The Social Change Career Podcast

The road to social innovation is NOT linear. And it shouldn't be. Sahil Patni went from finance to rural development, to founder and now impact investing. And he is doing just fine and making great impact at Unreasonable. Why You Should Tune In Sahil Patil's transition from finance consulting to supporting impactful entrepreneurship at Unreasonable Group as Portfolio Manager for the Americas encapsulates a deep commitment to leveraging business for social good. His work involves guiding innovative entrepreneurs, focusing on ventures that offer both financial viability and solutions to pressing global challenges. Patil's rich background, spanning finance, agricultural projects, startups, and consultancy, equips him with a unique lens to support businesses striving for a balance between profitability and positive impact. Integrating Impact into Careers: Key Takeaways for Social Innovators Valuation vs. Value: Sahil's work highlights the importance of focusing on the broader value and impact of a venture rather than just its financial valuation. For those building careers in social innovation, it's crucial to aim for creating a lasting legacy that transcends mere profit margins. Education for Impact: Leveraging education in sustainable development or similar fields can significantly amplify your capacity for change. Sahil's journey illustrates the benefit of aligning academic endeavors with practical solutions to real-world problems. Patience and Strategic Planning: Transitioning to impact-driven work, as Sahil has shown, can requires planning, financial savvy, and patience as well as a bit of serendipity. This approach is essential for anyone looking to shift their career towards more meaningful, impactful work, emphasizing the need for thorough research and preparedness. Broad Spectrum Expertise and Support: Sahil's ability to offer strategic guidance to entrepreneurs stems from his diverse background. This serves as a reminder that varied experiences can enrich one's ability to contribute to social ventures, underscoring the value of multidisciplinary knowledge in navigating the complexities of impact-driven entrepreneurship. Bio Sahil works with the Unreasonable Group to support 150+ social impact ventures in the Americas portfolio. His role involves deeply connecting with Unreasonable Fellows and supporting them on various business needs, especially fundraising. He came to Unreasonable from the world of consulting, nonprofits, and social entrepreneurship. He loves building social impact projects from the ground up - including testing ideas, determining fit, gathering stakeholder inputs and executing all of that into operations. Sahil has 8+ years of cumulative experience that includes consulting in the US financial services industry, nonprofit experience in rural Maharashtra (India), starting up a farm-to-fork business in Mumbai, strategic finance with HBCUs in the US, and some independent consulting work. 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.

Take a Listen to this episode where we explore the heart of where finance and food intersect, all aimed at making a real difference. Our guest is Sofia Condes , Director of Investor Relations at the FAIRR Initiative is a leading expert in sustainable finance, development and innovation Why you'll want to tune in: Navigating the Food-Finance Nexus: Sofia discussed the complex relationship between agriculture, climate challenges, and human impacts. We dived deep into the transformative power of sustainable investments in reshaping our food systems, slashing emissions, and nurturing biodiversity, all while keeping an eye on profitability and ethical practices. A Taste of Innovation: The conversation took explores food technologies and alternative proteins that are defining the future of sustainable diets worldwide. We also highlighted how impact-driven companies are navigating the traditional investment landscape to spearhead change. Paths to Impact in Food Sustainability: For those eager to forge a career with impact, this episode is packed actionable tips. From exploring career avenues to the significance of specialized education and strategic professional experiences, we offered practical advice on job hunting, skill enhancement, and selecting the right educational and institutional platforms for a successful career in food sustainability. Dive into this engaging mix of finance, sustainability, and career advancement, filled with practical tips and expert insights. Discover the opportunities simmering in the sustainable food sector and beyond! 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.

