The Social Change Career Podcast

Episode 3 of Season 13 of the Social Change Career Podcast features Rachel Fry, a dynamic leader in positive psychology and leadership coaching.  Rachel is a leading expert in mental performance, leadership development, and career growth. With over 16 years of experience, she has helped leaders, impact focused professionals, and athletes build resilience, confidence, and mental well-being to excel in their careers. Rachel shares essential insights on breaking barriers in leadership, optimizing human flourishing, and enhancing performance for leaders, athletes, and changemakers. Key topics discussed: Positive Psychology in Leadership: Rachel highlights how leveraging strengths—not just focusing on weaknesses—helps individuals and teams thrive. Burnout Prevention and Resilience: Effective strategies to overcome burnout and build resilience, especially critical for professionals in the impact sector, where passion can sometimes lead to overwork. Navigating Impact Careers: Rachel shares valuable tips on thriving in the social impact sector, offering advice on how to build confidence, maintain balance, and avoid burnout despite the challenges that often come with this field. 📚 Key Resources from the Episode: Halcyon Incubator Program – A premier resource for impact-driven entrepreneurs. Rachel Fry on LinkedIn – Connect with Rachel to learn more about her work in leadership and performance. Strength-Based Leadership – A framework to help individuals lead by building on their natural strengths. Mindfulness & Burnout Prevention – Tools like daily meditation and mindful walks to stay balanced and creative. 💡 Career Tip: Thriving in the impact sector requires not only passion but also the ability to set healthy boundaries, prioritize well-being, and seek out leadership opportunities that align with your strengths. To stay updated with more career resources, stories, and opportunities in the social impact space, sign up for the free PCDN Weekly Impact Newsletter, offering the world’s best curated jobs, funding, and learning opportunities. 🌱 Listen to the episode on PCDN.global or any major podcast platform. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share if you find it valuable!   Bio Rachel’s career has taken her across five countries, where she has worked with thousands of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. She started as a Division One soccer player and then transitioned into coaching and teaching and then leadership development. Rachel also trained and competed in the sport of freediving which took her to different places around the world. Rachel currently coaches leaders, founders, athletes, and students, helping them develop key skills like motivation, confidence, and resilience. She’s based in Washington D.C., splitting her time between the U.S. and South America, and serves as Vice President of an environmental nonprofit. Rachel holds a master’s in Applied Positive Psychology, which is the science of human flourishing.    

Episode 2 of Season 13 on the Social Change Career Podcast features Dominic Kiraly, Director of Online and In-person Training at the United States Institute of Peace. He shares his journey from initial job search challenges to becoming a leading expert in education, training, and instructional design, highlighting the transformative power of unique skill sets and continuous learning. Why Take a Listen:    - Navigating Career Transitions with Tech and Training Expertise: Discover how Dominic overcame initial career discouragement and leveraged opportunities at University for Peace to build a distinctive profile in distance learning, instructional design, and technical skills. Learn about his insights into aligning passion with marketable skills.    - The Role of Non-Traditional Learning Paths: Gain valuable advice on the merits of online learning platforms like Coursera and the impact of specialized education and training tailored to career goals. Understand how Dominic's work including developing and leading USIP's Gandhi King Global Academy which offers globally accessible and scalable peacebuilding education.    - Proactivity, Skill Proficiency, and AI in Career Development: Learn Dominic’s practical tips for emerging professionals, including the significance of being proactive in job roles, developing strong applied skills and becoming fluent in AI for impact,  and maintaining resilience and self-care to manage burnout and thrive in evolving career landscapes. Recommended Resources: Books: How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks Learn More Online Learning Platforms: LinkedIn Learning Coursera edX MasterClass Courses from University for Peace (UPEACE), UNITAR, and United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) Academies and Programs: USIP Gandhi-King Global Academy Social Change Career Podcast: Don't miss out on the wealth of knowledge shared in the 150+ episodes of our award-winning Social Change Career Podcast. Whether you're into finance, peacekeeping, humanitarian relief, technology, or advocacy, there's a story to spark your interest and passion. Bio: Dominic Kiraly pioneered an online training academy at the United States Institute of Peace. The academy has now become a premier training hub for civil society leaders, humanitarian workers, and foreign government officials worldwide working to prevent and manage violent conflicts. Over 130,000 practitioners have been trained worldwide and the learning community continues to expand rapidly to meet their needs and demands for more topics, languages, and different hybrid training modalities. Kiraly earned a master’s in business administration in international economic development from Eastern University and a master’s in international law and human rights from UPEACE in Costa Rica. He also completed coursework towards a doctorate in international politics at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.    Stay informed on PCDN and the podcast by signing up for our Free Weekly Impact Newsletter https://pcdn-impact.beehiiv.com/    

