Pathways to Zero Barriers

Brief Summary

What does it take to lead as a founder with a disability? Not just at launch, but as your team scales and your product evolves. Hear from Ali Shabbar, the CEO of DeafTawk and Walter Tsui, the Co-Founder and CEO of CareER Association, about finding a leadership style, shifting from grand entrepreneur to a revenue mindset, and why you should love the problem you're solving..

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PDF: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E16_DeafTawk_Walter_Tsui.pdf]

Word: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E16_DeafTawk_Walter_Tsui.docx]

Guest Information

• Ali Shabbar, CEO, DeafTawk
• Walter Tsui, Co-Founder and CEO, CareER Association

The Key Questions Addressed in this Episode are:

• What are one of DeafTawk’s most defining international expansion moments?
• What are some of the biggest challenges organizations face when transferring accessibility services across borders?
• When expanding into a new country, how do you assess whether your solution will fit culturally and operationally?
• When working with DeafTawk, what stood out to you about how they navigated partnerships or adaptation during scaling efforts?
• Looking back, is there a particular “lesson learned the hard way” that now shapes how you approach every new project or region?
• What’s one insight or reflection you would offer to any organization preparing for its first major international transfer of services?

Call to Action

Subscribe today for more insights into scaling disability-inclusive innovations.

Links to Resources:

• DeafTawk Website: [https://www.deaftawk.com/]
• Walter Tsui’s personal website: [https://www.waltertsui.hk/]

Contact Information

For questions or feedback, reach out to us at: [[email protected]]

Sponsor/Partner Info

This episode is brought to you by the Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, GIZ on behalf of BMZ, Atos, EnAble India, and Inclusive Creation.

Brief Summary

How to manage risks and challenges when expanding access to education? Drawing on EduDown’s 25 years of experience, Paula Giacosa, EduDown’s National Director discusses the importance of adapting to regional cultural contexts, forming strategic local alliances, and engaging families as key partners. The episode also explores how social innovation, including circular economy approaches and AI, can help remove barriers, and highlights EduDown’s expansion goals to reach more regions in Chile and beyond.

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PDF: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E15_EduDown_Transcript.pdf]

Word: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E15_EduDown_Transcript.docx]

Guest Information

Paula Giacosa, National Director, EduDown

The Key Questions Addressed in this Episode are:

• When expanding to regions with limited resources, what risks have been most important to anticipate and manage? 
• How to navigate the balance between exciting opposrtunities and the real challenges that underserved regions present? 
• Looking ahead, what goals can inspire organisations to expand inclusive education on a global scale?

Call to Action

Subscribe today for more insights into scaling disability-inclusive innovations.

Links to Mentioned Resources:

• EduDown’s Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/edudownoficial/]
• EduDown’s LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edudown]
• Paula Giacosa’s LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-giacosa-aa0a1a15a/]

Contact Information

For questions or feedback, reach out to us at: [[email protected]]

Sponsor/Partner Info

This episode is brought to you by the Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, GIZ on behalf of BMZ, Atos, EnAble India, and Inclusive Creation.

Brief Summary

What if accessibility and sustainability were embedded in design from the start? This conversation explores how Equivalent SVG is reshaping the future of inclusive visual content through scalable, smart SVG graphics. CEO Heather Neff shares how her lived experience as a designer with disabilities drives the creation of SVGs that adapt to users' accessibility settings—making graphics not just inclusive, but energy-efficient too. With insights from Carrie Chow of Atos, the episode highlights how strategic partnerships, user-centered innovation, and executive buy-in can scale accessible tech across sectors. Tune in to hear how smart design can reduce barriers, carbon footprints, and digital exclusion—all at once.

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PDF: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E14_Equivalent_Atos_Transcript.pdf]

Word: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E14_Equivalent_Atos_Transcript.docx]

Guest Information

• Heather Neff, CEO, Equivalent SVG
• Carrie Chow, Global Accessibility Evangelist, Atos.

The Key Questions Addressed in this Episode are:

1. What are the challenges of scaling graphics technology-driven solutions into different markets?
2. What are the primary issues or barriers to anticipate when this kind of technology is introduced to the world?
3. What is Equivalent’s long-term vision for integrating Smart SVG into global accessibility standards?

Call to Action

Subscribe today for more insights into scaling disability-inclusive innovations.

Links to Mentioned Resources:

• Equivalent’s website: https://equivalentsvg.io/
• Heather Neff’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathersneff/  

Contact Information

For questions or feedback, reach out to us at: [[email protected]]

Sponsor/Partner Info

This episode is brought to you by the Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, GIZ on behalf of BMZ, Atos, EnAble India, and Inclusive Creation.

Brief Summary

What if scaling was part of the plan from day one? This conversation explores TOM Global's bold approach to global collaboration, why networks matter more than partnerships, and how values shape every yes and no along the way. Join in the conversation with Gideon (Gidi) Grinstein from TOM Global and Ron Sargent from Prama Global to hear their advice on building impactful networks.

