Backing the Future: Can Philanthropy Drive Systemic Change? with Peter Bennett & Leslie Johnston

In this episode our hosts explore the role of philanthropy in shaping cleaner, fairer and more resilient economies. Philanthropy funds much of the world’s high-risk innovation, early-stage ideas and new economic thinking — often long before markets or governments are able to act.

Hosts Lindsay Hooper and Marc Kahn are joined by two leaders reshaping the field:
• Peter Bennett — founder of the Bennett Foundation, supporting institutions such as the Bennett Institute for Public Policy and the Bennett Innovation Lab at the Whittle Laboratory
• Leslie Johnston — founding CEO of the Laudes Foundation, working with more than 300 organisations to accelerate a green, fair and inclusive global economy.

Together, they explore how philanthropy can move beyond individual projects to spark system change — shaping incentives, narratives and the enabling conditions that determine whether economies become cleaner, fairer and more resilient.
The guests offer two complementary perspectives on how philanthropy can drive systemic change. Peter reflects on backing exceptional people and strong institutions that can generate ideas with multi-decade impact. Leslie shares how strategic philanthropy works to catalyse market mechanisms, shift mindsets and power dynamics, and create incentives for climate-positive and people-positive outcomes.

Together, they paint a picture of philanthropy as a crucial part of the wider ecosystem — not replacing business or government, but enabling experimentation, supporting innovation, and helping shape the rules and narratives that accelerate the transition to a sustainable and inclusive global economy.

In partnership with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) and Investec.

“Philanthropy works best when it catalyses the market mechanism—sparking something new, creating momentum, and then letting business, government and civil society take it to scale.” Leslie Johnston
“I back really smart people in institutions that can still be here in decades or centuries. That’s how you create long-term impact—by investing in ideas that endure.” Peter Bennett

Key Takeaways
• Philanthropy’s unique value is the freedom to take long-term, risky and innovative bets
• System change requires shifting incentives and power dynamics, not just fixing problems at the edges
• Funding institutions, not only projects, creates lasting impact
• Blended finance and mission-related investments unlock solutions traditional capital won’t back
• Progress should be measured by contribution to system shifts, not ownership of isolated outcomes

Credits
Presented by:
• Lindsay Hooper, Chief Executive, CISL
• Marc Kahn, Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer, Investec
Produced by: Carl Homer (Cambridge TV) & Alexa Sellwood
Executive Producer: Gillian Secrett
In partnership with: Investec

Listen and Subscribe:
Available on all major podcast platforms or visit the Leadership Hub on the CISL website or Investec Focus for more episodes and insights.

Disclaimer:
The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership · Investec · CISL Leadership Hub · Investec Focus Radio