Be & Think in the House of Trust

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, Servane listens to Patricia Hamzahee, a true community catalyst and campaigner for responsible and community investing. Patricia is an advocate for measuring what matters, and elevating black entrepreneurship. She also sits on various boards and investment committees. (Social Enterprise UK, Better Society Capital).Highlights in this episode: Learning from a multicultural upbringing in Japan to impactful work for fairness, equity, and communityFostering common ground in environments where scarcity and control often dominate.Reflecting on the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and the impact of legal challenges, backlashes and public perception.Committing to measure and track investments and opportunities to ensure accountability and genuine progress in equity and inclusion.Venturing: Patricia is creating a community development finance institution (CDFI) in the UK to channel investments into underserved communities.Useful LinksConnect with Patricia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciahamzaheeBlack Funding Network: https://blackfundingnetwork.orgExtend Venture: https://extendventure.org Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

26/09/2024 • 24:16

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, Servane sits down with Ajaita Shah, passionate enabler, problem solver, critical thinker, game changer and the visionary leader behind Frontier Markets, a financial inclusion powerhouse transforming lives in rural India. They delve into the challenges and triumphs of reaching underserved communities, the role of technology in driving change, and Ajaita's ambitious plans for the future. Highlights in this episodeSharing her approach to finding calm amidst a busy life, Ajaita emphasises the importance of self-centring through nature and human connection.Ajaita explains how Frontier Markets leverages technology and a network of 40,000 women entrepreneurs to deliver essential services to rural communities, thinking end-to-end enablement.She discusses the challenges of scaling impact and the birth of her investment initiative, the She Leads Impact Fund, aimed at supporting social enterprises.Listen to her vision and expected feelings for the future including her plans to unlock billions of dollars for impact investing and empower millions of people through financial inclusion.Useful LinksAjaita Shah on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frontiermarketsFrontier Markets https://frontiermkts.comBeyond Capital Ventures https://beyondcapitalventures.com/She Leads Bharat https://www.frontiermkts.com/she-leads-bharatConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

22/08/2024 • 26:36

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am joined by the inspiring Sana Kapadia, a gender-smart and climate-smart investing specialist. With a focus on boldness, radiance and resilience, Sana, Chief Catalyst at Heading for Change and Senior Strategic Advisor at 2X Global, shares her insights on integrating a gender lens to unlock more inclusive and equitable climate finance.In this episode:The values that define us"Kind, soulful, resilient, strategic, and graceful" - Sana reflects on the values that define her and how these attributes help her navigate the complex world of social justice and climate finance.Doing the bold, inner work Sana discusses the importance of being true to oneself and the role of self-awareness in driving systemic change.A holistic approach to finance will drive real impact "We need to be thinking about the political economy, the other social constructs that are in place around gender norms and structural barriers" Passing on the baton in a way that makes sense"We are definitely influencing our young people. So I think we have to choose how to do that well and to give them the right tools to take actions that are right for them" - On educating the younger generation about climate change and social justice.A call to action"We have to show up with courage, to keep being part of the conversation, to keep using our influence and power"Interesting links:Connect with Sana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanakapadiaListen to Sana's Podcast: "Nour" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nour/id1666512169Heading for Change strategy and investments https://www.headingforchange.org/investmentsHeading for Change Newsletter: https://www.headingforchange.org/newsletterGender and climate finance case-studies: https://www.2xglobal.org/case-studies-2Knowledge products: i) Inclusive Climate Finance https://www.2xglobal.org/knowledge-hub-blog/inclusive-gender-and-climate-financeii) Seminal - Climate & Gender Finance Report https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6089294d7cb43b4cffb93591/t/60ec750cdcef4a49b3a96120/1626109200947/GenderSmart+Climate+Report.pdfiii) Fair Futures https://www.2xglobal.org/knowledge-hub-blog/envisioning-fair-futuresConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

25/07/2024 • 26:06

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to the calm and fiery Carey Bohjanen, founder of The Rallying Cry. Carey is a catalyst for Gender-Climate capital and she reflects on ways to become a truly relevant leader, as we all urgently need to uplift solutionaries - a lot of them are women - around the world, to fight climate change.Highlights: "Climate change and gender equality go hand in hand. With women representing more than 50% of the planet, it's just absurd to me that they don't get the capital they need.""I want to shift the voices of African women from the front lines of climate change to the forefront of climate leadership.""Complex problems require complex solutions, and complex solutions often come from a variety of voices, a variety of perspectives and lived experiences.""We cannot have climate resilience without personal resilience."Interesting links:Connect with Carey on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carey-bohjanen-879b2b3/The Rallying Cry: therallyingcry.orgConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

