Stanford Social Innovation Review Podcast

In Britain, something is happening that hasn't for 100 years. More people are becoming incredibly wealthy, not only through inheritance, but also because of their own hard work. A phenomenon on this scale has not happened since the Victorian industrialists. In this audio lecture, Philosopher Charles Handy tells his 2007 Skoll World Forum audience about entrepreneurs who put their energies into meeting some perceived social need—something that government never gets around to and that private enterprise typically doesn't see a market for. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/charles_handy_-_the_new_philanthropists

Nike has traveled the full range of the corporate social responsibility movement, from the campaigning days when it was a poster child for all things to do with poor working conditions through the era of multistakeholder partnerships. It has now moved into the next phase where corporate responsibility becomes part of the business model. Speaking at the Stanford 2007 Responsible Supply Chains Conference, Nike's VP for corporate responsibility, Hannah Jones, looks at the future of corporate responsibility as the focus shifts upstream. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/hannah_jones_-_corporate_social_responsibility_and_innovation

As the boundary between the for-profit and nonprofit worlds continues to blur, how may philanthropy evolve to assist social change? In this panel discussion, academics and practitioners consider how public—and private—sector support may be combined in new ways in the future to fund progressive domestic and global social enterprises. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/the_future_of_philanthropy_-_skoll_world_forum_2007

Companies around the world are trying to figure out how to evaluate their performance—as well as that of their suppliers—on a host of corporate social responsibility (CSR) dimensions in areas such as diversity, community development, and environmental issues. How can CSR influence business initiatives and the value of CSR efforts be measured? In this panel discussion, Stanford 2007 Responsible Supply Chains Conference panelists share lessons and resources. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/making_supply_chains_socially_responsible_-_measuring_corporate_social_resp

How do we foster more social enterprise and innovation? In this panel discussion, panelists John Elkington, Bill Drayton, and Ed Milibrand consider the question. They explore what's needed on the local, regional, national, and international levels, and acknowledge the role that governments and entrepreneurs play in improving the social landscape. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/supporting_more_social_enterprise_-_skoll_world_forum_2007

For Wal-Mart, social responsibility includes keeping products affordable to the millions of low- and middle-income consumers who form the bulk of its customer base. In this University podcast, Lawrence Jackson, former Wal-Mart president,  brings the perspectives of someone who grew up in inner city Washington, D.C., to ask a Stanford audience at the 2007 Responsible Supply Chains Conference whether pushing for social and environmental responsibility in business is a racially and economically segregated movement. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/lawrence_jackson_-_environmental_sustainability_for_cheap

Should we be optimistic or pessimistic about the future of humanity and its ability to use social enterprise for productive purposes? In this University podcast, Larry Brilliant cites megatrends that are indeed cause for alarm. Yet his focus is the shining examples of altruism and philanthropy that inspire him ultimately to maintain faith in the ability of the human species to do good and overcome adversity. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/larry_brilliant_-_reflections_from_a_pioneer_in_social_enterprise

In this audio lecture, Amory Lovins argues for a sound energy policy that rewards innovation, and for a serious commitment to implementing energy-efficient technological improvements. These combined efforts could subsequently result in saving half of our oil, half of our gas, and three-fourths of our electricity. They would also decrease our dependence on foreign resources and would indirectly alleviate some of the world's biggest problems. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/amory_lovins_-_implications_for_energy_efficiency

Many nonprofits want to expand their staff and funding base so that they may serve a broader public. Until recently, little information was available about how such organizations may do so successfully. In an audio interview with Stanford Social Innovation Review managing editor Eric Nee, William Foster shares findings from the Bridgespan Group's groundbreaking research on what it takes to be in the big leagues. He discusses types of funders to pursue, how to restructure an expanding organization, and whether going big is right for everyone. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/william_foster_-_how_to_grow_a_nonprofit_big

