Episodios

  • Purpose led Entrepreneurship with Steve Melhuish
    Nov 30 2025

    The second part of an animated discussion with Steve Melhuish on the role of women in leadership, the challenges of global agreements like COP and the need for authenticity in business. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of empathy and collaboration in addressing global challenges and offers insights for young entrepreneurs on finding their purpose.

    Key Takeaways

    -Social innovation can bridge gaps across different regions.

    -Climate action is linked to peace and security.

    -COP meetings often lack accountability and action.

    -Authenticity in business is essential for long-term success

    Show notes

    -Gender Equality: The Role of Women in Leadership

    -Social Innovation: Bridging Gaps Across Borders

    -The Interconnection of Climate Action and Peace

    -Navigating COP: The Challenges of Global Agreements

    -Authenticity in Business: Balancing Purpose and Profit

    -Empathy and Collaboration: A New Ethic for Business

    -Advice for Young Entrepreneurs: Finding Your Ikigai


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    45 m
  • COP 30 Brazil Reflection #2: Moving forward beyond COP towards impact because the world cannot wait anymore
    Nov 13 2025

    An except from a conversation between the host Meenu Gupta and Steve Melhuish, an entrepreneur turned impact investor- From the relevance/irrelevance of COP to how entrepreneurs and impact builders are handling the issues of climate change, this conversation is a call to action for a re-think of the model that COP has become.

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    9 m
  • The Human Side of Progress: Beyond Metrics between the East and the West with Steve Melhuish
    Oct 30 2025

    In this conversation, Meenu Gupta and Steve Melhuish explore the complexities of measuring sustainability, the importance of human connection in progress and gender stereotyping from an early age. An exchange on drivers of economy in the east and the west of the world, the realities of developed and emerging economies and a peek into Steve´s journey from entrepreneurship to impact between Asia and Europe, round up this first part of a deep conversation.

    Keywords

    sustainability, climate crisis, impact investing, gender equality, social innovation, peace building, entrepreneurship, collaboration, metrics, authenticity

    Takeaways

    -Not everything that matters is measurable.

    -Metrics can blind us to the human side of progress.

    -Personal experiences can drive a shift towards impact.

    -Cultural backgrounds shape perspectives on business and sustainability.

    -The climate crisis requires urgent action and collaboration.

    -Gender equality is crucial for effective leadership.

    Sound bites

    "What gets measured gets done."

    "Can we measure peace?"

    "How do we make lives better?"

    Chapters

    -Measuring What Matters: The Quest for True Sustainability

    -The Human Side of Progress: Beyond Metrics

    -A Personal Journey: From Entrepreneurship to Impact

    -Cultural Connections: East Meets West

    -The Climate Crisis: A Call for Action

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    31 m
  • COP 30 Brazil Reflection #1: How can the most affected, lead the dialogue?
    Oct 16 2025

    An excerpt from a conversation between the host, Meenu Gupta and Dr. Ketakandriana Rafitoson.

    In this conversation, Meenu Gupta engages with Dr. Ketakandriyana Rafitoson, a political scientist and human rights defender from Madagascar, discussing the urgent need for climate justice and the role of governance in addressing corruption and social justice. They explore the dynamics between the Global South and North, the importance of grassroots movements, and the necessity of empowering affected communities to lead the dialogue on climate change. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of justice, dignity, and democracy while also addressing the risks faced by activists and the ethical dimensions of transparency. Ultimately, they highlight the power of resistance and collective action as a source of hope in the face of global challenges.

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    8 m
  • Understanding Israel-A Dialogue on Peace and Conflict with Barry Shaw
    Oct 1 2025

    In this episode of 'Between the East and the West', host Meenu Gupta engages with Barry Shaw, a senior associate for public diplomacy at the Israel Institute for Strategic Studies. The conversation delves into the complexities of public diplomacy, Israel's position in global discourse, and the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Barry shares his personal journey, experiences with antisemitism, and critiques of media narratives surrounding Israel. The discussion also explores the emotional weight of ongoing conflicts, the role of truth in public diplomacy, and Barry's vision for a peaceful future in Gaza through a protectorate model.

    Keywords

    Public diplomacy, Israel, Barry Shaw, peace, conflict resolution, media narratives, antisemitism, Gaza, historical context, dialogue

    Takeaways

    -Public diplomacy shifts the conversation from governments to individuals.

    -Israel's narrative is often misunderstood in international discourse.

    -Barry's perspective is shaped by historical Jewish suffering.

    -The Oslo Accords were a significant turning point in the conflict.

    -Yasser Arafat's legacy is controversial and complex.

    -Media representation can distort the reality of conflicts.

    -Antisemitism remains a pervasive issue in many societies.

    -Education is crucial for fostering understanding and peace.

    -A new model for Gaza could involve a protectorate system.

    -Reality must guide public diplomacy efforts moving forward.

    Sound bites

    "We are fighting a death cult."

    "Reality is a human value."

    "Education, not indoctrination."


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    39 m
  • People Power: Global south and the world-A conversation with Dr. Ketakandriyana Rafitoson
    Sep 19 2025

    In this conversation, Meenu Gupta engages with Dr. Ketakandriyana Rafitoson, a political scientist and human rights defender from Madagascar, discussing the urgent need for climate justice and the role of governance in addressing corruption and social justice. They explore the dynamics between the Global South and North, the importance of grassroots movements, and the necessity of empowering affected communities to lead the dialogue on climate change. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of justice, dignity, and democracy while also addressing the risks faced by activists and the ethical dimensions of transparency. Ultimately, they highlight the power of resistance and collective action as a source of hope in the face of global challenges.

