Igniting Change (3 Sided Cube)

Nick Pollard, founder of Family Mental Wealth, joins us to discuss how he used a heartbreaking family experience to radically transform mental health provision for families and children through digital tools.

Welcome to the Igniting Change Developer takeover! In this episode, Kev and Tom, our favourite front-end (Fed) and back-end (Bed) techies, dive into everything that makes our projects tick. From the nuts and bolts of cross-team collaboration to trusted tech stacks, it’s all here – wrapped in learnings, excessive use of the soundboard, and a bit of an office bromance.

Duncan Cook (our fearless CEO) and Matt (Head of Marketing extraordinaire) dive into the results of our AI survey, where we asked thousands of purpose-driven organisations how they’re using AI. The verdict? From cautious optimism to full-on experimentation, it’s clear that the tech for good sector is learning to love AI.

Expect big insights about balancing ethics, privacy, and innovation, plenty of actionable takeaways, and a few surprise moments—like Duncan striking his best superhero pose during a quiz showdown. 
Ready to explore what’s next for AI in tech for good? Hit play now.

Ever wonder how Greenpeace harnesses the power of big data to deliver on its radical mission? Catch our conversation with Doug Krehbel, Director of Data and Business Intelligence at Greenpeace USA, to get his insightful answer to that burning question. With a background in software development and data strategy, he reveals how his team uses data to transform strategies for environmental advocacy and fundraising.

Get ready to find out how our next guest, Matt Holbrook, the Director of Operations at Global Growers Network is igniting some serious change in the world. 

We dive into the inspirational work that Matt and his team are doing to uplift immigrants and refugees in Atlanta by providing access to community gardens for folks to enjoy on a personal level, and even larger plots for those who dream of launching their small businesses. 

But Matt's journey doesn't stop at Global Growers. Find out how he used his tech know-how to make a difference by reexamining cases of wrongful conviction at the Georgia Innocence Project. Matt's story isn't just inspiring; it's a testament to what technology and community can achieve. 

In this episode, we chat with Smita Challu Tulsani, founder of Linkloop.ai. Smita shares her unique journey from AI engineering to social impact, weaving technology and human connection together. From her AI-powered mentor-mentee platform to driving digital transformation in non-profits, Smita reveals the true power of purpose-driven technology. Discover how tech is changing the social sector, from AI chatbots to authentic storytelling, and learn what the future holds for digital transformation.

Nudj is an app to help you take simple challenges to reduce your carbon footprint. Gabby and Rich talk to Nudj’s founders, Dee and Meg about their journey.

Kate Sandle, Director of Engagement at B Corp UK, talks about the need for long-termism, working with businesses to create change, and using the word 'responsibility' instead of 'sustainability'.

Access to healthcare is a basic human right. According to the World Health Organization, up to 3.5 billion people, almost half the world’s population, lack access to the health services they need.

Something needs to change.

Welcome Dr Isabelle Widmer into the conversation. She joins this week’s episode to discuss how Virtual Doctors are saving lives in Africa by harnessing technology to bridge the healthcare gap in underserved communities. From the nitty-gritty of telemedicine to their cutting-edge solutions for remote medical support, Isabelle details past challenges to present victories and exciting plans for expansion.

The conversation covers AI reshaping the healthcare game, to the soothing dulcet tones that were 90’s dialup and everything in-between - this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!

Join us for a fascinating chat with Michael Kleinman from Amnesty International USA, where we dive into the heart of tech's role in human rights. We'll tackle everything from the dark side of spyware to the battle over online freedom, and shine a light on the digital warriors fighting for a fairer world. Michael also gives us the lowdown on AI's double-edged sword and the hopeful horizon of regulations and grassroots power-ups. If you're keen on seeing how small teams can make huge waves and turn tech into a force for good, you won't want to miss this episode. It's all about making complex issues friendly, understandable, and most importantly, actionable. Let's ignite change together!

On this week’s episode, we dive into the world of social entrepreneurship with our inspiring guest, Dan Lammot, CEO at threshold.world.

