The Impact Agenda

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Angela Sheffield, the Director of the DoD Digital and Artificial Intelligence Portfolio at Science Applications International Corporation. In her role, Angela leads the charge in delivering cutting-edge platform, data, and AI services to the DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence office. With a robust background that includes serving as Senior Program Manager for AI at the Department of Energy’s Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Research and Development, Angela has been at the forefront of advancing AI science to mitigate nuclear threats.

Angela shares how her journey into AI and defense began, her views on the evolving landscape of AI within the defense sector, and the crucial role AI plays as a decision technology. We’ll also explore the future of AI innovations in the DoD, the importance of prioritizing defense capabilities, and the ethical considerations that must guide responsible AI use in defense technology. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Wendy Kopp, CEO and Co-founder of Teach For All, and the visionary behind Teach For America. Wendy's journey began with her senior thesis at Princeton University, which led to the creation of Teach For America, a movement that has transformed education in the U.S. and sparked a global network dedicated to ensuring all children have the opportunity to fulfill their potential. Recognized as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, Wendy's insights on leadership, purpose, and impact are invaluable.
In this discussion, Wendy will share how she turned uncertainty into action, the importance of focusing deeply on meaningful work, and her perspective on the evolving role of corporations in delivering true impact. She'll also offer advice for those considering joining Teach For All, highlighting the skills and opportunities it provides, and what makes TFA unique among service-oriented organizations. Whether you're passionate about education, leadership, or making a difference in the world, this conversation with Wendy is truly one that gets you thinking!

Join us for an insightful conversation with Marcus D. Stroud, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of TXV Partners. Marcus oversees the firm's Evolution Strategy, overall fundraising efforts, and firm management. Beyond TXV, he serves on the Advisory boards of Capital Creek Partners and Trey Athletes, and is a current fellow at the Kauffman Fellows Program in Class 28.

Named in Forbes 30 under 30 in 2022 and recognized as one of Dallas’s most powerful business leaders in the Dallas 500 in 2020 and 2021, Marcus’s journey from Princeton University, where he played Varsity football, to founding TXV, is nothing short of inspiring.

Tune in to hear Marcus discuss the impact of his experience as a recruited athlete from the South, his insights on balancing economic responsibility with creating impact, and the pivotal role mentorship has played in his career. We’ll also delve into the founding story of TXV, the challenges of being a younger founder, and his vision for the firm’s future. This is a conversation you won't want to miss, especially if you're passionate about making a difference in the business and finance worlds!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Yvette Kong, a multifaceted leader who represented Hong Kong in the 2016 Rio Olympics and now dedicates her time to mental health advocacy and education. As a founding board member of Mind Hong Kong, Yvette leverages her personal experiences from her athletic career to champion mental wellbeing across various platforms, including CNN and TEDx. With a diverse background that includes consulting roles at McKinsey & Company and independent consultancy, along with degrees from UC Berkeley, University of Edinburgh, and Tsinghua University, Yvette's journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of advocacy.

In this episode, Yvette takes us through her journey from starting swimming at age three to narrowly missing the Olympics twice before finally representing Hong Kong in Rio. She shares profound insights on overcoming depression, handling immense pressure, and redefining success as progress over perfection. 

We’ll explore her passion for mental health, the challenges young people face today, and the role of advocacy in creating positive change. Yvette also discusses her course at MIT, "Transversal Design for Social Impact," and offers valuable advice on cultivating resilience and navigating life’s hurdles, whether in sports, corporate settings, or everyday life. 

Join us for an engaging conversation with Ben, Co-founder of House Numbers, and Robert, Investment Partner at Maven Ventures. Ben's journey from software engineer in Silicon Valley to co-founding a home wealth management tech startup. Robert, Maven's “boomerang VC,” has been instrumental in backing bold founders who are shaping the future of consumer behavior, with investments in iconic brands like Zoom and Cruise.

In this discussion, Ben will share the mission behind House Numbers and why homeownership is crucial for the success of the middle class, while Robert will delve into investing at Maven Ventures and how it aligns financial success with societal impact. We’ll explore the challenges and opportunities in the startup-investor relationship, the significance of technical skills in tackling big problems, and what it means to create real impact in today’s evolving tech landscape.

Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, investing, or tackling societal challenges at large, this conversation offers valuable insights from two leaders at the forefront of innovation.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Jackie Carmel, who has been at the forefront of fundraising and investor relations at Endeavor Catalyst for the past decade. Endeavor Catalyst, the co-investment fund of Endeavor, plays a crucial role in supporting high-growth companies across emerging and underserved markets worldwide. 

With stints at JP Morgan and Google, Jackie brings a wealth of experience to her role. She is a graduate of the prestigious Huntsman Program at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned dual degrees in Economics from The Wharton School and International Studies from the College.

In this episode, Jackie reflects on her journey from her academic roots to becoming a key player in the global impact investment landscape. Jackie shares insights into the challenges and opportunities in supporting high-growth companies in emerging markets, the impact of her work at Endeavor Catalyst, and her vision for the future of global investing and entrepreneurship. Don’t miss this chance to hear from a leader who is shaping the future of high-impact investing and entrepreneurial support.

