Ep9 S14 Innovative Finance and Impact: How to Build an Unconventional Career
The Social Change Career Podcast
Release Date: 04/30/2025
The Social Change Career Podcast
This episode of the Social Change Career Podcast features a thoughtful and practical conversation between Craig Zelizer and , founder of and the Philanthropy Network. Brad’s entry into fundraising was unplanned—driven by financial necessity—but evolved into a decades-long career advising institutions like , the Portland Museum of Art, Suffolk University, and the . In this episode, Brad shares hard-earned lessons on how to build a meaningful and sustainable career in philanthropy, even amid burnout, changing donor landscapes, and rising ethical questions. What the episode covers: • How...
info_outlineThe Social Change Career Podcast
This episode of The Social Change Career Podcast features , a global finance expert with over 15 years of experience across sovereign debt, venture capital, and impact investing. Her career has taken her from rural Missouri to leading projects across Latin America and Asia—working in English, Mandarin, Spanish, and Portuguese. Bethany’s path challenges conventional ideas of what a finance career looks like and shows how language, agility, and purpose can shape meaningful work. Why Take a Listen Learn how a career can evolve through unexpected roles and geographic pivots—and how to...
info_outlineThe Social Change Career Podcast
In this episode, Craig Zelizer talks with , a Dutch social entrepreneur, storyteller, and founder of multiple global movements including Dance for Life, , and . From organizing some of the largest public festivals in the Netherlands to driving emotional, community-rooted innovation for ocean protection, Ilco shares what it takes to build movements that not only spark change but sustain it. This conversation explores personal and planetary transformation, how movements scale, and why love—and not fear—is often the most powerful catalyst for action. Whether you're leading a social...
info_outlineThe Social Change Career Podcast
In this episode, Dr. Craig Zelizer speaks with , a leader in industrial policy, gender equity, and international cooperation. From serving as Colombia’s Vice Minister of Business Development to designing the country’s first industrial policy in two decades, Soraya brings a rich, cross-sectoral perspective on how to build more inclusive and sustainable economies in the Global South. Based in Bogotá, with academic roots in Colombia, Italy, and India, Soraya shares how her experiences in government, academia, and diplomacy have shaped her career—and her deep commitment to bringing...
info_outlineThe Social Change Career Podcast
Navigating a career in the ever-changing world of social impact work can be a wild ride, especially now. In this episode of the Social Change Career Podcast, we talk about how to manage with the crisis caused by the devastating and cruel cuts to USAID and other orgs. This session features four leading impact sector experts Caroline Ouwerkerk, Spencer Campbell, Julia Firestone and Craig Zelizer. Whether you're figuring out your next steps or trying to make the most of your current situation, this episode offers insights to help you breathe, plan, and act. Why listen to this...
info_outlineThe Social Change Career Podcast
In this episode of the Social Change Career Podcast, Dr. Craig Zelizer sits down with the inspiring . As a visionary leader and founder of impactful organizations like . and and serving as an , Yura shares their compelling journey of weaving together art, activism, and collective liberation to create lasting social impact. Why You Should Listen: Art as Activism: Discover how Yura's work with Liberate Inc. uses the arts to advance racial, social, and climate justice. Learn about their groundbreaking initiatives that empower BIPOC creatives through grants, education, and organizing efforts. ...
info_outlineThe Social Change Career Podcast
Join us for Season 14, Episode 4 of the Social Change Career Podcast, featuring , a global leader working at the intersection of environmental policy, peacebuilding, and youth leadership. Natalia shares her multifaceted career at the intersection of water, peace, and sustainability. She highlights the importance of a long-term vision, nurturing relationships, and pursuing further education, such as her involvement in the . Whether you're just starting your career or looking to pivot into a field focused on making a difference, particulary in sustainability and impact, this is a...
info_outlineThe Social Change Career Podcast
Take a listen to Season 14, Episode 3 of the Social Change Career Podcast featuring an AI super connector designed to help people navigate their careers, build meaningful connections, and find opportunities in impact sectors. Why Listen? Learn how AI can support impact professionals in challenging times. Explore the role of AI-driven career networking in fostering real human connections. Gain insights into how Boardy facilitates double opt-in networking to help professionals find aligned collaborations. Hear about the rise of AI in impact careers and how professionals can adapt. ...
info_outlineThe Social Change Career Podcast
Take a listen to Season 14, Episode 2 of the featuring , a leading nonprofit fundraising consultant with extensive experience mobilizing resources for African NGOs, international organizations, and social enterprises. Why Tune In? Learn practical strategies for resource mobilization and financial sustainability for African NGOs. Explore how local nonprofits can strengthen fundraising capacity to access global funding and thrive. Gain insights into donor cycles, grant writing, and business development tailored for the Global South. Learn the skills needed to build a career connected to...
info_outlineThe Social Change Career Podcast
Join us for Season 14, Episode 1 of the Social Change Career Podcast which features , an accomplished impact investor and business leader, who shares insights on creating purpose-driven ventures that tackle global challenges while delivering financial returns. Whether you're an aspiring changemaker or a seasoned professional looking to align your career with your values, this conversation offers practical advice and fresh perspectives. Why Take a Listen? Discover strategies for navigating and growing in the evolving field of impact careers. Learn practical advice on aligning your values...
info_outlineThis episode of The Social Change Career Podcast features Bethany Hull, a global finance expert with over 15 years of experience across sovereign debt, venture capital, and impact investing. Her career has taken her from rural Missouri to leading projects across Latin America and Asia—working in English, Mandarin, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Bethany’s path challenges conventional ideas of what a finance career looks like and shows how language, agility, and purpose can shape meaningful work.
Why Take a Listen
-
Learn how a career can evolve through unexpected roles and geographic pivots—and how to stay open to the opportunities that follow.
-
Hear how finance can be used as a tool for inclusive development, not just profit.
-
Understand core finance concepts—venture capital, blended finance, climate investment—without the jargon.
-
Explore emerging sectors like employee ownership and agricultural finance, and where new opportunities are growing.
-
Get concrete advice on selecting graduate programs, building essential financial skills, and navigating careers at the intersection of finance and impact.
Resources and Links from the Episode
-
Bethany Hull on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyhull/ -
Bethany’s New: Global Finance Jobs
https://globalfinancejobs.beehiiv.com/subscribe -
ImpactAlpha – News and trends in impact investing
https://impactalpha.com/ -
FT Alphaville – Markets and economics analysis
https://www.ft.com/alphaville -
Bloomberg Odd Lots Podcast
https://www.bloomberg.com/odd-lots -
Ownership Works – Equity and employee ownership models
https://www.ownershipworks.org -
ICMA – Capital market certifications and training
https://www.icmagroup.org -
VC University
https://venturecapitaluniversity.com/ -
Venture Deals Course
https://venturedeals -
Capital Isn’t (Podcast)
https://www.capitalisnt.com/ -
The Salt Path Trilogy (Books by Raynor Winn)
-
More from PCDN
-
Subscribe to the PCDN Career Digest
Curated global jobs, funding, and resources for social impact careers
https://pcdn.global/subscribe -
Listen to More Episodes
Conversations with over 180 changemakers in 30+ countries
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
About Bethany Hull
Bethany Hull is an international finance professional with 15+ years of experience across sovereign debt, early-stage venture capital, and impact investing. She has worked throughout Latin America and Asia, leading cross-functional teams and managing complex initiatives in multilingual, multicultural environments. A graduate of The Fletcher School’s Master’s in International Business, she is fluent in Mandarin, Spanish, and Portuguese, and is passionate about using finance and entrepreneurship to support inclusive economic growth.