Ripples of Radical Generosity

An Invitation Into the Work, the Field, and the Future We’re Growing

In this episode of Ripples of Radical Generosity, Vicki sits down with four Coralus community members who have recently (re)committed.Together, they explore what’s calling them forward, why this Reset matters, and how each of them is sensing into the world we’re building together.These are stories of purpose, alignment, courage — and the quiet inner knowing that says, I’m in.

A Conversation on Transformation, Grief, and Possibility

"It becomes this really fun conversation where the kids are learning and exploring alongside you. Because so many of us are still learning about these topics and unlearning every day.” In this episode, hear from Shelby Kretz, founder of Coralus Venture Little Justice Leaders. Shelby joins Coralus Development Guide Loren Walsh to discuss her journey to becoming an entrepreneur and how her company empowers the next generation of social justice leaders through monthly subscription box learning resources. They also discuss: Shelby's motivation to start Little Justice Leaders following the 2016 election The content creation process which involves input from parents, teachers, and content experts with lived experience in the topics covered The impact of her Venture so far, which includes empowering children to engage in conversations about social justice and seeing themselves represented in the curriculum Challenges and learnings include the importance of community, authenticity, and addressing teacher turnover and affordability Her journey in the Coralus community thus far What's next for Little Justice Leaders Connect with Shelby and Little Justice Leaders on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Coralus and join our community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

"Jim Crow would create, for the Black community, access to water issues so people could not easily and readily access pools and water spaces that were safe and clean. That resulted in families who didn't get that skill set to pass it to generations. And it then created this fear, which then led to drowning." In this episode, hear from Trish Miller, founder of Coralus Venture SwemKids. Trish joins Coralus Development Guide MJ Ryan to discuss how SwemKids teaches swimming skills and water safety programming to communities with high rates of drownings. Trish and her team address barriers to swimming, including access to pools, cost of lessons, and hair maintenance, through strategic location choices, scholarships, and product development. They also discuss: Trish's personal connection to swimming and how her background in public health led her to start SwemKids. SwemKids' marketing strategies, including vinyl billboards and direct mail marketing. Trish's experience in the Coralus community so far, including sessions with a venture CFO and connections with other Ventures. Trish's ask and a challenge for listeners. Connect with Trish Miller and SwemKids on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Coralus and join our community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

"People are very aware of our obligations around reducing our emissions. But chemical pollution is an equal priority. Climate change, biodiversity loss and chemical pollution are elevated to the same level in terms of a triple sanitary crisis." In this episode, hear from Kate Bromfield, founder of Coralus Venture HazEL. Kate joins Coralus Development Guide Loren Walsh to discuss HazEL's tools for chemical risk management, born out of Kate's experience working in chemical regulation in New Zealand and Australia since 2018. They also discuss: HazEL's role in prioritizing chemical risks, promoting transparency and reducing harm in the chemical supply chain. A case study involving a food manufacturing client Challenges in entrepreneurship include raising awareness about the importance of addressing chemical pollution Kate's experience in the Coralus community thus far. Connect with ⁠Kate Bromfield⁠ and ⁠HazEL⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Coralus and join our community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, hear from Stacey Mareroa-Roberts, founder of Coralus Venture Ignite Your Gift. Stacey joins Coralus Development Guide MJ Ryan to discuss Stacey’s journey so far, her background studying law and how it led to her founding Ignite Your Gift, and her company’s advisory, coaching, and mentoring practices grounded in Maori principles and values. Stacey begins the conversation with a karakia, expressing gratitude to the Creator and seeking blessings for everyone present. They also discuss: Holistic development, covering aspects like purpose, heart space, emotions, communication, and mental well-being Maori principles and language such as manaakitanga and aroha Stacey’s experience in the Coralus community so far How the application process prompted reflections on her business impact Connect with ⁠⁠Stacey and Ignite Your Gift⁠ on Instagram. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Coralus and join our community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, hear from Awhina Murupaenga, founder of Coralus Venture Whatu Creative. Awhina joins Coralus Development Guide MJ Ryan to discuss Awhina’s focus on sharing Maori storytelling and visual languages through traditional art, and her upbringing as part of the Kōhanga Reo movement of Māori immersion education style. They also discuss: Starting Whatu Creative in response to the needs of her people in the far north during COVID The excitement of her initial launch, selling out 200 craft kits within an hour An origin story involving Maori gods and the weaving technique Tukutuku How Whatu Creative aims to bring back lost symbolism and storytelling through traditional patterns Acknowledging the responsibility to pass on traditional knowledge Connect with ⁠Awhina and Whatu Creative on Instagram. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Coralus and join our community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