16/05/2024 • 33:17

In this week’s episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust I am listening to Anne Ravanona, an Irish/Spanish global gender equality advocate and entrepreneur, a campaigner and an uplifting public speaker based in France for the past 30 years. Anne's mission is to get 1 million women entrepreneurs funded by 2030 and to help companies reach their gender equality targets whilst continuing to scale…She describes herself as global, passionate, inspiring, dedicated, thought leader!Join Anne to think about:1. Together we can! She highlights the economic opportunity and the higher returns on investment that women in entrepreneurship can bring, even if it feels the world is going backwards.2. The highs and lows of this Gender-Lens investing campaign, and why some Johns and Davids are in the way.3. The power of community. For Anne, community is capital. By coming together, we can create genuine positive social and environmental change and solve our big issues. She shares practical examples of how we can encourage and activate collaboration, connection and the inclusion of diverse voices in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.4. The role of action and accountability. Anne stresses the importance of taking action, setting targets, and holding oneself accountable. Progress happens through individual commitments and collective effort.So if you too believe that "Community is Capital", unleash your funding power and join the movement!Meet Anne on:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anneravanonaWeb: https://www.anneravanona.com and https://www.globalinvesther.comAttend this year’s Invest Her Summit: https://www.investhersummit.comGift a founder a space at Dublin’s Invest Her Summit: https://bit.ly/InvestHerSummit-ACCESSConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

25/04/2024 • 29:10

In a world where the concepts of freedom, justice, and democracy are not as common as we might hope, it becomes increasingly important to explore how we can contribute to these ideals through our actions and investments. Our latest podcast episode delves into this very topic, guided by the insightful words of James Baldwin and our House of Trust guest, Tara Sabre Collier.Tara, a visiting fellow at Said Business School and Director of Impact Investing at Chemonics UK, shares her thoughts on what it takes to finance social and environmental justice. She challenges us to think creatively and to be more granular in our approaches to impact investing.From impact bonds to microfinance loans, and blended finance, many financial instruments can be tailored to generate measurable impacts alongside financial returns.But it's not just about the money. It's about who we are listening to, who we are supporting, and who we are inviting to the table. It's about dismantling systemic barriers and promoting justice in all its forms. Tara cites the work of organisations like Adasina, Ujima Institute and Kheprw Institute, which empower under-resourced communities to finance their own growth outside conventional systems.So, if you love to invest in social and environmental change, this episode invites you to ponder deeply and consider how you could apply more courage, boldness, and imagination to your work or practice. It's not just about the impact investing sector; it's about each of us asking ourselves what we can start doing differently to support and amplify social and environmental justice.Useful LinksTara Sabre Collier on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarasabreKheprw Institute https://kheprw.org/Adasina https://adasina.com/Criterion Institute https://www.criterioninstitute.org/Ujima Institute https://www.ujimainstitute.com/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

22/02/2024 • 08:59

In this hopeful and empowering episode of "Be & Think in the House of Trust", Servane sits down with Jessica Espinoza, CEO of 2X Global, to delve deep into the transformative world of gender-smart investing. Jessica unravels the essence of leveraging capital for gender equality and the profound impact it has on societies and economies worldwide.With billions already mobilized in gender-smart investments, she sheds light on the successful strategies and practical models that have been pivotal in this journey.Jessica takes us through her story, detailing the driving forces behind her commitment to social impact and gender-smart initiatives. Discover inspiring stories of communities of practice that have led to tangible, scalable solutions.Get valuable insights on engaging traditional financial institutions and how to encourage a shift from planning and perfection to participation and learning.Reclaim the power of peer influence and community support in making gender-smart investing mainstream.Don't miss this episode if you want to be a part of the movement towards a more inclusive and equitable investment landscape.Useful LinksJessica Espinoza on Linkedin https://es.linkedin.com/in/jessicaespinozat2X Global https://www.2xglobal.org/Women in Social Finance https://womeninsocialfinance.org/Future of Impact Summit https://futureofimpact.world/Xoco Unlimited https://xocounlimited.org/ Empowering adolescent girls to escape sexual exploitation and leapfrog to digital jobs of the futureJellycorn https://www.jellycorn.io/ Accelerating equality in entrepreneurship, investing & innovationConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

