John Goodwin, Executive Chairman of the Learning Economy Foundation, offers an insightful examination of how emergent technologies — particularly verified credentials and digital credentials — are set to transform global education and employment systems.

Through his role, John advocates for leveraging technology as a public good to promote equity, mobility, and individual agency, especially in underserved populations.

The Learning Economy Foundation, unlike traditional philanthropic organizations, focuses on developing open-source technologies and infrastructure that others can build upon, facilitating systemic change and innovation.

A major theme in the conversation is the role of verified digital credentials, which allow individuals to hold digital versions of diplomas and certificates that carry the same credibility as traditional paper equivalents. These credentials have wide-ranging applications, from employment and education to areas like property rights, and aim to simplify and secure the transfer of qualifications across borders and systems.

John emphasizes that the foundation is particularly focused on addressing gaps in the current education systems that fail to serve impoverished populations, especially in developing countries. By enabling the use of low-cost digital solutions, they hope to make a meaningful impact where educational inequity is most prevalent.

John’s past experience as CEO of the LEGO Foundation and his work with the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), a UN initiative, further illustrates his commitment to systemic change in education. He acknowledges the inherent challenges of shifting long-established systems but stresses the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement and collaboration to drive meaningful progress.

Systemic change, as John learned during his tenure at LEGO, cannot be achieved in isolation; it requires the cooperation of governments, educational institutions, businesses, and technologists working together toward a common goal.

The conversation also touches on the importance of serendipity in this process. John highlights that while planning and strategy are vital, unexpected opportunities and collaborations often become key turning points. His reflections on embracing flexibility and agility offer a refreshing counterpoint to rigid planning in a field that demands innovation.

John’s vision for business education is also explored. As a board member of PRME, he champions the integration of responsible management practices into business school curricula, noting that one in three graduates globally come from business-related fields. He sees future leaders as vital to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), advocating for a broader understanding of success beyond profit maximization, focusing on the social and environmental impact of business decisions. John argues that the pace of change must accelerate to meet the urgency of the global challenges laid out by the SDGs.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

In this engaging episode, Patrick Dunne and Rebecca Robins delve into the fascinating and timely subject of multigenerational organizations, drawn from insights in their book Five Generations at Work: How We Win Together, For Good.

For the first time in history, we have five distinct generations working concurrently across organizations globally, presenting both challenges and immense opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and social impact.

Dunne and Robins argue that the current generational discourse has become reductive, often fixated on stereotypes that do little to foster understanding or promote synergy. Instead, they propose a new narrative that embraces the strengths of every generation — whether it be Gen Z's agility and digital fluency or the seasoned wisdom and reflective thinking that older workers offer. They emphasize the importance of shifting from an "either-or" mindset that pits generations against each other to a "both-and" approach that maximizes the contributions of all age groups.

The authors highlight key findings from six years of research, drawing on extensive interviews and case studies from diverse global organizations like LVMH, Mars and the EY Foundation. These organizations have successfully integrated intergenerational dynamics to not only solve internal business challenges but also to drive positive social outcomes.

They also discuss various models of collaboration, such as NextGen boards, which have proven effective in creating an inclusive environment where different generations can share leadership and decision-making roles.

The episode also touches on how different cultures define generations and how these definitions impact workplace dynamics. From the post-apartheid "Born Free" generation in South Africa to the "9X" generation in Vietnam, the authors provide a nuanced understanding of how context shapes generational identities.

Dunne and Robins conclude with a call to action, urging leaders to recognize the unique moment we are living through — where the convergence of generations presents a "renaissance" of sorts. Instead of framing generational differences as a source of tension, leaders should see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to foster collaboration and drive collective progress, not only within organizations but across broader societal challenges like climate change, inequality, and technological disruption.

This thought-provoking discussion reframes how we should think about multigenerational workplaces, encouraging a more optimistic and pragmatic view that underscores the power of collaboration across ages to "win together for good."

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

In this enlightening discussion, Sebnem Sener, Head of Private Finance for the SDGs at United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Sustainable Finance Hub, provides a nuanced analysis of the vast financial gap preventing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The current $4.2 trillion annual financing shortfall is daunting, yet Sener emphasizes that this represents merely 1% of global wealth, urging the private sector to increase investments in SDG-aligned projects, particularly in emerging markets.

