Disruptors for GOOD | Social Entrepreneurs and Social Enterprises

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Disruptors for GOOD | Social Entrepreneurs and Social Enterprises

Disruptors for GOOD explores social entrepreneurship and social enterprises around the world who have dedicated their lives to ethical fashion, impact investing, climate change, sustainable travel, and businesses that impact the world in a positive way. The founder of Causeartist, Grant Trahant, does one-on-one interviews with some of the most creative and impactful startups and brands around the world.

  1. Disrupting Healthcare Education: Osso VR's Impact on Surgical Training

    18 HR. AGO

    Disrupting Healthcare Education: Osso VR's Impact on Surgical Training

    In episode 222 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Justin Barad, MD, CEO of Osso VR. We explored how his groundbreaking virtual reality platform is transforming surgical training, improving healthcare outcomes, and setting new standards in medical education worldwide. Traditional surgical training methods, while foundational, often face limitations in scalability, accessibility, and adaptability to new technologies. Enter Osso VR, a groundbreaking platform that leverages virtual reality (VR) to revolutionize surgical training and assessment. By providing immersive, hands-on experiences, Osso VR is setting new standards in medical education, ensuring that healthcare professionals are well-equipped to deliver optimal patient care. The Genesis of Osso VR Osso VR was founded in 2016 by Dr. Justin Barad, a UCLA and Harvard-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeon. With a background in bioengineering and a passion for video game development, Dr. Barad identified a critical gap in surgical training methodologies. Traditional approaches often lacked the flexibility and realism needed to keep pace with rapidly advancing medical technologies. This realization led to the creation of Osso VR, aiming to democratize access to high-quality surgical training through immersive VR experiences. Transforming Surgical Training Through Virtual Reality Osso VR offers a comprehensive platform that combines cinematic-quality VR with clinically accurate simulations. This fusion allows healthcare professionals to practice and master surgical procedures in a risk-free, virtual environment. The platform's key features include: Immersive Training Modules: Users can engage in realistic simulations of various surgical procedures, enhancing muscle memory and procedural understanding.Performance Analytics: Integrated analytics provide objective assessments of a user's skills, tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.Collaborative Learning: The platform supports multi-user experiences, enabling teams to practice together, fostering communication and teamwork. ---------------------------------------- Thrive in the Impact Economy. Join tens of thousands. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy. To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

    33 min

  2. NOV 11 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: System Catalysts - How to Build Trust with One Acre Fund

    Today, instead of our regular program, we wanted to play an episode from System Catalysts, a podcast about the incredible people who are fixing the broken systems that run the world. English Sall talks to the people behind One Acre Fund, an organization that supports smallholder farmers in Africa through a brilliant social enterprise model. They discuss how to build trust across sectors, something I think all social entrepreneurs should learn to do.  If you like what you hear, don’t forget to follow this link to subscribe to System Catalysts and listen to more episodes.  ---------------------------------------- Thrive in the Impact Economy. Join tens of thousands. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy. To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

    31 min
  3. Where do .ORG emails come from? Jon Nevett, CEO of Public Interest Registry (PIR)

    NOV 5

    Where do .ORG emails come from? Jon Nevett, CEO of Public Interest Registry (PIR)

    In episode 221 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jon Nevett, CEO of Public Interest Registry (PIR), on running the .org domain registry, internet governance, and the .org Impact Awards. In this conversation, Jon Nevett shares his journey from a legal background to the technology sector, specifically focusing on his role at the Public Interest Registry (PIR). He discusses the mission of PIR, which operates the .org domain and supports nonprofits globally. The conversation also highlights the importance of domain names for organizations, the significance of the .org Impact Awards, and the role of ICANN in internet governance. Jon emphasizes the need for a safe and secure domain name system and shares insights on future goals for the organization and the industry. Takeaways Public Interest Registry operates the .org domain and supports nonprofits.The .org Impact Awards celebrate outstanding nonprofit organizations.Choosing the right domain name is crucial for digital identity.ICANN plays a significant role in internet governance and policy.The domain name system must be safe and secure for all users.PIR contributes to the Internet Society to improve global internet access.Nonprofits can use various domain extensions to enhance their missions.The future of domain names includes new top-level domains and web3.Investing in a professional domain name is essential for credibility. ---------------------------------------- Thrive in the Impact Economy. Join tens of thousands. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy. To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