Throughout the Energy Efficiency series, Amory Lovins, has diligently presented countless statistics and case studies to support the need for, and demonstrate the benefits of, improved energy services. In this audio lecture, he now identifies a significant number of formidable barriers to energy efficiency, and prescribes a variety of ways to overcome these barriers, including sexy marketing campaigns and a direct appeal to the bottom line. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/amory_lovins_-_energy_efficiency_and_implementation

Now, more than ever, nonprofit leaders need to know how to maximize their social impact. Center for Social Innovation researcher Heather McLeod Grant shares some of the groundbreaking research explored in her coauthored book Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits. Drawing on her extensive study of nonprofit leaders and organizations, Grant reveals that success isn't just about "nonprofit management," but about creating larger systemic change. She shares three of the six practices for making such transformation possible. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/heather_mcleod_grant_-_what_makes_great_nonprofits_great

"Once in a very rare while in history there is a fundamental pattern change.  We're in one of those right now," says Bill Drayton in this audio lecture. Before our eyes the social sector is transforming to adopt the business sector's entrepreneurial architecture, where productivity and innovation are absolutely essential. Drayton explains how he sees the merging of pieces from both worlds as the way social entrepreneurs will flourish. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/bill_drayton_-_the_citizen_sector_transformed

Amory Lovins continues his discussion on environmental sustainability through a focus on energy efficiency in transportation. In this University podcast, he presents the business case for lighter, more slippery vehicles and criticizes automobile manufacturers for not fully embracing the radical changes necessary to transform the commercial transportation industry. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/amory_lovins_-_aory_lovins_energy_efficiency_in_transportation_part_2

"The United States can break its dependency on oil by 2040." So says Amory Lovins, who discusses in this audio lecture the strategy outlined in his book, Winning the Oil Endgame, through which the country can eliminate its use of oil and have a much stronger economy. Most significantly, this plan does not rely on big government programs, but leans primarily on the for-profit business sector to lead the way. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/amory_lovins_-_energy_efficiency_in_transportation_-_part_one

Many countries that should be thriving are dragged into poverty and strife by the burden of corruption. The loss goes far beyond the sums that change hands dishonestly; the true price must take the ensuing opportunity costs into account. In this audio lecture, Peter Eigen describes strategies that can be used by companies, governments, and citizens to break the cycle of corruption and lift themselves to more efficient, fair, and honest dealings. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/peter_eigen_-_fighting_corruption_at_every_level

In this audio lecture, Amory Lovins demonstrates the value of the "whole system optimization approach" to energy efficiency in the industrial sector. He provides examples of system designs and integration that produce the greatest savings, efficiencies, and optimization. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/amory_lovins_-_energy_efficiency_in_industry_part_three

Where do you save the most energy and capital costs? In this audio lecture, Amory Lovins challenges Industry leaders to consider a different approach for systems analysis, and identifies four target areas where the greatest savings are to be found. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/amory_lovins_-_energy_efficiency_in_industry_-_part_2

In this audio lecture, Amory Lovins discusses conservation and efficiency strategies that enable industry to eliminate waste, achieve cost savings, lower capital outlays, identify additional capacity, and increase profit. A simple commitment to new energy policies, combined with innovative design strategies and the implementation of cheaper, more powerful, and readily available technologies can provide manufacturing enterprises with a wide array of material and financial benefits. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/amory_lovins_-_energy_efficiency_in_industry_-_part_1

Fazle Abed explains in this audio lecture how the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) is leading grassroots efforts to achieve the eight U.N. Millennium Development Goals in Bangladesh. He describes a multipronged strategy aimed at education, gender equality, health, environmental, economic, and political progress. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/fazle_h._abed_-_achieving_the_millennium_development_goals

Well-designed buildings not only conserve energy and reduce costs but also create conditions for better health and wellness. In this audio lecture, Amory Lovins uses several examples to show how the right mix of materials, resources, and expertise can create structures that celebrate living. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/amory_lovins_-_energy_efficiency_in_buildings_-_part_2