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PDF: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E13_TOM_Gidi_Ron_Transcript.pdf]

Word: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E13_TOM_Gidi_Ron_Transcript.docx]

Guest Information

• Gideon (Gidi) Grinstein, Founder of the Reut Group and Founder and President of TOM Global
• Ron Sargent, Executive Director, Prama Global

The Key Questions Addressed in this Episode are:

• How do you build a support network that spans local and international levels?
• How do partnerships help maintain shared disability inclusion values?
• What is essential for maintaining partnerships as your initiative scales?

Call to Action

Subscribe today for more insights into scaling disability-inclusive innovations.

Links to Mentioned Resources:

• TOM Global Website: [https://tomglobal.org/]

Contact Information

For questions or feedback, reach out to us at: [[email protected]]

Sponsor/Partner Info

This episode is brought to you by the Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, GIZ on behalf of BMZ, Atos, EnAble India, and Inclusive Creation.

Brief Summary

How do you scale inclusion without losing sight of community? In this episode, we explore what it takes to design for dignity—from inclusive playgrounds that prioritize local voices to adaptive fashion that redefines access in India. We hear from Aditi Agrawal, Co-Founder of Gudgudee, and advisor Mehul Pancholi about the power of partnerships, cultural adaptation, and why listening is as important as innovation.

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PDF: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E12_Aditi_Mehul_Transcript.pdf]

Word: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E12_Aditi_Mehul_Transcript.docx]

Guest Information

• Aditi Agrawal, Co-Founder of Gudgudee, a design studio specializing in inclusive play spaces in India.
• Mehul Pancholi, Advisor on inclusive design and community engagement, supporting scale-up efforts through localized strategies.

The Key Questions Addressed in this Episode are:

• How do you identify and build partnerships that support inclusive design goals?
• What role do local communities play in shaping successful playgrounds and adaptive products?
• How can cultural context shift the direction of design—without compromising inclusion?

Call to Action

Subscribe today for more insights into scaling disability-inclusive innovations.

Links to Mentioned Resources:

• Gudgudee Website: [https://www.gudgudee.in]
• Gudgudee Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/studio_gudgudee]

Contact Information

For questions or feedback, reach out to us at: [[email protected]]

Sponsor/Partner Info

This episode is brought to you by the Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, GIZ on behalf of BMZ, Atos, EnAble India, and Inclusive Creation.

Brief Summary

How do you grow a safety solution in a system that wasn’t designed to protect you? In this episode, we hear from the team behind App Morada—a platform co-designed with women with disabilities to address gender-based violence in Mexico. From building trust to navigating policy gaps, we explore what it takes to grow a local innovation without losing sight of the people it's built for.

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PDF: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E11_CIDIP_Yereli-Valeria_Transcript.pdf]

Word: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E11_CIDIP_Yereli-Valeria_Transcript.docx]

Guest Information

• Valeria Duflot, a Fractional Executive, Impact Advisor, and Scaling Solutions Programme Advisor.
• Yereli Rolander, Executive Director at the Interdisciplinary Center for Rights, Childhood, and Parenthood (CIDIP) in Mexico.
• Adriana Garcia, Administrator at the Interdisciplinary Center for Rights, Childhood, and Parenthood (CIDIP) in Mexico.

They Key Questions Addressed in this Episode are:

Brief Summary

How do you expand a life-changing support system across regions with different cultures, languages, and needs? In this episode, we explore how Nayi Disha is scaling its impact across India and beyond.

Guests Sayomdeb Mukherjee and Prachi Deo share insights on navigating cultural differences, building trust within communities, and leveraging both digital and grassroots networks to reach more families. They highlight why supporting caregivers is just as crucial as supporting individuals with disabilities and discuss the power of open-source solutions in driving global change.

Expect real-world examples, strategic insights, and practical takeaways for organizations looking to scale inclusive solutions effectively.

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PDF: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E10_NayiDisha-Den_Transcript.pdf]

Word: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E10_NayiDisha-Den_Transcript.docx]

Guest Information

• Sayomdeb Mukherjee, Senior Manager, EnAble India
• Prachi Deo, Executive Director, Nayi Disha

The key questions addressed in this episode are:

1. How do you define your strategic priorities when scaling Nayi Disha's services?
2. What challenges have you faced in adapting your model to different cultural and systemic environments?
3. How do you measure the readiness of a new region for implementing your services?

Call to Action

Subscribe today for in-depth conversations on scaling impactful solutions worldwide.

Links to Mentioned Resources

• Nayi Disha Website: [https://nayi-disha.org]
• Zero Project Scaling Solutions website: [scaling-solutions.zeroproject.org]

Contact Information

For questions or feedback, reach out to us at: [[email protected]]

Sponsor/Partner Info

This episode is brought to you by the Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, GIZ on behalf of BMZ, Atos, EnAble India, and Inclusive Creation.

