The Impact Stories

What if the key to meaningful change lies in awe rather than fear? Join us for a compelling conversation with socio-environmental impact strategist Laura Francois, who challenges conventional change-making wisdom. With an impressive track record working alongside global giants like the World Bank and Greenpeace, Laura shares her insights on how awe can inspire creativity and foster a profound sense of interconnectedness. Together with Ronny Eriksson from New Nordic Way, we explore the concept of awe as an experience that expands our understanding of the world, sparking wonder and curiosity. This episode invites you to reimagine your role in making a difference, proposing that awe can lead to deeper, self-directed transformations.

Discover how embracing moments of awe can reshape our behaviors and relationships with the world. From personal stories about the mystical northern lights to the collective energy of concerts, we discuss how mindfulness and presence can unlock these awe-inspiring experiences. Laura and I reflect on sociologist BJ Fogg's model of behavior change, positioning awe as a positive prompt in contrast to guilt. We delve into fostering genuine grassroots change that impacts communities at their core, concluding with a thought-provoking question: What does effective grassroots change truly look like? Tune in to be inspired and to ponder the possibilities of awe-driven transformation.

In this episode, we sit down with Philippe Birker, co-founder of Climate Farmers, a world record holder in simultaneous fire breathing, and a member of Ashoka Changemakers and the BMW Foundation’s Responsible Leaders Network. Philippe shares his journey from organizing social impact raves to pioneering regenerative agriculture practices that restore ecosystems and reconnect us to our roots.

In our conversation, Philippe shares insights from his extensive travels to over 60 regenerative farms, where he gathered invaluable knowledge on sustainable practices. We explore how Climate Farmers is building the infrastructure needed to scale regenerative agriculture across Europe, focusing on ecosystem measurement systems and financial support for farmers transitioning to sustainable methods.

Discover how we can rethink food systems, prioritize soil health, and build a sustainable future where farming regenerates our planet instead of depleting it.

In this episode of the Impact Series, Ronny Eriksson interviews Mara Lehmann, a self-proclaimed data nerd and pragmatic activist who is on a mission to bring non-human voices into the conversation. 

As the founder of Tumblebee, Mara envisions a future where data from ecosystems and nature play a crucial role in decision-making processes across industries. They discuss the challenges of integrating multi-source data to understand nature's needs, the role of empathy in sustainability, and how even small changes in mindset can have a big impact on our world. 

Explore how curiosity, technology, and a holistic perspective can transform how we approach conservation and sustainability.

In this episode of Impact Stories, Ronny Eriksson interviews Dr. Craig Wing, a futurist, entrepreneur, and investor whose expertise spans over 50 countries and influential organizations like Google X and the United Nations. 

Dr. Wing unpacks the profound question, “What if we were all more capable of imagining the future?” He explores how imagination, empathy, and human connection can reshape our lives and influence the world in more impactful ways. From advancing AI sentiment analysis to fostering inclusive thinking, Dr. Wing’s work challenges us to consider the future as a collective endeavor. 

Listen in to discover how small, meaningful actions contribute to greater change and why sometimes the best impact begins with asking better questions.

In Episode 9 of Impact Stories, Ronny Eriksson interviews Anne Beate Hovind, curator of Oslo’s renowned Future Library. With a vision stretching over a century, Anne Beate shares insights into the power of public art and its potential to shape urban landscapes, inspire trust, and foster community. She discusses the Future Library project, which invites one author per year to write a work that will remain unread until 2114. 

Through this long-term initiative, Anne Beate explores the importance of imagination, empathy, and inclusivity in city planning. Join us as we explore how art can help bridge cultures, connect generations, and inspire hope in an ever-changing world.

In Episode 8 of Impact Stories, Ronny Eriksson from New Nordic Way interviews Ruchir Punjabi, founder of Distributed Energy, to explore how technology and business can catalyze transformative change. 

Ruchir shares his journey from creative technologies to solar financing, focusing on enabling small and medium businesses in emerging markets to transition to affordable, clean energy. With candid insights on scaling impact and the essential balance between financial viability and social good, Ruchir offers a thought-provoking perspective on the potential of technology to empower underserved communities. 

Listen to discover a fresh vision for impact investment.

In this episode, Ida Faldbakken, CEO of Katapult X and Co-Founder of Katapult Future Fest, joins Ronny Eriksson from New Nordic Way to explore the power of community-driven gatherings in fostering systemic change. 

From Katapult’s origins at Slush in Finland to its unique position today as a convergence point for tech entrepreneurs, impact investors, and visionary changemakers, Ida sheds light on her journey and the philosophies that guide Katapult’s impact. With an unyielding belief in kindness, transparency, and collaboration, she reveals her vision for future gatherings and her dream of a more interconnected world. 