From California surfer to tech-savvy social entrepreneur in Puerto Rico, Dan's journey has been an interesting one and is as exciting as his mission to revolutionise the nonprofit sector with cloud-based solutions. Tune in to discover how b.world—the world’s first impact storytelling platform—is breaking barriers by enabling smaller organisations to access top-tier technological solutions without the colossal financial and time burdens of implementation.

Molly Webb, founder of YoYu, talks about having the option to make more sustainable decisions - and how to make that single change - and introduces us to 'dirty hour'.

Rachel Kimber, Vice President of Grants Management at Smile Train, joins us to discuss the inspirational journey from her upbringing, travelling on her gap year(s), to how she began working at a global charity that supports children born with cleft palates in 70 different countries.

Shiloh Paul, Product Manager at MeaningSphere, joins us to discuss her role at an inspirational start-up that’s on a mission to help people find more meaning in their work lives.

Sue Gowling is from Laptops4Learning, an organisation who work with corporations to get surplus technology into the hands of disadvantaged individuals to tackle digital inequality.

Jamie Bearse, President & CEO at Zero Prostate Cancer, joins us to discuss the work his organisation does to advocate for prostate cancer research and how their life-saving ZERO360 program fights to cut through the red tape and support patients through their cancer journeys.

How do we tackle some of the biggest challenges facing children today? In this episode of Igniting Change, we sit down with Thomas Davin, UNICEF’s Global Innovation Director, to talk about the bold ideas, emerging tech, and next-gen problem solvers shaping the future of child welfare.

From AI-driven education to climate entrepreneurs under 30, Thomas shares how UNICEF is backing big ideas with real impact—because with 225 million kids out of school, change isn’t optional. It’s urgent.

Rachel Wells, Senior Manager of Community Programs at DataKind, joins us to talk about how she enables social impact at her organisation with AI & data science.

Marc Violo, head of marketing at Loop, talks about reuse, consumer demand and applying the milkman model.

In recent years, technology has proven what an incredibly powerful tool it can be for mental health advocacy and support. Join us for a fascinating dive into the innovative mind of Ariana Vargas, an accomplished documentary filmmaker and the founder of Stigma, a game-changing app that champions mental health through the art of storytelling. Ariana’s journey is a testament to her courage and resolve, transitioning from a pre-med student to a tech startup founder, fueled by personal experiences with mental health and a passion to eradicate the stigmas associated with it.

Imagine having the power to redefine the conversation on sexual and reproductive health, reaching millions around the world. In this episode, we’re joined by Lester Coutinho, Director of Innovation and Insights at DKT International, a trailblazer in this field for over 25 years. Find out how DKT International has revolutionised access to contraceptives, clinics, counselling, and follow-up care. Join our conversation as we explore how these innovations empower individuals, providing them with choice and autonomy on a global scale.

Could the future of tech look brighter, more diverse, and more impactful with women at the helm? Our special guest, Nicole Levitz, Senior Director of Digital Health Interventions and Insights at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, joins the Igniting Change podcast to talk with Puff all about the transformative power of women in the technology sector. As we are celebrating International Women's Day this week, Nicole shares her unexpected venture into digital health technology and advocates for a future where diversity is the norm, not the exception.

Liz Bubel joins us to discuss her role within the American Red Cross and the development of the emergency app, which provides life saving information to every American. 

Michael Edmonson, Co-Founder & CEO of Worthy Mentoring, joins us to discuss his non-profit that connects mentors and mentees in the LGBT+ communities to deliver help and guidance.

In this episode, we sit down with Hannah Zitner, the Global Safety and Security Director at IRC, to discuss her journey from journalism to humanitarian work. Hannah shares how tech is reshaping humanitarian aid, the role of local solutions, and IRC's innovative projects like Signpost AI. She reveals the challenges and triumphs of leveraging technology for good, empowering refugees, and managing risks in conflict zones. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how grassroots innovation meets cutting-edge technology to drive real change.

From theatre stages to the strategic implementation of philanthropy data, Max Dakin, UNICEF USA's Deputy Director of Philanthropy Data Strategy, helps us kick off Igniting Change Season 5 with a conversation that intertwines data with compassion. Max discusses his transformative journey, shedding light on how UNICEF USA harnesses the power of data to lead impactful fundraising campaigns for children worldwide. His story is a fantastic representation of the marriage between passion and analytics, reminding us that numbers, when used thoughtfully, can become a driving force for global change.

