Explore every episode of the podcast A Good Force – a GivingForce original series
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP12 - Nina Rauch (Lemonade) | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:22:46 | |
content type Interview primary goal Educational summary In this engaging interview, Nina Rauch, Head of Social Impact at Lemonade, shares her journey from founding Pink Week to scaling impact programs within a for-profit company. She discusses the importance of embedding impact into business strategy, targeting younger generations for philanthropy, and overcoming challenges in social impact initiatives. keywords Impact, Social Impact, Lemonade, Pink Week, CSR, ESG, Impact Strategy, Generational Giving, Corporate Impact, B Corp key topics Impact strategy integration in business Targeting younger generations for philanthropy Scaling impact programs within corporations guest name Nina Rauch Titles Scaling Impact from Pink Week to Lemonade: Nina Rauch's Journey Embedding Impact into Business Strategy: Lessons from Lemonade sound bites "Impact should be part of the company's DNA" "Think outside the box for impact roles" "Authentic impact builds trust and longevity" Chapters 00:00 Dental Adventures and Personal Anecdotes 00:02 Introduction to Nina Rauch and Her Journey 01:47 The Importance of Engaging Younger Donors 03:29 Founding Pink Week: A Personal Mission 07:28 Transitioning to Lemonade: A New Chapter 09:13 Scaling Impact at Lemonade: Success Stories 10:47 Navigating Challenges in Social Impact 13:42 Mentorship and Support in the Impact Space 21:30 Advice for Aspiring Impact Professionals resources Pink Week - https://pinkweek.org Lemonade - https://www.lemonade.com Deed Volunteer Platform - https://deed.com Forbes 30 Under 30 - https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/ Impact Strategy Frameworks - https://impactstrategy.org guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/ninarauch Twitter - https://twitter.com/ninarauch | |||
| EP11 Helen Wilson (Rathbones) | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:24:08 | |
content type Interview primary goal Educational summary In this insightful interview, Helen Wilson, Head of Responsible Business at Rathbones Group, shares her journey from oceanography to finance, emphasizing the interconnectedness of sustainability issues and the importance of collaboration, practical impact, and adaptive strategies in ESG and responsible investing. keywords ESG, sustainability, responsible business, finance, collaboration, climate, social impact, nature, regulation, financial services key topics Interconnectedness of sustainability issues Helen Wilson's career journey from oceanography to finance The importance of collaboration in ESG Challenges and opportunities in responsible investing guest name Helen Wilson Titles From Fish to Finance: Helen Wilson's Journey in Sustainability Unlocking the Interconnected Nature of ESG with Helen Wilson sound bites "Business is a solution, capital flows are a solution." "We need to bring people on the sustainability journey." "Collaboration is essential for driving real impact." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 00:00 Introduction to Responsible Business and ESG 01:05 Understanding Interconnectedness in Sustainability 02:42 Helen's Journey into Sustainability 05:08 Evolution of CSR to ESG 08:47 Financial Services and Responsible Business 13:27 Challenges and Lightbulb Moments in Sustainability 17:52 Future Focus: Nature and Social Mobility 21:04 The Role of AI in Financial Education resources Task Force for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) - https://tnfd.info/ Rathbones Group - https://www.rathbones.com/ Helen Wilson's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenwilson/ ESG and sustainability resources at Rathbones - https://www.rathbones.com/our-thinking/sustainability guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenwilson/ | |||
| EP 2 - Kathleen Martinez (City of Houston Mayor's Office) | 09 Jan 2026 | 00:32:53 | |
Keywords CSR, education, mentorship, social impact, community engagement, diversity, equity, inclusion, corporate responsibility, leadership Takeaways Education is the foundation for social mobility. Community engagement in CSR is often cyclical and dependent on external factors. Good intentions do not always lead to impactful outcomes. Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional development. It's important to advocate for equitable access to education. Listening is a vital skill in leadership and collaboration. Navigating corporate environments is essential for success. Strategic partnerships can amplify social impact efforts. Young professionals should focus on measurable outcomes in CSR initiatives. Personal experiences shape one's approach to community service. Summary In this conversation, Kathleen Martinez shares her journey from a first-generation college graduate to a leader in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and education. She discusses the importance of education as a foundation for social mobility, the cyclical nature of community engagement in CSR, and the challenges faced in advocating for equitable access to education. Kathleen emphasizes the role of mentorship in personal and professional growth and offers valuable advice for aspiring CSR professionals. The conversation also touches on the significance of strategic partnerships in amplifying social impact efforts and the need for measurable outcomes in CSR initiatives. Titles Empowering Change Through Education and CSR Navigating the Challenges of Corporate Social Responsibility Sound bites "Education is the foundation for social mobility." "Community engagement in CSR is often cyclical." "Listening is a vital skill in leadership." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 11:25 Challenges in CSR and Education 17:02 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth 25:55 The Importance of Mentorship 40:45 Advice for Aspiring CSR Professionals 52:02 Future Endeavors and Opportunities | |||