01/02/2024 • 23:12

In this episode of "Be & Think in the House of Trust", Servane is listening to Ros Atkins, journalist and BBC News Analysis Editor, known for his ability to distil complex news stories into crisp, accessible formats. With a mix of wisdom and humility, Ros shares his insights from his book "The Art of Explanation: How to Communicate with Clarity and Confidence," offering a masterclass on conveying information with care and precision to diverse audiences.Ros stresses how crucial it is to understand different stakeholders' perspectives to ensure clarity and resonance. Sometimes it is about accepting we don't know, especially when concepts mean different things in different contexts.He also recounts the journey of the BBC's 50:50 campaign. As the founder of 50:50, Ros guided the project from a month-long experiment in early 2017 to the global initiative it has become. This story highlights the significance of empathy, voluntary participation, and the power of proof in driving successful advocacy.Tune in for an episode full of pragmatic and actionable examples!Highlights in this episode[05:02] Ros's take on Joni Mitchell’s discipline and precision[09:32] Find your powerful Impact Phrase[12:33] Acknowledge the limits of what you understand[16:30] The case for preparation[20:24] Why empathy and understanding are in your interest[27:44] The reason why it matters to you is…Useful LinksThe Art of Explanation (Book) https://geni.us/TAOEBOOKRos Atkins on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/BBCRosAtkinsRos Atkins https://www.bbc.co.uk/search?q=ros+atkinsThe Media Show on BBC Radio Four https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001t9j50 - 50 Campaign https://www.bbc.co.uk/5050Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

18/01/2024 • 34:42

In this episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, I explore the concept of transparency in the context of impact investing. The word was shared by my previous guest Daniela Barone Soares, the CEO of Snowball, the impact management firm.  You hear about the meaning of transparency and the assumptions that can hinder people from deploying more of it in the sector. Daniela tells the story of Snowball’s impact report and the mindset that helped them go through independent verification. We look at the behaviours and values that support transparency; how these help us build trust, manage risks, and attract capital and stakeholders.The episode concludes with questions for you all to explore about transparency, its benefits and challenges. Useful LinksSnowball https://www.snowballimpactinvestment.com/Daniela Barone Soares on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-barone-soares/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

17/12/2023 • 09:05

In this episode, I am exploring the concept of equity in the context of social finance. I also examine the word "equity” itself, revealing its meaning of fairness, and justness, but also calm and tranquillity!Discover my previous guest Erika Brodnock’s 2033 vision for a future where equity has materialized. In this future, entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds receive the necessary support to grow their businesses and create a diverse and inclusive ecosystem.Participate in this mini-journey around the word equity and listen to the call to action on how to contribute towards this vision of a more equitable world.Useful LinksExtend Ventures VC https://www.extend.vc/Kinhub https://www.kinhub.com/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

30/11/2023 • 07:33

What if the way we do finance was the real Greenwashing? What if a New Economy IS possible?In this episode of "Be & Think in the House of Trust", I am listening to Dr Melanie Rieback CEO/Co-founder of Radically Open Security (the world's first not-for-profit computer security company), and "Post Growth" startup incubator Nonprofit Ventures. An accomplished academic, Melanie lectures on Post-Growth Entrepreneurship at the Free University of Amsterdam, where she also was Assistant Professor of Computer Science.Melanie reflects and challenges the traditional norms of the finance industry and calls for a paradigm shift towards non-extractive and sustainable investment practices. She discusses the need for fund managers to adopt steward ownership, focus on long-term thinking and derisked returns.She emphasizes the importance of reducing conflicts of interest, reforming compensation structures, and encouraging diversity of thought in boardrooms. She calls for changes to support smaller pioneering fund managers who really believe in non-extractive models.Melanie's thought-provoking ideas and practical models serve as a call to action for investors to step up and address the systemic challenges we face.And her cat - our impromptu guest - agrees wholeheartedly!Useful LinksConnect with Melanie on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mriebackPost Growth Entrepreneurship Course (FREE) Universiteit van Amsterdam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApINAX7XEqcRadically Open Security https://www.radicallyopensecurity.com/"Post Growth" startup incubator Nonprofit Ventures https://nonprofit.ventures/ Melanie's picture by Tobias GroenlandConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