Anne-Marie Grey is the CEO and executive director of USA for UNHCR, and brings a wealth of knowledge to the agency, with the aim to better the lives of millions of refugees.

Rachel Hope, Director, Digital Services, Vaccinations NHS, joins us to discuss how her career beginnings in civil service led to her impressive career utilising technology to bring services and care into people’s homes.

In a world of plenty, where enough food is produced to feed everyone on the planet, hunger should be a thing of the past. However, conflict, climate change, disasters, and inequality means that one in ten people globally are still going to bed hungry and famine looms for millions. In our latest Igniting Change episode, we sit down with Bernhard Kowatsch from the World Food Programme to discuss their tireless work to feed millions of the world’s hungriest people.

Tune into the latest episode of Igniting Change to follow the inspirational journey of Elizabeth Shaughnessy, who went from the world of English Literature into the heart of digital innovation at Oxfam.

This episode is not just a story; it's an adventure that explores the pivotal role of digital tools in amplifying the voices of those on the margins and tackling the digital divide head-on. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and challenged to think differently about the digital world's role in humanitarian work. Listen now and join the conversation at the crossroads of innovation and ethics, where every byte and pixel has the power to make a difference.

We talk to Anne-Charlotte Mornington, the head of impact at Olio, a community sharing app aimed at reducing waste. Anne-Charlotte shares her thoughts on the power of impact and the change that technology can bring. Olio is available to download on iOS and Android.

This week Puff catches up with Michelle Williams, IT Director Boundless, as she shares her journey from a call center to IT leadership. Discover how mentorship and community service sculpted her path, and the crucial role networking played in her career. Join us as we examine the game-changing impact of AI and smart technologies in healthcare, showcasing examples from telehealth to communication aids that enhance care quality and efficiency. Tune in to gain insights into the future of healthcare, powered by AI, through the experiences of those leading the charge.

Dave Thau, Data and Technology Global Lead Scientist at WWF joins us as we explore technology's role and impact in conservation and tackling biodiversity loss.

Camila Tapias, Global Disaster Resilience Specialist at SPIN Global, joins us to discuss her passion for disaster preparedness and its parallels to sports like basketball.

Mary Wellen, Senior Digital Fundraising Manager at Wildlife Conservation Society, joins us to talk about how a happenstance business trip became the catalyst and inspiration for her to forge a new career path in an organisation that protects wildlife + wild places in over 50 countries.

Welcome to our conversation with Amina Hersi, Head of Gender Rights and Justice at Oxfam International, as we explore the landscape of the feminist movement in digital spaces. As we celebrate International Women's Day, Amina sheds light on the tightening grip on digital and civic freedoms that activists are experiencing. Join us to learn about the intersection of human rights and digital rights and the vital role solidarity plays in keeping the flames of motivation and change burning. 

Nathalia Dos Santos, Senior Program Manager for Innovation at The Rockefeller Foundation, joins us to discuss her fascinating work on the 17 Rooms initiative.

Welcome to the latest episode of Igniting Change, where we dive into the transformative journey of Sarah Evans, from securities law to the forefront of water sustainability in East Africa through her non-profit organisation, Well Aware. In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics, including the global water crisis, non-profit funding challenges, innovative fundraising, and the role of technology in ensuring water project sustainability. Tune in and ignite change with us!

Lara Strangways, Head of Business & Human Rights at Global Rights Compliance, joins us to discuss how they deliver remedy and justice through the innovative application of international law.

Vicky Godfrey, Co-Founder of DNApal, joins us to discuss how her HealthTech company delivers personalised health advice to help users make better lifestyle choices by using nutrigenomics.

Jo Chidley, founder of Beauty Kitchen, on demystifying the beauty industry, business responsibility, and having one version of the truth.

Hello and welcome to Igniting Change, a podcast series focused on the sustainability intention gap and how we can change behaviours to combat it.

The hosts of Igniting Change are Richard Strachan, Managing Director at 3 Sided Cube, and Charlotte Mill, Head of Marketing at 3 Sided Cube and Ignite champion.

Climate activist and artist, Tolly Gregory, on being an active citizen, the differing forms of action one can take, and trolling for good.

