Money Meets Mission

With significant amounts of capital being directed towards impact investing, the locus of attention is on impact measurement and management (IMM).  Effective IMM is hampered by challenges such as the lack of a universal framework, inconsistent use of metrics, and impact washing.In this episode, Prof. Hao Liang,  Associate Professor of Finance at Singapore Management University will speak on the industry progress in standard-setting, establishing benchmarks and much more along with our host Teymoor Nabili.To learn more about AVPN, visit: https://avpn.asia/To connect with the AVPN Impact Investing team, please contact: madhura.badkilaya@avpn.asia

The impact investing landscape is experiencing unprecedented growth in both depth and sophistication, reflecting a dynamic evolution over the last couple of years. As the industry grows, impact investors find themselves at the intersection of profound challenges, regulatory shifts, and transformative global events. In this inaugural episode, we explore the nuanced journey of impact investing in Asia with Mr. Wai Chiew Chik, CEO of Heritas Capital Management along with our Podcast host Teymoor Nabili, a veteran journalist.To learn more about AVPN, visit: https://avpn.asia/To connect with the AVPN Impact Investing team, please contact: madhura.badkilaya@avpn.asia

In an era of information abundance, organisations have immense data which could be used to inform or drive various impact initiatives. However, figuring out how to utilise data for impact is challenging. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, despite contentions on the role they play, have already allowed the processing of data in impressive speeds that continuously help professionals generate actionable insights.Impact Intelligence, an organisation that leverages AI to help business achieve ambitious goals, speaks about using data to amplify one's impact and exploring ways in which the technology can be useful. Its Co-founder Niko Moesgaard and Program Manager Guliz Koldas highlight the importance of starting with information you already have and share use cases from their work where they help organisations achieve their impact goals.Key Moments:5:39 - Various ways in which data can be used for impact8:27 - Case studies12:48 - Taking the first step towards leveraging data for impact15:35 - The AVPN member monitor19:06 - Importance of sharing data and working together20:35 - Humans + AI24:05 - Recommended reading: All-in On AI by Thomas Davenport and Nitin MittalLearn more about the work of Impact Intelligence through their website and by going through their case studies.The Corporate Social Impact Insights series of the Money Meets Mission podcast is part of the AVPN Academy Corporate Social Impact Centre,  which was established in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, Miller Trust and Visa. The center also includes self-paced modules, a library of content, and Learning Circles, which are a monthly series of small group discussions for corporate practitioners. To learn more, visit the AVPN Academy Corporate Social Impact Centre. 

The surge in the popularity and utility of artificial intelligence (AI) presents several opportunities for the philanthropic sector - both in leveraging the technology to improve ways of working, as well as playing a key role in supporting the safe development of AI.Chris Malone, Partner at Dalberg, speaks about how philanthropy can use AI by sharing eight areas where philanthropists might use AI to transform their work, and conversely, how AI can use philanthropy by encouraging funding to go into AI research.Key Moments:2:00 - Setting the bookends: risks and opportunities in AI12:30 - 8 Areas where philanthropy might engage with AI20:00 - Working with grantee organizations - how could grantee organizations benefit from AI?24:40 - Philanthropies as centers of excellence26:50 - How AI could use philanthropy34:40 - Existential risk in AI and why we need all kinds of philanthropists funding research into all kinds of risks and possibilities in AI39:10 - How corporates could think about corporate social impact as a sandbox for innovation, such as in AI. 43:45 - Recommended reading from Chris: AI 2041 by Kai-Fu Lee an Chen QiufanThe Corporate Social Impact Insights series of the Money Meets Mission podcast is part of the AVPN Academy Corporate Social Impact Centre,  which was established in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, Miller Trust and Visa. The center also includes self-paced modules, a library of content, and Learning Circles, which are a monthly series of small group discussions for corporate practitioners. To learn more, visit the AVPN Academy Corporate Social Impact Centre. 

While corporate organisations recognize the importance of sustainability, the risks of innovation slow down the pace at which businesses make their sustainability transition. How can we de-risk innovation so that corporate organizations are empowered to take the lead in sustainability?Joyce Wong, Grant Manager at Porticus, shares key levers that can drive corporate innovation for sustainability and gaps that hinder innovation. Key Moments:2:33 - Introduction to Joyce and Porticus4:14 - Holding businesses accountable through the Purposeful Business programme8:50 - Working towards the programme goals through better policy and regulation, data and resources, and multi-stakeholder engagement9:24 - Localising a global programme12:26 - Identifying opportunities and challenges in sustainabilityThe Corporate Social Impact Insights series of the Money Meets Mission podcast is part of the AVPN Academy Corporate Social Impact Centre,  which was established in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, Miller Trust and Visa. The center also includes self-paced modules, a library of content, and Learning Circles, which are a monthly series of small group discussions for corporate practitioners. To learn more, visit the AVPN Academy Corporate Social Impact Centre. 

