Inspiring Social Entrepreneurs Podcast

Fergal Byrne
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At Inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, we talk to experienced and successful social entrepreneurs and change makers, committed to building a better world. Working as a social entrepreneur is hugely fulfilling – yet uniquely challenging. Social entrepreneurs need to balance business and social goals to succeed, often working in extremely challenging environments, with limited resources. And it is often a lonely journey. Our aim is to share the inspiring stories, to explore the highs and the lows, learn how different social entrepreneurs have kept inspired, and draw out insights to help social entrepreneurs at all stages on their journey.

  1. Episode 114: Lessons from Nedjip Tozun on scaling d.light to 180 million people through innovation, strategy, and mission-driven growth

    2月10日

    Episode 114: Lessons from Nedjip Tozun on scaling d.light to 180 million people through innovation, strategy, and mission-driven growth

    In this episode of Inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, Fergal Byrne speaks once again with Nedjip Tozun, co-founder of d.light, about the strategic, operational, and financial challenges of scaling social enterprises. Since its inception, d.light has reached nearly 180 million people in emerging markets with off-grid solar solutions. Nedjip shares key decisions that enabled d.light’s growth, the challenges of distribution and financing, and the trade-offs required to balance efficiency with mission alignment. This conversation offers valuable insights for social entrepreneurs aiming to scale sustainably. As co-founder of d.light, Nedjip has led the company’s expansion into a global provider of affordable solar home systems, lanterns, and appliances. d.light’s vertically integrated model combines product innovation, consumer financing, and last-mile distribution, making renewable energy accessible and improving livelihoods. A recognized thought leader in the  social enterprise space, Nedjip continues to champion technology-driven solutions, mission-aligned growth, and financial sustainability in expanding global energy access. In November 2024, Nedjip Tozun, co-founder and CEO of d.light, was honored on the TIME100 Climate list, recognizing his transformative impact on clean energy access.

    1 小時 14 分鐘
  2. Episode 113: The Road to Impact at Scale: Lessons for social entrepreneurs from Mulago CEO, Kevin Starr.

    1月12日

    Episode 113: The Road to Impact at Scale: Lessons for social entrepreneurs from Mulago CEO, Kevin Starr.

    What does it take for an organization focused on impact to drive meaningful, large-scale change? In this compelling episode, Kevin Starr, CEO of the Mulago Foundation, shares his deep expertise in scaling solutions to address some of the world’s most pressing problems. Kevin introduces Mulago’s distinctive approach to scaling, including their “Doer and Payer at Scale” framework, and discusses the rigorous standards they use to identify ideas with the potential for transformative impact. He emphasizes the vital role of a clear, focused mission in avoiding the common risk of “mission drift.” Through real-world examples—such as the evolution of community health workers in Mali—Kevin illustrates how deliberate partnerships, data-driven strategies, and an unwavering focus on outcomes can help organizations turn ambitious visions into lasting impact. He also challenges funders to play a stronger role, advocating for greater accountability and alignment with measurable goals. This episode is essential for anyone passionate about driving social change, offering practical insights into how to scale promising ideas into global solutions. Since 1993, Kevin has been at the helm of the Mulago Foundation, supporting early-stage social entrepreneurs committed to achieving maximum impact in the world’s poorest communities. In 2003, he launched the Rainer Arnhold Fellows Program to apply Mulago’s principles and tools, helping social entrepreneurs transform great ideas into sustainable solutions at scale. In 2016, he expanded this vision with the Henry Arnhold Fellows Program, focusing on environmental challenges.

    58 分鐘
  3. Episode 112: Unlocking AI for Social Good-- Insights from Ashoka’s AI Lab

    2024/11/07

    Episode 112: Unlocking AI for Social Good-- Insights from Ashoka’s AI Lab

    In this fascinating episode, Fergal Byrne sits down with Odin Mühlenbein, co-leader of Ashoka’s AI Lab, for a deep dive into the transformative role and potential of AI for social entrepreneurs. With a background spanning philosophy, social venture development, and an early passion for programming, Odin brings a unique perspective to the possibilities AI offers for social impact, deepened by his experience at Ashoka’s AI lab. Here he discusses the journey from experimenting with machine learning to building meaningful AI applications tailored for nonprofits and social enterprises. Odin explores the huge potential of AI to revolutionize social initiatives—ranging from detecting illegal deforestation through satellite imagery to creating chatbots that provide legal and social service information to underserved communities. He provides valuable insights on how Ashoka’s “conscious tinkering” approach helps organizations start small and scale responsibly. By addressing common AI integration pitfalls and sharing Ashoka’s strategic “five pillars of AI readiness,” Odin offers practical steps for nonprofits looking to embrace AI effectively, even on limited budgets. Tune in to hear about Ashoka’s innovative prototypes and Odin’s call to action for funders to invest in the AI infrastructure nonprofits need to multiply their impact. This is a very practical episode and a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, ethics, and social change. Odin Mühlenbein is a social innovation enthusiast with a passion for AI. He co-leads the AI Lab at Ashoka, the world's largest network of social entrepreneurs. Odin create applications that make Ashoka more efficient and unlock new capabilities for its global network and also works as an independent advisor and AI tinkerer.

