Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Show

What if AI understood not just what you do, but who you are? This episode explores the intersection of identity, technology, and leadership with two founders building something different in the AI space. Gillian Delaunay (CEO & Founder of NEON ID) and Erika Hanafin Austria (Co-Founder of NEON ID) discuss their personality-powered AI platform that helps people understand themselves, communicate better, and own their digital identity. From leadership transformation to real-world applications, they explore how identity shapes how we show up and why the next wave of AI might be more human than we think. Fresh from their Miami soft launch, Gillian and Erika share insights on behaviour change, personality science in technology, and whether NEON will actually change how people operate day-to-day. For more content, do visit: Gillian’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillianbrett Erika’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikahanafin NEON ID: https://neonid.com Email Gillian: gillian@neonid.com Email Erika: erika@neonid.com Lausanne Conference: https://specialevents.imd.org/products/22nd-annual-social-entrepreneurship-conference Art of ESG paper: https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/the-art-of-esg/405923 Catalyst Now: https://catalystnow.net AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space. https://faizspace.org

What if the real impact of funding isn’t just in what it supports, but in the cost of how it’s deployed? Dr Nadait Gebremedhan rejoins the show to share the thinking behind Toll the Funder Footprint Initiative, a movement examining whether funding processes create a net positive or negative impact on society. Rather than focusing only on outcomes, this approach looks at the footprint of capital itself, from the conditions it imposes to the hidden costs placed on the very organisations it aims to support. In this conversation, we explore how funding structures can unintentionally limit impact, the often-overlooked burden on social ventures, and how funders can better align their capital to truly enable change. For more content, do visit: Dr Nadait’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadaitgebremedhen Hagush: https://www.hagush.org Toll: https://fundingfootprint.org/ Funding Footprint Calculator: https://catalystnow.net/funding-footprint-calculator Catalyst Now: https://catalystnow.net AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space. https://faizspace.org

What if philanthropy could operate through a for-profit model designed to help people at scale? Dr Janelle Thompson, founding partner and board member of The 144k Collective, joins the show to discuss a new approach to collective giving built on socially responsible capitalism. The 144k Collective operates as a for-profit philanthropic social enterprise where members contribute small daily amounts to support people in need and fund community-driven initiatives. Drawing on her experience as a nurse anesthesiologist, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate, Dr Thompson shares how service, leadership, and shared responsibility can reshape the way communities help one another. For more content, do visit: Dr Janelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janellethompson The 144k Collective: https://144kcollective.org The 144k Collective YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The144kCollective Email Dr Janelle: dr.jthompson@power-in-numbers.net Catalyst Now: https://catalystnow.net AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space. https://faizspace.org

What if the clean energy breakthrough isn’t new infrastructure, but old oil wells? Kemp Gregory, Co-Founder and CEO of Renewell Energy, is converting idle oil wells into gravity-powered energy storage systems to support renewable power at scale. In this episode, we explore an important truth about the energy transition: it isn’t about starting everything anew. Instead, it’s about thoughtfully building on what’s already in place. We dive into the founder’s journey behind the technology, from introducing a bold idea into a deeply entrenched industry to navigating regulatory friction and investor scepticism. Kemp shares the realities of building in climate tech: earning trust, securing policy support, and proving that existing infrastructure can be repurposed into scalable assets. This is a conversation about doing the hard work of transition, not just talking about it. For more content, visit: Kemp’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemp-gregory Renewell Website: https://renewellenergy.com Email Kemp: kemp@renewellenergy.com Catalyst Now: https://catalystnow.net AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. Faiz Space Foundation sponsors this show. https://faizspace.org

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Sharon Elefant, founder and CEO of The Nonprofit Plug. Dr Sharon helps nonprofit leaders and social impact entrepreneurs become truly funder-ready by strengthening their financial systems, compliance practices, and strategic foundations. We unpack what it really means to build financial credibility, the common mistakes organisations make before applying for grants, and how to develop trust-based relationships with funders. If you want to move from scrambling for funding to building sustainable, confident growth, this episode is for you. For more content, do visit: Dr Sharon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsharonelefant The Nonprofit Plug Website: https://thenonprofitplug.com Email Dr Sharon: info@thenonprofitplug.com AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org