In an Igniting Change first, we have Vicky Godfrey back in the hot seat to give us an update on the challenges and successes of launching an app now that DNApal has launched in the iOS store!

Matt Jerwood is a digital engagement consultant who has worked with Oxfam and Tommy’s. He joins us to discuss how he has helped shape the world of digital fundraising.

In this episode, we sit down with Elham Fardad, CEO and founder of Migrant Leaders. Elham shares her journey from finance director at global firms like EY to creating a charity that helps young migrants reach their full professional potential. With stories of personal perseverance and inspiring success, Elham reveals how mentoring, work experiences, and tailored support are changing the lives of young people. If you’re passionate about social impact and innovation, this episode is a must-listen!

Join us this week on Igniting Change we chat with hydrologist Jonathan Mackay from the British Geological Survey and Jed Ramsay from Project Groundwater, about the complexities and challenges of groundwater flooding and its management in the wake of climate change. Jon's expertise in forecasting water-related events pairs with Jed's hands-on experience with Project Groundwater, revealing the urgent need for advanced modelling and community-centric strategies to fight the often-overlooked issue of groundwater-induced floods.

Listen in as they share the pivotal role of geoscience in predicting and preparing for environmental changes that threaten our communities…

On this Episode of Igniting Change, join our very own Greg and James as they dive into the ways that Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising daily life and reshaping digital experiences. Discover how cutting-edge tools like ChatGPT's voice mode and niche AI tools like Hemingway and Suno, are enhancing workflows and offering innovative solutions, as well as the exciting possibilities and challenges of integrating AI into personal and professional settings.

In the last episode of this season, hosts Richard Strachan and Charlotte Mill reflect on some of the main takeaways from guests.

Isabelle Smith, Chief Information Officer at All Hands and Hearts, joins us to discuss how she went from volunteering in the Philippines to her role as a CIO of a global organisation that helps communities recover from disasters.

Thrilled to have Bill Miller, CEO of the Keane University Foundation, join us this week. We delve into the evolution of philanthropy in the digital era - where data analytics and AI aren’t just buzzwords, but catalysts for massive change.

In this episode, we chat with Peter Williams, a tech pioneer who’s been on a wild career journey—from politics in the UK to driving innovation in disaster resilience with AI in the US. Peter dives into how technology is revolutionising disaster preparedness, but also tackles the tough stuff like equity in access and AI’s potential pitfalls. Whether it’s building smarter cities or figuring out how to make AI truly fair, Peter’s insights will change how you see the future of disaster management.

Petya Kangalova, Open Tech Collective Facilitator for Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team, joins us to discuss the incredible power of open-source technology and the competitive advantage that collaboration and openness can offer the third sector.

Tom Lay joins us from Cancer Research UK to discuss the impactful work that he has been involved with; from innovative fundraising to building large-scale campaigns.

Curious about tech’s transformative role in the nonprofit sector? This week, we chat with Jamil Khan, Digital Engagement Leader at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. From its origins, sparked by 4-year-old Alex Scott’s heartfelt lemonade stands, to its present-day impact, raising $250M+ for paediatric cancer research and family support. Tune in for an inspiring journey of resilience, innovation, and impact.

In this episode, we chat with Hazem Mahmoud, Director of Products and Services at the Patrick J McGovern Foundation. Hazem reveals his journey from finance to AI, all in the name of social good. From developing AI-powered tools like Grant Guardian to transforming the way nonprofits assess financial risk, Hazem is changing the game. Tune in to discover how AI can revolutionise nonprofits, and get a sneak peek at the foundation's upcoming climate-focused app that’s about to drop! This one’s packed with tech, purpose, and a whole lot of passion.

Applied futurist, Tom Cheesewright, on sustainability trends, influencing behaviours, and the two-pronged approach to combating climate change.

Tom Jackson, Founder of Honest Ocean, joins us to discuss career changes, failed start-ups, and pivots that all led to him setting up a recycling infrastructure in South East Asia to remove plastic from the ocean.

