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Do One Better with Alberto Lidji in Philanthropy, Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship
Do One Better with Alberto Lidji in Philanthropy, Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship
Hosted by Alberto Lidji, former Global CEO of the Novak Djokovic Foundation and Visiting Professor at Strathclyde Business School, this podcast features over 300 interviews with leaders in philanthropy, sustainability, and social entrepreneurship. Each episode explores innovative approaches to making a positive impact on society and the environment. The show aims to inspire and inform listeners about the latest trends and best practices in the social impact sector.
Episodes
Keeping Children Safe Online: Chris Sherwood, CEO of NSPCC, on AI, Social Media, Regulation, and Protecting Children
In this episode of the Do One Better Podcast, Alberto Lidji speaks with Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive Officer of the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children), one of the United Kingdom's most respected and influential child protection charities.
As technology continues to reshape childhood, Chris explores the urgent challenges facing children and young people online, fr
Collaborative Philanthropy as an Asset Class: Unlocking Greater Impact Through Pooled Giving — Alison Powell, Kimberly Dasher Tripp & Neha Dalal
Collaborative philanthropy is emerging as one of the most promising innovations in modern giving.
In this episode of the Do One Better Podcast, host Alberto Lidji is joined by three leading voices in collaborative philanthropy: Alison Powell, Partner at The Bridgespan Group and leader of its Collaborative Philanthropy practice; Kimberly Dasher Tripp, Founder of Strategy for Scale; and Neha Dalal,
Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation: Accelerating Discovery, Prevention and Cure
Heart and circulatory diseases remain among the world's leading causes of death, yet scientific progress is accelerating at an extraordinary pace. In this episode of the Do One Better Podcast, Alberto Lidji speaks with Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, about the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of cardiovascular health.
Charmaine shares how the Br
Amber Miller, President of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation: The Promise and Peril of AI and Emerging Technologies in a More Uncertain World
With an endowment exceeding $14 billion and annual grantmaking of roughly $600 to $700 million, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation occupies a distinctive position in global philanthropy: large enough to shape conversations, yet intentionally focused on convening expertise, supporting long-term thinking, and backing institutions working on society’s most complex challenges. In this episode, A
Dana Schmidt of Echidna Giving: Deploying $6 Billion for Girls’ Education While Staying Close to Communities
What does thoughtful philanthropy look like when the ambition is to deploy $6 billion over the next 35 years in support of girls’ education?
In this episode of the Do One Better Podcast, Alberto Lidji speaks with Dana Schmidt, Program Director at Echidna Giving, about the realities of large-scale grantmaking, the responsibility that comes with stewarding significant philanthropic capital, an
Nicole Taylor, President and CEO of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, on Giving Across Generations, Diverse Causes, Donor Advised Funds, and Lasting Impact
Nicole Taylor, President and CEO of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, joins Alberto Lidji to explore the evolving landscape of modern philanthropy through the lens of the world’s largest community foundation.
The conversation examines how donor advised funds (DAFs) are reshaping giving across generations, from ultra high net worth philanthropists to everyday donors seeking meaningful impact
Green Gold: How Sustainability Creates Deal Value
Sustainability has shifted from corporate aspiration to financial reality, but how do companies actually measure its impact on value creation?
In this episode, Alberto Lidji speaks with Michel Driessen about the evolving relationship between sustainability, ESG, corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Drawing from the themes explored in Green Gold: How Sustainability Creates Deal Value, M
Child-Centered Justice: Rethinking Systems for Children’s Rights
In this episode of the Do One Better Podcast, Alberto Lidji speaks with Professor Jennifer Davidson, Executive Director of the Institute for Inspiring Children’s Futures at the University of Strathclyde. The conversation examines how global coalitions, governments, and communities can work together to better uphold children’s rights.
Professor Davidson outlines the Institute’s mission to bridge re
Honnold Foundation's Executive Director, Emily Teitsworth, on Turning Small Grants into Scalable Climate Solutions
In this episode of the Do One Better Podcast, Alberto Lidji speaks with Emily Teitsworth, Executive Director of the Honnold Foundation, about a powerful and often overlooked approach to climate philanthropy.