    1 小時 9 分鐘
  4. Episode 111: Stanford Business School’s Professor Neil Malhotra on how to create and sustain solutions to systemic problems

    2022/06/07

    Episode 111: Stanford Business School’s Professor Neil Malhotra on how to create and sustain solutions to systemic problems

    A fascinating, wide-ranging, and spirited discussion about the state of social entrepreneurship and innovation today, touching on key questions including how to effectively measure impact, the true availability of impact investment, how to manage hybrid social businesses –as well as the challenges social entrepreneurs face keeping focussed on the mission while generating cash flow and profit. Professor Malhotra also discusses some of the  research and insights from his recent book Frontiers in Social Innovation-and reflects on some of the key trends that will impact future social innovation.    Neil Malhotra is the Edith M. Cornell Professor of Political Economy at Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Louise and Claude N. Rosenberg, Jr. Director of the Center for Social Innovation, where he has developed a curriculum focused on social issues, impact measurement, and mission-driven business, amongst other topics.  Neil recently edited Frontiers in Social Innovation: The Essential Handbook for Creating, Deploying, and Sustaining Creative Solutions to Systemic Problems

    51 分鐘
  5. Episode 110: Interview with Tom Chi founder At One Ventures…a climate-focused VC fund investing in companies creating environmentally positive technology.

    2022/02/11

    Episode 110: Interview with Tom Chi founder At One Ventures…a climate-focused VC fund investing in companies creating environmentally positive technology.

    Deep dive on the role of technology in helping to solve the world’s greatest environmental questions-and a passionate argument for the impact of social entrepreneurship. Tom gives an overview of At One Ventures investments and key technologies that the fund has supported, with a particular focus on tree planting technologies. As well as discussing specific technologies and market applications, Tom shares his views on the dangers of increasing penetration of technologies in our lives and reflects on techno utopian approach to the environment associated with Silicon Valley. Tom also shares his concerns how we as a society have prioritized economy over society and environment: A fascinating, spirited discussion.   Tom Chi is founder At One Ventures a climate-focused VC fund investing in companies creating environmentally positive technology.  At One Ventures, a climate-focused VC fund investing in companies creating environmentally positive technology.  Before founding At One Ventures, Tom was Head of Experience and founding member of Google X who helped scale the company from six people to 600. His engineering and business background coupled with a passion for environmental sustainability inspired him to start a VC fund dedicated to improving planetary health.

    55 分鐘
  6. Episode 109: Interview with Kevin Starr, the founder of the Mulago Foundation

    2021/04/08

    Episode 109: Interview with Kevin Starr, the founder of the Mulago Foundation

    In this episode, we welcome back Kevin Starr back to the podcast to update us on the work of the Mulago Foundation. Kevin explains how Mulago’s focus has inevitably extended over time to take into account climate and the environment--the focus of Mulago's Henry Arnhold Fellows Program. Kevin’s main focus at Mulago is lasting change at scale and he explains how he thinks about scaling-- and the importance of structuring investments to make sure that profit and impact are aligned.  In this wide ranging and stimulating interview, Kevin shares his perspective on the state of social entrepreneurship today, the reality of impact investment, and his evolving thoughts on measuring impact.    Kevin is the founder of the Mulago Foundation, which funds early stage social entrepreneurs devoted to maximum impact at scale in developing countries. Kevin set up the Reiner Arnhold Fellows Program in 2003 to apply Mulago’s principles and tools to help social entrepreneurs turn good ideas into lasting change at scale-- and in 2016, the Henry Arnhold Fellows Program to add a focus on environmental solutions.  Kevin was the primary instigator of Big Bang Philanthropy, a group of funders that work together to direct more money to those best at fighting poverty, Over the years, Kevin’s taught hundreds of social entrepreneurs

    47 分鐘
  7. Episode 108: Interview with Jagdeesh Rao, Curator - Promise of Commons initiative, and former CEO FES

    2021/01/25

    Episode 108: Interview with Jagdeesh Rao, Curator - Promise of Commons initiative, and former CEO FES

    The Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) works on the ecological restoration and conservation of land and water resources in ecologically fragile, degraded regions of India, primarily through the collective efforts of village communities.  FES is currently working with more than 20,000 village communities on more than 6 s million acres of common lands across 10 states of India.  Jagdeesh has overseen the growth of FES over 20 years--his work has been widely recognized and he has received the Times of India Social Impact award, the Nobel Laureate Elinor Ostrom Award on Commons, UN’s Land for Life award, and the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship.  In this inspiring episode, Jagdeesh discusses FES' vital ecological restoration and conservation work in land and water resources in ecologically fragile, degraded regions of India, highlighting the distinctive way FES works with local communities, and its philosophy and approach to restoration. He also looks forward to his new role as Curator of the Promise of Commons Initiative in India.

    1 小時
  8. Episode 107: Interview with Austin Whitman CEO of Climate Neutral, US based consumer-focused climate certification company

    2020/12/22

    Episode 107: Interview with Austin Whitman CEO of Climate Neutral, US based consumer-focused climate certification company

    Austin explains how Climate Neutral aims to inspire consumers to factor a brand’s climate impact into their buying decisions.  Climate Neutral software enables organizations to have a verifiable carbon footprint-and it also enables Climate Neutral-certified brands to buy carbon offsets that deliver carbon mitigation. He explains the operations of the carbon-offset market, the company’s approach to building a brand, and some of the challenges of building up the company.   Austin has worked in technology, climate and clean energy finance for two decades with many small and early stage organizations. He also earned an MBA from Yale. Before launching Climate Neutral he was Vice President at a customer intelligence software platform for utilities and energy service providers.

    57 分鐘
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簡介

At Inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, we talk to experienced and successful social entrepreneurs and change makers, committed to building a better world. Working as a social entrepreneur is hugely fulfilling – yet uniquely challenging. Social entrepreneurs need to balance business and social goals to succeed, often working in extremely challenging environments, with limited resources. And it is often a lonely journey. Our aim is to share the inspiring stories, to explore the highs and the lows, learn how different social entrepreneurs have kept inspired, and draw out insights to help social entrepreneurs at all stages on their journey.

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