In this episode of Igniting Change, the team at 3 Sided Cube takes a closer look at the key updates from Apple’s WWDC24. Our very own Greg Gomez, Head of Product, James Marriott, Head of Creative, and Sam Davis, iOS Team Lead, discuss how Siri’s new autonomy features and Apple Intelligence are set to transform app development and user experiences. From improved accessibility to streamlined app orchestration, they explore what these changes mean for both developers and users.

We also delve into the concept of "Sherlocking" and the impact of Vision Pro on how we engage with media and technology. Join the Cubies for an insightful discussion on the future of AI and its role in shaping the digital landscape. 

Alex de Brunner, Founder of Ethos, joins us to discuss how, at just 19 years old, she released a social media platform to encourage Gen Z to change the world.

Amy Walker, Head of Digital Communities & Development for Missing People, joins us to discuss her journey from being a technology hobbyist, to using it for those in need.

Dr. Paula Hall, Clinical Director at Pivotal Recovery, joins us to discuss how her platform uses technology to help people overcome pornography and sex addiction.

Alex Sindorf, Food Assistance Programs Manager at Indy Hunger Network, joins us to discuss their movement to end food insecurity for anyone who is hungry.

Seema Iyer, Senior Director of The Hive at USA for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, joins us to discuss her circuitous career path, and how she went from studying human migration patterns in the former Soviet Union during the '90s to running the data science and innovation lab for UNHCR.

Did you know using a simple emoji can help unlock the door to more impactful fundraising? This week Attiya Hirji, Digital Fundraising Specialist at Oxfam International, joins us to pull back the curtain on the world of tech-empowered non-profit fundraising. 

Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Attiya shares her journey from her early fundraising efforts, to now playing a key role in addressing global issues such as poverty, climate change, and gender inequality. Throughout the conversation, she underscores the importance of fundraising and communication as the backbone of any effective organisation and takes us through how evolving technology is changing the game.

Mark Maslin, Climate Scientist at UCL and author of 'How to Save Our Planet: The Facts', on global perspective, why people aren't sustainable and the climate change communication style.

Natasha Benson, CEO of F4ID, joins us to discuss fintech for international development and how to deliver impactful solutions to the humanitarian sector.

Akshay Khullar, Director of Digital Fundraising at American Humane, joins us to discuss how a 145-year-old organisation manages to stay ahead of the game in terms of innovation and digital fundraising.

What happens when your boss calls in mid-recording to put you on blast? Or when an email system bombards thousands of inboxes? Kev and Tom are here to relive their most chaotic moments as developers and, more importantly, what they learned from them. From scaling smarter to avoiding API disasters, this episode is full of real talk, a few laughs, and plenty of takeaways. Whether you’re a developer or just love hearing how we turn challenges into triumphs, this one’s worth a listen (even just to hear Kev and Tom's boss call in to tell them off).

Explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in disaster management in our latest episode of Igniting Change. We're joined by Mayleen Cabral from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction to dive deep into how AI is reshaping everything from emergency preparedness to recovery efforts.

Witness firsthand the game-changing role of AI in improving risk assessments and utilising geospatial data during crises. Our discussion with Mayleen will uncover the latest in humanitarian mapping projects, shed light on forthcoming reports on tech's role in disaster mitigation, and highlight essential resources for expanding your knowledge. Don't miss out on learning about AI's pivotal role in boosting global disaster resilience and response. Tune in now!

Feraye Ozfescioglu, CEO of World Humanitarian Forum, joins us to discuss how what began as a one-off event has now become one of the largest conveyors of humanitarian organisations in the world.

Ellie Hood is a principal innovation lead at the NHS foundation, where she heads up a team working on the frontlines to help NHS hospitals and GP surgeries become more efficient and innovative.

Running a global nonprofit, transforming education with tech, and raising kids? That's no small feat…right?!

For International Women’s Day, we’re joined by Lauren Lichtman and Navya Akkinepally, the co-executive directors of Learning Equality, to talk about co-leadership, making education accessible without the internet, and how motherhood has shaped the way they lead.

💡 What does it take to share leadership without stepping on toes?
🌍 How can tech bring quality learning to students without internet access?
⚡ What lessons from parenting carry over into leading a team?

This episode is about trust, resilience, and what leadership really looks like behind the scenes—as co-leaders, as women, and as parents.

