Inspiring Social Entrepreneurs Podcast

Fergal Byrne
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Inspiring Social Entrepreneurs Podcast

At Inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, we talk to experienced and successful social entrepreneurs and change makers, committed to building a better world. Working as a social entrepreneur is hugely fulfilling – yet uniquely challenging. Social entrepreneurs need to balance business and social goals to succeed, often working in extremely challenging environments, with limited resources. And it is often a lonely journey. Our aim is to share the inspiring stories, to explore the highs and the lows, learn how different social entrepreneurs have kept inspired, and draw out insights to help social entrepreneurs at all stages on their journey.

  1. Episode 114: Lessons from Nedjip Tozun on scaling d.light to 180 million people through innovation, strategy, and mission-driven growth

    10 FEB

    Episode 114: Lessons from Nedjip Tozun on scaling d.light to 180 million people through innovation, strategy, and mission-driven growth

    In this episode of Inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, Fergal Byrne speaks once again with Nedjip Tozun, co-founder of d.light, about the strategic, operational, and financial challenges of scaling social enterprises. Since its inception, d.light has reached nearly 180 million people in emerging markets with off-grid solar solutions. Nedjip shares key decisions that enabled d.light’s growth, the challenges of distribution and financing, and the trade-offs required to balance efficiency with mission alignment. This conversation offers valuable insights for social entrepreneurs aiming to scale sustainably. As co-founder of d.light, Nedjip has led the company’s expansion into a global provider of affordable solar home systems, lanterns, and appliances. d.light’s vertically integrated model combines product innovation, consumer financing, and last-mile distribution, making renewable energy accessible and improving livelihoods. A recognized thought leader in the  social enterprise space, Nedjip continues to champion technology-driven solutions, mission-aligned growth, and financial sustainability in expanding global energy access. In November 2024, Nedjip Tozun, co-founder and CEO of d.light, was honored on the TIME100 Climate list, recognizing his transformative impact on clean energy access.

    1h 14m
  2. Episode 113: The Road to Impact at Scale: Lessons for social entrepreneurs from Mulago CEO, Kevin Starr.

    12 JAN

    Episode 113: The Road to Impact at Scale: Lessons for social entrepreneurs from Mulago CEO, Kevin Starr.

    What does it take for an organization focused on impact to drive meaningful, large-scale change? In this compelling episode, Kevin Starr, CEO of the Mulago Foundation, shares his deep expertise in scaling solutions to address some of the world’s most pressing problems. Kevin introduces Mulago’s distinctive approach to scaling, including their “Doer and Payer at Scale” framework, and discusses the rigorous standards they use to identify ideas with the potential for transformative impact. He emphasizes the vital role of a clear, focused mission in avoiding the common risk of “mission drift.” Through real-world examples—such as the evolution of community health workers in Mali—Kevin illustrates how deliberate partnerships, data-driven strategies, and an unwavering focus on outcomes can help organizations turn ambitious visions into lasting impact. He also challenges funders to play a stronger role, advocating for greater accountability and alignment with measurable goals. This episode is essential for anyone passionate about driving social change, offering practical insights into how to scale promising ideas into global solutions. Since 1993, Kevin has been at the helm of the Mulago Foundation, supporting early-stage social entrepreneurs committed to achieving maximum impact in the world’s poorest communities. In 2003, he launched the Rainer Arnhold Fellows Program to apply Mulago’s principles and tools, helping social entrepreneurs transform great ideas into sustainable solutions at scale. In 2016, he expanded this vision with the Henry Arnhold Fellows Program, focusing on environmental challenges.

