In recent episodes, we’ve explored the power and potential of youth. Few embody that spirit more than this week’s guest, Clover Hogan. At 11, she launched into climate activism. At 16, she witnessed the Paris Agreement being signed. At 19, she founded Force of Nature to help young people turn climate anxiety into action. By 21, she’d delivered a TED Talk seen by millions. Now, still in her early 20s, Clover is a globally respected voice for her generation, equal parts bold, wise, and unafraid. In this episode, we talk about growing up in the climate movement and what it’s like to speak truth to power before you’re old enough to vote.

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Dr Gail Bradbrook is co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, a global movement that helped force the climate emergency onto the world’s front pages through nonviolent civil disobedience. Her journey starts in a West Yorkshire mining town. She went on to earn a PhD in molecular biophysics, led national work on digital inclusion, and then founded XR. She’s blocked roads, been arrested, raised two kids, and never stopped fighting for a better future. In this episode, we explore how science and activism collide, what it takes to mobilise a social movement and why we need a shift in consciousness to tackle the challenges of our times.

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What if financial barriers in underserved markets didn’t stand in the way of higher education. That’s the bold idea Batya Blankers and her team a Chancen International are scaling across Africa. From Cape Town to Kigali, they’re rewriting the rules of education finance; giving underserved young people the chance to study now and succeed later, with repayments linked to a fair share of future income. Batya’s journey is extraordinary. An MBA grad from the African Leadership University, with roots in tech and nonprofit leadership in South Africa and Germany. She’s building not just a financing model, but a movement for dignity, and economic growth. This conversation stayed with us because it’s not just about money. It’s about opportunity, ownership, and unlocking Africa’s potential.

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Our guest is Haroon Yasin. By 18, Haroon was already running schools in Islamabad’s slums. What began as a one-room refuge for street children has grown into Taleemabad; a groundbreaking ed-tech company reaching over 10 million children across Pakistan. Taleemabad has digitised and localised the national curriculum, turning it into engaging lessons on TV, tablets, and mobile apps, even designing entire days around how kids really learn. Recognised by Malala Yousafzai and even the late Queen Elizabeth, he’s now scaling systems, not just solutions. This one’s about purpose, scale, and redefining what education can be, especially in the age of AI.

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This episode we're joined by Christopher Hook, Global Head of Sustainability Strategy at Uber. Chris joined Uber in 2019 to launch its first ever sustainability initiative, the London Clean Air Plan, and now leads sustainability across 70 countries, pushing for nothing less than fully sustainable car journeys and restaurant orders. From building impactful partnerships to helping drivers and restaurants lower their carbon footprint, Chris has become a driving force (literally) behind Uber’s sustainability shift. In this episode we explore; what it means to lead sustainability at global scale, the bold bets Uber is making for the future, how corporate sustainability can go beyond targets to deliver real impact.

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We’re joined by Ian Shapiro, a true force in international development and CEO of Reall, an NGO revolutionising affordable housing across Africa and Asia.

Ian’s work at Reall isn’t just about buildings; it’s about dignity, jobs, clean water, sanitation, and long-term sustainability for millions of people. Before Reall, Ian’s impact spanned continents: He ran a youth organisation in Nepal, he shaped UK development programmes in India, he led DFID’s global strategy for private investment, and, he managed a £1 billion development fund. From government halls to grassroots partnerships, Ian’s seen what it really takes to drive lasting change. We talk: Why housing is the backbone of development and the power of public-private partnerships.

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This episode's guest on The Impact Equation is a powerhouse: Dame Dr Helen Stephenson. As the former Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, Helen oversaw 169,000+ charities. She's held top roles across government; from shaping early years policy to championing civil society and innovation at the highest levels.

She’s also brought her magic to the National Lottery Community Fund, the Royal Academy of Dance, and somehow found time to earn a PhD in Philosophy too.

Helen was awarded a CBE in 2014 and made a Dame in the 2024 Birthday Honours for a career dedicated to purpose, public service, and doing things that matter.

Thoughtful, bold, and full of wisdom. Listen in as we dive into leadership, legacy, and what’s next for civil society.

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