    32 min
  4. A Vision for Public Good in Real Estate: Derwin Sisnett, Founder and CEO of Adaptive Commons

    SEP 23

    A Vision for Public Good in Real Estate: Derwin Sisnett, Founder and CEO of Adaptive Commons

    In episode 220 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Derwin Sisnett, Founder and CEO of Adaptive Commons, on addressing the urgent need for affordable housing for essential workers by reimagining and rebuilding forgotten spaces into high-quality homes. About Derwin Sisnett Derwin Sisnett is the founder and CEO of Adaptive Commons, a pioneering real estate development and investment firm focused on transforming public spaces for the greater good. Before establishing Adaptive Commons, Derwin co-founded and led Maslow Development Inc., a firm dedicated to advising, designing, and developing mixed-use communities centered around high-quality schools. As the co-founder and former CEO of Gestalt Community Schools, a charter management organization in Memphis, Tennessee, Derwin played a crucial role in developing a network of high-performing, community-based charter schools. His leadership earned recognition from the White House and the U.S. Department of Education, and he spearheaded a mixed-use development encompassing over 40 acres, which included a performing arts center and affordable housing. In partnership with the Menkiti Group, Derwin co-founded the Obsidian Catalyst Fund, a real estate investment vehicle under Grove Social Impact Partners, aimed at empowering Black real estate developers and driving neighborhood-level social impact. About Adaptive Commons Adaptive Commons is addressing the urgent need for affordable housing for essential workers by reimagining and rebuilding forgotten spaces into high-quality homes. This initiative is critical as many teachers, healthcare professionals, and civic workers struggle to find affordable living options near their workplaces. Thrive in the Impact Economy. Join 20k+. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy. To learn more, please visit causeartist.com ---------------------------------------- Thrive in the Impact Economy. Join tens of thousands. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy. To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

    38 min
  5. Creating Positive Change Through the Joy of Travel - James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel

    SEP 13

    Creating Positive Change Through the Joy of Travel - James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel

    In episode 219 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, on the company's mission to create positive change through the joy of travel. For many conscious travelers, the journey now extends beyond personal enjoyment to include responsible and sustainable choices that benefit both local communities and the environment. This is where Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest adventure travel company and a certified B Corp, comes into the spotlight. With over 35 years of experience, Intrepid Travel has pioneered small group adventures that focus on sustainable, immersive experiences. Episode Takeaways * Intrepid Travel's mission is to create positive change through the joy of travel.* Sustainable travel focuses on benefiting local communities and minimizing environmental impact.* Intrepid's growth strategies include geographic expansion, product diversification, and direct-to-consumer marketing.* Challenges in the travel industry include geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, and climate change.* A career in travel offers diverse opportunities, and research is important when choosing a company to work for.* Intrepid's future goals include connecting more people and communities and expanding into new sectors. Thrive in the Impact Economy. Join 20k+. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy. To learn more, please visit causeartist.com ---------------------------------------- Thrive in the Impact Economy. Join tens of thousands. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy. To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

    35 min
  6. Building a Sustainable Luxury Brand // Vanessa Barboni Hallik - Founder and CEO of Another Tomorrow

    SEP 5

    Building a Sustainable Luxury Brand // Vanessa Barboni Hallik - Founder and CEO of Another Tomorrow