Sener explains the central role of the UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub in mobilizing private capital to where it is most needed, highlighting the strategic use of the organization’s global network of 170 country offices. This network provides critical local insight, market intelligence, and an understanding of country-specific policy priorities, which are essential for identifying SDG-aligned investment opportunities.

A core theme of the conversation is the challenge of managing both financial and impact risks. Sener stresses the importance of impact management systems, urging businesses to consider impact risks on par with financial risks. She illustrates this by recounting her engagement with a maternity clinic in Tanzania, where environmental concerns around medical waste had to be addressed alongside the clinic's primary goal of improving maternal health. Sener’s example demonstrates how embedding impact management frameworks into business operations can mitigate negative outcomes and enhance the overall sustainability of investments.

The interview also sheds light on the critical issue of perceived risk in emerging markets, where investors often hesitate due to political instability, economic volatility, and regulatory uncertainty. Sener argues that these risks can be addressed through innovative financial instruments such as blended finance, guarantees, and green bonds, which help to de-risk investments and attract private capital.

Deal origination remains a significant hurdle in emerging markets, and Sener introduces the SDG Investor Map as a vital tool for overcoming this challenge. The map helps identify areas ripe for investment by aligning with country-specific development needs and successful business models. The SDG Investor Map draws on the on-the-ground intelligence from UNDP’s country offices, which play a pivotal role in vetting businesses and ensuring that they are truly aligned with SDG objectives, thus enhancing credibility for investors.

Sener’s insights also emphasize the importance of collaboration. The financial ecosystem for impact is broad and diverse, encompassing not only global banks and institutions but also regional and domestic investors whose efforts often go unnoticed. This intricate network, facilitated by UNDP, creates a more fluid and inclusive market for sustainable investments.

Looking ahead, Sener remains cautiously optimistic. While the progress toward the SDGs is far from sufficient—only 15% of targets are on track—the realignment of financial systems to embed sustainability at their core presents a promising pathway forward. For Sener, the solution lies in rethinking how businesses operate, ensuring sustainability is at the heart of decision-making processes.

Throughout the conversation, Sener’s wealth of experience, from her time advising HM Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to her current role at UNDP, shines through. Her understanding of financial inclusion and sustainable finance, combined with her optimism for the future, presents a compelling vision for how the private sector can play a transformative role in achieving the SDGs.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

Crisis on the Frontline: A Closer Look at the WFP’s Expanding Challenges

Geraldine O’Callaghan, Director of the World Food Programme's Global Office, sheds light on the profound challenges faced by the WFP as the gap between global hunger needs and available resources widens significantly.

With operations in 120 countries, the WFP is confronted with a staggering increase in hunger, exacerbated by economic turmoil, escalating conflicts, and the relentless impacts of climate change.

Geraldine details how these factors have driven a nearly threefold increase in the number of people facing acute food insecurity over the past five years. Despite the WFP’s efforts to expand its reach, the organization now struggles to meet less than half of the global hunger needs, forcing tough decisions on the ground.

This discussion underscores the urgency of rethinking how the international community responds to crises, emphasizing the necessity for more sustainable and anticipatory action.

Innovative Approaches: Embracing New Solutions Amidst Dire Straits

While the global hunger situation appears increasingly dire, Geraldine O’Callaghan brings attention to the importance of innovation and creative funding solutions. She discusses how the WFP is exploring partnerships with non-traditional donors, including Gulf States and the private sector, to diversify and stabilize funding sources.

Geraldine also highlights the promising role of technology and innovation in addressing food security, from AI and early warning systems to simple yet impactful solutions like climate-resistant crops and organic waste recycling.

The conversation pivots from the bleakness of the current global landscape to a more hopeful perspective, where innovative approaches could significantly improve the efficiency and impact of the WFP’s efforts. This exploration into cutting-edge strategies and partnerships offers a glimpse of potential pathways to closing the gap between needs and resources.