TW: This episode contains mentions of self-harm, violence, and bullying. In this episode, hear from Rachel Downie, founder of Coralus Venture Stymie. Rachel joins Coralus Activator Connie Henson to discuss Rachel's entrepreneurial journey, which stemmed from her background as an educator for 30 years. The tool that Rachel developed, Stymie, has grown into an anonymous online reporting tool — delivering over 100,000 notifications in the last year alone. They also discuss: The importance of courage in addressing issues like mental health and family violence The challenges and rewarding moments in transitioning from teaching to entrepreneurship Support from Coralus in providing support, mentorship, and a loving community Rachel's goal of spreading Stymie to every school around the world The importance of leaning into uncomfortable conversations to address harmful behaviours Connect with Rachel Downie and Stymie on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Coralus and join our community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, hear from Elisha Watson, founder of Coralus Venture Nisa, in a conversation with Development Guide MJ Ryan. Nisa was founded by Elisha in 2017, and up until July 2023, Nisa had provided employment to 29 women from refugee and migrant backgrounds. In December 2022, Elisha put Nisa up for sale and in June 2023, they announced they were closing. "In the final 5 weeks of business, it became really clear that Nisa's loyal customers valued the products that Nisa's staff made in their Wellington workshop.This response inspired Production Manager Pam Lowe to make a last-ditch effort to save Nisa; the jobs Nisa provides; and to keep making the clothing you love into the future.Together with other members of the Nisa team, a new plan emerged, and a hugely successful PledgeMe campaign launched. After funding their campaign goal in the first 24 hours, they ended the campaign with double the original goal. This made it possible for Nisa to re-start, re-stock and begin to create new employment opportunities to women from refugee and migrant backgrounds." They also discuss: Elisha's vision behind starting Nisa, which was to create job opportunities for people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. How Nisa grew and expanded its product range to include bras, socks, bathing suits, and activewear. Elisha's next steps and the pathway to selling the business. The community's overwhelming support, which led to allowing the business to continue operating. Nisa's new team members, including those from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Elisha's advice for entrepreneurs and learnings from her journey. Connect with Elisha Watson on LinkedIn, and learn more about Nisa on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Coralus and join our community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

"It's been a really interesting opportunity to dovetail 30 years of working in gender-based violence, to being now in a position to utilize technology in a way to create safer spaces." TW: This episode contains mentions of gender-based violence and sexual violence. In this episode, hear from Mary Lobson, founder of Coralus Venture REES. Mary joins Development Guide MJ Ryan to discuss REES’s trauma-informed, survivor-centered software as a service that gathers critical data to inform gender-based violence prevention. Since launching in September 2020, REES has evolved beyond campuses and is now partnering with the National Hockey League to create a centralized reporting system called the Respect Hockey Culture Center. They also discuss: How REES aims to reduce barriers to reporting and create a more inclusive and safe environment for anyone in the hockey ecosystem. The importance of timing, perseverance, and being open to unexpected opportunities in the entrepreneurship journey. Mary’s background in social services, and how her ability to follow her vision has contributed to REES’s success. Valuing the ability to work on her own terms and listening to feedback while balancing openness to new ideas. Connect with Mary Lobson and REES on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. ⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Coralus and join our community⁠⁠⁠⁠.

