Maharshi Vaishnav, CEO of Educate Girls, discusses the organisation's mission and initiatives to tackle the persistent issue of girls’ exclusion from education in India. Maharshi notes that despite significant progress in universalising primary and middle school education through legislative reforms like the Right to Education Act of 2009, structural barriers such as entrenched patriarchy, poverty, and limited access to social welfare programs still keep many girls out of school. Educate Girls operates in these marginalised pockets, focusing on tribal and rural communities where the challenges are most acute.

Maharshi elaborates on the organisation’s multi-faceted approach: identifying out-of-school girls, enrolling them in educational institutions, ensuring their retention, and addressing learning gaps through a proprietary remedial curriculum. This curriculum emphasises foundational literacy and numeracy in Hindi, English, and mathematics, complemented by life skills training for older girls. The innovative use of open schooling enables girls in areas lacking high school infrastructure to continue their education and achieve formal qualifications equivalent to high school graduation.

The organisation’s scale is impressive, spanning four states—Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar — covering 35,000 villages and engaging with over 55,000 schools. Educate Girls has enrolled 1.8 million previously out-of-school girls and improved learning outcomes for over 2 million children. These efforts are supported by 3,200 full-time staff and 21,000 community volunteers.

A key highlight of the discussion is the evaluation of Educate Girls’ impact through a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Conducted in collaboration with IDinsight, this RCT demonstrated substantial learning gains among participating students. 

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.  

New Year's Special: Thoughts on Strategy, Fundraising and the Search for Talent. Have a listen and it just might make your 2025 even brighter.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.  

Lisa Hamilton, President and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, delves into the organisation’s mission and its groundbreaking efforts to create lasting change for children and families across the United States.

The foundation, established by Jim Casey, the founder of UPS — the world's largest logistics company — carries forward a legacy rooted in empowering young people facing adversity. With an annual grant distribution exceeding $100 million and an endowment of $3.5 billion, the foundation focuses on child welfare, economic opportunity, community development, and juvenile justice reform.

Lisa highlights the foundation’s innovative approach to philanthropy, acting as a catalyst for systemic change rather than merely funding ongoing programs. By identifying promising ideas, piloting initiatives in diverse communities, and leveraging data to scale proven solutions, the foundation partners with nonprofits, government agencies, and community stakeholders to effect change at scale. She underscores the importance of improving systemic operations — whether within juvenile justice, child welfare, or education systems — to ensure sustainability and broad impact.

A key topic of the discussion is the foundation’s Thrive by 25 initiative, which focuses on adolescence as a critical and transformative period of development. Lisa emphasises the necessity of providing young people aged 14 to 24 with the resources and opportunities to succeed, including access to housing, education, financial stability, and meaningful adult relationships. She stresses the importance of aligning programs with emerging brain science, which highlights adolescence as a time of heightened potential for growth and learning.

Lisa calls for a collective reimagining of adolescence as a time of promise rather than peril. She celebrates this life stage as a cornerstone of human development and a fertile period for nurturing leadership, resilience, and creativity.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.  

Mark Norbury, Chief Executive of UnLtd, explores the dynamic world of social entrepreneurship, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to empowering leaders who are transforming their communities.

UnLtd has long championed social entrepreneurs across the UK, providing both financial and practical support to help innovative ideas flourish. Over the past five years, the organisation has seen a seismic shift in its approach and impact, driven by the challenges of the pandemic, economic inequalities, and rising demand for support in an increasingly volatile social landscape.

A key focus of the episode is the Growth Impact Fund, UnLtd’s pioneering social investment vehicle. Designed to foster equity and opportunity, the fund prioritises entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black, Asian, minority ethnic, and disabled communities. This initiative reflects UnLtd’s recognition of the untapped entrepreneurial talent in these groups and its commitment to dismantling systemic barriers to access.

Mark sheds light on the evolving definition of social entrepreneurship, emphasising its core: creating financially sustainable solutions that drive meaningful social change. From supporting grassroots innovators to scaling high-impact organisations, UnLtd’s efforts encompass not only financial assistance but also wraparound support, including business mentorship, peer learning opportunities, and pro bono professional services. This holistic approach is vital for fostering sustainable growth and enabling social entrepreneurs to navigate complex challenges.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.  

