The Relational Podcast

The power of relationships in addressing global crises with Sumitra Pasupathy

10 snips
Aug 17, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Sumitra Pasupathy, a partner at Philanthropy Dialogues, shares her journey from engineer to social innovator. She emphasizes the transformative power of relationships in tackling global challenges, especially during crises like COVID-19. Sumitra highlights the importance of trust and deep listening in philanthropy, alongside practical steps for embracing relational leadership. The conversation explores the distinction between social and product innovation and the need for collaborative community involvement to effect meaningful change.
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ANECDOTE

Grandmother's Community Wisdom

  • Sumitra traces her values to her grandmother, who kept community together during WWII in Malaysia.
  • Those childhood stories shaped her move from engineering into relational social change work.
ANECDOTE

A Lunch That Led To $20M Action

  • During COVID Sumitra ran an accelerator and heard 30 social innovators adapt under pressure.
  • A casual lunch contact later invited her to help deploy $20M, impacting 80 million lives in India and Indonesia.
INSIGHT

Social Innovation Versus Product Fixes

  • Social innovation focuses on root causes, relationships, and systemic change rather than technical product fixes.
  • It relies on community knowledge, frugal approaches, and shifting power to drive lasting systems change.
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