🎧 Listen now

#IgnitingChange #TechForGood #IWD2025 #EducationForAll #WomenInLeadership

Paul Tyrer, founder of Eumelia, discusses the power of information, visualisation, and starting small.

George Saggers is the product development lead at Good Nature Agro, an organisation that helps small-scale African farmers grow and sell crops profitably.

Tea Tüür joins us from the World Resources Institute (WRI) to discuss the massive impact that data is having in shaping sustainability and monitoring the earth's resources on a global scale.

Sarah Farooqi joins us to discuss her work with Digital Impact Alliance to bring their vision to life of a world where everyone has access to digital tools in order to participate in society.

Host Rich Strachan gives an introduction into what can be expected from Igniting Change Season 2, and some of the guests joining us.

Thirty years since the Beijing Declaration, where are we on gender justice? And why does it feel like progress is slipping backwards?

For International Women’s Day, we’re joined by Amina Hersi, Head of Gender Rights and Justice at Oxfam International, for a raw and urgent conversation about the state of gender equality, the power imbalances that keep progress slow, and the feminist movements still pushing forward against all odds.

💡 Why are 252 men wealthier than all the women in Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean combined?
🌍 What does the rise of right-wing agendas mean for gender justice?
⚡ How are grassroots feminist movements leading real change in the Global South?

This episode is fierce, unfiltered, and necessary. It’s about the realities of power, money, and resistance—and why global solidarity is more urgent than ever.

🎧 Listen now

#IgnitingChange #IWD2025 #GenderJustice #FeministSolidarity #TechForGood

Meet Christina Barstow, the dynamic Director of Strategic Partnerships at Helvetas, an International Nonprofit Organization. Christina, an engineer by training, shares her fascinating professional trajectory that took her from the classrooms of the University of Colorado to rural communities across East Africa, where she has been at the helm of impactful projects in the water sector. 

In this conversation, we navigate the world of 'tech for good', a sphere that Christina and her team at Helvetas have been exploiting to alleviate poverty and advance human rights in more than 30 countries. This conversation will shift your perspective on the role of technology in international development. Tune in for an eye-opening interview packed with insights, innovation, and inspiration.

In this episode of Igniting Change, we're joined by Sarah Berry, Director of Marketing at Relate, to discuss her unique career journey and how she's utilising technology to promote social change within the charity sector. From career aspirations of bubble-blowing as a five-year-old, to the realisation of technology's potential in activism, Sarah shares her story and Relate's innovative AI projects aimed at supporting personal relationships. She takes us through her 'pre-mortem' strategy, an innovative approach to foreseeing potential roadblocks and strategising solutions before they even occur.

When it comes to AI, the road to implementation is rarely without its bumps - join us for a transparent and insightful conversation!

Have you ever thought about the immense influence technology wields in shaping our societies? Get ready to have your curiosity satisfied in a big way…

Join us as we dive deep into the fascinating world of digital transformation with our guest, Dr. Melanie Garson, the Cyber Policy and Acting Director of Geopolitics at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. We explore how technology is a game-changer in various sectors. From its role in search and rescue missions to predicting climate disasters and even creating support networks for victims of domestic abuse, be prepared to be inspired by the incredible ways tech can transform lives, and trust us, you won't want to miss this incredibly insightful conversation with Dr. Garson!

In this episode, we’re joined by Ronda Železný-Green, co-founder of Panoply Digital and founder of datocracy. Ronda shares her journey from job loss to leading a movement to democratise data and make it accessible to all—especially women and communities in low-income countries.

Puff and Ronda dive into how she’s using data for social good, from climate activism to ethical AI, and discuss her new, free courses designed to empower businesses and individuals alike. If you're passionate about using technology to drive real change, this episode is for you - have a listen and ignite change with us.

Michael Kleinman, Director of Technology and Human Rights for Amnesty International, joins us to discuss human rights, Big Tech, and the “Puff coin” coming to a Crypto Exchange near you! 

Have you ever wondered how a story can ignite a revolution? Brittany Dernberger, Senior Care Manager at CARE, joins us to chat challenging the status quo and advocating for gender equality through the power of data and storytelling. As we celebrate International Women's Day, she brings to light the gender gap in tech, urging more women to step forward and diversify a field typically seen as monolithic.