19/10/2023 • 36:06

Dear Impact leader! Can you be curious, hopeful, cynical, and angry, at the same time?In this episode of “Be and Think in the House of Trust”, I am listening to Dr Belinda Bell, a social finance specialist turned social entrepreneur, and academic, who has dedicated her career to social change. She began working with community finance organisations to provide capital for entrepreneurs creating a positive impact. Over time, after setting up a few ventures herself, and teaching about the ecosystem at the University of Cambridge, she realised that social enterprises alone were not enough to quickly solve systemic issues like climate change and inequality. She is now collaborating with "universal owners" - large institutional investors like pension funds that own vast portions of the economy and have an incentive to address risks that could damage their portfolios. Bell helps these universal owners understand how maximising short-term profits can create long-term damage; Navigating through the tough paradox of hope and cynicism, her challenge is to encourage large investors to use their influence to drive companies at large toward more sustainable practices.Highlights in this episode:(01:37) Curious, hopeful, cynical, and angry(10:09) Things that appear radical can very often turn out to be maintaining the status quo(11:47) Let’s normalise the world we want to see(18:44) How do you actually get people to do things?Useful linksBelinda Bell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belinda-bell/Academic Publications https://www.landecon.cam.ac.uk/person/dr-belinda-bellThe Finance for Environmental and Social Systemic Change Centre - Department of Land Economy https://www.landecon.cam.ac.uk/finance-for-systemic-change/finance-environmental-and-social-systemic-change-centreConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

05/10/2023 • 23:46

How do you reframe your worldview, putting the environment before people, people before profit, and the collective before the individual?In this episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Temuera Hall, Portfolio Manager at TAHITO, an indigenous ethical investing organisation. Applying ancestral Māori knowledge, Tahito follows a set of key principles and intrinsic values around interconnectedness and care, that guide and drive their investment behaviours and decisions. This is a tough responsibility because ultimately, "we are but descendants of those who have gone before us, and before that of Ranginui (our Sky Father), and Papatūānuku (our Nurturing Earth), and we're to honour this wisdom.In this episode, Temuera describes how the Māori worldview guides us all through not just a transition but a transformation of the world towards regeneration.Highlights in the episode[1:30] My Pepeha[8:20] I question how people actually understand ESG…[11:33] 9 traditional values statements that help you understand your connections to the world.[13.50] Transition is lovely but what we need is transformation [17:00] Towards an Ethic of Care[23:35] Aroha, selflessness and Compassionate Leadership[28:10] We put the collective above the individualUseful linksTahito website: https://tahito.co.nz/about-usConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

21/09/2023 • 31:27

In this episode of The House of Trust podcast, I am listening to Leonardo Letelier, founder and CEO of Sitawi, Finanças do Bem; Executive Director at Endowments do Brazil; and also the co-founder of ""Movimiento Para Uma Cultura de Doação" ("The Movement for a Donation Culture in Brazil”). Leonardo tells the story of Sitawi's founding journey and how he pioneered impact investing in Brazil. Leonard shares with us the three “pockets” or - thinking streams- needed to move money for good.We reflect on the importance of understanding the social sector beyond its impact, and how the combination of philanthropy and blended finance are the obvious instruments in creating a better world.Highlights in this episode:(3:43) A Happy Hectic Social Finance Entrepreneur(7:48) Sitawi, Pioneering Impact Investing in Brazil (11:41) Everybody an Impact Investor(20:22) Tending for the Social Sector: 3 times larger than car manufacturing, (24:41) Putting Consumption, Investment, and Donations in 3 different pockets.Useful LinksConnect with Leonardo Letelier on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lletelier/Sitawi: https://www.sitawi.net Endowments do Brazil: https://info.sitawi.net/sitawi-fundos-patrimoniaisConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

