In this episode, Joy reflects on Criterion's ongoing work to leverage finance as a tool to reduce Gender-Based Violence (GBV). She discusses the progress made in building evidence, creating tools, and training thousands of investors and social change leaders worldwide. She emphasizes that reducing GBV is complex and requires deep, collaborative strategies — not quick fixes.

The episode outlines the next phase of Criterion’s work: scaling action by amplifying success stories, providing more advanced education for both investors and practitioners, and creating spaces for collaboration, such as the February 2026 Convergence conference, which will focus entirely on GBV.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:29 - Financing Gender-Based Violence Reduction
• 05:34 - Building Evidence and Mobilizing Action
• 09:24 - Teaching and Learning for Social Change
• 13:12 - Engaging New Allies and Resources
• 17:18 - Convergence 2026 and Community Building

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts

In this episode, Joy discusses the often-overlooked potential of conference panels and networking. She reflects on how panels can be transformed from mundane presentations into engaging dialogues that prioritize audience interaction.

Joy also recounts some memorable advice she got from Van Jones over 20 years ago about the importance of genuine networking, encouraging attendees to connect with those they might overlook, and fostering a culture of hospitality and openness.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:43 - Reimagining Conference Panels
• 14:35 - Advice from Van Jones - The Art of Networking at Conferences

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn
• What is a Panel Discussion and Is it Relevant for Today's Meetings? 

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts

In this episode, Joy explores the complexities and paradoxes surrounding checklists in the context of gender lens investing and systems change. She highlights their limitations in fostering understanding and meaningful action, but also discusses how checklists can serve as tools for compliance and control.

Joy advocates for a shift from traditional checklists to 'trust lists' that prioritize relationships, safety, and transparency in systems, ultimately aiming for transformative change in financial practices and power dynamics.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 03:15 - A rant on Checklists
• 06:37 - Checklists: Control vs. Understanding
• 09:54 - Checklists Redeemed: Tools for Safety and Trust
• 16:28 - Compliance and Relationships in Systems
• 19:47 - Rethinking Checklists: Trust Lists vs. Checklists

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts

In this episode, Joy and the Vice President of the Criterion Institute, Susie Pan, explore the concept of 'investable hope' - a compelling idea that combines finance with the notion of hope for a better future. They discuss the importance of hope in times of crisis, the shift from individual to collective hope, and how investments can be a pathway to creating a more equitable society.

And finally, Joy discusses Criterion's practice of prioritising relationships with people who are responsible for their own hope.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:17 - The Role of Hope in Crisis
• 07:48 - Collective vs. Individual Hope
• 11:42 - Investing in a Better Future
• 17:48 - Practice - Responsibility for One's Own Hope

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn
• Susie's LinkedIn

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts

In this episode, Joy explores the complexities of existential crises, burnout, and the importance of self-reflection. She discusses the challenges of feeling overwhelmed in today's world, the difference between self-diagnosis and honest reflection, and the significance of autonomy and control in one's work life. Joy emphasizes the need for structure and accountability to find freedom in decision-making and the power of choice in shaping one's path.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:59 - Understanding Burnout and Its Causes
• 05:55 - Self-Diagnosis vs. Honest Reflection
• 09:02 - The Role of Autonomy and Control
• 12:07 - Finding Freedom in Structure
• 14:59 - The Power of Choice

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts

In this episode, Joy discusses the HBO show 'The Rehearsal' and its parallels to power dynamics in finance and aviation. The conversation explores themes of communication, vulnerability, authority, and the importance of diversity in decision-making environments. Through the lens of the show, Joy highlights how rehearsing new scripts and norms can lead to better outcomes in high-stakes situations.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:48 - Aviation Safety and Communication Dynamics
• 05:18 - Power Dynamics in Cockpits and Finance
• 10:28 - The Role of Vulnerability in Decision Making
• 18:11 - Diversity and Communication in High-Stakes Environments
• 22:38 - Rehearsing New Norms and Scripts in Leadership

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts

In this episode, Joy engages in a rich conversation with Joyce-Ann Wainaina, founder of Chui Ventures. They explore their personal journeys, the impact of their backgrounds, and the role of finance in transformative systems change.

The discussion delves into the importance of confidence, the challenges of navigating career transitions, and the need for gender equity in investment. They emphasize the significance of supporting African founders and the power of community in fostering innovation and change.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:43 - Personal Journeys and Shared Experiences
• 07:01 - The Role of Religion in Shaping Identity
• 13:43 - Career Transitions: From Teaching to Finance
• 22:21 - The Importance of Learning to Learn
• 32:07 - Investing in African Founders
• 42:00 - Grounded Leadership and Authenticity

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn
• Joyce-Ann's LinkedIn

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts

In this episode, Joy explores the perceived costs associated with integrating gender into investments and the expenses related to control in community building. She argues that gender integration can be cost-neutral in the long run, emphasizing that the real costs arise from resistance and bias.

Additionally, Joy discusses how control can be expensive in collaborative efforts and how reducing control can lead to more effective community engagement and lower costs.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:28 - Gender as Cost Neutral
• 06:05 - The Costs of Control

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts

In this episode, Joy engages in a deep conversation with Katharine Im-Jenkins, managing director of the Equality Fund. They explore the innovative financing strategies behind the Equality Fund, the power dynamics within endowments, and the importance of sustainable funding for grassroots organizations working on gender equality.

The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities in feminist funding, the role of governance in managing endowments, and the need for collaboration and trust in the philanthropic landscape. They also reflect on the current challenges facing feminist movements and the importance of imagining new models for future resourcing.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:11 - The Equality Fund: A Bold Initiative
• 04:22 - Power Dynamics in Endowments
• 10:30 - Designing for Sustainability and Resilience
• 18:04 - The Role of Endowments in Social Change
• 25:13 - Navigating Financial Norms and Challenges
• 32:56 - Responding to Current Challenges in Feminist Funding
• 38:46 - Building Trust and Collaboration in Governance
• 45:20 - Imagining New Models for Future Resourcing

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn
• Katharine's LinkedIn

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts

In this episode - part one in a two-part series on this topic - Joy and Yifat Susskind (Executive Director of MADRE) discuss the importance of a feminist financial imagination in the context of social transformation and funding for women's rights organizations.

Joy then reimagines and explores the challenges faced by current funding systems, the role of philanthropy, and innovative financial tools and investment strategies that can support social justice movements. The discussion emphasizes the need for new ways to finance work, optimize cash flow, and create community-owned economic models, all while fostering a hopeful future for feminist movements.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 04:04 - The Role of Philanthropy in Social Change
• 12:11 - Challenges in Current Funding Systems
• 18:04 - Exploring Financial Tools for Social Justice
• 29:54 - Innovative Investment Strategies for Feminist Movements
• 41:47 - Conclusion and Call to Action

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn
• Yifat's LinkedIn

Part of the ImpactAlpha Podcast Network

https://impactalpha.com/podcasts