The Social Change Career Podcast PCDNetwork

Dive into Nicholas Manderfield's journey from managing one of the world’s largest Cheesecake Factory locations, to leading Reincorporated NFP, showcasing how retail can be a powerful lever for social change.
Why You Should Join:
Transition Insights: Discover Nicholas's path from the restaurant industry to a leadership role in a nonprofit that harnesses retail for global impact. Upskilling for Impact: Uncover the skills essential for driving change through social entrepreneurship, as demonstrated by Nicholas's experiences. Building Strong Partnerships: Gain insight into how Nicholas creates meaningful collaborations, such as the impactful Embera Bead Project. Business Acumen for Change: Explore the blend of business savvy with a dedication to social good, learning how to navigate this unique landscape. Interactive Q&A: Ask Nicholas direct questions in a live Q&A, getting tailored advice for your career in social impact. Bio Nicholas oversees Reincorporated NFP, a nonprofit retail website championing six unique global initiatives, including the Embera Bead Project in Colombia. This project supports the displaced Embera Indigenous community, directing funds towards Casa Embera for educational support, medical campaigns, and fair wage trade workshops. His work during the pandemic, which resulted in the donation of over 80 tons of food, underscores his commitment to making a tangible difference in communities in need. Through innovative retail strategies, Nicholas illustrates the profound impact of integrating business practices with a passion for social change.
 
PCDN.global News
Check out previous Seasons & Episodes of our Award-Winning Social Change Career Podcast.
Become a member of the PCDN Career Campus to get daily access (to job opportunities) community (network with other impact professionals); learning with sector-experts and exclusive workshops as well as weekly office hours. Basically a cup of coffee or two for a 24/7 career center for impact professionals.

We dive into this when our host Dr. Craig Zelizer, explores this and much more with our guest leading tech innovator, impact investor, artists and amazing human being Vanessa Ferliano.
The conversation centered in the intersection of technology, mindfulness, and social impact. Vanessa’s rich experience in med-tech startups, impact investing, organizing and creativity, her deep experience integrating well-being practices with a purpose-driven career as well as key tips for upskilling for impact careers is a terrific listen.
Her work goes beyond just building profitable companies. She's dedicated to developing long-term, meaningful strategies that make us rethink what success really means and what matters most in our careers and lives.
Why Take A Listen:
- Mindfulness and Resilience: Gain insights into how Vanessa's adoption of yoga and meditation practices has been instrumental in her career journey, providing her with the strength to navigate personal challenges and professional demands.
- Societal Impact: Hear about the her role in supporting impact ventures, highlighting how investing in startups can drive positive change while achieving financial returns, especially in areas aligned with the UN Sustainability Goals.
- Reimagining Success: Discover how Vanessa's approach to success goes beyond financial metrics, advocating for sustainability, community engagement, and a more holistic measure of accomplishment in the tech industry.
- Inclusive Investing: Learn about the democratization of investing, hearing stories like the Canadian start-up that offered investment opportunities to everyday people, raising significant funds in a matter of hours.
- Authentic Journeys: Follow Vanessa's transition from the medical and corporate innovation to supporting impact investing and startups, demonstrating the importance of aligning personal values with professional aspirations.
Bio: With over a decade of experience in innovation and investing, Vanessa has established unique opportunities for both accredited and non-accredited investors dedicated to social and community impact. Her career highlights include raising $775K in just 36 hours through an award-winning enterprise platform; and $100K in three months for a community-driven impact fund focusing on purpose-driven ventures in Atlantic Canada.
Beyond her efforts in democratizing investment, Vanessa is deeply engaged in using her artistry to reconnect communities with their humanity. She is a multi-award-winning author and the host of "The Human Challenge", a podcast highlighted in Amazon Music x ACAST’s “Indie Podcast Amplifier 2023”. Additionally, she is a certified 200-hour meditation teacher on Insight Timer.
Through initiatives including The Being Human Foundation and 8 Billion Voices, Vanessa offers a mindful approach to community building, blending mindfulness with arts and culture. Her graceful nature and soft yet powerful leadership style have made significant impacts, earning her features in national and international news outlets such as CTV, CityNews, and on a Times Square Billboard in January 2023.
Vanessa’s journey underscores her influence on society and serves as a powerful reminder of how embracing our humanity through leadership can bring transformative change.
 
PCDN.global News
Check out previous Seasons & Episodes of our Award-Winning Social Change Career Podcast.
Become a member of the PCDN Career Campus to get daily access (to job opportunities) community (network with other impact professionals); learning with sector-experts and exclusive workshops as well as weekly office hours. Basically a cup of coffee or two for a 24/7 career center for impact professionals.

Have you had your coffee yet? How about your Masters in Coffee Agriculture? Join us as for an amazing episode with with Elisa Criscione, Founder and CEO of Digital Coffee Future.  Exploring her work at the intersection of technology and coffee agriculture, Elisa is leading sustainable development in this critical industry. Her journey from Colombia to the forefront of the coffee industry's digital transformation exemplifies how passion, expertise, and innovation can drive change.
Why listen:
Gain insights from Elisa's experience in linking technology with coffee for sustainable solutions. Hear firsthand about the successes and challenges of bringing digital innovation to traditional agriculture. Actionable Strategies: Get practical advice for making a tangible impact in sustainable agriculture. Elisa will share strategies for using technology to create initiatives and navigate the coffee industry's complexities. Deep Dive into Coffee and Tech: Explore the intersection of agriculture and digital technology. Elisa will provide a clear view of the landscape, highlighting opportunities and challenges, and equipping you with knowledge to make contributions. Impact Careers Insights: Learn about building a difference-making career, with tips on upskilling, networking, and finding opportunities in coffee, technology, and social impact. This discussion will broaden your understanding of the impact sector and how to thrive in it.  
PCDN.global News
Check out previous Seasons & Episodes of our Award-Winning Social Change Career Podcast.
Become a member of the PCDN Career Campus to get daily access (to job opportunities) community (network with other impact professionals); learning with sector-experts and exclusive workshops as well as weekly office hours. Basically a cup of coffee or two for a 24/7 career center for impact professionals.