We open Season 13 of the Social Change Career Podcast with —John Marks, one of the world’s most insightful changemakers and the founder of Search for Common Ground. In this episode, John shares hard-earned lessons from his extraordinary career, offering practical advice on building a career that connects social impact and peace. We’re also thrilled to preview his upcoming book, “From Vision to Action: Remaking the World Through Social Entrepreneurship,” set to be published in early September. The book is packed with real-world examples and strategies drawn from John’s extensive experience in creating meaningful change. What We’ll Cover: Building Bridges for Peace: Insights from decades of experience in conflict resolution and social entrepreneurship. Transformational Leadership: How to lead change in challenging environments. Adapting to the Unexpected: Lessons learned from navigating global conflicts. About John Marks: John Marks is one of the most insightful changemakers in peacebuilding and social change. In 1982, he founded Search for Common Ground with a bold mission: to transform the way the world handles conflict—from confrontation to cooperation. Under his leadership, the organization became the largest peacebuilding nonprofit globally, with offices in over 35 countries and a staff of 600, tackling some of the world’s most challenging conflicts. John’s work has taken him into the heart of conflict zones, where he developed innovative approaches to peacebuilding, using media to bridge divides in war-torn societies and fostering dialogue between deeply opposed groups. His efforts have earned global recognition, including a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for Search for Common Ground in 2018. Beyond his work with Search for Common Ground, John is a Skoll Awardee for Social Entrepreneurship, an Ashoka Senior Fellow, and a visiting scholar in peacebuilding and social entrepreneurship at Leiden University. He is also an accomplished author, known for his books on intelligence and peacebuilding, including The CIA and the Cult of Intelligence, a New York Times best-seller, and the award-winning Search for the “Manchurian Candidate.” John’s upcoming book, “From Vision to Action: Remaking the World Through Social Entrepreneurship,” dives into his approach to negotiation, conflict resolution, and social entrepreneurship. It’s essential reading for anyone passionate about making a real difference.   PCDN.global News There is something YOU can do to help expand the impact of this podcast.  Subscribe, rate and share it with your circle of stubborn optimists.  Don't miss out on the wealth of experiences shared by our diverse guests over 130+ episodes of the award-winning Social Change Career Podcast. Have you heard of the PCDN Weekly Impact Newsletter? Over 7 ,000  subscribers receive hundreds of human-curated social impact jobs, consultancies, funding leads, professional and academic fellowships and it now features our Career Impact Chat GPT.  Subscribe to our FREE PCDN weekly impact newsletter.

In Episode 19 of Season 12, Maria Antonia Perez shares her inspiring story of leveraging art for social impact. From her beginnings as a graphic designer in Medellin, Colombia, to her role as a global peace-building advocate, Maria's journey highlights how creativity can transform communities. Why Take a Listen: Art's Impact in Conflict Zones: - Understand how growing up in Medellin, a city shaped by Colombia’s conflict, influenced Maria's belief in the power of art to drive social change and heal communities. - Explore her approach to using art as a tool for addressing and healing societal issues in areas affected by violence. Maria’s Global Peace Building Journey: - Follow Maria’s path from volunteering in Sri Lanka after the 2004 tsunami to leading peace education initiatives with Peace Boat. - Learn how her work in Sri Lanka, Japan, Cambodia, and Colombia has crafted her unique perspective on integrating art and peace-building. The Creative Intersection of Arts, Education, and Social Innovation: - Discover how Maria’s innovative projects, such as mural painting and art camps for children, contribute to lasting social impact and community engagement. - Hear her insights on the '4 C's'—curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration—and their crucial role in both personal and societal growth. Career Insights and Inspiration: - Gain inspiration from Maria’s career journey, moving from graphic design to becoming an influential peace-builder and advocate for using art in social transformation. - Learn how she turned her skills and passion into a global career focused on creating meaningful change through creative initiatives. Get tons of practical insights on advancing a career of impact. Maria Antonia Perez's experiences offer a powerful example of how art, when combined with dedication and innovation, can make a significant impact on both local and global scales. Bio  María Antonia Pérez is a committed and passionate Colombian woman with over 20 years of experience in social transformation. She has developed impactful processes in the social, cultural, and educational fields, leveraging strategic and creative thinking, education for peace, and social transformation. Her work spans multiple sectors, particularly with international non-profit organizations. María Antonia has contributed to art, peace culture Peacebuilding, and social transformation projects in Colombia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Japan. She has served as an advisor to the international NGO Peace Boat, promoting peace education programs, sustainable tourism, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With a Master's Degree in Management of Social Innovation and Local Development, and as a Rotary Peace Fellow, a Positive Peace Activator and a Asia-Pacific Leadership program alumni, she has made significant strides in fostering peace and cultural citizenship. Previously, María Antonia worked on Cultural Citizenship positions in Bogota and Medellin with the City halls leading projects of Art for social transformation.  

