How to Hack Global Activism with Tech, Music, and Purpose: A Conversation with Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder of Global Citizen and Author of the book: “From Ideas to Impact” | Redefining Society And Technology Podcast With Marco Ciappelli

⸻ Podcast: Redefining Society and Technology
https://redefiningsocietyandtechnologypodcast.com 

Title: How to hack Global Activism with Tech, Music, and Purpose: A Conversation with Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder of Global Citizen and Author of “From Ideas to Impact”

Guest: Michael Sheldrick
Co-Founder, Global Citizen | Author of “From Ideas to Impact” (Wiley 2024) | Professor, Columbia University | Speaker, Board Member and Forbes.com Contributor

WebSite: https://michaelsheldrick.com
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sheldrick-30364051/
Global Citizen: https://www.globalcitizen.org/

Host: Marco Ciappelli
Co-Founder & CMO @ITSPmagazine | Master Degree in Political Science - Sociology of Communication l Branding & Marketing Consultant | Journalist | Writer | Podcasts: Technology, Cybersecurity, Society, and Storytelling.
WebSite: https://marcociappelli.com
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-ciappelli/

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⸻ Podcast Summary ⸻ 
Michael Sheldrick returns to Redefining Society and Technology to share how Global Citizen has mobilized billions in aid and inspired millions through music, tech, and collective action. From social media activism to systemic change, this conversation explores how creativity and innovation can fuel a global movement for good.

⸻ Article ⸻ 
Sometimes, the best stories are the ones that keep unfolding — and Michael Sheldrick’s journey is exactly that. When we first spoke, Global Citizen had just (almost) released their book From Ideas to Impact. This time, I invited Michael back on Redefining Society and Technology because his story didn’t stop at the last chapter.

From a high school student in Western Australia who doubted his own potential, to co-founding one of the most influential global advocacy movements — Michael’s path is a testament to what belief and purpose can spark. And when purpose is paired with music, technology, and strategic activism? That’s where the real magic happens.

In this episode, we dig into how Global Citizen took the power of pop culture and built a model for global change. Picture this: a concert ticket you don’t buy, but earn by taking action. Signing petitions, tweeting for change, amplifying causes — that’s the currency. It’s simple, smart, and deeply human.

Michael shared how artists like John Legend and Coldplay joined their mission not just to play music, but to move policy. And they did — unlocking over $40 billion in commitments, impacting a billion lives. That’s not just influence. That’s impact.

We also talked about the role of technology. AI, translation tools, Salesforce dashboards, even Substack — they’re not just part of the story, they’re the infrastructure. From grant-writing to movement-building, Global Citizen’s success is proof that the right tools in the right hands can scale change fast.

Most of all, I loved hearing how digital actions — even small ones — ripple out globally. A girl in Shanghai watching a livestream. A father in Utah supporting his daughters’ activism. The digital isn’t just real — it’s redefining what real means.

As we wrapped, Michael teased a new bonus chapter he’s releasing, The Innovator. Naturally, I asked him back when it drops. Because this conversation isn’t just about what’s been done — it’s about what comes next.

So if you’re wondering where to start, just remember Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote Michael brought back:

“The way to begin is to begin.”

Download the app. Take one action. The world is listening.

Cheers,

Marco

⸻ Keywords ⸻ Society and Technology, AI ethics, generative AI, tech innovation, digital transformation, tech, technology, Global Citizen, Michael Sheldrick, ending poverty, pop culture activism, technology for good, social impact, digital advocacy, Redefining Society, AI in nonprofits, youth engagement, music and change, activism app, social movements, John Legend, sustainable development, global action, climate change, eradicating polio, tech for humanity, podcast on technology

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