tools were used in the production of this episode.

7 min
09/11/2025

Revolutionizing Corporate Giving with Nathalie Blanc, Founder of NSEMBL

In this episode, host Peter Johnson YPO North Star Integrated speaks with Nathalie Blanc (YPO Pan Africa), founder of NSEMBL, about reimagining corporate giving - designed for transparency, powered by participation. Discover how NSEMBL turns companies into catalysts and every collaborator into a force for change. From personal journey to global vision, Nathalie shares how structure unlocks generosity at scale. Every company has the power to lead with purpose. Grow the good. Show Notes: NSEMBL Website Show Credits: Host & Co-Creator: Peter Johnson (YPO North Star Integrated) Producer & Co-Creator: Prithu Pareek (YNG San Francisco) Co-Creator: DeEtta Jones (YPO Miami Gold) A production of the YPO Social Impact Network AI tools were used in the production of this episode.

9 min
08/11/2025

Closing the Education Gap with Paulo Batista, Founder of AliQuest

In this episode, host Prithu Pareek (YNG San Francisco) speaks with YPOer Paulo Batista, founder of AliQuest, about tackling the global education gap. Paulo shares how AliQuest helps children and adults in Brazil—and now beyond—recover years of learning in just months. They explore the company’s innovative approach, the role of AI in scaling impact, and why rethinking education could rewrite the future for millions. Show Credits: Host, Producer & Co-Creator: Prithu Pareek (YNG San Francisco) Co-Creator: Peter Johnson (YPO North Star Integrated) Co-Creator: DeEtta Jones (YPO Miami Gold) A production of the YPO Social Impact Network AI tools were used in the production of this episode.

22 min
07/06/2025

Boots on the Ground with Jennet Chow, Founder of Evolution Design Lab

In this episode, DeEtta Jones speaks with Jennet Chow, a veteran of the footwear industry turned grassroots changemaker. Jeanette shares how a local effort to provide shoes to underserved families in Altadena evolved into a larger movement of care and connection. Drawing on her background in psychology and decades of business experience, Jeanette reflects on the emotional depth of service, the lessons she’s learned about happiness and meaning, and what it truly means to lead with love. From personal acts of giving to broader community transformation, this is a story of servant leadership in action. Show Credits: Host & Co-Creator: DeEtta Jones (YPO Miami Gold) Producer & Co-Creator: Prithu Pareek (YNG San Francisco) Co-Creator: Peter Johnson (YPO North Star Integrated) A production of the YPO Social Impact Network AI tools were used in the production of this episode.

15 min
05/20/2025

Stewards of Culture with DeEtta Jones, Founder of CultureRoad

In this episode, host Peter sits down with DeEtta Jones (YPO Miami)—veteran social impact leader, podcast co-creator, and founder of CultureRoad—to explore how organizations can build healthier, more inclusive workplace cultures. DeEtta shares the story behind CultureRoad, a next-generation HR SaaS platform that blends learning, real-time analytics, and community to empower teams at every level. From democratizing access to development tools to proactively managing organizational culture, the conversation offers practical insights for leaders who believe that culture isn’t a buzzword—it’s a daily practice. Whether you’re leading a startup or a global team, this episode unpacks why culture needs constant care, how to listen to your employees meaningfully, and what it means to be a true steward of change. Show Notes: CultureRoad Website Show Credits: Host & Co-Creator: Peter Johnson (YPO North Star Integrated) Producer & Co-Creator: Prithu Pareek (YNG San Francisco) Co-Creator: DeEtta Jones (YPO Miami Gold) A production of the YPO Social Impact Network AI tools were used in the production of this episode.

11 min
04/15/2025

Innovation in the Mountains with Vishal Anand, Founder of Shoolini University

In this episode, host Peter Johnson (YPO North Star Integrated) speaks with Vishal Anand, founder of Shoolini University, about building a world-class research institution in the Himalayas. Vishal shares how Shoolini blends academic excellence with social impact, the challenges of attracting talent to a remote region, and why community engagement and internal motivation are key to lasting change. He also invites YPOers to get involved through mentorship and support. Show Notes: Shoolini University Website Show Credits: Host & Co-Creator: Peter Johnson (YPO North Star Integrated) Producer & Co-Creator: Prithu Pareek (YNG San Francisco) Co-Creator: DeEtta Jones (YPO Miami Gold) A production of the YPO Social Impact Network AI tools were used in the production of this episode.

14 min
04/08/2025

Building Conscious Organizations with Lara Bezerra, Founder of WorkCoherence

In this episode, host Peter Johnson (YPO North Star Integrated) sits down with YPOer Lara Bezerra, former multinational CEO and founder of WorkCoherence, to explore how business leaders can integrate social impact into the core of their companies. Drawing from nearly 30 years of executive experience and her pioneering role as the first Chief Purpose Officer at Roche India, Lara shares how she’s helping leaders shift from profit-centric models to purpose-driven, stakeholder-focused cultures. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts, challenges, and transformative potential of conscious leadership. Show Notes: Learn more about Lara’s work: ⁠Workcoherence⁠ Show Credits: Host & Co-Creator: Peter Johnson (YPO North Star Integrated) Producer & Co-Creator: Prithu Pareek (YNG San Francisco) Co-Creator: DeEtta Jones (YPO Miami Gold) A production of the YPO Social Impact Network AI tools were used in the production of this episode.

9 min
04/04/2025

Rethinking Resilience with Jay Cziraky, Founder of Denesfa No-End-Co

In this episode, host Peter Johnson (YPO North Star Integrated) speaks with Jay Cziraky (YPO Dubai Integrated & YPO Hungary Integrated), founder of Denesfa No-End-Co, about a bold new model for transforming economic systems in fragile communities. Drawing from his extensive work across developing regions, Jay explains how No-End is designed to rotate capital through consumer-facing businesses—building self-sustaining local economies and reducing reliance on traditional aid models. Jay discusses the philosophical foundations of No-End, the practical challenges of implementation, and his vision for creating scalable, resilient, and dignified solutions for underserved communities around the world. Show Credits: Host & Co-Creator: Peter Johnson (YPO North Star Integrated) Producer & Co-Creator: Prithu Pareek (YNG San Francisco) Co-Creator: DeEtta Jones (YPO Miami Gold) Show Notes: Introducing No-End – YouTube No-End Denesfa AI tools were used in the production of this episode.

10 min

12 Episodes

The Impact in Action Podcast is the official podcast of the YPO Social Impact Network—where purpose meets possibility. In each episode, we spotlight YPO leaders who are driving real change through their social impact ventures. From bold ideas to hard-earned lessons, you’ll hear firsthand how members are making a difference—and how you can too.

Creator

YPO Social Impact Network
Years Active

2K
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© YPO Social Impact Network
Show Website

The Impact in Action Podcast