KnowThyBrand

Traditional economic models prioritize profit and endless growth, often at the expense of social and ecological well-being. But what if there was a better way?

In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome Jennifer Brandsberg Engelmann, an expert in regenerative economics, to explore how economic education can evolve to address today’s pressing global crises. From the Donut Economics model to the overlooked role of households and commons in economic systems, Jennifer shares how shifting our perspective on value and sustainability can pave the way for a more inclusive and resilient future.

Together, Jennifer and Giulia discuss the urgent need to rethink economic education, the barriers to change, and the optimism surrounding this movement. If you've ever questioned whether our economic system truly serves people and the planet, this episode is a must-listen.

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As we leave another International Women's Day behind, the conversation about gender equity in the workplace remains more important than ever. 

True gender equality isn’t about good intentions—it’s about data-driven change that dismantles bias and creates real opportunities for everyone.

In this special episode, we welcome Iris Bohnet, Harvard professor, behavioral economist, and co-author of Make Work Fair: Data-Driven Design for Real Results. Iris challenges the myths surrounding fairness, diversity, and meritocracy, offering research-backed strategies to make workplaces more equitable.

From why traditional diversity efforts fail to how data can drive real change, this conversation is a powerful reminder that fairness benefits not just women, but entire organizations and economies.

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Networking is more than just exchanging business cards—it’s about building genuine connections, finding a supportive community, and amplifying each other’s voices. For Yulia Kulakova, fostering these connections is at the heart of her work.

In this insightful episode, Yulia and Giulia discuss the power of professional networks, the challenges women face in corporate environments, and the importance of creating safe spaces where women can thrive. From overcoming networking discomfort to addressing gender biases in communication, this conversation sheds light on how women can support each other and grow both personally and professionally.

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Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful fundraising, yet many startup founders overlook its importance. 

For Ksenia Zykova, Chief Communications Officer at AngelsDeck Global Ventures and founder of NODE Communications, mastering both verbal and non-verbal communication is key to making a lasting impression on investors.Ksenia has dedicated her career to helping B2B projects, startup founders, and venture capital firms refine their messaging and presence. 

In this compelling episode, she joins Giulia to discuss the unique challenges female entrepreneurs face in VC funding and how they can harness communication strategies to increase their chances of success.

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Storytelling has the power to drive awareness, inspire connection, and create meaningful change. In this episode, we sit down with Emmy-winning filmmaker Robin N. Hamilton, founder of ARound Robin Production Company, to explore how her mission-driven work amplifies marginalized voices - particularly those of women and Black women whose contributions have often been overlooked. Robin shares her journey from corporate rejections to building a production company centered on impactful narratives, offering a candid look at the grit and vision required to succeed as an entrepreneur.

In this energetic and vibrant episode, Robin and Giulia discuss the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the importance of staying rooted in your purpose, and the strategies that sustain mission-driven storytelling. From navigating budget constraints with nonprofits to creating sustainable income streams, Robin’s insights are a must-hear for creatives and changemakers alike. Tune in to discover how Robin champions the stories that matter and learn actionable takeaways for building resilience and amplifying impactful voices. For the full article, visit our website.

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Navigating a return to the workforce after a career break can be a daunting task. Whether due to family responsibilities, relocation, or a shift in personal priorities, many of us find it challenging to reenter our chosen fields after stepping away. 

In this episode on Embracing Career Returners and Redefining Workforce Inclusion we’re joined by Esther Celosse. Esther is the founder of Return2Career, a company with the objective of supporting organizations to tap into the highly experienced and under-utilized professional talent pool of returners, while increasing gender equality and employer brand value through custom designed Returner programs

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In this inspiring episode, we welcome Robin, the co-founder of Girl Power Uganda, an organization dedicated to empowering women through education and tackling menstrual poverty.

In Uganda, where systemic challenges often limit opportunities for women and girls, two sisters turned their passion for change into a mission. Robin and Amanda, athletes and advocates, founded Girl Power Uganda to address the declining school attendance among girls and empower communities through education and opportunity.

Robin shares her journey as a passionate advocate for women’s rights, growing up in Uganda, and her dedication to creating lasting change in her community.

From fundraising initiatives to collaborations with local organizations, Robin provides a glimpse into the challenges and achievements of her work. She also emphasizes the critical role that education, sports, and community support play in breaking cultural taboos and addressing the global issue of menstrual poverty.

Donate to Girl Power Uganda HERE

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In this impactful episode, we dive into the critical issue of sexual and gender-based violence, featuring special guests Maria Grazia Surace and Stéphanie Makoumbou from LA VOIX DES SURVIVANT(E)S, an advocacy association supporting survivors of violence. Founded by survivor Ana Pinto, the organization is committed to assisting victims and amplifying their voices in society and within the legislative process in Luxembourg. Maria and Stéphanie, both lawyers, share their personal motivations for joining the association and discuss their efforts to strengthen support systems for survivors.

Together, they outline  LA VOIX DES SURVIVANT(E)S' mission and the pressing need for reform in Luxembourg’s legal framework to better protect victims. Their conversation provides a deep look at how societal attitudes and legal systems must evolve to address both overt and subtle forms of violence effectively.

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Today’s guest on KnowThyBrand Podcast is the CEO of HSBC, Emanuele Vignoli. HSBC and KnowThyBrand have worked together on several projects, and in this episode, Emanuele talks about HSBC's active role in gender finance and discusses the upcoming event organized by HSBC and KnowThyBrand: The Gender Inclusion Challenge: When Myths and Perceptions Meet Facts and Data. This event will bring together representatives from different companies to challenge preconceptions around gender equality and promote actionable solutions in the workplace.

Emanuele has over 25 years of experience in the banking sector, spending nearly 20 years at HSBC in various global and regional roles. He currently serves as the CEO of HSBC Luxembourg and is a member of the Luxembourg Gender Finance Task Force. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, Emanuele has driven HSBC’s efforts to promote gender equality and is actively involved in initiatives aimed at removing barriers for women in the financial industry.


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What is gendered innovations? Gendered innovations refer to the creative and transformative processes that integrate sex and gender analysis into research and design. Rather than treating gender as an afterthought or a mere demographic concern, gendered innovations actively incorporate it as a critical variable that can influence the direction and outcomes of research.

In this episode of KnowThyBrand Podcast, prof. Londa Schiebinger, from Stanford University, explains how accounting for sex and gender differences can lead to more accurate results, safer products, and more inclusive innovations

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