In this episode, Andrea Longton, a distinguished author and seasoned social justice investor, shares her wealth of knowledge from years of experience at the crossroads of finance and impact. She discusses her work on renewable energy projects in Africa and her strategic shift to community development finance in the U.S. Why Take a Listen: 1. International Development Financing    - Andrea's Career Journey: Explore Andrea's diverse career, from international project development to domestic financing. She provides a detailed look into sustainable energy projects and community-centered financial solutions.    2. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) & Social Justice Investing    - Role of CDFIs: Understand the pivotal role CDFIs play in underserved communities and how social justice investing can drive both social and climate justice outcomes. Andrea highlights key mechanisms such as community loan funds, venture capital, and crowdfunding.    3. Networking & Professional Relationships for Social Impact Careers    - Building Strong Networks: Andrea shares essential advice on cultivating professional networks in social change sectors. She emphasizes aligning authentically with an organization's mission and how effective networking can open doors in social justice finance. 4. Advice for Aligning Finance and Values    - Balancing Financial Returns and Impact: Andrea offers insights on how to balance financial returns with impactful investments that align with your values. Learn strategies to ensure your financial decisions support both personal and societal goals. This episode is filled with practical tips, real-world examples, and inspiring insights. Don't miss out on Andrea Longton's journey and expert advice on merging financial returns with impactful, justice-driven investments.   Check out her website, podcast and Book the Social Justice Investor Bio: Andrea Longton is an award-winning author and professional social justice investor. She has raised over $1 billion for social justice investments in the United States and has advised on another $1.5 billion worldwide. In addition to her professional experience, Andrea manages her family’s finances, including their own social justice investment portfolio. Her professional experiences include positions at Opportunity Finance Network, Freddie Mac, Capital Impact Partners (now Momentus Capital), and Delphos International. Andrea holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder designation from the CFA Institute (Charlottesville, VA), a BA from Centre College (Danville, KY), and an MA from The George Washington University (Washington, DC). Andrea is the founder and author-administrator of "The Social Justice Investor" website and cohost of "Renegade Capital: The Activist’s Podcast for Finance and Investments." She lives in Maryland with her husband and three children  