07/09/2023 • 30:26

In this episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Ana Yang, the Sustainability Connector. Ana is the Executive Director of the Chatham House Sustainability Accelerator, a major initiative to increase the speed, financing, and scale of the transition to a sustainable, inclusive future.Ana Yang sees herself as an architect of the future, working towards a regenerative future that goes beyond just sustainability.She believes in the importance of fairness, both among human beings and between humans and the environment. As a change maker, enabler, connector, and a friend, Ana is fascinated by people who are able to rise above and look for positive outcomes even in the face of threats.This future might be aspirational and not accessible to everybody yet but Ana makes it her focus to shape the building blocks - including finance - that will allow for the future to be welcoming and sustainable for all.Highlights in this episode(2:22) "I'm an architect of the future, a change maker, enabler, connector, and a friend.(10:15) Sustainability is about three aspects of fairness(13:57) In a regenerative future, we give back more than we take(27:52) To change the world, it starts with a well-balanced self-awareness, self-confidence, and an understanding of our shortcomings.Useful linksConnect with Ana Yang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-yang-31698Chatham House Sustainability Accelerator: https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-departments/sustainability-acceleratorThree Horizons: The Patterning of Hope, by Bill Sharpe: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18357826-three-horizonsPutting Rio de Janeiro's Marê on the map: https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/putting-rio-de-janeiro-s-mar-mapRedes da Marê ["Mare's networks']: https://www.redesdamare.org.br/Connect with Servane on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazanGet the free Conscious Innovation updates at http://eepurl.com/hp0h55Servane Mouazan's website servanemouazan.co.uk Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

24/08/2023 • 31:37

In this new episode of Be and Think In the House of Trust, I am listening to sustainable investment specialist and Board member Amanda Latham. As the director of sustainable investment at IFM Investors and also a trustee at Age UK, Amanda shares her dedication and systems-change approach to learning about and contributing to the mitigation of the climate crisis, the resolution of thorny social issues, and decaying human rights. She acknowledges the pushback to integrating sustainability into investment decisions and believes that humans have the capability to make changes for the future. But for that, you have to get involved. And it can be through various means. Oh and... her secret? Long long walks at the sea with her dog...This episode is for you if you are keen to influence and make an impact through boards, advocacy, and systems change.Highlights in this episode:(1:41) The value of volunteering(4:51) Getting older is often about loss(9:03) Hope versus pushback(13:26) People have a right to expect to be able to breathe the air outside(20:34) That Imagination point is keyUseful LinksConnect with Amanda https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-latham-10a69950/Connect with Servane https://servanemouazan.co.ukSubscribe to Conscious Innovation Updates http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

10/08/2023 • 24:11

Let’s talk about power, trust, and effective collaborations...In this episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, I am welcoming Shivani Gupta from India and Laura Somoggi from Brazil, the new co-CEOs of the Womanity Foundation, a philanthropic organization that works to accelerate gender equality. Together we discuss the recipe for a successful co-CEO-ship of an operational philanthropic foundation.We look at the platinum rule of "do unto others what they want to be done to them" which requires deep listening, deep seeing, compassion, and devolution of power. We also explore the mind shift needed to decolonise wealth and philanthropy, and to understand how knowledge and the variety of languages used in the system, can impact change. We look at how understanding who you are, the type of power you hold, and the knowledge you have can be just as powerful as money.Highlight in this episode (7:40) What are the DOs and what are the DONT’s (10:15) Knowledge is power too(11:10) The Platinum Rule(14:43) Decolonising philanthropy: what it means in practice(16:40) What sustainability means for funds recipients(21:30) The missing link in the sector(27:00) Even one life altered and changed can make a lot of differenceUseful LinksWomanity Foundation womanity.orgShivani Gupta on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivani-gupta-mumbaiLaura Somoggi on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurasomoggi/Connect with Servane https://servanemouazan.co.ukSubscribe to Conscious Innovation Updates http://eepurl.com/hp0h55Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

27/07/2023 • 29:41

What if investing with a gender lens, and in a relevant way, could mean more impact and returns than we think? In this episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to gender-smart investor Evelyne Dioh Simpa. Evelyne is the Managing Partner of WIC Capital, the first investment fund in West Africa that exclusively targets women-led small and growing businesses. Evelyne was also recognized on the Black Women in Asset Management (BWAM) 40 under 40 list of Black women who are shaping the future of asset management. Passionate about gender issues in modern African societies, Evelyne’s life mission is to contribute to the development of the African private sector, by reinforcing and growing small businesses. In this insightful episode, we learn how to de-mystify impact investing when it's done in different parts of the world and how to focus on systems change to achieve breakthroughs. Evelyne also paints us a picture of what international investors would have understood by 2033.Highlights of this episode(3:39) Be generous with business plans, and see all the potential (5:18) International Capital is not used to fit our landscape(12:01) Bring the capital where it's needed(15:35) The dichotomy of return and impact (16:35) The successful impact story of the Mburu bakery franchiseUseful LinksWIC Website: www.wic-capital.netEvelyne Dioh on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelyne-dioh-a3185427/Mburu Bakery (Mburu = Bread in Woloff)created by Isseu Diop Sakho https://mburu-boulangerie.comDo you love to invest in Social Change? Get Servane's Conscious Innovation Updates. Subscribe for free on http://eepurl.com/hp0h55Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

