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Changemaker Q&A
By Humanitarian Changemakers NetworkSociety & Culture
Changemaker Q&A episodes
- 58. Systematic, Systemic, and Systems Change: Understanding the Differences
Many changemakers and practitioners use the terms systematic, systemic, and systems change interchangeably, yet these words describe very different approaches to transformation. This episode explores how each concept operates within the context of social change, policy, and community development. Using practical examples such as homelessness, we explore how systematic change refers to methodical, step-by-step approaches to action; systemic change targets formal social structures such as policy and governance; and systems change takes a holistic view, addressing interconnected patterns, relationships, and root causes. By understanding the distinctions between these three forms of change, listeners will gain clarity on when and how to apply each approach in their work, ensuring that their strategies are not only well-intentioned but also effective and transformative.
📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.
Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE
💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.
Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle
Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakers
Follow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanaj
The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
32 min - 57. Decoding Human Behaviour: Jim Marshall on Septemics and the Scales of Human Activity
In this episode I sit down with Jim Marshall, polymath, engineer, and author of Septemics: Hierarchies of Human Phenomena. Jim shares the remarkable story of how decades of working as a human development engineer led him to uncover 35 natural scales of human behaviour, each structured in seven levels. Together, we explore how these scales can help us understand ourselves, improve our relationships, and unlock new possibilities for social change. From the mathematics embedded in human phenomena to the practical tools for everyday life, this conversation reveals why understanding people is essential for shaping a better world.
About Our Guest: Mr. Marshall is a polymathic intellectual who has devoted over 50,000 hours to the study and practice of multiple dimensions of human potential and development. He became a professional practitioner and, after 28 years of formal education, had a long career as a Human Development Engineer. Jim has integrated the best aspects of the most advanced techniques on the planet, and expanded their limits by his own Research & Discovery. He has successfully treated and/or trained hundreds of clients over a 40 year career, and is the inventor of Septemics and several consciousness-expanding systems. His areas of expertise include psychology, philosophy, theology, parapsychology, science, engineering, mathematics, law, literature, history, music, organization, metaphysics, military science, political science, physical culture and education.
📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.
Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE
💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.
Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle
Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakers
Follow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanaj
The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
53 min - 56. The Five Ts of Philanthropy: Rethinking How We Give and Create Impact
Philanthropy is often seen as synonymous with money, but funding is only one part of a much bigger picture. In this episode, we explore the five Ts of philanthropy—time, talent, ties, testimony, and treasure—and how each plays a critical role in shaping social change. From volunteering and sharing skills, to building networks, amplifying stories, and providing financial resources, this framework offers a fresh way to think about giving and engagement. We also look at the shifting philanthropic landscape, from intergenerational wealth transfer to the rise of impact investing, digital platforms, and values-driven giving by younger generations. Whether you’re part of a grassroots movement, a nonprofit leader, or someone looking to align your contributions with your values, this episode provides practical insights into how philanthropy is evolving—and how you can be part of that change.
📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.
Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE
💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.
Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle
Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakers
Follow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanaj
The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
35 min - 55. Remixing Change: How Hip Hop Fuels Social Activism & Innovation
In this episode, I sit down with journalist, author, and independent scholar Manny Faces to explore how hip hop is more than just a genre of music. Rooted in storytelling, creativity, and resilience, hip hop has become a cultural framework that inspires activism, shapes education, and builds community. From classrooms in New York to grassroots political movements in Alabama, Manny explains how hip hop’s ethos of remixing—working with what already exists and transforming it into something new—can be applied to almost any space where people are striving for change.
About Our Guest: Manny Faces is an award-winning journalist, speaker, and cultural strategist helping people, organizations, and causes remix how they innovate, educate, and uplift, by unlocking the often overlooked or misunderstood lessons that can be found within Hip Hop culture. Manny is the creator of the acclaimed podcast "Hip Hop Can Save America!" and author of the Cornel West–endorsed book, "Hip Hop Can Save America! Inspiration for the Nation from a Culture of Innovation," each showcasing real-world ways Hip Hop drives positive change.
📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.
Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE
💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.
Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle
Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakers
Follow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanaj
The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
42 min - 54. Policy vs Culture: Where Does Real Societal Transformation Happen?
