Hi Everyone and Welcome Back! 

Up this week is an important new episode for the Nick Halaris Show featuring Yasmina Zaidman, the Chief of Development and Partnerships at Acumen.  This is Yasmina’s second time on the show and an episode you all won’t want to miss.  Her first appearance—one of our most popular to date—was all about Acumen’s innovative approach to solving systemic problems like energy access, climate change, and extreme poverty.  We discussed how combining catalytic philanthropic capital with entrepreneurial capacity building can create self-sustaining solutions to seemingly intractable problems.  This time we dive deep into the implications of DOGE round 1, which dismantled USAID and upset decades of work in international development, and discuss how the landscape for development, international aid, and philanthropy is evolving in response.    

Ready to dive in? Listen to this episode on ApplePodcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform.

I always say that the best thing about having a podcast is the incredible people you get to meet along the way.  Among a really impressive crowd of Nick Halaris Show guests, Yasmina is someone who stands out.  Every single time I engage with her I walk away feeling inspired, reenergized, and motivated to continue the fight.  Business really can be a force for good in the world and people like Yasmina and her colleagues at Acumen are proof positive.

Tune in to this important episode to learn:

• Why a focus on strengthening local ecosystems is even more important for sustainable development in the post-USAID world

• How and why emerging economies are seeking more accountability in solving their own problems

• Why flexible capital is so crucial to impact investing success

• What corporations can do to fill the gaps left by the withdrawal of government sources 

• & Much, much more

Stay tuned to the end to hear why Yasmina thinks there’s such a big opportunity today for innovation in development work and why she’s convinced that capacity building around entrepreneurship is the obvious place to focus.

As always, I hope you all enjoy this episode.  Thanks for tuning in!     

Love this episode? Please rate, subscribe, and review on your favorite podcast platform to help more users find our show. 🙏 Thank you

Keywords

Acumen, development, partnerships, USAID, social impact, entrepreneurship, climate change, corporate responsibility, energy access, blended capital

Summary

In this conversation, Yasmina Zaidman, Chief of Development and Partnerships at Acumen, discusses the evolving landscape of development and partnerships in light of recent government changes. She emphasizes the importance of local ecosystems, market-based solutions, and the role of corporations in social responsibility. The discussion also highlights innovative approaches to energy access and health, the significance of blended capital for entrepreneurs, and the shifting mindset in impact investing. Yasmina calls for intentional cultivation of hope and engagement from individuals and corporations alike to address global challenges effectively.

Takeaways

• The merging of philanthropic intent with entrepreneurship is unique and effective.

• There is a growing hunger for messages of hope in the current climate.

• The loss of support from organizations like USAID has long-term ripple effects.

• Strengthening local ecosystems is crucial for sustainable development.

• Collaboration among stakeholders is essential for progress.

• Emerging economies are seeking accountability in solving their own problems.

• Cultivating hope is necessary to inspire action and engagement.

• Corporations have a significant role in driving social change and responsibility.

• Investment as a tool for social impact is gaining traction among corporations.

• Individuals can make a difference through their choices and engagement.

Titles

• Navigating the New Landscape of Development

• The Role of Government in Global Development

Sound Bites

• "People are hungry for messages of hope."

• "Nothing is guaranteed in business."

• "There's so much that people can do."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of Change

02:29 Impact of Government Changes on Development

07:56 The Role of Local Ecosystems in Development

11:33 Historical Context and Missed Opportunities

13:49 Global Responsibilities and Interconnectedness

20:29 Innovations in Addressing Poverty and Climate Change

26:16 Innovative Debt Financing for Social Impact

27:32 The Philosophy of Impact Investing

29:25 Valuing Social Impact and Hidden Costs

34:18 The Role of Corporations in Social Change

40:21 Corporate Responsibility and Strategic Investments

46:35 The Future of Business as a Force for Good