13/07/2023 • 25:37

Does Impact Finance Make You Uncomfortable? In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Aunnie Patton Power, an Academic, Advisor, Author, and Angel Investor (5 As!) who directs innovative financing to organizations that create a positive social and environmental impact.She is a reformed M&A investment banker, who began her impact investing career in 2010 with Unitus Capital in Bangalore and has since worked with start-ups, intermediaries, funds, family offices, foundations, corporates, and governments across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.In this episode, we explore Aunnie’s discomfort with traditional finance and how she shifted to impact investing with humility. We revisit her thoughts on why we should scale positive impact outrageously, her take on the pervasive power imbalance, and what rethinking this dynamic could lead to. I also loved the story of her student paper that led to a multi-million dollars Green Outcome Fund...This episode is for you if you are thinking of changing your career to ignite social impact through finance. It’s also for you If you want to boost impact through imagination and collaboration.Highlights in this Episode: (2.08) My discomfort with traditional finance(5.06) The need for a power balance between impact builders and finance professionals(8.47) From a student paper to a multi-million dollars Green Outcome Fund(15:16) Scaling outrageously whilst allocating capital close to the ground(25:00) Let’s rethink ownership and access to public markets.Useful linksFind Aunnie Patton Power on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/aunniepattonRead Aunnie's first book Adventure Finance www.adventure.financeBuild your impact finance career: www.impactfinancepro.comMuhammad Yunus: Creating a World Without Poverty https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/247204.Creating_a_World_Without_PovertyConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

29/06/2023 • 27:15

In this episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Dr Dorothy Nyambi.Dorothy's journey, from being a doctor in Cameroon to a global leader, focuses on action rather than words. As a doctor, investor, and mother, she has learned the importance of listening with care, time, and patience. Dorothy is a champion of women's rights and gender equality. She is the President and CEO at MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates), a faith-based organisation and a pioneer in impact investing since the 1950s, supporting decent work for people. In this episode, she describes the power of partnership, humility and economic development as essential instruments for peace and social change.Highlights of this episode(4:35) Peace is about the things you do proactively to create a respectful society(5:20) Actions speak louder than words(9:10) I have got 3 Ms in my life(12:45) We have to show up in a manner that indicates we are truly listening(17:30) The power that we all carryUseful Links Dr. Dorothy Nyambi on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothy-nyambi-02a25911/MEDA http://www.meda.org (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli promotes the continent’s role in the global food system: https://www.meda.org/the-marketplace/a-new-mindset-on-africa/ Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

15/06/2023 • 20:13

In this episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Helen Chambers, a serial social entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience founding a number of organisations from the award-winning Equality Network to Inspiring Scotland, pioneering venture philanthropy and capacity building organisations. She has overseen the investment of over £250m into responses to alleviate Scotland’s ‘wicked’ issues.Helen talks to us about investing more time,  and calmness to re-introduce common sense and a moral compass into interventions, keeping our visionary goal in mind, making scaling a reality, and preventing harming institutional and systems memory loss.Helen reminded us about the importance of creating thinking spaces, considering the long-term impact of social interventions, and emphasizing capacity building for organizations. With her expertise and mindful approach, Helen showed us that slowing down and giving thought to the way we approach social change and investment is essential for creating meaningful, lasting impact. Highlights of this episode[5:00] Some evidence-based models for change made us lose our moral compass[9:50] People at the margins are tired of being at the end of socialintervention[11:15] “I wish they’d stop giving us money”[13:35] Don't compare your insides to other people's outsides.[18:43] We absolutely compound importance and "busy-ness".[24:37] How to undertake another type of thinkingUseful LinksChambers Consulting https://chambersconsulting.org/Inspiring Scotland https://www.inspiringscotland.org.uk/Helen on Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenchambersconsulting/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