Wondering about DEI in International Development? Check out Episode 3, Season 12 of the Podcast with innovator, development practitioner and DEI expert, Angela Bruce-Raeburn. Her insights challenge the status quo and highlight the necessity of reimagining how development initiatives are conceived and implemented, with a strong emphasis on power dynamics, community leadership, and the urgent need for upskilling to navigate the field's complexities. Critical Reflections: Questioning Development Practices: Angela urges us to critically assess the traditional models of international development. She points out the often overlooked power imbalances and the need for a paradigm shift that truly centers and empowers local communities rather than imposing external solutions. The Power of Local Leadership: Emphasizing the significance of dismantling the top-down approach, Angela advocates for a development model that genuinely values the insights, knowledge, and capacities of local communities. She argues for a shift in power dynamics, where local voices lead and shape their developmental journey. Upskilling for Impactful Careers: For those aiming to contribute meaningfully to the field, Angela shares valuable lessons on upskilling. Understanding local contexts, mastering cross-cultural communication, and navigating the intricacies of power and privilege are crucial competencies. She stresses the importance of continuous learning and adaptation to remain relevant and effective in a rapidly changing landscape. Navigating Challenges: Angela doesn't shy away from discussing the challenges facing the field of international development. From confronting institutional biases to overcoming resistance to change, she offers insights into the perseverance and resilience required to drive genuine progress. Must-Explore Resources: A few key resources Angela Shares "DEI Deconstructed" by Lily Zheng for a thorough understanding of DEI the Netflix documentary "Stamped from the Beginning" by Ibram X. Kendi; Angela's own writing including "But Wait untill they see your Black Face" Why It's Time for Change: Angela Bruce-Raeburn's critique serves as a wake-up call for the international development sector. It's a call to action for reevaluating our approaches, recognizing the inherent power structures, and committing to real change that places equity, inclusivity, and local agency at the heart of development work. Her advice for professionals and aspiring changemakers is clear: upskill with a focus on understanding and dismantling power imbalances, engage deeply with local communities, and be prepared to challenge the norms. This is the path forward for those dedicated to forging impact careers that not only aspire to change the world but do so in a way that is respectful, equitable, and sustainable. Bio: Angela Bruce-Raeburn is the founder of DiverseDEV, a consultancy designed to support international development organizations, NGOs and civil society groups working to improve the lives of marginalized people anywhere in the world. Ms. Bruce-Raeburn is committed to issues around public health and its impact on vulnerable populations having previously served as the Regional Advocacy Director, Africa and Asia at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator – which focused on strengthening advocates for prevention of non-communicable diseases impacting low and middle-income countries. Prior to that, Ms. Bruce-Raeburn worked as the Senior Policy Advisor for the Humanitarian Response in Haiti at Oxfam in the aftermath of the earthquake from 2010 to 2013. A French speaker, Angela holds three master's Degrees, in Public Administration, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. In addition, Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French from Lincoln University, PA which was founded in 1854 as the nation's first degree-granting Historically Black College and University, or HBCU. Angela has written op-eds on development, race and privilege including Wait Until They See your Black Face and International Development has a Race Problem. Angela's current work is consulting and advising on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Training, speaking to groups about equity and racial diversity and providing guidance to international organizations on developing a DEI ethos for their organization. The goal of this work is to share a perspective of how the lived experiences of racialized people intersect with an international development and a humanitarian system that is inequitable, unjust, and lacking in accountability. 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.

Episode 2 of Season 12 tells you know. We feature Nina Odoro, CEO and co-founder of Dine Diaspora and Black Women in Food. She shares her remarkable journey from global development to creative industry entrepreneurship and the impact her initiatives are making in the food industry. Why You Should Tune In & What We'll Explore: From Global Development to Culinary Entrepreneurship: Discover Nina's diverse and high-impact career journey, from her work in global youth development to founding Dine Diaspora, and how she's reshaping the narrative around African diaspora cuisine. Empowering Black Women in Food & BWIF's Mission: Learn about Nina's instrumental role in establishing Black Women in Food (BWIF) to support and elevate Black women in the food and hospitality industry, and its global impact. Exploring Careers at the Intersection of Culture, Food, Innovation, and Social Impact: Gain insights into the unique career pathways at the intersection of these dynamic fields and how Nina's blend of passions and expertise have carved out a unique niche. Cultural Culinary Journey & Dine Diaspora's Influence: Explore the significant impact of African diaspora cuisine on the global food landscape and how Dine Diaspora is connecting people and brands with this rich culture. 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.

Opening Season 12th with an amazing conversation about vital role of young people in social change, and the importance of compensating and empowering them in meaningful ways. Dr. Zelizer sits down with Eric Dawson, CEO of RIVET, as he shares his vision and strategy for empowering a new generation through innovative micro-financing. Learn about RIVET's ambitious goal to fund over a million youth-led social innovations by 2035, particularly in regions known as "capital deserts." Why You Should Listen: Innovative Leadership: Discover insights from the forefront of leveraging GenZ's collective power for global social impact. Career Pathways: Understand how youth can navigate and shape the future through careers in social innovation. Future Vision: Grasp the transformative role and potential of youth-driven initiatives in shaping the world. In This Episode, You Will Learn About: RIVET's Revolutionary Mission: Delve into how this unique platform is setting the stage for a new era of youth-led social change. Eric's Diverse Experience: From his wide-ranging academic background to his eclectic early career, explore the journey that's shaped his outlook on innovation and leadership. Social Entrepreneurship Landscape: Discuss the evolving world of social impact careers and the opportunities it presents for young changemakers and those seeking to work with youth as allies on building 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.

