Do One Better with Alberto Lidji in Philanthropy, Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship

Sarah Bouchie, CEO of Helen Keller Intl on Combating Global Blindness, Malnutrition, and the Impact of Climate Change.

Helen Keller International's Mission: Helen Keller Intl, a 109-year-old organization, focuses on combating blindness, poor health, and malnutrition. The organization scales innovative solutions to ensure everyone can live a healthy life and achieve their full potential. 

Global Operations and Focus Areas: The organization operates as an international NGO with headquarters in New York City and local registrations in various countries. Active in 20 countries, they work on preventing blindness, addressing neglected tropical diseases, and tackling eye health issues like refractive error, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy. The focus is on underlying causes of vision loss and malnutrition.

Current Projects and Achievements: Sarah discusses progress in eliminating neglected tropical diseases like trachoma in West Africa. She shares the transformative impact of providing glasses to children in New York City and Minneapolis. The organization is also addressing global food poverty exacerbated by the climate crisis, particularly affecting Africa and South Asia.

Challenges and Solutions: Helen Keller Intl addresses malnutrition by naming and analyzing the issue, identifying vulnerable communities, and funding effective programs. Successful interventions include promoting breastfeeding, providing vitamin A supplementation, and treating acute and severe malnutrition. Political will, supply chains, and health system expertise are crucial for effective action.

Community Engagement and Behavioral Change: Sarah highlights the role of community health workers in promoting nutritional diversity, using her experiences in Kenya as an example. Local planning and community-based agriculture are essential for ensuring access to nutritious food. Malnutrition issues are present in both the Global South and advanced economies like the United States, requiring behavior change and political commitment.

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. 

The CEO of the Impact Investing Institute, Kieron Boyle, discusses the nuances of impact investing, its various definitions, and the role it plays in creating a fairer, greener, and more resilient future.

Kieron explains the mission of the Impact Investing Institute, a nonprofit established by the UK government to accelerate impact investing both in the UK and globally. The conversation highlights how impact investing operates within financial markets to drive significant social and environmental outcomes.

Kieron Boyle defines impact investing as investing with the intention to generate positive social and environmental impacts alongside financial returns. This type of investing can range from commercial-plus investments, which offer good financial returns with additional impact considerations, to investments with high impact but potentially lower financial returns. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using impact as a lens for investment decisions, aiming to mobilize an additional trillion pounds of impact investment over the next five years. They explore the need for deeper, more liquid, and transparent markets to facilitate greater investment in impactful ventures.

The episode also addresses the challenges of impact investing, such as the necessity of pricing negative externalities to better align market activities with social and environmental goals. Kieron explains how blended finance can pool different types of capital to unlock greater investment in impactful ventures. They discuss the role of various actors, including governments, private businesses, institutional investors, and philanthropic organizations, in advancing impact investing. Collaboration among these sectors is highlighted as crucial for achieving systemic change.

Kieron shares practical steps and resources for those interested in impact investing. The Impact Investing Institute offers a comprehensive knowledge hub and library to help investors and other stakeholders learn more about impact investing. A recently published report, "Family Offices: A Roadmap to Impact," provides insights into how family offices are engaging with impact investing. The episode concludes with a call to action for investors to adopt impact as a fundamental filter in their investment strategies, aiming to create a more equitable and sustainable future. 

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. 

Jon Rosser, Chair of the Single Homeless Project, on the systemic undercounting of women experiencing homelessness.

Overview: In this eye-opening episode of the Do One Better Podcast, Alberto Lidji sits down with Jon Rosser, Chair of the Single Homeless Project, to delve into the pressing issue of homelessness in the UK, with a particular focus on the systemic undercounting of women experiencing homelessness.

Key Discussion Points:

Introduction to SHP:

• The Single Homeless Project operates in London, supporting homeless individuals or those at risk of homelessness.

Current State of Homelessness in the UK:

• Despite various interventions, homelessness numbers are rising due to housing shortages, affordability issues, and inadequate social housing.

Gender Disparity in Homelessness Counts:

• Traditional counting methods underreport the number of homeless women, who often avoid streets due to vulnerability and safety concerns.

Challenges Faced by Homeless Women:

• Many homeless women face domestic violence, mental health issues, and the need for safe, gender-specific accommodation.

Policy Implications and Recommendations:

• The need for more accurate counting methods and gender-aware policies to ensure homeless women receive adequate support.

Jon Rosser’s Journey:

• From social housing to international work with Voluntary Service Overseas and Save the Children, Jon’s career has been dedicated to addressing housing and homelessness issues.

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. 

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Tony Hulton, Chief Executive Officer of Walking with the Wounded. Tony shares the critical work his organisation is doing to support ex-service personnel in the UK.

The discussion spans across various support services provided by the charity, including mental health, social work, employment support, and tackling digital exclusion. This episode offers valuable insights for those who care about veterans and their reintegration into civilian life.

Tony begins by introducing Walking with the Wounded, a national charity founded 14 years ago during the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. Initially focused on helping physically injured veterans re-enter the workforce, the organisation has since expanded its scope to address a broader range of issues.

Today, they offer three core services: Headstart, Care Coordination, and Individual Placement Services.

Headstart provides mental health and therapy services tailored for veterans, addressing not only PTSD but also general mental health needs.

