E1S13 From Vision to Action: John Marks Discusses Peacebuilding and Social Entrepreneurship
The Social Change Career Podcast
Release Date: 08/30/2024
The Social Change Career Podcast
Episode 7 of Season 15 of The Social Change Career Podcast explores what it really looks like to link digital nomads to locally led community impact—moving beyond one-off volunteering toward consistent, ethical engagement. Hosted by , the episode features , Director of Operations at , sharing lessons from the field on partnerships, power dynamics, and practical ways globally mobile professionals can contribute meaningfully wherever they live. Why take a listen: You want a practical framework for responsible giving-back as a digital nomad—time, skills, and money aligned to local...
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Episode 6, Season 15 starts the 2026 season of the Social Change Career Podcast with Juanita Lopez Pelaez, a leading voice in regenerative leadership and climate adaptation. Host Craig Zelizer and Juanita unpack turning complexity into clarity in the fields of public policy, sustainability, and systems change—drawing on decades of hands-on experience from Colombia, Latin America, and beyond. Why Take a Listen: Follow her career journey from geology in Medellín to policy-making and leadership at , and advising on sustainability and ESGfor across South America. Explore the...
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Navigating the World of Work in the Age of AI: Lessons from David Timis on the Social Change Career Podcast How do you build a future-proof social impact career when AI is transforming every aspect of work? In Season 15, Episode 5 of the Social Change Career Podcast, Craig Zelizer sat down with David Timis—AI and Future of Work Leader, Global Communications & Public Affairs Manager at Generation, and passionate champion for equitable workforce development—for one of our most timely and energizing episodes yet. Together, they explored what’s changing, what’s possible, and concrete...
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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 , , and , 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...
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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...
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Episode 2 of Season 15 dives into the fast-evolving world of social impact careers in emerging markets with —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: ...
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Episode 1 of Season 15 features a conversation with , 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 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...
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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 , 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...
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Season 14, Episode 12 of the Social Change Career Podcast spotlights Natalia Uribe—architect, artist, and founder of Urban World Matters. From her creative roots in Medellín to delivering transformative urban projects on four continents, Natalia’s career is a story of purpose, resilience, and a commitment to empowering local communities and youth in the built environment. Why take a listen? Natalia shares honest reflections, practical tools, and visionary thinking for anyone passionate about cities and social change. If you care about creating better urban spaces, influencing local action...
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This episode features , an executive leader, innovator, coach, and Cambodian genocide survivor, sharing her extraordinary journey of building a career at the intersection of justice and healing. Drawing from over 20 years in labor rights, public health, civil rights, and organizational transformation, Hun opens up about personal resilience, the power of humanizing conflict, and practical strategies for meaningful impact in turbulent times. Why Take a Listen Hun’s story as a Cambodian genocide survivor and refugee—and how her lived experiences instilled a lifelong dedication...
info_outlineWe open Season 13 of the Social Change Career Podcast with —John Marks, one of the world’s most insightful changemakers and the founder of Search for Common Ground.
In this episode, John shares hard-earned lessons from his extraordinary career, offering practical advice on building a career that connects social impact and peace. We’re also thrilled to preview his upcoming book, “From Vision to Action: Remaking the World Through Social Entrepreneurship,” set to be published in early September. The book is packed with real-world examples and strategies drawn from John’s extensive experience in creating meaningful change.
What We’ll Cover:
- Building Bridges for Peace: Insights from decades of experience in conflict resolution and social entrepreneurship.
- Transformational Leadership: How to lead change in challenging environments.
- Adapting to the Unexpected: Lessons learned from navigating global conflicts.
About John Marks: John Marks is one of the most insightful changemakers in peacebuilding and social change. In 1982, he founded Search for Common Ground with a bold mission: to transform the way the world handles conflict—from confrontation to cooperation. Under his leadership, the organization became the largest peacebuilding nonprofit globally, with offices in over 35 countries and a staff of 600, tackling some of the world’s most challenging conflicts.
John’s work has taken him into the heart of conflict zones, where he developed innovative approaches to peacebuilding, using media to bridge divides in war-torn societies and fostering dialogue between deeply opposed groups. His efforts have earned global recognition, including a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for Search for Common Ground in 2018.
Beyond his work with Search for Common Ground, John is a Skoll Awardee for Social Entrepreneurship, an Ashoka Senior Fellow, and a visiting scholar in peacebuilding and social entrepreneurship at Leiden University. He is also an accomplished author, known for his books on intelligence and peacebuilding, including The CIA and the Cult of Intelligence, a New York Times best-seller, and the award-winning Search for the “Manchurian Candidate.”
John’s upcoming book, “From Vision to Action: Remaking the World Through Social Entrepreneurship,” dives into his approach to negotiation, conflict resolution, and social entrepreneurship. It’s essential reading for anyone passionate about making a real difference.
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