The Social Change Career Podcast

E4 S15: Stories That Shape Change – Freelancing in Global Development

Ever wondered what it looks like to blend storytelling, journalism, and global development into a dynamic career? This episode of the Social Change Career Podcast features Emma Smith, a freelance journalist whose bylines include Devex [https://www.devex.com/], The New Humanitarian [https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/], and The Guardian [https://www.theguardian.com/international], interviewed by host Craig Zelizer. Emma shares her journey from Scottish classroom inspiration, through navigating Masters programs, to forging a unique path at the intersection of communications and impact. Why You Should Listen: * Behind the Scenes of Global Development Journalism: Learn what it's really like to pitch stories, build a career in freelance journalism, and navigate both editorial independence and communications roles within major NGOs and UNESCO [https://www.unesco.org/en] agencies. * Career Detours & Bridges: Discover how studying journalism and working for child rights organizations shaped Emma's transition to international reporting, even when the path wasn't always clear. * Finding Your Niche: Hear Emma compare the distinctions—and overlaps—between journalism, communications, and PR, plus actionable advice to help you choose the training and sector that fits your goals. * Work-Life Realities in Freelance Media: Get honest reflections about the pressures, portfolio-building, and practicalities of freelancing: from writer's block to making rent, Emma shares hands-on strategies for resilience and creativity. * The Power and Purpose of Storytelling: Explore Emma's thoughts on balancing advocacy, critique, and hope in reporting; learn how stories can make an impact, start conversations, and keep vital global issues in the spotlight. Resources & Further Reading: * Devex [https://www.devex.com/] – Leading platform for global development news and jobs * The New Humanitarian [https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/] – In-depth humanitarian news and analysis * The Guardian – Global Development [https://www.theguardian.com/global-development] * UNESCO [https://www.unesco.org/en] – Emma's communications work reference * Journal Portfolio [https://emmasmithbcn.journoportfolio.com/] – Platform Emma uses for her writing portfolio * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacsmith1/] – Emma's preferred professional platform and a source for journalism opportunities * Pulitzer Center [https://pulitzercenter.org/] – Grants, fellowships, and reporting support * Rory Peck Trust [https://rorypecktrust.org/] – Resources and support for freelance journalists * Solutions Journalism Network [https://www.solutionsjournalism.org/] * Crisis Reporting Pulitzer Center [https://pulitzercenter.org/crises] * Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism [https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/] * International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) [https://www.icfj.org/] * Rest of World [https://restofworld.org/] – Focuses on global technology reporting, with strong support for local journalists * Global Press Institute [https://globalpress.co/] (Closing, but see their [https://globalpress.co/our-mission/] Language and Style Guide [https://globalpress.style/]) * National Geographic [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/] – Inspiration for storytelling and visuals * Guardian Magazine [https://www.theguardian.com/news/series/the-long-read] – Long-form global development features * Recommended platforms for finding journalism grants and calls for pitches: Journalism.co.uk [https://www.journalism.co.uk/], Journo Resources [https://www.journoresources.org.uk/] Bio: Emma Smith [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacsmith1/] (she/her) brings years of experience in communications, journalism, and development to her work. Originally from Scotland and now based in Barcelona, she has held roles from child rights NGO volunteer to UN communications lead and currently works as a freelance journalist covering global development's most pressing themes. Her storytelling bridges policy, human rights, migration, health, and more—always seeking to highlight the complexities and realities of change. PCDN.global News Check out the 200 + other episodes of our Award-Winning Social Change Career Podcast [http://pcdn.global/listen], featuring innovators, sector leaders, and changemakers from over 30 countries. Become a member of the PCDN Career Campus [https://pcdn.global/launching-pcdn-career-campus/] for daily access to curated job opportunities, community networking, expert-led workshops, and weekly office hours—the go-to space for impact careers. Listen, learn, and accelerate your career for social change

