E6 S15 Turning Complexity into Clarity: Leading and Working for Impact
The Social Change Career Podcast
Release Date: 01/23/2026
The Social Change Career Podcast
How can technology catalyze social change—and what does it take to build an ecosystem that truly works for everyone? In this episode, Catalina Escobar Bravo, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of , shares her journey from engineer to nonprofit trailblazer—and the lessons she’s learned driving digital transformation across Latin America. Why Take a Listen Career Transformation: Learn how Catalina Escobar Bravo journeyed from mechanical engineering to social entrepreneurship, blending technical expertise and global experience to drive change in Latin America. Inclusive...
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How to Design Tech that Connects & Liberates: Insights from Jensine Larsen Delighted to be celebrating the 200th episode of the Social Change Career Podcast with , founder of and co-founder of . In this milestone episode, Jensine shares what it takes to build technology that centers connection, community, and justice. The conversation explores how she transformed early field reporting and a bold vision into , one of the longest-running global feminist digital networks, and why designing for generosity, peer support, and real human connection matters far more than chasing...
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What happens when innovation overlooks the very people it’s meant to benefit? In this episode, interviews , whose career spans startups, global donors, and hands-on development programs across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The episode explores what it takes to drive innovation that actually works—anchored in human realities, not just tech hype. Why Take a Listen Hear upfront stories from startup life, consulting, and leading international partnerships—not just buzzwords or theory. Get pragmatic advice for your career: tips for choosing grad programs, succeeding as a consultant,...
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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...
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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