A New Vision: The Long-Term Perspective on Global Food Security

Wrapping up the conversation, Geraldine reflects on her extensive experience in the development sector and stresses the need for a shift towards long-term, strategic interventions. She argues that the traditional short-term, reactive responses to humanitarian crises are no longer sufficient. Instead, there must be a focus on building resilience within vulnerable communities and integrating anticipatory action into the international response framework.

Geraldine’s call for embracing risk, tolerating failure, and investing in long-term solutions, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, serves as a powerful takeaway for listeners. Her vision is clear: sustainable change in global food security will only be achieved through a courageous commitment to long-term planning and innovation, even when immediate outcomes are less visible.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

In this episode, Jessica Anderen, CEO of the IKEA Foundation, provides an in-depth look at the Foundation's commitment to addressing the most pressing global challenges, particularly poverty and climate change.

She reflects on her journey within the IKEA ecosystem, from her extensive background in the corporate world to her current leadership role at the Foundation, highlighting the continuity in values that has driven her work over the years.

The IKEA Foundation, established by IKEA's founder Ingvar Kamprad 15 years ago, has evolved from a small organization into a significant philanthropic entity, now distributing around 400 million euros annually.

The Foundation focuses on sustainable livelihoods and environmental protection, recognizing the intrinsic link between climate change and poverty. The organization’s mission is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and its strategy is built on a foundation of strong values and a commitment to creating lasting systemic change.

Jessica emphasizes the importance of being on the ground and listening to the people directly affected by these global challenges. Her global experience, having lived and worked in various regions such as China, Bangladesh, and India, has given her unique insights into the local impacts of climate change and poverty.

This perspective informs the Foundation's approach, which prioritizes partnerships with local organizations that are deeply embedded in their communities and capable of driving sustainable change.

A key aspect of the IKEA Foundation’s work is in the energy sector, particularly in accelerating the shift to renewable energy. Jessica shares an inspiring example from their partnership with the SELCO Foundation in India, which aims to provide sustainable solar energy solutions to healthcare facilities, significantly improving access to care for millions of people. This project illustrates the Foundation's broader strategy of supporting initiatives that offer practical, scalable solutions to global challenges.

Jessica also discusses the Foundation's approach to developing its new strategic cycle, which will take them to 2030, a pivotal year for the SDGs. The strategy is being co-created with partners across different regions, ensuring that it is responsive to the needs on the ground and capable of delivering meaningful impact. Jessica stresses the importance of accountability, both within the Foundation and among its partners, and the need for clear, pragmatic communication to drive action.

Her leadership is characterized by a blend of urgency and optimism, informed by her corporate background, which she leverages to bring a results-oriented mindset to the philanthropic sector. She advocates for simplicity and inclusivity in language and approach, ensuring that their work is accessible and actionable for everyone involved.

Jessica believes that by staying true to their values, continuously learning, and fostering intense collaboration across sectors, the IKEA Foundation can create meaningful, lasting change that benefits people and the planet for generations to come.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

Dedo n Ba, Director of Strategy of the Segal Family Foundation, Discusses Strategic Philanthropy, African Social Entrepreneurs, and Building Collaborative Ecosystems.

This episode offers a rich exploration of the strategic considerations and practical efforts involved in driving philanthropy in Sub-Saharan Africa. It highlights the importance of collaboration, the evolving nature of board governance, and the critical role of local knowledge in shaping effective interventions.

Whether you're a seasoned philanthropist or new to the sector, this conversation provides valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of supporting African-led change.

In this insightful episode of the Do One Better Podcast, we host Dedo n Ba, the Director of Strategy at the Segal Family Foundation, and explore the Foundation's innovative approaches to philanthropy in Sub-Saharan Africa.

With a focus on building collaborative ecosystems and empowering African social entrepreneurs, Dedo provides a comprehensive overview of how the Segal Family Foundation operates across 20 countries, fostering connections and driving impactful change.

Dedo begins by introducing the Segal Family Foundation's mission, which stems from founder Barry Segal's desire to address the capital imbalance faced by African social entrepreneurs. The Foundation's work is rooted in a blended financing model, combining grants, debt, and capacity-building efforts to support a diverse portfolio of leaders and organizations across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and technology.

The Foundation’s philosophy is to partner early with organizations, helping them grow into investable entities capable of attracting further funding and achieving significant community impact.