Ready to see how behavioral science can drive social change? Check out Episode 17 of the Social Change Career Podcast, featuring Andres Casas. He combines neuroscience with policy, music, and activism to make a real impact. From redesigning infrastructure to changing narratives in conflict zones, Andres' story shows how diverse perspectives can build a better world. Be inspired, embrace new ideas, and see how science and society can work together for positive change. Why Take a Listen Neuroscience and Social Change: Discover how Andres Casas transitioned from psychology and biology to neuroscience, using his expertise to influence decision-making processes and drive meaningful social change. Learn how neuroscience can be a powerful evidence based approach for changemaking. The Power of Narratives and Behavioral Science: Explore how Andres leverages competing narratives, conflict resolution, and identity reframing to create positive societal transformations. Creating Positive Impact Through Collaboration: Delve into the innovative programs Andres has launched and/or supported in Colombia and aorund the globe. See how collaborative efforts in behavioral science, technology, and community engagement can address local challenges and boost your career in social change. Plus hear some amazing stories from the frontlines of change. Career Insights: Learn from Andres' experience fostering impactful change through interdisciplinary approaches, great tips on career upskilling, research and much more. Bio: Andrés Casas Casas is a distinguished expert in integrating brain and behavioral sciences to drive prosocial change through translational research and citizen science. He is currently a doctoral researcher pursuing dual Ph.D.s: one in Conflict Resolution and Management at the School of Social and Policy Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, under a postgraduate scholarship, and another in Neuroscience at the School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia, where he is an Award Fellow of the Academic Assistance Program Vice-Rectory.   As the founder of the Neuropaz initiative, Andrés brings together experts and communities to innovate in peace science. Since 2010, he has led the World Values Survey in Colombia and collaborated with the V-DEM Project. With a Master's in Behavioral and Decision Sciences from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master's in Philosophy, and extensive experience across Latin America, the US, Africa, and the Middle East, Andrés applies his expertise to public policy, social norms, and behavioral change communications, developing innovative interventions to overcome sociopsychological and cultural barriers. His consulting work spans these regions, focusing on applying behavioral science and technological innovations to create positive organizational dynamics and trust-building in weak institutional settings. PCDN.global News Don't miss out on the wealth of experiences shared by our diverse guests over 130+ episodes of the award-winning Social Change Career Podcast. Consider joining the PCDN Career Campus to tap into a wellspring of resources tailor-made for impact professionals. For the cost of a couple of coffees, you gain daily job opportunities, networking with peers, expert-guided learning, and exclusive workshops, as well as weekly office hours—essentially a 24/7 career center for those dedicated to making a difference.

Episode 16 of Season 12 explores the very pertinent question on issues related to global peace and security with our distinguished guest, Nanako Tamaru, a licensed attorney and dedicated peace and security practitioner. She opens up about her journey from considering a career in medicine to being steered by her passion for addressing racial injustice and inequity towards a path in peace and security. Why You Should Tune In & What We'll Explore: - **Navigating Careers in Peace and Security**: Gain in-depth insights from Nanako Tamaru's transformative experiences, both as a practitioner and a consultant. Discover how her work facilitates crucial partnerships and research particularly designed to empower women leaders in conflicted areas, and the significant role these women play in constitution making. - **Challenges of Change Making in Global Settings**: Join our discussion on the systemic struggles inherent in peace and security, including the conflicts between community development funding and defense spending. We'll explore how Nanako manages to keep her focus and drive in a field where transformational change is often slow, yet incredibly impactful. - **Educational Paths and Strategic Career Decisions**: Hear Nanako's advice on the importance of graduate education in the field of peace and security, the strategic value of networking, and the necessity of choosing the right program and institution to maximize career prospects. This episode provides a comprehensive look at a career dedicated to making tangible changes in global peace processes, the personal and professional challenges encountered, and the profound satisfaction that comes from working toward greater social cohesion and security.     PCDN.global News Don't miss out on the wealth of experiences shared by our diverse guests over 130+ episodes of the award-winning Social Change Career Podcast. Consider joining the PCDN Career Campus to tap into a wellspring of resources tailor-made for impact professionals. For the cost of a couple of coffees, you gain daily job opportunities, networking with peers, expert-guided learning, and exclusive workshops, as well as weekly office hours—essentially a 24/7 career center for those dedicated to making a difference.  

Episode 15 of Season 12 dives into the exciting realm of youth career development with Evelyn Van Til, a strategic partnership manager at American Student Assistance. Evelyn sheds light on her diverse journey in higher education and workforce development, emphasizing the transformative role of platforms like evolve.me in shaping promising career paths for Gen Z. All of us - from birth to earth - are navigating a dynamic and changing world. Empowering and engaging our kids with teens' digital career-readiness content, skill-building activities, experiential learning, and early career pathways opportunities is a critical piece of not only preparing our kids for their future, but also as adults creating our own.  As the Strategic Partnerships Manager at American Student Assistance, Evelyn is on a mission to reach 15M+ Gen-Z each year - creating engaging experiences, following the data, centering kids in education and transforming the pathways that lead to life after high school.  Why You Should Listen: Career Insights: Gain valuable insights into building a successful career in youth career development and learn how to navigate this rewarding field. Actionable Plans: Discover how Evelyn frames and creates organized, actionable plans from chaos, and how this skill can benefit your career development initiatives. Engaging Gen-Z: Explore Evelyn's expertise in early career, emerging talent, and K-20 experiential learning and learn how to create impactful programs for the younger generation. Diversity and Inclusion: Learn about Evelyn's approach to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in people operations and culture architecture. Community Development: Gain insights from Evelyn's experiences in ecosystem and asset-based community development, and how these principles can be applied to youth career development.   PCDN.global News Don't miss out on the wealth of experiences shared by our diverse guests over 130+ episodes of the award-winning Social Change Career Podcast. Consider joining the PCDN Career Campus to tap into a wellspring of resources tailor-made for impact professionals. For the cost of a couple of coffees, you gain daily job opportunities, networking with peers, expert-guided learning, and exclusive workshops, as well as weekly office hours—essentially a 24/7 career center for those dedicated to making a difference.

