This episode features an in-depth conversation with philanthropist Sarah Butler-Sloss, founder and chair of the Aurora Trust and member of the Sainsbury family. With more than three decades of experience in environmental philanthropy, she offers an expansive perspective on climate action, sustainable finance, regenerative agriculture, and the role of foundations in driving systemic change.

The discussion begins with the origins and evolution of the Aurora Trust, established in 1990 to support environmental and biodiversity initiatives. Sarah outlines the trust’s core areas of focus: halting tropical deforestation, advancing sustainable and regenerative farming in the UK, connecting children from disadvantaged communities with nature, improving sustainable finance systems, and supporting energy-access solutions in partnership with Ashden.

A substantial portion of the conversation examines the importance of aligning endowment investments with charitable purpose. Sarah shares the story behind the landmark Butler-Sloss vs Charity Commission case, in which she and her brother successfully argued that charitable endowments should consider mission alignment—not solely financial returns—when determining investment strategy. This judgment has since shaped UK charity investment guidance, enabling foundations to invest in ways consistent with environmental and social objectives.

The episode also explores the changing landscape of philanthropy, particularly the growing pressures on UK charities and funders. Sarah stresses the value of collaboration among donors and organisations, the importance of avoiding duplication, and the need to support both established institutions and promising early-stage initiatives. She reflects on how foundations can balance coordinated efforts with maintaining independence and openness to innovation.

Later, the conversation turns to the Ashden Awards, the global initiative Sarah founded 25 years ago to identify, celebrate, and scale exemplary clean-energy solutions. She describes their evolution from a pure award programme to a wider platform for policy influence, investment mobilisation, and global awareness-raising. Stories from the Global South and the UK illustrate how clean-energy innovators deliver powerful social, economic, and environmental benefits.

Sarah closes with a clear message for philanthropists: grants are only part of the picture. Endowments must also be deployed responsibly and strategically to advance charitable purpose and avoid undermining the very challenges philanthropy seeks to address.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 350+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

This week, The Do One Better Podcast marks a remarkable milestone: 350 consecutive episodes since its launch in early 2019.

In this special solo edition, host Alberto Lidji reflects on the joy of creating a weekly show that brings together voices from across philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship, and on what it means to have listeners tuning in from every corner of the world.

Alberto shares why producing the podcast remains such a deeply rewarding experience:

He also reflects on the craft behind the show, from preparation and production to the care that goes into every episode, and the sense of meaning that comes from connecting with so many people who share a passion for positive change.

This milestone episode is a warm and thoughtful celebration of curiosity, purpose and connection, and a heartfelt thank-you to the guests and listeners around the world who have made the journey possible.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 350 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

Featuring Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, President and CEO, and Molly Morgan, Texas State Director, both from the Trust for Public Land.

They share how their organization is working to ensure that every person in the United States can live within a short walk of a park, trail, or green space. The conversation explores the strategies and partnerships that are transforming communities and connecting people to nature.

Topics include:

Turning schoolyards into safe, vibrant community spaces

Returning land to Indigenous tribes and protecting cultural heritage sites

Expanding access through the national “10-Minute Walk” initiative

How the ParkScore Index drives improvement and accountability among U.S. cities

The social, mental health, and economic benefits of nearby green spaces

Examples from Dallas, New York, and Atlanta showing how access changes lives

A thoughtful look at how data, design, and community engagement are reshaping the urban landscape — and why access to the outdoors is essential for everyone.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

Kate Williams, Chief Executive Officer of 1% for the Planet, joins the conversation to share how a simple idea—businesses and individuals committing 1% of annual revenues to environmental causes—has evolved into a powerful global movement.

Founded by Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia) and Craig Matthews, 1% for the Planet has inspired thousands of companies across more than 100 countries to give back to the planet. With over $820 million certified in lifetime giving, the organization is on track to reach its first billion in donations.

Kate explains how the model works: from certifying members’ contributions to connecting them with vetted environmental partners across four key impact areas—Just Economies, Resilient Communities, Rights to Nature, and Conservation & Restoration. She discusses the philosophy behind giving from revenues, not profits, why that matters for lasting impact, and how companies of all sizes can integrate sustainability into their core operations.

Listeners will hear about:

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

What are the real economics behind recycling and reuse—and why, despite decades of progress, are we recycling less of our growing waste?

In this insightful conversation with TerraCycle Founder and CEO Tom Szaky, we unpack the market forces, policy levers, and behavioral dynamics that shape the global waste system. Szaky explains why recycling often fails to scale, how value—not technology—determines what gets recycled, and why the world still produces more waste per person each year.

We dive into:

The harsh truth about recycling economics: why most recyclers only process what’s profitable.

The “Great Fiberization” trend and the myths around compostable and “eco” packaging.

Why technology isn’t a silver bullet—and why true change must confront value and cost.

France’s groundbreaking reuse model: a case study in regulation that works, with retailers like Carrefour leading the way.