Ella Gudwin, CEO of VisionSpring, offers an exploration of how access to affordable eyeglasses is not merely a matter of health but a transformative lever for economic development, productivity, and individual well-being. VisionSpring’s innovative hybrid model exemplifies the intersection of philanthropy and social enterprise, as it tackles one of the most pervasive yet solvable challenges in global health: the lack of access to eyeglasses for over one billion people worldwide.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.  

John O'Brien and Lucy Knill of Anthropy: Exploring the Future of Britain in the World. The conversation explores the origins, purpose, and transformative potential of Anthropy, a unique leadership gathering taking place in March 2025 that convenes diverse voices to envision and shape the future of Britain.

John O'Brien, the founder of Anthropy, reveals how the initiative was born during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by the urgent need to rebuild the social fabric and economic stability of the UK while addressing the broader global context.

Anthropy is designed to foster long-term thinking, transcending immediate challenges to focus on creating a sustainable and equitable society for the next generation.

Held at the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, a location symbolic of regeneration, Anthropy is intentionally designed to disrupt traditional conference formats. Lucy Knill, Anthropy’s managing director, elaborates on the event’s immersive structure, which integrates natural surroundings to inspire both intellectual and emotional engagement.

Over three days, participants experience a mix of large panels, intimate workshops, and informal conversations, all devoid of PowerPoint presentations. Instead, the focus is on authentic dialogue and connection.

By breaking down silos, Anthropy ensures cross-pollination of ideas between leaders from diverse fields, including business, arts, public service, and emerging talent. This melting pot of perspectives fosters unexpected collaborations and innovative solutions to shared challenges.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.  

The CEO of the David Lynch Foundation, Bob Roth, shares his insights on the role of Transcendental Meditation (TM) in tackling chronic stress and improving health outcomes. Filmmaker David Lynch and Bob Roth co-founded the foundation in 2005. 

Roth highlights the devastating impact of toxic stress, which has evolved into a global crisis. Chronic stress, he explains, is distinct from everyday pressures and challenges; it overwhelms the nervous system, triggering a persistent "fight or flight" response that depletes physical and mental health.

This ancient, evidence-based meditation technique is simple, natural, and effortless — accessible to anyone from schoolchildren to corporate executives.

Roth notes that through regular practice, individuals experience profound relaxation that can reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, and alleviate anxiety and depression. 

We explore a range of angles, from TM's impact on stress levels and health to reducing healthcare costs and helping corporates improve their bottom line.

Roth highlights that stress-related conditions are the leading cause of death for firefighters, police officers, and healthcare professionals—populations who are now benefitting from TM programs delivered by the foundation.

Roth underscores the importance of integrating TM into mainstream healthcare systems, which he argues can transform public health outcomes at scale.

He notes that TM’s accessibility — it requires no belief system, takes just 20 minutes twice a day, and delivers immediate benefits — has contributed to its widespread adoption. The foundation’s global footprint now spans 35 countries and TM is endorsed by figures like Ray Dalio, Hugh Jackman, and Jerry Seinfeld, who actively support the foundation’s mission. 

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.  

The CEO of the Rodenberry Foundation, Lior Ipp, on elevating small, locally-led organizations driving systems change.

The Roddenberry Foundation aligns its philanthropic vision with the values of equity, diversity, inclusivity, and justice that were hallmarks of Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek legacy. 

The foundation operates four core programs designed to catalyze meaningful impact: the Catalyst Fund for early-stage, high-risk social enterprises; the Roddenberry Fellowship, which supports U.S.-based social justice leaders; the biennial Roddenberry Prize, which this year emphasizes "AI for Good"; and the +1 Global Fund, a funders’ collaborative addressing systemic challenges in underserved regions. Each program reflects a commitment to supporting innovative, underrepresented, and often overlooked organizations and individuals.

A highlight of the conversation centers on the +1 Global Fund. Initially launched as a COVID-19 relief initiative, it has evolved into a groundbreaking funders’ collaborative targeting small, locally-led organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa. These organizations — dubbed "triple threats" for their small size, local leadership, and systems-oriented approaches — are having outsized impacts despite their limited resources.

Lior discusses the success of the fund’s peer-nomination model, which taps into the knowledge of grassroots networks to identify high-impact candidates that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Lior emphasizes the foundation’s evolution from merely disbursing funds to fostering an ecosystem that includes capacity building, organizational development, and collaborative networks. The initiative’s mapping platform, set to launch next year, will provide unprecedented access to data about these often-overlooked organizations, bridging the gap between funders and grassroots changemakers. This tool aims to enable better funding strategies and illuminate the interconnectedness of organizations tackling global challenges.

