E6 S15 Turning Complexity into Clarity: Leading and Working for Impact
The Social Change Career Podcast
Release Date: 01/23/2026
E7 S15 Connecting Communities for Impact
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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E6 S15 Turning Complexity into Clarity: Leading and Working for Impact
The Social Change Career Podcast
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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E5 S15 Navigating the World of Work in the Age of AI
The Social Change Career Podcast
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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E4 S15: Stories That Shape Change – Freelancing in Global Development
The Social Change Career Podcast
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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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...
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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: ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineEpisode 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:
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Follow her career journey from geology in Medellín to policy-making and leadership at Colombia’s Fondo Adaptación, and advising on sustainability and ESGfor KPMG across South America.
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Explore the needed and innovative shift from disaster response to long-term resilience: practical ways adaptation and regeneration are being built into engineering, urban design, and public budgets.
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Learn how teams are assembled, led, and empowered to manage complexity—blending technical expertise, empathy, flexibility, and continuous learning.
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Get concrete career advice for navigating public, private, or social impact sectors and curating your own path in climate, ESG, and sustainability.
Resources Covered in thiss Episode:
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Robin Wall Kimmerer (Braiding Sweetgrass, Gathering Moss)
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Biomimicry, deep ecology, and new models of regenerative urbanism
Bio:
Juanita is a Regenerative Leadership and Systems Change Advisor working across climate adaptation, sustainability, and organizational transformation for more than 20 years.
She has led major public-sector initiatives, including a $120 million relocation and climate resilience program with Colombia’s Fondo Adaptación.
Juanita also helped establish KPMG’s ESG and climate consulting practice in Colombia and across South America, working inside large institutions to integrate sustainability, risk, and long-term value creation
As co-founder of Mundo Común, she advanced climate culture, regenerative leadership, and systems change across Latin America.
Juanita holds a PhD in Geography and a Master’s in Comparative Studies and Development from EHESS – École des hautes études en sciences sociales in France.
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