    58 min
  3. Episode 112: Unlocking AI for Social Good-- Insights from Ashoka’s AI Lab

    07/11/2024

    Episode 112: Unlocking AI for Social Good-- Insights from Ashoka’s AI Lab

    In this fascinating episode, Fergal Byrne sits down with Odin Mühlenbein, co-leader of Ashoka’s AI Lab, for a deep dive into the transformative role and potential of AI for social entrepreneurs. With a background spanning philosophy, social venture development, and an early passion for programming, Odin brings a unique perspective to the possibilities AI offers for social impact, deepened by his experience at Ashoka’s AI lab. Here he discusses the journey from experimenting with machine learning to building meaningful AI applications tailored for nonprofits and social enterprises. Odin explores the huge potential of AI to revolutionize social initiatives—ranging from detecting illegal deforestation through satellite imagery to creating chatbots that provide legal and social service information to underserved communities. He provides valuable insights on how Ashoka’s “conscious tinkering” approach helps organizations start small and scale responsibly. By addressing common AI integration pitfalls and sharing Ashoka’s strategic “five pillars of AI readiness,” Odin offers practical steps for nonprofits looking to embrace AI effectively, even on limited budgets. Tune in to hear about Ashoka’s innovative prototypes and Odin’s call to action for funders to invest in the AI infrastructure nonprofits need to multiply their impact. This is a very practical episode and a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, ethics, and social change. Odin Mühlenbein is a social innovation enthusiast with a passion for AI. He co-leads the AI Lab at Ashoka, the world's largest network of social entrepreneurs. Odin create applications that make Ashoka more efficient and unlock new capabilities for its global network and also works as an independent advisor and AI tinkerer.

    1h 9m
  4. Episode 111: Stanford Business School’s Professor Neil Malhotra on how to create and sustain solutions to systemic problems

    07/06/2022

    Episode 111: Stanford Business School’s Professor Neil Malhotra on how to create and sustain solutions to systemic problems

    A fascinating, wide-ranging, and spirited discussion about the state of social entrepreneurship and innovation today, touching on key challenges facing social innovators--and the sector as a whole.

    51 min
  5. Episode 110: Interview with Tom Chi founder At One Ventures…a climate-focused VC fund investing in companies creating environmentally positive technology.

    11/02/2022

    Episode 110: Interview with Tom Chi founder At One Ventures…a climate-focused VC fund investing in companies creating environmentally positive technology.

    Deep dive on the role and impact of technology with Tom Chi, former Head of Experience and founding member of Google X and founder At One Ventures, a climate-focused VC fund investing in companies creating environmentally positive technology.

    55 min
  6. Episode 109: Interview with Kevin Starr, the founder of the Mulago Foundation

    08/04/2021

    Episode 109: Interview with Kevin Starr, the founder of the Mulago Foundation

    In this wide ranging and stimulating interview, Kevin Starr shares his perspective on the state of social entrepreneurship today, the reality of impact investment today, and his evolving thoughts on generating lasting change at scale

    47 min
  7. Episode 108: Interview with Jagdeesh Rao, Curator - Promise of Commons initiative, and former CEO FES

    25/01/2021

    Episode 108: Interview with Jagdeesh Rao, Curator - Promise of Commons initiative, and former CEO FES

    Interview with Jagdeesh Rao, former Chief Executive of the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) in India, discussing the vital ecological restoration and conservation work that FES does on land and water resources in ecologically fragile, degraded regions of India

    1 hr
  8. Episode 107: Interview with Austin Whitman CEO of Climate Neutral, US based consumer-focused climate certification company

    22/12/2020

    Episode 107: Interview with Austin Whitman CEO of Climate Neutral, US based consumer-focused climate certification company

    Austin Whitman talks about the growth and development of Climate Neutral

    57 min
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About

At Inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, we talk to experienced and successful social entrepreneurs and change makers, committed to building a better world. Working as a social entrepreneur is hugely fulfilling – yet uniquely challenging. Social entrepreneurs need to balance business and social goals to succeed, often working in extremely challenging environments, with limited resources. And it is often a lonely journey. Our aim is to share the inspiring stories, to explore the highs and the lows, learn how different social entrepreneurs have kept inspired, and draw out insights to help social entrepreneurs at all stages on their journey.

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