In this episode, Joy Anderson reflects on her journey to the US SIF conference and receiving the Joan Bavaria Award. She discusses the collaboration between herself, Jackie VanderBrug, and the late Suzanne Biegel in building the field of gender lens investing.

The episode highlights the importance of radical collaboration, the challenges faced in integrating equity and gender considerations into financial systems, and the long-term dedication required for transformative systems change.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 04:04 - The Journey Together
• 08:06 - Accidental Beginnings
• 15:17 - Long Distance Running
• 16:33 - The Power of Collaboration

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy revisits the pioneering Structure Lab, an initiative that guided thousands of entrepreneurs in balancing complex business paradoxes. From understanding the foundational relationships and assets of an enterprise to navigating the dualities of autonomy and engagement, constancy and nimbleness, complexity and simplicity, and security and risk, we'll uncover how these elements shape the strategic decisions of social enterprises.

Then, in conversation with with Sara Wolfe, the crucial role of legal structures in financial innovation is discussed. Through a thought-provoking discussion sparked by an unforgettable panel experience, they examine how legal precedents are both constructed and challenged.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:39 - Structure Lab and business paradoxes
• 12:22 - Sara Wolfe conversation - Questioning Existing Norms in Legal Structures
• 16:00 - The Impact of Legal Contracts and Privilege in Finance

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn
• Sara's LinkedIn

This episode explores the impact of everyday language and family sayings on our perception of life, money, and investments. Joy delves into her recent experiences in Kenya and Ghana and outlines some key cultural differences in the way we exchange pleasantries.

Then, Joy's conversation with her father highlights the importance of understanding deep-rooted beliefs when considering investments and partnerships. Joy also reflects on the power of hospitality and the need to welcome strangers, knowing that they can change us.

The episode encourages everyone to reflect on their own cultural and familial sayings and how they influence their approach to money and social change.

Episode Highlights

• 00:28 - Intro
• 03:23 - "You are Welcome" - travels to Kenya and Ghana
• 05:46 - Joy's conversation with her father on family sayings
• 16:19 - Reflection on welcoming the stranger
• 21:00 - The need for openness and understanding

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy interviews BE Alink, the CEO of Alinker Inventions and inventor of the Alinker bike. They talk about the power of language and how it can be used with kindness, and delve into the impact of diagnosis in healthcare and the financial systems surrounding it. The concept of language as a lens is discussed, along with the importance of understanding and empathy - with a reflection on the relationship between empathy and competition. Finally, the conversation advocates for surrendering power over money and fostering more organic relationships.

Episode Highlights

• 00:28 - Intro
• 03:25 - How do we use language with kindness?
• 12:33 - Gender analysis and gender lenses
• 20:32 - Changing the mode of interaction
• 25:30 - Money as nutrients and BE's story about the flow of capital

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn
• BE's LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy's conversation with Vanessa Roanhorse looks at the importance of creating safe containers and building right relationships, friendships, and trust when navigating the complexities of the financial sector and creating transformative systems change. They explore strategies for healing and empowerment - from the neuroscience of trauma to the power of friendships and trust in financial transactions. This conversation promises to challenge conventional wisdom and inspire new ways of thinking about finance.

Episode Highlights

• 00:28 - Intro
• 03:10 - Definitions of trauma-informed approaches
• 13:33 - The importance of friendships and trust
• 18:10 - Reframing the efficiencies of friendship
• 21:45 - Honoring the safety and speed of trust
• 25:20 - Promoting diversity and the challenge of change

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn
• Vanessa's LinkedIn

This episode explores the journey of creating an investment portfolio intentionally designed to address gender-based violence. The discussion highlights the importance of finance as a tool for transformative systems change and the reduction of gender-based violence in the Core Pillar of the Criterion Institute's Strategic Plan. Joy's conversation with the InFaith Foundation delves into the process of designing the portfolio and selecting the fund managers. Joy then discusses the intersectionality of gender-based violence with other issues, and the need for flexibility in framing the issue in a way that balances complexity with simplicity.

Episode Highlights

• 00:28 - Introduction
• 02:38 - Core pillar: The reduction of gender-based violence
• 06:15 - InFaith Foundation interview
• 18:26 - GBV and balancing complexity and simplicity

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn

This episode begins with a reflection on the inception of Convergence, highlighting its origins as a space for transformative dialogue. Convergence is a series of hour-and-a-half-long conversations that bring together people from different fields to discuss topics related to impact investing, development finance, grassroots activism, and social justice campaigns.

Then Sana Kapadia shares her experiences of Convergence, emphasizing its role in fostering meaningful conversations among diverse stakeholders. Finally, in the Practices section, Joy explores the significance of scripted acknowledgments at the beginning of each conversation, which set the tone for inclusive and respectful dialogue.

Episode Highlights

• 00:28 - Introduction
• 02:45 - The birth of Convergence
• 06:59 - Interview with Sana Kapadia
• 17:13 - Practices: Scripted Acknowledgments

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn
• Sana's LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy Anderson explores strategies for building movements and the tension between going broad and going deep. She discusses the concept of preaching to the choir and the importance of engaging with new audiences while also supporting those already doing the work. Sana Kapadia then joins Joy in conversation about working within mainstream systems and the balance between incremental progress and transformative change. Finally, in the "Practices" section, Joy looks at the cost of excitement and the responsibility of follow-through. The episode emphasizes the need for power analysis, resilience, hope, and collaboration in advancing meaningful impact.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 03:55 - Preaching to the choir
• 10:43 - Interview with Sana - Balancing Broad and Deep Strategies
• 21:39 - Power Analysis, Resilience, Hope, and Collaboration in Advancing Impact
• 24:55 - Practices - The cost of excitement

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn
• Sana's LinkedIn