Impact Business Leaders Podcast

In our latest episode of the Impact Business Leaders podcast, we interview Pradeep Mahtani, Chief Executive Officer of HelpYourNGO.com India. HelpYourNGO.com helps donors evaluate Indian NGOs that they would like to support by providing detailed financial records and analyses on over 600 NGOs. HelpYourNGO.com also offers capacity building resources designed to help small NGO’s grow. Pradeep shares how he transitioned from a career as an equities analyst to managing an NGO by leveraging his transferable skills and network. In this episode we cover: How Pradeep turned equities analysis experience into relevant nonprofit management experience The hiring challenges Pradeep is trying to overcome in the social sector What the next hire will be at HelpYourNGO.com Mentioned in this episode: HelpYourNGO.com Website   Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes.

In today’s episode of the Impact Business Leaders podcast, we interview Zoe Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of Echo Mobile. Echo Mobile is a Nairobi-based firm that builds and deploys mobile-first communication, interaction, research and management information tools. Zoe shares how she transitioned from the international development world into social enterprise and also what she believes are key differentiators in potential hires at Echo Mobile. In this episode we cover: The power of the social sector community in Nairobi and how it supported to Zoe’s transition How Zoe was able to step in as CEO of Echo Mobile How the Echo Mobile team is structured and where there are openings Mentioned in this episode: Echo Mobile Website   Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes.

In today’s episode of the Impact Business Leaders podcast, we interview Matt Tilleard, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of CrossBoundary.  CrossBoundary is working to unlock the power of capital to make a strong return and a lasting difference in frontier markets. Matt shares how his frustration with top-down development led him to co-found CrossBoundary and how he’s tried to surround himself with people who are smarter than he is.   In this episode we cover: Why Matt saw an opportunity in leveraging private capital for economic development How CrossBoundary identifies new hires who are poised to overperform Where CrossBoundary will be hiring next Mentioned in this episode: CrossBoundary Website   Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes.

In today’s episode of the Impact Business Leaders podcast, we interview Toni Maraviglia, co-founder of Eneza Education. Eneza is the most widely used mobile education platform in Africa with local content and has the goal of making 50 Million students across rural Africa smarter. Toni shares her journey into the education technology space and how hiring a local team has become a competitive advantage for Eneza. In this episode we cover: What sparked Toni’s transition from teacher to tech entrepreneur Why hiring local talent is so important to Toni What Toni wish’s she had known when plunged into the EdTech space in Kenya Mentioned in this episode: Eneza Education Website Toni’s article on why Eneza hires African Toni’s new project: Beyond.Uptake Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes.

In our latest episode of the Impact Business Leaders podcast, we interview Karl Skare, Director of New Business Initiatives at d.light. d.light is a global leader in solar-powered solutions for people without access to reliable electricity. Karl shares how a passion for sustainability led him to build a career in off-grid renewable energy and how he thinks others can do the same. In this episode we cover: How Karl built an exciting career in off-grid renewables The two traits that Karl believes are necessary for any professional to be successful in social enterprise Upcoming job openings at d.light Mentioned in this episode: d.light Website Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes.

This is part of an IBL Podcast mini-series Social Enterprise Careers: India In episode 5 of our mini-series on the journeys of social enterprise professionals working in India, we interview Nidhi Thachankary Hospitality Head, Pratham Ventures at Pratham Institute. Pratham Institute is inspiring people around the world to work toward providing high-quality education for children and youth. Nidhi shares how social enterprise mentors have accelerated her career and why she decided to accept a role at Pratham instead of pursue a startup social enterprise idea she developed in university. In this episode we cover: What inspired Nidhi to get involved in the education space the roles that mentors have played in Nidhi’s social enterprise career How Nidhi turned her startup idea into a full-time job Mentioned in this episode: Pratham Website Pratham Institute Webpage Hotel Pratham Webpage IBL Programs Page Program Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes.

This is part of an IBL Podcast mini-series Social Enterprise Careers: India In episode 4 of our mini-series on the journeys of social enterprise professionals working in India, we interview Azeez Gupta, Program Director of Vocational Activities at Pratham Institute. Pratham Institute is inspiring people around the world to work toward providing high-quality education for children and youth. Azeez shares why he transitioned from Management Consulting to Education and some of the biggest challenges for growing social enterprises in India. In this episode we cover: What Azeez sees as the perks of working for a social enterprise compared to a big business How Azeez thinks about building and developing a social enterprise team The latest job opening at Pratham Mentioned in this episode: Pratham Website Pratham Careers Webpage IBL@ISB in South Asia Program Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes.

