Innovation for Change: Rethinking Systems and Building Futures

In this episode, we're joined by Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick as he delves into the dynamic relationship between technology, social innovation, and ethical considerations. From reimagining existing systems with negative externalities to envisioning a future driven by creativity and agency for positive change, Austin's insights challenge traditional perspectives and encourage listeners to reflect on their role in shaping a more equitable and inclusive world.

In this episode, we chat with Krutika Ravishankar, co-founder of Farmers for Forests, discussing how they make biodiverse forests financially viable for communities. From incentivizing and funding protection of forest land to accessing carbon revenue, we explore the innovative ways this organization supports conservation efforts while creating economic opportunities. Join us as we explore the challenges faced by rural farmers in India, the significance of carbon markets, and the impact of agroforestry on communities and the environment.

Sahar Jamal is the Founder of Maziwa, which supports East African mothers who face the impossible choice between breastfeeding their newborns and working postpartum. Sahar’s Tanzanian and Indian heritage inspired her to spend the last decade focused on maternal and newborn health in these regions, through organizations like Jacaranda Health, Johnson & Johnson, and the Aga Khan Development Network. Sahar is from Vancouver, Canada, and has BCOM and BA from Queen's University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.

Nigel Sharp, a British-Armenian serial tech entrepreneur, is one of the co-founders of Aquagga, a company dedicated to solving the world's PFAS problem. With a background in engineering and business development, he has grown multiple technology startups and mentored over 460 companies globally. Passionate about technology in the water and environment sectors, he thrives in diverse, critically-minded teams working towards a sustainable future.

Geoff Davis is a multi-time entrepreneur, CEO, and board member, and a pioneering leader in impact investing. His teams have invested in over 200 high-impact companies globally and lent over $3.5 billion to 14 million small businesses worldwide. Currently, Geoff serves as the CEO of the Sorenson Impact Institute at the University of Utah, a Board Member of Arctaris Impact Investors and Common Ground Kauai, and an Investment Committee member of the MIT Solve investment vehicle. 

In this episode we speak with Adewale Yusuf, CEO and Co-founder of AltSchool Africa, a company causing a seismic shift in the way learning is perceived and consumed in Africa with the goal of enabling ten million Africans with profitable skills by 2030.  AltSchool is a fully-virtual platform where Africans, regardless of who they are, can access global standard learning resources.  In addition to his role at AltSchool he currently serves on the board of Life Beyond Disability, a non-profit advocating for the rights and empowerment of persons living with disability in Africa and is a co-organizer of Africans in tech global. 

In this episode, we explore the life experiences that led me to pursue social entrepreneurship. From working for a start-up in the Silicon Valley to running from snakes in rural Kenya, we cover the fundamental lesson that led me to believe that business must be a key player in creating social and environmental balance.

Prashant Samant is the co-founder of Akido, a human-centered health tech company that leverages data and artificial intelligence to break down systemic barriers and build high-quality preventive care for all patients and populations, including the most vulnerable. Prashant has always believed in the power of social enterprise and has dedicated his career to developing companies with a soul. Through entrepreneurial ventures, Prashant has provided technology to some of the most notable private, public, and non-profit organizations in the world.

Ujjwal Deep Dahal is the CEO of Druk Holding and Investments Limited (DHI), founded in 2007. DHI is the largest and only government-owned holding company in Bhutan. It was created to hold and manage current and future investments of the royal government for the people of Bhutan. DHI has shares in 21 different companies operating in the manufacturing, energy, natural resources, financial, communication, aviation, trading and real estate sectors

Bret Waters is a business advisor who has spent his whole life in Silicon Valley, immersed in the world of entrepreneurship, innovation and venture capital. He has been Founder and CEO of three software companies and for the past ten years he has taught entrepreneurship at Stanford University and coached startup CEO’s at Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship.