The Wharton Impact Podcast

We were thrilled to welcome to our podcast Dr. Manuel Piñuela, the co-founder and CEO of Cultivo - a Public Benefit Corporation that is committed to accelerating investments in nature-based solutions around the world. By investing in the ecological and economic potential of natural assets, Dr. Manuel Piñuela and his co-founder James Clifton are delivering attractive financial returns to their ecosystem of stakeholders while advancing real-world impact🌎

Dr. Piñuela is no stranger to innovation - or to the high-stakes world of entrepreneurial impact. A scientist, systems thinker, and seasoned founder, Dr. Piñuela is now leading a bold vision at Cultivo: to unlock millions in private capital and leverage cutting-edge technology to identify high-quality natural capital projects - like reforestation and regenerative agriculture - that offer measurable carbon, water, and biodiversity returns, alongside financial ones.

Listen in on the conversation, as we sit down with Dr. Piñuela to talk about sustainable finance, biodiversity’s role in the financial system, and the next frontier for natural capital investment☀️🍃🏞️

In this episode of the Wharton Impact Podcast, host Joselyn Salazar Garcia sits down with Bob Scher, former Vice President and Head of International Affairs for BP America and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities. Drawing from his decades of experience at the intersection of government and corporate strategy, Bob offers unique insights into how energy policy is shaped by both public and private sector dynamics. From navigating geopolitical tensions to managing the energy transition and advising on national security, Bob reflects on pivotal career moments and shares guidance for future leaders seeking to drive meaningful impact in the energy sector. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on energy, security, leadership, and the future of global cooperation.

How do you transition from a career in law to shaping global economic development at one of the world’s biggest tech companies? In this episode of the Wharton Impact Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Utaukwa Allen, Global Head of Economic and Community Development for Data Centers at Google. Dr. Allen shares her journey from corporate law to international development, her passion for driving sustainable and inclusive growth, and the leadership principles that have guided her across roles at Google, Microsoft, and Kyndryl. Tune in as we explore the intersection of business, technology, and social impact—and the bold steps it takes to create meaningful change.

On this episode, we’re diving into the world of education innovation with Jay Bakhru, founding partner of EdSolutions. From leading groundbreaking initiatives at the intersection of education markets, innovation, and social impact to improving outcomes for underserved students, Jay is on a mission to transform how we think about education.

With a career spanning roles as a middle school teacher, CEO of an EdTech company, marketing executive at Citigroup, and strategy consultant at Deloitte, Jay brings unparalleled expertise to the table. Beyond EdSolutions, he’s a powerhouse in the education ecosystem—chairing the Wharton Education Network, advising and investing in EdTech companies, and shaping the next wave of education entrepreneurship through his work with Penn GSE and contributions to EdSurge and Forbes.

In this episode of the Wharton Social Impact Podcast, we are joined by Caroline Bressan, CEO of Open Road, a bridge lender for mission-driven companies, funds, and projects that accelerate climate solutions or reduce inequality.

Previously, she was an Investment Principal at D. Capital, the investment advisory arm of Dalberg, focusing on impact investments in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in energy and agriculture, and designing innovative financing mechanisms like impact bonds and social impact insurance. Earlier in her career at Calvert Foundation, Caroline managed a $20 million portfolio in Latin America, designed and launched its first revolving line of credit, and helped launch the international component of the Women Investing in Women Initiative.

Join us as we speak about everything from impact investing in emerging markets to internship opportunities for MBA students breaking into the social sector.

In this episode of the Wharton Impact Podcast, we are joined by Kristin Sadler, Manager of Platform & Impact at Quona. Kristin leads the firm's impact measurement and management strategy, including how the firm defines, measures, and reports on the impact of its portfolio. She also heads Quona's platform strategy, which is focused on adding value to the firm's portfolio leaders through fintech programming and community building. Prior to Quona, Kristin worked with Techstars’ inaugural impact-focused accelerator program and InterAction, an association of almost 200 non-profit organizations working in international development.

Join us as we speak about everything from impact measurement to the latest fintech developments in emerging markets.

In this episode of the Wharton Impact Podcast, we are joined by Caroline Hill, Senior Director of Global Policy and Regulatory Strategy at Circle. Before joining Circle, she led the U.S. Treasury Department's efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing in Latin America and Africa, focusing on digital assets and financial technology. Caroline has also served as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing and the U.S. President to the Financial Action Task Force. Prior to Treasury, she worked both at Deloitte Consulting, conducting financial investigations for public sector clients, and the State Department Office of Iraq Affairs.

Join us as we speak about everything from working in the public vs private sector to the social potential of blockchain technology.

In this episode of Wharton Impact Podcast, we talk to Katie Fitzgerald, the Global President & CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Katie shares her journey in social impact and the community-driven origin story of RMHC. She emphasizes the charity’s global mission and the power of local insights for worldwide innovation. Katie also talks about leadership in a complex, global network, advocating for thoughtful questions and deep relationship-building.

In this episode, Shaurya Malhotra (Co-President, Wharton Social Impact Club) and Genevieve Silva (Wharton Sustainable Business Club) co-host Dr. Elizabeth Baca, a clinician strategist at Deloitte who puts equity and sustainability in the center of all she does around innovation in health care. Together, we discuss the intersection of healthcare, environment and socio-economic development, the role of systems thinking in healthcare and how this space will be influenced by AI in the coming decade.

In this episode of the Wharton Impact Podcast, we engage with Bruce Simpson, a Wharton/Lauder Grad (G ‘86, WG ‘86) and an international leader in business and philanthropy, with a 40 year career delivering shareholder returns through sustainability and ESG. Bruce is now a General Partner at AgeTech Capital, which tackles the growing societal and economic challenges of fast growing aging demographics. He is raising a $250m fund to scale tech solutions that deliver healthier, wealthier and more fulfilling aging across 4 verticals: financial security, aging at home, caregiver support, and health/lifestyle. He is also a mentor to leading startup incubators including the Creative Destruction Lab, and advises distinctive startups delivering business upside through sustainability solutions. Previously, Bruce led McKinsey’s ESG/Purpose practice globally, helping private sector companies match their core skills with major societal needs and develop new strategies, products and services which are truly beneficial to the planet and society, while delivering substantial shareholder returns. Bruce is also global Vice Chair of Human Rights Watch, and engaged in several other NGO’s.

Join us as we speak about everything from stakeholder capitalism in the largest companies to entrepreneurship in the social impact space, and Bruce’s recent focus on longevity tech.