Maya Ziswiler, CEO of the UBS Optimus Foundation, delves into the transformative role of philanthropy in creating an impact economy. The Foundation, celebrating its 25th anniversary, focuses on education, health, and environmental initiatives.
Under Maya's leadership, the Foundation has seen considerable growth, and we explore its innovative approach in blending traditional grant-making with social investing and blended finance. This approach aims to drive systemic and catalytic impact for marginalized communities, leveraging philanthropic capital to attract commercial and government funding.
A key element of the discussion revolves around the Foundation's thematic and social investment expertise. This expertise allows for the creation of impactful partnerships and the development of a robust pipeline for philanthropic grants and social investments.
The episode also explores the Foundation's collectives, such as the social finance and climate collectives, which foster mutual learning and cross-pollination of ideas among philanthropists, experts, and grantees.
Maya shares examples of innovative collaborations and the Foundation's commitment to impact transparency, including their aim of developing an impact rating tool.
The episode concludes with Maya's personal journey in philanthropy and her vision for redefining its role in achieving sustainable impact.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
Larry Kramer, incoming President and Vice Chancellor of the London School of Economics: reflections on his time at the Hewlett Foundation, lessons in philanthropy, and aspirations for the LSE
Jim McCormick, CEO of the Robertson Trust: Venturing into Impact Investing
Championing Diversity in Impact Investing: Nora Bavey’s Vision for Unconventional Ventures
Feeding the Future: Andrea Rasca’s Journey with Mercato Metropolitano
Jules Chappell, CEO of Kokoro: championing mental health as the foundation for a safer, kinder and more productive world
Chiwetel Ejiofor: Actor and philanthropist -- Unveiling a Philanthropic Journey with Impact in Nigeria
Sharath Jeevan OBE on Navigating Inflection Moments in Leadership
Bridging Disciplines for a Sustainable Future: Insights from Prof Steve Evans of the Sustainability and Conservation Research Hub at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge
Impacting the Future: Daniela Barone Soares, CEO of Snowball Impact Investment, on Transforming Finance for People & Planet
Empowering SMBs Towards Net Zero: Sage’s Elisa Moscolin on Carbon Accountability and Sustainability
Dianne Calvi, CEO of Village Enterprise, on ending extreme poverty in rural Africa
Jonathan Cohen, Executive Director of Conciliation Resources on Peacebuilding
Oliver Gregson, Region Head for JP Morgan Private Bank in the UK, Channel Islands and Ireland: going beyond traditional philanthropy and embracing the global sustainability agenda
Matt Hyde OBE, Chief Executive of the Scouts UK, on the power of volunteering and ’The Big Help Out’
Daniel F. Wilhelm, President of the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation, on creating knowledge against violence
David Laws, Executive Chairman of the Education Policy Institute and former UK Schools Minister, on narrowing the education gap between rich and poor
Enver Solomon, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, on universal values and engaging with policymakers, the media, and the public
Vicky Fox, CEO of the UK Supreme Court, provides a fascinating glimpse into the Court’s work in community outreach, education, diversity and accessibility
World Food Programme’s Martin Frick on the global food crisis, climate change and empowering people to drive forward positive change
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Social Dallas Podcast
Change Church Podcast
Six Degrees with Kevin Bacon
System Catalysts
Delivering Solidarity