A key highlight of the discussion revolves around the Foundation's commitment to creating collaborative ecosystems, a process that requires deliberate effort and resources.

Dedo emphasizes the importance of having boards that are inclusive of individuals with lived experience, a shift he notes is gaining traction within the philanthropic sector. This approach not only enhances the relevance of decision-making processes but also drives more effective and culturally informed interventions.

Throughout the episode, Dedo touches on the importance of sharing intelligence and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including funders, social entrepreneurs, and local communities. He notes that while collaboration is often underfunded, it is crucial for scaling impact and addressing complex social challenges.

The Segal Family Foundation's role as a community builder has evolved over time, with an increasing focus on supporting networks and coalitions that can respond swiftly and effectively to emerging needs.

As the conversation progresses, Dedo reflects on the broader landscape of philanthropy in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the context of the upcoming targets for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2030.

He is optimistic about the growing involvement of African-led organizations and the emergence of new themes such as climate action and inclusion. However, he also acknowledges the challenges that remain, particularly the need to increase the percentage of global giving directed towards leaders with proximate experience.

The episode concludes with Dedo sharing his personal journey from the private sector to philanthropy, driven by a desire to solve problems and create meaningful change. He underscores the importance of strategic philanthropy that is both agile and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

For listeners, the key takeaway is clear: there is still much work to be done to bridge the gap in funding and support for African social entrepreneurs, and the philanthropic sector must continue to evolve to meet these challenges.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

Luke Thomas, CEO of World Child Cancer: Bridging the Gap in Pediatric Cancer Care

We delve into the critical work of World Child Cancer, an organization dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer in low to middle-income countries.

World Child Cancer was established in 2007 to address the significant disparity in survival rates between children diagnosed with cancer in high-income countries and those in low-income regions.

While survival rates in countries like the UK and the US are around 80-90%, they drop to 20-30% in the regions where World Child Cancer operates. The organization's mission is to bridge this gap by providing comprehensive support that includes improving early diagnosis, offering training to healthcare professionals, and enhancing infrastructure.

Operating in 13 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America, World Child Cancer collaborates closely with local hospitals and governments. They are not just grant makers but are also deeply involved in service delivery. Their approach includes training local pediatric oncologists, nurses, and pharmacists to ensure that high-quality care is available. They also address logistical challenges, such as ensuring the availability of medications and overcoming geographical barriers that prevent children from accessing treatment.

The podcast explores the key challenges faced by World Child Cancer, including the lack of awareness about pediatric cancer among healthcare professionals and the general public, which often leads to misdiagnoses or delayed diagnoses. Geographical barriers and the availability of diagnostic equipment and expertise are also significant hurdles. Many families in rural areas struggle to reach hospitals due to distance and financial constraints, complicating the early and accurate diagnosis of cancer.

World Child Cancer is currently undergoing a strategic review to better address these challenges, with a particular focus on improving early diagnosis. The organization recognizes that approximately 50% of children with cancer in low to middle-income countries never receive a diagnosis, and they are looking for partners to help fill gaps and provide comprehensive care.

The episode also highlights the successes of World Child Cancer, such as their strong partnerships with local institutions and their holistic approach to patient care. This includes providing psychosocial support to families, ensuring that children adhere to treatment protocols and receive the comprehensive care they need. Despite these successes, the organization continues to seek improvements, particularly in early diagnosis.

Luke Thomas shares his personal journey from a career in corporate headhunting to his current role in the non-profit sector, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact and inspired by his mother's battle with cancer. His story underscores the passion and commitment that fuels World Child Cancer's mission.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

The CEO of the EdelGive Foundation, Naghma Mulla, joins us on the Do One Better Podcast to discuss the impact of their GROW Fund (Grassroots, Resilience, Ownership and Wellness) which strengthened 100 high impact grassroots organisations in India over 24 months, through capacity-building and supporting key organisational functions.

We explore what it was like to design and launch the GROW Fund; getting people to apply for funds; nurturing those relationships; and creating robust organisations that can perform and drive social impact in India.

We explore the Fund’s impact, look at the key challenges they faced since Naghma was last on the show back in 2021, and we discuss future opportunities in the horizon.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.