In this episode, I’m joined by Robert Kennedy III, a leadership communication expert who helps entrepreneurs and organisations turn clarity into confidence and purpose into performance. We explore why great ideas often fall flat without strong communication, how storytelling builds trust and influence, and what leaders can do to show up with confidence and authenticity. Drawing on his experience training over 10,000 leaders, Robert shares practical tools for communicating clearly, inspiring action, and leading with purpose. If you’re a founder, social entrepreneur, or leader looking to strengthen your voice and expand your impact, this episode is for you. For more content, do visit: Robert’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertkennedy3 Robert’s Website: https://robertkennedy3.com Email Robert: rk3@robertkennedy3.com AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org

The electrification of vehicles is advancing rapidly, but scaling it responsibly requires more than new technology. It demands systems thinking, collaboration, and long-term vision. In this episode, Mats Larsson, Founder of the Global Energy Transformation Institute, shares insights from over three decades at the intersection of energy transformation, vehicle electrification, and sustainability. The conversation explores what it really takes to accelerate electric mobility, from grid readiness and charging infrastructure to policy alignment and equitable access. A practical, forward-looking discussion on why vehicle electrification is one of the most important transitions shaping our climate and economic future. For more content, do visit: Mats’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matslarsson-author Global Energy Transformation Institute: https://www.getinstitute.com Email Mats: mats@getinstitute.com AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org

In this episode, Ushma Pandya, co-founder of Think Zero, reveals how companies can meaningfully reduce waste and emissions without sacrificing profitability. Drawing from her experience advising global firms, serving on NYC’s Solid Waste Advisory Board, and working across corporate, nonprofit, and policy spaces, Ushma breaks down what actually drives long-term sustainability change. We explore why measurement matters, how circular design can reshape products and packaging, and why waste reduction only sticks when changes in consumers’ behaviour occur. This conversation is a practical guide for entrepreneurs, leaders, and organisations looking to build climate-conscious models that work in the real world. For more content, do visit: Ushma’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ushmapandya Think Zero: https://www.thinkzerollc.com Email Ushma: ushma@thinkzero.com AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org

In this episode, we head to Riyadh for the inaugural Beyond Profit Forum held on the 3rd and 4th of December 2025. Hosted by the National Center for Non-Profit, the forum brought together over 3,300 leaders, innovators, and philanthropists from 93 countries to reimagine the future of social impact amid global uncertainty. This episode features insights from the opening keynote panel, When Belts Buckle, States Retreat: A Moment of Choice and Innovation for New Philanthropy, which explored how shrinking public budgets and shifting geopolitics are forcing the nonprofit and philanthropy sectors to evolve. Panellists discussed emerging models, including impact-linked funding, corporate and non-profit co-creation, and the growing role of private capital in strengthening, not replacing, state priorities. With perspectives from leaders including H.H. Princess Nouf Al Saud (CEO, King Khalid Foundation), H.H. Prince Mansour bin Saad bin Farhan Al Saud (Assistant Secretary General, King Faisal Foundation), Alvaro Rodriguez Arregui (Co-founder & Managing Partner, IGNIA), Asif Saleh (Executive Director, BRAC), and Catalyst Now's Chief Facilitator Fredrik Galtung, moderated by Matthew Bishop (Founder of Social Progress Imperative), this episode offers a thoughtful look at collaboration, accountability, and systems-level change. For more content, do visit: Beyond Profit Forum: https://beyondprofitforum.org/en National Center for Non-Profit: https://my.gov.sa/en/agencies/18020 King Faisal Foundation: https://www.kff.com King Khalid Foundation: https://www.kkf.org.sa/en IGNIA: https://www.ignia.vc BRAC: https://www.bracinternational.org Social Progress Imperative: https://www.socialprogress.org Catalyst Now: https://catalystnow.net Fredrik’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredrik-galtung-7084954 AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org