This is part of an IBL Podcast mini-series Social Enterprise Careers: India In episode 3 of our mini-series on the journeys of social enterprise professionals working in India, we interview Elliot Rosenberg, VP of Business Development at Awaaz.de. Awaaz.de delivers local language content that partners and users can use to better communicate with important stakeholders and beneficiaries for a variety of purposes. Elliot shares the journey that brought him to this Indian social enterprise and how his time in India positioned him to take the role. In this episode we cover: How Elliot went from an aspiring management consultant to a social entrepreneur Why Elliot left the company he founded and why he was attracted to Awaaz.de The latest job opening at Awaaz.de Mentioned in this episode: Awaaz.de Website IBL@Oxford Program IBL@ISB in South Asia Program Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes.

This is part of an IBL Podcast mini-series Social Enterprise Careers: India In episode two of our mini-series on the journeys of social enterprise professionals working in India, we interview Yashveer Singh, Director of Youth Ventures, South Asia at Ashoka. Ashoka is an international citizen-sector organization whose mission is to build an Everyone a Changemaker World. Yashveer shares how he has built a career in social enterprise and positioned himself to pursue his passion for empowering youth. In this episode we cover: The challenges that Ashoka is trying to solve around the world Why Yashveer founded a social enterprise right after university How Yashveer has built on his experiences to land his current role at Ashoka Mentioned in this episode: Ashoka Website National Social Entrepreneurship Forum IBL@ISB in South Asia Program Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes.

This is part of an IBL Podcast mini-series Social Enterprise Careers: India This week, we begin a mini-series on the journeys of social enterprise professionals working in India. Our first interview in this series is with Amol Mishra, Commercial Development Manager at CottonConnect. CottonConnect is the leading provider of sustainable supply chain services for the cotton industry. Amol shares how he transitioned from a corporate retailer to a social enterprise, and how his work is making a profitable business out of ensuring sustainability across the cotton supply chain. In this episode we cover: How CottonConnect is building a business that ensures sustainable supply chains The experiences that influenced Amol’s decision to pursue a career in social enterprise The value that Amol delivers to CottonConnent because of his corporate experience Mentioned in this episode: CottonConnect Website Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes.

In this episode of the IBL podcast, we interview Jodie Wu, Founder and CEO of Global Cycle Solutions. Global Cycle Solutions is a last mile distribution company that is creating access to transformative technologies that respond to the unmet needs of rural East Africa. Jodie shares the tough lessons learned and unique challenges of building a social enterprise team in Tanzania. In this episode we cover: The advice that drove Jodie to launch Global Cycle Solutions right out of school How Jodie deals with the challenge of attracting talented professionals in emerging markets Which next hire Jodie sees as critical to the growth of her organization Mentioned in this episode: Global Cycle Solutions Website Jodie Wu Google Search Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes. 

In this episode of the IBL podcast, we interview Teju Ravilochan, co-founder and CEO of the Unreasonable Institute. The Unreasonable Institute gets entrepreneurs what they need to scale solutions to the world’s biggest problems. So far, 150 companies from 60 countries have come through it’s six-week accelerator program. Together, they improved the lives of over 8 million people around the world. Teju shares how a deep curiosity for addressing extreme poverty and willingness to explore and experiment with how to be a part of the solution led him to co-found the UnReasonable Institute. Teju also explains how a team that consisted of a passionate group of friends became a strong core team with partner teams all over the world. In this episode we cover: What sparked Teju to jump into a space where he had very little experience The UnReasonable Institute’s unconventional approach for assessing talent and enthusiasm in potential hires What Teju sees as the biggest opportunities for his team in the future Mentioned in this episode: UnReasonable Institute Website Teju’s Email Address Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes. 

In this episode of the IBL podcast, we interview Virginia Taborda, the Head of B2B Business Development at SOLARKIOSK AG. SOLARKIOSK enables and empowers the sustainable economic development of Base-of-the-Pyramid (BoP) communities worldwide through the provision of clean energy services, quality products, and sustainable solutions. Virginia shares her personal and professional transformation from the corporate world to social enterprise as well as some of the big talent challenges that SOLARKIOSK faces as it continues to grow. In this episode we cover: How Virginia applied her multinational corporate experience to a growing social enterprise The challenges of being an in-country manager of an international social enterprise SOLARKIOSK’s plan for growth over the next year Mentioned in this episode: SOLARKIOSK Website SOLARKIOSK Facebook Page SOLARKIOSK Linkedin Page Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes. 