Join us for an enlightening discussion with Chris Greig, the Theodora D. ’78 and William H. Walton III ’74 Senior Research Scientist at Princeton's Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment. With nearly 30 years of experience as a founder and senior executive in the private sector and his leadership in the Andlinger Center at Princeton, Chris is a prominent voice in the global energy transition. His interdisciplinary research at Princeton combines engineering, energy systems, business, and social sciences to address the complex challenges of transitioning to a sustainable energy future.

In this episode, Chris shares his journey from rural Australia to becoming a leader in the energy sector, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his career. We dive into the urgency and complexity of fossil fuel dependence, exploring the socio-economic trends driving energy consumption and the barriers to achieving a rapid energy transition. Chris provides insights into the history of innovation in the energy sector, the role of traditional energy leaders, and the critical need for a durable and ambitious transition strategy. Chris offers his perspective on the future of energy transition, the gaps that need to be filled, and his vision for the next decade in this critical field!

Join us for a jam-packed conversation with Ilaria Chan, Chairperson of Tech For Good Institute and Group Advisor on Tech & Social Impact for Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp! With a background that spans from Hong Kong to Stanford University, Ilaria has navigated a fascinating journey from financial analyst to executive director at Goldman Sachs before transitioning into the tech and social impact sectors. Her work at Grab and co-founding its think tank Tech For Good Institute involves advancing diplomacy, thought leadership, and social impact initiatives across Southeast Asia, as well as being a bridge across key sectors for Asia & USA, making her a key figure in fostering positive change globally.

Ilaria shares the importance of keeping your soul in a high-pressure environment, dives into the Denominator Theory (a powerful concept on making oneself irreplaceable in any career) and explores her transition into the tech world at Grab, despite not having a tech background. As Chairperson of Tech For Good Institute, Ilaria is dedicated to ensuring Southeast Asia isn't left behind in the digital economy. As a board director for humanitarian NGOs, venture capital firms and Stanford's US-China Advisory Council, she advocates for a world that bridges gaps for the underprivileged while astutely navigating geopolitics. She offers unique insights on the opportunities bridging sectors and continents and how we can all contribute to making a substantial impact in our careers and communities!

Get ready for the best moments of Season 3 of the Impact Agenda Podcast! Tune in as we revisit powerful conversations and insights from our inspiring guests: 

🎙0:18 Mehvesh Mumtaz Ahmed (Vice President of Social Impact @ Rosewood Hotel Group)

🎙1:16 Carol Spahn (Dirrector @ The Peace Corps)

🎙2:20 Christine Keung (General Partne @ J2 Ventures)

🎙03:32 Ben Zevenbergen (Ethics & Policy Adviser @ Google)

🎙04:12 Heidi Patel (Managing Partner @ Rethink Impact)

🎙05:18 Kristen Hansen & Rob Romero (Founders @ Civic Health Project)

🎙06:42 Anne Tumlinson (CEO @ ATI Advisory)

🎙8:00 Dan Davidi (Entreprenuer in Residence @ Aleph)

We are thrilled to welcome Carol Spahn, Director of the Peace Corps, as our Season 3 of The Impact Agenda finale! Carol has been a leader in both the public and private sectors for over 25 years and has worked globally on a wide range of issues including women’s empowerment and small business development. 

Carol’s journey with the Peace Corps started in Romania from 1994 to 1996. Carol has engaged in several leadership roles in the Peace Corps since her time as volunteer, including chief of operations in the Africa Region, Chief Executive Officer and now she serves as Director of the Peace Corps. Learn about how Director Spahn’s leadership at Peace Corps successfully strikes the balance between impact, sustainability, and feasibility and why she believes the immersive inter-cultural experiences like the one that Peace Corps provides is more important than ever in our interconnected world. We learn about the importance of the Peace Corps work to building and maintaining strong relationships between the United States and over 60 countries. 

Join us as we chat about how the Peace Corps continues to innovate and evolve in an ever-global landscape and why the mission of the Peace Corps is absolutely central to today! 

1:38 - What was the story behind Carol’s decision to join the Peace Corps in Romania and what drove her to this unique experience?

4:44 - Reflecting on her time as a volunteer, what are some of the big lessons and takeaways that influence Carol’s perspective and her leadership today?

8:14 - Carol has worn multiple hats and roles throughout her career. What were the motivations behind each transition, especially the pivotal decision to take on the role as Director of the Peace Corps?

11:41 - What mindset, skills or qualities does Carol believe enable people to thrive in challenging environments? 

17:09 - How does Carol approach balancing impact and feasibility while scaling the Peace Corps?

21:11 - Why does Carol think that immersive, service based, cultural learning experiences, like the one that the Peace Corps provides, are pivotal in today's interconnected world?

24:50 - How is Carol ensuring that innovation remains at the heart of the Peace Corps mission, particularly after taking that break during the pandemic? And how is the Peace Corps innovating to meet new challenges and realities? 

30:31 - What are some of the innovations or objectives Carol has set for the Peace Corps to achieve in the coming years? 

31:39 - For individuals who are considering joining the Peace Corps, what advice does Carol have for them, whether that be skills, qualities, what to expect to have a meaningful and impactful experience?

33:42 - For those who are exploring alternatives, could Carol recommend any other programs or experiences that offer benefits similar to what the Peace Corps provides?

35:39 - Are there one or two things that Carol would like us to take away as lessons from your journey, integrating your passion or impact into her career?