Tune in to discover what it takes to build events that go beyond transactions and inspire meaningful, lasting change.

In this episode of Impact Stories, host Ronny Eriksson sits down with Thomas Bjelkeman, a visionary technologist and entrepreneur dedicated to leveraging software and data to tackle global challenges.

Thomas shares his journey from feeling disillusioned with the traditional software industry to co-founding the Akvo Foundation, where he developed open-source tools that mapped drinking water sources for over 100 million people across Africa and Asia. His work significantly improved water management in developing regions, showcasing the transformative power of data for social good.

He then introduces his latest venture, Johannas Stadsodlingar, an innovative company pioneering circular, sustainable food production systems in urban settings. By integrating fish farming and plant cultivation in closed-water loops and harnessing advanced data analytics, Johannas Stadsodlingar aims to revolutionize food production with minimal environmental impact.

Join us as we explore how Thomas combines technology, data, and systems thinking to create scalable solutions for global issues. Discover how a holistic approach can drive massive impact and why thinking big can lead to real change.

In this episode of Impact Stories, Ronny Eriksson engages in a thoughtful conversation with Theresa Perez, the managing director of Atmos – a platform and biannual magazine leading the way in climate and culture. With over 15 years of experience, Perez shares her journey, from touring with a Grammy-winning band to leading innovative tech agencies, ultimately finding her calling at Atmos.

Perez discusses the delicate balance between creativity and commerce, offering insights on how artists can navigate the business world while remaining true to their craft. She passionately emphasizes Atmos's mission to reconnect humanity with nature through storytelling, visual art, and community events, aiming to foster a deeper sense of responsibility toward the planet.

The episode also explores the realities of building an impact-driven media organization, addressing challenges such as sustainable funding and the evolving landscape of social media. Perez's perspective provides an inspiring and grounded look at how creativity, when paired with purpose, can become a powerful force for positive change.

Ronny Eriksson sits down with Alexandre Prate, Co-Founder, Venture Builder & DAO Operations at Hypha Energy, and a pioneer in decentralized governance and well-being intelligence. They delve into how Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) are transforming community collaboration, impact measurement, and accelerating system change. Alexandre shares his vision for a more regenerative and equitable world, discussing how DAOs empower individuals to pursue their passions, contribute to societal transformation, and create genuine impact through transparent, democratic processes.

In this episode, we sit down with Jacqueline van den Ende, co-founder of Carbon Equity and a leader in democratizing climate investment. With experience on both sides of the investment table, Jacqueline shares her insights on how capital can be a powerful driver of change in the fight against climate change. She explores the potential of climate technologies, the importance of equitable ownership, and the need for urgent action to build a sustainable future. From her experiences as an entrepreneur and investor to her vision for a greener world, this conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of tackling the climate crisis through innovation and collaboration.

In the first episode of the Impact Series by Katapult X, we sit down with Henry De Sio, a leader who has spent his career transforming bold ideas into real-world change. From shaping the Obama campaign to his current role at the United Nations Foundation, Henry shares profound insights from his Changemaker Playbook on leading with purpose and empowering everyone to become a changemaker. This episode dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of driving meaningful impact, reminding us that true progress requires persistence, innovation, and reflection.

Since 2017, Katapult Future Fest has brought together bold thinkers, change-makers, and impact investors to turn visionary ideas into action. Now, in collaboration with New Nordic Way, we proudly present The Impact Series – a podcast and video interview series highlighting the remarkable individuals driving social, cultural, and systemic change. 

Through storytelling, we aim to keep the powerful conversations from Katapult alive, ensuring they inspire long after the event. Join us as we explore how passionate people, meaningful ideas, and diverse perspectives come together to shape a more just and equitable world.

Are we on track to meet the scale of system change needed to get anywhere close to a 1.5-degree world? 

We produce 50 billion tons of Co2 each year, or 6-7 tons per capita per year - that's 100x more than the average person’s body weight! What will it take to get to Net Zero?

In this episode, Jeremy Oppenheim from SystemIQ and Paul van Zyl from The Conduit discuss the three key things we need to achieve before we should even begin to talk about carbon removal, namely - 

1. electrifying the global economy with clean energy,
2. shifting land use from feeding ourselves to regeneration and the restoration of natural resources, and
3. halving our material consumption.

The two also share insights on what technology, capital, and policy we need in place in order to get there. Tune in to learn more!