Gain deep insights into the critical importance of education during emergencies and the transformative impact it has on individuals and communities. Discover the extensive expertise of Dr. Barbara Moser-Mercer in advocating for and implementing education in emergencies, leveraging the capacities of local actors and stakeholders for sustainable impact on displaced and refugee hosting communities. Explore the diverse career paths available in the field of Education and Higher Education in Emergencies and the opportunities for impactful work. In This Episode, We'll Dive Into: 1. Education as a Lifeline: Explore the pivotal role of education for protection and social-emotional well-being for individuals and communities facing emergencies. 2. Empowering Communities: Learn how education empowers communities to overcome challenges and build resilience. 3.Career Insights: Gain valuable insights from Dr. Moser-Mercer's extensive career journey in Higher Education in Emergencies. 4. Communities at the Heart of Change: Discover the importance of engaging communities for impactful change, emphasizing participation, agency, accountability and transparency. 5. Global Impact Insights: Gain insights from a career at the intersection of policy, practice, and research, driving impactful change on a global scale. Bio: Barbara Moser-Mercer, professor emerita and founder of InZone (University of Geneva), is visiting professor at University of Nairobi, engaged in strengthening African solutions that advance Higher Education in Emergencies (HEiE) and has been coordinating the launch phase of the African Higher Education in Emergencies Network (AHEEN); she is currently also a Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford's Refugee Studies Center researching and working on a book on Higher Education in Emergencies. Following her initial training as conference interpreter she pursued her studies and research in cognitive psychology, focusing on the development of expertise in complex cognitive skills of bilinguals, both from a cognitive psychology and a cognitive neuro-science perspective. These findings have been instrumental in informing the design and the development of student-centered multilingual digital learning environments and social-emotional learning programs in different fragile contexts. Building on insights and experience in a variety of displacement contexts she has studied, as well as further developed, a viable interface between humanitarian and academic actors conducive to scaling higher education opportunities for displaced youth that benefit both students and their communities and inform education policy in refugee-hosting countries. She has contributed to several working groups of the Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) including co-chairing the Standards and Practice WG, PSS-SEL WG, Distance Education WG, and the Minimum Standards for Education Update Reference Group. 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.

Episode 12 of Season 11 features a pioneer in the field of digital empowerment and social entrepreneurship, Lorraine Charles. Her work centers on connecting forcibly displaced individuals with remote work opportunities and fostering inclusive digital economies. In This Episode, We'll Explore: Remote Work Revolution: Understanding the potential of remote work in transforming the lives of displaced individuals. Na'amal's Journey: Dive into the story behind the organization and its mission to link displaced people with employment opportunities. Digital Solutions for Social Good: Learn about Lorraine's work with Finn Church Aid and the International Labour Organization. Research & Impact: Discover insights from Lorraine's research at the University of Cambridge on business and social change. Collaborative Efforts: Hear about Lorraine's role in advisory committees like MIT ReACTand IRC's Technical Advisory Committee for ReBuild. Why You Should Tune In: Empowering Connections: Discover how digital platforms can bridge the gap between forcibly displaced people and global work opportunities. Digital Innovation: Learn from Lorraine's experience in leveraging technology for social impact. Career Pathways: Explore career opportunities in social entrepreneurship and digital solutions for humanitarian challenges. Key Trends and Skills: Understand the essential trends and skills needed to work effectively at the intersection of social impact and migration. 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.

