System Catalysts

Turning the tables! Our podcast co-host English Sall steps to the other side of the mic in this must-listen episode of Be a Good Wheel. English joins host Amber Malika Pierce for an insightful conversation about building thriving team cultures. Drawing from her wealth of experience as a co-founder and CEO, she shares the candid lessons she has learned along her leadership journey, from establishing trust to navigating growth challenges. It's not every day we get to hear English as the interviewee rather than the interviewer, but trust us, this perspective is equally enlightening! Check out the full episode to hear English's practical wisdom on what it truly takes to be a reliable part of a high-performing team. ??: https://lnkd.in/eNjVX6qp

The most effective change-makers aren't striving to be the smartest person at the table. In the Season 3 finale of System Catalysts, English Sall and Jeffrey Walker explore what happens when we lead with compassion instead of certainty. Through conversations with remarkable leaders, one truth shines through: lasting impact comes from showing up as whole people, embracing the messiness of change, and finding joy in growing together. Join us to discover how bringing our full humanity to social change transforms everything. ??: https://lnkd.in/erQJUTMu

Capital is a tool, not an identity—a powerful shift reshaping modern philanthropy. In the finale of System Catalysts, English Sall and Jeffrey Walker explore how Next-Gen philanthropists are breaking free from the human biases that often hold us back from effective giving. It’s time to enter rooms ready to listen–really listen– rather than prove our value. To see capital as just one tool in our toolkit for change. Join us for a conversation about how Next-Gen philanthropists are transforming how we approach social change ??: https://lnkd.in/erQJUTMu

?? ICYM our CEO, Don Gips, chatted with friend of the Foundation, Jeffery Walker on the System Catalysts podcast. Don & Jeffery dove into the powerful role of system catalysts—or as we like to call them, system orchestrators. ?? These individuals bring together diverse actors to drive systemic change on issues like poverty, climate action, and justice. Don shares insights on: ?? Why system orchestrators are key to solving global challenges ?? How Skoll identifies and supports social innovators driving transformation ?? Tips for nonprofit leaders to foster collaboration, secure funding, and build sustainable solutions A must-listen for anyone working to create lasting impact! ?? ?? Listen here: https://skoll.wf/3Qpzks2 #SystemsOrchestrators #SocialInnovation #CollaborationForChange #SkollFoundation #Leadership #Innovation #SocialChange

The game of philanthropy is changing—and Season 3 of System Catalysts has captured this transformation in real time. In our season finale, English Sall and Jeffrey Walker dive deep into how Next-Gen philanthropists are rewriting the rules of creating lasting change. Gone are the days when funding and expertise alone could solve our most pressing challenges. Through this season’s conversations, they've uncovered something more profound: true transformation begins with deep listening, embraces genuine humility, and views capital not as the answer but as one tool in a larger toolkit for change. But this isn't just an episode about Next-Gen philanthropy. It's a wake-up call for everyone in the social impact space. How do we show up authentically in communities? What mindsets truly serve our mission? How do we leverage our resources to create meaningful, sustainable change? As we stand at this pivotal moment in philanthropy, there's an electric sense of possibility in the air. Join us as we unpack the most potent insights from Season 3, offering a roadmap for anyone passionate about solving the world's toughest problems. ??:? https://lnkd.in/erQJUTMu Special thanks to the team who made this episode happen: ???? Hosts: Jeffrey Walker and English Sall ?? Producer: Hueman Group Media ?? Partners: Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, New Profit, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, Echoing Green, Maverick Collective, Virgin Unite, Synergos , Forward Global, NEXUS Global, Boldly Go Philanthropy, Skoll Foundation, and The Aspen Institute

There are no lone heroes in systems change. From battling the Ebola epidemic to leading the White House COVID response to serving as a Senior Partner at Flagship Pioneering, Dr. Raj Panjabi has seen firsthand that real transformation requires collective action, shared resources, and systems thinking. Tune in to hear how he's applying the “systems level mindset” to ensure everyone has the healthcare they need. ??: https://lnkd.in/eRiXT6Jd