In this episode of the IBL podcast, we try something different and interview both Thomas Duveau, Head of Business Development at Mobisol, and Johannes Sieland, Head of Human Resources at Mobisol. Mobisol offers low-income customers in developing nations quality solar home systems that are a clean alternative to unhealthy, environmentally harmful, and expensive fossil fuels. Thomas and Johannes share how Mobisol plans to expand their bottom-up solution to affordable energy access in East Africa and how hiring the right team will be a critical component to that solution. In this episode we cover: Why Thomas likes working at Mobisol so much more than the corporate world How Johannes thinks about new talent at Mobisol as the organization scales The full-time openings in Mobisol’s Berlin and Kenya offices Mentioned in this episode: Mobisol Website Mobisol Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes. 

In this episode of the IBL podcast, we reflect on the top five takeaways from the first ten episodes of the Impact Business Leaders podcast. Find out what stands out to hiring managers more than experience in the social sector. This episode wraps up our pilot podcast series. Because it was so well received, we will continue our weekly show exploring the stories and hiring philosophies of leaders in social enterprise. Thank you for tuning in! In this episode we cover: Two qualities in new hires that are more important than experience How social enterprise hiring managers assess a new hires fit with the team How you can frame your interest in social enterprise in a way that stands out to hiring managers Mentioned in this episode: Ryan’s email Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes. 

In this episode of the IBL podcast, we interview Suzanna Haarbosch, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Caïo. Caïo produces food grade Nilotica Shea Butter and premium Shea Butter Products in Uganda for export to the international market. Suzanna shares how she took the road less traveled into social entrepreneurship and why the right attitude, mentality, and willingness to learn matter more to her in a new hire than skills or experience. In this episode we cover: Why Suzanna became a social entrepreneur in Uganda How Suzanna leveraged her in-country experience to launch a successful venture The three full-time openings at Caïo right now Mentioned in this episode: Caïo Website Suzanna’s Linkedin Page Suzanna’s email Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes. 

In this episode of the IBL podcast, we interview Mario Ferro, co-founder and CEO of Wedu. Wedu works to unlock the leadership potential of women in Asia by providing lifelong mentorship and innovative financing options to complete higher education and become change-makers in their communities. Mario shares the internship experience that led him to social enterprise and explains how he empowers new hires who might not have experience in social enterprise. In this episode we cover: How Mario discovered social enterprise and what motivated him to get involved What Mario and his team look for in new hires Why you don’t need to come from the social sector to find a full-time role in social enterprise Mentioned in this episode: Wedu Website Wedu Facebook Wedu Twitter Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes. 

In this episode of the IBL podcast, we interview Myles Lutheran, Managing Director of Eco Fuels Kenya – the world’s first and only croton nut processing company. Myles shares how he built his career in the startup social enterprise space and explains what he thinks it takes to succeed at an early-stage venture like Eco Fuels Kenya.     In this episode we cover: How Myles landed an exciting social enterprise role in a country where he had never lived. What qualities and abilities stand out to Myles in potential new hires. How Eco Fuels Kenya plans to grow their team in 2016. Mentioned in this episode: Eco Fuels Kenya Website Myles Email Address Myles Linkedin Profile Frontier Market Scout Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes. 

In this episode of the IBL podcast, we interview Coryell Stout, Chief Operating Officer of One Degree Solar. One Degree Solar is an award-winning manufacturer of energy and technology solutions created for families, households, and small businesses in areas without reliable or affordable electricity access. Coryell shares what led her to work for a social enterprise in East Africa, and how One Degree Solar empowers their small team by staying closely aligned and loosely coupled.   In this episode we cover: Coryell’s philosophy on choosing the right professional opportunity How Coryell has been able to advance from a project manager to COO One Degree Solar looked for and expected in early hires Mentioned in this episode: One Degree Solar Website Coryell’s Email Address Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes. 

In this episode of the IBL podcast, we interview Evan Lutz, Founder of Hungry Harvest. Hungry Harvest is ending food waste and hunger in America by working with local farms & wholesalers to recover surplus fruits and vegetables, hand-assemble it into balanced variety boxes, and deliver it to subscribers every week, year round, for discounted prices. Evan shares a candid perspective on what it takes to succeed in social enterprise and how Hungry Harvest focuses on hiring professionals who can take the business nationwide.   In this episode we cover: Evan’s simple formula for growing a start-up social enterprise Why focusing on making money is critical to social enterprise success How Evan plans to position Hungry Harvest for nationwide expansion with his next hires Mentioned in this episode: Hungry Harvest Website Hungry Harvest on Twitter and Facebook Help us get the word out about this podcast and exciting careers in social enterprise by leaving the IBL podcast a rating and review on iTunes.