In this episode, I sit down with Dr Nicholas Michels, founder of Michels Family Financial and the voice behind the Rich by Choice movement. From growing up in a trailer park to becoming a bestselling author and trusted financial advisor, Dr Nick brings a rare blend of humility, clarity and purpose to the world of money. We explore how values-driven decision making shapes true wealth, why peace matters more than the size of your portfolio, and how social entrepreneurs can build stability without losing sight of what actually matters. If you care about financial well-being, purposeful leadership or using your resources to build a legacy that lasts, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what ‘rich’ really means. For more content, do visit: Dr Nick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-e-michels Michels Family Financial: https://michelsfamilyfinancial.com Rich by Choice Book: https://richbychoicebook.com Email Dr Nick: nick.michels@michelsfamilyfinancial.com AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org

Recorded live at the Social Enterprise World Forum 2025 Fringe Session in Taipei, Taiwan, this episode features Wan Dazriq, Shugo Urata, and Azima Dhanjee as they explore sustainable gateways linking Taiwan, ASEAN and beyond through social innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional collaboration. For more content, do visit: Wan Dazriq’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wandazriq Shugo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shugo-urata Azima’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azimadhanjee Social Enterprise World Forum: https://sewfonline.com PurpoSE Malaysia: https://www.purposemy.com Chamber of Social Entrepreneur Development (CSED): https://csedmalaysia.net Petronas Social Enterprise Education Lab (SEEd.Lab): https://www.seedlab.my Green Innovation: https://green-innovation.nedo.go.jp/en ConnectHear: https://www.connecthear.org Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN: https://the.akdn/en/home AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org

In this episode, we sit down with Maria Gallucci, a trailblazing real estate broker, advocate, and founder of Gallucci Homes and ASL Realty. Maria shares how growing up as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) shaped her lifelong commitment to inclusive communication and accessibility in the real estate industry. We explore how she integrates social entrepreneurship, sustainability, and community empowerment into her work, creating a model that blends purpose with impact. Whether you’re passionate about social change, inclusive design, or reimagining business through a sustainability lens, this episode offers powerful insights from one of Colorado’s leading voices in real estate innovation. For more content, do visit: Maria’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-gallucci-18725b9/ Gallucci Homes Website: https://galluccihomes.com/ ASL Realty Website: https://aslrealty.com Get Maria’s book: https://raisedinsilence.com Email Maria: maria@galluccihomes.com AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org

In this episode, we speak with Daniel McCaulley, Founder of Ultimus Engineering, about his journey from athlete to engineer. With a focus on structural and aquatics engineering, his firm is 100% Made in America and committed not just to technical excellence, but to building stronger, more resilient communities. We’ll explore how Daniel channels the lessons of sports into entrepreneurship, integrates sustainability into engineering solutions, and creates meaningful impact one project at a time. For more content, do visit: Daniel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmccaulley Ultimus Engineering: https://ultimus.engineering AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Register for Sustainable Gateways: https://catalystnow.net/events/sustainable-gateways-connecting-taiwan-asean-and-beyond-for-impact/ Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org

In this special episode, we take you to New York City during the United Nations General Assembly, where Catalyst Now launched the 2025 Impact Report. This episode shares the panel session, The Importance of Collaboration in Complex Environments: Learnings from Catalyst Now, moderated by Kamilah Sanders (CEO, Greater Than Equal), featuring Su Balasubramanian (International Development and Mental Health Professional) and Dr Faiz Kamaludin (Founder, AstroX). Together, we explored what it really takes to collaborate across borders, industries, and disciplines, from climate action to mental health and refugee empowerment. We also unveil bold findings from our 2024-2025 Impact Report: With support from the General Atlantic Foundation and Echoing Green, this session celebrated stories of resilience and systemic change, offering real-world lessons for building trust, aligning goals, and co-creating impact in complex environments. Tune in to hear highlights from the UNGA panel and Catalyst Now’s vision for 2026. For more content, do visit: Catalyst Now: https://catalystnow.net/ Catalyst Now's 2025 Impact Report YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Rzp_zglLNI Catalyst Now's 2025 Impact Report: https://catalystnow.net/impact-report-2024-2025/ AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org