The conversation also highlights the broader implications for philanthropy, urging funders to take calculated risks on small, locally-led organizations and collaborate more extensively. Lior underscores the necessity of moving beyond traditional funding approaches that prioritize well-established organizations and instead recognizing the transformative potential of small-scale systems changers.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.  

Nick Grono, author of How to Lead Nonprofits and CEO of the Freedom Fund, delves into the unique challenges and responsibilities of nonprofit leadership, offering valuable insights drawn from two decades of experience in the sector.

Grono reflects on the complexities of guiding purpose-driven organizations, contrasting the quantifiable metrics of success in the private sector with the more elusive task of measuring impact in the nonprofit world.

He underscores how nonprofit leaders must grapple with ambiguity, balance diverse stakeholder expectations, and navigate the tensions between aspirational goals and practical realities.

We explore the nuanced role of culture in nonprofit organizations and highlight the transformative potential of a positive, cohesive culture — what he calls a "superpower" — founded on psychological safety.  This environment, where all voices are valued and dissenting perspectives are welcomed, is crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring better decision-making. Grono stresses that such a culture is cultivated by leaders who model vulnerability, acknowledge their mistakes, and create spaces for candid dialogue.

The conversation also explores the thorny issue of impact measurement, which Grono argues is vital despite its inherent challenges. Unlike financial accounting in the corporate world, nonprofit impact is often subjective and context-dependent, demanding greater intentionality and honesty in its evaluation. Grono illustrates these difficulties with examples from his work at the Freedom Fund, noting the pitfalls of oversimplifying metrics like the number of meals served or people rescued, which may fail to capture the broader systemic changes nonprofits aim to effect.

Ultimately, Grono’s insights underscore the unique leadership skills required in the nonprofit sector — an ability to navigate complexity, inspire trust, and build cohesive teams, all while staying anchored to the organization’s mission. His reflections offer lessons not just for nonprofit leaders, but for anyone seeking to understand how to lead with purpose in a rapidly changing world.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.  

Sidsel Kristensen, CEO of the LEGO Foundation, offers a deep look into the Foundation’s mission to champion playful learning and create sustainable, impactful initiatives for children globally. The LEGO Foundation has a 25% stake in the LEGO Group.  At the heart of the LEGO Foundation’s work is its belief in learning through play — a philosophy Kristensen describes as a powerful approach to fostering creativity, resilience, and critical thinking in children, from infancy through adolescence.

Far beyond a brand rooted in toys, the LEGO Foundation is an influential force in global education and child development. This enables the foundation not only to lead initiatives independently but also to create robust alliances that drive systemic change in underserved communities worldwide.

The LEGO Foundation’s efforts focus on children aged 0-12, but Kristensen emphasises that the philosophy of playful learning is a lifelong mindset, encouraging curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration.

Kristensen underscores the necessity of learning from both successes and setbacks. To this end, the Foundation prioritises quality in grant-making, which she defines as investing thoughtfully, building a solid evidence base, and fostering a culture of continuous learning among grantees. The commitment to learning through evidence is central, with the Foundation’s partnerships not only serving children directly but also generating insights that shape policy. 

A key area of discussion is the challenge of amplification: how to communicate the insights and successes of the Foundation’s initiatives in a way that resonates with governments, policymakers, and the wider public. Kristensen reflects on the importance of simplifying complex issues without diminishing their significance, helping communities and leaders see that playful learning is not mere play, but a strategic approach to lifelong skills development. She points out that the brand strength of LEGO enables the Foundation to amplify its message effectively, allowing partners to leverage this brand association to build their own credibility in local contexts.

Reflecting on the future, Kristensen outlines a strategy focused on impact, context-driven partnerships, and quality in grant-making, underscoring a vision that emphasises sustainability and scalability. She candidly discusses the complexities of creating sustainable change, noting that while philanthropy has a unique ability to take risks and innovate, it must also be accountable and pragmatic. The ultimate goal, Kristensen explains, is to influence ecosystems and drive changes that endure beyond individual grants or programs. She closes with a call for enhanced collaboration across funders, believing that transformative change requires collective efforts rather than isolated projects.

Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.