Episode 14 of Season 12 immerses us in the transformative world of art, communication, and peacebuilding with multifaceted social entrepreneur, Maria Luisa Pinto Garcia , whose career spans across the realms of artistry and activism. Her unique journey reveals the symbiosis between creative expression and social change in Colombia's landscape affected by conflict. Why You Should Tune In & What We'll Explore: The Art of Peace: Learn about the captivating story of Maria Lisa's transition from musician to peacebuilder, driven by the tragic assassination of a Colombian comedian. Witness how her artistic talents have since become conduits for change, fostering relationships and facilitating healing in communities deeply scarred by war. Challenges and Triumphs in Peacebuilding: Delve into the complex world of sustaining non-governmental organizations in Colombia's intricate peacebuilding system. Gather meaningful insights from Maria Lisa's experiences, including her strides in the Prolongar Foundation and her pivot towards the groundbreaking initiatives of Reimagine Peacebuilding. Harmonizing Music, Memory, and Reconciliation: Tune into the conversation on the potent role of music in Colombia's social fabric, highlighting its use in trauma healing and memory work. Learn about the impact of projects that are integral to Colombia's journey toward reconciliation, as well as critical perspectives on the music's limitations and exploitation for propaganda. In this episode art and activism merges, catalyzed by innovative thinkers like Maria Lisa who transcend traditional boundaries of peacebuilding.   PCDN.global News Don't miss out on the wealth of experiences shared by our diverse guests over 130+ episodes of the award-winning Social Change Career Podcast. Consider joining the PCDN Career Campus to tap into a wellspring of resources tailor-made for impact professionals. For the cost of a couple of coffees, you gain daily job opportunities, networking with peers, expert-guided learning, and exclusive workshops, as well as weekly office hours—essentially a 24/7 career center for those dedicated to making a difference.

Dive into Nicholas Manderfield's journey from managing one of the world’s largest Cheesecake Factory locations, to leading Reincorporated NFP, showcasing how retail can be a powerful lever for social change. Why You Should Join: Transition Insights: Discover Nicholas's path from the restaurant industry to a leadership role in a nonprofit that harnesses retail for global impact. Upskilling for Impact: Uncover the skills essential for driving change through social entrepreneurship, as demonstrated by Nicholas's experiences. Building Strong Partnerships: Gain insight into how Nicholas creates meaningful collaborations, such as the impactful Embera Bead Project. Business Acumen for Change: Explore the blend of business savvy with a dedication to social good, learning how to navigate this unique landscape. Interactive Q&A: Ask Nicholas direct questions in a live Q&A, getting tailored advice for your career in social impact. Bio Nicholas oversees Reincorporated NFP, a nonprofit retail website championing six unique global initiatives, including the Embera Bead Project in Colombia. This project supports the displaced Embera Indigenous community, directing funds towards Casa Embera for educational support, medical campaigns, and fair wage trade workshops. His work during the pandemic, which resulted in the donation of over 80 tons of food, underscores his commitment to making a tangible difference in communities in need. Through innovative retail strategies, Nicholas illustrates the profound impact of integrating business practices with a passion for social change.   PCDN.global News Check out previous Seasons & Episodes of our Award-Winning Social Change Career Podcast. Become a member of the PCDN Career Campus to get daily access (to job opportunities) community (network with other impact professionals); learning with sector-experts and exclusive workshops as well as weekly office hours. Basically a cup of coffee or two for a 24/7 career center for impact professionals.