Founded by professional climber Alex Honnold, the Honnold Foundation focuses on expanding access to solar energy in underserved communities around the world. But its impact goes far beyond cle
Irene Pritzker, Chair and Co-Founder of the IDP Foundation on Financing Low-Cost Schools and Unlocking Education Access in Africa
In this episode of the Do One Better Podcast, host Alberto Lidji speaks with Irene Pritzker, Chair and Co-Founder of the IDP Foundation and author of The School in the Market. The conversation explores how innovative financing models can expand access to quality education in underserved communities, with a focus on Ghana and Kenya.
Pritzker shares the origin story behind the foundation’s work, whi
Partnerships That Work: Darian Stibbe on Trust, Incentives and Cross-Sector Collaboration
Partnership is often spoken about as an ideal. Much more rarely is it treated as a discipline.
In this episode Alberto Lidji speaks with Darian Stibbe, Executive Director of The Partnering Initiative, about what it takes to build collaborations that are not only well intentioned, but genuinely effective.
At a time when the world’s most pressing challenges demand coordinated action across sectors,
Developing Resilient Nonprofit Leaders: Madge Thomas, President of the American Express Foundation
What does it take to develop resilient nonprofit leaders, and why does that matter so much today?
In this episode of the Do One Better Podcast, Alberto Lidji speaks with Madge Thomas, President of the American Express Foundation, about how the Foundation is investing in people, communities, and institutions to drive meaningful, long-term social impact.
With a legacy spanning more than 50 years, th
Dementia decoded: breakthroughs, risk reduction and the road to a cure. A conversation with Hilary Evans-Newton CBE, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK
Dementia has long been viewed as an inevitable part of ageing. That perception is now being challenged at its core. This conversation with Hilary Evans-Newton CBE, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, explores a pivotal shift in how we understand, diagnose and ultimately treat the diseases that cause dementia.
At the centre of this transformation is Alzheimer’s Research UK, the leading deme
Turning Jobs into Degrees: How Work Based Learning Is Transforming Higher Education is the U.S.
What if a university degree did not require stepping away from work, taking on significant debt, or leaving one’s community? What if the workplace itself became the campus? Joe Ross, President of Reach University, joins us to share his insight.
This episode explores a different model of higher education that seeks to turn jobs into degrees rather than degrees into jobs. The approach centres on
Secretary General, Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Chris Lockyear: The Reality of Delivering Medical Care in the World’s Most Dangerous Places
What does it take to deliver high quality medical care in the middle of war, displacement and disaster? We gain a behind the scenes understanding from Chris Lockyear, Secretary General of Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
This conversation offers a rare look inside one of the world’s most recognised humanitarian medical organisations and the complex system that allows it to
amfAR CEO, Kyle Clifford, on funding bold science to end HIV and unlock global health breakthroughs
This episode explores how sustained scientific ambition, backed by flexible philanthropy, has helped transform HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable condition and why the search for a cure remains both urgent and achievable. At the centre of the conversation is the work of amfAR and its distinctive role in advancing research that changes lives far beyond a single disease area.
Founded in th
Nathan Atkinson, Co-Founder of Rethink Food in the UK on Removing Hunger as a Barrier to Learning
In this episode, Nathan Atkinson, Co-Founder of Rethink Food in the UK, shares a deeply grounded perspective on hunger, education and systemic change, shaped by a decade spent leading schools in some of England’s most disadvantaged communities.
Nathan traces the origins of Rethink Food back to a defining moment as a headteacher, when a school kitchen breakdown revealed the hidden scale of child hu
Why Great Pilots Fail: The Hard Truth About Scaling Impact
Larry Cooley joins us to explore how to achieve sustainable impact at meaningful scale.
As co-founder of the Scaling Community of Practice, Larry has spent more than two decades examining why promising innovations so often fail to reach the scale required to address global problems. Drawing on 50 years of experience, from his early work as a Peace Corps volunteer to senior roles advising governmen
Brian San, Secretary General of the Institute of Philanthropy in Hong Kong: Building better philanthropy across Asia
A deep dive into how philanthropy in Asia is evolving, and how the next generation of leaders is being prepared to make it more effective, collaborative and impactful.
In this conversation with Brian Sen, Secretary General of the Institute of Philanthropy in Hong Kong, the discussion explores why the Institute was created, what it means to be a “thinking, funding and doing” tank, and how it is wor
Caitlin Baron, CEO of the Luminos Fund: Rethinking What Is Possible in Education Across Africa
What if the biggest barrier to education is not poverty, infrastructure, or even access but low expectations of what children can achieve?