E3 S15 Construyendo carreras de impacto regenerativo desde el territorio

En este episodio especial, Craig Zelizer conversa con Johana Hoyos, líder, docente e investigadora colombiana, sobre su inspiradora trayectoria en el desarrollo de proyectos de sostenibilidad, equidad e innovación social en algunos de los territorios más vulnerables del Sur Global. Johana comparte cómo su sensibilidad se ha convertido en su superpoder, permitiéndole conectar profundamente con las comunidades y catalizar cambios con un enfoque de triple impacto: social, ambiental y económico. Por qué deberías escuchar & lo que exploramos: * Tras las huellas de una carrera de impacto en Colombia: Descubre el recorrido profesional de Johana Hoyos [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johana-hoyos-b7840a41/], desde sus estudios en ingeniería de diseño de producto hasta liderar iniciativas de regeneración territorial y trabajar con comunidades rurales en contextos de pobreza, conflicto armado y crisis climática. * Proyectos de triple impacto y colaboración comunitaria: Aprende sobre el proyecto Efecto Cacao [https://efectocacao.fundacionluker.org.co/], un ejemplo de intervención integral que combina el empoderamiento de mujeres, el desarrollo local y la sostenibilidad ambiental, mostrando cómo alianzas estratégicas pueden transformar la calidad de vida y generar soluciones adaptadas a las realidades del territorio. * Navegando retos, regeneración y nuevas economías: Profundiza en los desafíos de trabajar en contextos complejos, el papel de la empatía y el trabajo interdisciplinario, y cómo la verdadera innovación social involucra volver al conocimiento ancestral y fortalecer redes locales de apoyo, colaboración y cuidado. Recursos recomendados y enlaces clave: * LinkedIn de Johana Hoyos [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johana-hoyos-b7840a41/] * LinkedIn de Reversible Life [https://www.linkedin.com/company/reversiblelife/] * Comunidad global de PCDN [https://pcdnetwork.org/] * Living Building Challenge [https://living-future.org/lbc/] * Minciencias (antes Colciencias) [https://minciencias.gov.co/] * Efecto Cacao [https://efectocacao.fundacionluker.org.co/] * Regenera Community [https://reversible.life/regenera-community/] Este episodio es una invitación a reflexionar sobre el rol del desarrollo internacional desde adentro, el valor de la sensibilidad y la colaboración en los proyectos sociales y ambientales, y cómo podemos cocrear un futuro más justo y regenerativo a partir del territorio.

E2 S15 Scaling Change: Careers in Impact & Inclusion Across Emerging Markets

Episode 2 of Season 15 dives into the fast-evolving world of social impact careers in emerging markets with Ann-Elise Francis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-elise-francis/]—venture builder, impact investor, and innovator at Rippleworks. Hosted by Craig Zelizer, this conversation tracks Ann-Elise's unique career journey from global studies and teaching in Bangkok to hands-on work scaling ventures across Africa and Latin America. Listen for practical insights on growing inclusive businesses, advancing financial inclusion, supporting women entrepreneurs, and navigating the realities of impact-driven work across complex environments. Why Take a Listen: * Scaling Impact Ventures in Challenging Markets: Follow Ann-Elise's trajectory from education to driving growth at Turaco, AZA Finance, and other ventures. See how she expanded micro-insurance and financial services for low-income communities and SMEs across Africa and Latin America. * Funding & Inclusion—The Field Perspective: Candid discussion on the realities of startup funding, impact investing, and the hurdles women founders encounter in African markets. Ann-Elise shares her observations from angel investing and advice for those evaluating impact opportunities. * Ecosystem Building for Sustainable Change: Concrete approaches for tackling operational challenges, building partnerships, and determining when external investment makes sense. Ann-Elise covers what locally led innovation demands for scale—and how capacity building fits in. * Insider View on Rippleworks: Get a look into how Rippleworks works with ventures at critical growth moments, offering operational support and funding across sectors and geographies. Resource Section & Links Some key resource mentioned in the episode * Rippleworks Foundation [https://www.rippleworks.org/] – Support for scaling social impact ventures, operational expertise, funding opportunities, and curated jobs. * Women Who Build Africa [https://www.womenwhobuild.africa/] – Network, events, and connections for women founders and tech entrepreneurs across Africa. * Nairobi Business Angel Network (NaiBAN) [https://www.naiban.org/] – Angel investing group focused on African startups. * Astia Angels [https://astiangels.co/] – Investor community supporting women-led companies. * Devex [https://www.devex.com/] – Global development news and resources. * TechCabal [https://techcabal.com/] – Insights and reporting on Africa's tech sector. Bio Ann-Elise [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-elise-francis/] is an impact-driven leader, venture builder, and investor passionate about advancing financial inclusion and economic empowerment. With over a decade of experience scaling ventures and high-impact initiatives across Africa and Latin America, she specializes in operational strategy, market expansion, and investment readiness, helping ventures thrive in complex, emerging markets. She has led growth, partnerships, and operations across financial services, health, and climate resilience, with a proven track record of securing multi-million-dollar investments and structuring high-value collaborations that drive sustainable impact. Currently, Ann-Elise serves as Portfolio Sourcing Manager at Rippleworks Foundation [https://www.rippleworks.org/our-team/], where she identifies and supports social ventures globally poised for scale. Previously, she was Head of Growth at Turaco [https://www.turaco.insure/], expanding inclusive insurance to over 1 million low-income customers. She also co-founded LendHer Capital, an impact fund supporting African women entrepreneurs. [https://turaco.breezy.hr/] A 2023 Acumen Fund Fellow [https://acumenacademy.org/fellowship/], she has also held key roles at AZA Finance [https://www.azafinance.com/], KadAfrica [https://www.kadafrica.org/], SHONA [https://www.shona.co/], and Bpeace [https://www.bpeace.org/], driving SME growth and building high-impact ecosystems through strategic capital and partnerships. 🎧 Take a listen Check out almost 200 episodes of the Social Change Career Podcast for more stories from global changemakers: https://pcdn.global/listen [https://pcdn.global/listen] 💡 Ready to go further? Join the PCDN Career Campus for job opportunities, community, sector-expert workshops, and exclusive learning—all for about the cost of a cup of coffee: https://pcdnglobal.beehiiv.com/c/career-campus [https://pcdnglobal.beehiiv.com/c/career-campus] More PCDN Resources * 📬 Subscribe to the PCDN Career Digest Curated global jobs, funding, and resources for social impact careers https://pcdn.global/subscribe [https://pcdn.global/subscribe] * 🎙️ Listen to More Episodes Conversations with over 180 changemakers in 30+ countries https://pcdn.global/listen [https://pcdn.global/listen] * 🤖 Subscribe to the AI for Impact Newsletter Tools, jobs, and insights at the intersection of AI and social good https://impactai.beehiiv.com [https://impactai.beehiiv.com/]

