Making It Matter

Megan

Making It Matter is a podcast about what happens when you do what matters most to you. Hosted by Megan, a strategist and social impact advocate, as she dives into real conversations with purpose-driven people and change makers across business, charities and government. Through relaxed, inspiring conversations, guests share the pivotal moments, mindset shifts, and lessons that helped them align their work with their values and build lives that feel more fulfilling, AND successful.

Episodes

  1. 11/06/2025

    Robots That Sign: How Maxwell O. Is Using AI to Make STEM Inclusive Across Africa

    👉 Follow the show for more stories that make an impact. What happens when technology meets purpose? In this episode, Making it Matter host Megan Hunter speaks with Maxwell Opondo, the Kenyan innovator behind ZeroBionic, a social enterprise using AI-powered humanoid robots to make STEM education accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing students across Africa. At just 20-something, Maxwell has already built over 119 robotic arms using recycled plastic waste, reaching more than 7,900 differently-abled students in seven African countries. These robots translate speech into sign language in real time, transforming how teachers communicate complex science and technology concepts. Together, Megan and Maxwell explore: How a simple idea grew into a movement for inclusive education The power of AI, robotics, and sustainability to drive social impact Overcoming resource barriers and scaling innovation across Africa Why representation and accessibility in tech matter now more than ever Maxwell’s story is a reminder that innovation isn’t about having all the tools, it’s about having the determination to build what’s missing. 💡 About Maxwell Maxwell is the co-founder of ZeroBionic, a Kenyan-based enterprise using AI, robotics, and recycled materials to empower deaf and hard-of-hearing students through inclusive STEM learning tools. 🎙️ About Making it MatterHosted by Megan Hunter, Making it Matter shares stories of changemakers, founders, and leaders reimagining how we live, work, and create impact. From AI and fintech to education, inclusion, and women’s health, each episode dives deep into the stories behind purpose-driven innovation. #MakingItMatter #AI #Robotics #STEM #AfricaTech #Inclusion #Education #Accessibility #Innovation #SocialImpact

    39 min
  2. 11/05/2025

    Robots That Sign: Using AI to Make STEM Inclusive Across Africa with Maxwell Opondo

    👉 Don’t forget to: 👍 Like this video 📝 Comment your thoughts on inclusive tech and education 🔔 Subscribe for more purpose-driven conversations What happens when technology meets purpose? In this episode of Making it Matter, Megan Hunter speaks with Maxwell O., the young innovator behind ZeroBionic — a Kenyan startup using AI-powered humanoid robots to make STEM education accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing students across Africa. At just 20-something, Maxwell has built over 119 robotic arms using recycled plastic waste, reaching more than 7,900 differently-abled students in seven African countries. These robots translate speech into sign language in real time, helping teachers communicate complex STEM concepts and creating new opportunities for inclusive learning. From hacking together his first prototype at university to now piloting humanoid exoskeletons across Africa, Maxwell shares how curiosity, community, and conviction can turn one person’s idea into a continent-wide movement for inclusive education, accessibility, and AI innovation. 🎧 In this episode: 00:00 - Introduction 00:44 - How ZeroBionic began 04:33 - From curiosity to innovation 07:46 - Building the first robotic arm 09:54 - Facing fears around AI and job loss 11:21 - 119 robotic arms built from recycled waste 12:19 - Making STEM inclusive in schools 17:47 - How humanoid robots work 22:43 - Using AI and machine learning to teach sign language 25:34 - Scaling across Africa’s diverse sign languages 29:42 - Impact so far: 7,900 students reached 35:59 - What keeps Maxwell going 38:42 - Advice for innovators and changemakers 39:46 - Maxwell’s vision for Africa’s future in tech 41:22 - What “Making it Matter” means to Maxwell 🌍 About Maxwell Opondo Maxwell is the co-founder of ZeroBionic, a Kenya-based social enterprise using AI, robotics, and recycled materials to empower deaf and hard-of-hearing students through inclusive STEM education. ZeroBionic’s mission is to make learning accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or background, by merging human empathy with technological innovation. 🎙️ About Making it Matter Hosted by Megan Hunter, Making it Matter shares stories of changemakers, founders, and leaders reimagining how we live, work, and create impact. Each episode dives into purpose-driven innovation, from AI and fintech to education, inclusion, and women’s health. #MakingItMatter #AI #Robotics #AfricaTech #Inclusion #STEM #Education #Accessibility #Innovation #PurposeDriven

    39 min
  3. 05/13/2025

    Financial Education in Schools - Sarah Marks, CEO, RedSTART Educate

    In this conversation, Megan and Sarah discuss the importance of financial education for children, the role of Red Start Educate in providing this education, and the challenges faced in implementing effective financial literacy programs. Sarah shares her personal journey to becoming the CEO of Red Start, the impact of financial education on children's lives, and the need for collaboration between schools, parents, and government to ensure that all children have access to financial literacy resources. They also explore the gaps in the current curriculum and the importance of teaching children about money management from a young age. Takeaways Financial education is crucial for children's future success.Red Start Educate focuses on children in disadvantaged communities.The curriculum for financial education is inconsistent across the UK.Teachers often lack the time and resources to teach financial education effectively.Parents play a vital role in discussing money at home.Social media influences children's perceptions of wealth and success.Financial literacy can help children make informed decisions about their future.Collaboration between sectors is essential for effective financial education.Government support and funding are needed to improve financial education.Every child deserves a fair start in life, regardless of their background. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey 03:00 The Evolution of Red Start Educate 06:06 The Importance of Financial Education 08:49 Challenges in Financial Literacy for Children 12:09 Red Start's Approach to Financial Education 15:06 The Role of Teachers in Financial Education 18:02 Success Stories and Impact of Red Start 21:05 The Curriculum Gap in Financial Education 24:10 Future of Financial Education in Schools 35:12 Impact of Financial Education on Children 37:11 Challenges in the English Education System 41:02 Government's Role in Financial Education 50:26 Funding and Support for Financial Education 53:12 Parental Involvement in Financial Education 58:34 Collaboration Across Sectors 01:01:11 Defining Success in Financial Education Key Topics financial education, Red Start, social mobility, financial literacy, children, education, financial management, budgeting, wealth, community support

    55 min

About

Making It Matter is a podcast about what happens when you do what matters most to you. Hosted by Megan, a strategist and social impact advocate, as she dives into real conversations with purpose-driven people and change makers across business, charities and government. Through relaxed, inspiring conversations, guests share the pivotal moments, mindset shifts, and lessons that helped them align their work with their values and build lives that feel more fulfilling, AND successful.