In this conversation, Caitlin Baron shares how the Luminos Fund is proving that children who have never been to school can master foundational literacy and numeracy at extraordinary speed when the right conditions are in place.
We hear how Luminos works with 10
Nick Temple, CEO of Social Investment Business: From Social Investment to £300m Youth Infrastructure and a Route to £1bn by 2030
Nick Temple returns to discuss how Social Investment Business has evolved from a specialist social lender into a major player in grant delivery, programme management, and impact-driven finance across the UK.
At the heart of the conversation is what it takes to turn strategy into action. Nick reflects on the realities of running large-scale, complex programmes, the importance of pace in a turbulent
Peggy Dulany, philanthropist, member of the Rockefeller family and Founder and Chair of Synergos on leading change through collaboration
Peggy Dulany is a philanthropist, member of the Rockefeller family and the Founder and Chair of Synergos, a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing social change through collaboration and systems leadership.
In this episode of the Do One Better Podcast, Peggy joins host Alberto Lidji for a thoughtful conversation on what it takes to address complex social challenges in an increasingly interconnect
Benjamin Perks, UNICEF's Head of Advocacy Child Development & Protection on the Global Caregiver Forum and the Science of Nurturing Care
Benjamin Perks, UNICEF’s Head of Advocacy for Child Development and Protection, joins Alberto Lidji on the Do One Better Podcast to make the case that the single most powerful investment a society can make is in the relationship between children and their caregivers.
Drawing on more than three decades of neuroscience, public health, and social science, Perks explains why secure caregiver child att
Surita Sandosham, President and CEO of Heifer International on Ending Hunger Through Locally Led Development
In this episode, Surita Sandosham, President and CEO of Heifer International, shares how one of the world’s most established development organizations is reimagining the fight against hunger and poverty through locally led, systems-based solutions.
With more than 80 years of experience and work spanning 19 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, Heifer International partners with smallhol
Key Trends: How Philanthropy Transformed in 2025
As we close out 2025, host Alberto Lidji analyses fifty deep-dive conversations from the past year to identify the key trends currently reshaping the social impact landscape. This special 2025 roundup episode moves beyond individual projects to explore the fundamental evolution of systemic transformation. Alberto synthesises the year’s insights into three defining shifts: the transition from isola
Brian Sommerlad, Chairman of CLEFT: Treating Cleft Lip and Palate Through Collaboration, Training and Trust
Cleft lip and palate is one of the most common congenital conditions worldwide, yet effective care goes far beyond repairing a visible deformity. It requires long-term, multidisciplinary support that addresses speech, hearing, dental development and psychological wellbeing.
In this episode, Brian Sommerlad, a surgeon and Chairman of CLEFT, shares four decades of experience in cleft care across the
Roger Federer Foundation's CEO, Maya Ziswiler, on their New Strategy and Achieving Philanthropic Impact
This episode explores the work of the Roger Federer Foundation through a conversation with Maya Ziswiler, Chief Executive Officer, focusing on early childhood education, prevention-focused philanthropy, and long-term systems change.
Maya explains how the Foundation works to give children a better start in life through early and foundational learning, with the majority of its work concentrated in S
Guy Cave, President of the Legatum Foundation on Creating and Launching Collective Philanthropy Funds
In this episode, Guy Cave, President of the Legatum Foundation, discusses how the foundation launches and scales collaborative funds that focus on ambitious, system-level change. Rather than distributing small grants, the foundation pilots approaches with local organisations, tests what works, and—when the potential for large-scale impact is clear—spins out independent funds with their own leaders
Tom McPartland, CEO of ELMA Philanthropies, on Navigating a New Era in Global Health and Development
This conversation offers an in-depth look at the evolving landscape of philanthropy, global health, and development funding, with a particular focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. The discussion examines how current geopolitical and economic pressures are reshaping what effective partnership, sustainability, and impact look like for funders, governments, and civil society.
The episode explores a wide rang
How Philanthropy Can Invest for Environmental Impact with Sarah Butler-Sloss, Founder and Chair of the Aurora Trust and Member of the Sainsbury Family
This episode features an in-depth conversation with philanthropist Sarah Butler-Sloss, founder and chair of the Aurora Trust and member of the Sainsbury family. With more than three decades of experience in environmental philanthropy, she offers an expansive perspective on climate action, sustainable finance, regenerative agriculture, and the role of foundations in driving systemic change.
The dis
Alberto Lidji at 350: The Highs, Lows and Lessons from Over Six Years of The Do One Better Podcast
This week, The Do One Better Podcast marks a remarkable milestone: 350 consecutive episodes since its launch in early 2019.
In this special solo edition, host Alberto Lidji reflects on the joy of creating a weekly show that brings together voices from across philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship, and on what it means to have listeners tuning in from every corner of the world.
Al
Trust for Public Land: Ensuring that Every Person in the United States Can Live Within A Short Walk of a Park, Trail, or Green Space
Featuring Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, President and CEO, and Molly Morgan, Texas State Director, both from the Trust for Public Land.
They share how their organization is working to ensure that every person in the United States can live within a short walk of a park, trail, or green space. The conversation explores the strategies and partnerships that are transforming communities and connecting pe
Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet: Turning Business into a Global Force for Environmental Good
Kate Williams, Chief Executive Officer of 1% for the Planet, joins the conversation to share how a simple idea—businesses and individuals committing 1% of annual revenues to environmental causes—has evolved into a powerful global movement.
Founded by Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia) and Craig Matthews, 1% for the Planet has inspired thousands of companies across more than 100 countries to give back to
Tom Szaky, Founder and CEO of TerraCycle, on Turning Waste into Value, the Future of Reuse, and Why Policy Is Key to a Circular Economy
What are the real economics behind recycling and reuse—and why, despite decades of progress, are we recycling less of our growing waste?
In this insightful conversation with TerraCycle Founder and CEO Tom Szaky, we unpack the market forces, policy levers, and behavioral dynamics that shape the global waste system. Szaky explains why recycling often fails to scale, how value—not technology—determin
Anna María Chávez, President and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation, on Philanthropy and Building a Culture of Giving Across Arizona
Anna María Chávez, President and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation, shares an inspiring look into how one of America’s leading statewide community foundations is redefining philanthropy, partnership and social impact in Arizona and beyond.
In this powerful conversation, Anna María discusses how the Arizona Community Foundation brings together individuals, corporations and nonprofits to drive
High-Impact Corporate Giving: How Companies Can Drive Social Change Without Losing Focus
Corporate giving is more than philanthropy — it’s a strategic tool for impact. In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore how companies can deploy their balance sheets, human capital, and core business capabilities to achieve meaningful social outcomes.
Our guest, Gwen Lim, Head of the Southeast Asia office and Partner at The Bridgespan Group, unpacks insights from her newly released repor
Logan Herring, CEO of The WRK Group, on Community Transformation, Youth Empowerment & Breaking Cycles of Poverty
What does it take to transform a neighborhood long defined by poverty into a community of opportunity, dignity, and hope?
In this episode, Logan Herring, CEO of The WRK Group, shares how three organizations—the Warehouse, Reach Riverside, and Kingswood Community Center—are leading a $600 million revitalization effort in Wilmington, Delaware’s Riverside neighborhood.
Logan discusses how teens help
Ari Simon, President of Tambourine Philanthropies on why the status quo in science funding is broken and how philanthropy can bridge today’s crisis while building a stronger system
Philanthropy faces a “Sputnik moment” in science funding. Ari Simon, President of Tambourine Philanthropies, shares why the U.S. research system is under existential threat — and how foundations can step up now.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why labs, postdocs, and decades of data are at risk from sudden funding cuts
Four immediate philanthropic responses to keep research alive
How tools li
Prof. Jack Shonkoff on Connecting Science + Community to Transform Early Childhood Development
Professor Jack Shonkoff, Founding Director of Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child and Director of Connecting Science + Community, joins for a powerful conversation about the future of early childhood development (ECD).
He reflects on decades of progress in making science actionable for policymakers, service providers and advocates; and shares why the next frontier must focus on the
David Reiling, CEO of Sunrise Banks, on Values-Based Banking, the Entrepreneurial Spirit and Expanding Financial Access
David Reiling, CEO of Sunrise Banks, shares his entrepreneurial journey of building a mission-driven financial institution where doing good and doing well go hand in hand.
