The Ashoka Systems Change Podcast

Dr. Yuhyun Park, expert in digital skills, discusses building a new concept, Digital Intelligence, and shifting mindsets around it. She shares strategies for success in creating a global movement to empower 1 billion citizens with digital intelligence by 2030. Insights on overcoming adversity as a social entrepreneur are also highlighted.

Former journalist turned social entrepreneur Princess Olufemi-Kayode discusses her work in Nigeria to prevent sexual violence against women and children. She highlights the role of media advocacy in shifting mindsets and engaging stakeholders. Princess shares strategies for raising awareness, including peer education programs and advocacy initiatives in Lagos State. The podcast also explores the transformation of mental models on child sexual abuse, the impact of COVID-19, and the importance of strategic media engagement for social change.

Olga Shirobokova discusses influencing mindsets for societal change with Nadine Freeman. They explore shifting societal perspectives on tobacco use and food waste, emphasizing the importance of narrative strategies and empathy in driving systemic shifts.

A social entrepreneur empowering Navajo communities in food policy and a former deputy mayor of Vienna discuss successful collaboration between social entrepreneurs and governments. Topics include societal challenges, mutual aid, community transformation, and the role of pilots in scaling innovations.

Markus Sauerhammer, Chair of the German Association of Social Entrepreneurs, discusses empowering social entrepreneurship through collective action, collaborative innovation in Germany, navigating politician meetings for systemic change, and building stronger networks for social entrepreneurs. The episode explores challenges faced and successes achieved in working with governments to shape policies and create impactful societal transformations.

In the second episode of Season 2, Sascha Haselmayer and Olga Shirobokova explore the role communities play in keeping governments accountable. You will hear examples of how social entrepreneurs from Peru, the UK, Romania, India and the US empower people affected by a social problem to take charge and effectively engage with governments in order to improve public services. If you are interested to learn more about how social entrepreneurs can effectively work with government and what are the examples, we encourage you to have a look at our new free online course on this topic at https://academy.vc4a.com/courses/trabajo-con-el-gobierno/ (Spanish version) and www.ashoka.org/working-with-government (English version). The online course and the second season of the Ashoka Systems Change podcast were developed thanks to the support and in partnership with PES Latam.

Sascha Haselmayer, a seasoned social entrepreneur, and Olga Shirobokova discuss the evolution of social entrepreneurs working with governments. They highlight the importance of co-creation and mutual support between stakeholders. Topics include innovative navigation systems for the visually impaired, public procurement's role in social solutions, and the impact of engaging with government for systemic change.

Silvia Bastante de Unverhau, a philanthropy expert, discusses funding systems change, emphasizing long-term partnerships, strategic planning, and supporting diverse initiatives. She explores funding criteria, impact measurement, and the importance of collaborative efforts for successful system-wide projects in areas like healthcare and education.

Kendis Paris, Founder of Truckers Against Trafficking, discusses mobilizing the trucking industry to fight human trafficking. She talks about building alliances with policy makers, training drivers, and advocating for policy changes. The episode explores the role of social entrepreneurs in promoting policy changes, supporting administrators, and turning people into changemakers.

Michael Sani, Founder of Bite the Ballot, shares his journey in mobilizing young voters in the UK. He discusses transitioning roles as a social entrepreneur, strategic voter registration campaigns, measuring impact, and the evolution of organizational development towards systems change. Topics include increased student registration rates, organizational challenges, and personal growth in creating lasting impact.