What really drives social change—policy or culture? In this episode, we unpack a persistent misconception in the world of activism and advocacy: that visible policy wins are the ultimate measure of transformation. While mass demonstrations may not always lead to immediate legislative reform, they often signal deeper cultural currents at work. Drawing on sociology, anthropology, and systems thinking, this conversation explores the distinction between policy and culture, and why culture—though slower and less tangible—represents the deepest leverage point for long-term change. From values and norms to mental models, worldviews, and collective narratives, we look at how culture shapes what societies consider possible, and why ignoring it can limit our impact. Using Margaret Archer’s morphogenetic approach and Donella Meadows’ systems thinking, the episode reframes social change as a process rooted not just in structures and laws, but in the shared stories and paradigms that guide human action.
📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.
Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE
💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.
Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle
Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakers
Follow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanaj
The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
34 min - 53. Nature’s Blueprint: Matthieu Mehuys' Lessons from Permaculture, Farming, and the Amazon
It's no secret I love gardening, so I'm thrilled to be chatting with Matthieu, a regenerative garden designer whose journey began on his family farm and has taken him from early experiments with radishes, to academic study in landscape architecture, to transformative experiences in the Amazon Rainforest. Matthieu shares how permaculture principles reshaped his understanding of nature, why regenerative farming is key to reversing climate change, and how gardening—even in small urban spaces—can reconnect us with the natural world.
Access Matthieu's free training here
About Our Guest: Matthieu Mehuys is an award-winning author and passionate landscape architect whose journey from a family farm in Belgium to regenerative farming practices has led him to believe that landscape architects can indeed change the world.
📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.
Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE
💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.
Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle
Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakers
Follow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanaj
The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
39 min - 52. Five Strategies That Helped Me Avoid Burnout and Thrive in a Busy Period
After six weeks of full-time work, launching the School of Social Impact’s first paid program, continuing to run the Humanitarian Changemakers Network, and preparing for a major conference, I came out of one of the busiest seasons of my life without burning out. In this episode, I share the five key strategies that helped me stay energised, avoid exhaustion, and keep momentum going. These lessons aren’t a permanent framework for balance, but they are practical tools to help you get through those intense seasons where hustle is unavoidable.
📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.
Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE
💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.
Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle
Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakers
Follow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanaj
The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
31 min - 51. The Philosophy: Alex Kain on Redefining Success and Society
What is the point of life? In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Alex, author of The Philosophy, to explore what it truly means to question the status quo and reimagine how we live. From rethinking success and human connection to challenging capitalism and discussing transformative ideas like universal basic income, Alex invites us to consider whether the world we’ve built is the one we truly want. Grounded in three core values—respect, empathy, and gratitude—this conversation offers a roadmap for individuals and communities seeking a more humane, connected, and purpose-driven future.
📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.
Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE
💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.
Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle
Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakers
Follow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanaj
The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
41 min - 50. Beyond Linear Growth: Rethinking Change for Sustainable Development
In this episode of Changemaker Q&A, we dive into a core question at the heart of social impact work: how should we understand change itself? Drawing on research presented at the Research for Development Impact Conference in Sydney, we explore why linear models of growth and progress fall short, and how a more holistic, non-linear lens can transform the way changemakers design strategies and interventions. From Indigenous wisdom traditions to systems thinking and critical realism, this episode unpacks the idea of change as a “dynamic unfolding” of continuity, discontinuity, and emergence—and why embracing this perspective is crucial for effective and sustainable development.
📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.
Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE
💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.
Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle
Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakers
Follow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanaj
The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
42 min - 49. The Nautical Leadership Model: Redefining Purpose-Led Leadership for a Changing World with Dave Chauhan
What does it take to show up as a leader in a changing world? In this insightful episode, I spoke with author and leadership strategist Dave Chauhan about his groundbreaking concept of nautical leadership—a model designed for navigating uncertainty with purpose, adaptability, and courage. Drawing from his corporate experience, personal fears, and historical analogies, Dave explores why leadership is more than titles and KPIs. He unpacks the three pillars of nautical leadership—anchored purpose, adaptive wayfinding, and decisive action—and offers practical strategies for leaders in business and social change. From Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic voyage to modern organisational challenges, this conversation reveals how leaders can thrive in an unpredictable world while creating meaningful impact.
Learn more about Dave and his work at https://www.davechauhan.com/
📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.
Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE
💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.
Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle
Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakers
Follow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanaj
The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
49 min
About Changemaker Q&A
From the publisher's feed
Changemaker Q&A is a podcast for grassroots changemakers—activists, students, volunteers, entrepreneurs, social workers, advocates, and anyone striving for impact. Host Dr Tiyana J answers real…
community questions and interviews inspiring guests who share stories, lessons, and practical strategies for driving change. Produced by the Humanitarian Changemakers Network and brought to you by the School of Social Impact, the show offers insights and encouragement for every step of your changemaking journey.