From serving immigrant communities in Minnesota to shaping global conversations on financial inclusion and financial literacy, David explains how values-based banking empowers individuals, supports local economies and drives inn
CEO of New Philanthropy Capital, Jonathan Simmons on Why Giving Should Be Fun, Strategic and Accessible
Jonathan Simmons, CEO of New Philanthropy Capital (NPC), joins to share a refreshing perspective on philanthropy—why it should be fun, how to grow the giving market, and what it takes to make charitable impact both strategic and joyful.
We explore:
The origins of NPC and how it helps philanthropists make smarter decisions
Why giving should be viewed not only as serious and rigorous but also en
Smart Works CEO Anna Hemings on Empowering Women Into Work, Tackling Job Market Barriers and Driving Greater Gender Equality
What does it take to help thousands of women secure employment each year? Anna Hemings, Chief Executive of Smart Works, joins to share how this UK charity provides unemployed women with the coaching, clothing and confidence needed to transform their career prospects.
We explore:
How Smart Works supports 10,000 women annually with interview preparation, career coaching and professional outfits
Lyft CEO, David Risher, on Leading with Purpose, Driving Social Impact, and Reimagining the Future of Rideshare
In this episode of The Do One Better Podcast, host Alberto Lidji sits down with David Risher, CEO of Lyft, to explore what it means to lead with purpose in one of the world’s most competitive industries.
David shares his journey from Amazon executive to nonprofit founder (Worldreader) and now CEO of Lyft, where he champions a vision of “serving and connecting.” He discusses his hands-on leadership
Denis Mizne, CEO of the Lemann Foundation: Developing Brazil’s Next Generation of Changemakers
How do you prepare leaders to solve Brazil’s toughest challenges? Denis Mizne, CEO of the Lemann Foundation, shares how they’re eradicating illiteracy, boosting education, and developing changemakers who bridge political divides and drive real impact.
How can a country unlock its full potential by investing in both education and leadership? In this episode, Denis Mizne reveals how one of Brazil’s
Jeff Bradach, Co-Founder of Bridgespan, on Achieving Impact and the Shifting Role of Philanthropy in 2025
In this thought-provoking episode, Jeff Bradach, co-founder of Bridgespan and its former Managing Partner of 21 years, reflects on the evolving landscape of philanthropy, the nonprofit sector, and civil society at large—just as Bridgespan marks its 25th anniversary.
Jeff shares deep insights into the tectonic shifts underway in 2025, from the unprecedented accumulation of private wealth to the shi
Eleanor Harrison, CEO of the Fairtrade Foundation, on Ethical Trade, Climate Action and Building Resilient Supply Chains
Eleanor Harrison, CEO of the Fairtrade Foundation, explores how ethical trade can reshape global supply chains and build climate resilience.
In this episode, she explains what it really means when a product carries the Fairtrade mark — from minimum pricing protections to the Fairtrade Premium — and how this impacts over 2 million farmers and workers worldwide.
She also discusses the challenges of
Saurabh Taneja, CEO of the Akanksha Foundation, on Making Schools Great in India
Saurabh Taneja, CEO of the Akanksha Foundation, shares how his team is transforming education in India through deep community engagement, purpose-driven teaching, and innovative public-private partnerships.
In this episode, we explore:
Why access isn’t the biggest issue in India’s education system—but learning outcomes are
How Akanksha schools blend social work, pedagogy, and emotional support
Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children International, on Protecting Children's Rights
In this compelling conversation, Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children International, offers an unflinching examination of the state of children's rights in a world increasingly defined by conflict, climate disruption, and political fragmentation. She reflects on the historic roots of Save the Children, founded in the aftermath of World War I with a radical vision that children, regardless of nat
Emma Haddad, CEO of St Mungo's, on Solving Homelessness, Supporting Recovery, and Why No One Should Be Living on the Streets in 21st Century Britain
Emma Haddad, Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, provides a clear and thoughtful examination of homelessness in England and the work being done to respond to it. St Mungo’s, established in 1969, supports around 25,000 people each year through outreach, housing, and recovery services. Haddad explains that homelessness is not simply about lacking shelter, but often about a deeper set of issues that requi
Alison Covington AM, Founder and Managing Director of Good360 Australia, on Matching Spare with Need and Building a National Circle of Good Through Technology and Purpose
Alison Covington AM, Founder and Managing Director of Good360 Australia, shares the powerful story of how her organization is “matching spare with need”—connecting businesses with surplus brand-new goods to charities and disadvantaged schools across the country.