E1 S15 A Practical Guide to Growing Your Career in Sustainability

Episode 1 of Season 15 features a conversation with Kajsa Hendrickson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kajsa-hendrickson/], innovation and sustainability expert, partnership architect for People and Planet, and a dynamic bridge builder working across government, academia, nonprofits, and the private sector. Host Craig Zelizer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/czelizer/] explores Kajsa's inspiring journey from international conflict studies to sustainability leadership, sharing honest advice and actionable steps for anyone interested in building a meaningful, resilient career in sustainability and social impact. Why Take a Listen & What You'll Discover: * Kajsa's Global Career Rooted in Impact and Adaptability: Discover how Kajsa's time abroad—including living through political upheaval in Thailand—ignited her passion for the edges where peace, conflict, and environmental sustainability intersect. Kajsa reflects on her academic background (BA in Global Politics, Washington State University; MA in Peace and Justice, Kroc School at University of San Diego), her decade of diverse experience, and why adaptability and proactive learning are career essentials. * Grad School, Skills, and Navigating Sector Transitions: Kajsa gives real-world guidance on deciding whether graduate school is right for you—how to evaluate programs, leverage alumni networks, and combine academic experience with project management, stakeholder engagement, and fundraising chops. She shares highlights from roles with the Tennessee Valley Authority, Southern Company, Schneider Electric, and the Center for Sustainable Energy, plus advice for those navigating sector transitions. * Sustainability Jobs, AI Disruption & Staying Sane: Get an inside look at the future of sustainability jobs, the disruptive influence of AI, and why skills like project management and stakeholder relations matter more than ever. Kajsa offers strategies for building resilience and sustaining hope while working for social and environmental justice—even amidst daunting challenges. Ready for real insights from a working sustainability leader? Check out resources mentioned in the show such as PCDN.Global [http://pcdn.global]sustainability podcasts like Volts [https://www.volts.wtf/] and Bloomberg Green, and Kajsa's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kajsa-hendrickson/] for career tips. Don't forget to explore over 200 episodes of Social Change Career Podcast [http://pcdn.global/listen] for even more honest conversations with impact innovators from around the world—and subscribe and rate the show [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-change-career-podcast/id1372191800] to help us reach more changemakers! Take a listen Check out almost 200 episodes of the Social Change Career Podcast for more stories from global changemakers: https://pcdn.global/listen [https://pcdn.global/listen] 💡 Ready to go further? Join the PCDN Career Campus for job opportunities, community, sector-expert workshops, and exclusive learning—all for about the cost of a cup of coffee: https://pcdnglobal.beehiiv.com/c/career-campus [https://pcdnglobal.beehiiv.com/c/career-campus] More PCDN Resources * 📬 Subscribe to the PCDN Career Digest Curated global jobs, funding, and resources for social impact careers https://pcdn.global/subscribe [https://pcdn.global/subscribe] * 🤖 Subscribe to the AI for Impact Newsletter Tools, jobs, and insights at the intersection of AI and social good https://impactai.beehiiv.com [https://impactai.beehiiv.com/]