Episode guests: 

• Jeremy Oppenheim from SystemIQ
• Paul van Zyl from The Conduit

Episode references: 

• Jamie Arbib
• KFF22 opening ft. Jamie Arbib

Hosted by Kate Byrne
Produced by African Tech Roundup
www.katapultfoundation.org

Gifted author, social critic and women’s advocate, Minna Salami shares her theory and solution for what needs to take place for successful systems change. Prepare to learn about Systems Change from the place of 3 key powers - the freeing power of the outsider, the hidden power of the insider, and the healing power of multi perspectives and how to solve the key pains from which the world suffers.

Episode guest: 

Minna Salami - brought to us by our partner and supporter, BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt 

Hosted by Kate Byrne

Produced by African Tech Roundup

www.katapultfoundation.org

Prepare to be inspired and ignited into action after listening to the stories and wisdom that our hosts Kate Byrne and Lynn Casey gleaned from this powerhouse female panel - Julia Zhou (Tidal Impact), Fatema Hamdani (KH Aerospace), and Susie Alegre (Author & International Human Rights Lawyer). 

We tackle the compassion curse - that women are supposed to focus on compassion - not profit, the learnings from multi generational workforces, and the opportunity that LocalX brings to us all. We all agree that there has never been a better time to be a woman as we claim, step into, and own our power. 

Episode guests:

• Julia Zhou - Co-founder and Chief Development Officer at Tidal Impact
• Fatema Hamdani - Co-founder and CEO of KH Aerospace
• Susie Alegre - Author and International Human Rights Lawyer

Moderated by Kate Byrne of PopVenture and Lynn Casey of ShineScout

Produced by African Tech Roundup

www.katapultfoundation.org

How do we do the most good possible? What’s the difference between effective altruism and impact investing? How do the two differ in assumptions, solutions, rigor and approach? These are the questions covered by Katapult Foundation's Alison Fort and Niels Brøgger as they walk us through the opportunities that both provide.


Episode guests:  

• Alison Fort of Katapult Foundation
• Niels Brøgger of Katapult Foundation

Episode references: 

• Good Food Institute (GFI)
• KFF22 opening ft. Anders Sandberg
• Total Portfolio Project
• IMP+ Project led by Alie Korijn

Produced by African Tech Roundup

www.katapultfoundation.org

What are the impact opportunities and investment opportunities associated with alternative proteins and food tech? 

The industrial animal agriculture industry contributes almost 20% of the world's carbon emissions - on par with the entire transport sector. When thinking about alternative proteins and food tech, many miss the impact it will have on other areas of life such as the climate and healthcare. Alex Mayers, of The Good Food Institute, and Hooked Foods founder, Tom Johansson, educate us all on where the greatest opportunities are, where the investment should go, and where the greatest myths and misunderstandings lie in this exponentially growing field. 

Alex Mayers  of The Good Food Institute (GFI)
Tom Johansson of Hooked Foods

Moderated by Kate Byrne
Produced by African Tech Roundup

www.katapultfoundation.org

What would a mentally healthy world look like? What if all of us understood mental health and had access to mental health care in the way that many of us do for physical health care?

1 in 4 of us are affected by something that impacts our ability to function in our daily life. Mental well being and physical challenge are such pariahs when it comes to workplace conversations. There has been some headway in addressing physical challenges such as LEGO’s Braille bricks, that open and connect the world. The brain is our most important organ and yet we know so little about it. How do we help our children soar past the issues that older generations have experienced and normalized? Learning holistic skills (resilience, empathy), as well as hard ability skills, needed to cope and flourish in this world.

Episode guests:

Jules Chappell of Kokoro (a non-profit organization focused on mental health as the foundation for a safer, kinder and more productive world)
Diana Ringe Krogh of The LEGO Foundation & The LEGO Group

Episode references:  

• LEGO’s Play for All Accelerator Program - investing in startups with a neurodivergent focus or within the ed tech field with a playful learning integration
• Future Mental Health Collective - a global peer-to-peer network of both existing and potential mental health funders

Moderated by Alison Fort
Produced by African Tech Roundup

www.katapultfoundation.org

Trustworthy AI - Yes It is Possible!

Beena Ammanath, Award-winning Author," Trustworthy AI," Executive Director of the Global Deloitte AI Institute and Founder of Humans For AI, shares with us a very practical approach along with best practices for leaders to consider as they operationalize AI into their companies. Any time AI becomes untrustworthy, there is a person or people who are accountable for that outcome. If an AI tool is not secure and sensitive data is leaded, humans are at fault. Far from theoretical, our conversation includes the questions to ask and the steps to take.  A must for everyone as AI is here to stay.

Join us on May 24th for our final episode of Season 1 with Katapult Foundation CEO Alison Fort!

www.katapult.tech

www.katapult.vc

www.katapultfoundation.org

Produced by African Tech Roundup