Care Coordination, akin to social work, is specifically designed for those with armed forces experience.

Individual Placement Services offer employment support that goes beyond job placement to include ongoing assistance.

Tony explains the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. Everyday tasks that civilians take for granted, such as applying for a passport or a rental agreement, can be daunting for those accustomed to the structured life within the military.

The organisation recognises that while many veterans transition smoothly, a significant minority encounter difficulties that often manifest 10 to 14 years after leaving the service. These issues can include unemployment, underemployment, debt, and family breakdowns.

Employment is a critical area of focus for Walking with the Wounded. Veterans possess valuable skills such as leadership, management, and teamwork, making them highly desirable employees. However, challenges can arise years after their service ends, as skills may fade and confidence may wane.

Tony emphasises the importance of ongoing support for veterans in employment, ensuring they can leverage their skills effectively in civilian roles.

Walking with the Wounded employs around 90 staff, including 60 frontline workers. The charity's approach involves building trust with veterans and creating personalised care plans.

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. 

In this episode of the Do One Better Podcast, Alberto Lidji engages in a compelling conversation with Geoff Ibbotson, the Executive Director of the Global Surgery Foundation.

Geoff shares his journey and the critical work his organization is doing to improve surgical care systems worldwide, particularly in low-resource settings.

This episode sheds light on the importance of comprehensive surgical systems in achieving global health goals and reducing poverty. As Geoff notes: "A strong surgical care system strengthens the entire health system and is one of the best investments for global health."

Key Topics Covered:

• Introduction to the Global Surgery Foundation: Geoff explains the origins and mission of the Global Surgery Foundation, highlighting its role in supporting and advancing surgical care systems globally.

Notable Partners and Supporters:

• UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research)

Call to Action:

Listeners are encouraged to explore the Surg Hub for free, high-quality training and resources on surgical care. Additionally, the Global Surgery Foundation welcomes partnerships and support to further its mission of strengthening surgical systems worldwide.

Conclusion:

Geoff Ibbotson emphasizes the urgent need for increased funding and collaboration to build robust surgical care systems. He highlights the critical role these systems play in overall health system strengthening and achieving universal health coverage.

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. 

Cameron McCollum, Director of the Sudreau Global Justice Institute at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, on justice system reform in Africa. 

In this episode we delve into improving access to justice and building capacity within justice systems in Africa. We discuss the problem of case backlog and how ADR (alternative dispute resolution) can help improve justice outcomes.

We also discuss the Africa Chief Justices’ Summit on ADR recently held in Kampala, Uganda, where 16 chief justices participated to explore re-engineering the administration of justice on the African continent.

This episode will inform you and provide you with invaluable insight on improving justice systems in Africa and beyond.

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. 

The CEO of the British Exploring Society, Honor Wilson-Fletcher, on inequality of access to the great outdoors and transforming lives.  Significant parts of the population do not feel welcomed, and don’t have access nor experience of what it’s like to be in the outdoors.

The British Exploring Society is a youth development charity that’s been around almost 100 years, founded on the belief that challenging experiences can transform lives, empowering and equipping young people with the courage, skills, resilience and determination to make the most of their future.

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. 

John Craven, former Director of the UK’s Social Mobility Commission and current Executive Officer of System 2 – a registered charity in Australia – explores social mobility from numerous angles, including education, employability, social networks and intergenerational dynamics.

Among the various insights discussed, we explore how the school readiness gaps successfully tackled during children’s early years can widen again in primary and secondary education.

We also look at social mobility from a corporate angle and explore what companies can do in their recruitment and internal audits to ensure excellence not just in recruitment but also throughout career progression.

This is a highly informative episode for anyone who cares about social mobility.

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. 

The CEO of the Children’s Society, Mark Russell, talks about the new children’s support hub they’re launching in London, UK in July 2024, their 140-year history, ambitions for the future and creating an evidence base to roll out a nation-wide network of support hubs.

We celebrate the £1M grant from BBC Children in Need just announced on 15th May to support the Children’s Society’s work tackling mental health. We also look at key issues affecting children, such as online grooming, poverty, exploitation, county lines, mental health, domestic abuse and more.

The Children’s Society also drives forward advocacy campaigns, formulates policy positions and aims to achieve systemic change. They have around 800 staff, 6,000 volunteers and 140,000 supporters who are part of their movement.

This episode is for everyone who’s interested in children’s wellbeing and embracing innovative thinking to drive forward positive impact.

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. 

The Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), Ahmad Alhendawi, joins Alberto Lidji as the 100-day countdown starts to Word Scouting’s general assembly in August 2024; bringing together members from 174 countries as they launch their new global strategy for the next 10 years; unveiling a refreshed brand, and leveraging their collective strength to tackle the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

World Scouting has 57 million members globally and has been around for more than 100 years. Their new strategy takes a bold stand and champions key aspirations, including empowering youth to take on a more active leadership role, tackling climate and the global sustainability agenda, and committing to peace, inclusivity and dialogue.

We take a look at the challenges of managing both a global organization and a global movement; the importance of non-formal education; and the power of millions of scouts to tackle some of our world’s most pressing problems.

This is an inspiring episode showcasing how a global movement can make a positive impact and help achieve the SDGs.

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.