Through a sophisticated tech platform and logistics model, Good360 creates what Covington calls “a circle of good,” ensuring that valuabl
Naina Batra, CEO of AVPN, on Launching ImpactCollab and Scaling Cross-Border Giving Across Asia’s Social Investment Landscape
Naina Batra, CEO of AVPN, offers a forward-looking and strategic view into the evolution of social investment across Asia. With the upcoming launch of ImpactCollab, AVPN is not merely introducing a platform — it is catalyzing an infrastructure for cross-border philanthropy and capital deployment across Asia’s fragmented social impact landscape. AVPN is a social investment network based in Asia and
How Smart Policy, Behavioral Nudges, and Sustainable Investing Are Reshaping Retirement for Millions -- Mark Fawcett, CEO of Nest Invest
Mark Fawcett, Chief Executive Officer of Nest Invest, explores how the UK’s pension system has been transformed to serve a broader and more economically diverse workforce. Nest is the largest multi-employer pension fund in the UK, and it handles the retirement savings for nearly one-third of the UK working population. Nest Invest is the asset manager of Nest. Fawcett offers a compelling narrative
Helen Mountford, President and CEO of the ClimateWorks Foundation, on Climate Philanthropy
Helen Mountford, President and CEO of the ClimateWorks Foundation, provides a clear and structured overview of the current state of climate philanthropy and its role in supporting decarbonization, resilience, and systemic climate solutions. ClimateWorks, founded in 2008, was established to improve coordination among climate funders and to identify high-impact interventions that can be supported at
Fabio Segura, Co-CEO of the Jacobs Foundation, on Redefining Educational Impact Through Systems Change and Cross-Sector Collaboration in Ghana
Fabio Segura, Co-CEO of the Jacobs Foundation, offers a deep dive into the foundation’s bold and evidence-driven approach to improving learning outcomes in low- and high-resource environments alike. At the heart of the discussion is a new $120 million co-funding initiative in Ghana—an ambitious, multi-stakeholder collaboration bringing together the country’s Ministry of Education, the World Bank,
Philippa Charles, Director of the DFN Charitable Foundation, on Strategic Philanthropy, Disability Inclusion, Conservation, and Groundbreaking Myeloma Research
Philippa Charles, Director of the DFN Charitable Foundation, leads a conversation on the Foundation’s strategic philanthropic approach and its distinctive commitment to long-term, systems-level impact. With a background in leading one of the UK’s major family foundations and now at the helm of DFN, she offers a compelling look at how deeply personal motivations can shape focused and effective gran
Vishal Sunil, Co-Founder and CTO of Rocket Learning on Using AI to Scale Early Childhood Education Across India
In this compelling episode, Vishal Sunil, Co-Founder and CTO of Rocket Learning, offers a nuanced and forward-looking perspective on the intersection of artificial intelligence and early childhood education in India. Rocket Learning, a social impact organization working with over 3.2 million students across 10 Indian states, is radically transforming how foundational learning is delivered to under
Josh Aviv of SparkCharge and Matt Petersen of LACI on Scaling Mobile EV Charging Through Cleantech Innovation and the Power of Climate-Focused Incubation
This conversation offers an illuminating view into the intersection of entrepreneurship, climate innovation, and ecosystem-building, as seen through the partnership between SparkCharge and the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI). Josh Aviv, Founder and CEO of SparkCharge, and Matt Petersen, President and CEO of LACI, detail the transformative impact of incubator support on the successful deploy
Shloka Nath, CEO of the India Climate Collaborative, on Scaling Breakthrough Climate Solutions
Shloka Nath, Chief Executive Officer of the India Climate Collaborative (ICC), offers an in-depth look at the launch of the HCL ClimaForce Fund, a new initiative designed to bridge the critical gap between promising climate innovations and wide-scale adoption. The fund marks a notable evolution in Indian philanthropy, particularly in the climate mitigation space — an area that has historically rec
Nicole Rycroft, Founder and Executive Director of Canopy, on leveraging the global marketplace to catalyze large-scale forest conservation
Nicole Rycroft, Founder and Executive Director of Canopy, shares a comprehensive view of how her organization leverages the global marketplace to catalyze large-scale forest conservation. Founded in 1999, Canopy is a solutions-driven nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding the world’s ancient and endangered forests by working with diverse stakeholders, including key corporate actors to reform supply c
Jordana Barrack, Executive Director of the Mighty Arrow Family Foundation: Empathy and the Learning Journey in Philanthropy
In this episode, Jordana Barrack, Executive Director of the Mighty Arrow Family Foundation, offers a compelling perspective on how funders can rethink philanthropy by centering empathy, trust, and long-term relationships in their work. The foundation, established by Kim Jordan, co-founder of New Belgium Brewing Company, is a family-led philanthropy focused on climate change, food systems, land and
Christopher Coritsidis, Founder of the Opus 1 Foundation, on harnessing the arts to drive positive change, foster well-being, and connect people
Christopher Coritsidis, Founder of the Opus 1 Foundation, presents a vision for how the arts can play a practical and effective role in driving social impact.