Dive into an insightful discussion with Dr. Katherine Collin, Director of the Conflict Resolution Program at Georgetown University in which we will explore the profound influence of democratic processes on governance and peace in areas affected by conflict. This episode explores diverse career paths and challenges within this crucial sector, emphasizing how democratic engagement contributes to building sustainable peace and robust institutions. Why You Should Listen: Career Opportunities: Learn about the range of career paths working at the intersection of governance, conflict, policy and peace. Navigating Complexities: Understand the challenges of creating sustainable peace and governance structures through democratic means. Sector Insights: Gain a holistic view of the sector from an experienced professional at the forefront of peace operations and democratic transitions. What we Cover Democratic Processes & Peacebuilding: Analyze the essential role of elections and referendums in conflict-affected areas and their potential to underpin careers focused on international relations. Skills for Success: Discuss the skill sets necessary for impactful work in the fields of peace, conflict, and governance. Professional Pathways: Consider the varied opportunities and challenges faced by professionals at this intersection and what it means for career development. Why is PCDN doing this? PCDN's mission is to empower professionals and students to build careers that drive social change. This episode, featuring Dr. Collin's expertise, provides in-depth insights and guidance for those looking to make informed decisions about their career paths in peace and governance. About Dr. Katherine Collin: At Georgetown University, Dr. Katherine Collin steers the M.A. in Conflict Resolution Program with an informed perspective forged through extensive academic and field experience. Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. from American University's School of International Service, an M.A. in international policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, and a B.A. in history and peace & conflict studies from UC Berkeley. Dr. Collin's career has taken her from a postdoctoral fellowship at the Brookings Institution to collaborating with major international organizations such as the United Nations and IFES. She has worked on election projects with refugee and expat communities in various regions, including the US, Europe, Asia, MENA, and sub-Saharan Africa. Her research and teaching are deeply informed by her commitment to understanding how democratic decision-making processes can contribute to or complicate the quest for peace. To learn more about Katherine's work and gain further insights, listen to the full episode on our website or your preferred podcast platform. Also a few organizations to explore mentioned in the episode include: Georgetown Conflict Resolution Program Brooking Institution IFES United Nations 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.

The 10th episode (Season 11) of The Social Change Career Podcast features Alison Guzman, a trailblazer in the realm of Indigenous Economics and Social Impact. Aliso is the co-director of Maple Micro Development in Chile and Latin America. She is a passionate advocate for indigenous peoples' rights and has years of experience working alongside indigenous communities, particularly the Mapuche community in Chile. In this episode, she shares her journey and the important work she is doing to foster economic alternatives that empower indigenous communities. Why You Should Tune In: Deep Insights: Gain a nuanced understanding of Indigenous economics and its role in fostering social impact. Global Expertise: Learn from Alison's extensive experience working with Mapuche communities in Chile. Career Opportunities: Explore diverse career paths at the intersection of Indigenous Economics and Social Impact. What we will cover Indigenous Wisdom in Economics: Understand the role of Indigenous knowledge in shaping sustainable economic models. Community Co-Design: Learn how Alison collaborates with Mapuche communities to co-design sustainability strategies. Language & Culture: Discover the importance of learning Indigenous languages like Mapudungun in fostering authentic relationships. Multi-Lingual Impact: Gain insights into how Alison's proficiency in multiple languages amplifies her impact. Global Reach: Learn how Alison's work is making waves not just in Chile but in the broader realm of global social impact. Awesome Career Impact Tips: Get concrete recommendations for building an innovative career linking economics, impact, rights and more. Bio of Alison Guzman: Alison Guzman holds a Master's degree in Ethics and Global Affairs/Indigenous Rights from The American University in Washington DC. She also earned a Bachelor's degree in International Studies/Multi-Ethnic Studies from the same institution and Museum Studies at the Institute of American Indian Arts in New Mexico. Based in Chile, since 2013, she has worked alongside Mapuche communities to co-design strategies for sustainability and is learning their language Mapudungun. She also speaks Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Guarani. 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.

In Episode 9 of Season 11 we sat down with Dr. Makram Ouaiss, a seasoned Executive Director at the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies, and expert in Governance and Conflict Resolution. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Ouaiss has made substantial contributions to policy studies, democratic development, civic activism and civil peace around the globe. Why You Should Tune In Discover the career insights and wisdom Makram has gained from his diverse and impactful career in governance, conflict resolution, and international engagement. Gain actionable advice on building a fulfilling career that intersects with social justice, policy studies, and sustainable development. Explore how interdisciplinary work has shaped Makram's career, combining governance, human rights, peacebuilding, research, civil society and academia. In This Episode, We'll Dive Into 1. Career Insights: Makram will share valuable insights on how collaboration and interdisciplinary work have been instrumental in his impactful career. 2. Navigating the Impact Sector: Understand the steps Makram took to build a career that spans governance, conflict resolution, and civic activism. 3. The Strength of Collaborative Cross-Sector Work: Discover how Makram's career has flourished through collaborative approaches that unite governance, human rights, and engagement with community, national, and global partners, funders, and actors. 4. Advice for Aspiring Impact Professionals: Makram will offer valuable tips for those aspiring to make a difference in the impact sector, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community engagement. 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.