| EP 1 - Ian Duffy (Purposeful Ventures) | 17 Dec 2025 | 00:18:02 | |
Keywords CSR, ESG, corporate social impact, ethical leadership, stakeholder engagement, social entrepreneurship, community partnerships, youth development, leadership coaching, social change Summary In this conversation, Ian Duffy shares his journey from an engineer to a leader in corporate social impact, discussing the evolution of CSR and ESG, the importance of ethical leadership, and the lessons learned from his extensive experience in stakeholder engagement. He emphasizes the significance of clarity, honesty, and building relationships in driving social change, while also highlighting the role of mentorship and service in his career. Ian offers valuable advice for newcomers in the ESG and CSR space, encouraging them to focus on collaboration and integrity in their work. Takeaways Ian Duffy's journey reflects a blend of engineering and social impact. CSR and ESG have evolved from philanthropy to ethical leadership. Engagement should focus on honesty and transparency, not just pleasing everyone. Clarity in decision-making is essential for successful projects. Building relationships is as important as the projects themselves. Mentorship has played a crucial role in Ian's professional development. The importance of aligning personal and organizational ambitions in partnerships. Service and giving back are key components of a fulfilling career. Newcomers should focus on understanding how things work in their field. Saying yes to opportunities can lead to unexpected career paths. Titles Navigating the Path of Corporate Social Impact The Shift from Philanthropy to Ethical Leadership Sound bites "Clarity in decision-making is crucial." "Listen, learn, co-create in your work." "Step into your passion and skill set." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ian Duffy and His Journey 03:00 The Evolution of CSR and ESG 05:51 Lessons Learned in Corporate Engagement 09:09 Defining Your North Star in Impact Work 12:05 Influences and Mentorship in Leadership 14:52 Building Successful Partnerships 18:01 Advice for Newcomers in ESG and CSR 20:59 The Importance of Service and Giving Back | |||
| EP10 - Rohit Burman (PVH/Calvin Klein) | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:18:47 | |
content type Interview primary goal Educational summary In this engaging interview, Rohit Burman shares his journey at the intersection of business and purpose, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, trust, and resilience in impact work. Discover insights from his extensive experience in global brands, impactful projects like HIV prevention in South Africa, and personal lessons that shape his approach to social impact and inclusion. keywords Impact, Inclusion, Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility, Leadership, Diversity, Social Impact, Purpose, Business Strategy, Personal Journey key topics Impact and purpose in business Building trust and authentic leadership Transformative social impact projects Personal lessons and resilience in impact work guest name Rohit Burman Titles From Purpose Statement to Purpose Practice: Rohit Burman's Impact Journey Building Trust and Resilience in Social Impact with Rohit Burman sound bites "It's about how you show up in the work" "Impact is a journey, not a ladder" "Say more yes than no to open new possibilities" Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Impact and Purpose 01:33 Myths in the Field of Inclusion and Diversity 06:02 Influences and Inspirations 11:27 Proud Moments and Achievements 13:54 Challenges and Lessons Learned 15:45 Energy Management and Personal Growth 17:54 The Power of Saying Yes 18:47 The Importance of Multiple Identities resources PVH Corporation - https://www.pvh.com/ Calvin Klein - https://www.calvinklein.com/ Tommy Hilfiger - https://usa.tommy.com/ UNICEF South Africa HIV Partnership - https://www.unicef.org/southafrica/ Impact and Inclusion Strategies at PVH - https://www.pvh.com/impact-inclusion guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohitburman/ | |||
| EP9 - Erika Mork (University of Lynchburg) | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:26:45 | |
