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 like recoverable grants, guarantees, and IP-based financing can bridge gaps

• Why supporting early-career scientists and researcher well-being is urgent

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

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 environments where families live.

From poverty and housing to access to nutritious food, clean water and social capital, Shonkoff explains why community context is the missing piece in ensuring children everywhere can thrive.

Key topics explored in this episode:

• Why ECD is a moral imperative and a foundation for a healthy, sustainable society

• How science — from neuroscience to immunology — is reshaping our understanding of child development

• Why one-size-fits-all programs fail, and how solutions must adapt to local contexts

• The misaligned incentives in philanthropy, evaluation and policymaking that slow progress

• How Connecting Science + Community is bridging research and grassroots action, with early examples of U.S. cities tackling housing, jobs and equity for children

• Why being “constructively dissatisfied” is essential for the field to keep advancing

Professor Shonkoff emphasizes that while the early childhood field has already transformed millions of lives worldwide, the work is far from finished. Real impact will come from smarter strategies, stronger communities and a commitment to caring not only for our children but for all children.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

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 innovation.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

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 enjoyable

• How to encourage individuals and organizations—whether wealthy or everyday donors—to engage in philanthropy

• The role of giving circles and pooled funds in driving collective impact

• Cultural and psychological barriers that hold people back from giving, and how to overcome them

• The need for stronger collaboration between charities, social enterprises and impact investors

• What government and policy can do to make philanthropy easier and more effective

From misconceptions around “bad charities” to the addictive joy of seeing your money do good, this episode is packed with insights, practical ideas and optimism. Whether you’re a seasoned philanthropist, someone just starting to give or simply curious about how generosity shapes society, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

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

• Insights from the Smart Works Unemployment Index, an annual report examining the barriers women face when seeking work

• The biggest challenges women face in today’s labor market, from AI screening to childcare costs and workplace inequality

• What employers and policymakers can do to remove barriers and create fairer opportunities

• Smart Works’ growth strategy and why volunteer power and fashion industry partnerships are central to its impact

This episode shines a light on practical solutions that empower women, strengthen communities and benefit the wider economy.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

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 style—including driving as a Lyft driver himself—and how listening directly to riders and drivers has shaped new innovations such as Women+ Connect, Price Lock, and on-time pickup guarantees.

We also dive into Lyft Up, the company’s initiative providing free or discounted rides to job seekers, patients, and low-income communities, and we hear about David’s philanthropic work with Worldreader and Half My DAF, which is mobilizing millions in donor-advised funds for good causes.

From navigating trade-offs between profit and purpose, to expanding Lyft’s footprint into Europe, David offers candid insights into building a values-driven company while scaling impact at massive reach.

Whether you’re in the corporate world, nonprofit space, or seeking inspiration for how business can be a force for good, this conversation is full of fresh ideas, heartfelt stories, and practical lessons.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show to help others discover these inspiring conversations.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

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 largest philanthropic organizations is working to eradicate illiteracy, improve middle school outcomes, and prepare future leaders to tackle complex social challenges.

We explore the Lemann Leadership Network—bringing together talented Brazilians from across the political spectrum—and learn how its fellows are making an impact in government, NGOs, academia, and business. Denis shares insights on creating constructive dialogue in polarized times, preventing brain drain, and measuring leadership impact in a meaningful way.

If you’re passionate about leadership development, education reform, social entrepreneurship, or Brazil’s future, this conversation offers actionable lessons and inspiring real-world examples from one of Latin America’s most influential foundations.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

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 shifting relationship between philanthropy, government, and civil society. He raises essential questions: Why isn’t philanthropic giving keeping pace with wealth? Is it a motivation issue, a “plumbing” problem, or something deeper?

We explore:

• The legacy and impact of Bridgespan’s first 25 years

• Collaborative philanthropy and trust-based giving

• The growing global push for community-driven change and localization

• How philanthropists can move from caution to action—learning by doing

• The delicate balance between rigor and trust in effective giving

• Challenges in donor expectations and the misunderstood "joy" of giving

• Why co-creation and humility—not silver bullets—are key to transformative change

Jeff also touches on the importance of grace in leadership during a time of deep uncertainty for the social sector, and how listening, learning, and shared ownership may hold more power than isolated strategy.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.