Do One Better with Alberto Lidji in Philanthropy, Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship

• Tom McPartland, CEO of ELMA Philanthropies, on Navigating a New Era in Global Health and Development

  This conversation offers an in-depth look at the evolving landscape of philanthropy, global health, and development funding, with a particular focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. The discussion examines how current geopolitical and economic pressures are reshaping what effective partnership, sustainability, and impact look like for funders, governments, and civil society. The episode explores a wide range of thematic priorities including maternal, newborn, and child health; pediatric and adolescent HIV; early childhood development; human resources for health; and humanitarian response. It illuminates why deeply understanding country-level contexts—systems, supply chains, human capital, financing constraints, and government priorities—is central to strategic philanthropy. A significant portion of the conversation addresses how private philanthropy can play a constructive, catalytic role amid a period of unusually rapid change in global aid flows. Topics include the risks of backsliding on key health indicators, strategies for identifying truly local and embedded implementing partners, and the importance of moving from project-based funding toward general operating support to strengthen long-term institutional capacity. The episode also examines the realities and complexities of co-funding with other foundations, multilaterals, and bilaterals—what genuine partnership requires, how priorities are aligned, and how fragmentation can be reduced. A major highlight is the creation of the Beginnings Fund, a large-scale collaborative effort uniting several private funders to meaningfully advance maternal and newborn health across multiple countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Looking ahead, the conversation outlines both the challenges and opportunities that lie between now and 2030. It reflects on where renewed discipline, focus, and collaboration are most urgently needed, and why the current moment may also be a rare chance for long-overdue recalibration in global health and development. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 350+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

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• Richard Sedlmayr, co-founder of the Agency Fund, on Achieving Social Impact Through the Power of Human Agency

  What does it look like when social impact efforts recognize the importance of people’s own capacity to make choices and take action in their lives? In this episode, Richard Sedlmayr, co-founder of the Agency Fund, explores how human agency functions as a meaningful driver to achieve social impact. Richard explains how the Agency Fund supports ideas and organizations that expand individuals’ access to information, options, and tools that help them navigate their circumstances more effectively. This perspective examines how people understand their environment, interpret opportunities, and decide on pathways forward. Drawing on their work with partners such as Rocket Learning in India, Richard highlights how parents and caregivers can be supported to take an active role in early childhood development, and how practical guidance and community engagement can translate into improvements in learning and wellbeing. This episode offers a clear, balanced look at how human agency can serve as a valuable dimension of social impact — one that recognizes individuals not as passive recipients of aid, but as active participants in shaping outcomes in their own lives and communities. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 350+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

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• How Philanthropy Can Invest for Environmental Impact with Sarah Butler-Sloss, Founder and Chair of the Aurora Trust and Member of the Sainsbury Family

  This episode features an in-depth conversation with philanthropist Sarah Butler-Sloss, founder and chair of the Aurora Trust and member of the Sainsbury family. With more than three decades of experience in environmental philanthropy, she offers an expansive perspective on climate action, sustainable finance, regenerative agriculture, and the role of foundations in driving systemic change. The discussion begins with the origins and evolution of the Aurora Trust, established in 1990 to support environmental and biodiversity initiatives. Sarah outlines the trust’s core areas of focus: halting tropical deforestation, advancing sustainable and regenerative farming in the UK, connecting children from disadvantaged communities with nature, improving sustainable finance systems, and supporting energy-access solutions in partnership with Ashden. A substantial portion of the conversation examines the importance of aligning endowment investments with charitable purpose. Sarah shares the story behind the landmark Butler-Sloss vs Charity Commission case, in which she and her brother successfully argued that charitable endowments should consider mission alignment—not solely financial returns—when determining investment strategy. This judgment has since shaped UK charity investment guidance, enabling foundations to invest in ways consistent with environmental and social objectives. The episode also explores the changing landscape of philanthropy, particularly the growing pressures on UK charities and funders. Sarah stresses the value of collaboration among donors and organisations, the importance of avoiding duplication, and the need to support both established institutions and promising early-stage initiatives. She reflects on how foundations can balance coordinated efforts with maintaining independence and openness to innovation. Later, the conversation turns to the Ashden Awards, the global initiative Sarah founded 25 years ago to identify, celebrate, and scale exemplary clean-energy solutions. She describes their evolution from a pure award programme to a wider platform for policy influence, investment mobilisation, and global awareness-raising. Stories from the Global South and the UK illustrate how clean-energy innovators deliver powerful social, economic, and environmental benefits. Sarah closes with a clear message for philanthropists: grants are only part of the picture. Endowments must also be deployed responsibly and strategically to advance charitable purpose and avoid undermining the very challenges philanthropy seeks to address. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 350+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

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• Alberto Lidji at 350: The Highs, Lows and Lessons from Over Six Years of The Do One Better Podcast

  This week, The Do One Better Podcast marks a remarkable milestone: 350 consecutive episodes since its launch in early 2019. In this special solo edition, host Alberto Lidji reflects on the joy of creating a weekly show that brings together voices from across philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship, and on what it means to have listeners tuning in from every corner of the world. Alberto shares why producing the podcast remains such a deeply rewarding experience: The excitement of conversation and how open, curious dialogue often leads to unexpected insights. The fulfilment of sharing personal learnings from hundreds of interviews and applying them to help others make a difference. The privilege of informing, enthusing and encouraging a truly global audience to take action and improve the world around them. The satisfaction of building a community that values thoughtful exchange and real-world impact. He also reflects on the craft behind the show, from preparation and production to the care that goes into every episode, and the sense of meaning that comes from connecting with so many people who share a passion for positive change. This milestone episode is a warm and thoughtful celebration of curiosity, purpose and connection, and a heartfelt thank-you to the guests and listeners around the world who have made the journey possible. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 350 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

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• Trust for Public Land: Ensuring that Every Person in the United States Can Live Within A Short Walk of a Park, Trail, or Green Space

  Featuring Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, President and CEO, and Molly Morgan, Texas State Director, both from the Trust for Public Land. They share how their organization is working to ensure that every person in the United States can live within a short walk of a park, trail, or green space. The conversation explores the strategies and partnerships that are transforming communities and connecting people to nature. Topics include: Turning schoolyards into safe, vibrant community spaces Returning land to Indigenous tribes and protecting cultural heritage sites Expanding access through the national “10-Minute Walk” initiative How the ParkScore Index drives improvement and accountability among U.S. cities The social, mental health, and economic benefits of nearby green spaces Examples from Dallas, New York, and Atlanta showing how access changes lives A thoughtful look at how data, design, and community engagement are reshaping the urban landscape — and why access to the outdoors is essential for everyone. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. 

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