E13 S14 How to Shape Systems for Good: Lessons from a Global Impact Career with Marcela Ochoa Bernal

Why take a listen? If you're serious about building a high-impact career at the intersection of public-private partnerships, diplomacy, and sustainable development—or just curious about what it takes to make real change happen—this episode is for you. Dr. Craig Zelizer sits down with Marcela Ochoa Bernal [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marce8ab/], a global leader with deep experience in shaping policy, building international partnerships, and delivering impact that lasts. From playing "bankers" as a child in Colombia to influencing sustainable development strategies across borders, Marcela's story is both inspiring and practical for anyone considering their next steps in social impact. What you'll learn Systems Change in Action How Marcela has worked across government, NGOs, and the private sector to shape systems for good—leading programs that drive impact at both local and international levels. Funding Demystified Her insider's perspective on how development funding really works, from Geneva boardrooms to grassroots communities, and what it takes to make resources deliver results for people. Sustainable Impact & Real Challenges Candid reflections on keeping projects alive beyond funding cycles—and why resilience, education, and mindset are as important as money. Global Career Insights From Universidad Externado de Colombia [https://www.uexternado.edu.co/] to Seoul National University [https://en.snu.ac.kr/], Marcela's career path offers lessons in building bilateral and multilateral partnerships, winning competitive fellowships, and navigating international education. Building a Resilient Career (and Staying Sane) Marcela shares how she sustains hope and energy by staying connected to community, purpose, and the power of networks. About Marcela Ochoa Bernal Marcela Ochoa Bernal [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marce8ab/] is a Colombian leader in diplomacy, development, and systems change. With a career spanning government service, nonprofit leadership, and multilateral cooperation, she has focused on designing and implementing programs that connect policy with people. She studied law at Universidad Externado de Colombia [https://www.uexternado.edu.co/] and completed graduate studies at Seoul National University [https://en.snu.ac.kr/], supported by prestigious international fellowships. Her work has included leadership roles with the British Embassy in Colombia [https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-bogota], engagement with bilateral and multilateral partners, and advising on sustainable development, education, and inclusive growth. Marcela has also collaborated with initiatives such as Corporación Antioquia Presente [https://antioquiapresente.org.co/], ProAntioquia [https://proantioquia.org.co/], and has contributed to global policy through the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) [https://www.oecd.org/dac/]. Her approach combines rigorous policy knowledge with grassroots understanding, making her a bridge-builder across systems and cultures. Resources & Links Mentioned * Marcela Ochoa Bernal on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marce8ab/] * PCDN.global [https://pcdn.global/] * Social Change Career Podcast — Nearly 200 Episodes [https://pcdn.global/listen] * British Embassy in Colombia [https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-bogota] * Chevening Scholarships [https://www.chevening.org/] * Fulbright Program [https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/] * Rhodes Scholarship [https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/] * DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service [https://www.daad.de/en/] * Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford [https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/] * ProFellow [https://www.profellow.com/] * KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) [https://www.koica.go.kr/koica_en/index.do] * JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) [https://www.jica.go.jp/english/] * Universidad del Norte [https://www.uninorte.edu.co/] * Corporación Antioquia Presente [https://antioquiapresente.org.co/] * ProAntioquia [https://proantioquia.org.co/] * OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) [https://www.oecd.org/dac/] * PCDN Career Campus [https://pcdnglobal.beehiiv.com/c/career-campus] — Join for daily access to jobs, community, and learning * English No Speak Pues Campaign (Medellín – via ProAntioquia collaboration) 🎧 Take a listen Check out almost 200 episodes of the Social Change Career Podcast for more stories from global changemakers: https://pcdn.global/listen [https://pcdn.global/listen] 💡 Ready to go further? Join the PCDN Career Campus for job opportunities, community, sector-expert workshops, and exclusive learning—all for about the cost of a cup of coffee: https://pcdnglobal.beehiiv.com/c/career-campus [https://pcdnglobal.beehiiv.com/c/career-campus] More PCDN Resources * 📬 Subscribe to the PCDN Career Digest Curated global jobs, funding, and resources for social impact careers https://pcdn.global/subscribe [https://pcdn.global/subscribe] * 🎙️ Listen to More Episodes Conversations with over 180 changemakers in 30+ countries https://pcdn.global/listen [https://pcdn.global/listen] * 🤖 Subscribe to the AI for Impact Newsletter Tools, jobs, and insights at the intersection of AI and social good https://impactai.beehiiv.com [https://impactai.beehiiv.com/]