content type Interview primary goal Educational summary In this engaging interview, Erika Mork shares her extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising, international perspectives, and insights into effective donor engagement strategies. Discover how to navigate the complexities of philanthropy, the importance of community-centered approaches, and practical tips for securing funding. keywords nonprofit fundraising, philanthropy, donor engagement, community-centered fundraising, grant writing, nonprofit strategy key topics Fundraising strategies and best practices International influence on philanthropy Effective donor engagement and motivations takeaways Community-centered fundraising balances donor interests with community needs. Effective evaluation plans include clear metrics and outcome measures. Successful Give Days create urgency and foster a sense of belonging. Understanding donor motivations enhances engagement and giving. Partnerships with corporate programs can provide valuable in-kind and financial support. guest name Erika Mork key frameworks Community-Centered Fundraising Logic Models for Outcomes action items Incorporate outcome measurements in grant proposals. Develop community engagement strategies that respect donor motivations. Plan and execute Give Day campaigns with clear urgency and goals. Build partnerships with corporate and community organizations. Titles Unlocking Fundraising Success: Insights from Erika Mork The Art of Donor Engagement: Strategies from a Nonprofit Expert sound bites "Organizations doing real good deserve proper funding." "Community-centered fundraising builds trust and impact." "Understanding donor motivations enhances engagement." Chapters 00:00 Influences and Experiences in Nonprofit Work 00:51 The Role of Funding in Nonprofits 03:25 Transitioning into Fundraising 05:18 The Journey into Fundraising 06:28 The Success of Give Days 09:56 Common Threads in Philanthropy 15:15 Navigating Philanthropic Demands 16:03 Community-Centered Fundraising 22:24 Common Mistakes in Grant Seeking 25:46 Future Endeavors in Philanthropy resources GivingForce - https://givingforce.com University of Lynchburg - https://www.lynchburg.edu Grant Writing Resources - https://grantspace.org The Seven Faces of Philanthropy (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Faces-Philanthropy-Understanding-Motivation/dp/1118876444 guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/erika-mork Twitter - https://twitter.com/erikamork | |||
| EP8 - Stephanie Bormann (DPR Construction) | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:23:12 | |
content type Interview primary goal Educational summary In this engaging interview, Stephanie Bormann shares her journey from HP to DPR Construction, highlighting innovative programs like 40 Days of Doing Good and the importance of embedding CSR into company culture. Discover practical insights on leadership, community impact, and fostering employee engagement in social initiatives. keywords CSR, employee engagement, community impact, corporate philanthropy, volunteer programs, leadership, ESG, social impact, DPR Construction, HP key topics Embedding CSR in corporate culture Innovative employee volunteer programs Leadership's role in social impact guest name Stephanie Bormann key frameworks 40 Days of Doing Good action items Start small with volunteer programs and build from there Engage leadership early and often Use gamification to motivate participation Embed social impact into company culture Titles How to Embed CSR into Company Culture: Lessons from Stephanie Bormann 40 Days of Doing Good: A Successful Employee Volunteer Program sound bites "I wish more companies would do this." "When we do good, we do well." "Start anywhere, and it will grow." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Housekeeping 00:00 Stephanie's Philanthropic Journey 05:01 The Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility 08:11 Innovative Volunteer Programs at HP 11:51 Overcoming Challenges in Employee Engagement 15:17 Evolving Volunteer Preferences and Skills 18:28 Advice for Aspiring CSR Professionals 21:49 Future Endeavors in Community Initiatives resources 40 Days of Doing Good Program - https://example.com/40-days-of-doing-good Career Village Platform - https://careervillage.org Rebecca Wang at ServiceNow - https://linkedin.com/in/rebeccawang B. Bacolandro's Publications on Purpose-Driven Work - https://amazon.com/bacolandro-purpose-driven Boston College Corporate Impact Certificate - https://bostoncollege.edu/certificates Holy Cross Social Impact Program - https://holycross.edu/social-impact guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/stephaniebormann Twitter - https://twitter.com/stephaniebormann Website - https://dprconstruction.com | |||
| EP7 - Seth Laxman (Lush) | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:20:53 | |
content type Interview primary goal Educational summary In this engaging interview, Seth Laxman shares his journey from environmental activism to leading advocacy campaigns at Lush Cosmetics. Discover how he leverages employee activism, navigates corporate risks, and drives social change through innovative campaigns that align business values with impactful action. keywords Environmental activism, Corporate social responsibility, Employee activism, Lush campaigns, Climate change, Advocacy, Social impact, Business for good key topics Seth Laxman's transition from Greenpeace to Lush The role of employee activism in corporate social responsibility Strategies for effective advocacy campaigns in retail Overcoming perceived risks in social activism Long-term systemic change versus short-term campaigns takeaways Employee activism is a powerful asset for brands when leveraged correctly. Consistent messaging and deep partnerships are key to successful campaigns. Addressing systemic issues requires ongoing effort, not one-off actions. Building community and networks enhances resilience in impact work. Authenticity and deep engagement are crucial for campaign success. guest name Seth Laxman key frameworks Systemic Change Model Long-term Impact Strategy Titles From Greenpeace to Lush: A Journey of Advocacy and Impact How Lush Uses Employee Activism to Drive Social Change sound bites "You win more people over by standing strong." "Business can be a core blocker for climate action." "Customer engagement is a different value exchange." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:00 Activism and Advocacy at Lush 01:34 The Importance of Employee Activism 04:08 Challenges in Corporate Activism 06:42 Personal Journey into Advocacy 09:45 Transitioning from Nonprofit to Private Sector 12:24 Guiding Principles and North Star 14:50 Lessons Learned in Advocacy 17:25 Advice for Aspiring Activists 19:56 Upcoming Campaigns and Future Directions resources Greenpeace - https://www.greenpeace.org Lush Cosmetics - https://www.lush.com Grist 50 - https://grist.org Ben & Jerry's - https://www.benjerry.com guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethlaxman Twitter - https://twitter.com/sethlaxman | |||
| EP 6 - Victor Riega (Rathbones) | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:22:40 | |
Keywords ESG, sustainability, responsible business, climate change, human rights, corporate responsibility, investment, diversity, inclusion, business strategy Summary In this conversation, Ejaz Rashid interviews Victor Riega, a responsible business manager at Rathbone's Group, discussing his journey in the ESG and sustainability space. Victor shares insights on the challenges faced in the industry, the importance of pragmatic approaches, and the influential figures who shaped his career. He emphasizes the need for businesses to integrate sustainability into their core operations and offers advice for aspiring professionals in the field. Takeaways Victor Riega has over 15 years of experience in financial services and ESG. He believes that understanding the consequences of decision-making is crucial. Victor emphasizes the importance of being pragmatic in sustainability efforts. Compromise may be necessary for long-term benefits in sustainability. Building relationships and understanding business language is key to success. Awareness of sustainability within companies is a positive indicator of progress. Victor highlights the importance of patience in the sustainability journey. Triodos and Aviva are examples of companies excelling in sustainability. Sustainability professionals should act as connectors and mediators. Businesses generally want to do the right thing regarding sustainability. Titles Navigating the ESG Landscape with Victor Riega The Pragmatic Approach to Sustainability sound bites "This is an inflection point, we need to act." "Businesses want to do the right thing." "Be patient in your sustainability journey." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Victor Riega and His Journey 03:42 The Challenges of ESG and Sustainability 08:00 Lessons Learned in the Sustainability Space 12:08 Influential Figures in Victor's Career 16:14 Staying Focused on Sustainability Goals 19:51 Advice for Aspiring Sustainability Professionals | |||
| EP 5 - Natalie Moore (Apps for Good) | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:24:22 | |
Keywords Natalie Moore, Kareem Mostafa, Apps for Good, London 2012, education, leadership, nonprofit, collaboration, impact, technology Summary In this engaging conversation, Natalie Moore, CEO of Apps for Good, shares her inspiring journey from a shy student to a leader in the education and tech sectors. She discusses her pivotal role in the London 2012 Olympics, her transition to leadership, and the lessons learned along the way. Natalie emphasizes the importance of collaboration, community, and putting beneficiaries first in the nonprofit sector. She also offers valuable advice for future leaders in education and tech, highlighting the need for innovation and a focus on real impact. Takeaways Natalie started her career at the London 2012 Olympics. She believes in equal access to opportunities for young people. Leadership requires a shift from doing to enabling. Scaling in nonprofits should focus on depth, not just reach. Collaboration is key in the nonprofit sector. Young people can solve real problems with technology. Don't reinvent the wheel; learn from others. It's important to listen to beneficiaries' needs. Trust in your team and their expertise. Stay true to your mission and theory of change. Titles From Shy Student to CEO: Natalie's Journey Empowering Young People Through Tech Sound bites "It's about depth and relevance." "Trust in your team." "Don't reinvent the wheel." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 00:00 Natalie's Journey to the London 2012 Olympics 00:58 Transitioning from Olympics to Education 07:58 Myths in the Education Sector 09:59 Hard-Won Lessons in Leadership 12:55 Staying True to the Mission 14:46 From Shy Teenager to Successful CEO 15:24 The Importance of Mentorship 17:28 Realizing the Impact of Technology 20:49 Advice for Entering Education and Impact Tech 22:43 Collaboration and Community Engagement 24:13 The Power of Sharing Knowledge | |||
| EP 4 - Kaiya Salemy (HubSpot) | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:23:04 | |
