Today, instead of our regular program, we wanted to play an episode from System Catalysts, a podcast about the incredible people who are fixing the broken systems that run the world. English Sall talks to the people behind One Acre Fund, an organization that supports smallholder farmers in Africa through a brilliant social enterprise model. They discuss how to build trust across sectors, something I think all social entrepreneurs should learn to do. 

If you like what you hear, don’t forget to follow this link to subscribe to System Catalysts and listen to more episodes. 

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In episode 221 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jon Nevett, CEO of Public Interest Registry (PIR), on running the .org domain registry, internet governance, and the .org Impact Awards.

In this conversation, Jon Nevett shares his journey from a legal background to the technology sector, specifically focusing on his role at the Public Interest Registry (PIR). He discusses the mission of PIR, which operates the .org domain and supports nonprofits globally.

The conversation also highlights the importance of domain names for organizations, the significance of the .org Impact Awards, and the role of ICANN in internet governance.

Jon emphasizes the need for a safe and secure domain name system and shares insights on future goals for the organization and the industry.

Takeaways

• Public Interest Registry operates the .org domain and supports nonprofits.
• The .org Impact Awards celebrate outstanding nonprofit organizations.
• Choosing the right domain name is crucial for digital identity.
• ICANN plays a significant role in internet governance and policy.
• The domain name system must be safe and secure for all users.
• PIR contributes to the Internet Society to improve global internet access.
• Nonprofits can use various domain extensions to enhance their missions.
• The future of domain names includes new top-level domains and web3.
• Investing in a professional domain name is essential for credibility.

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In episode 220 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Derwin Sisnett, Founder and CEO of Adaptive Commons, on addressing the urgent need for affordable housing for essential workers by reimagining and rebuilding forgotten spaces into high-quality homes.

About Derwin Sisnett

Derwin Sisnett is the founder and CEO of Adaptive Commons, a pioneering real estate development and investment firm focused on transforming public spaces for the greater good.

Before establishing Adaptive Commons, Derwin co-founded and led Maslow Development Inc., a firm dedicated to advising, designing, and developing mixed-use communities centered around high-quality schools.

As the co-founder and former CEO of Gestalt Community Schools, a charter management organization in Memphis, Tennessee, Derwin played a crucial role in developing a network of high-performing, community-based charter schools.

His leadership earned recognition from the White House and the U.S. Department of Education, and he spearheaded a mixed-use development encompassing over 40 acres, which included a performing arts center and affordable housing.

In partnership with the Menkiti Group, Derwin co-founded the Obsidian Catalyst Fund, a real estate investment vehicle under Grove Social Impact Partners, aimed at empowering Black real estate developers and driving neighborhood-level social impact.

About Adaptive Commons

Adaptive Commons is addressing the urgent need for affordable housing for essential workers by reimagining and rebuilding forgotten spaces into high-quality homes. This initiative is critical as many teachers, healthcare professionals, and civic workers struggle to find affordable living options near their workplaces.

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In episode 219 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, on the company's mission to create positive change through the joy of travel.

For many conscious travelers, the journey now extends beyond personal enjoyment to include responsible and sustainable choices that benefit both local communities and the environment.

This is where Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest adventure travel company and a certified B Corp, comes into the spotlight.

With over 35 years of experience, Intrepid Travel has pioneered small group adventures that focus on sustainable, immersive experiences.

Episode Takeaways

* Intrepid Travel's mission is to create positive change through the joy of travel.
* Sustainable travel focuses on benefiting local communities and minimizing environmental impact.
* Intrepid's growth strategies include geographic expansion, product diversification, and direct-to-consumer marketing.
* Challenges in the travel industry include geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, and climate change.
* A career in travel offers diverse opportunities, and research is important when choosing a company to work for.
* Intrepid's future goals include connecting more people and communities and expanding into new sectors.

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In episode 218 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Vanessa Barboni Hallik, Founder and CEO of Another Tomorrow, on her journey from finance to fashion and the mission behind the sustainable luxury brand.

About Another Tomorrow

Born from Vanessa’s desire to create a more sustainable future, Another Tomorrow offers a modern approach to fashion. After a successful career in emerging markets finance, Vanessa took a sabbatical to explore sustainable finance. However, during her research, she uncovered alarming truths about the apparel industry’s impact on people, animals, and the environment. This led to the birth of Another Tomorrow, a brand built on three pillars: human, animal, and environmental welfare.

The mission for the company is simple yet profound: to offer a wardrobe of ethically made clothing, provide education on the broader fashion industry, and create a platform for activism. Another Tomorrow’s collection pushes the boundaries of what responsibly sourced and ethically produced materials can achieve, offering timeless, versatile pieces designed for longevity.