Corporate Social Impact (CSI) is often seen as a cost centre in a business. In this episode, learn why a perspective shift is needed to consider it more as a strategy and innovation partner.Dr. CJ Meadows, of the SP Jain Global School of Management and The Tiger Center, share four key approaches that can be used to improve a business, develop new initiatives, and create impactful and innovative solutions.Key Moments:2:03 - Introduction to Dr. CJ Meadows and her work3:09 - Unpacking the bold claim that Corporate Social Impact is more than a cost centre5:01 - Understanding disruption10:30 - Applying design thinking approaches in development work18:42 - How greening can lead to financial savings (Related reading: How to Cool Down a City)23:30 - The Golden Triangle and its origin29:58 - Bringing it all togetherKeep in touch and learn more about Dr. CJ Meadows' work through herLinkedIn,  website, The Innovation & Entrepreneurship Centre, and the Tiger Center.The Corporate Social Impact Insights series of the Money Meets Mission podcast is part of the AVPN Academy Corporate Social Impact Centre,  which was established in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, Miller Trust and Visa. The center also includes self-paced modules, a library of content, and Learning Circles, which are a monthly series of small group discussions for corporate practitioners. To learn more, visit the AVPN Academy Corporate Social Impact Centre. 

Recognising that the youth play a key role in society as present and future leaders, decision-makers and contributors, corporate organisations are presented with a unique opportunity to engage with them and harness their potential to create impact.In 2021, AVPN established the Asian Youth for Impact (ayPact), a platform focused on equipping the next generation of Asian youth with the capital and resources they need to drive impactful change. Debrah Jiang (Senior Manager) and Amanda Kee (Grant and Programme Manager) from our Capital Mobilisation team lead our work on youth engagement, and share how corporates can take on a more meaningful role in empowering the young people of today.Key Moments:1:51 - Introduction to Amanda, Debrah, and their work at AVPN's Capital Mobilisation3:04 - How ayPact harnesses youth potential4:20 - Examples of corporate youth engagement programmes6:24 - Dimensions of youth engagement (depth, duration, amount of knowledge transfer)8:29 - Pathways corporates can embark on16:28 - Success metrics18:30 - Beginning your youth engagement journeyThe Corporate Social Impact Insights series of the Money Meets Mission podcast is part of the AVPN Academy Corporate Social Impact Centre,  which was established in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, Miller Trust and Visa. The center also includes self-paced modules, a library of content, and Learning Circles, which are a monthly series of small group discussions for corporate practitioners. To learn more, visit the AVPN Academy Corporate Social Impact Centre.

Much of the success of Corporate Social Impact (CSI) initiatives is founded on a deep level of trust between and among diverse stakeholders. Establishing a genuine connection with the people one works with not only allows for a more harmonious professional relationship, but also paves the way for amplified and more meaningful impact.Roberta Feliciano, Managing Director of ABS-CBN Foundation, talks about how they prioritise being purposeful in developing relationships with their funders, employees, partners, and corporate business, how she recognises that there is no shortcut to the process, and their empowering philosophy of change with the communities they work with. Key Moments:2:23 - Introduction to Roberta and her work at ABS-CBN Foundation3:47 - The uniqueness of ABS-CBN Foundation5:17 - Alignment between ABS-CBN Foundation and ABS-CBN Corporation6:51 - The role of trust in their relationships with various stakeholders12:02 - Approach to building trustThe Corporate Social Impact Insights series of the Money Meets Mission podcast is part of the AVPN Academy Corporate Social Impact Centre,  which was established in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, Miller Trust and Visa. The center also includes self-paced modules, a library of content, and Learning Circles, which are a monthly series of small group discussions for corporate practitioners. To learn more, visit https://academy.avpn.asia/module-centre/corporate-social-impact-centre/

