Learning from the direct work in very vulnerable communities in Kenya and India <!– wp: Resilience is everywhere in today’s leadership vocabulary — and for good reason. In a world shaped by climate shocks, health crises, and economic uncertainty, businesses are under growing pressure to adapt quickly, recover stronger, and build systems that endure. As…
Tag: social impact
Beyond CSR: Invest in Systemic Change
What if corporate engagement in Africa went beyond one-off projects and topic driven initiatives — and focused in addition on building the systems that empower long-term change? At System Changer Network Kenya, we unite grassroots NGOs working on education, health, resilience, and poverty reduction. These organizations develop practical, local solutions, share knowledge, and gain international…
Series #8: What 10 Years of Working with Local NGOs in India and Kenya Taught Me About Purpose—What’s Your Take?
For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of working in a corporate environment while collaborating with local NGOs in India and Kenya—a journey that has been nothing short of transformative. It was profoundly eye-opening, not just for the professional opportunities it unlocked, but for the personal growth it sparked. Through this experience, I learned…
Full Steam Ahead: A House, A Roof, A Future—Together
May, 2025: as Kersia describes: Exciting progress is underway for our October build! Materials have started to arrive, and construction preparations are in full swing. We’ve now secured all the key supplies our local team needs to start producing the blocks that will quite literally lay the foundation of a new home. Even more inspiring—locally…
Series #7: What does partnership truly mean when we collaborate—whether with local NGOs, patients, or global institutions?
In the social impact world, “partnership” is a word we hear often. But too frequently, it means little more than signing an agreement or delivering on a pre-written plan for a project. Through the System Changer Network, we’ve experienced something different—something deeper. 👉 It began with trust. Not just in each other’s work, but in…
Series #6: It’s not always about funds. Structured collaboration for sustainable impact.
Changing How We Support Those Who Need It Most In times of growing uncertainty, real impact isn’t created by isolated projects—it’s built through shared knowledge, trusted relationships, and structured collaboration. That’s the strength of our System Changer Networks (SCN) in Kenya and India: intentional, values-driven networks of grassroots NGOs working together for holistic and lasting…
Series #5 : The Complexity of Need: Why Companies Must Learn from Communities and Social Innovation
Social engagement with local NGOs reveals what need based acting means Are we solving real needs—or just the ones we see? At System Changer Network Kenya, we’ve learned this truth: needs never exist in isolation. A farmer woman in rural Kenya doesn’t just need information about menstruation or pregnancy.She navigates life daily as a mother,…
What if perfection holds us back—and less could change the world? Series #4
Optimization looks different—depending on where you stand. Series Beyond tech: From unseen lives to untapped value—rethinking sustainable investment #4 My professional life moves between two very different realities. On one side, I work in the corporate world—where every day, I see posts about optimization, high performance, leveling up, being “the best version” of everything. On…
How quiet inclusion creates lasting business value / series #3
Series Beyond tech: From unseen lives to untapped value—rethinking sustainable investment #3 I just came across a new call for sustainability pitch applications, and it’s exciting to see how vibrant and active this space has become. Over the past few years, I’ve attended startup events in Berlin, Nairobi, and other cities worldwide. The energy is…
series #2: Inclusive Innovation at Lake Victoria: A Business Case for Health, Livelihoods & Sustainable Impact
Series #2: Beyond tech: What can a fish cage teach us about inclusive growth and business sustainability? At Lake Victoria in Kenya, our System Changer Network partner Wa-Wa Kenya is advancing a transformative model that connects aquaculture, women’s empowerment, and healthcare access—with valuable lessons for business leaders worldwide. In partnership with Rio Fish Farm, Wa-Wa…
The future of innovation is relational
Leadership Lessons from Bungoma: Innovation Starts with Listening—and Should Be Mirrored Globally In Bungoma County, Kenya, local farmers recently took part in a practical training on how to set planting beds for drip irrigation. The result? A 50% boost in water efficiency. This simple, low-tech intervention is more than just smart farming—it’s a powerful reminder…
Exposure to Other Realities: A Key to Growth and Bridging Inequality
Series #1: Exposure to other realities is not a luxury—it’s essential for growth, development, and innovation. And it’s a powerful tool for bridging the gap between rich and poor! In the past weeks, I’ve shared insights from our colleagues and leaders , managers from different countries, who visited the System Changer Network India, engaging with…