A Circular Economy Approach

At its core, Another Tomorrow embraces a technology-based circular economy. The brand is driven by the principles of community, transparency, and organic scarcity, ensuring that each decision aligns with the values of both the company and its consumers. By building trusted partnerships with suppliers and providing consumers with transparency about the supply chain, Another Tomorrow encourages mindful consumption and reduces fashion waste.

This circular approach extends beyond the design process, as the brand also aims to educate consumers on the broader impact of their choices. Every piece in the collection reflects a commitment to human, animal, and environmental welfare, ensuring that consumers can feel good about the clothes they wear.

Fashion as a Pathway to Activism

Another Tomorrow goes beyond offering clothing; it provides a platform for activism. Hallik and her team believe that fashion can be a powerful tool for change, amplifying voices for sustainability and social justice. Through storytelling and educational initiatives, the brand engages its community with the deeper stories behind each garment, empowering consumers to make more informed decisions.

In Hallik’s own words, the brand’s purpose is to “amplify our collective voices,” encouraging consumers to become advocates for a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry. By choosing Another Tomorrow, consumers aren’t just purchasing clothing—they’re supporting a movement for positive change.

About Vanessa

Vanessa Barboni Hallik is the founder and CEO of Another Tomorrow, a B Corp Certified sustainable design company committed to reshaping the future of fashion. Through a fully digitized product ecosystem, Another Tomorrow offers technology-enabled transparency and authenticated recommerce, demonstrating a bold approach to circularity. In addition to leading her company, Vanessa is an investor in early-stage companies driving systemic change across various industries.

Vanessa serves on the Advisory Board of Harvard’s Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, where her focus is on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. As a recognized thought leader in innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable business models, she frequently speaks on topics such as circular economies. Her work has garnered attention from major outlets like The New York Times, Fast Company, Bloomberg, Forbes, and Vogue. Vanessa has also been recognized by Wallpaper Magazine’s USA400 and Worth Magazine’s Worthy100 for her contributions to the industry.

Before founding Another Tomorrow, Vanessa spent her career at Morgan Stanley, where she held leadership positions in the emerging markets institutional securities business. Her global experience included managing cross-border teams and working across diverse markets. She also served as a Trustee on the Board of the Morgan Stanley Foundation and represented the firm at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Vanessa chaired the Fixed Income Philanthropy Committee, where she pioneered and led a mentoring program with East Side Community High School in partnership with PENCIL.org.

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In episode 217 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Caroline Whistler, CEO and Co-Founder of Third Sector, on the organization's mission to transform government funding for social impact.

Founded in 2011, Third Sector is a national nonprofit organization that works with government agencies, community-based organizations, and philanthropic partners to catalyze change and confront inequities.

As a technical assistance organization, Third Sector advises its partners on reshaping policies, systems, and services to ensure they are designed with the community’s needs at the forefront.

With a track record of working in over 50 communities, Third Sector has helped deploy more than $1.8 billion in government resources toward outcomes that matter.

Their work focuses on four critical areas:

1. Behavioral Health

2. Diversion and Reentry

3. Early Childhood Development

4. Economic Mobility

Third Sector’s work is grounded in the belief that unlocking possibility begins with making meaningful connections. They take the time to fully understand the needs of the communities they serve, ensuring that public services are responsive and effective.

This approach not only rebuilds trust in public systems but also ensures that services are delivered when they are most needed, achieving the best possible outcomes for all.

By focusing on transforming public systems, Third Sector is helping to create a future where all people, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive.

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In episode 216 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Suwha Hong, CEO of Indego Africa, on empowering female artisans with vocational skills, business acumen, and crucial access to global markets, transforming them into self-sufficient entrepreneurs.

Since its inception in 2007, Indego Africa has been at the forefront of fostering the creation, growth, and sustainability of women-owned businesses across Africa. With a focus on empowering female artisans, Indego Africa equips its partners with vocational skills, business acumen, and crucial access to global markets, transforming them into self-sufficient entrepreneurs.

A Commitment to Women-Owned Businesses

Indego Africa’s mission revolves around supporting women in their journey to financial independence and entrepreneurship. Currently, the organization partners with over 23 independent, artisan-owned businesses spread across Rwanda, Ghana, and various refugee camps. These partnerships are not just about economic support; they are about creating sustainable businesses that positively impact entire communities.

Education Programs: Building the Foundation for Success

Education is at the heart of Indego Africa’s mission. Through customized business, leadership, and vocational training programs, artisans gain the knowledge and tools necessary to run and scale their own businesses. These programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each community, ensuring that women can seize long-term economic opportunities. This commitment to education opens doors not only for the women involved but also for their families and the broader community.