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting has often been seen as a compliance burden for business. Yet, it is now becoming increasingly important as a way in which businesses are evaluated by investors, employees and customers. What are the current ESG trends and what do they mean for businesses? And how can Corporate Social Impact (CSI) practitioners amplify their contribution in their organizations by proactively responding to ESG requirements?Komal Sahu, Chief of Sustainable Finance at AVPN, breaks down the deeper implication of ESG trends for corporate organizations and their social impact arms, highlights the opportunity for CSI practitioners to scale their impact within and outside their business, and shares why companies cannot afford to ignore ESG as impact becomes crucial to how businesses are perceived. Key Moments:2:19 - Introduction to Komal's work3:35 - How ESG trends are impacting businesses5:30 - Breaking down the E, S, and G9:16 - The risks of not being proactive in responding to ESG trends11:53 - The Anti-ESG wave and what it means for businesses15:05 - The business case for ESG16:25 - The role of CSI and CSI practitionersThe Corporate Social Impact Insights series of the Money Meets Mission podcast is part of the AVPN Academy Corporate Social Impact Centre,  which was established in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, Miller Trust and Visa. The center also includes self-paced modules, a library of content, and Learning Circles, which are a monthly series of small group discussions for corporate practitioners. To learn more, visit https://academy.avpn.asia/module-centre/corporate-social-impact-centre/

There is often a disconnect between the corporate and social sectors because the two have different ways of defining success, setting timelines, and measuring ROI. How can these tensions be addressed and be converted into opportunities to create more meaningful results?Rama Iyer, Director General of the WPP India Foundation, speaks about how the corporate and social sectors are interoperable, and how scaling CSI internally can be made possible by harnessing the power of the organization. Key Moments:2:25 - An Introduction to WPP Foundation4:02 - Defining success metrics 9:57 - Integrating the social sector perspective in the core business14:15 - Scaling internally and creating interest 19:36 - Having social conversations at the top level22:00 - Talking about the work you do and celebrating wins25:27 - Intervening where you can have maximum impact27:49 - Understanding the experiments and failures budget31:00 - Learning from the experiences of Rama and WPP India FoundationThe Corporate Social Impact Insights series of the Money Meets Mission podcast is part of the AVPN Academy Corporate Social Impact Centre,  which was established in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, Miller Trust and Visa. The center also includes self-paced modules, a library of content, and Learning Circles, which are a monthly series of small group discussions for corporate practitioners. To learn more, visit https://academy.avpn.asia/module-centre/corporate-social-impact-centre/

To ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of corporate social impact (CSI), it is important to align impact initiatives with the business objectives of the organisation. Alignment between the two shows the clear value of CSI for the core business, and allows impact initiatives to be supported by the organisation in times of abundance and scarcity. Gillian Pearl, Chief Executive Officer of Pearl Consulting, shares about the benefits of alignment between impact and business results, the importance of taking a pause and seeking expert help, and how CSI practitioners can make the most of the corporate's existing resources.Key Moments:02:15 - An introduction to Pearl Consulting03:30 - Importance of alignment 05:19 - How to know if your social impact and business objectives are aligned10:35 - How clarity contributes to easier conversations and stronger relationships with internal and external partners13:46 - Embedding ESG targets into KPIs and job descriptions16:37 - Understanding ESG risks and opportunities19:35 - Taking a moment to pause23:01 - Seeking help and support27:28 - Gillian's advice to corporate practitioners about collaborationThe Corporate Social Impact Insights series of the Money Meets Mission podcast is part of the AVPN Academy Corporate Social Impact Centre,  which was established in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, Miller Trust and Visa. The center also includes self-paced modules, a library of content, and Learning Circles, which are a monthly series of small group discussions for corporate practitioners. To learn more, visit https://academy.avpn.asia/module-centre/corporate-social-impact-centre/

With the many considerations and challenges in grants management, it’s easy for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) practices to take the backseat, and for structural biases to go unnoticed. Corporate Social Impact (CSI) professionals are often tasked with the responsibility of putting equity at the center of grant-making, either in formulating a grant-making approach that directly tackles systemic imbalances, or in embedding EDI principles into existing grant-making practices.In this episode, we talk to Meenu Bhambhani, Vice President, Head of Corporate Citizenship and Inclusion and Diversity, APAC, at State Street about how practitioners can do this in a cultural landscape as complex and diverse as Asia’s.Key Moments:01:45 - An Introduction to State Street and Meenu’s role at State Street Foundation02:54 - State Street’s Grant-making, from Massachusetts to Asia Pacific10:54 - How to get started in equity in grant-making without complete knowledge14:02 - The two levels of equity in grant-making15:50 - Meenu’s advice for corporate practitioners looking to get started with equity in grant-makingThe Corporate Social Impact Insights series of the Money Meets Mission podcast is part of the AVPN Academy Corporate Social Impact Centre,  which was established in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, Miller Trust and Visa. The center also includes self-paced modules, a library of content, and Learning Circles, which are a monthly series of small group discussions for corporate practitioners. To learn more, visit https://academy.avpn.asia/module-centre/corporate-social-impact-centre/