01/06/2023 • 25:52

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am speaking with Gail Wong.Gail is a reformed investment banker who used to swim with sharks. Now a Trauma of Money professional and a certified Financial Healing Coach, Gail is a regenerative Gender Smart investor who has made the nexus of finance and humanity her life’s work. She helps people shed money-related fear, shame, and guilt, enabling them to live joyfully, love deeply, dream abundantly and inhabit their full self-expression at work. In this episode, we discuss financial trauma, the power of hope, and the need for a holistic perspective to impact investing. We explore how courageous conversations and stewardship of others are necessary steps to move hearts and minds and create a financial system that is based on connection and humanity.Highlights from this episode(1:46) What is hope in practice?(7:46) The triggers for financial trauma (9:31) The experience of being disassociated from your own humanity(12:58) Regenerative finance is based on relationships, not denial or harm(17:43) Challenging my own financial DNA programming(19:45) Moving hearts and minds is the work that will carry through generationsUseful linksGail’s website: https://www.livetrue.sgConnect with Gail Wong on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/gailwongConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

18/05/2023 • 21:18

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am speaking with Pauline Koelbl.Pauline is an Innovation Catalyst & Impact investor with a gender lens, with over 20 years of experience in international affairs, philanthropy innovation and entrepreneurship. She leads ShEquity, providing smart and sustainable investments for African female entrepreneurs and innovators. Together we explore what it takes to be a catalyst impact investor in Africa, the beliefs that are not useful and the efforts we need to put in, in order to grasp the reality on the ground and the huge potential ahead.Highlights from this episode(2:43) How to achieve a triple-bottom-line return(8:37) Why you should understand the people around you(10:15) Distinguish perceived risks vs actual risks(15:42) How your biases are a limitation to achieving your objectives(17:15) The definition of a catalyst investor(19:12) Not just a leader, but a seeker too.Useful linksShEquity: https://shequity.com/Connect with Pauline Koelbl on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauline-koelbl-36112327Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

04/05/2023 • 26:12

In this episode of “Be and Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Joy Anderson, Founder and President of Criterion Institute, the leading think-tank, using finance as a tool for social change.Joy is a prominent leader at the intersection of business and social change. Named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, Anderson played a significant role in building new fields, developing gender lens investing, partnering with faith-based ecosystems to transform their relationship with finance, and demonstrating new ways to shape markets to create good. Joy and I talk about what it takes to develop a gender lens investing ecosystem, the power of invitation and hospitality, the dark side of power dynamics, our duty to address this, and how Joy’s values are a strong foundation and guidance for the work to be done. Highlights of this episode(2:10) What’s more important than hope?(5:39) We weren’t addressing issues of power(10:30) People who use imagination to create social change(11:34) You don’t want to be stupid(16:46) Relationships begin, not when we encounter but when we first invite.(20:17) We don’t build investment funds that meet what the world needs!(21:15) Let's fix the capital, not the companies…Useful linksCriterion Institute Website: https://criterioninstitute.org/Follow Joy Anderson on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-anderson/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

20/04/2023 • 23:13

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Esme Verity, the founder of Considered Capital, a platform for startups and organisations seeking alternative funding. Considered Capital simplifies and speeds up the journey to finding and accessing the right funding fit through courses, community and content.She is an active angel investor and was named one of the Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise by Pioneers Post.   Esme and I discuss how to be authentic and practical when supporting founders raising mission-aligned funding. We talk about the importance of building genuine relationships, finding collaborators, and creating a platform that provides information and support for founders looking to make a meaningful impact. Verity also shares her journey of discovering the concept of "zebras" (as opposed to unicorns) and how it has influenced her approach to funding. Highlights from this episode: (01:45) What brings you joy?  (06:45) How to show up and dazzle  (11:35) Connecting with like-minded problem-solvers  (15:22) Tackling the impossible (19:53) No place for fear  Useful Links: Find Esme on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/esme-verity-33213183/Considered Capital https://www.consideredcapital.io/Zebras Unite  https://zebrasunite.coop/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