“We wanted to be able to create a sense of a peace of mind. That's one of the things I'm always talking to people about. When you're tired of being tired, you just want a peace of mind.” In this episode, hear from LaTesha McIntosh-Smith, founder of Coralus Venture A Peace of Mind Counseling Services. LaTesha joins Development Guide Loren Walsh to discuss her background as a licensed clinical social worker and her journey into entrepreneurship, A Peace of Mind's four-tiered approach: outpatient mental health clinical services, integrative wellness services, civic engagement, and educational department, and the company's civic engagement initiatives to give back to the community. They also discuss: Her company's emphasis on helping individuals find fulfilling careers rather than just jobs Challenges faced, including financial struggles, especially opening during the pandemic, and difficulty accessing financial assistance Her experience with the Coralus community thus far, especially connecting with other healthcare-related Ventures Plans for the future, including establishing a nonprofit arm Current programs, like Career Pathways to Success, aiming to support youth facing barriers in education and life Connect with ⁠LaTesha McIntosh-Smith⁠ and ⁠A Peace of Mind Counseling Services on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, and ⁠LinkedIn⁠. ⁠⁠Learn more about Coralus and join our community⁠⁠⁠.

"As a designer, those are the responsibilities that you need to take on board. We've got a world where we've only got finite resources. We can't just keep on making more and more and more, it's just costing the planet far too much." In this episode, hear from Liz Mitchell, founder of Coralus Venture The Wool Revolution. Liz joins Development Guide Loren Walsh to discuss her background as a fashion designer with over 25 years of experience, challenges with the wool supply chain in New Zealand, and the environmental impact of the fast fashion industry. They also discuss: Liz's connection with wool and its value, which led her to explore local wool production. Experimenting with different processes like hand-spun yarn, weaving, and needle felting to create textiles and products. The breakdown of supply chains during COVID which made local production more appealing. Liz's PledgeMe crowdfunding campaign. The circular economy aspect of wool, highlighting its sustainability, including creating living fleeces and biodegradable products. Connect with Liz Mitchell and The Wool Revolution on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. ⁠Learn more about Coralus and join our community⁠⁠.

"Wrapping paper is single use packaging. It's pretty single use packaging, but it is single use packaging. I want to keep that tradition. I love giving gifts. I love Christmas, I want all the trimmings. I just want to do it better." In this episode, hear from Emma Conyngham, founder of Coralus Venture Waste Free Celebrations. Emma joins Development Guide MJ Ryan to discuss how she started the business, the global problem of single-use packaging during holiday seasons, and employing refugees, informed by her time living and working in Afghanistan as an aid worker. They also discuss: The move next year to help one of her employees set up a business in Afghanistan Partnering with other Coralus Ventures to expand to 2 other holidays, including Matariki The recent Venture retreat and NZ Summit What's next for Waste Free Celebrations: including getting into gift wrap stations in malls and expanding to retail spaces. Connect with ⁠Emma Conyngham⁠ and Waste Free Celebrations on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠. ⁠Learn more about Coralus and join our community⁠.

"There's this idea of a sponge city. So trying to have the city actually absorb rainwater through things like tree canopies and permeable pavements. We know that climate change is changing our weather patterns. So how do we adjust to that?"In this episode, hear from Becky Shaw, CEO of Coralus Venture Stormflow Surfacing. Becky joins development guide Loren Walsh to discuss her journey with Stormflow Surfacing so far, the importance of permeable pavement in managing extreme weather events, and how Stormflow Surfacing helps to reduce flooding, protect water quality, and rethink how cities are built. They also discuss: Customer experiences which highlight the slip-resistant surface and the ability to prevent ice formation in winter. The company's research and development to improve its product and ensure long-term permeability. The company's latest grants to support research, launch a new website, and make improvements. Their experience as a Venture in the Coralus community so far. Connect with Becky Shaw and Stormflow Surfacing on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Learn more about Coralus and join our community.

