Robots That Sign: Using AI to Make STEM Inclusive Across Africa with Maxwell Opondo

Beyond the Ladder: Authentic Leadership, Women’s Health & Work

What happens when you realise climbing the ladder is not the same as living in line with your values?In this episode of Making it Matter, I speak with Sabine Hutchison – CEO and co founder of Seuss+, founder of The Ripple Network, and author of Beyond the Ladder – about building meaningful, values led careers without becoming someone you do not recognise.We talk about:* Growing a career in corporate while staying kind, fair and grounded* Why traditional ladder shaped careers do not work for everyone* Authentic leadership, empathy and being told you are "too soft"* How women can build confidence, find mentors and own their stories* The role of women’s health in work, from menstrual cycles to menopause* Planning big meetings and key moments around your cycle where possible* Practical tools, workbooks and reflection practices that help you make a changeIf you are questioning your path, feeling pressure to perform in a way that does not feel like you, or wondering how to align work with your values and your body, this conversation is for you.🔗 Connect with Sabine Website: sabinehutchison.com Ripple Network: theripplenetwork.com Podcast: Be a Ripple🎧 Listen to more Making it Matter Conversations about purpose, work and building a life that actually feels like yours.

Beyond the Ladder: Authentic Leadership, Women’s Health & Work

What happens when you realise climbing the ladder is not the same as living in line with your values? In this episode of Making it Matter, I speak with Sabine Hutchison – CEO and co founder of Seuss+, founder of The Ripple Network, and author of Beyond the Ladder – about building meaningful, values led careers without becoming someone you do not recognise. We talk about: * Growing a career in corporate while staying kind, fair and grounded * Why traditional ladder shaped careers do not work for everyone * Authentic leadership, empathy and being told you are "too soft" * How women can build confidence, find mentors and own their stories * The role of women’s health in work, from menstrual cycles to menopause * Planning big meetings and key moments around your cycle where possible * Practical tools, workbooks and reflection practices that help you make a change If you are questioning your path, feeling pressure to perform in a way that does not feel like you, or wondering how to align work with your values and your body, this conversation is for you. 🔗 Connect with Sabine Website: sabinehutchison.com Ripple Network: theripplenetwork.com Podcast: Be a Ripple 🎧 Listen to more Making it MatterConversations about purpose, work and building a life that actually feels like yours.

Robots That Sign: How Maxwell O. Is Using AI to Make STEM Inclusive Across Africa

👉 Follow the show for more stories that make an impact. What happens when technology meets purpose? In this episode, Making it Matter host Megan Hunter speaks with Maxwell Opondo, the Kenyan innovator behind ZeroBionic, a social enterprise using AI-powered humanoid robots to make STEM education accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing students across Africa. At just 20-something, Maxwell has already built over 119 robotic arms using recycled plastic waste, reaching more than 7,900 differently-abled students in seven African countries. These robots translate speech into sign language in real time, transforming how teachers communicate complex science and technology concepts. Together, Megan and Maxwell explore: * How a simple idea grew into a movement for inclusive education * The power of AI, robotics, and sustainability to drive social impact * Overcoming resource barriers and scaling innovation across Africa * Why representation and accessibility in tech matter now more than ever Maxwell’s story is a reminder that innovation isn’t about having all the tools, it’s about having the determination to build what’s missing. 💡 About Maxwell Maxwell is the co-founder of ZeroBionic, a Kenyan-based enterprise using AI, robotics, and recycled materials to empower deaf and hard-of-hearing students through inclusive STEM learning tools. 🎙️ About Making it MatterHosted by Megan Hunter, Making it Matter shares stories of changemakers, founders, and leaders reimagining how we live, work, and create impact. From AI and fintech to education, inclusion, and women’s health, each episode dives deep into the stories behind purpose-driven innovation. #MakingItMatter #AI #Robotics #STEM #AfricaTech #Inclusion #Education #Accessibility #Innovation #SocialImpact

Robots That Sign: Using AI to Make STEM Inclusive Across Africa with Maxwell Opondo

👉 Don’t forget to: 👍 Like this video 📝 Comment your thoughts on inclusive tech and education 🔔 Subscribe for more purpose-driven conversations What happens when technology meets purpose? In this episode of Making it Matter, Megan Hunter speaks with Maxwell O., the young innovator behind ZeroBionic — a Kenyan startup using AI-powered humanoid robots to make STEM education accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing students across Africa. At just 20-something, Maxwell has built over 119 robotic arms using recycled plastic waste, reaching more than 7,900 differently-abled students in seven African countries. These robots translate speech into sign language in real time, helping teachers communicate complex STEM concepts and creating new opportunities for inclusive learning. From hacking together his first prototype at university to now piloting humanoid exoskeletons across Africa, Maxwell shares how curiosity, community, and conviction can turn one person’s idea into a continent-wide movement for inclusive education, accessibility, and AI innovation. 🎧 In this episode: 00:00 - Introduction 00:44 - How ZeroBionic began 04:33 - From curiosity to innovation 07:46 - Building the first robotic arm 09:54 - Facing fears around AI and job loss 11:21 - 119 robotic arms built from recycled waste 12:19 - Making STEM inclusive in schools 17:47 - How humanoid robots work 22:43 - Using AI and machine learning to teach sign language 25:34 - Scaling across Africa’s diverse sign languages 29:42 - Impact so far: 7,900 students reached 35:59 - What keeps Maxwell going 38:42 - Advice for innovators and changemakers 39:46 - Maxwell’s vision for Africa’s future in tech 41:22 - What “Making it Matter” means to Maxwell 🌍 About Maxwell Opondo Maxwell is the co-founder of ZeroBionic, a Kenya-based social enterprise using AI, robotics, and recycled materials to empower deaf and hard-of-hearing students through inclusive STEM education. ZeroBionic’s mission is to make learning accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or background, by merging human empathy with technological innovation. 🎙️ About Making it Matter Hosted by Megan Hunter, Making it Matter shares stories of changemakers, founders, and leaders reimagining how we live, work, and create impact. Each episode dives into purpose-driven innovation, from AI and fintech to education, inclusion, and women’s health. #MakingItMatter #AI #Robotics #AfricaTech #Inclusion #STEM #Education #Accessibility #Innovation #PurposeDriven

Breaking Women’s Health Myths & Why We Deserve Better with Elaine Galston

Elaine Galston, founder of Bettii, joins Megan Hunter to talk about the future of women’s health and femtech. From periods and menopause to reusable products and systemic gaps in research, Elaine shares her candid journey from corporate leadership to building a company that challenges myths and creates real solutions. If you care about women’s health, menstruation, menopause, femtech innovation, and purpose-led leadership, this episode is for you. Join Bettii's women's health event in Glasgow on 5th October 2025: bettiipresents.co.uk