In this episode, we sit down with Shahd Alasaly, founder of Blue Meets Blue, to explore how fashion can drive both sustainability and social impact. From sourcing authentic Syrian brocade to providing dignified work for refugee women, Shahd is proving that business can be built on compassion and cultural preservation. We also discuss her book A Kids Book About Humanitarianism, her academic background in social psychology, and how these experiences shape her mission to inspire future generations. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a changemaker, or simply someone who believes in the power of purpose-driven business, this episode will leave you rethinking what it means to create impact. For more content, do visit: Shahd’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahd-a-0747b647 Blue Meets Blue: https://bluemeetsblue.com Get the Kids Book About Humanitarianism: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJCZ33N6?ref=KC_GS_GB_US AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org

In this episode, we sit down with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder of Globe Aware and Executive Director of the International Volunteer Programs Association. Kimberly shares her journey from corporate finance to leading a social enterprise that mobilises short-term volunteers in over 25 countries. We discuss the ethics of volunteering, how cultural immersion fosters empathy, and what sustainability truly entails in the context of global service. Kimberly’s journey is both inspiring and eye-opening. For more content, do visit: Kimberly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyglobeaware Globe Aware: https://globeaware.org AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org

In this episode, we’re talking to Rinaldo Brutoco who is a true pioneer in redefining the role of business in society. He is the Founding President of the World Business Academy, a think tank that has been championing the idea that business must be a force for good. For decades, he has been at the forefront of catalysing systemic change across climate, economics, energy, and conscious capitalism. This episode looks into the urgent intersection of profit, purpose, and planetary survival. So, if you’re interested in how business can lead in building a regenerative future, this episode is for you. For more content, do visit: Rinaldo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rinaldo-brutoco-b052a2 World Business Academy: https://worldbusiness.org Optimist Daily: https://worldbusiness.org/optimist H2 Clipper: https://www.h2clipper.com Catalyst Now: https://catalystnow.net/ AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org/

In this episode, Tom Bitting the Managing Director at Advantage Capital, explains how innovative funding models, tax credits, and risk management are transforming access to clean energy, creating jobs, and driving growth in communities in the United States. Whether you’re a developer, investor, or sustainability advocate, you’ll get practical insights into how finance can be a powerful tool for climate impact. For more content, do visit: Advantage Capital: https://www.advantagecap.com Tom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombitting Catalyst Now: https://catalystnow.net AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org

In today’s episode, we have Oscar Azofeifa, the CEO and Lead Engineer of PowerBox Technology. Oscar is on a mission to redefine energy security and sustainability for factories worldwide. With over a decade of experience developing energy systems for industrial facilities and the power grid, he’s now building modular, data-informed clean energy solutions that help manufacturers increase productivity and reduce waste. From collaborating with experts at NASA and Tesla Energy to growing his company within the University of Illinois innovation ecosystem, Oscar brings deep technical insight and a global vision to the clean tech space. Whether through energy monitoring, BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) consulting, or his PowerBlock platform, Oscar pushes the boundaries of how we think about power and builds a cleaner, more resilient future. For more content, do visit: PowerBox Technology’s Website: https://www.powerboxtech.com Invest in PowerBox: https://wefunder.com/powerbox.technology Catalyst Now: https://catalystnow.net AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my Email Oscar: oscar.azofeifa@powerboxtech.com Oscar's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscar-azofeifa Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org/

In this episode, we sit down with Neil Twa, CEO of Voltage Holdings and co-author of Almost-Automated Income with FBA. With over 17 years of experience in building e-commerce businesses and mentoring over 1,000 entrepreneurs, Neil shares how purpose-driven brands can thrive on Amazon FBA. We explore how sustainability and social impact can be integrated into the world of high-performance e-commerce, and why systems, scale, and mission don’t have to be at odds. Whether you're a new founder or scaling fast, Neil’s insights will help you build smarter with more impact. For more content, do visit: Voltage Digital’s Website: https://www.voltagedm.com/ Neil’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neiltwa/ Email Neil: neil@voltagedm.com High Voltage Business Builders Substack: https://voltagedm.substack.com/ Neil’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRD45Y2X?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_P7CSZZ2CWZW1FGKGQDFY_2 Free Copy: https://www.voltagedm.com/freebook Catalyst Now: https://catalystnow.net/ AstroX: https://www.angkasawan.org.my/ Email Dr Faiz: mfaiz@angkasawan.org.my Dr Faiz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gofaiz/ Creating positive change, one episode at a time. This show is sponsored by Faiz Space Foundation. https://faizspace.org/