Market Access: Connecting Artisans to Global Consumers

One of the key pillars of Indego Africa’s work is providing artisans with access to global markets. By fostering long-term, transparent relationships, the organization ensures that artisans receive fair wages for their work. Using locally sourced, natural materials, these artisans create heirloom-quality products that blend traditional African craftsmanship with modern design. This approach not only preserves cultural heritage but also meets the demands of contemporary consumers.

Local and Sustainable Practices

Indego Africa is deeply committed to sustainability. By sourcing natural fibers and materials from local markets and farms, the organization ensures that its production processes are environmentally responsible. When local sourcing is not possible, materials are sourced consciously, with a priority on pan-African trade, quality, and sustainability. This commitment to local and sustainable practices underscores the durability and environmental responsibility of Indego Africa’s products.

Celebrating Craftsmanship: Honoring Heritage and Innovation

At Indego Africa, craftsmanship is more than a skill; it’s a celebration of heritage. Each product, whether it’s a woven basket or a hand-carved piece of wood, is crafted using time-honored techniques passed down through generations. By collaborating with artisan partners, Indego Africa creates products that not only showcase the artisans’ talent but also bridge the gap between traditional artistry and modern design.

Transparent and Fair Partnerships

Indego Africa’s approach to partnership is rooted in transparency and fairness. The artisans work with, not for, the organization. Together, they determine fair pricing and ensure that artisans have the resources needed to deliver beautifully crafted products to consumers worldwide. This collaborative approach fosters trust and mutual respect, which are essential for long-term success.

Long-Term Impact: Transforming Communities

Indego Africa’s impact extends far beyond the individual artisans. The organization’s investment in education and market access has led to significant, measurable results. For instance, 90% of partners report an increase in income since partnering with Indego Africa, while 97% believe the skills they’ve gained will help them earn income in the future. Moreover, there has been a twofold increase in artisans who have started new side businesses outside their cooperative since 2021, demonstrating the far-reaching effects of Indego Africa’s support.

A Vision for the Future

What began as a model to uplift women in post-genocide Rwanda has evolved into a broader mission to empower women, youth, and refugees across Africa. Indego Africa believes in the potential of these individuals to achieve their dreams and become powerful engines of growth for their communities. By providing innovative designs, advanced skills training, and access to global markets, Indego Africa is helping to shape a future where women entrepreneurs can thrive and lead the way in sustainable development.

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In episode 215 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jayce Newton, the Director of Impact at Liquid IV. Jayce shared his inspiring journey and the mission-driven initiatives of Liquid IV aimed at expanding clean water access.

With a strong commitment to making a tangible difference, Liquid I.V. is not just a company but a movement dedicated to addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time: water insecurity.

As of 2024, they have donated 55 million servings of Liquid I.V. in over 90 countries.

Takeaways

2.2 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean water
Liquid IV donates its oral rehydration solution to disaster response organizations
They work with communities to build wells and connect them to the water grid
Their goal is to expand clean water access for 2 million people by 2026

Sound Bites

"2.2 billion people all over the world do not have access to clean water"
"We have a goal to donate 15 million servings a year and 150 million in the next decade"
"Liquid IV's purpose is to elevate the vitality of people and planet"

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In episode 214 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Hedvig Alexander, Co-Founder of Powered by People, on bridging the gap between artisans and global buyers through modern technology and tools.

Hedvig, the co-founder of Powered by People, shares her journey from being a Danish army captain to becoming an entrepreneur. She discusses how her passion for social change and her background in the military and non-profit sector led her to start her first business, Far and Wide. However, she realized that the business had limitations and decided to start Powered by People with her co-founders.

Powered by People is a marketplace that connects buyers in Europe and North America with artisans and makers in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The platform not only facilitates the matchmaking process but also offers financing and resources to help makers become export-ready. Hedvig emphasizes the importance of cultivating a long tail of makers to ensure a unique and attractive supply.

She also highlights the role of philanthropy in supporting the training and development of makers, as venture capital is not suited for that purpose. Powered by People is focused on creating a sustainable and unique supply chain by connecting makers from around the world with buyers.

They aim to bridge the gap between the philanthropic and venture capital worlds by creating a hybrid financing model. This model allows for both venture backers and philanthropists to support the business and achieve their respective goals.

The key to making this model work is providing information and understanding to both sides, making them comfortable with each other and leveraging each other's strengths. The maker community is creating handmade, high-quality products with contemporary designs that are being bought by retailers like West Elm and the Smithsonian Institute.