Welcome to the Corporate Social Impact Insights Podcast, where we speak with experts and leaders in the social impact space to understand their experiences and gain from their insights on how to do Corporate Social Impact effectively.Hosted by Siddharth Chatterjee of the AVPN Academy, this monthly podcast is part of the Corporate Social Impact Centre which was established in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, Miller Trust, and Visa. The center also includes self-paced modules, a library of content, and Learning Circles, which are a monthly series of small group discussions for corporate practitioners. To learn more, visit https://academy.avpn.asia/module-centre/corporate-social-impact-centre/

In the third episode of our podcast series Money Meets Mission, we discuss the topic of Impact Investing - a term that is becoming extremely familiar on th Asian finance & Sustainability landscapes as more private money is being diverted towards projects that contain within them some degree of Impact. Join our guests Mari Kogiso and Wonyoung Kim as they discuss with interviewer Teymoor Nabili - What does Impact Investing mean?What does it involve?What are its aims? and how can we tell whether it’s working?

In the second episode of our podcast series Money Meets Mission, we discuss the topic of Youth Unemployment and the challenges of creating sustainable livelihood pathways for young people across Asia’s developing countries. Join our guests  Abha Thorat Shah and Veronica Colondam as they discuss with our host Teymoor Nabili - Why are existing solutions not translating into employability? In the face of critical unemployment during the pandemic, how can we create sustainable livelihood pathways for youth communities?

In the first episode of the new and improved Money Meets Mission, we discuss the topic of Climate Finance and listen to Industry experts - Mr. Alan Hsu, Managing Director and Global Industry Analyst, Wellington Management and Dr. Philip B. Duffy, President, Executive Director at the Woodwell Climate Research Centre. As they discuss along with our Podcast moderator Teymoor Nabili, Founder and CEO at techforimpact.asia the current climate threats in Asia, decisions being taken and their effectiveness.

In recent years, Asia has seen one of the highest growth rates of high-net worth individuals in the world, with its billionaire population expected to make up one-third of the world’s total by 2023. The region is also seeing second-generation wealth-holders starting to take over fast. This shift in wealth has, in turn, led to a growth and formalisation of philanthropy and family offices in Asia-Pacific. How can this emerging generation of the world’s richest pivot to maximise social impact and move the needle for humanity? How can they translate passion and values into action by integrating impact into their legacy? In the next hour, hear from Tony Yeung and Hui Hsing Ma on how families from Hong Kong-based Peterson Holdings Company Limited and Singapore-based Blue7 reviewed their investment approaches, and how you can also embark on a worthwhile impact investing journey.

We often hear about the importance of collaboration. We know what it means and how to do it. But, collaboration doesn’t come easily to us. In fact, it has taken a global pandemic to jolt us out of our individualistic bubble, and pivot the world towards a new paradigm and way of thinking. In this episode, Matthew Bishop, author of the best selling book, Philanthrocapitalism, will be speaking with key practitioners who have been leveraging powerful partnerships to create systems change. Tim Hanstad, CEO of Chandler Foundation, Vishnu Swaminathan, Vice President of Ashoka, Debbie Aung Din, Co-Founder of Proximity Designs, and Neelam Chhiber, Co-Founder of Industree Crafts Foundation are an inspiring group of leaders building a more sustainable tomorrow for this region we call home.

NGOs, social enterprises, philanthropists, and businesses are fast realising that socio-environmental problems need to be tackled at their root, and not just at the symptomatic level. Yet, how do we ensure what we are doing is right? How much of what we do brings about enduring transformation or a systems change? Some of the most successful changemakers are here today to share their lessons and advice on how to be a catalyst for systemic change. Moderated by Tim Hanstad, CEO of Chandler Foundation, this episode will hear from Iqbal Dhaliwal, Global Executive Director of J-Pal, Neera Nundy, Partner and Co-Founder of Dasra, James Chen, Chairman of The Chen Yet-Sen Family Foundation, and Rukmini Banerji, CEO of Pratham Education Foundation.

The climate crisis is no longer a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when’. Yet, so little has been done to tackle this. One of the biggest barriers for the private sector to undertake climate action is the vast opaqueness of the landscape. There is a lack of conversation, exploration, and understanding of how to support, fund and scale high-impact climate solutions. Moderated by Yossef Zahar, Climate Finance Advisor at the Stockholm Environment Institute, today’s discussion will unpack how climate financing can be a catalyst to turn a weakening economy around and what it takes for investors and businesses to commit to climate action. Leading practitioners, including Pushkala Lakshmi Ratan, the Asia Climate Finance Lead at the International Finance Corporation, Peiyuan Guo, Chairman of Syntao Green Finance, and Maud Savary Mornet, former Asia-Pacific Director at ResponsAbility, will bring in their perspectives from various sectors.