    In episode 218 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Vanessa Barboni Hallik, Founder and CEO of Another Tomorrow, on her journey from finance to fashion and the mission behind the sustainable luxury brand. About Another Tomorrow Born from Vanessa’s desire to create a more sustainable future, Another Tomorrow offers a modern approach to fashion. After a successful career in emerging markets finance, Vanessa took a sabbatical to explore sustainable finance. However, during her research, she uncovered alarming truths about the apparel industry’s impact on people, animals, and the environment. This led to the birth of Another Tomorrow, a brand built on three pillars: human, animal, and environmental welfare. The mission for the company is simple yet profound: to offer a wardrobe of ethically made clothing, provide education on the broader fashion industry, and create a platform for activism. Another Tomorrow’s collection pushes the boundaries of what responsibly sourced and ethically produced materials can achieve, offering timeless, versatile pieces designed for longevity. A Circular Economy Approach At its core, Another Tomorrow embraces a technology-based circular economy. The brand is driven by the principles of community, transparency, and organic scarcity, ensuring that each decision aligns with the values of both the company and its consumers. By building trusted partnerships with suppliers and providing consumers with transparency about the supply chain, Another Tomorrow encourages mindful consumption and reduces fashion waste. This circular approach extends beyond the design process, as the brand also aims to educate consumers on the broader impact of their choices. Every piece in the collection reflects a commitment to human, animal, and environmental welfare, ensuring that consumers can feel good about the clothes they wear. Fashion as a Pathway to Activism Another Tomorrow goes beyond offering clothing; it provides a platform for activism. Hallik and her team believe that fashion can be a powerful tool for change, amplifying voices for sustainability and social justice. Through storytelling and educational initiatives, the brand engages its community with the deeper stories behind each garment, empowering consumers to make more informed decisions. In Hallik’s own words, the brand’s purpose is to “amplify our collective voices,” encouraging consumers to become advocates for a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry. By choosing Another Tomorrow, consumers aren’t just purchasing clothing—they’re supporting a movement for positive change. About Vanessa Vanessa Barboni Hallik is the founder and CEO of Another Tomorrow, a B Corp Certified sustainable design company committed to reshaping the future of fashion. Through a fully digitized product ecosystem, Another Tomorrow offers technology-enabled transparency and authenticated recommerce, demonstrating a bold approach to circularity. In addition to leading her company, Vanessa is an investor in early-stage companies driving systemic change across various industries. Vanessa serves on the Advisory Board of Harvard’s Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, where her focus is on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. As a recognized thought leader in innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable business models, she frequently speaks on topics such as circular economies. Her work has garnered attention from major outlets like The New York Times, Fast Company, Bloomberg, Forbes, and Vogue. Vanessa has also been recognized by Wallpaper Magazine’s USA400 and Worth Magazine’s Worthy100 for her contributions to the industry. Before founding Another Tomorrow, Vanessa spent her career at Morgan Stanley, where she held leadership positions in the emerging markets institutional securities business. Her global experience included managing cross-border teams and working across diverse markets.

    34 min
  7. Transforming Public Systems for Outcomes - Caroline Whistler // CEO and Co-Founder of Third Sector

    AUG 21

    Transforming Public Systems for Outcomes - Caroline Whistler // CEO and Co-Founder of Third Sector

    In episode 217 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Caroline Whistler, CEO and Co-Founder of Third Sector, on the organization's mission to transform government funding for social impact. Founded in 2011, Third Sector is a national nonprofit organization that works with government agencies, community-based organizations, and philanthropic partners to catalyze change and confront inequities. As a technical assistance organization, Third Sector advises its partners on reshaping policies, systems, and services to ensure they are designed with the community’s needs at the forefront. With a track record of working in over 50 communities, Third Sector has helped deploy more than $1.8 billion in government resources toward outcomes that matter. Their work focuses on four critical areas: 1. Behavioral Health 2. Diversion and Reentry 3. Early Childhood Development 4. Economic Mobility Third Sector’s work is grounded in the belief that unlocking possibility begins with making meaningful connections. They take the time to fully understand the needs of the communities they serve, ensuring that public services are responsive and effective. This approach not only rebuilds trust in public systems but also ensures that services are delivered when they are most needed, achieving the best possible outcomes for all. By focusing on transforming public systems, Third Sector is helping to create a future where all people, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive. ---------------------------------------- Thrive in the Impact Economy. Join tens of thousands. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy. To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

