In this episode, Joy and the Vice President of the Criterion Institute, Susie Pan, explore the concept of 'investable hope' - a compelling idea that combines finance with the notion of hope for a better future. They discuss the importance of hope in times of crisis, the shift from individual to collective hope, and how investments can be a pathway to creating a more equitable society.

And finally, Joy discusses Criterion's practice of prioritising relationships with people who are responsible for their own hope.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:17 - The Role of Hope in Crisis
• 07:48 - Collective vs. Individual Hope
• 11:42 - Investing in a Better Future
• 17:48 - Practice - Responsibility for One's Own Hope

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn
• Susie's LinkedIn

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts

In this episode, Joy explores the complexities of existential crises, burnout, and the importance of self-reflection. She discusses the challenges of feeling overwhelmed in today's world, the difference between self-diagnosis and honest reflection, and the significance of autonomy and control in one's work life. Joy emphasizes the need for structure and accountability to find freedom in decision-making and the power of choice in shaping one's path.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:59 - Understanding Burnout and Its Causes
• 05:55 - Self-Diagnosis vs. Honest Reflection
• 09:02 - The Role of Autonomy and Control
• 12:07 - Finding Freedom in Structure
• 14:59 - The Power of Choice

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts

In this episode, Joy discusses the HBO show 'The Rehearsal' and its parallels to power dynamics in finance and aviation. The conversation explores themes of communication, vulnerability, authority, and the importance of diversity in decision-making environments. Through the lens of the show, Joy highlights how rehearsing new scripts and norms can lead to better outcomes in high-stakes situations.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:48 - Aviation Safety and Communication Dynamics
• 05:18 - Power Dynamics in Cockpits and Finance
• 10:28 - The Role of Vulnerability in Decision Making
• 18:11 - Diversity and Communication in High-Stakes Environments
• 22:38 - Rehearsing New Norms and Scripts in Leadership

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts

In this episode, Joy engages in a rich conversation with Joyce-Ann Wainaina, founder of Chui Ventures. They explore their personal journeys, the impact of their backgrounds, and the role of finance in transformative systems change.

The discussion delves into the importance of confidence, the challenges of navigating career transitions, and the need for gender equity in investment. They emphasize the significance of supporting African founders and the power of community in fostering innovation and change.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:43 - Personal Journeys and Shared Experiences
• 07:01 - The Role of Religion in Shaping Identity
• 13:43 - Career Transitions: From Teaching to Finance
• 22:21 - The Importance of Learning to Learn
• 32:07 - Investing in African Founders
• 42:00 - Grounded Leadership and Authenticity

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn
• Joyce-Ann's LinkedIn

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts

In this episode, Joy explores the perceived costs associated with integrating gender into investments and the expenses related to control in community building. She argues that gender integration can be cost-neutral in the long run, emphasizing that the real costs arise from resistance and bias.

Additionally, Joy discusses how control can be expensive in collaborative efforts and how reducing control can lead to more effective community engagement and lower costs.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:28 - Gender as Cost Neutral
• 06:05 - The Costs of Control

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts

In this episode, Joy engages in a deep conversation with Katharine Im-Jenkins, managing director of the Equality Fund. They explore the innovative financing strategies behind the Equality Fund, the power dynamics within endowments, and the importance of sustainable funding for grassroots organizations working on gender equality.

The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities in feminist funding, the role of governance in managing endowments, and the need for collaboration and trust in the philanthropic landscape. They also reflect on the current challenges facing feminist movements and the importance of imagining new models for future resourcing.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:11 - The Equality Fund: A Bold Initiative
• 04:22 - Power Dynamics in Endowments
• 10:30 - Designing for Sustainability and Resilience
• 18:04 - The Role of Endowments in Social Change
• 25:13 - Navigating Financial Norms and Challenges
• 32:56 - Responding to Current Challenges in Feminist Funding
• 38:46 - Building Trust and Collaboration in Governance
• 45:20 - Imagining New Models for Future Resourcing

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn
• Katharine's LinkedIn

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts

In this episode - part one in a two-part series on this topic - Joy and Yifat Susskind (Executive Director of MADRE) discuss the importance of a feminist financial imagination in the context of social transformation and funding for women's rights organizations.

Joy then reimagines and explores the challenges faced by current funding systems, the role of philanthropy, and innovative financial tools and investment strategies that can support social justice movements. The discussion emphasizes the need for new ways to finance work, optimize cash flow, and create community-owned economic models, all while fostering a hopeful future for feminist movements.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 04:04 - The Role of Philanthropy in Social Change
• 12:11 - Challenges in Current Funding Systems
• 18:04 - Exploring Financial Tools for Social Justice
• 29:54 - Innovative Investment Strategies for Feminist Movements
• 41:47 - Conclusion and Call to Action

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn
• Yifat's LinkedIn

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts

In this celebratory 50th episode of the Criterion Institute podcast, Joy engages in a heartfelt conversation with David Bank, CEO of Impact Alpha. They reflect on the power of voice in impact investing, the importance of language, and the role of media in shaping community narratives.

Joy then shares her personal journey of finding her voice and invites listeners to explore their own. The episode highlights the significance of partnerships and the continuous evolution of impact investing discourse.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:45 - The Power of Voice in Impact Investing
• 06:03 - Navigating the Landscape of Impact Media
• 09:00 - The Importance of Language and Communication
• 12:03 - Building a Community Through Shared Voices
• 14:56 - Reflections on Personal Growth and Voice
• 17:55 - An Invitation to Find Your Voice

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn
• David's LinkedIn
• Impact Alpha website

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts