The Social Change Career Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

This  episode of the Social Change Career Podcast features a powerful conversation with Mike Brand, a leader in atrocity prevention and human rights advocacy. As the final episode of 2024, this discussion dives deep into careers at the intersection of peacebuilding, advocacy, and strategic change-making.

Mike  brings years of expertise, having worked across the U.S., Rwanda, South Sudan, and other conflict zones. He has supported civil society organizations with strategic planning, program development, and policy advocacy. Currently, Mike teaches mass atrocity prevention at Georgetown University and the University of Connecticut.

• Career Advice for Changemakers
  Mike offers practical tips for navigating careers in advocacy, human rights, and peacebuilding. Whether you're just starting or looking to pivot, his insights can help you identify the right path and build meaningful connections.

• From Medical Aspirations to Advocacy Leadership
  Learn how Mike transitioned from aspiring to join Doctors Without Borders to becoming a leader in atrocity prevention, fueled by personal experiences and a deep sense of purpose.

• Insights into Advocacy
  Discover the many layers of advocacy work, from grassroots organizing to influencing policymakers in Washington, D.C., and beyond.

• Navigating Complex Challenges
  Hear Mike's perspective on working with civil society in high-risk zones and addressing ethical dilemmas in funding and program implementation.

• Optimism Amid Darkness
  Despite the challenges of atrocity prevention, Mike shares how hope and idealism remain central to driving positive change.

Mike Brand is a human rights, atrocities prevention, and peacebuilding professional with experience in policy, advocacy, organizing, and education. Throughout his career, Mike has worked for various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the United States, Rwanda, and South Sudan, and has done fieldwork in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Mike supports civil society organizations and diaspora networks in strategic planning, program development, and achieving their advocacy and organizing objectives. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, national and international publications, and has been quoted in international news outlets as an expert in his field. Mike is also an Adjunct Professor of mass atrocities prevention and human rights at Georgetown University and the University of Connecticut. He holds a Master of Arts in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University, with a concentration in human rights and atrocities prevention, and Bachelors of Arts in History and Political Science with a minor in human rights from the University of Connecticut.

• Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA): A non-profit organization of Sudanese-American medical professionals providing humanitarian aid and healthcare services in Sudan. Visit SAPA

• Rotary Peace Fellowship: Offers fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders to study at Rotary Peace Centers, focusing on peace and development issues. Learn more about Rotary Peace Fellowship

• Scoville Peace Fellowship: Provides recent college and graduate school alumni with the opportunity to work with organizations in Washington, D.C., on international peace and security issues. Discover the Scoville Fellowship

• International Crisis Group: An independent organization working to prevent wars and shape policies that will build a more peaceful world. Explore the International Crisis Group

• Global Dispatches Podcast: Hosted by Mark Leon Goldberg, this podcast offers insights into foreign policy, geopolitics, sustainable development, and the United Nations. Listen to Global Dispatches

• PCDN Free Weekly Impact Newsletter: Explore global social impact jobs, funding, and opportunities. Sign up here

• Social Change Career Podcast: Access over 170 episodes featuring changemakers worldwide. Available at https://pcdn.global/listen or any major podcast platform.

This episode of the Social Change Career Podcast dives into the world of climate and sustainability careers with Evan Hynes, co-founder and CEO of ClimateBase. ClimateBase is a global platform connecting people to impactful jobs, resources, and a community of climate professionals. Evan shares his journey from entrepreneur to climate advocate, offers practical advice for breaking into the sector, and discusses how ClimateBase empowers individuals to build purpose-driven careers.

Note, Climatebase ran a small sponsored post in PCDN's Newsletter and Linkedin Channels to help recruit for their cohort seven of the ClimateBase Fellowship in Dec 2024. But we would host this episode regardless as the platform is one of the world's top resources for changemakers. 

• Diverse Opportunities: Climate careers aren’t just for scientists. Roles span fields like marketing, engineering, policy, sales, and more.

• Leverage What You Know: Transition into climate work by applying existing skills, with minimal need for reskilling.

• Avoid Greenwashing: Identify organizations making real impact and avoid those with misleading sustainability claims.

• Inside ClimateBase: Learn how this platform connects people to over 55,000 vetted climate jobs, professional development, and a supportive community.

• Networking and Literacy: Gain tips for building climate knowledge and professional connections to succeed in this rapidly growing sector.

This episode offers practical insights for anyone passionate about contributing to the fight against climate change. 🌱

Evan Hynes is the co-founder and CEO of ClimateBase, a platform connecting professionals to climate and sustainability jobs. He also organizes San Francisco Climate Week, one of the largest global events for climate innovation. With a background in art, entrepreneurship, and education, Evan is dedicated to helping individuals build impactful careers that address the climate crisis.

• ClimateBase: Discover 55,000+ vetted climate jobs and career resources
• ClimateBase Fellowship: A career accelerator for professionals transitioning to or advancing in climate work: climatebase.org/fellowship.
• San Francisco Climate Week: Happening April 19–27, 2025. Learn more: sfclimateweek.org.
• Project Drawdown: Explore actionable solutions to reduce emissions and greate resource on climate careers. 
• 776 Fellowship - A Two year Program for young people who want to build a better future.  Fellows receive a $100,000 grant and support from the Seven Seven Six network.
• RippleWorks: Mission is to provide practical support to entrepreneurs and their teams need to scale faster and improve more lives. 
   

• PCDN Free Weekly Impact Newsletter: Get the latest social impact jobs, funding, and opportunities delivered to your inbox. Sign up here
• Sign up for our new Free AI for Impact Weekly Free Newsletter. 
• Social Change Career Podcast: Explore over 170+ episodes featuring global changemakers. Available on PCDN.Global or any major podcasting platform.

We open Season 13 of the Social Change Career Podcast with —John Marks, one of the world’s most insightful changemakers and the founder of Search for Common Ground.

In this episode, John shares hard-earned lessons from his extraordinary career, offering practical advice on building a career that connects social impact and peace. We’re also thrilled to preview his upcoming book, “From Vision to Action: Remaking the World Through Social Entrepreneurship,” set to be published in early September. The book is packed with real-world examples and strategies drawn from John’s extensive experience in creating meaningful change.

What We’ll Cover:

• Building Bridges for Peace: Insights from decades of experience in conflict resolution and social entrepreneurship.
• Transformational Leadership: How to lead change in challenging environments.
• Adapting to the Unexpected: Lessons learned from navigating global conflicts.

About John Marks: John Marks is one of the most insightful changemakers in peacebuilding and social change. In 1982, he founded Search for Common Ground with a bold mission: to transform the way the world handles conflict—from confrontation to cooperation. Under his leadership, the organization became the largest peacebuilding nonprofit globally, with offices in over 35 countries and a staff of 600, tackling some of the world’s most challenging conflicts.

John’s work has taken him into the heart of conflict zones, where he developed innovative approaches to peacebuilding, using media to bridge divides in war-torn societies and fostering dialogue between deeply opposed groups. His efforts have earned global recognition, including a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for Search for Common Ground in 2018.

Beyond his work with Search for Common Ground, John is a Skoll Awardee for Social Entrepreneurship, an Ashoka Senior Fellow, and a visiting scholar in peacebuilding and social entrepreneurship at Leiden University. He is also an accomplished author, known for his books on intelligence and peacebuilding, including The CIA and the Cult of Intelligence, a New York Times best-seller, and the award-winning Search for the “Manchurian Candidate.”

John’s upcoming book, “From Vision to Action: Remaking the World Through Social Entrepreneurship,” dives into his approach to negotiation, conflict resolution, and social entrepreneurship. It’s essential reading for anyone passionate about making a real difference.

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In Episode 19 of Season 12, Maria Antonia Perez shares her inspiring story of leveraging art for social impact. From her beginnings as a graphic designer in Medellin, Colombia, to her role as a global peace-building advocate, Maria's journey highlights how creativity can transform communities.

Why Take a Listen:

Art's Impact in Conflict Zones:
- Understand how growing up in Medellin, a city shaped by Colombia’s conflict, influenced Maria's belief in the power of art to drive social change and heal communities.
- Explore her approach to using art as a tool for addressing and healing societal issues in areas affected by violence.

Maria’s Global Peace Building Journey:
- Follow Maria’s path from volunteering in Sri Lanka after the 2004 tsunami to leading peace education initiatives with Peace Boat.
- Learn how her work in Sri Lanka, Japan, Cambodia, and Colombia has crafted her unique perspective on integrating art and peace-building.

The Creative Intersection of Arts, Education, and Social Innovation:
- Discover how Maria’s innovative projects, such as mural painting and art camps for children, contribute to lasting social impact and community engagement.
- Hear her insights on the '4 C's'—curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration—and their crucial role in both personal and societal growth.

Career Insights and Inspiration:
- Gain inspiration from Maria’s career journey, moving from graphic design to becoming an influential peace-builder and advocate for using art in social transformation.
- Learn how she turned her skills and passion into a global career focused on creating meaningful change through creative initiatives.

Get tons of practical insights on advancing a career of impact.

Maria Antonia Perez's experiences offer a powerful example of how art, when combined with dedication and innovation, can make a significant impact on both local and global scales.

Bio 

María Antonia Pérez is a committed and passionate Colombian woman with over 20 years of experience in social transformation. She has developed impactful processes in the social, cultural, and educational fields, leveraging strategic and creative thinking, education for peace, and social transformation. Her work spans multiple sectors, particularly with international non-profit organizations.

María Antonia has contributed to art, peace culture Peacebuilding, and social transformation projects in Colombia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Japan. She has served as an advisor to the international NGO Peace Boat, promoting peace education programs, sustainable tourism, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With a Master's Degree in Management of Social Innovation and Local Development, and as a Rotary Peace Fellow, a Positive Peace Activator and a Asia-Pacific Leadership program alumni, she has made significant strides in fostering peace and cultural citizenship.

Previously, María Antonia worked on Cultural Citizenship positions in Bogota and Medellin with the City halls leading projects of Art for social transformation.

In this episode, Andrea Longton, a distinguished author and seasoned social justice investor, shares her wealth of knowledge from years of experience at the crossroads of finance and impact. She discusses her work on renewable energy projects in Africa and her strategic shift to community development finance in the U.S.

Why Take a Listen:

1. International Development Financing
   - Andrea's Career Journey: Explore Andrea's diverse career, from international project development to domestic financing. She provides a detailed look into sustainable energy projects and community-centered financial solutions.
  
2. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) & Social Justice Investing
   - Role of CDFIs: Understand the pivotal role CDFIs play in underserved communities and how social justice investing can drive both social and climate justice outcomes. Andrea highlights key mechanisms such as community loan funds, venture capital, and crowdfunding.
  
3. Networking & Professional Relationships for Social Impact Careers
   - Building Strong Networks: Andrea shares essential advice on cultivating professional networks in social change sectors. She emphasizes aligning authentically with an organization's mission and how effective networking can open doors in social justice finance.

4. Advice for Aligning Finance and Values
   - Balancing Financial Returns and Impact: Andrea offers insights on how to balance financial returns with impactful investments that align with your values. Learn strategies to ensure your financial decisions support both personal and societal goals.

This episode is filled with practical tips, real-world examples, and inspiring insights. Don't miss out on Andrea Longton's journey and expert advice on merging financial returns with impactful, justice-driven investments.

Check out her website, podcast and Book the Social Justice Investor

Bio: Andrea Longton is an award-winning author and professional social justice investor. She has raised over $1 billion for social justice investments in the United States and has advised on another $1.5 billion worldwide. In addition to her professional experience, Andrea manages her family’s finances, including their own social justice investment portfolio.

Her professional experiences include positions at Opportunity Finance Network, Freddie Mac, Capital Impact Partners (now Momentus Capital), and Delphos International. Andrea holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder designation from the CFA Institute (Charlottesville, VA), a BA from Centre College (Danville, KY), and an MA from The George Washington University (Washington, DC). Andrea is the founder and author-administrator of "The Social Justice Investor" website and cohost of "Renegade Capital: The Activist’s Podcast for Finance and Investments." She lives in Maryland with her husband and three children

Ready to see how behavioral science can drive social change? Check out Episode 17 of the Social Change Career Podcast, featuring Andres Casas. He combines neuroscience with policy, music, and activism to make a real impact. From redesigning infrastructure to changing narratives in conflict zones, Andres' story shows how diverse perspectives can build a better world. Be inspired, embrace new ideas, and see how science and society can work together for positive change.

Why Take a Listen

• Neuroscience and Social Change: Discover how Andres Casas transitioned from psychology and biology to neuroscience, using his expertise to influence decision-making processes and drive meaningful social change. Learn how neuroscience can be a powerful evidence based approach for changemaking.
• The Power of Narratives and Behavioral Science: Explore how Andres leverages competing narratives, conflict resolution, and identity reframing to create positive societal transformations.
• Creating Positive Impact Through Collaboration: Delve into the innovative programs Andres has launched and/or supported in Colombia and aorund the globe. See how collaborative efforts in behavioral science, technology, and community engagement can address local challenges and boost your career in social change. Plus hear some amazing stories from the frontlines of change.
• Career Insights: Learn from Andres' experience fostering impactful change through interdisciplinary approaches, great tips on career upskilling, research and much more.

Bio: Andrés Casas Casas is a distinguished expert in integrating brain and behavioral sciences to drive prosocial change through translational research and citizen science. He is currently a doctoral researcher pursuing dual Ph.D.s: one in Conflict Resolution and Management at the School of Social and Policy Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, under a postgraduate scholarship, and another in Neuroscience at the School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia, where he is an Award Fellow of the Academic Assistance Program Vice-Rectory.

As the founder of the Neuropaz initiative, Andrés brings together experts and communities to innovate in peace science. Since 2010, he has led the World Values Survey in Colombia and collaborated with the V-DEM Project. With a Master's in Behavioral and Decision Sciences from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master's in Philosophy, and extensive experience across Latin America, the US, Africa, and the Middle East, Andrés applies his expertise to public policy, social norms, and behavioral change communications, developing innovative interventions to overcome sociopsychological and cultural barriers. His consulting work spans these regions, focusing on applying behavioral science and technological innovations to create positive organizational dynamics and trust-building in weak institutional settings.

PCDN.global News

Don't miss out on the wealth of experiences shared by our diverse guests over 130+ episodes of the award-winning Social Change Career Podcast.

Consider joining the PCDN Career Campus to tap into a wellspring of resources tailor-made for impact professionals. For the cost of a couple of coffees, you gain daily job opportunities, networking with peers, expert-guided learning, and exclusive workshops, as well as weekly office hours—essentially a 24/7 career center for those dedicated to making a difference.

Episode 16 of Season 12 explores the very pertinent question on issues related to global peace and security with our distinguished guest, Nanako Tamaru, a licensed attorney and dedicated peace and security practitioner. She opens up about her journey from considering a career in medicine to being steered by her passion for addressing racial injustice and inequity towards a path in peace and security.

Why You Should Tune In & What We'll Explore:

- **Navigating Careers in Peace and Security**: Gain in-depth insights from Nanako Tamaru's transformative experiences, both as a practitioner and a consultant. Discover how her work facilitates crucial partnerships and research particularly designed to empower women leaders in conflicted areas, and the significant role these women play in constitution making.

- **Challenges of Change Making in Global Settings**: Join our discussion on the systemic struggles inherent in peace and security, including the conflicts between community development funding and defense spending. We'll explore how Nanako manages to keep her focus and drive in a field where transformational change is often slow, yet incredibly impactful.

- **Educational Paths and Strategic Career Decisions**: Hear Nanako's advice on the importance of graduate education in the field of peace and security, the strategic value of networking, and the necessity of choosing the right program and institution to maximize career prospects.

This episode provides a comprehensive look at a career dedicated to making tangible changes in global peace processes, the personal and professional challenges encountered, and the profound satisfaction that comes from working toward greater social cohesion and security.  

PCDN.global News

Don't miss out on the wealth of experiences shared by our diverse guests over 130+ episodes of the award-winning Social Change Career Podcast.

Consider joining the PCDN Career Campus to tap into a wellspring of resources tailor-made for impact professionals. For the cost of a couple of coffees, you gain daily job opportunities, networking with peers, expert-guided learning, and exclusive workshops, as well as weekly office hours—essentially a 24/7 career center for those dedicated to making a difference.

Episode 15 of Season 12 dives into the exciting realm of youth career development with Evelyn Van Til, a strategic partnership manager at American Student Assistance. Evelyn sheds light on her diverse journey in higher education and workforce development, emphasizing the transformative role of platforms like evolve.me in shaping promising career paths for Gen Z.

All of us - from birth to earth - are navigating a dynamic and changing world. Empowering and engaging our kids with teens' digital career-readiness content, skill-building activities, experiential learning, and early career pathways opportunities is a critical piece of not only preparing our kids for their future, but also as adults creating our own. 

As the Strategic Partnerships Manager at American Student Assistance, Evelyn is on a mission to reach 15M+ Gen-Z each year - creating engaging experiences, following the data, centering kids in education and transforming the pathways that lead to life after high school. 

