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. 3D AGO · BONUS

    Howard Fischer - Co-Founder of Gratitude Railroad Impact Investment Firm

    Today, I'm joined by Howard Fischer, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist of Gratitude Railroad, to discuss his journey from Wall Street to impact investing and how Gratitude Railroad is building a community-driven approach to fund entrepreneurs creating lasting social and environmental change. Prior to his work in impact investing, Howard spent over 30 years in traditional finance as the Founder and CEO of Basso Capital Management, a hedge fund specializing in convertible securities. He previously held senior trading roles at Smith Barney, Drexel Burnham Lambert, and Cohen Feit & Company, and began his career as a Certified Public Accountant in both public and private sectors. Howard currently serves on the boards of 1% for the Planet, The Carbon Underground, and the Garrison Institute’s Compassionate Leaders in Finance program. He also advises BrightEdge, the investment fund of the American Cancer Society, and has held board positions with DoneGood, Builders Fund, Atlas Impact Partners, and Blackdirt Capital. He holds a B.S.E. in Accounting and Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and was a Fellow in Harvard University’s Advanced Leadership Initiative in 2013 and 2014. ---------------------------------------- This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders. We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy. To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

    39 min
  2. Transforming Healthcare Data: Aaron Neiderhiser, CEO and Co-Founder, of Tuva Health

    FEB 26

    Transforming Healthcare Data: Aaron Neiderhiser, CEO and Co-Founder, of Tuva Health

    In episode 226 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Aaron Neiderhiser, CEO and Co-Founder, of Tuva Health, on transforming healthcare data with an innovative open-source model. By providing healthcare organizations with a robust and cost-effective solution, Tuva Health enables researchers, analysts, and engineers to streamline their data processes and extract critical insights with ease. Tuva Health takes a novel approach to healthcare data with its Hybrid Data Platform, offering organizations the flexibility to build and control their data infrastructure without starting from scratch. By leveraging Tuva’s open-source data model and data pipelines, users can efficiently transform claims and clinical data directly within their own data warehouses. About Aaron Neiderhiser Aaron has dedicated his career to advancing healthcare data science and strategy. Before founding Tuva Health, he served as Senior Vice President of Technology at Health Catalyst, where he led the development of Touchstone, a data warehouse encompassing medical records and claims data from over 150 million patients across the United States. This infrastructure powered benchmarking, machine learning, and real-world evidence generation, giving Aaron a deep appreciation for the complexities of transforming healthcare data into actionable insights. His journey in healthcare data began with Colorado Medicaid, where he focused on actuarial and population health analysis. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping the agency’s comprehensive data strategy, setting the foundation for his future innovations in the industry. ---------------------------------------- Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders. We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy. To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

    39 min
  3. Meet Parcel Health: Redefining Pharma Packaging for Sustainability - Founders Melinda Su-En Lee and Mallory Barrett

    FEB 18

    Meet Parcel Health: Redefining Pharma Packaging for Sustainability - Founders Melinda Su-En Lee and Mallory Barrett

    In episode 225 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Melinda Lee and Mallory Barrett, founders of Parcel Health, on creating pharmaceutical packaging solutions that protect people and preserve the planet. Each Parcel Health package is crafted with compostable paper and protected with Parcel Coat™, ensuring that medications remain safe while the packaging remains 100% recyclable and even food-safe. Parcel Health’s mission is clear: to create pharmaceutical packaging solutions that protect people and preserve the planet. Parcel Health is redefining the future of pharmaceutical packaging. Every product the company designs, patents, and manufactures seamlessly integrates safety, user experience, and sustainability. The company acknowledges its role in every patient’s healthcare journey and strives to set new standards for the industry. By combining industry expertise with an unwavering commitment to sustainability, Parcel Health creates pharmaceutical parcels that prioritize both patient safety and environmental responsibility. Medication packaging should not come at the expense of the environment. Parcel Health is leading the charge in sustainable innovation with products that enhance safety while eliminating plastic waste. The Founding Story The company’s journey began with two individuals from opposite sides of the world, united by a shared passion for sustainability and healthcare innovation. Melinda’s Journey Growing up in Malaysia, Melinda Lee witnessed the devastating impact of plastic waste firsthand. Determined to make a difference, she pursued a degree in pharmacology at Stony Brook University, later working as a research assistant at Harvard University. In 2017, Melinda entered the University of Michigan’s doctoral pharmacy program, where she was confronted with the environmental costs of patient care: millions of plastic pill bottles discarded into landfills and incinerators worldwide. Recognizing that local healthcare waste had global consequences, she became determined to create a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic vials. Mallory’s Journey Meanwhile, Mallory Barrett, a student at North Carolina State University, was already rethinking pharmaceutical packaging. In 2017, she won the prestigious Cradle to Cradle Product Design Challenge, developing a reusable pharmaceutical packaging concept called Rex. Her victory in this global competition showcased her talent for sustainable innovation. After graduation, Mallory gained hands-on experience in paper packaging manufacturing, quickly recognizing that the industry was resistant to change. Frustrated by the stagnation, she sought an opportunity to push the boundaries of sustainable packaging. A Game-Changing Partnership In October 2019, Mallory received a LinkedIn message that would change everything. It was from Melinda, who was searching for a like-minded innovator to tackle the plastic pill bottle crisis. The timing was perfect. United by a common mission, Melinda and Mallory laid the foundation for Parcel Health, determined to fill medicine cabinets with sustainable parcels instead of plastic. Parcel Health Today Since its inception, Parcel Health has redefined pharmaceutical packaging, earning multiple awards and recognition, including an accolade from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Innovative Product Line Phill Box®: The first 100% compostable, paper-based medication container designed for pharmacies and patients seeking an eco-friendly alternative.Tully Tube™: The world’s first paper pill bottle that is child-resistant, water-resistant, and insulating. Featuring Parcel Coat™ technology, Tully Tube maintains stable internal temperatures while ensuring durability and safety.By prioritizing safety, convenience, and environmental impact, Parcel Health has created an entirely new standard for pharmaceutical packaging. Award-Winning Innovation Parcel Health has received numerous accolades, including: First-place in Siegle Impact TrackMichigan Investment Challenge WinnerOneMagnify Best in Business AwardTop 10 Pittsburgh Startups RecognitionThe Future of Parcel Health Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Parcel Health is just getting started. The company is leading a global movement to eliminate plastic from pharmaceutical packaging, ensuring that future generations inherit a planet free from unnecessary waste. ---------------------------------------- Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders. We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy. To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

