E13 S14 How to Shape Systems for Good: Lessons from a Global Impact Career with Marcela Ochoa Bernal
The Social Change Career Podcast
Release Date: 10/03/2025
E3 S15 Construyendo carreras de impacto regenerativo desde el territorio
The Social Change Career Podcast
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...
info_outline
E2 S15 Scaling Change: Careers in Impact & Inclusion Across Emerging Markets
The Social Change Career Podcast
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: ...
info_outline
E1 S15 A Practical Guide to Growing Your Career in Sustainability
The Social Change Career Podcast
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...
info_outline
E13 S14 How to Shape Systems for Good: Lessons from a Global Impact Career with Marcela Ochoa Bernal
The Social Change Career Podcast
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...
info_outline
E12 S14 Redefining Purpose: Building a Global Career in Urban Action
The Social Change Career Podcast
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...
info_outline
E11 S14 Building a Career at the Intersection of Justice and Healing
The Social Change Career Podcast
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_outline
E10 S14 Building a Purpose Driven Career in Philanthropy
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_outline
Ep9 S14 Innovative Finance and Impact: How to Build an Unconventional Career
The 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_outline
E8 S14 Protect What You Love: Building Movements from the Heart
The 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_outline
Ep7 S14 Women Shaping Industrial Policy and Transformation in the Global South
The 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_outline
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, 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 to Seoul National University, 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 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 and completed graduate studies at Seoul National University, supported by prestigious international fellowships. Her work has included leadership roles with the British Embassy in Colombia, 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, ProAntioquia, and has contributed to global policy through the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC). Her approach combines rigorous policy knowledge with grassroots understanding, making her a bridge-builder across systems and cultures.
Resources & Links Mentioned
-
PCDN 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
💡 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
More PCDN Resources
-
📬 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