    Keywords

    Climate justice, corruption, governance, social justice, democracy, people power, global south, activism, transparency, human rights

    Takeaways

    -Climate justice is a pressing demand, not a choice.

    -Corruption and misgovernance are prevalent in both Global South and North.

    -Justice is multifaceted and requires a political and economic model centered on people.

    -Democracy must allow for change and citizen expression through clean elections.

    -People power is essential for challenging the status quo.

    -The voices of affected communities must be amplified in global dialogues.

    -Access to transparent information is crucial for community empowerment.

    -Activists face significant risks but truth must be pursued courageously.

    -Ethics and integrity are foundational to transparency and governance.

    -Collective action and community engagement can reshape narratives and foster hope.

    Sound bites

    "Resistance is contagious."

    "Justice doesn't come without costs."

    "We can do better. We can do more."

    Chapters

    00:00 The Call for Climate Justice

    04:41 From Local Activism to Global Advocacy

    09:11 Corruption and Governance: A Global Perspective

    14:25 Justice, Dignity, and Democracy

    15:55 The Role of Governance in Social Justice

    23:23 People Power: The Path to Change

    27:57 Amplifying Voices of the Affected

    35:44 Leading the Dialogue on Climate Justice

    36:10 The Broken System and Climate Change

    37:21 Empowering Affected Communities at COP

    40:35 Access to Information and Rights

    42:59 Recognizing Affected People as Agents

    45:52 Navigating Risks in Advocacy

    51:22 The Ethics of Transparency

    55:14 Reclaiming Community and Collective Action

    01:03:07 Hope Amidst Challenges

    01:04:47 Future Aspirations and New Strategies


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    1 h y 7 m
  • Solidarity Beyond Borders: The Tibetan Cause with Kai Müller
    Aug 31 2025

    In this conversation, Meenu Gupta speaks with Kai Müller, the executive director of the International Campaign for Tibet, about his journey in advocating for Tibetan rights and the broader implications of solidarity and human rights. They discuss the evolving perspectives on China, the importance of understanding the Tibetan struggle, and the need for compassion and mindfulness in addressing global conflicts. Kai emphasizes the interconnectedness of global issues and the responsibility of individuals and nations to act against oppression.

    Keywords

    Tibet, human rights, Kai Muller, International Campaign for Tibet, solidarity, China, Dalai Lama, advocacy, non-violence, compassion

    Takeaways

    -Even the smallest voice can disturb silence.

    -Solidarity transcends geography and culture.

    -We must reflect on our moral responsibilities.

    -The view on China varies significantly across Europe.

    -Tibet's struggle resonates due to its universal values.

    -Human rights advocacy is an investment in hope.

    -The Tibetan cause is supported by a global community.

    -Compassion and kindness are essential human values.

    -Education in mindfulness can change societal perspectives.

    -The interconnectedness of global issues requires collective action.

    Sound bites

    "It's an investment into hope."

    "Be kind to everyone."

    "We all want to be happy."

    Chapters

    00:00 The Power of Small Voices

    01:25 Kai Muller's Journey to Tibet Advocacy

    04:32 Understanding Responsibility and Solidarity

    10:51 The European Perspective on China and Tibet

    18:37 The Origins of the International Campaign for Tibet

    27:40 The Impact of Global Awareness on Tibet

    38:30 The Universal Resonance of the Tibetan Struggle

    47:24 Lessons from Tibetan Non-Violence

    56:13 Mindfulness and Emotional Education in Conflict Resolution

    59:32 Keeping the Human Face of Tibet in Policy Discussions


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    1 h y 7 m
  • Bridging Divides: The Future of Social Innovation-A conversation with Stefan Wilhelm
    Aug 15 2025

    In this conversation, Meenu Gupta speaks with Stefan Wilhelm about the transformative power of social innovation and the importance of collaboration across cultures and sectors. They discuss the complexities of defining impact, the need to bridge divides between East and West, and the role of gender in social entrepreneurship. Stefan shares personal stories of how innovative solutions can change lives and emphasizes the necessity of trust and radical collaboration in achieving social change. The discussion culminates in a vision for 2030, highlighting the importance of building ecosystems that support sustainable development.

    Keywords

    Social innovation, impact measurement, health equity, collaboration, gender equality, diversity, inclusion, social entrepreneurship, community development, global health

    Takeaways

    -Impact is about sustainably changing livelihoods.

    -There is a divide in healthcare access between East and West.

    -Fear and prejudice hinder collaboration across cultures.

    -Innovative solutions can empower marginalized communities.

    -Development aid narratives need to change to acknowledge local solutions.

    -Radical collaboration is essential for social innovation.

    -Gender equity in entrepreneurship leads to better outcomes.

    -Women entrepreneurs often outperform their male counterparts.

    -Diversity should encompass a range of identities and experiences.

    -Inclusion fosters a sense of belonging and drives performance.

    Sound bites

    "Radical collaboration is key."

    "Diversity is about being different."

    "Trust is everything."

    Chapters

    00:00 Reimagining Social Impact

    01:26 Defining Impact in a Complex World

    02:32 Bridging East and West in Health Equity

    05:38 Overcoming Fear and Prejudice

    06:58 Innovative Solutions for Inclusion

    09:54 Changing Narratives in Development Aid

    12:12 The Need for Radical Collaboration

    15:00 The Role of Gender in Social Innovation

    19:07 Women Entrepreneurs: A New Perspective

    21:51 The Dynamics of Aggression and Assertiveness

    25:35 Understanding Diversity and Inclusion

    29:50 The Essence of Belonging

    34:15 Personal Moments of Impact

    44:33 The Journey into Social Impact

    48:42 Building Trust Across Borders

    55:50 A Vision for 2030


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    58 m