His work focuses on leveraging the power of creative expression to address real-world challenges such as economic inequality, social injustice, and environmental sustainability.
The Opus 1 Foundation brings together a wide-ranging network of
Pia Rebello Britto, Global Director of Education at UNICEF, on Climate-Driven Disruption of Education and the Global Learning Crisis
In a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation, Pia Rebello Britto, Global Director of Education and Adolescent Development at UNICEF, unpacks the sobering reality of education in the face of accelerating climate change and systemic inequality.
Drawing on her extensive global experience and UNICEF’s latest report, "Learning Interrupted: Global snapshot of climate-related school disruptions i
Baroness Joanna Shields, Founder of the WeProtect Global Alliance, on Tackling Online Child Exploitation and Building a Safer Digital World for the Next Generation
In this powerful and urgent conversation, Baroness Joanna Shields offers a compelling account of her work founding and leading the WeProtect Global Alliance—a coalition of over 100 governments and 320 organisations uniting to combat the growing threat of online child sexual abuse and exploitation. A former tech executive and government minister, she bridges sectors to drive systemic change, confro
Tiffany Yu, CEO and Founder of Diversability: How to Build a Disability Inclusive World
In a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Tiffany Yu, CEO and Founder of Diversability, explores the transformational potential of disability advocacy, the importance of representation, and the expansive reach of community-building.
As the architect of Diversability—a global community now numbering more than 80,000 individuals—Tiffany has created a platform that empowers disabled individ
Valeria Scorza, CEO of Fundación Avina, on Driving Collaborative Action for Sustainable Development
Valeria Scorza, CEO of Fundación Avina, offers a compelling exploration of how philanthropy can act as an orchestrator in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing Latin America and the broader Global South. With a 30-year legacy of fostering sustainable development, Fundación Avina operates at the intersection of climate action, democratic innovation, and economic transformation, wor
A Partnership for Inclusion: Special Olympics and The Coca-Cola Company's Shared Mission to Change the World
The opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games have just taken place in Turin, Italy on 8th March 2025. Today, we welcome leaders from Special Olympics and The Coca-Cola Company onto this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Zehra Sayin is the Chief Marketing, Communications and Development Officer at the Special Olympics; and Tim Dignard is Senior Director, Global Sports Partner
Fay Twersky, President and Director at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, on Accelerating Giving and Tackling Society’s Biggest Challenges
Fay Twersky, President and Director at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, on Accelerating Giving and Tackling Society’s Biggest Challenges.
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, founded nearly 30 years ago, is committed to accelerating philanthropy and tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Arthur M. Blank co-founded The Home Depot.
Under the leadership of Fay Twersky, the
Doug Griffiths, President of the Oak Foundation, on the Power of Philanthropy
Doug Griffiths, President of the Oak Foundation, on the power of philanthropy, transforming lives, strengthening communities, and addressing inequities in ways that neither governments nor markets can achieve alone.
The Oak Foundation exemplifies this potential, channeling nearly half a billion dollars annually into causes that seek to make the world a safer, fairer, and more sustainable place. F
Mohamed Osman, CEO of Spring Impact, on Scaling Social Innovation
Mohamed Osman, CEO of Spring Impact, on Scaling Social Innovation.
Spring Impact was founded on the belief that social innovation must be scaled strategically and sustainably to meet the sheer magnitude of today’s problems. Rather than focusing solely on organisational growth, Spring Impact works with mission-driven organisations and funders to help them design pathways for scaling impact in w
Shamina Singh, Founder and President of Mastercard's Center for Inclusive Growth: Economic Inclusion and the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Shamina Singh is the Founder and President of the Center for Inclusive Growth — Mastercard's social impact hub.
