On this episode, I talk with world renowned eye surgeon, founder and executive director of the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu: Dr. Sanduk Ruit; and with co-owner of Oertli Instrumente AG, a Swiss-based medical device company: Thomas Bosshard. Both Dr. Ruit and Thomas have been carrying out impactful work in the field of cataract surgery. In our conversation, they share how they established a long-lasting collaboration leading to philanthropic activities. Dr. Ruit and Thomas speak very passionately about their work, how they see cataract surgery evolving, and they also give some advice to students interested to start a career in ophthalmology or the medical device industry.  

Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology website: https://tilganga.org/  

Oertli Instrumente AG website: https://www.oertli-instruments.com/en#head 

More links from our conversation available on the podcast website: https://narratives-of-purpose.podcastpage.io/episode/on-preventing-blindness-a-conversation-with-dr-sanduk-ruit-thomas-bosshard

Fanny Kaufmann is a global Medical Affairs leader in oncology at Takeda. She is passionate about solving global challenges in the areas of patient advocacy, access to medicine, public health safety, animal welfare and animal health, plus food security. On this episode, Fanny tells me about her new journey into One Health. We have a reflective conversation on the interconnection between human health, animal health and ecosystem health, in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Fanny also gives some advice for younger people who wish to start a career in life sciences. 

Fanny Kaufmann’s personal website: https://www.journey-animal-welfare.org  

One Health platform: https://onehealthplatform.com/ohp/about-one-health/one-health-explained 

One Health commission: https://www.onehealthcommission.org/en/programs/one_health_education_initiatives__overview/ 

More links from our conversation available on the podcast website: https://narratives-of-purpose.podcastpage.io/episode/on-one-health-a-conversation-with-fanny-kaufmann

On this episode, I speak with Ana Maria Angarita and Isabel Brücher, two of the Capacity Zurich co-founders. Their organisation offers entrepreneurship programs to facilitate the socioeconomic inclusion of refugees and migrants in Switzerland. Ana Maria and Isabel share their respective journeys, plus how the programs at Capacity are a transformational experience for participants and volunteers. Capacity advocates for change and promotes discussions about inclusion from different perspectives.

Capacity Zurich website: https://www.capacityzurich.ch

David Fiorucci is the founder of LP3 Ltd, with his vision for a sustainable economy. In this episode, David shares with me the essence of the integrative LP3 model (Leadership, Potential, Power, Performance) that he developed over 20+ years. His model enables organisations to have a common guiding language across all levels for creating efficient and consistent leadership. David also gives some advice on what companies should focus on moving forward, to successfully manage through the changes imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

LP3 Ltd. (LP3 Leadership) website: https://www.lp3leadership.com/en/lp3-model 

More links from our conversation available on the podcast website: https://narratives-of-purpose.podcastpage.io/episode/on-leadership-for-a-sustainable-economy-a-conversation-with-david-fiorucci

Fifteen years ago, Teresa Goines founded Old Skool Cafe a youth-run jazz supper club in San Francisco. On this episode, she tells me about her long-term vision to transform the cycle of incarceration and recidivism, at-risk youth feel trapped in, into a healthy life. Teresa also shares how the training at Old Skool Cafe provides career and life skills, plus employment experience to these young people. 

Old Skool Cafe website: https://www.oldskoolcafe.org 

More links from our conversation available on the podcast website: https://narratives-of-purpose.podcastpage.io/episode/on-providing-professional-skills-to-at-risk-youth-a-conversation-with-teresa-goines

Emilie Alirol is a biologist who has built her career in clinical research and now serves as an Associate Director at Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV). In this episode, Emilie discusses leading projects in resource-constrained settings that focus on infectious diseases. We also explore the future of public health, and she offers practical advice for anyone eager to launch a career in clinical science.

At the end of the show, I ask all my guests the same set of questions to get a sneak preview into their favourite music or books. Here are the links to Emilie's answers.

• The song she constantly listens to at the moment is 'Over the Rainbow' by Melody Gardot. 
• The music that particularly resonated with her at a specific time in her life is from Radiohead.
• Her all-time favourite book that she absolutely recommends is L’usage du Monde by Nicolas Bouvier (English-language version with the title The Way of the World).

If you want to follow Emilie on social media, this is her channel: LinkedIn. 

In case you wish to have more information on the organisations mentioned in our conversation.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Doctors Without Borders
• The Global Antibiotics Research & Development Partnership GARDP
• The Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative DNDi where Emilie worked before joining the Medicines for Malaria Venture MMV
• Entasis Therapeutics
• The World Health Organisation WHO where Emilie served as vice-chair for the ethics research committee
• The Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics FIND
• Access to COVID-19 Tools ACT Accelerator

Founding podcast of the SwissCast Network

On this first episode, I speak with Pauline Koelbl about what motivated the creation of her new ventures: AfriProspect and ShEquity. Pauline is an innovation expert in developing and emerging markets. She invests in African impactful innovative startups with a special focus on female-led businesses. In our discussion, Pauline also shares what future trends she is looking out for post-COVID-19.

At the end of the show, I ask all my guests the same set of questions to get a sneak preview into their favourite music or books.

• The song she constantly listens to at the moment is 'Jerusalema' by Master KG.
• The songs that particularly resonated with her at a specific time in her life are 'Zangawela' (the original song from 'Waka Waka, time for Africa' by Shakira) and 'Happy' by Pharrell Williams. 
• Her all-time favourite book that she absolutely recommends is Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari.

If you want to follow Pauline on social media, these are her channels: LinkedIn and Twitter. 

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Institute of Development Studies
• Harvard University
• John F. Kennedy School of Government
• Africa Innovation Foundation
• Professional Women of African Heritage initiative PROWA
• AFRI Prospect
• SHE Equity
• GreenTech Capital Partners

Narratives of Purpose is a founding podcast member of the SwissCast Network

Introducing the Narratives of Purpose podcast hosted by me, Claire Murigande. I am a scientist and TEDx speaker, inspired to showcase unique stories of ordinary people making extraordinary social impact in various areas, such as: youth empowerment, healthcare initiatives and sustainable business. On this biweekly show, my guests share their passion, their journeys and their perspectives on the future through fascinating conversations. 

Visit the podcast website for more information on me and my guests: https://www.swisscastnetwork.ch/show/narratives-of-purpose/

Founding member of the SwissCast Network