Episode 10 of Season 11 features Sushma Raman President and CEO of the Heising-Simons Foundation. She is one of the leading innovators in the sector, bringing over two decades of experience in launching, scaling, and leading social justice and philanthropic programs and collaboratives.
You should listen to this episode to:
Gain insights into building a meaningful career at the intersection of philanthropy and social impact. Get practical advice on upskilling and navigating the evolving landscape of the sector. Explore key trends and opportunities in philanthropy through the lens of a seasoned leader. Understand the impact of academia and philanthropy in fostering social change and innovation. Learn from a leading philanthropic leader about grantmaking processes.  Key Episode Insights:
- Sushma traces her journey from teen activism to pivotal roles at foundations like Ford and Open Society, offering mentorship-worthy advice to aspiring change-makers.
- Learn about the delicate balance and transition from academia to philanthropy, and how to harness the power of connectivity and collaboration.
- Discover the Heising Simmons Foundation's strategic approach to funding transformative work in education, climate action, and democracy.
- Get inspired by Sushma's approach to continuous learning and upskilling – an essential habit for anyone in the sector.
About Sushma: Sushma Raman is the President and CEO of the Heising-Simons Foundation, and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an interdisciplinary and experienced philanthropic leader, bringing over two decades of experience in launching, scaling, and leading social justice and philanthropic programs and collaboratives. This includes building the capabilities of grassroots human rights organizations and their leaders. Sushma has also taught graduate courses in the public policy schools at UCLA, USC, Tufts Fletcher School, andHarvard Kennedy School.
She serves as a Board Member at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2023, she was the Executive Director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy since 2015. Her extensive background also includes roles at the Ford Foundation, where she launched and managed a $100 million global initiative to support emerging human rights and women’s funds, and at the Open Society Foundation, coordinating a significant grantmaking program. Additionally, Sushma led the Southern California Grantmakers association as its President from 2007 to 2012.
 
PCDN.global News
Check out previous Seasons & Episodes of our Award-Winning Social Change Career Podcast.
Become a member of the PCDN Career Campus to get daily access (to job opportunities) community (network with other impact professionals); learning with sector-experts and exclusive workshops as well as weekly office hours. Basically a cup of coffee or two for a 24/7 career center for impact professionals.

In episode 9 of Season 11, Dr. Craig Zelizer sat down with Purva Gupta, a leading human rights  practitioner with extensive experience in child protection, labor exploitation, and international development through program leadership, advocacy, and partnerships.
Purva's extensive experience in over 30 countries has been focused on programmatic responses to child labor, education challenges, and human trafficking, among other pressing global issues.  Her current focus on decolonizing aid reflects a commitment to evolving international development practices.
This episode will provide you with:
Experienced Insights: With a career dedicated to child protection and labor exploitation, Purva brings deep knowledge from her roles, including her time as Director at the Nobel Prize Winning Organization Global March Against Child Labor. Grounded Strategies: Purva's work at the intersection of programs, advocacy, and partnerships exemplifies how to effectively support civil society organisations and underserved communities. She brings reflections on shifting the balance of power in international development. Actionable Knowledge: This episode offers listeners a chance to learn about the nuances of working on global issues such as child labor, education, human trafficking, and how businesses can respect and support human rights. Direct Impact: Hear about Purva's personal contributions to grassroots change, her mentoring work, and her initiatives to connect families with aid during critical times, emphasizing the importance of community-based support. Actionable Career Insights: Purva will share deep insights on upskilling, trends as well as challenges in the impact sector and also respond to your questions.  Bio:
Purva Gupta has seamlessly woven her expertise in commerce with a strong dedication to social justice, leading her to significant roles within the human rights field. Her academic background from the University of Delhi and the London School of Economics has equipped her with the tools to critically engage with development issues. A committed mentor and advocate, Purva's passion extends beyond her professional roles, as she dedicates time to pro-bono work, fundraising, and mentoring, all while finding solace in the joys of travel, reading, baking, and the tranquility of nature walks.
PCDN.global News
Check out previous Seasons & Episodes of our Award-Winning Social Change Career Podcast.
Become a member of the PCDN Career Campus to get daily access (to job opportunities) community (network with other impact professionals); learning with sector-experts and exclusive workshops as well as weekly office hours. Basically a cup of coffee or two for a 24/7 career center for impact professionals.

In Episode 8 of Season 12, explore Ruby Hembrom's journey as the founder and director of adivaani, an archiving and publishing outfit of and by Adivasis (the indigenous peoples of India). Ruby is an Adivasi cultural practitioner, documentarian, writer, and publisher based in Kolkata. Her documentation initiative grew out of a need to claim Adivasi stake in historical and contemporary social, cultural, and literary spaces. Ruby holds a law degree from Calcutta University and an MSc in Inequalities and Social Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science, earned during her fellowship as an Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity.
This conversation offers valuable insights on advancing impact careers at the intersection of culture, rights, and beyond.
Key Lessons:
Discover the power of storytelling in advocating for marginalized communities and driving change Learn strategies for creating spaces for underrepresented narratives to thrive Gain insights into navigating challenges and biases as a changemaker in traditional industries Understand the transformative power of cross-disciplinary experiences, lifelong learning, and fellowships Explore the role of advocacy and activism in advancing rights and empowering communities