Why You Should Listen:

• Career Insights: Gain valuable insights into building a successful career in youth career development and learn how to navigate this rewarding field.
• Actionable Plans: Discover how Evelyn frames and creates organized, actionable plans from chaos, and how this skill can benefit your career development initiatives.
• Engaging Gen-Z: Explore Evelyn's expertise in early career, emerging talent, and K-20 experiential learning and learn how to create impactful programs for the younger generation.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Learn about Evelyn's approach to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in people operations and culture architecture.
• Community Development: Gain insights from Evelyn's experiences in ecosystem and asset-based community development, and how these principles can be applied to youth career development.

PCDN.global News

Don't miss out on the wealth of experiences shared by our diverse guests over 130+ episodes of the award-winning Social Change Career Podcast.

Consider joining the PCDN Career Campus to tap into a wellspring of resources tailor-made for impact professionals. For the cost of a couple of coffees, you gain daily job opportunities, networking with peers, expert-guided learning, and exclusive workshops, as well as weekly office hours—essentially a 24/7 career center for those dedicated to making a difference.

Episode 14 of Season 12 immerses us in the transformative world of art, communication, and peacebuilding with multifaceted social entrepreneur, Maria Luisa Pinto Garcia , whose career spans across the realms of artistry and activism. Her unique journey reveals the symbiosis between creative expression and social change in Colombia's landscape affected by conflict.

Why You Should Tune In & What We'll Explore:

The Art of Peace: Learn about the captivating story of Maria Lisa's transition from musician to peacebuilder, driven by the tragic assassination of a Colombian comedian. Witness how her artistic talents have since become conduits for change, fostering relationships and facilitating healing in communities deeply scarred by war.

Challenges and Triumphs in Peacebuilding: Delve into the complex world of sustaining non-governmental organizations in Colombia's intricate peacebuilding system. Gather meaningful insights from Maria Lisa's experiences, including her strides in the Prolongar Foundation and her pivot towards the groundbreaking initiatives of Reimagine Peacebuilding.

Harmonizing Music, Memory, and Reconciliation: Tune into the conversation on the potent role of music in Colombia's social fabric, highlighting its use in trauma healing and memory work. Learn about the impact of projects that are integral to Colombia's journey toward reconciliation, as well as critical perspectives on the music's limitations and exploitation for propaganda.

In this episode art and activism merges, catalyzed by innovative thinkers like Maria Lisa who transcend traditional boundaries of peacebuilding.

PCDN.global News

Don't miss out on the wealth of experiences shared by our diverse guests over 130+ episodes of the award-winning Social Change Career Podcast.

Consider joining the PCDN Career Campus to tap into a wellspring of resources tailor-made for impact professionals. For the cost of a couple of coffees, you gain daily job opportunities, networking with peers, expert-guided learning, and exclusive workshops, as well as weekly office hours—essentially a 24/7 career center for those dedicated to making a difference.

Dive into Nicholas Manderfield's journey from managing one of the world’s largest Cheesecake Factory locations, to leading Reincorporated NFP, showcasing how retail can be a powerful lever for social change.

Why You Should Join:

• Transition Insights: Discover Nicholas's path from the restaurant industry to a leadership role in a nonprofit that harnesses retail for global impact.
• Upskilling for Impact: Uncover the skills essential for driving change through social entrepreneurship, as demonstrated by Nicholas's experiences.
• Building Strong Partnerships: Gain insight into how Nicholas creates meaningful collaborations, such as the impactful Embera Bead Project.
• Business Acumen for Change: Explore the blend of business savvy with a dedication to social good, learning how to navigate this unique landscape.
• Interactive Q&A: Ask Nicholas direct questions in a live Q&A, getting tailored advice for your career in social impact.

Bio Nicholas oversees Reincorporated NFP, a nonprofit retail website championing six unique global initiatives, including the Embera Bead Project in Colombia. This project supports the displaced Embera Indigenous community, directing funds towards Casa Embera for educational support, medical campaigns, and fair wage trade workshops. His work during the pandemic, which resulted in the donation of over 80 tons of food, underscores his commitment to making a tangible difference in communities in need. Through innovative retail strategies, Nicholas illustrates the profound impact of integrating business practices with a passion for social change.

PCDN.global News

Check out previous Seasons & Episodes of our Award-Winning Social Change Career Podcast.

Become a member of the PCDN Career Campus to get daily access (to job opportunities) community (network with other impact professionals); learning with sector-experts and exclusive workshops as well as weekly office hours. Basically a cup of coffee or two for a 24/7 career center for impact professionals.