Powered by People aims to scale the business, attract more buyers and makers, and become the default sourcing option for sustainable and unique supply. They also want to build out their technology to make it easier for makers to get online and grow their businesses.

Takeaways

• Hedvig's journey from being a Danish army captain to becoming an entrepreneur was driven by her passion for social change and her desire to create responsible, impactful businesses.
• Powered by People is a marketplace that connects buyers in Europe and North America with artisans and makers in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
• The platform not only facilitates the matchmaking process but also offers financing and resources to help makers become export-ready.
• Cultivating a long tail of makers is crucial for ensuring a unique and attractive supply on the platform.
• Philanthropy plays a vital role in supporting the training and development of makers, as venture capital is not suited for that purpose. Powered by People connects makers with buyers to create a sustainable and unique supply chain.
• Their hybrid financing model bridges the gap between venture capital and philanthropy.
• Information and understanding are key to making the hybrid financing model work.
• The maker community is creating handmade, high-quality products with contemporary designs.
• Powered by People aims to scale the business and become the default sourcing option for sustainable and unique supply.

Sound Bites

"Powered by People is this amazing sort of network you and your co-founders have built, sprinkling sort of technology on artisans around the world to sort of build this wholesale supply marketplace for retailers, for entrepreneurs building sort of marketplaces."
"Find some great people, co-founders and do this."
"It's a marketplace. It connects buyers, you know, in Europe and North America who wants more sustainable and more unique supply."
"The key to making this model work is information on both sides."
"People have so much more in common than what separates them."
"Language can be the divider, but the outcome is often the same."

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In episode 213 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Ash Bhardwaj, President and CEO, of Onx Homes, on disrupting the homebuilding industry in a sustainable way.

Key Takeaways from Interview

• The homebuilding industry is in dire need of disruption due to issues such as lack of durability, outdated construction methods, and inefficient supply chains.
• ONX Homes uses automation and innovative technology to build homes in less than 30 days, addressing these challenges effectively.
• Resilience and sustainability are central to Onx Homes' mission, with features such as hurricane impact windows and concrete construction.
• Government collaboration is crucial to overcoming hurdles in the approval process for new developments.
• Onx Homes offers significant cost savings to consumers through reduced waste, efficient labor, and global sourcing of materials.
• The company provides upgrades and energy-efficient features to reduce maintenance costs and utility bills for homeowners.
• Acquiring land and obtaining permits remain challenges, but Bhardwaj believes that government support and technological advancements can help overcome these obstacles.
• The company is investing in sustainable materials and technologies to minimize its carbon footprint and enhance the overall efficiency of its homes.
• The company is optimistic about the future of the homebuilding industry, driven by technology and increasing consumer demand for sustainable housing.

In the heart of the American dream, there’s a huge shortage of about 3.2 million homes, up from 2.5 million in 2018. This gap leaves families struggling to find affordable housing amidst high prices and interest rates.

The solution seems simple: build more homes. However, traditional construction methods have their own problems, scattered supply chains, out-dated materials, long build times, and lack of environmental innovation.

A 2023 report from RMI showed that new home construction in America produces over 50 million tons of carbon emissions each year—similar to the annual emissions of Norway.

This issue isn't just about economics; it's also about the environment.

Traditional construction harms the planet, using up resources, increasing carbon emissions, and creating waste.

We need innovative solutions that provide shelter while protecting the environment.

That’s where Onx Homes comes in.

The company believes it has the answer to these challenges.

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In episode 212 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Sanchali Pal, Founder & CEO at Commons, on helping people make more sustainable choices in their everyday lives. The app focuses on meeting people where they are and helping them make better choices when it comes to shopping.

The app provides information on brands that are more sustainable and offers rewards for making sustainable choices. It also allows users to offset their carbon emissions through carbon projects. The goal of Commons is to make sustainable shopping mainstream and to help people make more confident and secure choices in the future.

Takeaways

• Commons is an app that helps people make more sustainable choices in their everyday lives.
• The app focuses on meeting people where they are and helping them make better choices when it comes to shopping.
• It provides information on brands that are more sustainable and offers rewards for making sustainable choices.
• Users can also offset their carbon emissions through carbon projects.
• The goal of Commons is to make sustainable shopping mainstream and to help people make more confident and secure choices in the future.

The Commons Podcast: Second Nature

"Second Nature" is a podcast produced by Commons that explores the challenge of living sustainably in an unsustainable world. The show delves into how sustainable choices impact both individual lives and the planet at large.

Each week, the podcast features stories from listeners who are making environmentally conscious decisions in their daily lives.

These include actions such as using public transit, composting food waste, incorporating more plant-based meals into their diets, and practicing deconsumption.

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