13/04/2023 • 24:11

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Bonnie Chiu, a serial entrepreneur, advisor and impact investment specialist focused on challenging systems of inequalities. She is also the founder and managing director of The Social Investment Consultancy - a global network of consultants specialising in social impact measurement, social investment and diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. In this episode, Bonnie shares her story, why she is driven to challenge systemic inequalities in capital markets, and how she built her dream of investing in, and growing, social enterprises.  From this conversation, we learn how dancing with systems, giving attention, and demanding equity, are avenues to show up when igniting social change.Highlights from this episode: (02:08) Growing up in Hong Kong (08:52) Nothing is permanent (11:21) A guardian of dreams for others (16:41) The concept of scarcity in economics (18:58) Changing the world through protest   Useful Links: Connect with Bonnie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonniesychiu/The Social Investment Consultancy https://www.tsiconsultancy.com/ Lensational https://www.lensational.orgConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

30/03/2023 • 23:42

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I loved listening to Erika Brodnock, an angel investor, a UK-based award-winning entrepreneur, CEO and founder of Kinhub, a philanthropist and behavioural scientist, on a mission to create fairer, more equitable workplaces for everyone. Erika works at the intersection of technology, well-being and product development, and she made it a purpose to find and clear paths out of outdated systems. She is the author of Extend Ventures’ Diversity Beyond Gender, the co-author of the TRANSPARENT Framework, and recently Better Venture. In the House of Trust, we discuss obstacles around diversity in the investment world, the barriers to entry for minoritised entrepreneurs seeking funding, and practical ways forward. Plus, Erika shares her vision of a fairer, more equal future. Highlights from this episode: (04:15) This is the biggest issue with venture funding (08:03) The importance of getting to know people (10:57) The wealthiest place on Earth are the graveyards (15:44) Rising tides raise all boats (18:28) The white ally (20:21) What will the world be like in 2033? Useful Links Connect with Erika Brodnock on LinkedIn Kinhub https://www.kinhub.com/employersExtend Ventures https://www.extend.vc/diversity-beyond-gender(Report) TRANSPARENT Framework(Book) Better VentureConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

16/03/2023 • 24:03

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am speaking with Vicki Saunders.Vicki is an entrepreneur, award-winning mentor, advisor to the next generation of change-makers and leading advocate for entrepreneurship as a way of creating positive transformation in the world. Vicki is the Founder of #radical generosity and Coralus (formerly SheEO), a global community of radically generous women supporting women-led ventures working on the world’s To-Do List.Highlights from this episode:• (02:01) Vicki’s practice of being more graceful• (7:21) We are looking for businesses that are healing• (08:36) The hardest part of being an entrepreneur• (14:13) The collective vs. the individual• (25:39) Control is wildly expensive.Useful LinksBecome an activator or a Coralus Venture https://coralus.world/Connect with Vicki Saunders on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/vsaunders/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

03/03/2023 • 27:41

In today’s episode of Be and Think in the House of Trust, I am reflecting on the themes, patterns and ideas Social Investors shared in this first series We learned about the complexity and the necessity of pausing, building meaningful relationships, and challenging our blindspots. My guests thought about how they intuitively and technically create the financial conditions that serve communities to do better and more for others, and in an unharmful way.I am curious to discover the freshest thoughts and perspectives you have on these various topics!Highlights(4:26) Blind spots have an impact on ideas, innovation, and design(6:48) Give a gracious space(11:05) Power with, not power over(17:57) A Brazilian swingConnect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

09/02/2023 • 19:06

In this episode of Be & Think in the House of Trust, I am listening to Daniela Soares, the CEO of Snowball Impact Management, a diversified investment fund that creates positive outcomes for people and planet whilst generating competitive financial returns. Daniela is also, among other things, a non-executive director at Inter-Continental Hotels Group PLC, a trustee of the Institute for the Future of Work, and she is executive chair of Gov Digital, a private technology business working with the public sector to improve social services in Brazil. Daniela and I explore why transparency is important when we lead on investments. There is no time to rearrange the chairs on the deck of the Titanic, no time for impact washing. Having the discipline to embrace transparency is a force for good.Highlights from this episode:(03:25) Passion alone is not enough. You need to add discipline(05:16) What are the real risks?(00:13) I resist this idea that we're powerless in the system(15:05) Holding the investment industry to account(21:29) Be naked when investing?Useful LinksFollow Daniela Barone Soares on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-barone-soaresDiscover Snowball Impact Management https://www.snowball.im/Follow Servane on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/and at Conscious Innovation https://www.servanemouazan.co.uk/Connect with Servane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/servanemouazan/ Website: https://servanemouazan.co.uk Subscribe to Conscious Innovation updates: http://eepurl.com/hp0h55

03/02/2023 • 27:42