Keywords social impact, corporate responsibility, leadership, mentorship, employee engagement, authenticity, community impact, CSR, social justice, non-profit Summary In this conversation, Ejaz Rashid and Kaiya Salemy discuss the journey into social impact leadership, the importance of authenticity in corporate responsibility, and the challenges faced in the field. Kaiya shares her experiences transitioning from business development to leading social impact initiatives, emphasizing the need for genuine engagement and the balance between personal passion and professional boundaries. They also touch on the significance of mentorship, self-care, and the evolving landscape of social impact work. Takeaways Kaiya's journey reflects a non-traditional path into social impact. Authenticity is crucial in corporate responsibility initiatives. Volunteer events should focus on genuine impact rather than performative actions. Self-care is essential for social impact practitioners to avoid burnout. Mentorship plays a vital role in navigating the social impact landscape. Aligning social impact initiatives with business goals enhances authenticity. Listening to employees' perspectives is key to effective social impact strategies. It's important to define what meaningful impact looks like for your organization. Social impact leaders should advocate for themselves and their work. The landscape of social impact is constantly evolving, requiring adaptability. Titles Navigating the Social Impact Landscape The Journey to Authentic Corporate Responsibility Sound bites "It's about equitable program access." "This is a perfect combination of my passion." "You have to protect yourself a little bit." Chapters 00:00 Setting the Stage for Collaboration 00:00 Introducing Kaiya Salemy: A Journey into Social Impact 01:07 Kaiya's Background: From Economics to Social Justice 05:59 Navigating Career Transitions in Social Impact 10:50 Lessons Learned: Balancing Passion and Professionalism 16:19 Mentorship and Advocacy in Social Impact 18:28 Advice for Aspiring Social Impact Leaders 21:41 Self-Care in the Social Impact Space | |||
| EP 3 - Andrew Kaufmann (Time to Give Network) | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:29:37 | |
Keywords corporate philanthropy, Time to Give Network, executive time donation, charity, social impact, entrepreneurship, CSR, ESG, leadership, nonprofit Summary In this conversation, Andrew Kaufman discusses his journey as the founder of Time to Give Network, a platform that transforms executive time into charitable donations. He shares insights on the challenges of being a first-time CEO, the importance of conviction in entrepreneurship, and the future aspirations for his organization, including global expansion and corporate partnerships. Takeaways Andrew's journey began with a desire to leave a legacy beyond financial success. The Time to Give Network connects executives with charities through time donations. Conviction is crucial for entrepreneurs facing challenges and setbacks. Andrew emphasizes the importance of community support in his venture. The platform aims to simplify corporate philanthropy for businesses. Andrew's experience in financial services shaped his understanding of access and networking. He believes in the potential for significant social impact through his model. The journey of a first-time CEO involves continuous learning and adaptation. Andrew's vision includes expanding the platform to the US market. Feedback from the community has been invaluable in refining the platform. Titles Transforming Time into Charity: Andrew Kaufman's Journey The Power of Executive Time Donations Sound bites "I wanted to leave a legacy." "Conviction is everything in business." "It takes a village to make this work." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Time to Give Network 07:02 The Journey of a First-Time CEO 11:50 Navigating Challenges and Breakthroughs 21:07 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 24:01 Future Aspirations and Global Expansion | |||
| EP 13 - Roos Bruggink (AstraZeneca) | 19 May 2026 | 00:20:06 | |
content type Interview primary goal Educational summary In this insightful interview, Roos Brugink, Global Community Investment Lead at AstraZeneca, shares her journey in social impact, the strategic integration of CSR initiatives, and the challenges and opportunities in health-focused philanthropy. Discover how AstraZeneca aligns its business goals with societal needs, measures impact, and fosters youth leadership to create sustainable change. keywords CSR, social impact, health equity, AstraZeneca, youth leadership, sustainability, NGO partnerships, impact measurement, corporate purpose key topics Integration of CSR and business strategy Impact measurement and evaluation Youth leadership development and engagement guest name Roos Brugink Titles Unlocking Impact: How AstraZeneca Integrates CSR and Business Goals The Power of Youth Leadership in Health Impact sound bites "Preventing diseases by instilling healthy habits early." "Top-down and bottom-up approaches are essential." "Network, values, and stakeholder management are key." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:20 Challenges in Social Impact and Sustainability 05:51 AstraZeneca's Approach to Health and Community Engagement 07:56 Volunteering and Employee Engagement Strategies 09:41 Youth Leadership and Opportunities 14:15 Measuring Impact and Sustainability 17:16 Personal Journey and Advice for Newcomers resources AstraZeneca's Young Health Program - https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-responsibility/health-initiatives.html One Young World - https://www.oneyoungworld.com Business for Social Impact (BSI) Impact Framework - https://businessforsocialimpact.org PQMD Network Partnership for Quality Medical Donations - https://pqmd.org guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roosbrugink | |||