Brief Summary

– Scaling Inclusion: Turning Promises into Practices – #ZeroCon25 Special

This special episode is a recording of a fireside chat recorded during the Zero Project Conference 2025.

Innovation in inclusion isn’t just about policies—it’s about transforming real-world practices. Join Michael Fembek, the CEO of Zero Project and Anthony Giannoumis of Inclusive Creation in this Fireside Chat, where they will talk about Scaling Solutions. Together, they explore how organizations can move beyond commitments and turn inclusive aspirations into tangible, scalable solutions. From leveraging technology and AI to redesigning leadership models, they discuss the frameworks that make inclusion sustainable.

The speakers examine the challenges of scaling inclusive initiatives—whether in hiring, product design, or accessibility—and how companies can overcome these hurdles. Using examples from my work across industries, they share insights on how inclusion drives innovation and business success.

This conversation provides actionable takeaways for leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations looking to embed inclusion into their DNA and make a lasting impact.

Download Transcript

PDF: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E09_ZeroCon25_Episode_Transcript.pdf]

Word: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E09_ZeroCon25_Episode_Transcript.docx]

Contact Information 

For questions or feedback, reach out to us at: [email protected] 

Speaker information  

• Hosted by Michael Fembek, CEO of the Zero Project, Board Member of the Essl Foundation
• Joined by Anthony Giannoumis of Inclusive Creation, the Zero Project Scaling Solutions Programme facilitator
• Intro and outro by Judith Hermetter of the Zero Project

Sponsor/Partner Info

This episode is brought to you by the Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, GIZ on behalf of BMZ, Atos, EnAble India, and Inclusive Creation.

The key questions addressed in this episode are:

• What are the main takeaways from the Scaling Solutions Programme, based on the 2 years of experience of the Programme’s facilitator?
• What is the role of leaders in scaling?
• How to know when an organisation is at the appropriate moment for scaling?

Call to Action 

Subscribe today for real-world insights on scaling innovative solutions from across the globe. 

Links to Mentioned Resources 

• Zero Project Scaling Solutions website: [scaling-solutions.zeroproject.org] 
• Link to the recording of the fireside chat: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXuk2t7Rb9k]

Brief Summary

– How to Create Your Perfect Pitch – #ZeroCon25 Special

Pitching isn’t just about presenting an idea—it’s about capturing attention, building connections, and making a lasting impact. In this special episode of Pathways to Zero Barriers, recorded in Vienna during #ZeroCon25, Anthony shares key insights from the 2-Day Pitch Training Bootcamp.

This episode covers essential strategies for crafting a compelling pitch, from engaging your audience in the first few seconds to delivering a strong closing that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re speaking to investors, partners, or decision-makers, these practical tips will help you refine your message and confidently present your work.

Contact Information 

For questions or feedback, reach out to us at: [email protected] 

Sponsor/Partner Info 

This episode is brought to you by the Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, GIZ on behalf of BMZ, Atos, EnAble India, and Inclusive Creation. 

Brief Summary 

In this episode, host Anthony explores the financial strategies that drive AI-powered accessibility solutions, focusing on how innovative funding approaches can scale impact while maintaining affordability. He is joined by Paweł Potakowski, Chief Commercial Officer at MIGAM, and Rafiul Alam, Chief Business Officer at Genweb2 Limited.

Paweł shares how MIGAM evolved from a small startup to serving over 2,000 clients, emphasizing how their most valuable investment came not from traditional investors but from customers. He highlights key financial strategies that enabled sustainable growth and global expansion.

Rafiul offers insights into balancing scalability with affordability, ensuring accessibility solutions remain cost-effective while securing necessary investments. He discusses challenges in maintaining affordability during expansion and the creative approaches used to address them.

Expect real-world examples, expert perspectives, and practical takeaways for innovators seeking to finance and scale accessibility solutions sustainably.

Download Transcript

Word: [https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E07_Migam_RafiulAlam_Transcript.docx]

PDF:

[https://zeroproject.org/fileadmin/root_zeroproject/ZPSCALE/podcasts/Pathways_transcripts/Pathways_E07_Migam_RafiulAlam_Transcript.pdf]

Guest information  

– Paweł Potakowski, CCO MIGAM.ai

– Rafiul Alam, Chief Business Officer at Genweb2 Limited

The Key Questions Addressed in this Episode are:

1. What financial strategies have been successful in scaling your AI-driven solutions?

2. How do you ensure that accessibility remains affordable in the expansion process?

3. How do different market conditions affect your financing strategies?

Call to Action 

Subscribe today for real-world insights on scaling innovative solutions from across the globe. 

Links to Mentioned Resources 

– Migam.org / migam.ai

– Zero Project Scaling Solutions website: [scaling-solutions.zeroproject.org] 

Contact Information 

For questions or feedback, reach out to us at: [email protected] 

Sponsor/Partner Info 

This episode is brought to you by the Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, GIZ on behalf of BMZ, Atos, EnAble India, and Inclusive Creation.