Ripple Effects

Community: how to build an abundant network


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Night four under Mawenzi Peak, 4,300m - the question that keeps surfacing: what really sustains you when the climb gets hard?

This episode reframes success not as individual grind, but as collective growth. From Tanzanian reciprocity (“I help you today, you help me tomorrow”) to founder circles back home, we explore how community, built on shared values, generosity, and presence - becomes the true engine of abundance and ultimately growth, either professionally or personally.

What to expect in this episode

- Redefining success: shifting from individual output to collective strength

- Social wealth: the three pillars - breadth (community), depth (trust), and earned status (respect built over time)

- Abundance in action: lessons from Tanzanian communities and early-stage founders- How to build your network with intention

- Privilege as a resource: how to use access and knowledge to level the playing field

- The value-aligned room: why who you surround yourself with determines your trajectory

Voices you’ll hear

Sophia: local Forever Projects team member

Will Richards: Founder of Overnight Success and Senior Associate at Encour

Solai Valliappan: Angel Investor, Founder of Chai and Capital and Board Chair of Forever Projects (+ many other things!)

Pam Stevenson: Head of People & Talent at OIF Ventures

Morgan Biggar: Head of People and Culture at Zembl

Jess Walker: Venture Investment Principal at Wollemi Capital, Founder of UNA diamond and the Neon Lab, and Non Executive Director of Forever Projects

Chris Mimm: Lead Software Engineer at MyPass Global

To try at home

Map your abundance: List five people who make you better and five people you could elevate in return.

Give first: Offer advice, share a resource, or make an intro- without expecting a return

Audit your rooms: Are you in circles that stretch you or ones that keep you safe?

Practice reciprocity: Find one small way to “help today so someone else can help tomorrow.”

Mentions

Elinipa: The incredible Tanzanian artist who has kindly allowed us to use her music across the series

Harvard Study of Adult Development: proof that relationships predict health and longevity

Solai’s blog post: Immersing yourself into the Australian startup ecosystem

The Start Up Podcast: hosted by Chris Saad and Yaniv Berstein

The High Flyers Podcast: hosted by Vidit Agarwal

Pioneers community: Airtree’s community of women and gender diverse people

If someone in your network would love these conversations, please share along. Help us create Ripple Effects. This series is brought to you by Forever Projects, hosted by Soph Dicker, from the podcast So Invested - smart and unfiltered chats about money, business and building a life you are So Invested in. Inspired to join Forever Projects next Tanzania Immersion Trip in July 2026? Find out more and register your interest here.

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Ripple EffectsBy Forever Projects, hosted by So Invested