    47 min
  8. Suwha Hong, CEO of Indego Africa - Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: The Impact of Indego Africa

    AUG 19

    Suwha Hong, CEO of Indego Africa - Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: The Impact of Indego Africa

    In episode 216 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Suwha Hong, CEO of Indego Africa, on empowering female artisans with vocational skills, business acumen, and crucial access to global markets, transforming them into self-sufficient entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 2007, Indego Africa has been at the forefront of fostering the creation, growth, and sustainability of women-owned businesses across Africa. With a focus on empowering female artisans, Indego Africa equips its partners with vocational skills, business acumen, and crucial access to global markets, transforming them into self-sufficient entrepreneurs. A Commitment to Women-Owned Businesses Indego Africa’s mission revolves around supporting women in their journey to financial independence and entrepreneurship. Currently, the organization partners with over 23 independent, artisan-owned businesses spread across Rwanda, Ghana, and various refugee camps. These partnerships are not just about economic support; they are about creating sustainable businesses that positively impact entire communities. Education Programs: Building the Foundation for Success Education is at the heart of Indego Africa’s mission. Through customized business, leadership, and vocational training programs, artisans gain the knowledge and tools necessary to run and scale their own businesses. These programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each community, ensuring that women can seize long-term economic opportunities. This commitment to education opens doors not only for the women involved but also for their families and the broader community. Market Access: Connecting Artisans to Global Consumers One of the key pillars of Indego Africa’s work is providing artisans with access to global markets. By fostering long-term, transparent relationships, the organization ensures that artisans receive fair wages for their work. Using locally sourced, natural materials, these artisans create heirloom-quality products that blend traditional African craftsmanship with modern design. This approach not only preserves cultural heritage but also meets the demands of contemporary consumers. Local and Sustainable Practices Indego Africa is deeply committed to sustainability. By sourcing natural fibers and materials from local markets and farms, the organization ensures that its production processes are environmentally responsible. When local sourcing is not possible, materials are sourced consciously, with a priority on pan-African trade, quality, and sustainability. This commitment to local and sustainable practices underscores the durability and environmental responsibility of Indego Africa’s products. Celebrating Craftsmanship: Honoring Heritage and Innovation At Indego Africa, craftsmanship is more than a skill; it’s a celebration of heritage. Each product, whether it’s a woven basket or a hand-carved piece of wood, is crafted using time-honored techniques passed down through generations. By collaborating with artisan partners, Indego Africa creates products that not only showcase the artisans’ talent but also bridge the gap between traditional artistry and modern design. Transparent and Fair Partnerships Indego Africa’s approach to partnership is rooted in transparency and fairness. The artisans work with, not for, the organization. Together, they determine fair pricing and ensure that artisans have the resources needed to deliver beautifully crafted products to consumers worldwide. This collaborative approach fosters trust and mutual respect, which are essential for long-term success. Long-Term Impact: Transforming Communities Indego Africa’s impact extends far beyond the individual artisans. The organization’s investment in education and market access has led to significant, measurable results. For instance, 90% of partners report an increase in income since partnering with Indego Africa, while 97% believe the skills they’ve

    28 min
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Disruptors for GOOD explores social entrepreneurship and social enterprises around the world who have dedicated their lives to ethical fashion, impact investing, climate change, sustainable travel, and businesses that impact the world in a positive way. The founder of Causeartist, Grant Trahant, does one-on-one interviews with some of the most creative and impactful startups and brands around the world.

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