From fighting Ebola in Liberian villages to leading White House COVID response, Dr. Raj Panjabi embodies what it means to drive healthcare transformation from every angle. In this week’s episode, he reveals how his unique journey - spanning grassroots medicine, global health policy, and innovative leadership at @Harvard Medical School and Flagship Pioneering - has shaped his approach to maintaining a “systems change mindset” amongst shifting circumstances. For philanthropists and social impact leaders wrestling with complex challenges, this conversation is packed with practical insights. Learn: ??Where to focus resources for maximum systemic impact ??How frontline experience transforms policy decisions ??His perspective of systems-level vs individual-level change His approach to working in community ensures everyone has the healthcare they need—even in chaotic times. ??:? https://lnkd.in/eRiXT6Jd Special thanks to the team who made this episode happen: ???? Hosts: Jeffrey Walker and English Sall ?? Guest: Dr. Raj Panjabi, Senior Partner, Preemptive Health and Medicine, Flagship Pioneering ?? Producer: Hueman Group Media ?? Partners: Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, New Profit, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, Echoing Green, Maverick Collective, Virgin Unite, Synergos , Forward Global, NEXUS Global, Boldly Go Philanthropy, Skoll Foundation, and The Aspen Institute

I recently mentioned the alignment with System Catalysts and finally had the chance to dive into their quick guide on becoming a system catalyst. If you haven’t seen it, it’s an inspiring roadmap for creating meaningful change (linked in the comments). First, let’s define a system catalyst: someone who brings diverse stakeholders together to address complex problems, fostering collaboration and adaptability to create sustainable solutions. A "change maker" if you will. The guide highlights the importance of cross-sector partnerships, inclusive dialogue, and adaptive strategies to drive lasting impact. A few of my favorite takeaways include: ?? LISTEN TO UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE AND IDENTIFY BOTTLENECKS Avoid preconceived solutions. Instead, engage deeply with problem solvers and those affected to truly understand the issue. Then, identify how your work can complement existing efforts for maximum impact. This aligns beautifully with approaching conversations with curiosity and avoiding reliance on bias or assumptions. ?? PARTNER, PARTNER, PARTNER Collaboration is key! Unite diverse stakeholders—including NGOs, businesses, government agencies, academic institutions, and more—to create powerful solutions. Operating outside the divisive mindset of cancel culture allows us to build strength in unity and numbers. ?? USE DATA Data is essential for measuring progress and knowing when to pivot. Establish systems to gather and share insights across organizations, ensuring transparency and learning at every step. Data also empowers those hesitant to act out of fear of cancellation, enabling them to implement climate strategies with greater confidence. ?? CELEBRATE PROGRESS TO SCALE IMPACT Recognize small wins to maintain momentum and energy. By celebrating progress (rather than obsessing over perfection), we inspire others to join in and work toward the next challenge—creating real, long-lasting change. This guide is packed with wisdom, and I highly recommend giving it a read! ???? #SystemCatalyst #ChangeMaker #ClimateAction #Community #Sustainability

We can make AI generate infinite variations of animal mashups—but can we use it to solve, say, climate change? This week’s episode with Aniyia L. Williams highlights a crucial question: Why does so much of our technological innovation feel disconnected from humanity's most pressing challenges? The answer might lie in how we fund technology. When success is measured by rapid scaling and quick exits for VCs, we naturally end up with more memes than solutions to world problems. As Principal at Omidyar Network and co-founder of Zebras Unite, Williams presents an alternative vision: By breaking tech's dependency on traditional venture capital, we could empower founders to build solutions prioritizing real impact over unobtainable-for-many metrics. The path to more responsible innovation is about fundamentally transforming how we fund and incentivize tech development. Williams explores how alternative funding models could unlock a new generation of founders focused on solving genuine human challenges instead of chasing exponential growth. ??: https://lnkd.in/e8p4npMD

Could reimagining tech funding create a future where innovation serves real humans instead of bots and algorithms? In this week’s episode, Aniyia L. Williams—Principal at Omidyar Network—challenges the conventional wisdom about how we fund and build technology. Drawing from her experience as an inventor and "systempreneur," Williams presents a bold vision: transforming tech's dependency on traditional venture capital while fostering innovation that addresses real human needs. She explores how alternative funding models could unlock a new generation of founders focused on creating sustainable, responsible solutions to society's most pressing challenges. This conversation is essential listening for technology leaders, investors, and professionals who believe in building a more equitable and impactful tech ecosystem. Discover how we might create a future where technological innovation serves humanity's best interests—not just exponential growth metrics. ??:? https://lnkd.in/e8p4npMD Special thanks to the team who made this episode happen: ???? Hosts: Jeffrey Walker and English Sall ?? Guest: Aniyia L. Williams, Principal at Omidyar Network and Co-founder of Zebras Unite ?? Producer: Hueman Group Media ?? Partners: Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, New Profit, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, Echoing Green, Maverick Collective, Virgin Unite, Synergos , Forward Global, NEXUS Global, Boldly Go Philanthropy, Skoll Foundation, and The Aspen Institute