The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth was founded with the intention of redefining corporate engagement in the social sector, moving beyond traditional philanthropy to leverage the full spectrum of Mastercard’s assets — technology, data, AI, expertise, and capital — in ways that dri
Danil Mikhailov, Executive Director of Data.org, on AI for Social Impact
Danil Mikhailov, Executive Director of Data.org, on AI for Social Impact. Established five years ago by the Rockefeller Foundation and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Data.org is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the use of data and AI for social good.
The rapid evolution of AI and data science presents both an unprecedented opportunity and a growing challenge for the social impact s
Leslie Johnston, CEO of the Laudes Foundation, on Driving Systemic Change for Climate Action and a Just Transition
Leslie Johnston, CEO of the Laudes Foundation, delivers an insightful exploration into the transformative work her organisation undertakes to combat climate change and foster a just transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy.
As the leader of a relatively young foundation founded in 2020, Leslie underscores the urgency of addressing the "polycrisis" of climate change, inequality, and econom
Interview with David Lynch: filmmaker and creative genius. A tribute to David Lynch 1946-2025
Interview with David Lynch: filmmaker and creative genius. A tribute to David Lynch 1946-2025.
David speaks from the heart, with abundant passion and an infectious self-assuredness about consciousness and the power of Transcendental Meditation to do away with the negatives in one's life while letting in boundless positivity.
We learn about the work of the David Lynch Foundation, helping bring TM t
Harriet Oppenheimer, Chief Executive of RNID, on Advancing Hearing Health, Breaking Stigma, and Innovating Care
Harriet Oppenheimer, Chief Executive of RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People), delves into the organisation’s work in support of the 18 million individuals in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss, or experience tinnitus.
She underscores the pervasive nature of hearing-related issues, noting that if one does not personally face such challenges, they undoubtedly know someone who does
Maharshi Vaishnav, CEO of Educate Girls: ensuring every girl in India can realise her right to education
Maharshi Vaishnav, CEO of Educate Girls, discusses the organisation's mission and initiatives to tackle the persistent issue of girls’ exclusion from education in India. Maharshi notes that despite significant progress in universalising primary and middle school education through legislative reforms like the Right to Education Act of 2009, structural barriers such as entrenched patriarchy, pov
New Year's Special: Thoughts on Strategy, Fundraising and the Search for Talent
New Year's Special: Thoughts on Strategy, Fundraising and the Search for Talent. Have a listen and it just might make your 2025 even brighter.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
Lisa Hamilton, President and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation: Empowering and Supporting Youth
Lisa Hamilton, President and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, delves into the organisation’s mission and its groundbreaking efforts to create lasting change for children and families across the United States.
The foundation, established by Jim Casey, the founder of UPS — the world's largest logistics company — carries forward a legacy rooted in empowering young people facing adversity. With a
Mark Norbury, Chief Executive of UnLtd, on Backing Social Entrepreneurs and Transforming Communities Through the Growth Impact Fund
Mark Norbury, Chief Executive of UnLtd, explores the dynamic world of social entrepreneurship, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to empowering leaders who are transforming their communities.
UnLtd has long championed social entrepreneurs across the UK, providing both financial and practical support to help innovative ideas flourish. Over the past five years, the organisation has seen a se
Ella Gudwin, CEO of VisionSpring, on the Transformative Power of Eyeglasses to Boost Livelihoods, Productivity, and Economic Development
Ella Gudwin, CEO of VisionSpring, offers an exploration of how access to affordable eyeglasses is not merely a matter of health but a transformative lever for economic development, productivity, and individual well-being. VisionSpring’s innovative hybrid model exemplifies the intersection of philanthropy and social enterprise, as it tackles one of the most pervasive yet solvable challenges in glo
John O'Brien and Lucy Knill of Anthropy: Exploring the Future of Britain in the World
John O'Brien and Lucy Knill of Anthropy: Exploring the Future of Britain in the World. The conversation explores the origins, purpose, and transformative potential of Anthropy, a unique leadership gathering taking place in March 2025 that convenes diverse voices to envision and shape the future of Britain.
John O'Brien, the founder of Anthropy, reveals how the initiative was born during the isolat