    45 min
  4. Dr. Jeannie Annan PhD - Chief Research and Innovation Officer at International Rescue Committee and Co-founder of The Airbel Impact Lab

    JAN 24

    Dr. Jeannie Annan PhD - Chief Research and Innovation Officer at International Rescue Committee and Co-founder of The Airbel Impact Lab

    Dr. Jeannie Annan is the Senior Vice President and Chief Research and Innovation Officer at the International Rescue Committee (IRC), one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations. The IRC responds to the worst humanitarian crises, helping people whose lives have been shattered by conflict, disaster, and persecution to survive, recover, and rebuild their futures. Operating in over 40 countries and in 28 U.S. cities, the IRC combines lifesaving support with long-term development strategies, impacting millions of lives each year. Dr. Annan co-founded the Airbel Impact Lab, which serves as the IRC’s research and innovation arm. The Lab brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers, designers, behavioral scientists, and analysts who work hand-in-hand with frontline staff, technical experts, and partners to create high-impact, scalable solutions. Airbel focuses on a range of critical areas, including health, education, gender equity, livelihoods, and climate resilience, and operates in more than 30 crisis-affected countries around the globe. As a core part of the IRC, Airbel’s innovative work is seamlessly integrated with the organization’s humanitarian operations, ensuring that research and new solutions directly address the needs of those on the frontlines of crises. Dr. Annan’s own research has broken new ground in designing and testing interventions to address economic, behavioral, and mental health challenges, with a particular focus on preventing violence and supporting women and children affected by conflict and displacement. Her career began with on-the-ground leadership in education and psychosocial programming in Kosovo, northern Uganda, and South Sudan, providing her with deep insights into the realities of humanitarian work. In addition to her leadership at the IRC, Dr. Annan is an Associate at the Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts at the University of Chicago and a research affiliate at Innovations for Poverty Action. Her academic achievements include a PhD in Counseling Psychology and prestigious fellowships at Yale, NYU, and Harvard, where she has advanced her focus on forced displacement and violence prevention. Today, we’ll explore how the IRC and Airbel Impact Lab are reshaping humanitarian response through research and innovation, Jeannie’s groundbreaking work in designing scalable interventions, and the critical importance of applying evidence-based solutions in crisis settings. This conversation will inspire and challenge you to think about how innovation can drive meaningful change in even the most complex environments. ---------------------------------------- Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders. We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy. To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

    43 min
  5. Lime's Journey to Sustainable Urban Mobility - Andrew Savage, a founding member and VP of Sustainability at Lime

    12/03/2024

    Lime's Journey to Sustainable Urban Mobility - Andrew Savage, a founding member and VP of Sustainability at Lime

    In episode 223 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Savage, a founding member and VP of Sustainability at Lime, on growing the companies sustainability efforts alongside its revenue growth. In 2017, Lime emerged as a fresh face in urban transportation, reimagining how we navigate our cities with electric scooters and bikes. Since then, the company has rapidly expanded its reach, currently operating in over 250 markets worldwide. At the heart of Lime’s journey is a dedication to sustainability, balancing rapid growth with environmentally conscious practices and innovations in battery technology. In a our recent discussion, Andrew Savage, a founding member of Lime and its VP of Sustainability, shared insights on how the company has tackled challenges, innovated, and set a vision for greener urban spaces. About Andrew Andrew is a founding member and VP of Sustainability at Lime, the world’s largest electric micromobility company. Andrew has been at the forefront of sustainability and innovation, playing a pivotal role in scaling Lime to over 250 global markets and securing more than $750 million in investment. At Lime, he initially led the company’s market development, government relations, and policy strategy before building and leading its sustainability function, driving the company’s mission to reduce emissions and support clean, efficient urban transport. Before Lime, Andrew held a leadership role at an Inc. 500 solar manufacturer and renewable project developer, where he championed impactful policies, expanded new business, and drove national growth. He also served on the board of the U.S. solar industry’s national trade association, representing over 1,000 member businesses. With a career spanning business, sustainability, and the public sector, Andrew has overseen key initiatives, including co-authoring a $6 billion home energy retrofit program in Congress—backed by President Obama and embedded in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. ---------------------------------------- Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders. We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy. To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

    34 min
  6. Disrupting Healthcare Education: Osso VR's Impact on Surgical Training

    11/20/2024

    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. ---------------------------------------- Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders. We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy. To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

    33 min

  7. 11/11/2024 · 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.  ---------------------------------------- Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders. We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy. To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

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

    11/05/2024

    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. ---------------------------------------- Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders. We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy. To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

    32 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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