In this episode, hear from Emily Bland of Coralus Venture SucSeed. Emily joins development guide MJ Ryan to discuss her journey to creating SucSeed (beginning with an MVP held together with duct tape!), lessons learned, and her company’s pivots along the way. They also discuss: Emily's personal growth and from her entrepreneurial journey A celebration of SucSeed paying off their venture loan, and getting support from the Coralus community What’s next for SucSeed, including telling the stories of real-life superheroes based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals Connect with Emily and SucSeed on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Learn more about joining our community at www.coralus.world.

"Be prepared to make a lot of mistakes. Make what may not have been the best choice in hindsight, and be okay with it and make a new choice from wherever we land." — Mayumi Young, CPA MOMS In this episode: Hear from Mayumi Young, founder of Coralus Venture CPA MOMS. Mayumi joins development guide Loren Walsh to discuss the “one way revolving door” that led her to start CPA MOMS, some of the big challenges and lessons she’s learned along the way, what’s next for CPA MOMS, and her experience in the Coralus community thus far. Take action with Mayumi and CPA Moms on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

“The advantage of our technology is that we can support and predict if a certain medication will work for the patient or not.” — Margaret Magdesian, Ananda Devices In this episode Hear from Margaret Magdesian, founder of Ananda Devices. Margaret joins Coralus Development Guide MJ Ryan to discuss her background as a biochemist and pharmacologist, the path that led her to start Ananda, and her invention, which makes testing medications neurological diseases possible by creating a model of the human nervous system on a chip. They also discuss Margaret's experience in the Coralus community and celebrate the repayment of her Venture loan. They also discuss: How this innovation reduces animal testing and delivers better medications to patients Getting her first contracts with cosmetics companies (L'Oreal) Experiences in Silicon Valley and fighting for a seat at the table Getting a contract with the FDA to become the gold standard for drug testing Her advice for people who are thinking of starting a business The challenges of disrupting structures that are very fixed Reflections from the Coralus PEI retreat this past June Take action with Margaret and Ananda Devices on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We invite you to join us as an Activator. Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the Ripples of Radical Generosity Podcast.

"Blood is precious and everyone needs it. We all understand the need to donate — why not think about that in terms of a device that can allow you to donate blood to yourself?" — Gillian Henker, Sisu Global Health In this episode Hear from Gillian Henker, President and Co-founder at Sisu Global Health. Gillian joins Venture Development Guide Loren Walsh to discuss Sisu's flagship medical device, Hemafuse, and its impact on healthcare systems including a recent deployment in Ukraine. They also touch on Gillian's background as an engineer and what led her to invent Hemafuse. They also discuss: How Hemafuse works as an auto transfusion device Sisu's journey so far including fundraising, partnerships, and some challenges faced Reaching global markets including in Sub Saharan Africa How Hemafuse addresses a lack of blood resources and can be used wherever there are surgeons and operating rooms What's next for Gillian and Sisu Global Take action and engage with Gillian and Sisu Global Health on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

"Every single time we're thinking about an innovation: a new flavour, packaging upgrades, or who we're hiring... we're thinking about it through the lens of impact and connecting with people in the community." — Sheena Russell, Made With Local In this episode Meet Sheena Russell, founder of Made With Local. Sheena joins Coralus Development Guide MJ Ryan to discuss her journey of starting Made With Local, beginning from a farmers market table, and their subsequent growth trajectory while keeping values-alignment at the forefront of everything the company does. The two also celebrate Made With Local's milestone of paying off their Coralus Venture loan! They also discuss: Building their own bakery in 2022 with support from the Coralus community Recently closing their fiscal year with $3m in revenue Challenges faced along the way Making the decision to stop fundraising Ensuring they are using business as a force for good and supporting positive buying decisions Take action and engage with Sheena Russell and Made With Local on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.