How policy drives innovation: the interplay between free markets, extended producer responsibility, and consumer behavior.

A hopeful yet pragmatic look ahead to 2030, and what it will take for circular systems to thrive globally.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.  

Anna María Chávez, President and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation, shares an inspiring look into how one of America’s leading statewide community foundations is redefining philanthropy, partnership and social impact in Arizona and beyond.

In this powerful conversation, Anna María discusses how the Arizona Community Foundation brings together individuals, corporations and nonprofits to drive meaningful change in education, affordable housing and environmental innovation. She explains how philanthropy can start as early as childhood and how anyone, from Girl Scouts to global CEOs, can play a role in building stronger, more equitable communities.

Listeners will gain insights into:

The unique statewide model of the Arizona Community Foundation and its $1.6B in managed assets.

Why community foundations serve as neutral conveners that unite government, business and civil society.

Arizona’s role as a living laboratory for environmental innovation.

How bold, risk-taking philanthropy can unlock catalytic solutions to complex social challenges.

Anna María also reflects on her own remarkable journey and why she believes the future of philanthropy lies in creativity, collaboration and community-driven leadership.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.  

Corporate giving is more than philanthropy — it’s a strategic tool for impact. In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore how companies can deploy their balance sheets, human capital, and core business capabilities to achieve meaningful social outcomes.

Our guest, Gwen Lim, Head of the Southeast Asia office and Partner at The Bridgespan Group, unpacks insights from her newly released report “High-Impact Approaches to Corporate Giving” (published September 2025). She shares what distinguishes corporate giving from other forms of philanthropy, the key trade-offs between impact and risk, and how firms can align purpose with performance.

Discover how leading corporates are:

Navigating reputational and political risks while maximizing social good

Leveraging business assets like data, platforms, and expertise for public benefit

Structuring high-impact strategies through corporate foundations and internal initiatives

Balancing short-term financial results with long-term social outcomes

Engaging employees, investors, and customers in purpose-driven impact

Gwen also shares fascinating case studies — from Bloomberg’s data-led volunteering to DHL’s disaster logistics — illustrating how capability-led giving can transform communities.

This episode is a must-listen for corporate leaders, CSR professionals, philanthropists, and anyone curious about how business can become a force for good in an age of uncertainty.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.  

What does it take to transform a neighborhood long defined by poverty into a community of opportunity, dignity, and hope?

In this episode, Logan Herring, CEO of The WRK Group, shares how three organizations—the Warehouse, Reach Riverside, and Kingswood Community Center—are leading a $600 million revitalization effort in Wilmington, Delaware’s Riverside neighborhood.

Logan discusses how teens help design and run a state-of-the-art community center, why holistic redevelopment is central to breaking intergenerational poverty, and how community members themselves are shaping the vision for their future. He also reflects on personal experiences that shaped his leadership journey and explains why his ultimate goal is to work himself out of a job by building a community that thrives without external support.

You’ll hear about:

How The WRK Group blends housing, education, health, and economic vitality into one comprehensive model.

The story behind the Warehouse teen center, run for teens, by teens.

The challenges and breakthroughs of creating lasting, systemic change.

Why restoring hope is as important as bricks and mortar.

Generational impact stories—from tragedy to triumph—that reveal what’s at stake.

This conversation is an inspiring look at what’s possible when vision, collaboration, and community ownership come together.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.  

Philanthropy faces a “Sputnik moment” in science funding. Ari Simon, President of Tambourine Philanthropies, shares why the U.S. research system is under existential threat — and how foundations can step up now.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why labs, postdocs, and decades of data are at risk from sudden funding cuts

Four immediate philanthropic responses to keep research alive

How tools like recoverable grants, guarantees, and IP-based financing can bridge gaps

Why supporting early-career scientists and researcher well-being is urgent

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.  

Professor Jack Shonkoff, Founding Director of Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child and Director of Connecting Science + Community, joins for a powerful conversation about the future of early childhood development (ECD).

He reflects on decades of progress in making science actionable for policymakers, service providers and advocates; and shares why the next frontier must focus on the environments where families live.

From poverty and housing to access to nutritious food, clean water and social capital, Shonkoff explains why community context is the missing piece in ensuring children everywhere can thrive.

Key topics explored in this episode:

Why ECD is a moral imperative and a foundation for a healthy, sustainable society

How science — from neuroscience to immunology — is reshaping our understanding of child development

Why one-size-fits-all programs fail, and how solutions must adapt to local contexts

The misaligned incentives in philanthropy, evaluation and policymaking that slow progress

How Connecting Science + Community is bridging research and grassroots action, with early examples of U.S. cities tackling housing, jobs and equity for children

Why being “constructively dissatisfied” is essential for the field to keep advancing

Professor Shonkoff emphasizes that while the early childhood field has already transformed millions of lives worldwide, the work is far from finished. Real impact will come from smarter strategies, stronger communities and a commitment to caring not only for our children but for all children.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.